CHAPTER VII

THE GOLDEN SPURS 78 Attraction of Flanders on the rest of the country--Attempts at maintaining neutrality between France and England--Thierry and Philippe d'Alsace--Baldwin IX--Ferrand of Portugal--Bouvines--Increasing French influence--Flemish reaction--"Matines Brugeoises"--Consequences of the Battle of Courtrai--Edward III and Van Artevelde.