Hideaway for the relic of the Holy Blood

During the occupation, this mansion proved the perfect hideaway for the relic of the Holy Blood. On 13 October 1914, de Bocarmé and Ryelandt, the churchwardens of the Noble Brotherhood of the Holy Blood, brought it to the home of Jean de Halleux and his wife on Oude Burg in the greatest secrecy.

By the end of the war, the German occupier claimed the seminary, monasteries, schools and several mansions. When his home was considered as an option, de Halleux asked Bishop Waffelaert to hide the relic in the Episcopal Palace. This was 8 February 1917. Just two days later, the Germans moved into Oude Burg 21.

On 3 November 1918, the relic was taken from its hiding place after the Germans had left Bruges. After a church service, it was taken in procession to the Burg where the Bishop blessed the Bruges residents along with the Belgian and Allied soldiers.

Vl. Toeristisch bezienswaardigheden