The Southern Netherlands, also called the Catholic Netherlands, were the part of the Low Countries largely controlled by Spain (1556–1714), later Austria (1714–94), and annexed by France (1794–1815). The region included the Prince-Bishopric of Liège, the Imperial Abbey of Stavelot-Malmedy, the County of Bouillon, the County of Horn and the Princely Abbey of Thorn. These smaller states were never ruled by Spain or Austria.