HERITAGE AND TOURISM
Open Churches Days at
Saint-Georges
Rue des Ecoles
5080 Villers-lez-Heest
Church | | Neogothic | Catholic Church
Guided tour
02 June 2024 : 10.30 - 16.00The tour will feature a neo-Gothic building constructed in 1891 by the architect Edmond Jamar. A rare type in the country inspired by English architecture, with its characteristic crenellated tower. Comments will also cover the original stained glass windows and murals.
Price
Free contributionContact
Brichart Pierre+32 476 30 24 73
pierre_brichart@outlook.fr
Organizers:
Maison de la Mémoire Rurale de La Bruyère / Fabrique d'église de Villers-lez-HeestOther events at Saint-Georges
Concert
Saxophone quartet
02 June 2024 : 17.00 - 18.30Concert given by four saxophonists studying at the Institut Royal de Musique et Pédagogie de Namur (IMEP).
More about this church
Description
Since at least the 16th century, a modest chapel has been available to the faithful of the hamlet of Villers-lez-Heest. All that remains of this period is a tombstone and an equestrian statue of Saint George, both of which are preserved in the contemporary church.
In 1738, a number of local residents decided that the church was too small and dilapidated, and the building was redeveloped in conjunction with the construction of the château next door.
On 11 February 1889, a royal decree provided for the creation of a new, independent parish for the village of Villers-lez-Heest, which was considerably more populous than before, and the church warden immediately decided to build a proper church on the site of the old chapel, not far from the Saint-Georges fountain at the foot of which young parents prayed to the British saint to cure their child's "milk crust" or "Saint-Georges ailment".
The current church in Villers-lez-Heest was therefore built in 1891 by the architect Jamar, right next to the 1845 chapel already dedicated to the same Saint George. The plans for the new building dedicated to the patron saint of England were particularly bold and original for the region, being in the Anglo-Saxon ogival style. The building, made of sandstone and limestone rubble, has three naves and a characteristic crenellated tower.
In 1738, a number of local residents decided that the church was too small and dilapidated, and the building was redeveloped in conjunction with the construction of the château next door.
On 11 February 1889, a royal decree provided for the creation of a new, independent parish for the village of Villers-lez-Heest, which was considerably more populous than before, and the church warden immediately decided to build a proper church on the site of the old chapel, not far from the Saint-Georges fountain at the foot of which young parents prayed to the British saint to cure their child's "milk crust" or "Saint-Georges ailment".
The current church in Villers-lez-Heest was therefore built in 1891 by the architect Jamar, right next to the 1845 chapel already dedicated to the same Saint George. The plans for the new building dedicated to the patron saint of England were particularly bold and original for the region, being in the Anglo-Saxon ogival style. The building, made of sandstone and limestone rubble, has three naves and a characteristic crenellated tower.
Photos
