Concise history:

Concise history of the Belfry of Tielt

Tielt’s belfry, located on the Market Square, has a rich and eventful history dating back to the 13th century.
In 1275, Beatrice of Brabant, widow of William of Dampierre, authorized the construction of a cloth hall.
Presumably, during the 13th or 14th century, a stone belfry was also erected next to the hall; however, some sources also point to an earlier wooden belfry in the 12th century.

Destruction and reconstruction

The belfry and Cloth Hall have endured much over the centuries.
In 1381, the complex was first destroyed by the Ghent“White Caproons,” then converted into a fortified place by the Tielt bailiff Michel Galle.
The halle was not rebuilt until 1394.
Later attacks, such as those by Philip the Good’ s army in 1452 and the“Gentse Groentententers” in 1453, again caused heavy damage.
The halle burned out completely but the tower trunk of the belfry remained standing, however, and was provided with a new campanile-shaped crown in 1466-1468.
In 1491, the Gentenaars returned again, again damaging the hall and belfry.

Expansions in the 16th and 17th centuries

In the 16th century, the belfry continued to develop despite new devastation.
After a fire in 1545, the building was repaired and expanded, with the tower executed in Renaissance style.
This gave the belfry a new grandeur befitting Tielt’s status at the time.
Around 1620, the tower was again embellished with a Renaissance campanile and the clockwork was updated.
The first floor of the hall was also converted into an open gallery, which gave the building a more accessible and elegant character.

The Carillon and preservation of the Belfry

In 1773 the belfry received a new carillon, cast by the Bruges bell-founder Georges Duméry.
This carillon, with thirty bells, emphasized the importance of the belfry as a ceremonial space.
In 1784, the belfry threatened to be demolished due to the construction of a new city hall, but thanks to strong protests from the population, this was prevented.
During the restoration of the 1880s, the belfry was modified again, demolishing old parts and thoroughly restoring the tower.

Damage and restoration in the 20th Century

During the 1944 Liberation, the belfry was damaged, particularly by shelling that destroyed the carillon and keyboard.
Restoration of this damage took place between 1957 and 1959, under the direction of architect Gerard Vande Weghe.
The carillon was restored and recommissioned so that the belfry could once again fulfill its musical role in the city.

Heritage Status

Tielt’s belfry was included on UNESCO ‘s World Heritage List in 1999 as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France, further underlining its historical and cultural value.
In 2008, the belfry underwent another extensive renovation, keeping it a lasting reminder of Tielt’s rich history.

Sources:

#1 2003, “Along Flemish Belfries and Townhouses,” Michiel Heirman, Davidsfonds Publishers, Leuven.

#2 Leon Impe,“Belfry and Carillon at Tielt,” in West Flanders Yearbook 11 (1962), p. 39.

#3 Luc Danhieux, “Rise and flowering of the belfries, their significance,” in West Flanders Yearbook 11(1962), p.2.

#4 ‘Belfrot and Halle, Tielt on website onroerenderfgoed.be, accessed August 31, 2024.

#5“Belfry of Tielt” on website wikipedia.org, accessed August 30, 2024.

#6“Belfry and halle at Tielt” on website belgiumview.com, accessed August 29, 2024.

#7“Proud symbols of freedom” on website stamgent.be, accessed August 31, 2024.

Belfort opening hours

The belfry is only accessible with a recognized regional guide.
Contact Tourism Tielt for this.

Monday: 9 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 12 a.m., 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 12 a.m., 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 12 a.m., 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Sunday: closed