Haarlem’s history begins in Roman times, as a settlement along a through road to Velsen, a Roman garrison town. In the 10th century, a wooden Church of Our Lady and large stone house of the Count of Holland were built in Grote Markt square. The settlement continued to grow around this centre. In 1245, Count Willem II (William II) of Holland granted privileges to Haarlem. From then on, Haarlem became one of the most important cities in Holland. In the Early Modern Period, Haarlem developed itself industrially as a textile city, brewing city and, culturally, as a city of painters. In addition, Haarlem was also known for shipbuilding.During the Eighty Years’ War, Haarlem strongly opposed Spanish rule. In 1577, the Spanish left the city and it once again came under the rule of Willem van Oranje (William of Orange). In the period after this, many Flemish settled in the city, often industrious people with much expertise, capital and many trade relations. Their arrival instigated a new period of growth for the Haarlem linen industry. Frans Hals, Haarlem’s most famous painter from the Golden Age, was also born in Flanders. The Flemish architect Lieven de Key became city master builder in 1593 and built the Vleeshal (Meat Hall) in Grote Markt square, designed renovations to Grote Kerk (St Bavo’s Church) and built the tower of Nieuwe Kerk (New Church).In 1631, the construction of the canal between Haarlem and Amsterdam was begun, followed in 1657 by the canal between Haarlem and Leiden. The first Dutch train ran between Amsterdam and Haarlem in 1839, and in 1843, the railway was extended to Leiden.