This inestimable privilege, however, after having been exercised during a certain period by the whole body of citizens, was eventually monopolized by the municipal government itself, acting in common with the deans of the various guilds.
Thus organized and inspired with the breath of civic life, the communities of Flanders and Holland began to move rapidly forward.

More and more they assumed the appearance of prosperous little republics.

For this prosperity they were indebted to commerce, particularly with England and the Baltic nations, and to manufactures, especially of wool.
The trade between England and the Netherlands had existed for ages, and was still extending itself, to the great advantage of both countries.

A dispute, however, between the merchants of Holland and England, towards the year 1215, caused a privateering warfare, and a ten years' suspension of intercourse.

A reconciliation afterwards led to the establishment of the English wool staple, at Dort.