Bury / Bury-lez-Peruwelz / Bury-lèz-Péruwelz

The present font in this church is listed and illustrated in BALaT KIK-IRPA [https://balat.kikirpa.be/object/10062542] [accessed 15 Februay 2026]: "fonts baptismaux [...] pierre calcaire carbonifère [...] Date: 1676 - 1700 [...] hauteur: 134 cm"; the coat of arms on the basin side is identified as "Visart de Bocarmé Family" [NB: the tall plinth may account for the height].
A communication to BSI from Pol Herman (e-mail of 11 February 2026) informs: "https://www.peruwelz.be/que-faire/copy_of_tourisme/edifices-religieux/eglise-saint-amand-1 Since the 12th century, Bitremont Castle has been the seat of a seigneury, which was sold to the Visart de Bocarmé family in 1673. Originally from England, one of the family's members, Michel Visart (before 1601-1621), fled the unrest that erupted in his country during the reign of Henry VIII and settled on the continent in Tournai. The castle contained a chapel. In April 1998, fire completely destroyed the castle. In 1186, Bury is mentioned among the parishes of the deanery of Saint-Brice of Tournai. According to historical accounts, the tower of the current church dates back to the 14th century, and the original Romanesque building consisted of a nave without a transept. The church was an annex of the parish of Roucourt. However, baptisms, marriages, and funerals were performed in Bury. The parish priest was appointed by the chapter of Denain. The building was burned down during the passage of French troops in 1649. That same year, the chancel and sacristy were rebuilt, but financial difficulties delayed the completion of the work for about thirty years. By 1680, the church was fully restored. By a decree of the Archbishop of Cambrai, Charles de Saint-Albain, dated July 17, 1755, Bury became an independent parish. Modifications, restorations, repairs, and enlargements took place in 1757, 1783, and 1841. The church had a side chapel reserved exclusively for the lords of Bury. The church was reconsecrated by the Bishop of Tournai in 1846. Limestone font, dated by KIK-IRPA : 1676 – 1700. Carrying the coat of arms of the family Visart de Bocarmé, who bought the lordship in 1673. https://balat.kikirpa.be/object/1006254"