The fall and execution of Antoon van Stralen

This street is named after a beloved mayor of Antwerp: Antoon van Stralen. Born in 1521 into a wealthy merchant family, he became an influential politician and entrepreneur. With his financial expertise and talent for mediation, he rose to mayor of the city and even commissioner-general of the Estates General, responsible for war budgets and taxation.

Van Stralen was known as a man of vision, defending the interests of Antwerp and the Low Countries against the rigid rule of King Philip II. He had close ties to William of Orange and advocated for greater autonomy for the cities. But that very independence made him a target in the eyes of the Spanish rulers.

In 1568, the Duke of Alva invited him to what appeared to be a friendly dinner. In reality, it was a trap. Van Stralen was arrested, tortured, and ultimately beheaded on 24 September 1568 in Vilvoorde. His properties, including the grand Huis De Groote Robijn in Merksem, were confiscated.

His violent death shocked Antwerp deeply. Many citizens and merchants fled the city in fear of repression. Yet his name lives on as a symbol of courage, justice, and resistance against tyranny – and this street still reminds us of his legacy.