In Early Middle Ages, the city of Visé was a very important economical centre of attraction.
Very early, the magistrates had to create a local milita to assure the security of the fellow citizens. They also had to drive off the brigands and to protect the tradesmen who rushed in the city of Visé. From the 10th century, each soldier carried a crossbow.
In the years 1330, the Bishop Adolphe de la Marck, put up walls around the city. The crossbowmen were in charge to defend them. At several occasions, the crossbowmen did it and managed to beat off their attackers. The military activities of the guilde went on to the 17th century. At that time, there was a collaboration with the Arquebusiers. The guilde assured a role of police and was progressively metamorphosed into a historical society preoccupied to perpetuate its habits and customs.
There are 3 demonstrations organised by the crossbowmen nowadays :
A) The "flowing down" (the river) : it comes before the feast of St Georges and it commemorates the time when the Croosbowmen were in full possession of the merchant vessels which moved between Liège and Maestricht.
B) St Georges'feast : the Sunday after the 23nd April, the Croosbowmen celebrate their Patron St Georges. They march through the streets of Visé and they attend the traditional divine office.
C) The Corpus Christi : the second Sunday of August, the guilde celebrates its religious origins. They organized a crossbow archery and a "gast".
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Organisation of our processions
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The Company is made of
- a drums corps coming after the drum major (uniforms according to the Napoleonic
inspiration bear skins)
- a corps of young children (town suit and blue beret).
- the King escorted by his assistants who comes after the Massier. The last one, appointed for life, wears a very beautiful uniform silver brocade and has a cocked hat topped by a white plume.
- a corps of officiers of the General Staff headquarters. Each member of this corps wears blue trousers, silver braide, a black tail coat, a top hat, a formal shirt, a waistcoat, white gloves.
- The squad of officer cadets (town suit). Each squad comes after crossbowmen carriers and one flagcarrier. The General President is at the head of his officers beside his assistants. The statue of St Georges is worth seeing.
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Museum of the Crossbowmen
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To be able to understand our history, it's necessary to visit our museum situated 46, rue Haute where you can see beautiful pieces.
You will see fully crossbows from the 15th and 16th century.
Two crossbows are wonderful : the "Duc d'Albe" and the "Marguerite". The first one was offered to the crossbowmen by the ancient governor of Spanish Netherlands. The second one was offered by Marguerite of Valois, future Queen of France. Then, there are Pebble crossbow from the 17th century, barrel crossbows (19th century), balancing pole crossbows (19th century). You will also have the opportunity of seeing the Statue of St Georges (Delcommune of Maestricht, 1776).
Contact :
D. HUBERT +32 (0) 4/387.65.07
+32 (0) 474/24.06.73
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