[Illustration: HÔTEL MERGHELYNCK, BEFORE THE WAR (_Photo, Antony, Ypres._)] The latter charming 18th century house stood at the corner of the Rue des Fripiers. It was built (1774--1776) from the plans of Thomas Gombert of Lille, and its last proprietors had converted it into an interesting museum. It was decorated with woodwork, panelling, and Louis XVI. medallions by Ant. Jos. de la Dicque. [Illustration: THE TEMPLARS' HOUSE IN THE RUE DE LILLE] The stucco ornamentation was the work of Grégoire Joseph Adam of Valenciennes. The staircase balustrading was by Jacques Beernaert. [Illustration: WOODEN HOUSES IN THE RUE DE LILLE (_Photo, Antony, Ypres._)] [Illustration: ST. PETER'S CHURCH (_photo, Antony, Ypres_)] A white stone vase, carved from designs by Rubens, stood in the fine court of the house. Almost opposite, at No. 68, was the old 14th century =Templars' House=, since turned into a post-office (photo, p. 96). The Church of St. Pierre is next reached. [Illustration: RUINS OF ST. PETER'S CHURCH (_see above_)] [Illustration: ST. PETER'S CHURCH. THE CHOIR (_See below._)] [Illustration: ST. PETER'S CHURCH, THE CHOIR BEFORE THE WAR (_photo, Antony, Ypres_)] [Illustration: THE RAMPARTS, LILLE GATE AND ST. PETER'S CHURCH (_Photo, Antony, Ypres._) _See below._] This 11th century church had been largely rebuilt. The façade was surmounted by a substantial square tower, flanked by four corner turrets and crowned by an octagonal spire rebuilt in 1868. [Illustration: AFTER FOUR YEARS' BOMBARDMENTS (_see above_).] Inside, lofty columns supported the springing of the large irregular arches. There was no vaulting, the church having a timber-work roof in shape of an inverted keel. In it were a 16th century altar, large carved pulpit and a fine choir-screen. [Illustration: PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE RUIN OF YPRES TAKEN FROM THE LILLE GATE (_The point from where this photograph was taken is shown on the plan on p. 72_ (_at the bottom, on the right_).) St. Nicolas Old French Barracks School Belltower St. Peters Church St. James' Church] [Illustration: RUINS OF THE HÔTEL DE GAND, RUE DES CHIENS] Rue de Lille ends at Lille Gate. Before passing through, climb up the ramparts, from which there is a magnificent panorama. Pass through the Gate, the towers of which date from 1395. There is an interesting view over the wide moats, and of the ancient ramparts (rebuilt by Vauban), which were ruined by shells. _Turn back and re-enter the town by the same way. Beyond the Church of St. Pierre, take the first street on the right as far as the Rue des Chiens, where, on turning to the left_, the ruins of the Church St. Jacques, and the shattered façade of the Hôtel de Gand will be seen. [Illustration: THE HÔTEL DE GAND (_Photo, Antony, Ypres._)]