States of Flanders

Initially it consisted only of the Third Estate, with representatives of the three cities of Bruges, Ghent and Ypres.

In 1579–1581, during the Eighty Years' War, the cities and the States of Flanders subscribed to the Union of Utrecht and the Act of Abjuration declaring independence from Habsburg rule, but royal troops reconquered most of the Flemish territory (excepting Zeelandic Flanders) and restored Habsburg rule.

Under the government of the Archdukes Albert and Isabella, a representation of the First Estate was included in the composition of the States of Flanders.

From 1754, smaller towns in Flanders were granted representation in the States, and the responsibilities of the body were extended from voting taxes and levying troops to oversight of public works and public assets.

All Southern Netherlands "States" disappeared four years later, during French revolutionary occupation.