A Flemish army covered the siege of Calais in 1348; and, under the command of Giles de Rypergherste, a mere weaver of Ghent, they beat the dauphin of France in a pitched battle.

But Calais once taken, and a truce concluded, the English king abandoned his allies.

These, left wholly to their own resources, forced the French and the heir of their count, young Louis de Male, to recognize their right to self-government according to their ancient privileges, and of not being forced to give aid to France in any war against England.

Flanders may therefore be pronounced as forming, at this epoch, both in right and fact, a truly independent principality.
But such struggles as these left a deep and immovable sentiment of hatred in the minds of the vanquished.

Louis de Male longed for the re-establishment and extension of his authority; and had the art to gain over to his views not only all the nobles, but many of the most influential guilds or trades.