Four hundred and fifty years ago, the city of Brussels found itself at the eye of the storm during the revolt against King Philip II of Spain. For eighteen months, between September 1576 and February 1578, Brussels Town Hall served as the political centre of the Netherlands. From then on, the States-General governed the country, and attempts multiplied to find a solution to the conflicts exacerbated by extremists of all kinds – whether political or religious – by prioritising dialogue and reconciliation. In this richly illustrated book, historians Roel Jacobs and Jean-Jacques De Gheyndt bring to life a crucial, yet often overlooked, period in history. They highlight the roles of key figures such as William of Orange, his adviser Marnix de Saint-Aldegonde and the young Archduke Matthias, whilst also shedding light on the influence exerted on events by a highly mobilised Brussels bourgeoisie. The Pacification of Ghent of 1578 is a pivotal moment in this history, as it marked the first major attempt at reconciliation in the struggle against Philip II. The treaty, signed at Ghent Town Hall but ratified at Brussels Town Hall, united the Habsburg Netherlands against the Spanish forces and paved the way for a temporary freedom of conscience. This marked the beginning of Brussels’ role as a centre of political reconciliation. ‘1576–1578’ offers much more than a simple historical reconstruction of the past. This book examines how the struggle for freedom of thought and self-determination in the 16th century laid the foundations for contemporary democracy, and how these principles were re-examined in the 19th century, notably by mayors such as Charles Buls. Does Brussels Town Hall still remain a ‘place of remembrance’ for the politics of reconciliation in Europe today? An essential read for anyone wishing to better understand the complex roots of Brussels and the former Netherlands.
1576–1578 – Brussels: between dialogue and confrontation
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