Visé in Liège, Wallonia, Belgium — Northwestern Europe
Statue Equestre d’un Arbaletrier
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Equestrian Statue of a Crossbowman
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 13, 2024
1. Equestrian Statue of a Crossbowman Marker
Cette statue équestre conçue et réalisée par le sculpteur Jan Dieusaert commémore le 700ème anniversaire de la fondation de la Compagnie Royale des Anciens Arbalétriers Visétois en 1310.
C'est à cette date que le Prince-Evêque de Liège Thibaut de Bar prend possession de ses droits sur la ville de Visé.
La compagnie, constituée de bourgeois de la ville, fut chargée de protéger les biens et territoires de la cité abrités derrière de solides fortifications.
Cette sécurité lui valut d'accueillir en 1338, la châsse de Saint Hadelin provenant de Celles où elle était menacée de vol et de vandalisme.
Les Arbalétriers surveillaient les entrées de la ville et assuraient le maintien de l'ordre public. Ils portaient une attention particulière au négoce fluvial, au commerce et au marché hebdomadaire dont la réputation et la fréquentation s'étendaient à des lieues à la ronde.
La statue est implantée à proximité d'un perron. Ce symbole des libertés rappelle l'existence d'un monument de justice disparu à la suite de guerres passées. Il a été reconstitué à l'initiative de
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Cet ensemble. offert par les Arbalétriers à la ville. rappelle l'exceptionnelle longévité de la Compagnie malgré les vicissitudes de l'histoire. Dans son esprit de fidélité aux traditions ancestrales, mais capable de s'adapter à toute évolution, la Compagnie Royale des Anciens Arbalétriers Visétois continuera d'exister à travers les siècles.
«Per Saecula Conjuncti»
«Unis à travers les siècles»
Devise de la Compagnie des Arbalétriers Visétois
Equestrian Statue of a Crossbowman
This equestrian statue designed and made by the sculptor Jan Dieusaert commemorates the 700th anniversary of the founding of the Compagnie Royale des Anciens Arbalétriers Visétois (“Royal Company of the Old Crossbowmen of Visé”) in 1310.
It was on this date that the Prince-Bishop of Liège Thibaut de Bar took possession of his rights over the city of Visé.
The company, made up of bourgeois of the city, was responsible for protecting the property and territories of the city sheltered behind solid fortifications.
The company earned its honors in 1338,
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 13, 2024
2. Equestrian Statue of a Crossbowman and Marker
The Crossbowmen watched over the entrances to the city and ensured the maintenance of public order. They paid particular attention to river trade, to commerce and to the weekly market whose reputation and attendance extended for miles around.
The statue is located near a flight of steps. This symbol of freedom recalls the existence of a monument of justice that disappeared following past wars. It was reconstructed on the initiative of the Company in 1960 on the occasion of its 650th anniversary.
This ensemble, offered by the Crossbowmen to the city, recalls the exceptional longevity of the Company despite the vicissitudes of history. In has the spirit of fidelity to ancestral traditions, but is capable of adapting to changing conditions. The Royal Company of Ancient Crossbowmen of Visé will continue to exist throughout the centuries.
Erected 2010 by Compagnie des Arbalétriers Visétois.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement • Military. A significant historical date for this entry is August 28, 1310.
Location. 50° 44.008′ N,
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 13, 2024
3. Equestrian Statue of a Crossbowman
The plaque on the base notes that the statue was inaugurated by his majesty King Albert II and Queen Paola on April 22, 2010.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: US Army 30th Infantry Division Liberation Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); L’Eglise Saint-Martin de Vise / Church of Saint Martin of Vise (within shouting distance of this marker); L’Incendie de Visé - Panneau 3 / The Burning of Visé - Panel 3 (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); John Knottenbelt (approx. 4.1 kilometers away in Netherlands); Leonard J. Hoffman Memorial (approx. 4.1 kilometers away in Netherlands); Leonard J. Hoffman (approx. 4.1 kilometers away in Netherlands); Mesch Liberation Monument
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 13, 2024
4. Equestrian Statue of a Crossbowman
Also see . . . Histoire (Compagnie Royale des Anciens Arbalétriers Visétois, in French).
Excerpt (in translation): If we consult the historical brochure published on the occasion of the six hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Royal Company of the Old Crossbowmen of Vise, we can read in full: "The guild of crossbowmen of Vise, placed under the aegis and patronage of Saint-Georges, was founded in the year 1310 by Thibaut de Bar, 45th Prince-Bishop (74th bishop) of Liège.(Submitted on July 30, 2024.)
This distant origin that the guild claims still permeates its history and traditions today: it is however permissible to wonder to what extent it is supported.
On August 28, 1310, Thibaut de Bar exchanged with the Chapter of Saint-Lambert the justice of Amay for that of Visé: a historical note due to the hand of a former dignitary of the guild, dates back to this date the creation of the crossbowmen. In fact, no old and sufficiently precise document confirms this hypothesis.
Nevertheless, by carrying out numerous cross-checks, we can think that the guild was created in the fourteenth century, in 1310 as the note already cited suggests or, a little later, at the time of the erection of the ramparts surrounding the city (1330-1335).
Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 30, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
