The oldest bell in Flanders has been rediscovered in Bruges, capital of West Flanders Province. It is a bronze bell, almost 800 years old, which originally came from the Beguinage Church in the city. For years it lay uncared for in a back garden of the Beguinage. Today Bruges is honouring this important part of our cultural heritage by displaying at the Gruuthuse Museum in the city.
The bronze bell stands approximately 30 centimetres tall. Analysis of the inscription and metal testing reveal that it was cast when the Beguinage Church was founded in 1245. This likely also makes it the oldest bell in the whole of Belgium.
“For many years – probably around 60 – it lay undisturbed in the back garden, overgrown by grass,” says carillonneur Frank Deleu. “It was a nun who told me that there was an object in the back garden that had been there for years. She suspected it was quite old.”
“An enclosed garden may not be the most ideal place, but the bell was sheltered here from tourists and other visitors. And it has stood the test of time well: it still sounds quite good.’
Safely behind glass
The clock is now on display behind glass in the Gruuthuse Museum, a much safer place than its previous home in the back garden.
Bruges mayor Dirk De fauw (pictured centre) is delighted with the discovery. “It is very special: Bruges is now in possession of the oldest bell in Flanders,” he says. “This discovery once again confirms the historical richness of our city. We are therefore particularly proud to be able to share this masterpiece with our residents and visitors.”