Haarlem’s history begins in Roman times, as a settlement along a through road to Velsen, a Roman garrison town. In the 10th century, a wooden Church of Our Lady and large stone house of the Count of Holland were built in Grote Markt square. The settlement continued to grow around this centre. In 1245, Count Willem II (William II) of Holland granted privileges to Haarlem. From then on, Haarlem became one of the most important cities in Holland. In the Early Modern Period, Haarlem developed itself industrially as a textile city, brewing city and, culturally, as a city of painters. In addition, Haarlem was also known for shipbuilding.During the Eighty Years’ War, Haarlem strongly opposed Spanish rule. In 1577, the Spanish left the city and it once again came under the rule of Willem van Oranje (William of Orange).