Het Oude Kerkje in Middelbeers
The Old Church in Middelbeers is a unique 15th-century monument. It was constructed between 1400 and 1450 on behalf of the Oirschot Chapter of Canons. In ancient documents, the then Saint Willibrordus Church is mentioned as the 'Beerse Canonici' (Beers of the Canon). The church is the most well-preserved example of a Roman Catholic pseudobasilica and Kempen village Gothic architecture that has survived in the region. The church is accompanied by a walled cemetery with neo-Gothic crosses and tombstones from the 17th and 18th centuries.
During a restoration, iron sandstone and tufa stone were found in the foundation under the choir of the church, suggesting that there may have been a church at this location earlier. Sandstone drip ledges were used in the tower.
Inside the church, t…
The Old Church in Middelbeers is a unique 15th-century monument. It was constructed between 1400 and 1450 on behalf of the Oirschot Chapter of Canons. In ancient documents, the then Saint Willibrordus Church is mentioned as the 'Beerse Canonici' (Beers of the Canon). The church is the most well-preserved example of a Roman Catholic pseudobasilica and Kempen village Gothic architecture that has survived in the region. The church is accompanied by a walled cemetery with neo-Gothic crosses and tombstones from the 17th and 18th centuries.
During a restoration, iron sandstone and tufa stone were found in the foundation under the choir of the church, suggesting that there may have been a church at this location earlier. Sandstone drip ledges were used in the tower.
Inside the church, there was a unique hardstone baptismal font with primitive Assyrian-looking carved heads with beards at all four corners. The font, possibly from the 13th century, is the oldest historical piece that Middelbeers possesses. It is currently located in the large Saint Willibrordus Church (Willibrordstraat 16) in Middelbeers, which was put into use in 1927.
The Old Church also houses an ancient tombstone and a wrought-iron tower clock. The tombstone is dedicated to Pastor Guillemes Willem Pancraes Schueren, who passed away on January 27, 1608. The clock was possibly made by Henric van Thoren.
The Old Church hosts various cultural activities annually, including exhibitions, book fairs, concerts, and more. Check the website of the Old Church for an overview of all activities.
