Fence pillars Merkemveld

These gate pillars with wrought iron gates form the original entrance to the noble castle domain of Baesveld , also called Merkemveld. The pillars from the mid- 19th century are octagonal in shape and are made of red brick and blue limestone. At the base they are braced by graceful volute-shaped anchors in wrought iron.

In 2012, the pillars had to be removed for safety reasons. In 2014 they were rebuilt with maximum preservation of the original restored elements. The total cost of the restoration is 21,000 euros.

The fence pillars are part of the immovable heritage.

The castle Baesveld was originally a hunting lodge that was built in 1815-1830 by the family Van Outryve de Merckem (hence Merkemveld). Before that, the area was heathland.

The hunting lodge was converted into a castle in 1850-1852. An orangery was added in 1867. In 1873 there was talk of a chapel and in 1879 another extension followed and in 1894 the northwest corner tower was built.

In the middle of the 20th century, most of the domain was sold.

The second photo shows the original pilasters.

Willem Vandenameele