History

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1302...MEDIEVAL TIMES ... OUR HISTORY

we decided to create Iron Clad to let the Ancient Spirits rule once again.

It is impossible to write down the whole history of Brugge one of our most beloved places.

Brugge and the Flemish people are centuries older than the modern day Belgium, that is independant since 1830.

We chose one of the most known battles that took place during the Middle Ages, as inspiration for our music.

It is a part of our history, a battle for freedom, land and pride.

In those days Flemish Banners

were raised with pride. Pride!

Vlaanderen de Leeuw

It was in the fourteenth century that we, the Flemish people,

were betrayed by foreign invaders who took away our land and freedom.

At that time, Brugge and also Venice were among the biggest trading cities in Europe.

The surrounding fields which were very fertile and the trades brought wealth to the city of Brugge in many ways.

A favorite target for the enemy.

The Flemish people, known as the Klauwaerts, were of course determined to get back what belonged to them.

Our victory took place in two stages.

First of all, inside the city walls of Brugge, the enemies were killed before sunrise.

Everyone who was not Flemish and could not pronounce the words "Schild en Vriend" was at the end...

the end of their lives. This is historically remembered as the Brugse Metten.

The leading figures during these events were

Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck.

To this day their statue stands in the centre of medieval Brugge.

After this first surprise attack allies came from all over the land

to join our troops to defeat the enemy at Kortrijk, Groeninger Kouter.

Thousands of men gathered for battle.

They picked out the right place, on swamp ground, which made it very difficult for

the well armed enemy knights and their heavy horses to fight.

They didn't know what to expect.

Our step ahead!

The Klauwaerts (the Flemish) won this battle,"the Battle Of The Golden Spurs"

because of their courage, strength and genius plan. Robrecht de Bethune,

known as Flanders Lion (De Leeuw van Vlaanderen), fought on the winning side.

Flemish Victory...through history...through time,...brave men gave their lives...

Today, the Castle of Wijnendale, where part of this history took place,

still stands. It was once the home of our Flemish Lion, Robrecht de Bethune.

May his spirit forever live on amongst us.

HAIL!

If you're looking for more general information regarding the Middle Ages,
the Internet Medieval Sourcebook rings true to its name.