The Great Church of Veere

In the Grote Kerk of Vere they found bricked-in cats. Cats were also found in other places in Europe. In many cases, there are clear indications that dead cats were deliberately bricked into a wall cavity. Or placed under a doorstep to ward off evil. Sometimes they were even still alive. This animal sacrifice is said to go back to pagan customs. From the Middle Ages, cats were associated with magic, superstition and the devil, witches, the underworld... This practice, which was widespread in Europe from the Middle Ages onwards, may have had its origins in pre-medieval building sacrifices. Although the pagan meaning was later lost, bricked-in cats were still seen as good luck charms until the 19th century, based on traditional superstition.

This custom was also found in other places:

-in the Predikherenklooster in Mechelen

-at the cemetery of Saint-Maclou in Rouen, France

-in the castle of Combourg near Saint-Malo, a cat mummy is exhibited

-at the Christ Church Cathedral of Dublin in Ireland

-at the Schloss Laubegg in Austria

-in the Three Stags' Heads pub in Wardlow Mires, England

-at The Stag Inn pub in Hastings too

-in the crypt of the St. Nicholas Church of Wiuwert in Friesland

 

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