Crossbow

Weapon from the crusades

Originally from China, the crossbow was introduced into Europe at the time of the crusades. The crossbow very quickly became a valued defensive weapon for the towns thanks to its power and precision.
The crossbow lost its military usefulness when gunpowder and pistols made their entrance on the battleground. From that time crossbows were used for pleasure.

Guild Day

Every year, the Roys were chosen on Guild Day. Several famous people have been Roys. The best known was Infante Isabelle. After the Brabant Revolution in which men with crossbows had actively participated, a French revolutionary decree suppressed all remnants of the Ancien Regime, so through no fault of their own and the guilds were disbanded. After Belgium's independence, the Crossbow-men, who had never really disappeared from the social tissue, came together again in a host of leisure groups.

Stamp in detail

Issue: Belgium, 20 February 2006
Stamp size: 27.6 x 40.2 mm
Design: Jacques Doppée
Perforation: 11.5
Printing: rotogravure

More information

Stamps of Belgium
Postage Stamps 2006
Accordions
Lighthouses
Art in Belgium