During the medieval period, the Grand-Place was a courtyard accessible by a steep path, the “Breck,” which has since been built into steps. Under the rule of Henri Le Blondel (early 13th century), this was the town’s commercial district, holding a weekly market on Thursdays. Although was damaged several times by fire, such as during the Duke of Guise’s invasion in 1558, it remained the nerve centre of urban life. Sentences were announced and carried out in the square at the “Stilchen”, a pillory where convicts were held before the public. The Croix de Franchise (“Cross of Honesty”) serves as a reminder of the freedoms granted to the city during the Middle Ages.