Page "Marche-en-Famenne" Paragraph 4

When in 1555 Philip II of Spain, son of Charles V, inherited his father ’ s empire, the freedoms of Spain ’ s Seventeen Provinces to the north were reduced considerably, giving rise to the Eighty Years ' War.

In the aftermath of the Pacification of Ghent, Don John of Austria, Philip II ’ s half brother, granted the Perpetual Edict, which was signed in the city in February 1577.

The edict allowed for the departure of the Spanish troops and recognized most of the city ’ s freedoms, with the notable exception of religion.

The war started again and Don John died a year later near Namur.