Croix du duel à Hierges
On the main square of the charming little village of Hierges, you will discover on a wall of one of the buildings, La Croix du Duel... there since 1579.
The Cross of Hierges, known as the Cross of the Duel or Cross of Occis, is an expiatory cross made of sculpted stone erected in reparation for a murder committed in 1579.
The cross located in the village square is today included in the wall of a house that dates back to later times.
An inscription is engraved on the base:
"Here was killed Henry Mayreau by Jehan Collin Mayeur of Vireux les Hebbes (Haybes). On May 1, 1579. Pray for his soul."
A Christ on the cross is the main ornament of this splendid monument, but the face of Christ was completely hammered out, no doubt during the Revolution, in hatred of the faith.
The medallions of the branches of the Cross depict the symbols of the four Evangelists.
On the one on the left branch of the cross is represented: The Eagle of Saint John.
On the one on the right branch of the cross is represented:The Bull of Saint Luke.
On the top:The Angel representing Saint Matthew.
On the bottom: The Lion representing the evangelist Saint Mark.
The Cross was made at the expense of Jehan Collin, the murderer of Thiry Mayreau, a soldier at Fort Charlemont.
The Cross was listed as a Historic Monument in 1926.
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