Bruges

According to the English language guide published by Toerisme Brugge in October 2004, the short history of the city goes something like this:

• A Gallo-Roman settlement exists on the site of the present-day city.

• 851CE :: Bruges appears on the historical record.

The name is derived from an old Norse word bryggja meaning landing stage or jetty.

862CE :: Baldwin I commences the building of the castle on the present site of the Burg.

• 958CE :: The first recorded annual Fair in Bruges.
• 1089CE :: Bruges becomes the capital of Flanders.
• 1127CE :: Count Charles the Good murdered in the Church of Saint Donatian. Building of the first city rampart.
• 1134CE :: The Zwin, an estuarial channel, is created, to maintain Bruges' link with the sea. It will silt up c.1604CE, almost exactly at the end of period.
• 1150CE :: Dirk of Alsace brings Bruges' premier holy relic, the Blood of Christ to the city [now in the Basilica of the Holy Blood, above St.Basil's Chapel, beside the Burg.
• 1245CE :: Foundation of the Beguinage -- the city's prinipal nunnery.
• 1290CE :: Construction of a covered mooring area, on the Market Square, for shipping.
• 1302CE :: revolt of the citizens against French rule.