The county from the Hesbaye loam round Borgloon north across the Demer to the Kempen heaths and the Meuse at Maaseik and Stokkem: Borgloon, Hasselt, Bilzen, Herk, Beringen, Peer, Bree, with the castles of Kolmont, Montenaken and Brustem on the edge of the Hesbaye.
Who he is
- Name
- Louis II
- Title
- Count of Loon
- Since
- 1194
- Born
- About 1170
- Family
- House of Loon; see Loon
- Confidence
- high
nl.wikipedia; dbnl Loon history
Overlord
The bishop of Liege
What it holds
- Borgloon (capital)
- Hasselt
- Kolmont castle
- Bilzen
- Brustem and Montenaken castles (allods until 1203)
- Herk
- Tessenderlo and Lummen
- Beringen, Peer, Bree, Hamont
- Maaseik and Stokkem on the Meuse
- Herkenrode abbey (founded 1182)
How it was acquired
Inherited 1194.
Allies and rivals
See Loon.
How things stand that morning
Held by Louis II; Philip's man.
Wealth
Hesbaye grain round Borgloon; Demer and Meuse traffic; the Kempen.
Military
Castles of Borgloon, Kolmont, Brustem, Montenaken, Stokkem.
Threats
- Brabant
- Liege's new bishop
Places of note
- Kolmont castle: Count's castle, franchise 1170
- Brustem: Castle and franchise of 1175
- Montenaken: Castle
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: The county's later extent is drawn; the 12th-century north (Kempen) is less certain.
On the map: Rough outline of the later county; the Rekem lordship inside the Lanaken commune is shown only as a point (Reckheim).
Primary sources for Loon
Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.
- Annals of Reiner of Saint James, Liège, Reiner of Liège (1197 to 1230, kept year by year). Contemporary annals kept inside Liège. Read online
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.