The
abbey of Leffe was founded in 1152 on the river
Meuse in the province of
Namur in southern Belgium. Like many monasteries across
Europe, the
Premonstratensian (Norbertine) canons of the brewed ale, starting in 1240.The abbey has been damaged by both natural and human circumstances over the years: the
Meuse river flooded the brewery in 1460, and six years later a fire damaged the abbey, but by the 17th century it prospered. The brewery was confiscated by the state in 1796, and in 1809, after making beer only in limited quantities, it was closed. The old kettles were melted down for the weapons industry during World War 1. The production of beer was resumed in 1952 when Father Abbot Nys, helped by brewer Albert Lootvoet, brought a
brown ale to market. , there were five
top-fermented brands made under the Leffe brand. Royalties are paid to the abbey. ==References==