The Medieval City: Division of Power

Areas shown pink were controlled by the bishop: the area marked B was conceded by the bishop to the commune as construction work on the cathedral began. The bishop's lands extended to the east far beyond the confines of the city yielding income from agrarian production as well as commercial and legal rights.
Yellow indicates areas controlled by the chapter which also held the water mills in the northern city and was "lord of the waters" controlling the canals and river Somme providing a rich source of income.
All areas shown white were in the hands of the commune under the protection of the king who was represented by a provost.
Municipal government buildings are located to the west of the city: you can find the great tower (Beffroi) which expressed the authority of the commune.
Note in the northern suburb of S-Leu the multiple mills harnessed to the canalized waters of the River Somme (each marked on the map by a circle). Many of these served in the industrial production of woolen fabrics. Textile production and the processing and distribution of woad (blue dye) were two of the main sources of wealth in the city.