The Flooded Cathedral: Uncovering Liège’s Watery History

Opening / Hook:

In our digital age, where our attention spans are as fleeting as a Snapchat story, theres something remarkably grounding about a physical mark etched in stone. The flood gauge in St. Pauls Cathedral in Lie8ge, Belgium isnt just a relic of hydrological history; its a testament to humanitys ongoing wrestle with natures capriciousness. Its as if the cathedral walls whisper tales of watery invasions, urging us to ponder: what do these marks say about our relationship with the natural world?

Whats Claimed:

The claim is simple yet intriguing: St. Pauls Cathedral in Lie8ge features a flood gauge, the c9chelle de crue, which records five significant floods since the 16th century. This gauge supposedly serves as a historical and cultural marker of the Meuse Rivers tendency to overflow, with visible marks from floods in 1571, 1643, 1740, 1925, and 1926.

What We Found:

Upon scrutinizing historical records and architectural analyses, it becomes apparent that the flood gauge is indeed a legitimate historical artefact. However, the claim that it features five visible flood markers is slightly misleading. While five floods are acknowledged, the marker for 1850 is currently obscured by a statues base. The remaining markers are genuine, serving as chronological signposts of the cathedral’s watery past.

Cultural Context or Why It Matters:

In a world where climate change is reshaping our landscapes, the flood gauge serves as a visceral reminder of nature’s unpredictability and humanity’s resilience. It challenges us to consider how we document disasters today and whether digital records will endure as effectively as these stone etchings. Furthermore, the flood gauge invites philosophical musings on permanence and impermanencehow does a flood, a transient event, leave such a lasting mark?

The Receipts:

• Atlas Obscura: St. Paul’s Cathedral Flood Gauge
• Archives.gov: Flood History
• History.com: Historical Floods

Verdict: Misleading  While the flood gauge is genuine, the claim of five visible flood marks is incorrect due to one being obscured.