Rue t’Serclaes – t’Serclaesstraat

Swept away by a surging crowd, a lone figure stumbles onto Rue t’Serclaes. It’s October 24, 1356. Everard t’Serclaes, a name that would echo through Brussels for centuries, leads a daring charge. He scales the city gate, a beacon for Brussels patriots fighting to reclaim their city from Flemish troops. Rue t’Serclaes, nestled in the heart of Brussels, owes its name to this very hero. This narrow street, running between Rue d’Assaut and Rue d’Arenberg, whispers tales of courage and resilience. Everard’s victory marked him as a liberator, a title shared with the likes of Montgomery. His legacy extends beyond this single act of bravery. He served five times as the deputy burgomaster, his roots deeply intertwined with the city’s fate. But his unwavering defense of Brussels would also lead to his tragic end. In 1388, Sweder d’Adcoude, Lord of Gaesbeek, ordered an attack on t’Serclaes, a brutal assault that silenced his voice and ultimately claimed his life. He breathed his last in the Maison de l’Etoile on the Grand Place. Today, a monument stands at the corner of Grand Place and Rue Charles Buls. It depicts a dying Everard t’Serclaes, his image forever etched into the city’s heart. Three bas-reliefs rise behind him, each panel a window into a pivotal moment. The liberation of Brussels, the triumphant entry of Jeanne and Wenceslas, and the people’s vengeful destruction of Gaesbeek Castle. Passersby, both locals and tourists, can’t resist the urge to touch the statue. A wish whispered, a hope to return to Brussels, or perhaps a silent plea for good fortune. During World War I, the statue became a symbol of hope for a city under occupation. People touched his hand, a gesture of defiance and a prayer for liberation. Now a replica stands in place of the original, protecting the fragile history from countless caresses. The true monument undergoes restoration, preserving the legacy of Everard t’Serclaes for generations to come. While touching the replica’s right hand may bring luck, finding the three hidden mice within the garland promises a wish fulfilled. So, as you stand on Rue t’Serclaes, remember the hero whose name it bears. Recall his courage, his connection to the city, and the enduring power of his story.