Far from Bruges: The Peculiarities of the Development of Medieval Ports in West Flanders

This article deals with specific traits of the development of ports on the Western coast of Flanders (Nieuwpoort, Dunkerque, Ostende, Gravelins, Lombardsijde, Mardyck) in the late fourteenth — early fifteenth centuries. The research of the documents reveals the profound impact on the life of these towns of their geographical position at the sea and land border of Flanders during the active periods of the Hundred Years’ War. Warfare led to serious destructions as well as made special measures to strengthen the defence of these towns necessary. The Anglo-French War also stimulated the flourishin... Mehr ...