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Many studies have underscored the fact that fountains built by urban authorities in the Middle Ages had much more than a functional, utilitarian role. However, very few studies dealing with the southern Low Countries–an urban area above all else– have examined the context in which these fountains were built, the investment involved and the significance of their location. Hasty conclusions have been drawn regarding the presumably minor importance of fountains in the Low Countries. There are, however, many indications that they were sometimes imposing monuments rife with emblematic features, and were part of policies implemented by authorities in an effort to establish public spaces.