A Colourful Folk Figure
Paep Thoon, whose real name was Anthoon vander Phalizen (Latin: Antonius Phalesius), lived in 15th-century Leuven during the Burgundian Netherlands. Known for his humour, pranks, and cleverness, he became one of Leuven’s most beloved folk characters.
Origins and Life
Thoon was the illegitimate son of Jan vander Phalizen, pastor of St. Peter’s Church in Leuven. The nickname “Paep” referred to his priestly origins, while “Thoon” came from his first name, Anthoon. He may have been hunchbacked, but he found his place in Leuven as an organist and carillonneur at St. Peter’s Church.
Famous Pranks and Exile
Paep Thoon’s mischievous pranks often crossed the line. Eventually, a Leuven judge sentenced him to exile in Liège, forbidding him ever to set foot on Leuven ground again. But Thoon cleverly found a loophole.
When he returned, his shoes were covered in Liège mud. Standing at the city gate, he declared he was not stepping on Leuven ground but on Liège soil. This bold stunt caused a public spectacle, and the judge had no choice but to admit his cunning interpretation.
Legacy
Paep Thoon spent his life as a city jester, remembered for his wit and playful defiance of authority. His burial place remains unknown, but his legacy as Leuven’s trickster and folk hero lives on in local stories.
Location is on the bridge in Brusselsstraat.
(Source: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paep_Thoon), photo by Aslı Tezcan
