Historiepenningen - 1560 - Medal 'Koningschieten Voetboogschutters / Arbaletriers Brussel 1560' (vLoon I. 33.1, Minard 259, Saunders/Vanhoudt 1559-15, Dugn. 2228) - Obv. Ship rowing right carrying Beatrijs Soetkens with statue of the Virgin Mother O MATER DEY MEMENTO NOSTRI / Rev. Upright crossbow flanked by split date 15-60 TEEKENE VA DEN GROOTER GVLDEN I BRVESELE - Bronze 29 mm, 4.60 gram - Extremely rare, the only example we have been able to trace on the open market - VF - The obverse show the curious and unique scene of Beatrijs Soetkens, a spinstress from Brussels, carrying a miraculous statue of the Mother Mary from Antwerpen to Brussels. In 1348, she heard 'divine voices' telling her the Mother Mary wanted to bless the city, and in particular the guild of Voetboogschutters, who had built a marvellous chapel in her honour. She was instructed to head to Antwerp, by boat, and take the statue from a church there. On her miraculous entry into the city, surrounded by a mysterious mist and pleasant music, it was paraded around the city, which form the origin of the modern day ommegang. The voetboogschutters were the largest of the militia guilds in the city and by far the most presitious; Philip II of Spain, Robert of Croy (Bishop of Cambrai), Philip of Laiang andLamoraal van Egmond were all present at various hostings of the 'koningschieten' and crowned King of the guild.