Heppeneert / Heppenardt

A communication to BSI from Pol Herman (e-mail of 27 June 2024) reports a stone fragment, a human head from an octagonal Mosan limestone font dating probably from ca. 1500, that is now built into a very old bridge known locally as "Duivelsbruggetje", near the pilgrimage church of Heppeneert. The communication from PH further refers to the legend of a Heppeneert nobleman named Riddart lived in Borckhoff castle. After the untimely death of his wife, he became addicted to card games. He was bad at it, lost a lot of money, and had large debts. In desperation, he cast his lot with the devil. In order to enjoy life to the fullest for seven last years, he sold his soul to the devil and sealed this deal with a signature in his own blood. When the seven fat years were over, he invited all his friends and acquaintances to a great feast. At the end of the meal, the nobleman said goodbye to his friends and announced his predicament. Before he left with his horse, he was advised by his dining companions to recommend himself to Saint Gertrude and Saint John the Baptist. Having done this, he spurred his horse and rode to the place called “Sant”. Arriving at an old bridge, he saw the devil already waiting for him; with a great noise he shouted to the knight not to approach because there was a maiden on the back of the horse. When the nobleman looked back, he recognized Saint Gertrude and a moment later the devil had disappeared. Riddart then returned to his castle, lamenting loudly, and lived in strict austerity for several more years. After his death he was buried in the Heppeneert cemetery. The legend mentioning John the Baptist could be the reason why the head of a broken baptismal font was built into the Duivelsbruggetje." PH adds: "In the church of Heppeneert, a tomb slab is preserved that shows two coats of arms : with hearts and with diamonds. Historian J. Coenen mentioned in 1948 that these are the shields of the families "de Heppenart" and "van der Cappelen". But this is recent information that was unknown to older generations. This mysterious tomb slab gave rise to the ancient legend of the "card knight"."