Perron (columnar monument)

For the external staircase also called a perron, see Perron (staircase).
The perron at Theux

A perron (in French; also Dutch: perroen) is kind of stone column, often decorated with a cross-bearing orb (globus cruciger) common to many towns and cities belonging to the erstwhile Prince-Bishopric of Liège (980-1795) in modern-day Belgium. They were primarily built in the so-called Good Cities (Bonnes Villes or Goede Steden) that formed the primary urban settlements in the polity. Many survive, although not in their original form. Perrons were also built in the smaller Principality of Stavelot-Malmedy.[citation needed]

The columns came to symbolise civic freedom and autonomy (initially bishopric autonomy, later urban autonomy). This stemmed from their function as places where laws were proclaimed and justice was administered. However, the actual origin of the symbols of the column is unclear, with analogies made with the ancient pillories. In 1467, after recapturing the rebellious city of Liège, Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy had the city's perron dismantled and removed to Bruges, not to be returned until after his death.[1] This was "viewed both as a punishment of the people of Liège and as a clear warning to any Flemish subjects who might be tempted to question the duke's authority".[2]

  1. ^ Arnade, Peter (2008). Beggars, Iconoclasts, & Civic Patriots : The Political Culture of the Dutch Revolt. New York: Cornell University Press. p. 15. ISBN 978-0-8014-4681-8.
  2. ^ Boone 2002, p. 634.