Editing Binche (section)

== History ==
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[[File:Binche JPG02.jpg|thumb|left|The remaining walls of the medieval castle of Binche]]

Binche came into being during the [[Middle Ages]], near the [[Roman road]] that connected [[Bagacum]], the capital of the [[Nervii]], (now [[Bavay]]) to [[Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium]], (now [[Cologne]]). The road influenced trade and communication throughout Binche.

The city was officially founded in the 12th century by Yolande of Gelders, widow of Duke [[Baldwin III, Count of Hainaut|Baldwin III]] from [[County of Hainaut|Hainaut]]. Their son [[Baldwin IV, Count of Hainaut|Baldwin IV]] fortified the city, which served as a frontier fortress against France. In the 14th century, the city wall was extended to its present size.

The city reached the peak of its economic power when [[Belgium]] was under [[Spanish Empire|Spanish rule]]. Binche was the residence of [[Margaret of Austria, Duchess of Savoy|Mary of Hungary]], governess of the Netherlands for her brother, [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Emperor Charles V]]. She had a magnificent [[Binche Palace|palace]] built, designed by [[Jacques Du Broeucq]], to compete with that of [[Fontainebleau]]. Charles V visited Binche in [[1549]] on invitation from his sister. For this occasion, she organized magnificent celebrations.

This period of prosperity came to an end in [[1554]] as the palace, the city, and the surrounding area were plundered by the troops of [[Henry II of France|King Henry II of France]]. Until the beginning of the 18th century, [[Hainaut Province|Hainaut]] was the site of repeated military conflicts between the kingdoms of France and Spain.

The [[Industrial Revolution]] brought renewed prosperity. Coal mines' slag heaps still shape the landscape. Adding to this were the [[brickyard]]s, [[tanneries]], [[glazier]]s, [[Brewery|breweries]], [[lime kiln]]s, and soap factories. Thousands of people worked at home as lace makers, cobblers, and tailors. Post offices and train stations were introduced in the city during this time.