Charles II and Bruges

Belgium, Flanders, Bruges

Following the English Civil War, with Cromwell running the country, Charles Stuart, son of the recently executed King Charles the first fled to Bruges in Belgium. The house he lived in is nowadays a museum and can be visited by everyone. It is called the Gruuthuse and is situated on Dyver, beside the most picturesque canal and behind the Our Lady's church. Originally home for the family who owned the right to brew beer in Bruges (Gruut was the herb mix used in ales before hops became popular), this is a lovely building althought the floors upstairs are frighteningly creaky.