His ancestors were all members of political dynasties in Antwerp, his father John III of Ursel was Schepen of Antwerp.
Lancelot married 3 times: first in 1520 to Barbe de Liere d'Immersele, and third on 7 May 1543 to Adriana Rockox, who died in 1558.
He died without male heirs, however his grandson Conrad III Schetz was adopted and took the name of Ursel. Amongst his descendants we find the future Dukes of Ursel.
Ursel was 13 times Lord Mayor of Antwerp. He was in office in the years 1532, 1533, 1534, 1538, 1539, 1542, 1544, 1545, 1547, 1548, 1563, 1565 and 1570. He was a protector of Ioannes Servilius. During his office he installed Hendrik de Moy as secretary of the City of Antwerp.
In1533 Lancelot of Ursel played a major part in the salvation of the Cathedral of Antwerp during the great fire.[3] People believe that thanks to his active help and coordination, the cathedral was saved from total ruin. Unfortunately 57 altars could not be saved and went up in flames. Lancelot has serious injuries but survived the ordeal, confirms Francesco Guicciardini in his letters.[4]
