Bruges was a centre of trade and commerce. For a long time it held a monopoly on English wool; it also operated as a centre for the powerful Hanseatic League, which placed it at the centre of Northern Europe's merchant network. It also managed to maintain its independence from other powers (such as France) under the leadership of the Dukes of Burgundy, followed by the Counts of Flanders. These rulers maintained a glittering court, which enabled the school of Flemish painters in particular to flourish.
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Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Bruges becomes the cultural and commercial capital of northern Europe". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 01 March 2010 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=9681, accessed 23 November 2024.]