390 COMPARATIVE ARCHITECTURE. SECULAR ARCHITECTURE. This reflects the independent and prosperous condition of the mediaeval towns. The possession of a " beffroi " (belfry) attached to the town hall was an important privilege granted by charter, and the lower portion, which was of massive construction, was frequently used as a record office. The beffroi at Bruges, 352 feet high (No. 168), is one of the most picturesque of these towers, and forms a landmark for many miles round, its chequered history being referred to by Longfellow : — " In the market-place of Bruges Stands the belfry old and brown ; Thrice consumed and thrice rebuilded. Still it watches o'er the town." The Town Halls are exceptionally fine ; those at Brussels (1401-1455), Bruges (1377) (No. 168), Louvain (1448-1463), and Ghent (14 81) (No. 169) being the more important. Many were designed on the same lines, and are several stories in height, surmounted by a high roof with dormer windows in tiers, the central portion being carried up as a tower, the upper octagonal portion of which is richly ornamented (No. 168). The Toivn Hall at Ghent (No. 169), built in two distinct styles, is a somewhat striking example of comparative architecture, the Gothic fagade (i 518- 1 533) contrasting with the Renaissance fa9ade (1595-1622). The Trade Halls for buying and selling merchandize, especially cloth, for which the country was renowned at this period, are also very characteristic, the Cloth Hall at Ypres (1200- 1304) being exceptionally fine. The Guildhalls were also built as meeting-places for the separate trades or guilds, which were very powerful, and there are several examples in the market-place of Brussels. 4. Comparative. A. Plans. — Short and wide plans after French models were adopted in the cathedrals, that at Antwerp having seven aisles (No. 167 f). The French chevet was also adopted. B. Walls. — In domestic work the long, unbroken facades and greater symmetry and regularity of the scheme are characteristic, being regarded in other countries as non-Gothic in design. These, along with the trade halls and guildhalls of which Ypres is probably the finest example, form a class of building suited to the needs of the community, and their free and open appearance may be compared with the halls of Florence and Siena. c. Openings. — The windows are richly ornamented with
