BELGIUM - LIER - Béguinage (130)
Lier is a Belgian city located in the province of Antwerp. The city is said to have been founded in the 11th century. In 1212, the Duke of Brabant Henri I granted an urban charter to the inhabitants. The fourteenth century was a period of prosperity for the city: construction of a cloth hall in 1367, a belfry in 1369 and a second rampart in 1389. The prosperity of the city was based on the drapery industry and on the existence of a cattle market, which had been granted to it by the Dukes of Brabant.
The beguinage
Beguinages were closed courtyards where widows and unmarried women led a religiously inspired but independent life. Self-rule occurred under the leadership of a “grand dame”. The beguines supported themselves by weaving, making lace or embroidering. They took a vow of purity and obedience but not of poverty. There was great harmony between the spiritual and material life. They could leave the beguinage whenever they wished.
The Lier beguinage was created in 1258. It is a typical 13th century street beguinage comprising 11 alleys and 162 houses. All houses have a name. Agnes, the last beguine of Lier, died in 1994. At the centre stands St Margaret's Church (17-18th century).
BELGIUM - LIER - Béguinage (130)
Lier is a Belgian city located in the province of Antwerp. The city is said to have been founded in the 11th century. In 1212, the Duke of Brabant Henri I granted an urban charter to the inhabitants. The fourteenth century was a period of prosperity for the city: construction of a cloth hall in 1367, a belfry in 1369 and a second rampart in 1389. The prosperity of the city was based on the drapery industry and on the existence of a cattle market, which had been granted to it by the Dukes of Brabant.
The beguinage
Beguinages were closed courtyards where widows and unmarried women led a religiously inspired but independent life. Self-rule occurred under the leadership of a “grand dame”. The beguines supported themselves by weaving, making lace or embroidering. They took a vow of purity and obedience but not of poverty. There was great harmony between the spiritual and material life. They could leave the beguinage whenever they wished.
The Lier beguinage was created in 1258. It is a typical 13th century street beguinage comprising 11 alleys and 162 houses. All houses have a name. Agnes, the last beguine of Lier, died in 1994. At the centre stands St Margaret's Church (17-18th century).