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Origin and history

The Klockhuis d'Eecke is a wooden tower tower, typical of Flemish heritage, located in the cemetery of the commune of Eecke, in the Hauts-de-France region. Built in the 17th century, it replaces a collapsed tower in 1659. This monument, which was listed as a historical monument in 1989, was used to announce religious services, municipal events or to ring the tocsin, such as a belfry.

In 1661-1662, a new tower tower was rebuilt in front of St.Wulmar's church, but its proximity to the religious building was considered dangerous in the event of a fire. In 1783, it was moved about 20 metres with wooden rollers. The vibrations of the bells, which deregulated even the clock, led to a strengthening of the structure in 1787 by cross beams.

The Klockhuis of Eecke is one of the last two in French Flanders, with that of Hardifort. It supports a rudder and two clocks, replacing the church's absent bell tower. This monument, owned by the municipality, illustrates the Flemish traditional architecture and its central role in local life.

His name, Klockhuis (house of Dutch bells), reflects his primary function. Unlike urban belfries, this type of wooden bell tower was common in Flemish villages. Today, it bears witness to a threatened rural heritage, most of the similar examples having disappeared (Fleêtre, Winnezeele, Berthen, Wallon-Cappel).

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