LAMBERT II

(r. 1041-1063)

Lambert II, also known as Balderic, assumed the title of count ofLeuvenfollowing the death of his nephew Otto. A fierce defender of his prerogatives, he scorned both temporal and spiritual authorities, and, in 1051, he took up arms against Emperor Henry III, by whom he was defeated.

Brussels began its growth during his reign. Lambert II ordered construction of the church of Saint-Michel, to which, in 1047, he ordered the transfer by splendid procession of the remains of SaintGudule. (The church was subsequently known as that ofSaints-Michel-et-Gudule). He constructed the fortress on theCoudenberghill and ordered the building of thefirst town wall. The first privileges granted to town residents date from his rule. In a document of September 1062 he is referred to as Lambert, count of Brussels.