An engraved metal box (photo illustration).

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Bru-nO / Pixabay

The history of the heart of the former mayor of Verviers (Belgium), preserved by the city since 1839, was part of the legend of the town.

It was further strengthened with the discovery of a box supposed to contain the relic.

The find dates back to August 20, in the fountain erected in honor of the mayor Pierre David (1771-1839), on the occasion of the restoration of this 19th century monument.

The relic, an "engraved metal box", was found "in a cavity blocked by a stone", explains Angélique Koop, spokesperson for the city.

A revered burgomaster

The inscription on it is eloquent: "The heart of Pierre David was solemnly placed in the monument on June 25, 1883".

According to the town's official account, Pierre David, mayor of Verviers at the time of the creation of Belgium in 1830, was so loved by the population that it was decided, after his death in 1839, to take his heart for the keep at the town hall ... Then in the fountain planned in his honor, the construction of which will be completed 44 years later.

The heart of the first mayor of Verviers discovered in a fountain https://t.co/EJqtdF5bM0 pic.twitter.com/RNAZyTSumf

- lalibre.be (@lalibrebe) August 31, 2020

Before returning to the monument, the box containing the heart - which will not be opened "out of respect for the deceased and his family" - is on display until September 20 at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Verviers.

This discovery is the opportunity to retrace, with paintings and period photos, the life of this man considered as a local hero who ruled his city firmly and transparently.

After his election on October 26, 1830 by an overwhelming majority, making him "the first burgomaster of Verviers after the revolution of 1830 and the advent of Belgium", this manufacturer of sheets had placed on the pediment of the town hall the inscription “Advertising, safeguarding the people”.

For him, “everything that is of public interest, everything that concerns the fate of the people, should be made public,” said one at the town hall.

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