Concise history of the Belfry of Tielt

The belfry of Tielt, 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, authorizes the construction of a cloth hall. In the same year, Tielt also receives permission to build a stone belfry for the hospital, exactly on the spot where Tielt’s town hall now stands. Presumably a wooden structure had previously stood here.

Destruction and reconstruction

The belfry and the adjoining Cloth Hall have endured much over the centuries. In 1383, the“Witte Kaproenen” of Ghent destroyed the complex for the first time. It was then temporarily set up as a fortified place until the belfry was rebuilt from 1394 onwards. In the fifteenth century, the buildings are even destroyed four times: in 1452 by the troops of Philip the Good and in 1453 by the“Gentse Groentententers.” In 1468, a severe storm again causes great damage. In 1491, the Gentenaars return and damage the halle and the belfry once again.

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 is repaired, expanded and given a fashionable Renaissance style. This style gives the belfry a new grandeur befitting Tielt’s status as a center and commercial city. Artists apply medallions, colorful statues and coats of arms in cartouches to the facades. Unfortunately, the religious wars and the depopulation of Tielt at the end of the 16th century throw a spanner in the works; the showpiece building is completely dismantled and then laboriously rebuilt.

Around 1620, the tower was crowned by Romain De Caigny and the Tielt belfry received its typical Renaissance campanile tower. The first floor of the tower is also converted into an open gallery, which gives the building an accessible and elegant character to this day.

The Carillon and preservation of the Belfry

In 1773, the belfry receives a full-fledged carillon, cast by the famous Bruges bell-founder Georges Duméry. This carillon, originally consisting of thirty bells, emphasizes the importance of the belfry as a ceremonial space.

In 1784, the belfry threatened to be demolished, parts were dilapidated and it was believed that the construction of a new town hall would make the belfry obsolete. Thanks to strong protests by a few individuals, the population could be convinced to prevent this.

During the thorough and lengthy restoration in the 1880s, the belfry takes on a completely different appearance and becomes half the size. The medieval halls on the east side are demolished and a new entrance tower is built on the north side. A frieze of coats of arms in white stone is added around the tower in the Romantic style of the time.

Damage and restoration in the 20th Century

During the 1944 liberation, the belfry is damaged, mainly by shelling that destroys the carillon and the keyboard. Restoration of this damage is carried out between 1957 and 1959, under the direction of architect Gerard Vande Weghe. His son, Luc Vande Weghe, carries out a thorough restoration in 1985, during which the carillon is also completely restored to its original ‘Dumery’ version, so that the Tielt belfry can boast the only original Dumery carillon.

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.

Thanks to city guide Berenice Vanrenterghem for her corrections and additions.

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 ‘Belfry 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.

#8 “Tielt’s Halletoren door de eeuwen heen,” Reinilde Goussaert, Publication of the heemkundige kring “De Roede van Tielt” 1986

#9: “Carillons and Towers in Belgium,” Musea Nostra, Ludion Publishing House, Ghent, 1994.

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