The National Museum of Scotland

The palace of caudebert started life as a castle built around the year 11 hundred by the counts of brussels and louvene. It was constructed out of the caudeber, meaning cold hill in dutch. Because it had been built as a castle instead of a palace, the structure was fortified and served as a defensive military stronghold. In 13 56, count louis the second of flanders breached the city's protective walls and occupied brussels. But as forces were pushed out and new walls were constructed after they left, a castle had served its purpose. Since it was no longer needed for defence, it was slowly converted into a palatial home and entertainment venu