Guilherme da Silveira — the Portuguese name of Willem van der Haegen — was a Flemish noble who in the 16th century settled at São Jorge's eastern end and gave rise to the community of Topo.
From Flanders to the Azores
Like many colonists of the first Azorean phase, Willem van der Haegen came from the commercial regions of Flanders, drawn by agricultural opportunity and the captaincy system established by the Portuguese Crown. His presence illustrates the role of «Flemings» in peopling the archipelago — farmers, merchants and craftsmen who brought techniques and habits from northern Europe.
Topo
Guilherme chose the island's eastern coast, where the terrain allowed access to sea and farmland. There he established his home and the community that grew into Topo's parish and municipality. He was buried in the chapel of the Tiagos, among the parish's oldest memories.
Topo's harbour, improved in later centuries, became a link between São Jorge, Terceira and other islands — a role told in Fishing and the Sea.
Memory
The Flemish name and Topo's foundation are remembered in local history as an example of the diversity of the first settlers. The island's eastern coast — fajãs, cliffs and open Atlantic horizon — still defines the identity of the municipality Guilherme helped create.