Bruges

Lore & Background

The earliest mention of Bruges is as Brugis in an inventory of Saint Bavo's Abbey between 851–864 AD. The name may derive from Old Dutch for 'bridge' or Scandinavian 'Bryggja' meaning 'quay'. Bruges became the capital of the County of Flanders in 1089 and received its city charter on 27 July 1128. Its Golden Age (12th–15th centuries) was fueled by the Zwin tidal inlet, which after silting was re-established by a storm in 1134, allowing access to the sea via Damme and later Sluys. The city became a key link between Hanseatic League trade and southern routes, hosting foreign merchants including Genoese, Venetians, Castilians, and Basques. The Bourse opened in 1309, likely the first stock exchange in the world. In 1302, the Bruges Matins—a night-time massacre of the French garrison—led to the Battle of the Golden Spurs. In the 15th century, Duke Philip the Good held court in Bruges, attracting artists and bankers; the first book in English was printed there by William Caxton.

Reader's Guide

Bruges holds significance as a medieval commercial powerhouse that pioneered merchant capitalism, bills of exchange, and letters of credit. Its port made it a chief commercial city, and its Bourse (1309) is considered the world's first stock exchange. The city's decline began around 1500 due to silting of the Zwin channel, and by the 16th century it fell behind Antwerp. Today, Bruges is a major tourist destination and hosts the College of Europe, a university institute for European studies. Its historic oval city center, about 430 hectares, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's legacy includes its role in the Flemish cloth trade, its multicultural merchant communities, and its contribution to early financial instruments. The predominant language remains Dutch (West Flemish).

Did You Know?

• Bruges is sometimes called the Venice of the North, along with Amsterdam and Saint Petersburg.
• The Bourse opened in 1309 and is thought to be the first stock exchange in the world.
• The first book in English ever printed was published in Bruges by William Caxton.
• The city's name may derive from the Scandinavian 'Bryggja', meaning 'quay' or 'jetty'.