Not many people know about the Crossbowmen Guild Museum in Brussels. It is hidden behind a gate on Place Royale that is normally locked. Inside this strange museum are relics of an old corporation that dates back more than 600 years.
Founded in 1380, the Grand Serment Royal et de St-Georges des Arbalétriers de Bruxelles – the Royal Grand Order of Crossbowmen of St George of Brussels – currently has about 85 members. They gather every Thursday evening in ancient vaulted cellars to practise their skills on three firing ranges with targets set at six, ten and 20 metres.
The dark brick rooms are filled with a rich collection of 1,500 pieces dating back several hundred years. You come across old armour, crossbows hung from the ceiling and shiny trophies won in national competitions. You also see paintings, photographs, flags and posters. But the best thing about this place is that you get to chat to the members about their passion. They might even let you handle one of the solid wood crossbows.
More details on the guild’s website, which looks almost like a parchment document from the Middle Ages.
Derek Blyth’s hidden secret of the day: Derek Blyth is the author of the bestselling “The 500 Hidden Secrets of Belgium”. He picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets for The Brussels Times every day.
