Book of the brotherhood of Saint Eligius and Saint Guido

In 1631, under the protection of the Infanta Isabella, ruler of the Netherlands and daughter of King Philip II of Spain, the brotherhoods of St Eligius and St Guido were created for the coachmen of the Court, but also for those throughout the city. The members of these brotherhoods prayed to God to put an end to illnesses in horses, but also for Him to protect their masters “from all the disastrous accidents to which they are daily exposed”.
In the following century, Saint Éligius also became the patron saint of this brotherhood, no doubt following the parish’s acquisition of his relics. In order to attend meetings of the brotherhood, members had to ask their masters for permission to be absent. As the deans of the brotherhood gave them slips of paper indicating that the coachmen would also pray in favour of the

The Duke of Ursel (1717 – 1775) is listed as a member of the brotherhood, along with an inventory of his many titles and properties. He was a Knight of the Golden Fleece and also Lieutenant-General of the King’s armies. He signed at the bottom of the page.