The beguinage: the infirmary with a view of the sky

The building that today houses the cultural center used to be the infirmary of the beguinage. Sick beguines were cared for in this infirmary. Elderly beguines could wear out their old age here, but on the other hand they gave up all their earthly possessions. Others from outside the court could also be cared for here. This activity was an interesting source of income. By the way, the infirmary was more or less an independent unit that was often rich and in charge of many matters. Whether men were cared for is not clear. After all, men were not allowed to sleep within the walls of the court. It is no coincidence that infirmaries are located on the outside of the court. On the one hand, the possible risk of contamination was kept out of the community and on the other hand there was a direct and separate connection with the outside world. This was the case, among other things, when a surgeon had to be called upon to perform fractures or bloodletting.

During the French period, infirmaries continued to exist and care was administered by the former beguines. Skilled care personnel were not so easy to find and sick and wounded soldiers of Napoleon's army could find some solace here. However, the beguines had to take off their habit and wear worldly clothes.

In the beginning of the 19th century, the building was decorated by the city as a 'civic god's house' and elderly people were also cared for.

In the Middle Ages, care did not mean that people had the possibilities and the means to heal. Getting washed, clean clothes, decent food and a place to sleep were usually the main concerns. Herbs would probably also be used, if only to combat symptoms such as fever or abdominal cramps. In fact, the medievalist was convinced that the sick man was at the mercy of God. A sick person could therefore prepare himself for a 'good death'. That is why many infirmaries had a view of the chapel and could participate in the mass. You can easily recognize this chapel on the outside by the high pointed arch windows. Under the roof of the building volume that stands across the chapel was probably the infirmary or 'beyaert'.

The building was destroyed during the First World War but restored in 1915.

Jan Rymenams