of the city's defences, "la Citadelle", siting it on Mont St. Etienne, which closes the neck of the bend in the river that encloses the old city. In their construction, they followed Vauban's designs. From this time onwards a large pro-French faction grew among some of the town. Surrender to the French The City was to finally lose its autonomy as a result of the Franco-Dutch War starting in 1672, where the Habsburgs took the side of the Dutch and so were to lose control of Franche-Comté and Besançon. After a siege of the city, French troops occupied the city in 1674, although agreeing to allow Besançon to keep her privileges. In 1676, the French authorities wound up the magistracy, the democratic form of government of Besançon. A baillarge court was set up in its stead. As part of the deal the city became the administrative centre for Franche-Comté, with the Parlement of Besançon administering the area, replacing the Parlement of Dole. French control was confirmed in 1678 by the Treaty of Nijmegen. Institutions Besançon had a reasonably democratic form of government, unlike most free imperial cities, which gradually became oligarchies. The government consisted of twenty-eight councillors elected every year by the seven parishes. These, in turn, chose fourteen governors, who dealt with the day-to-day business. The main business was dealt with by both councillors and governors sitting together. There was also a provision for a general assembly of citizens in very important cases. The protector, first the dukes of Burgundy and then the Austrian and Spanish Habsburgs had the right to appoint a president for the governors and the commander of the soldiers who guarded the ramparts. These were never recognised as sovereign, although they still claimed to be a free city. References Burgundian Circle Free imperial cities Free Former countries in French history Prince-bishoprics of the Holy Roman Empire in France History of Doubs 1180s establishments in the Holy Roman Empire 1184 establishments in Europe 1654 disestablishments in the Holy Roman Empire