This pillory was erected in 1521 in blue stone by Maxilien de Hornes, chamberlain to Emperor Charles.
The post consists of a hexagonal plinth with 4 steps, above which a cylindrical column with hexagonal pedestal or pedestal, above which a lantern-shaped tub is bordered with six small columns ending in three-lobed tracery in basket arches.
At the top of the column you can see the coat of arms of the Hornes family and a pennant with the following text: « Maximilien de Hornes, seigneur de Gaasbeek, chevalier de l'Ordre de l'Empereur, 1521 »
This monument was nearly destroyed several times. The first time in 1794 during the French Revolution and later during the construction of the chaussée de Tubize in 1858. Each time this led to local protest. Meanwhile, the pillory became a protected monument.
FritsScheken: 'Despite its height of 8.40 metres, this pillory is no longer complete. Originally there was still a central column in the middle of the lantern, which supported a round roof that also rested on the six smaller columns. On this oldest and highest pillory in Belgium, the man who had it erected stated in full who he was and that he had been appointed a knight in the order of Emperor Charles. Such an inscription in itself is very unusual for that time, especially in a rural community like Braine-le-Château, where hardly anyone could read in 1521. That year is not without significance. In April, Martin Luther is summoned to appear before Charles V at the Diet of Worms to answer for his writings. He refuses to revoke it, causing a schism within the Roman Church. Charles may be emperor in the German Empire, but he cannot do much against the Lutherans in Germany. But in our areas he is lord and master and he starts a persecution of these 'heretics', whose leader has so openly insulted him in Worms. Maximilian's inscription on this pillory immediately makes clear whose side he was on and was also a warning to all those who had Lutheran sympathies.'
A pillory is a High Justice device that was used only to publicly expose the convict.
The Braine-le-Château pillory is in blue stone and has a structure with a lantern that can hold a standing man.
Witness of seigneurial law, it was erected in 1521 on the village square.
Of all traces of the past, this is the most famous vestige. Once a symbol of infamy, it has become the true emblematic monument of the village.
It is unique in Europe by its characteristics.