Send Gift Baskets to Binche, Belgium

Binche was founded during the Middle Ages near the Roman Road connecting Bagacum (now Bavay) with Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (now Cologne). The road influenced Binche in terms of trade and communication.

Founded by Yolande of Gelders, the widow of Duke Baldwin III of Hainaut, the city was officially launched in the 12th century. Their son Baldwin IV fortified the town, which served as a border fortress against France. The city wall was extended in the 14th century to reach its current size.

When Belgium was under Spanish rule, the city’s economic power peaked. Jacques Du Broeucq designed the palace to compete with Fontainebleau, the residence of Mary of Hungary, governess of the Netherlands for Emperor Charles V. She had a magnificent palace built to compete with that of Fontainebleau. Binche was the destination of Charles V’s visit to his sister in 1549, and she organized a splendid celebration to mark this occasion.

In 1554, King Henry II’s troops plundered the palace, city, and surrounding area, ending this era of prosperity. Hainaut was the scene of repeated military conflicts between the kingdoms of France and Spain until the 18th century.

As a result of the Industrial Revolution, prosperity was restored. Coal mine slag heaps still shape landscapes. In addition, there were brickyards, tanneries, glaziers, breweries, lime kilns, and soap factories. Many people made lace, cobbled shoes, and tailored clothes at home. The city was introduced to post offices and train stations at this time.