scabini Flandriae

The scabini Flandriae were a governmental organization in Flanders during the 13th century. This body united delegates from the governments of Flanders' main cities. The scabini Flandriae intervened in various political matters, particularly concerning economic policy.1

During the 14th century, the three largest cities in Flanders—Brugge, Ghent, and Ypres—formed a permanent consultation committee. This committee, known as the "three members of Flanders," held decisive powers in taxation, legislation, and justice, and also influenced international relations. In times of revolt or when the count was absent, these "three members" assumed overall governmental power. This concentration of power in the cities meant that a system of representation by estates (clergy, nobility, and burghers) did not spontaneously develop in Flanders, unlike in Brabant and Hainaut.1