Burgomaster

In 1584, Rockox graduated in law at the University of Douai. In the very same year he was conscripted into the Civic Guard to defend his home town which was being besieged by Alexander Farnese. Four years later, Rockox became an alderman for the first time – an office he was to hold for eight terms in all. In 1603, he was appointed Buitenburgermeester (one of two burgomasters and responsible for external affairs), a position which he also held for eight terms. 

When he was not sitting on the bench of aldermen, he held other important posts including Justice of the Peace, guildmaster of the Cloth Hall, president of the Arquebusiers’ Guild, chief treasurer and head of the Civic Guard. Hence for almost half a century, uninterrupted, Rockox played a leading role in the public life of Antwerp.
The Royal Collection © 2010 Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth