Альбрехт VII
For many centuries, beginning around 800, the marshes were completely submerged due to a slight elevation of the nearby sea; beginning in 1617 the area was drained by Wenceslas Cobergher on the orders of Albert VII, Archduke of Austria and his wife, Isabella. The project was finished in 1627, leaving the marshes around 2.5 meters below sea level.