From right to left: Le Roy d'Espagne, La Brouette, Le Sac
On the west side of the square, several guild houses illustrate the importance of these organisations in ancient times. Not only did they organise the practice of their respective trades, but they also took part in the administration of the towns, using their growing wealth to replace the royal or lordship authorities. They were abolished during the French Revolution, when Belgium and the Netherlands were annexed.
The King of Spain– This was once the house of the Bakers’ guild, being decorated with a bust of Charles II, King of Spain and ruler of the Netherlands, and was later named after this decorative element.
The Wheelbarrow – The Wheelbarrow House belonged to the corporation of Greasers, merchants in charge of selling poultry and eggs. Above the doors are golden wheelbarrows.
The Bag – This is the former house of the Carpenters, the base of which survived the destruction. The harvest scene above the doorway shows a large bag.