Brussels in the Middle Ages
1. URBAN AREA: BIRTH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Brussels Files
Jean-Luc Petit
Brussels in the Middle Ages
1. URBAN AREA: BIRTH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Brussels Files
Jean-Luc Petit
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
>
Summary
Introduction---------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
The surroundings---------------------------------------------------------------- 8
The first human settlements in the area----------------------------------- 10
In prehistoric times
Roman era
The origins of Brussels (from the High Middle Ages to the first half of the 11
century)------
12
(approx. from the mid-11th century to the start of the 12th century)-------------------------------
22
th
A growth area in the High Middle Ages
The first rural settlement clusters
The Treurenberg
The banks of the Senne
The Coudenberg
At mid level
a first commercial development at local level
A pre-urban conglomeration
Port activity of regional importance
A count’s seat of power
A spiritual and intellectual centre
A market area
Brussels becomes a fully-fledged city (from the 12
th
century to the mid-13th century)----
30
Diversified trading and crafts, drivers of urban growth
The expansion of the early settlements
The lower part of the city
The upper city
The middle levels: the Halle aux Blés (Corn Market) / St. John
New living areas
A new cluster of development in the south east: Our Lady of the Chapel
New land being cultivated to the North
Urbanisation of the land situated between developed areas
A first city wall in stone
Continued urban development
(from the 13th to the 15th centuries)------------------
42
Progressive saturation within the 13th century city wall
Occupancy of still-free areas and densification
The Coudenberg, a political centre and aristocratic residence
New zones divided into plots outside the 13th century city wall
To the south: expansion of the Chapelle and Overmolen districts,
new districts of Bavendal, ten Cruysken, la Blanchisserie and Terre-Neuve
To the west: Dames Blanches and Béguinage
To the north: expansion of the Orsendal and Marais areas, new Alboom district
To the south east: the Sablon
A second city wall in response to new urban developments
3
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
>
Introduction
The aim of The Brussels Files collection in the Museums of the City
of Brussels is to present essential themes from Brussels history in
an informative way. It provides teachers, students, history clubs,
professional or amateur guides and the general public with condensed,
up-to-date information.
This file deals with urban development in Brussels in the Middle Ages, a
subject which has been studied in depth in many publications, but has
not been revisited in a more accessible form for a long time. There have
been many theories and much historic research has been carried out
over time. So it is important for the public at large to be informed of the
current state of knowledge.
To make the information more readily available, urban growth is
described in different key periods, highlighting the main districts which
make up the modern ‘Pentagon’ of Brussels.
This file also contains some reproductions of exhibits in the Museum
of the City of Brussels (Maison du Roi) which can be used for teaching
purposes with the aid of a series of standard questions.
5
1 Illuminated letters dating
back to the second half of
the 15th century featuring a
view of the City of Brussels
from the Coudenberg gate
© archives générales
du royaume, brussels.
charter of brabant
–
section 2, no. 66, fol. 47r.
6
Brussels is a fine example of the urban renaissance
growth which the city continued to enjoy gave rise
which characterises Europe from the 10 th to the
to new districts which were protected by a new
13 th century. Evolving from a number of settlement
rampart in the second half of the 14th century. The
areas, it developed a pre-urban feel in the 11th century
land it encompassed was by no means entirely built
and became a true city in the 12
century with the
up at the end of the Middle Ages. In just a few
development of trading and craft activities. It also
centuries, Brussels became one of the most important
became a regional political centre. A defensive stone
cities linking the area between the North Sea and
wall erected in the 13th century symbolically marks this
the Rhine, one of the most urbanised areas in
development. The strong economic and demographic
medieval Europe.
th
7
Brussels in the Middle Ages
>
The surroundings
1 Relief map of the Brussels Region,
from the lowest (green) to the highest
(dark orange) point.
Brussels city centre is today usually represented
by a pentagon corresponding to the “small ring”
of boulevards which have replaced the outer
medieval walls of the city since the start of the
19th century.
relief map: © generis
8
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
Brussels developed in an area marked by the valley of the river Senne 1,
a vast humid and marshy area of land.
On the right bank (to the east) was a quite steep-sided hill of sandy soil,
the sides of which were interspersed with earthworks and intersected
by several valleys through which the streams feeding the river flowed.
A wide plateau 2 stretched out at the summit, intersected by the valleys
of the Maelbeek and, further away, the Woluwe, tributaries of the Senne.
On the left bank (to the west) was a low, slightly inclined plateau along
which several streams also flowed into the river.
1 The Senne, which rises near Soignies, flows from south to north. It joins the Dyle to form the Rupel which flows into the Scheldt.
2 It is situated at an altitude between 60 and 80 metres near the current Place Royale and Porte de Namur, with an alluvial plain
at an altitude of around 15 metres.
9
Brussels in the Middle Ages
>
The first human
settlements
in the area
1 Glass bottle, dating from
between the end of the
1st century and the start
of the 3rd century CE.
Discovered in the current
district of St. Géry, this
perfume bottle is proof
of human life here
near the Senne in
the Gallo-Roman era.
© musées royaux d’art
et d’histoire
10
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
In prehistoric times
before the middle of the 1st century BCE
Archaeological research gives us interesting information
on the past of the current Brussels area . Traces of human
1
presence dating back to the mid-Palaeolithic Era 2 have
been found here.
1
As no systematic archaeological research has been done in the
Brussels area, it is difficult to be precise about ancient human
settlements. The lack of remains in an area does not necessarily
mean that there was no activity in that place.
2
A double-edged tool dating back to between 70,000 and
35,000 BCE was found near the current Montgomery roundabout.
In the 3rd millennium BCE, there is evidence of Neolithic
civilisation . This is probably when the area which now
3
makes up the centre of the City of Brussels was first
inhabited. There were settlements on both the sandy
heights and in the Senne valley 4 , where it is believed
there were several palustrine settlements5 .
3
Tools and objects found in the current areas including
Auderghem, Boitsfort, Kraainem, Forest, Molenbeek, Rhode-StGenèse, Schaerbeek and Uccle.
4
This hypothesis is based on tools found near Grand Sablon,
Parc de Bruxelles, rue des Chartreux and Place Sainctelette
5
In the absence of archaeological discoveries, it is not known
how long these settlements were in existence
6
There is also evidence of settlement in the area in
the Bronze Age (between 1800 and 700 BCE and the
Iron Age (from 700 BCE up to the Roman era) 6 .
Objects dating from the late Bronze Age (between 1000 and
700 BCE discovered in Uccle, and from the early Iron Age
(between 700 and 450 BCE) in Schaerbeek. There are no remains
from the second Iron Age (from 450 BCE up to the Roman invasion).
However, the existence of small communities of Nervii or one
of their tribes cannot be excluded, as the area later formed
part of the Nervian administrative area (‘civitas Nerviorum’) in
the Roman era.
Roman era
from the mid-1st century BCE to the end of the 5th century
Various relics from the start of the Roman domination
strong economic and demographic decline led to the
show that the area was occupied 1 . However, it was
gradual abandonment of the Gallo-Roman “villas” and
probably not until the second half of the first century CE
“vici” in the area. It would appear that the area became
that extensive use was made of the entire area, which
heavily depopulated in the second part of the third
was split into large agricultural estates on both banks
century5 and became overgrown to a large extent, with
of the Senne. Several large farm residences (“villas”)
vast expanses of forest.
2
are to be found and what might have been sparse
settlements 3 but no burg (“vicus”) which served as a
small centre for trading, crafts and religion, the nearest
being those of Asse, Elewijt and Velzeke. Secondary
roads probably ran along both banks at this time with
the river being used to connect them 4 .
It is not thought that there were any “villas” within the
limits of the current centre of the City of Brussels, but
the possible existence of scattered settlements cannot
be excluded. There are relics which demonstrate that
there were people in the area.
1
Remains from this era (between the mid-1st century BCE and
the mid-1st century CE) have been discovered in Anderlecht,
Drogenbos, Molenbeek and Uccle.
2
Located on the current territories of Jette, Anderlecht, Laeken,
Wemmel.
3
Hypothesis based on remains discovered in Woluwé-St-Lambert,
Schaerbeek, Diegem and Drogenbos.
4
A Roman site excavated in Drogenbos seems to indicate the
presence of navigational installations enabling both banks of
the Senne to be linked.
5
Some very limited vestiges dating back to the second half of
the 4th century were discovered in Molenbeek and Wemmel. It
is not known, however, whether they were left by a small human
settlement or by a transient population.
Troubled times (the invasions of the Chauci around
172-174, then the Franks in the mid third century) and
11
Brussels in the Middle Ages
>
The origins
of Brussels
From the High Middle Ages to the first half of the 11th century
1 Photo of excavations carried out
under Brussels Cathedral.
The bones discovered under the foundations
of a wall of the old Saint Michael and
Saint Gudula Roman Catholic cathedral
are evidence of a pre-11th century grave.
© société royale d’archéologie de bruxelles
12
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
Brussels probably evolved from a number of small rural communities
which developed progressively in the High Middle Ages in the Senne
valley and on the slopes on the right bank. These settlement clusters
were connected by paths and later formed hamlets. At the start of the
11th century, Brussels was already beginning to stand out a little from
other villages in the area as it was identified as a “portus”, or a trading
point, even if this was probably still very limited.
13
Brussels in the Middle Ages
A growth area in the
High Middle Ages
It was probably not until the start of the 6th century
(Merovingian era) that the current Brussels area was
re-colonized by small groups of Franks engaged
in farming and livestock 1, and not until the mid-7th
century that more concentrated forms of settlement
(the regrouping of several farms) appeared.
The origins of what would later become the City
of Brussels 2 can be traced back to this process of
demographic and agricultural growth.
14
1
Vestiges of settlements dating back to the High Middle Ages
were found on the land of the current Brussels Region in
Anderlecht, Haren, Ixelles, St-Josse-ten-Noode and Uccle. In
Anderlecht, groups of people largely resettled the space formerly
occupied by a Roman villa (the site known as the Champ de
Sainte-Anne).
2
There is still debate as to the etymology of this name. However,
the most widely accepted hypothesis relates to two words of
German origin (broek and zele), which when used in conjunction
mean marshland hamlet or a hamlet near marshland.
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
A visit by the Bishop of Cambrai to Brussels in 695?
In the Middle Ages, the Brussels area was part of the diocese of Cambrai. Some think that there is
proof of its existence at the end of the 7th century in Brussels (which would have been little more
than a small group of houses at the time) based on the fact that Vindician, the Bishop of Cambrai,
stopped here shortly before his death in 695. However, this is related much later in 1024-25 in the
“Gestes des Evêques de Cambrai”. Moreover, the mention of “Brosella” in this text could be a
reference to Broxeele, a city in the north of France, rather than Brussels.
The first rural
settlement clusters
It would appear that the area later to become the city of
Brussels started to become populated again sometime
during the period between the mid-7th century at the
earliest and the 10 th century at the latest. Settlement
clusters could be identified on the hilltops and in
the Senne valley, as well as a sparse settlement area
halfway up the hillside.
However, based on the current state of available
knowledge, it is not possible to specify exactly when
1
Archaeological research is incomplete and the information
currently available does not make it possible to specify the exact
situation. Some historians believe Brussels developed in a multinuclear manner from settlements on the hilltops and in the valley,
and that the valley settlement where there was port activity at
the latest at the start of the 11th century was the main driving
force behind the move to a pre-urban entity. Others believe the
hilltop settlements were the oldest and that the Coudenberg
was the main impetus for this evolution; they believe Brussels
developed from top to bottom, as the marshlands on the banks
of the Senne were progressively dried out and developed, with
the lower area only gaining in importance later.
these early settlements first emerged in the course
of this period. One can only hypothesise 1 about their
relative importance and the links that united them.
15
Brussels in the Middle Ages
the Treurenberg
Vestiges from several tombs were discovered during
archaeological excavations under the cathedral of
St. Michael and St. Gudula. It has been possible to date
the bones discovered from between the end of the 8th
century and the start of the 11th century. So it would
appear that there was a cemetery here at that time at
the latest on the earth works on the hill now known as
the Treurenberg. Knowing this, we can formulate the
hypothesis that the first settlements were also moving
into this area.
Some historians believe there may even have been an
earlier wooden chapel dedicated to St. Michael 1 prior
to the 11th century.
1
This chapel would then have been rebuilt in stone later in the
11th century. The invocation to St. Michael is not surprising, as
the archangel was considered the best intermediary between
God and man at that time, and worshipped widely from the
8th century onwards in the diocese of Cambrai.
16
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
Brussels in Viking times?
In the High Middle Ages, some of the cities that had already existed during Gallo-Roman times
once again acquired their former significance, while other new cities started to emerge. These
meeting and trading places were essential in the development of rural society. Raids by Vikings,
attracted by the riches of cities like Antwerp, led to their decline after 840, but they were to later
to recover. Even if we consider that the area subsequently to become the City of Brussels was
already inhabited in places in the 9 th century, it would not appear that these settlements, still
rural in nature, were sufficiently developed to incite the lust for wealth of the men of Scandinavia.
Brussels only truly started to become a pre-urban centre from the 11th century onwards, which
is much later than other regional cities such as Tournai, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Nivelles,
Leuven or Liège.
2
2
Plan of excavations.
This gives the location of
several graves dating from
before the 11th century,
discovered under the walls
of the old Saint Michael
and Saint Gudula Roman
Catholic cathedral.
© société royale
d’archéologie de bruxelles
17
Brussels in the Middle Ages
The banks of the Senne
The existence of the first settlement on the left bank
Se
nn
e
of the Senne appears to date back to the 10 th century
Bro eck
at the latest, as the discovery of grey ceramic shards
dating back to before the year 1000 found on the site
of the current Riches-Claires 1 church would appear to
undoubtedly put to good use for cattle grazing.
Se
nn
e
indicate. The vast humid prairies of the valley were
It is highly likely that the configuration of these places at
that time was different to the one which would be seen
later. At that time, there would have been no islands in
the Senne, as these were most probably the result of
later human intervention. The Broeck stream would also
only be linked upstream to the Senne at a later date.
In the course of its development, the centre of
population would have used a chapel dedicated to
St. Géry 2 , the patron saint of the diocese of Cambrai
(which included the Brussels area in the Middle Ages).
1
Approx. current site: at the corner of rue des Riches Claires
and rue de la Grande Ile.
2
Approx. current site: Place St-. Géry. Earliest known mention:
approx. second half of the 11th century (Legend of St. Gudula).
Some historians believe there may have been quite an ancient
small chapel, made of wood. It would then have been replaced
by a church in stone, probably built on the initiative of Lambert
the second, Count of Leuven (1040-1054).
18
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
Brussels founded on the authority of Charles of Lower Lotharingia?
According to early historians relating the history of Brabant in the 14th and 15th centuries,
Brussels stems from a residence established near the Senne by Charles (known as “Charles of
France”) when he governed the area as the Duke of Lower Lotharingia (between 977 and 991),
a title conferred upon him by the Holy Roman Emperor, Otto II. Later on, other historians would
attribute it to the existence of a “castrum” (fortified military camp) in the current St. Géry
district. This is why the City of Brussels chose to celebrate its millennium in 1979. However, a
number of historians still strongly contest this. For some of its detractors, this is more a legend
aimed at linking the foundation of Brussels to a high line: as Charles of France was one of the
last direct male descendant of Charlemagne and father-in-law to Lambert, the first Count of
Leuven. Although other historians reject the idea that the city authority was established with a
defensive purpose in mind, they do not, however, exclude the hypothesis that Charles of France
may have stopped on the banks of the Senne in Brussels where a settlement already existed.
the Coudenberg
The plateau was cultivated and probably occupied by a
tight-knit settlement in the 11th century at the latest 1.
Some historians think that a leading aristocratic family
in the area 2 had already taken up residence on this
promontory, but this remains a hypothesis. The
Coudenberg (from the Dutch for cold mountain) is in any
case in a good defensive position, due to its high
location and the fact that it is flanked by the ravines of
the Coperbeek and Ruysbroeck streams.
1
Some ceramic tiles dated earlier than 1000 AD have been
discovered as well as proof that the land was cultivated by the
11th century.
2
They believe this was the family of the future castellans of
Brussels, known later under the name “de Bruxelles”. The family
might also be related to the lords of Aa, landowners in Anderlecht
(Aa is one of the original hamlets in the current district).
At mid level
It would appear that there were at least a few isolated
houses in the 11th century at the latest, halfway
up the eastern slope, somewhere to the south of
the Coudenberg, as documented by archaeological
findings 1 . Other research has also shown that this area
was cultivated at that time and produced cereals, as did
the Treurenberg and Coudenberg areas.
1
Approx. current location: Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés.
19
Brussels in the Middle Ages
A first commercial
development at local level
The earliest known mention of Brussels (“Brosella”)
It does, in either case, document the development
is found in a Latin text which can be dated between
of early commercial activity, which would increase
1015 and 1020. It refers to Brussels as a “portus”.
in importance and become the starting point for the
Historians are divided as to what the word “portus”
specific development of Brussels in comparison with
meant in medieval Latin. Most think it means “port”
other hamlets in the area. Whether market or waterway
and take it as proof that the banks of the Senne were
transit point, the surplus produce that the agricultural
being used at that time at the latest as a place to
land in the area was beginning to generate from the
moor boats used to transport goods upstream and
turn of the 10 th-11th centuries, does in any case explain
downstream. Such activity, however, only took place
the existence of this “portus”.
1
at the very beginning and was of limited importance.
Others think that the word is a generic term for a
commercial centre and could also refer to a small early
local market possibly situated on the eastern slope.
20
1
Miracula Sancti Veroni (Miracles of St. Véron) by Olbert de
Gembloux. The original text was recopied in the Acta Sanctorum
in the 17th century.
TO HEL P YOU FIND YOUR WAY
First rural settlements identified at the
start of the 11th century at the latest
NB. The reconstruction of the hydrographical network is hypothetical in part.
The development of the Senne and its tributaries in the course of the
Middle Ages is only partially documented and assumptions have been made.
© background map of brussels
Urbis,
drawing c. ortigosa
the Banks of
the Senne
the Treurenberg
at mid level
the coudenberg
E
W
N
S
Brussels in the Middle Ages
>
A pre-urban
conglomeration
Approx. from the mid-11th century to the start of the 12th century
1 Current view of the Senne.
© musée des égouts
22
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
Gradually, the different centres of population developed and merged.
However, they were far from being united. The uninhabited areas between
them were used for farming. In the second half of the 11th century, Brussels
could be considered to have become a pre-urban 1 conglomeration. It was
not yet a true city, but already stood out clearly from the surrounding
villages. In the lower area, a district was forming around St. Géry church
and a bridge over the Senne was used for port activity. Nearby, on the
right bank, a market came into being, and the church and hospital of
St. Nicolas were founded nearby. Higher up, the Count of Leuven
established the collegiate church of St. Michael and St. Gudula, while a
fortress built on the Coudenberg, symbolised its authority.
1
A text dating from
1060-1070 describing
the miracles of
St. Ursmer confirms
this impression.
It recounts how the
monks from Lobbes
organised processions
with the saint’s relics
in various towns,
including Brussels.
23
Brussels in the Middle Ages
Port activity of
regional importance
The presence of a port is documented incontestably by
a text 1 which can be dated to the second half of the 11th
century. It states that one of the duties of the peasants
on the Leeuw-St-Pierre
2
estate was to take grain to
a bridge over the Senne in Brussels. The text also
describes how some of the planks in the bridge could be
raised so the boats positioned beneath could be loaded.
This bridge is almost certainly the Pont des Bateaux 3
(Schipbrug), situated to the north of the St. Géry church.
The bridge thus became the commercial transit centre
making it possible for the produce from the various
rural estates around Brussels 4 to be exported. These
generated surplus produce, following a high increase in
agriculture in the area (which could also be seen more
generally in the rest of Western Europe from the 11th
to the 13th centuries). The availability of water transport
from Brussels made it possible for heavy loads to be
transported more easily and at lower cost than by road.
A shallow-bottomed boat guided by one person using
a boat hook was capable of transporting a cargo of
almost two tonnes. On the return journey, boats could
also import a variety of goods, all of which helped make
Brussels a crossroads of commercial trade over time.
24
1
A document called “Donation of St-Pieters-Leeuw” (known by
its authentic 15th century copy).
2
Leeuw-St-Pierre was one of the biggest agricultural estates in
the area at the time.
3
Approx. current location: near the junction of rue Marché
aux Poulets and rue des Poissonniers. Some historians think,
however, that it could be the Pont de Munter, later called the Pont
des Vanniers, which is situated at the current junction of rue de
l’Evêque and rue Vierge Noire.
4
Excavations have proved the existence in Neder-Heembeek
of a wooden chapel dedicated to St. Peter, earlier than the
11th century. Written sources attest to the existence in the
10th century at the latest of Tervueren, Watermael (which also
took in Boistfort and Auderghem at the time), Woluwe, Zellik and
in the 11th century of Kraainem, Dilbeek, Jette, Laeken. Extensive
areas of land were cleared in the Brussels area from the second
half of the 11th century onwards.
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
A count’s seat
of power
During the 11th century, the Counts of Leuven 1 gained
authority over lands which included Brussels. At this
time, it appears that they had a castle 2 on the heights
of the Coudenberg which was served by a “castellan”. To
better organise its power, the House of Leuven sought
the support of several aristocratic families in the area.
This explains why the Count conferred the hereditary
title of “castellan” on one of them, who then took the
family name de Bruxelles, to represent him and conduct
his affairs in Brussels. The presence of the Counts of
Leuven in the Coudenberg may be explained by a desire
to consolidate their power in Brussels, which was
beginning to increasingly look like a city with promising
economic potential. Near the first fortress managed
and occupied by the castellan, the Counts of Leuven
then appear to have built a much larger residence 3 . As
for the nearby small chapel dedicated to St. James, it
probably served as the castle chapel 4 .
The Counts of Leuven also set up a mint in Brussels in
the 11th century to make coins 5, which consolidated
their pre-eminence and contributed to the rapid growth
in commercial trades. Moreover, they also profited from
this by taxing goods entering and leaving Brussels 6 .
1
The Counts of Leuven also adopted the title of Count of
Brabant by 1086 at the latest. In 1106, they officially received
the title of Duke of Lower Lotharingia and were generally known
as the Dukes of Brabant from the end of the 12th century
onward. To keep things simple, we will use the title “Count of
Leuven” until the end of the 11th century and “Duke of Brabant”
from the end of the 12th century onwards.
2
As the earliest certified mention of a “castellan” in Brussels
dates back to 1096, it can be concluded that a castle already
existed on the Coudenberg after that date. It is generally believed
that Count Lambert II was already in possession of this castle
in 1047, the year in which he is believed to have founded the
collegiate church of St. Michael and St. Gudula. This is plausible
even if it is unconfirmed. Some historians believe that the first
fortified residence on the Coudenberg is much older still and
originally belonged to an aristocratic family which had agreed to
submit to the power of the Count of Leuven in return for receiving
the hereditary title of castellan. Others, however, believe that this
fortress was the sole property of the Count of Leuven with the
castellan only entrusted to manage it.
3
Approx. current location: Place Royale, north side (site of
BelVue museum). Earliest known mention: 1121.
4
Approx. current location: Place Royale. Earliest known mention:
1151. The chapel cannot be earlier than the first half of the
eleventh century, the period in which there is the first mention in
these areas of a dedication to St. James.
5
The earliest known mention of a “Borsellensis monete”
(Brussels Mint) is found in a text dated 1073.
6
Earliest known mention: 1130.
25
Brussels in the Middle Ages
A spiritual and
intellectual centre
Most probably in the mid-11th century 1, the Count of
Leuven founded a community (a “chapter”) of secular
canons for whom he provided a regular income to serve
the St. Michael church. From then on, it had the title
of collegiate church, but not cathedral, as the seat of
the diocese was not in Brussels but in Cambrai. This
initiative allowed the Count to enhance his prestige
while ensuring that he had divine protection. From then
on, Brussels had well-trained ecclesiastics capable of
making it a centre of intellectual excellence. The canons
had the task of celebrating God in prayer, readings and
song in the different services throughout the day. They
had lodgings near the church. One of them, called the
“chaplain’, was selected to take care of parish life.
It is most probably at the time when St. Michael’s
became a collegiate church that it was permitted to
receive the relics of St. Gudula 2 . Dedicated subsequently
to both saints, the collegiate church thus had relics,
a concretisation of the sacred and an aid to piety, all
of which were increasingly important for the faithful
at that time. Even if the church of St. Michael and St.
Gudula did not become a major place of pilgrimage, it
did become the main religious centre in Brussels and
its surrounding area. The nearby school run by the
canon with the title of “master” also made it a centre
of learning. The chapter also affirmed its authority
over the other churches in Brussels, a status which was
officially recognised in the 12th century.
Near the collegiate church, a “hospital” or a house offering
hospitality called Our Lady and the Twelve Apostles 3
was founded to provide temporary accommodation for
a few locals, travellers and pilgrims.
26
1
Earliest reliable known mention: 1073. The traditional story
is that Count Lambert II set up a community of canons in St.
Michael in 1047 and transferred St. Gudula’s relics, which had
previously been kept in St. Géry church. This is accepted by most
historians. It would appear that the text recounting the story of
St. Gudula (short version) which speaks of this was written a
short time after this date. The principle of raising or transferring
relics following the construction of a new church, then of writing
the life story of the saint thus honoured was something which
was also done elsewhere in the area.
2
Gudula, who was born around 650 and died around 712,
belonged to a noble Merovingian family which had settled
in Moorsel, near Alost. Several members of her family were
sanctified due to their active involvement in spreading the
Christian faith at a time when paganism was still very much
alive in our areas. Her remains (disinterred bones) were taken
to Brussels in the 11th century at the latest. The life of Gudula is
told in two ancient texts, a shorter one apparently dating back
to the second half of the 11th century and a longer one dating
back to the 12th century. The most famous episode in this legend
takes place in a forest which Gudula, it is said, was crossing
by night to get to St. Saviour’s chapel in the village of Moorsel.
To test her, the Devil snuffed out her lantern, plunging her into
total darkness. But God heard Gudula’s prayers and sent an
angel to rekindle her lantern and make the Evil One flee.
3
Earliest known mention: 1127.
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
27
Brussels in the Middle Ages
A market area
A church dedicated to St. Nicholas 1, the patron saint
of sailors and merchants, was built near the port,
probably at the turn of the 11th and 12 th centuries
to serve the groups of settlement emerging in this
area. A hospital was added to provide temporary
accommodation to people in need; it also took the name
of St. Nicholas 2 . Around the church was a market 3
where the inhabitants of Brussels and the surrounding
countryside could meet to sell, buy and trade.
28
1
Approx. current location: St. Nicholas church. Earliest known
mention: 1152.
2
Approx. current location: around St. Nicholas church. Earliest
known mention = 1128-1129.
3
Approx. current location: around St. Nicholas church. Earliest
known mention: 1174. The term “lower forum” (lower market)
used to designate this market presupposes the existence of one
or more market area(s) on higher levels. Some historians believe
there was a market on the Coudenberg, which was abandoned
later and transformed into the forecourt of the Duke’s palace
(Place des Bailles). Others believe that the upper market was in
the south-eastern cluster halfway up the hill (the current Place
de la Vieille Halle aux Blés).
TO HEL P YOU FIND YOUR WAY
Main areas of development
in Brussels in the 11th century
© background map of brussels
Urbis,
drawing c. ortigosa
Port
Collegiate church of
St. Michael and St. Gudula
St. Géry
church
St. Nicholas district
(church / hospital / market)
District half way up
the eastern slope
Coudenberg
Castle
E
W
N
S
Brussels in the Middle Ages
>
Brussels becomes
a fully-fledged city
From the 12th century to the mid-13th century
1 Model of Brussels towards the mid-13th
century, made by Claire Louis in 2001.
Due to the lack of iconographic
documents, the Museum of the City of
Brussels had a model made representing
the city around 1250. This is not a
historical document, but helps us imagine
how the city of Brussels might have looked
at that time. Although highly instructive,
the detail shown on the model must not be
taken as exact. It only gives a rough idea,
due to incomplete knowledge supplied
by old texts and archaeological vestiges.
To make the model clearer, the houses
were also made to a larger scale, and
there are also fewer houses than in reality.
© city of brussels museums
30
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
Settlement areas were being developed both in the valley (around
the churches of St. Géry, St. Nicholas and then St. Catherine), on the
eastern slope (served by the churches of St. Michael and St. Gudula
and St. James) and at mid-level (a district with a church and hospital
dedicated to St John). A new area was also developing around the
church of Our Lady of the Chapel. Gradually, other areas were created
and these merged into what was recognised as a fully-fledged city
from the 12th century onwards.
31
Brussels in the Middle Ages
Brussels had a number of features which clearly differentiated it from
the countryside. It reinforced its commercial role as a market place
and port, but also as an important stage in a road network linking it to
other developed cities at the time. Merchants played an important role
in the economy of the city from then on. The city was also becoming
a centre of production, especially in the food sector and crafts, but
the construction sector was also growing in importance. Convents
and monasteries also began to occupy large areas of the city. The
population comprised a wide range of social conditions, from the very
poor to the leading aristocratic families in the city, with the more or
less affluent craftsmen, servants, clerks, etc. in between. Hospitals
offered shelter to locals and pilgrims passing through.
The construction of a fortified wall in stone, probably in the first half of
the 13th century, was a symbol of the city status Brussels had acquired
for all to see. However, the rampart encompassed many areas still
used for agriculture and crafts. It is generally believed that between
5,000 and 10,000 people lived in Brussels in the 13th century.
32
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
Diversified trading
and crafts, drivers of
urban growth
Brussels was linked by road to the surrounding villages 1,
which continued to experience strong agricultural growth
and provided Brussels and nearby cities (Leuven,
Nivelles, Malines, Halle, Ghent) with most of their food
supplies. As these were also linked to other cities 2 ,
Brussels had road links with the main medieval centres
of trade in north Western Europe, Cologne, Paris and
Bruges. This Flemish port also opened up major
opportunities for Brussels in international trade, which
was being developed by sea at the time. Brussels
reinforced its position as a commercial centre from
then on by combining land and river transport, with the
latter continuing to develop on the Senne. In addition
to agricultural surplus from the surrounding areas,
Brussels sold products made in the city by craftsmen 3,
especially gold- and silverware, leather, metals and
textiles. Brussels imported foodstuffs (including wine
1
New villages were added to the old ones from the end of
the 11 th century to the mid-13 th century. The existence of the
following villages at this time has been documented: Berchem,
Drogenbos, Etterbeek, Evere, Forest, Ganshoren, Koekelberg,
Linkebeek, Molenbeek, Saint-Gilles (Obbrussel), Schaerbeek,
Wemmel and Wezembeek.
2
From the second half of the 12th century onwards, mentions
are found of Brussels merchants in Maastricht, Aix-la-Chapelle
and Cologne. It has been established that Brussels traders
were also active in England and France in the first half of the
13th century.
3
The earliest documents mentioning the activity of craftsmen
working in Brussels date back to the second half of the 12th century.
The first craftsmen to be identified in a text are goldsmiths and
silversmiths, who were asked to make a gold and silver decoration
in 1152 for a hunt originating in Basse-Wavre. A document from
1175 certifies the existence of craftsmen in leather, metal,
construction and textiles in the Our Lady of the Chapel district.
At the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries, dyed wool cloth started
to be produced. The number and diversity of craftsmen in
Brussels would increase, especially in the 13th century.
from the Rhine) which it redistributed, as well as raw
materials needed to develop the activities of its crafts­
men and the building trade.
33
Brussels in the Middle Ages
The expansion of
the early settlements
The lower part of the city
In the Senne valley, the living areas around the churches
of St. Géry and St. Nicholas continued to expand, as
the marshlands were drained and the banks reinforced
against frequent floods. New market areas were set up
between the port and the Fish Markets 1 . On the other
side of the Pont des Bateaux bridge on the left bank
of the Senne, a district with a chapel dedicated to
St. Catherine 2 emerged, most probably in the second
half of the 12th century.
1
Approx. current location: at the top of rue Marché-aux-Herbes.
Earliest known mention: 1289.
2
Approx. current location: rue St. Catherine. Earliest known
mention: 1201.
3
It would appear from the text that the Duke had at least
6 mills in Brussels at the time. Earliest known mention:
approx. 1175.
4
Approx. current location: near Place St. Géry.
5
Approx. current location: near Place Fontainas.
6
Approx. current location: area between rues Orts, Devaux
and des Poissonniers (the current Marriott Hotel building).
7
It also appears that major hydraulic work was under­
taken from the start of the 12th century on the initiative
Approx. current location: between rues de la Vierge Noire,
de l’Evêque and des Halles.
8
Earliest known mention: 1291.
of the Duke of Brabant to make it possible to build
watermills 3 upstream of the Pont des Bateaux. The
Broeck stream was partially channelled and linked to
2
the Senne in the Anderlecht area to create a branch
called the Senne of Ransfort. It would appear that a
number of trenches were also then dug, which resulted
in the creation of three islands bearing the names of
St. Géry or Grande Ile 4 , Overmolen (Upstream Mill) or
Petite Ile 5 and Hergoedshof 6 (the Court of Lord Godfrey).
The last of these islands, which was triangular in shape,
housed the Duke’s ‘sauvoirs’ or holding ponds which
kept the fish (coming mainly from the developed marsh
areas in the surrounding countryside) cool until it was
sold at market. Wheat and malt (germinated barley)
were ground in the Duke’s mills, allowing bakeries and
breweries in Brussels to grow rapidly.
The mills also meant that vessels coming from the
north could not continue their journey upstream on
the Senne. Brussels thus became the limit up to which
the river could be navigated. Downstream of the mills,
the river was straightened and a new mooring area
was created for boats. This landing stage 7 was located
2
between the Pont des Bateaux and Pont de Munter
Coin from 13th century City of Brussels.
(Muntersbrug) bridges. It was equipped with a crane 8
The use of a stylised bridge to symbolise
the city on the first coin commissioned by the
commune authorities is presumably a reference
to the importance of trade in the area around
the Senne river.
capable of loading and unloading heavy cargo.
© city of brussels museums
34
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
The upper city
At the higher levels, development continued near
The middle levels: the Halle
aux Blés (Corn Market) / St. John
the church of St. Michael and St. Gudula and the
A grain market was set up in the old settlement area
Coudenberg palace.
at middle level and the area became increasingly more
densely populated. By the end of the 13 th century,
The collegiate church gained official supremacy over
the Duke of Brabant had a corn market hall built 1 , a
other churches in Brussels and confirmed its role as an
wooden structure protecting wholesale sellers and
ecclesiastic and intellectual centre on a permanent basis.
buyers of cereals.
1
At Coudenberg, the Duke’s castle housed the Duke, his
A little further north, a charitable brotherhood founded
family and his entourage (those in charge of managing
the first hospital at the end of the 12 th century to take
the Duke’s private affairs and governing the Duchy)
care of sick people too poor to be cared for at home 2 .
with increasing frequency, alternating with other
It was dedicated to St John and had a chapel, deemed
places of residence such as Leuven or Tervuren. The
an indispensable element for the spiritual healing of
Borgendael 2 (Valley of the Castles) district grew up in
the sick.
the immediate vicinity. A hospital for local people and
pilgrims 3 was built next to the church of St. James
in the 12 th century. It was replaced at the start of the
13 th century 4 by a monastery of canons of the regular
order of St. Augustine, who were then responsible for
1
Approx. current location: Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés.
Earliest known mention: 1292.
2
Approx. current location: near Place St. Jean. Earliest
known mention: 1195. The Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit,
responsible for setting it up, was founded in 1186.
serving the church of St. James.
Lower down the hillside 5, a small Jewish community
grew up. Having arrived in the 13 th century at the
latest, it was found mainly in this part of city due to
its proximity to the Duke’s residence, as it fell under
the direct responsibility of the Duke who afforded it a
certain degree of protection.
1
With the exception of Our Lady of the Chapel: see next section.
2
Approx. current location: Borgendael cul-de-sac.
3
Earliest known mention: 1162.
4
Deed of 1228.
5
Approx. current location: rues Villa Hermosa and Ravenstein.
35
Brussels in the Middle Ages
New living
areas
A new cluster of development in the
south east: Our Lady of the Chapel
New land being cultivated
to the North
To the south east of the areas already developed,
The marshland areas underwent progressive develop­
the Duke of Brabant founded a new chapel 1 in honour
ment, mainly as market gardens to meet the needs of
of the Virgin, which he offered to the Benedictine
the constantly expanding population. The land proved
Abbey of St. Sepulchre of Cambrai in 1134 with almost
very suitable for this type of produce and had the
three hectares of land. The chapel was served by a
advantage of being close to consumers, as fruit and
community of monks dependent on this estate and led
vegetables, in contrast to cereals, perish very quickly.
by a prior. By promoting the development of the land,
This new development was given the name of Orsendal 1
of which he maintained a large share, the Duke helped
and Marais aux Herbes Potagères 2.
start a new area of settlement and economic activity.
The land was soon split up into small agricultural lots.
The new inhabitants coming from the neighbouring
countryside grew vegetables, raised livestock and
1
Approx. current location: between rue du Marais and chaussée
de Schaerbeek.
2
Approx. current location: between Place de Brouckère and rue
du Marais.
were also engaged in other activities. Craft production
progressively started in the construction, metal, leather
and textile sectors. At the same time, the chapel of the
Virgin succeeded in limiting the power exerted over it
by the collegiate church of St. Michael and St. Gudula
and gained recognition in 1210 as a parish church,
3
known as Our Lady of the Chapel from then on.
Further south, St. Peter’s hospital 2, which had a small
chapel and cultivatable land, was used as a leper
hospital. It was set up in a remote location on land not
inhabited at that time to exile these sick people who
were stigmatised as impure.
1
Approx. current location: church of Our Lady of the Chapel.
2
Approx. current location: St. Peter’s hospital. Earliest known
mention: 1174.­
3
“Bruxella 1238” archaeological site.
The uncovered remains of the Franciscan
monastery are visible to the side of the Stock
Exchange building. The supporting pillars seen
here would have been located beneath the choir
of the monastery’s former church. The red-painted
limestone stones from which they are made were
most likely salvaged from the vault originally
built on this spot to house the body of John I,
Duke of Brabant, who died in 1294.
© city of brussels museums
36
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
Urbanisation of the land situated
between developed areas
Little by little, the land located between the Senne, the
Monasteries of two mendicant orders were also to be
hills on the eastern side and the St. Jean and Chapelle
found in the Brussels area. The Franciscans who had
districts was urbanised. A variety of craft and trade
arrived in the first half of the 13th century settled in
activities developed there while the road network linking
an area between St. Nicholas church and the Senne 9
the different centres was extended. New roads included
whereas in 1249 the Carmelites were given land
the Ridderstraat 1 (rue des Chevaliers), which linked the
midway between the river and the Corn Hall 10. The fact
upper part of the city to the Pont de Munter over the
that both these orders were present proves there the
Senne, and the causeway ( La Chaussée / Steenweg) ,
population in Brussels was large enough to listen to
which linked the Coudenberg to the lower part of the city
what the Brethren preached and give them alms, and
and was one of the first roads to be paved.
denotes there was still some free land within the city.
2
Situated somewhat uphill of the St. Nicholas market, a
vast area of marshland was dried out to enable a new
trading area to be set up there. This square, with its
converging network of roads, was paved no later than
the 13th century. It was first known under the name of
Gemene merct (Common Market) or Nedermerct (Lower
Market)3 before being called the Grote Markt (Big Market)
currently the Grand Place. Specialised merchants,
craftsmen and peasants from the surrounding areas
who had come to sell their surplus produce worked
side by side here. On the northern side of the square,
the Duke of Brabant had a number of covered markets
(“halls”) built where cloth, meat, wool and bread were
1
Approx. current location: rues de l’Evêque and de l’Ecuyer.
Earliest mention: 1263.
2
Earliest known mention: 1297. Approx. current location: rue
du Musée, Mont-des-Arts, rue de la Madeleine.
3
Approx. current location: Grand Place. The name “lower
market” was first given to the St. Nicholas market before it
was given to the newer Grote Markt. Earliest mention: 1271.
4
Approx. current location: Maison du Roi and rear building
situated on rue Marché-aux-Herbes. Earliest known mentions:
1221 (cloth), 1293 (meat), 1321 (bread).
5
Approx. current location: near rue de la Putterie and central
station. Earliest known mention: 1226-1238.
7
Approx. current location: rue Terarken. Earliest known
mention: 1180.
sold 4 . Near this complex and the Fish Market, was
8
an area where butchers
9
5
slaughtered animals and
processed their meat.
Higher up, along the course of the Coperbeek stream,
Approx. current location: rue and petite rue des Bouchers.
6
Earliest known mention: 1263.
Approx. current location: Stock exchange – Archaeological
site ‘Bruxella 1238’. Earliest known mention of the presence
of Franciscans in Brussels: 1238.
10
Approx. current location: rues des Grands Carmes and des
Moineaux.
the Putterie 6 and ter Arken 7 districts of craftsmen
emerged. There were several tanneries found there and
a small community of women who would later become
the so-called ter Arken 8 hospice.
37
Brussels in the Middle Ages
A first city wall in stone
Brussels was truly identified as a city in the course of
thus forming a section of it. But the city wall did not take
the 12th century 1 A century later, the construction of a
in either the district around the small island Overmolen,
defensive wall in stone with an earth embankment and
or the Orsendal or Chapelle districts. The reasons for
wide ditch (filled with water where possible) in front of
it, symbolically reinforced this status. Before then, it
may be assumed that the first settlements had been
protected by earth embankments or wooden palisades
choosing not to do this are unknown 2 . In the mid-13th
century, the land within the rampart was far from being
totally built up. Unbuilt-up areas were used by craftsmen
which would have been extended a number of times. It
to carry out their activities (such as textiles) as well as
is possible that the new city wall in stone might have
for agriculture (fields, orchards, livestock and vegetable
re-used part of the existing embankments in this case.
growing).
But it would appear that the first stone wall was the first
one to include both the upper and lower parts of the city
1
within the same defensive infrastructure. It is thought
a text dated 1134, meaning either a fortified city or a land
to have been built in stages in the first half of the 13th
governed by a different law than that in force in the countryside.
century (probably between 1210-1230), starting with
The earliest mention of a court of councillors specifically
the fortified gates. There were seven of these in total
and this involved developing the old roads to ensure
links with nearby villages and cities. It was also at the
city gates that taxes on goods were collected. About 4
kms long and covering a total surface area of around 80
judging the inhabitants of Brussels dates back to 1154. In a
peace treaty concluded in 1194 between the Duke of Brabant
and the Count of Hainaut, Brussels was listed as one of the 9
cities in Brabant at the time (the others being Leuven, Antwerp,
Nivelles, Gembloux, Tirlemont, Zoutleeuw, Lierre and Jodoigne).
2
It could be that the stone rampart follows an older boundary,
hectares, the wall encompassed the early centres in the
maybe made of earthwork and ditches, but there is no evidence
city which were the banks of the Senne, the St. John/
for this. As regards the Chapelle district, it is possible that
Corn Hall district, the collegiate church hill and the
its desire to affirm its own identity was the reason why it was
Coudenberg. At that point, the northern façade of the
not included.
Duke’s castle was probably integrated into the new wall,
4
4
Restored remains of a section of the
13th century city walls, visible from the
playground of the St-Joris school,
rue des Alexiens.
A tower and curtain wall can be seen from
the outside. An interior view of these remains
can also be seen in rue de Villers.
38
The Latin term “oppidum” was used to refer to Brussels in
TO HEL P YOU FIND YOUR WAY
Outline of the first city wall with the map
of the current city centre in the background
The outline of the wall is well documented. Several remains can still be seen today. A guide entitled ‘The first
city wall in Brussels’* gives details of a walking tour with information on the remains to be found along the way.
* Published by Brussels Capital Region, Monuments and Sites. Available on request.
Or to download : www.monument.irisnet.be/fr/sensibi/pubbrochures.htm
rue
Porte de Laeken
Place du Nouveau
Marché-aux-Grains
ve
Place
De Brouckère
Ne
u
rue
de L
aeke
n
© background map of brussels urbis, drawing c. ortigosa
on
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Porte
Sainte-Gudule
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An
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Grand-Place
Marché-au-Bois
Porte d’Overmolen
Place
Fontainas
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Parc de Bruxelles
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Ch
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M
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An
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Place de la
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Porte
Sainte-Catherine
Place du
Grand-Sablon
Porte du
Coudenberg
Place
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TO HEL P YOU FIND YOUR WAY
Map of Brussels towards the mid-13th century,
corresponding to the Museum’s model
© scale model made by simon casier for the brussels city museum
34
12
37
26
17
11
10
7
14
2
27
19
6
13
16
36
28
27
31
30
20
5
25
29
29
8
9
1
20
21
32
3
24
35
22
15
33
4
18
E
W
N
23
S
river, streams and islands
1Senne (main branch)
2Senne (secondary branch, known as
Senne of Ransfort)
3Ruysbroeck (called Smaelbeek below)
charitable institutions
21Hospital (and church) of St. John
NB. Not represented on the model, but already in existence
at the time: the hospitals of Our Lady and the Twelve
Apostles, St. Nicholas and, further out than the model,
the St. Peter’s leper hospital.
4 Zavelbeek (later called Rollebeek)
5Coperbeek (called Spiegelbeek and
Schoenbeek below)
6St. Géry island (later also called Big Island)
7Hergoedshof island 8Overmolen (later also called Small Island)
ducal palace and surrounding areas
22Duke’s palace
23Borgendael
24The Jewish steps
25Putterie
main access and bridges
9La Chaussée
10Rue des Chevaliers
11 Pont des Bateaux
12 Pont de Munter
churches
13St. Michael and St. Gudula
14St. Géry
economic activities
26The Port
27Watermills
28The Butchers’ District
29Textiles (wool cloth stretched after dyeing)
30Common market (Grand-Place)
31Bread, Meat and Cloth markets
32Corn market Hall
15St. James on Coudenberg
16St. Nicolas
17St. Catherine
18Our Lady of the Chapel
monasteries
19Franciscan
20Carmelite
NB. Not represented on the model, but already in existence
at the time: the monastery of the canons of the regular
order of St. Augustine, which served the church of
St. James on Coudenberg
defensive city wall
33A tower
NB. Remains, known as the “Anneessens Tower”,
to be seen in Boulevard de l’Empereur
34A corner tower
NB. Remains, known as the “Black Tower”, to be seen
near the rear of the church of St. Catherine
35Surrounding wall
NB. Remains to be seen in rue de Villers
and rue des Alexiens
36One of the seven gates
37Ditch
41
Brussels in the Middle Ages
>
Continued urban
development
From the 13th to the 15th centuries
1 Map of Brussels by Jacob van Deventer, approx. 1560.
This hand-drawn map in colour is the oldest map of Brussels. It is part of a
set of maps of cities in the former Low Countries made for a strategic purpose
for King Philip II of Spain. It appears to have only a few errors (for example,
the absence of the branch of the Senne going round the west of the island of
St. Géry). The areas shown in dark green indicate damp land, including the
wide alluvial plain of the Senne. As the situation in the mid-16th century was
much the same as at the end of the Middle Ages, the map is an excellent aid
to understanding the development of the medieval city and surrounding areas.
© bibliothèque royale de belgique
42
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
From the second half of the 13th century, Brussels progressively took over
from Leuven as the Duke of Brabant’s main residence and so affirmed
itself as the political and administrative centre for the entire duchy. Its
economy was also flourishing, with regard to craft and trading production,
at both regional and international levels. Brussels became a major textile
centre and exported huge quantities of luxury dyed wool cloth until the
end of the 14th century. These factors led to a high increase in the number
of people coming from the countryside to live in Brussels. As a result, the
area within the 13th century city wall became more densely occupied and
the district to the south, Our Lady of the Chapel, continued to expand.
43
Brussels in the Middle Ages
To the west and north, the marshland areas were dried out and developed,
with some of these new developments protected by ditches and fortified
gates. To the south east, the Sablon district grew up. The establishment
of a number of religious institutions (monasteries, convents, béguinage)
also contributed to the rapid growth of the city. A number of new hospitals
and hospices were also built in different parts of the city.
Despite occasional difficult conditions (epidemics), Brussels became the
most densely populated city in Brabant in the second half of the 14th
century (estimated at between 20,000 and 25,000 inhabitants). A new
city wall was then built to protect these urban developments while
maintaining an important reserve of uninhabited land. This land was still
there at the end of the Middle Ages and mainly used for agricultural and
craft activities.
After an economically difficult period, due mainly to the decline of the
cloth mills at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, demographic and
urban development continued. It was aided by rapid growth in the tapestry
sector. The city’s position as the leading political centre of all the
principalities known under the generic name of the Low Countries also
generated an intense production of luxury goods intended for the Court.
At the end of the Middle Ages, Brussels was a medium-sized city that
figured on the European stage. The city’s population at the time is
estimated to have been between 30,000 and 45,000 inhabitants.
44
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
Progressive saturation
th
within the 13 century
city wall
Occupancy of still-free areas
and densification
A number of specialised market areas required to meet
Quite a large surface was also taken up by new
the needs of a growing population were set up near the
monasteries 1.
Grand Place (fish, tripe, milk, cheese, shoes, clothes,
poultry, skins), the Senne (coal, wine), St. John’s hospital
A hospital for impoverished travellers dedicated to
(cereals, wholesale and retail), in the Putterie district
St. James 2 was founded in the Coal Market district for
(wood for fuel, cattle).
short stays while several hospices 3 (godshuizen) offering
long-term accommodation were established, especially
Land that was still free was split into plots. Houses
near the collegiate church. These reinforced its role as
were not just used as living areas, but also for
the religious and charitable centre of the city.
diversified trading activities and crafts. In addition
to well established trades and crafts, there was rapid
By the end of the Middle Ages, virtually the only green
growth in new sectors such as the production of
areas left inside the 13 th century city wall were within
parchment or armour. Due to the limited amount of
pockets of settlements.
space, houses, formerly dispersed, ended up following
the lines of streets.
1
Saccites (1271), Brethren of the Common Life (1422),
Dominicans (1465).
2
There was a noticeable increase in the street network;
most streets were quite narrow with the more important
ones progressively starting to be paved. The routes of
some of these followed former streams which had been
channelled and covered in places by then.
The local authorities also proceeded to develop some
public areas with a number of fountains. They also
undertook the construction of a vast Cloth Hall, in front
Approx. current location: church of Notre-Dame du Bon
Secours, rue Marché-au-Charbon. Earliest known mention:
1328.
3
Hospices came into existence in Brussels from the 14th
century onwards. In the collegiate church district: the hospices
Baecx, Sainte-Trinité, Petits Frères, Ter Landuyt and Ter Loe,
Sainte-Elisabeth, Calvaire, Douze Apôtres. In the lower part
of the city: the hospices Saint-Sauveur, Terhomme, NotreDame de la Paix. For further information, see S. Demeter and
D. Guilardian, Implantation des hospices et hôpitaux à Bruxelles
(XIIe-XVIIIe siècles) in Archaeologia Mediaevalis 25, 2002.
of which the City Hall would be built in the 15th century.
45
Brussels in the Middle Ages
The Coudenberg, a political centre
and aristocratic residence
In 1370, the small Jewish community which had lived
progressively gaining in importance in the course
on the slopes of the Coudenberg up until then was
of the 14th century as the main political centre
forced to leave Brussels after being falsely accused
in Brabant, to the detriment of Leuven. This was
of profaning consecrated hosts.
reinforced further from 1430 onwards when Brussels
became the de facto capital of a group of principalities
However, more and more leading aristocratic families
united under a single authority (that of the Dukes
were moving into the district. They chose to take up
of Burgundy), usually known by the generic name of
residence near the Duke’s palace, as Brussels was
the Low Countries.
New zones divided
into plots outside the
13th century city wall
To the south: expansion of the
Chapelle and Overmolen districts,
new districts of Bavendal,
ten Cruysken, la Blanchisserie
and Terre-Neuve
St. Clare 2 set up a convent in the south near St. Peter’s
The district of Our Lady of the Chapel became the most
hospital for lepers.
important centre of urban development outside the city
walls. This was where most of the craftsmen in Brussels
To the east of the rue Haute, the working class district
were to be found and included tanneries, metal working,
commonly known as Bavendal 3 grew up on the hillside
stone, wood, leather, cloth bleaching, breweries and,
leading to the Pré aux Laines 4 (Wool Meadow), an area
above all, cloth, followed from the 15 century onwards
used for drying dyed wool.
th
by tapestry. These last two luxury products served as
drivers of growth for Brussels economy. The small streams
To the south west, work was undertaken to drain the
which flowed down the hillsides towards the Senne were
marshland areas. Starting at Overmolen island, a
channelled and used in different production activities. The
district covering the area known as ten Cruysken (The
major access route was the rue Haute, to which a whole
Small Cross) 5 stretched out on the left bank of the Senne
network of small streets was progressively linked. At the
and was inhabited mainly by craftsmen in the textile sector.
start of the 14th century, a meat market was established
The entire area was encircled by a ditch called Petite
1
Senne (Zenneke), which was fed by the river. The ditch was
was also set up here for the poor and the sisters of
in the district. In the mid-14 century St. Julian’s hospital
used to provide the water necessary for craft activities,
th
46
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
2
beghard
alexians
ru e h a
ute
our lady of
the chapel
st. julian
2
Rue Haute and adjacent
neighbourhoods – Extract from
map of Brussels by van Deventer
(c. 1560).
ru
e h
au
t
e
Rue Haute stands out as the main
thoroughfare of the Notre-Dame
de la Chapelle neighbourhood.
Around halfway along its route
can be found the hospice of
Saint Julian and, at its southern
end, the former St. Peter’s leper
hospital. The considerable
urban growth can be seen in the
development of the surrounding
areas: “Bavendal’ to the east,
“Blanchisserie” and “Terre Neuve”
to the west.
st. peter
st. clare
© bibliothèque royale de belgique
but probably also to evacuate excess water in the event
1
of flooding and as a means of defence.
2
Approx. current location: corner of rues Haute and St. Ghislain.
Approx. current location: rues Breughel and des Faisans.
3
Approx. current location: rues de Montserrat and des Minimes.
Not far away from Overmolen island, on the right bank,
4
Approx. current location: rue aux Laines.
the Beghard 6 community which recruited most of its
5
Approx. current location: rue d’Anderlecht.
members from textile workers was set up. Later, the
6
Alexians (or Cellite Friars) established a presence in the
7
area between Overmolen and Chapelle.
Gradually, other developments came into being, creating
Approx. current location: rue des Bogards. The Beghard
community, the male equivalent of the Beguines, appeared in
the second half of the 13th century and comprised laymen who
wished to live out their faith in a community. Towards the mid14th century, it became a religious community adopting the rule
of the Third Order of St. Francis.
7
Terre-Neuve9 (Nieuwland), or new lands, referring to the
Approx. current location: rues des Alexiens and d’Accolay. This
lay community was established in Brussels in the second half of
the 14th century and affiliated to the Third Order of St. Francis
prior to adopting the rule of St. Augustine in 1462.
land regained from the former marshlands. Here vast
8
areas were laid out with frames on which wool cloth was
9
the districts known as the Blanchisserie (Blijkerije) 8
referring to the activity of bleaching cloth, and the
re-stretched after it had shrunk during fulling.
Approx. current location: rue des Tanneurs.
Approx. current location: rue Terre-Neuve. Earliest known
mention: 1307.
47
Brussels in the Middle Ages
To the west: Dames Blanches
and Béguinage
The marshland areas were drained and developed by
The entire district was surrounded by Petits Fossés
the local peasants and large buildings, including a small
(Kleine Vesten) or small ditches filled with water, also
chapel and an infirmary, were constructed later on
later partly known as Rempart des Moines (Papenvest)
the initiative of two communities of sisters. The Dames
or Monks’ Rampart. These ditches were almost certainly
Blanches 1 convent was established not far from St.
also used for drainage and defence.
Catherine’s Gate in the 1230s. Nearby was the section
of road which led to Ghent and Bruges first known as the
Chaussée (Steenweg) indicating that it was one of the
2
oldest paved streets in Brussels before it took the name
of Chaussée de Flandre (Vlaamse Steenweg) 3 which it
still bears today. This was the main axis of development
1
Approx. current location: between rues de Flandre, des
Chartreux, Rempart des Moines and Place du Vieux Marchéaux-Grains. Succeeded by the convent of Our Lady of the Rose
of Jericho in 1457.
2
Approx. current location: rue de Flandre. Earliest known
mention: 1222.
in the district. A hospital for impoverished travellers
3
Earliest known mention: 1491.
dedicated to St. Cornelius was also set up here in the
4
Approx. current location: near rue and Place du Béguinage
14 century.
5
The Beguines chose chastity and obedience to their superiors,
but were not bound by a vow of poverty or perpetual vows.
th
Further north, the secular Beguines community
established a presence in the mid-13 th century not
far from Laeken Gate and developed an entire living
area for its members inside an enclosure intersected
by streets 4 . Women who wished to dedicate their
lives to God and to live in a community came here,
without having to enter holy orders 5. The béguinage
used the Molenbeek, a channelled stream, to turn
the community’s mill. And nearby, a vast marsh was
developed for use as a holding pond.
3
3
Béguinage – Extract from map of
Brussels by van Deventer (c. 1560).
This district was reserved for homes
and installations used by the
Beguines, women who wanted
to live their faith in communities,
but without taking vows. The district
can be seen to be laid out around
a main rectilinear axis. The church,
the Molenbeek stream and the
water-filled pit used for protection
and land drainage can be made out.
© bibliothèque royale de belgique
48
pet
its
fo
ss
és
béguinage
st. cornelius
dames blanches
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
To the north: expansion of
the Orsendal and Marais areas,
new Alboom district
The ditch fed by the Hameidebeek stream ran along
Behind the collegiate church there was also a cattle
a street called Fossé au loup 1 (Wolfsgracht), or wolf’s
market and the development of a new subdivision,
ditch, which was connected to the Marais aux Herbes
known as Alboom 5 .
Potagères (Warmoesbroeck). This area was still widely
used for growing fruit and vegetables. The archers of
St. Lawrence, one of the military companies responsible
for defending the city, also used it as an exercise area.
At the start of the 14th century, a chapel to St. Lawrence 2
was founded, to be followed later by the addition of
a hospital for impoverished travellers. Two religious
communities were also set up in the area around the
14th century: the Brethren of the Ditch 3 and the sisters
of St. Elizabeth of Mount Zion 4 .
1
Approx. current location: rue du Fossé aux Loups. The name is
probably a reference to the presence of a family called “Wolf” in
the district.
2
Approx. current location: rue Saint-Laurent.
3
Approx. current location: approx. rue du Fossé aux Loups.
4
Approx. current location: approx. corner of Boulevard du
Berlaimont and rue des Comédiens.
5
Approx. current location: rue de Leuven. The name Alboom
may mean “all trees” or poplars, referring to the enclosures
found here.
To the south east: the Sablon
In front of the ditch running around the rampart, the
1
areas through which the Zavelbeek stream flowed were
2
first used to quarry sand and stone. They began to be
inhabited from the 13th century onwards. A cemetery 1
belonging to St. John’s hospital dating back to the
Approx. current location: Place du Petit Sablon.
Approx. current location: Church of Our Lady of Sablon. The
small chapel, completed in 1318, was to be replaced in the next
century by the church we still know today.
3
Approx. current location: Place du Grand Sablon. Earliest
known mention: 1321.
14th century was also found here. This institution
then relinquished part of its land to the “allegiance”
(an association set up to defend the city) of the
archers of Our Lady so that they could build a chapel
there dedicated to the Virgin 2 . The area below was
developed for use as a horse market 3 , with a pond
used as a water reserve.
4
4
Sablon – Extract from map of
Brussels by van Deventer (c. 1560).
sablon
The sandy soil gives its name to
this district (sable = sand) with its
little chapel dedicated to Our Lady,
replaced at the end of the Middle
Ages by the imposing church still
standing today. A vast rectangular
square was built at its foot and
is used for a horse market.
© bibliothèque royale de belgique
49
Brussels in the Middle Ages
A second city wall in
response to new urban
developments
The developments which had emerged to the west
of urban development. The network of churches not only
(Overmolen, Dames Blanches, Béguinage) and the north
had the convent chapels and hospices, but also a large
(Marais aux Herbes potagères, Orsendal) were protected
church in the Sablon dedicated to the Virgin replacing
in the 14th century by earth embankments with
the small 15th century chapel previously on the site.
ditches full of water in front of them. Palisades called
“hamades” 1 were placed in front of several districts
Outside the walls, near three of the seven gates
outside the walls. It is not known whether these were for
of the second rampart (Obbrusselpoort, Buitenste
defensive purposes or whether they were simply used to
Coudenbergpoort, Leuvensepoort 5), were in the hamlets
mark the area for collecting taxes on goods entering the
of St Gilles (then called Obbrussel), Ixelles (the upper
city. At least two new fortified gates 2 were built towards
part) and St Josse ten Noode (originally just called
the mid-14th century on the route between rue de Laeken
Ten Noode), which were then the suburbs of the city.
and the Chaussée (now rue de Flandre).
At the end of the Middle Ages, there was, however still a
A completely new stone and brick wall (which historians
very high number of uninhabited land areas inside the
usually refer to as the “second city wall”) was built
second wall. The Duke’s hunting estate virtually doubled
between 1357 and the end of the 1370s. About eight
in size in the first half of the 15th century.6 Some areas of
kilometres long, it encompassed an area of 416 hectares,
land in different parts of the city were used as exercise
or five times the area enclosed by the 13 th century
areas by military groups defending the city. But most
rampart. This second city wall integrated all the districts
of the unallotted areas were used mainly for agriculture
in Brussels, old and new, a longer section of the Senne
(fields, vegetable gardens and orchards), livestock
and its various branches, as well as a large unbuilt area
(meadows) or crafts (prairies for stretching, drying and
and the woods adjoining Coudenberg castle. This green
bleaching cloth). These were mainly in the north and west
area now enclosed within the city walls was used as an
in the moist valley of the Senne, and also constituted
ornamental garden for the palace and as a hunting
land reserves for the further development of the city.
estate ( Warande). In order to include all the Chapelle
area which had extended along the rue Haute, the new
Earliest known mention: 1303.
2
characteristic pear shape.
Klein Lakenpoort (petite porte de Laeken) or small Laeken gate,
and Filipspoort (porte Philippe), or Philip’s Gate, known later as
the Verlorenkostpoort (“the lost gate” or “waste-of-money gate”)
once the Flanders gate had been built.
The various districts in the area between the first wall,
3
rampart stretched further south, which explains its
still extant and the second wall became increasingly
densely populated up to the end of the Middle Ages.
A few new hospitals were set up, creating a network of
charitable organisations throughout the city 3 . Houses
followed the routes of streets and the street network
was extended. The roads connecting the gates of the
first rampart 4 to those of the second (and beyond, to
the countryside and other cities) were now major axes
50
1
Hospices Bons-Enfants (rue de Schaerbeek, then rue du BoisSauvage), Saint-Christophe (rue de Ruysbroeck), Enfants trouvés
(rue de Leuven), Saint-Aubert (rue du Curé). See S. Demeter and
D. Guilardian, op. cit.
4
It would only be progressively dismantled from the 16th century
onwards.
5
= Gates of Obbrussel (= Saint-Gilles), outer Coudenberg and
Leuven. Current locations approx.: Porte de Hal, Porte de Namur,
Place Madou.
6
Approx. current location: from the Royal Palace to rue de Leuven.
TO HEL P YOU FIND YOUR WAY
Outline of second city wall with the map of
the current city centre in the background
The outline of the second rampart is found to a large extent in the boulevards which replaced it at the start
of the 19th century and which today form the “inner ring road”. A guide entitled “The second city wall of Brussels”*
describes several walking tours which highlight the importance of the wall in the city’s history.
* Published by Brussels Capital Region, Monuments and Sites. Available on request.
Or to download www.monument.irisnet.be/fr/sensibi/pubbrochures.htm
© background map of brussels urbis, drawing c. ortigosa
Porte de Laeken
Porte de Flandre
Porte de Schaerbeek
Porte de Louvain
Porte d'Anderlecht
Porte de Namur
E
W
N
S
Porte de Hal
Brussels in the Middle Ages
5
5
The Porte de Hal today.
This fortified gate, which has been extensively restored, is the last remaining evidence
of the outer city walls. It allowed people and goods to enter the city by rue Haute and
exit it by emerging in the “faubourg” (suburb) of Saint-Gilles.
52
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
Organic or planned urban development?
The first centres of population developed spontaneously without any master plan, but took the
opportunities of the land and property boundaries into account. There was no planned route
for the first roads linking the early settlement areas. As for the houses, they were built when
they were needed, without being aligned in any way, with just enough distance between them to
prevent fires spreading.
Later, when Brussels became a fully-fledged city in the course of the 12 th and 13 th centuries,
major initiatives were taken by the Duke of Brabant, such as his support for the rapid growth of
a new cluster of development around Our Lady of the Chapel, major hydraulic work on the Senne
and the construction of the first city hall in stone. This bears witness to the early beginnings
of a political vision seeking to develop the Brussels areas. Later, the local authorities also
played an active part by organising the road network and installing fountains, issuing rules on
construction materials (a ban on thatched roofs), and constructing the second city wall. From
the end of the 14th century, the local authorities were responsible for enlarging and redeveloping
the Grand Place in a more orderly fashion.
Some streets (such as Laeken, des Chartreux, d’Anderlecht, des Sables or Leuven) were also
laid out to follow a rectangular grid from the 14th century on, or maybe even in the 13 th century.
This applied both to the Chapelle district where some of streets are the clear result of planning.
As for the private Béguinage district, it adopted within its confines a plan clearly structured
around a main street with smaller streets perpendicular to it.
But apart from these examples, Brussels comprised mainly narrow winding streets between
heterogeneous districts. At the end of the Middle Ages, the overall map of the city was quite
unstructured in comparison with modern criteria in terms of alignment, symmetry and regularity.
rue de laeken
6
6
Rue de Laeken – Extract from map of Brussels by van Deventer (c. 1560).
This street connects the Porte de Laeken in the inner walls to its namesake in the outer walls.
An intermediate fortified gate, called the “Petite Porte de Laeken”, can be seen between the two
and was built some time before the construction of the outer wall. The clearly rectilinear layout
of the rue de Laeken testifies to its planned construction.
© bibliothèque royale de belgique
53
TO HEL P YOU FIND YOUR WAY
Map of Brussels
towards the mid-16th century
© bibliothèque royale de belgique
12
10
17
15
29
16
11
11
9
14
18
4
1
3
2
19
8
21
7
20
6
5
13
22
26
25
28
24
23
E
W
N
S
27
inside the first city wall
between the two city walls
1Collegiate church of St. Michel and Gudula
13Our Lady of the Chapel
2Church of St. Géry
14Dames Blanches
3Church of St. Nicholas
15Béguinage
4Church of St. Catherine
16Orsendal
5Church of St. James on Coudenberg
17Marais aux Herbes potagères
6Coudenberg Palace
18Alboom
7St. John’s hospital
19Warande
8Grand Place
20Overmolen
21Ten Cruysken
new ditches and defensive structures
22Sablon
9
Small ditches (later partly called Monks’ Rampart)
23Rue Haute
10Small Laeken gate
24Bavendal
11 Philip’s gate (or lost gate)
25Blanchisserie
12Second city wall
26Terre-Neuve
suburbs
27St. Gilles
28Ixelles
29St. Josse-ten-Noode
55
Brussels in the Middle Ages
56
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
Short bibliography
C. Billen and J-M Duvosquel (dir.), Bruxelles, 2000
Y. Cabuy and S. Demeter, Atlas du sous-sol archéologique de la région de Bruxelles, 10.2, 1997
P. Charruadas, Croissance rurale et action seigneuriale aux origines de Bruxelles, 2007
L. Danckaert, Bruxelles, cinq siècles de cartographie, 1989
C. Deligne, Bruxelles et sa rivière, 2003
S. Demeter, Le château de Coudenberg à Bruxelles, in Château Gaillard 21, 2004, pp. 45-50
A. Henne and A. Wauters, Histoire de la Ville de Bruxelles, 1845, réédité en 1975
S. Jaumain (dir.), La Région de Bruxelles-Capitale, in the collection Histoire et patrimoine des communes
de Belgique, 2008
Le peintre et l’arpenteur. Images de Bruxelles et de l’ancien duché de Brabant
(Catalogue d’exposition organisée aux Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique), 2000
M. Martens (dir.), Histoire de Bruxelles, 1979
A. Smolar-Meynart and J. Stengers (dir.), La région de Bruxelles. Des villages d’autrefois à la ville
d’aujourd’hui, 1989
J. Stengers (dir.), Bruxelles, croissance d’une capitale, 1979
B. Vannieuwenhuyze, Brussel, de ontwikkeling van een middeleeuwse stedelijke ruimte, Universiteit Gent, 2008
R. Van Uytven (dir.), Histoire du Brabant, du duché à nos jours, 2004
J. van Wijnendaele, Promenades dans les couvents et abbayes de Bruxelles, 2007
57
Model representing Brussels
around the mid-13th century
© city of brussels museums
some questions to ask or consider *
1Is this model based on contemporary records? What type of information made it possible to
make it? Is it totally reliable? What makes it interesting nevertheless?
2What types of relief are found in the city?
3What was the purpose of the wall surrounding the city? From what was it made? Why is the
top of the wall crenulated? What were the towers used for? Where did the soldiers defending
the city stand? How did people enter and leave the city? What made the wall even more
difficult for would-be attackers to approach?
4The river Senne was essential to the city’s development. Why was it important for trading?
How did it also help defend the city? How was its energy put to good use? For which other
craft activities could it be used?
5Marshland areas were found on the banks of the river. Where were they? Why could they not
be seen from inside the city?
6Were there many churches? Why? Where was the most important one?
7The Duke’s castle was situated on Coudenberg hill. Why was this good location? Why was the
presence of the Duke of Brabant important for the city’s development?
8
A small Jewish community settled on the slopes of the Coudenberg. Why did the Jews
congregate mainly here? What made some of the streets in this district different? Why was this?
*The answers can be found by observation and deduction. For further information: see the file.
58
9How were the various districts linked to one another and the outside world?
10The main market place is a rectangular space obtained by drying out the marshlands.
What name does that place have today? There were halls (covered markets) on one of its
sides. Can you find them? Now look for another hall (selling corn and grain) in the city.
11A Franciscan monastery was set up near the Senne. It had a church and buildings surrounding
its cloisters. Can you find it? Given that Franciscan monks preached and begged for their
living, why were they found in the city rather than in the countryside?
12St. John’s hospital for impoverished sick people is located between the Grand Place and the
Halle aux Blés (Corn Market). Can you find it? Why was this kind of establishment in the city
and not in the countryside? Why did it have a church attached?
13Was the entire city built up? What was non built-up land used for?
14What types of buildings can you find? Which materials were used to build them? Were there
any differences, if so, why?
15The church of Our Lady of the Chapel is not within the rampart. If the church still wanted
to extend, would this still have been acceptable for the inhabitants?
16Summarise the main features which differentiate a medieval city from the countryside
59
Map of Brussels circa 1550
by Jacob van Deventer
© bibliothèque royale de belgique
E
W
N
S
1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
some questions to ask or consider *
1Does this map date back to that time? When was it made? Is it exact? How is it orientated,
where is North (septentrio), South (meridies), East (oost), West (west)? What do the colours
blue, red and green represent? What could the darker green band running along the river
Senne represent?
2Compare the map of Brussels in the mid-16th century with the model representing the city
in the mid-13th century. How has the city evolved over three centuries? How has the number
of inhabitants evolved? What could explain this?
3How many city walls are there now? Has the first city wall been modified? Why does the new
city wall stretch further towards the south? Does water still play a part in defending the city?
Where?
4The new city wall was built in the second half of the 14th century. Was all the land within
it built up in the mid-16th century? What might the non built-up land have been used for?
Where was it to be found in particular?
5How has the network of streets evolved? How was the city centre reached from the countryside?
6What change can you see in how the buildings are arranged? Why?
7Look for the old districts which can be found on the model of the city in the 13th century.
Find the port on the Senne, Coudenberg castle, the church of St. Michael and St. Gudula,
the church of Our Lady of the Chapel, the Grand Place (big market). Which imposing building
can now be found on the Grand Place?
8Find the wooded area near Coudenberg palace. What might it have been used for?
9Find the new districts. Some of them clearly seem to have been planned in advance. How can
this be seen?
10In the surrounding countryside, the names of various villages are written on the map.
Read them out. How are they different from the city? How are they connected to the city?
Why did their inhabitants go regularly into the city? Why was this important for Brussels?
What has become of these villages today?
11Look at the ponds scattered across the countryside. Most of them were developed by man.
For what purpose?
12The faubourgs (living areas outside the city) are clearly identified near three gates in the
second city wall. Can you find them? To which districts do they correspond today?
*The answers can be found by observation and deduction. For further information: see the file.
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1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
what traces still bear witness today to brussels medieval past?
compare the current map with the model of the city in the 13th century and the
map of brussels in the 16th century. better still, go and take a look at the city!
Main traces to be found on the current map of the city
1Outline of the second city wall transformed into boulevards at the start of the 19 th century
and into the “inner ring road” in the second half of the 20 th century.
2Partial outline of the main axis linking the upper and lower parts of the city: rue de Namur /
rue Marché-aux-Herbes / rue Marché-aux-Poulets / rue St. Catherine / rue de Flandre
3Outline of the axis linking the cathedral and the lower city: rue d’Arenberg / rue de l’Ecuyer /
rue de l’Evêque
4Outline of the Grand Place and the streets adjoining it
5Outline of the rue Haute and a number of streets in the Chapelle district
6Partial outline of the first city wall: former ditches now occupied by Place St. Catherine,
Place du Vieux-Marché-aux-Grains and rue Fossé-aux-Loups.
Main traces to the seen in the city
1Relief: lower and upper parts of the city and areas in between
2Churches: St. Michael and St. Gudula / St. Nicholas / Our Lady of the Chapel / Our Lady
of Sablon
3Vestiges of the first city wall: in particular, a tower (the “Black Tower”, Place St. Catherine,
behind the church), a corner tower (“Anneessens Tower”, Boulevard de l’Empereur), part of
the wall (rue des Alexiens and rue de Villers)
4Vestiges of the second city wall: Porte de Hal
5Vestiges of the Franciscan monastery: archaeological site Bruxella 1238 (alongside the
Stock Exchange)
6Street names referring to the old districts including Place St. Géry, rue St. Catherine,
Place St. Jean, rue des Bouchers, Putterie, Place du Béguinage, rue Marché-au-Charbon,
rue du Rempart des Moines, rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères, rue du Marais, rue aux
Laines, rue Terre-Neuve, etc.
63
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1. Urban Area: Birth and Development
Colophon
Management
Corinne Ter Assatouroff, curator
Texts and iconographic research
Jean-Luc Petit, historian
Translation
Belga Translations, proofread by Sarah Strange
Graphics
www.generis.be
Thanks
For diagrams: Simon Casier, Concepcion Ortigosa
For illustrations: Archives Générales du Royaume, Bibliothèque Royale de Belgique, Musée des Egouts,
Musées Royaux d’Art et d’Histoire, Société Royale d’Archéologie de Bruxelles
For proofreading and advice: Claire Billen, Frédéric Boquet, Olivier Cammaert, Paulo Charruadas,
Stéphane Demeter, David Guilardian, Bram Vannieuwenhuyze
All the normal copyright measures have been taken with regard to the beneficiaries of the illustrations
reproduced in this booklet, at least those recognised as not in the public domain
Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles, rue du Poivre 1, 1000 Brussels
With the support of the Amis du Musée historique de la Région de Bruxelles
Coming soon
Volume 2 in the “Brussels in the Middle Ages” series will deal with the face of the city:
its mansions and iconic buildings.
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