Testerep (or Ter Streep) once comprised an island along the Belgian coast. It existed as early as the 10th century.[1] Fishing villages were scattered about, including Ostend and Westende, with Ostend on the far east (Oost-ende: east-end), Westende on the far west (West-ende: west-end), and Middelkerke (literally "middle-church") the middle of the island. Later, canals and dikes were built and the island became connected to the West Flanders mainland.