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Rh Side by side with this ancient Belfrey stands the magnificent Hotel de Ville of Ghent built in the 15th and 16th centuries. The eastern facade with its three tiers of columns is in the Renaissance style, but the facade towards the Rue Haut Pont is elaborately florid Gothic, and is considered one of the finest specimens of Gothic architecture in Belgium. I walked through the lofty council chamber and the gorgeous throne room, where in 1576, a congress of confederates drew up the famous Pacification of Ghent, resolving to expel the hated Spaniards from Netherlands.

A little way to the north of this Hotel is the still more famous MarhéMarché [sic] du Vendredi, an extensive open square where, as on a vast stage the principal historical events of the town have been enacted! When the Counts of Flanders ruled over Bruges and the whole of Flanders, it was here that the people assembled and paid homage to them in a style of magnificence unknown at the present day; and here too the Counts swore to maintain the laws, privileges, freedoms and customs of the people. When Ghent sided with England against her lord, the Count of Flanders and king of France, it was here that the famous Jacques Van Artevelde incited his fellow citizens to arms. The popular leader fell with his policy as has been stated before and was killed. Domestic dissensions were often witnessed in this square, and in a famous broil between the weavers and fullers of Ghent, no less than 500 men were killed. And lastly when Ghent and