Berlaar / Balaer / Ballaer / Ballaert / Berlat

The present font in this church is modern [NB: we have no information on the font of the medieval hurch here].
A communication to BSI from Pol Herman (e-mail of 29 January 2026] informs: "Berlaer, Berlar, Ballaer, Ballaert en Balaer. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sint-Pieterskerk_(Berlaar). The first mention of "Berlaer" dates from 1180. In 1227, Egidius or Gillis Berthout, Lord of Mechelen, ceded the tithe to Rozendaal Abbey in Walem. Around 1230, the abbey erected a Romanesque/early Gothic church, the tower of which is still preserved today although rebuilt after the second world war. This church was likely destroyed by fire in the early 14th century. Around 1353, the damaged church was replaced by a new one. At the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century, Berlaar was repeatedly ravaged by fire and vandalism. As a result, the church suffered repeated damage, requiring the necessary repairs. Around 1600, a fierce fire raged, destroying the choir. Reconstruction began in 1615. North of the tower, a small baptistery with a 17th-century gable and saddle roof was built. 1721-1850: Internal renovation in Rococo style. 1872: Demolition of the existing church. 1873-1876: Construction of a fourth church in Neo-Romanesque/Neo-Gothic style behind the preserved Romanesque tower. In 1882, it was decided that the old furnishings no longer suited the style of the new church. Almost everything was replaced. On May 14, 1940, the church suffered severe damage when the tower was dynamited. 1940-1943: Reconstruction, inspired by nearby Romanesque churches. Baptismal register from 1595. Baptismal font, 19th, with limestone basin, inscription. No trace of older font. Not in KIK-IRPa"