The Guild
Haertsiers van de Croone
Guilds
The word “gilda” finds its roots in the Frankish language and first appears in written records from the 8th century — though such institutions likely existed as early as the 5th century.
Originally, the term referred to a sacrificial meal held in honour of the dead. Among Germanic peoples, the deceased were commemorated with ritual feasts that could last several days, marked by banquets, ceremonies, and communal drinking. The contribution made for these gatherings — often given in kind — was called “gilde,” “gelde,” or “gulde.” Over time, the term evolved. It first came to denote the ritual meal itself, and eventually the community that organised and took part in it. This sense of fellowship remains at the heart of the guild tradition today. Even now, the communal meal continues to be one of the most meaningful and unifying events within our guild.
Saint Michael
The Holy Archangel Michael is venerated as the conqueror of the devil — who, in the form of a dragon, was cast down from heaven along with his rebellious host. According to a medieval legend that held deep significance within the Western European warrior tradition, a tenth legion of angels remained on earth after the fall. These good fallen angels were said to uphold the connection to the divine by practicing the art of war across the centuries. They were seen as guardians of martial knowledge and protectors of the warrior’s path.
With this powerful legend in mind, it is no surprise that Archangel Michael has long been regarded as the patron saint of knights and warriors — a protector of those who walk the way of arms. He is also the spiritual patron of our guild, symbolising courage, honour, and the sacred duty of the martial path.
History of the Guild
The Sint-Michielsgilde vzw is the modern successor to the historical Antwerp fencers' guild.
Over the centuries, the guild was known by many names. One of its earliest titles was “Haertsiers van de Croone” — Protectors of the Crown. Later, it became more widely known as the Sint-Michielsgilde, though it was also referred to as the halbardiers, the fencers, or simply the swordsmen.
Like other armed guilds of the time, the fencers’ guild played a vital role in the defence and governance of the city. It provided leadership and formed the elite corps of the city militia. Its members were primarily drawn from the ranks of wealthy citizens, who were granted the privilege to bear arms by the city authorities. In return, they held a monopoly on the teaching of martial arts — a right that further established the guild’s prestige and responsibility in civic life.
As time passed, the military function of the armed guilds diminished. Yet the fencers’ guild remained one of the most powerful organisations in Antwerp until the end of the 18th century.
In 1791, the guilds were abruptly abolished by the Revolutionary government, which viewed them as relics of the Ancien Régime. Members of the fencing guild were forced underground, while the guild’s assets were confiscated and sold at public auction. Numerous artistic treasures and heirlooms were deported to France, marking the end of the historic fencing guild’s official presence in the city.
With the official re-establishment of the Sint-Michielsgilde in 2015, we chose to revive and pass on the Traditional European Martial Arts in a meaningful, living form. We practise this martial tradition as a modern martial sport — deeply rooted in the martial culture of the late Middle Ages and inspired by the legacy of the historical fencing guilds.
In doing so, we forge a connection between heritage and contemporary practice, ensuring that the age-old principles of martial discipline, respect, and brotherhood continue to thrive in the present day.
Want to know more about the history of the Saint Michael's Guild? Read it in 'The City Chronicles', available in the MAS Museum Shop, or via this link .