Marquess of Becelaere

The title was created for Maximilien-Emmanuel de la Woestyne, 1st Marquess of Becelaere (1660-1729) in 1705 by Louis XIV. His ancestors, the house of la Woestyne, had long possessed the Flemish lordship of Becelaere. The title was passed by male primogeniture. For over 400 years the family inhabited Beselare Castle.

1. Maximilien I de la Woestyne, Lord of Becelaere, marr. Anne of Huerne.
   1. Maximilien II de la Woestyne de Becelaere: Canon of the Chapter, Ghent.
   2. François I de la Woestyne, Lord of Becelaer, Knighted in 1640. Married to Maria of Melun.
      1. Philip François de la Woestyne, Baron of Becelaere: married to Magdalene of Troibeze.^[1]