By the 12th Century, Brussels had become a major hub for production of luxury fabrics and exports, as well as a centre of politics and finance. In the 14th Century, the city had greatly expanded and warranted a new set of walls, as the old ones were no longer sufficient. The new walls remained standing until the 1800s, when they were replaced by a ring road. The Porte de Hal is the only section of the former wall that remains.

In the 13th Century, a revolution ensued after the traders’ guilds began protesting against the wealthy ruling class. A long period of turmoil followed, which ended when Duchess Jeanne of Louvain came to power. She realised that the political unrest had begun to threaten trade with Britain, which was a major source of income for the traders. Therefore, the duchess drafted a charter of workers’ rights, granting a degree of political power to craftsmen. Monumental buildings from the 13th Century bear witness to the history of Brussels as a trade centre during this period.

When in the late 14th Century Brussels was attacked by the count of Flanders, the fortifications surrounding the city were strengthened. The city came under Burgundian rule after Duke Philip of Burgundy married Margaret III of Flanders, the heiress of Duchess Jeanne.

The Burgundians’ rule was not long. The son of Philip and Margaret, Antoine, emerged from the House of Valois. Brussels became the capital of Burgundy in the 1430s, which led to an unprecedented rise in its importance. Mary of Burgundy married Maximilian of the Austrian Habsburgs in 1477. The city then entered a period of Habsburg rule. Over the next few centuries, Brussels was among the most successful production centres. However, the locals were not happy with the change in power and began to rebel against the rulers after Mary’s death. The Habsburgs managed to retain power, but Maximilian’s daughter moved the capital away from Brussels.