Bergues

In 882, when the [[Normans]] began their incursions, the Flanders count [[Baldwin II, Count of Flanders|Baudouin II]] built primitive fortifications. Later, in about 1022, Count [[Baldwin IV, Count of Flanders|Baudouin IV]] built Saint Winnoc Church and interred the relics of St Winnoc there. The church formed the basis of an [[abbey]].

In 882, when the [[Normans]] began their incursions, the Flanders count [[Baldwin II, Count of Flanders|Baudouin II]] built primitive fortifications. Later, in about 1022, Count [[Baldwin IV, Count of Flanders|Baudouin IV]] built Saint Winnoc Church and interred the relics of St Winnoc there. The church formed the basis of an [[abbey]].

Trade was aided by proximity to the sea, which had not yet receded to Dunkirk, and the abbey. Bergues was chartered in 1240, and its independence was later expressed in the construction of a [[Bell tower|belfry]]. It became a port and textile center of regional importance, and part of the [[Hanseatic League]]. Its wool market began in 1276 and over the following centuries it was fortified and maintained its independence from France. In 1583, Bergues was besieged and conquered by [[Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma|Alexander Farnese]], but king [[Philip II of Spain]] allowed it to be rebuilt, establishing the present appearance of the town. Bergues became a major port city and eventually was attached to France by the [[Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1668)|Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle]] in 1668. [[Louis XIV of France|Louis XIV]] later developed Dunkirk, and Bergues was eclipsed as a major port. After the [[French Revolution]], its decline continued.

Trade was aided by proximity to the sea, which had not yet receded to Dunkirk, and the abbey. Bergues was chartered in 1240, and its independence was later expressed in the construction of a [[Bell tower|belfry]]. It became a port and textile center of regional importance, and part of the [[Hanseatic League]]. Its wool market began in 1276 and over the following centuries it was fortified and maintained its independence from France. In 1583, Bergues was besieged and conquered by [[Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma|Alexander Farnese]], but king [[Philip II of Spain]] allowed it to be rebuilt, establishing the present appearance of the town. Bergues became a major port city and eventually was attached to France by the [[Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1668)|Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle]] in 1668. [[Louis XIV]] later developed Dunkirk, and Bergues was eclipsed as a major port. After the [[French Revolution]], its decline continued.

Bergues was devastated by bombardment in [[World War I]], and again in 1940 during the [[Battle of Dunkirk]]. The city was entered on 2 June that year, and 80% of it was ruined during [[World War II]].

Bergues was devastated by bombardment in [[World War I]], and again in 1940 during the [[Battle of Dunkirk]]. The city was entered on 2 June that year, and 80% of it was ruined during [[World War II]].