These noble cross-bow men of the middle ages formed a sort of armed guard to the powers in existence, and almost invariably took the aristocratic, in preference to the democratic side, in the numerous civil dissensions of the Flemish towns.

Hence they were protected by the authorities, and easily obtained favourable and sheltered sites for their exercise-ground.

And thus they came to occupy the old fosse, and took possession of the great orchard of the hospital, lying tranquil and sunny in the hollow below the rampart.
But, in the sixteenth century, it became necessary to construct a street through the exercise-ground of the "Arbaletriers du Grand Serment," and, after much delay, the company were induced by the beloved Infanta Isabella to give up the requisite plot of ground.

In recompense for this, Isabella--who herself was a member of the guild, and had even shot down the bird, and been queen in 1615--made many presents to the arbaletriers; and, in return, the grateful city, which had long wanted a nearer road to St.Gudule, but been baffled by the noble archers, called the street after her name.

She, as a sort of indemnification to the arbaletriers, caused a "great mansion" to be built for their accommodation in the new Rue d'Isabelle.