Jacob van Artevelde
Jacob van Artevelde (1295 - 1345), known as the "Brewer of Ghent", Flemish statesman and political leader, was born in Ghent of a wealthy commercial family. He married twice and amassed a fortune, probably in the brewing industry.
Artevelde rose to prominence during the early stages of the Hundred Years' War. Fearful that hostilities between France and England would hurt the prosperity of Ghent, he entered political life in 1337. He proposed an alliance with Bruges, Ypres, and other Flemish towns in order to show neutrality. Artevelde served as captain general of Ghent from that time until his death. Neutrality was eventually broken, and the towns took the side of the English in 1340. In that year, Artevelde persuaded the federation to recognize King Edward III of England as sovereign of France and overlord of Flanders.
Flemish trade and industry flourished under Artevelde's semi-dictatorial rule. In 1345, however, rumours that he planned to recognise the son of Edward III as count of Flanders caused a popular uprising in Ghent and Artevelde was killed by an angry mob.
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