In the early part of the 10th century, Baldwin III laid the basis for the industrial and commercial greatness of the region by establishing the wool and silk industries at Ghent and instituting annual fairs at Brugge (Bruges), Ieper and other towns. Source: "Flanders (historic region)," Microsoft(R) Encarta(R) 98 Encyclopedia. (c) 1993-1997 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved