Court of Cambrai - Mechelen

Opposite the palace of Margaret of Austria you can see one last wardrobe from Margaret of York's palace .

The building was originally the residence of the Bishop of Cambrai when he was in Mechelen. Margareta chooses the huge Hof van Kamerijk as her widow's estate. It is also called Kaiserhof because Emperor Karl resided here from 1500 to 1515. His diamond-shaped coat of arms is directly above the door of the tower , alongside that of her husband, Charles the Bold.

The former entrance hall of the castle is now the municipal theatre.

Margaret of York

Edward IV, King of England , marries his sister Margaret to Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. That's good because he's just been widowed. Eduard also sees advantages, because he has a rich ally against France . Karel has a daughter from his previous marriage: Maria von Burgundy is only eleven years old when Margareta becomes his stepmother. The two get along well.

Karel is killed on the battlefield and is succeeded by his nineteen year old daughter Maria, young and inexperienced. Maria opposes the wealthy and safe Flemish cities fighting for more independence . Margaret of York is at her side with advice and action, which is a thorn in the sides of the cities. Margareta has to leave the court and settles down on her widow's estate in Mechelen.

Willem Vandenameele