Brugse Vrije

The Brugse Vrije was a castellany in the county of Flanders, often called in English "the Franc of Bruges".

Initially the Vrije was seated next to the Steen (castle of the count), on the west side of the Burg.

In 1434–1440 the Vrije added a tribunal to the southern side, facing towards Groenerei [nl], a canal in Bruges.

Lastly, the part of the manor that is visible on the Burg, and which was significantly enlarged by the purchase of the Love in 1555, was rebuilt in 1722–1727 in the Neoclassical style after a design by Jan Verkruys.

Located in this former aldermen's chamber of the old Palace of the Brugse Vrije, is the monumental 16th-century Emperor-Charles-fireplace, made of oak wood, alabaster and marble, designed by Lanceloot Blondeel.

Map of the Brugse Vrije, by Willem Janszoon Blaeu , published in 1664
Lord Mayor of the Brugse Vrije: Henri de Vicq, Lord of Meuleveldt by Rubens
Palace of het Brugse Vrije.
Postcard of the Maison du Franc II (Excelsior Series 11, No. 13, Albert Sugg a Gand; ca. 1905).