A residential area surrounded by a moat, which developed in the centre of the town of Denderleeuw (East Flanders) in the 10th century, shaped the village’s appearance well into the 19th century research carried out by archaeologists near the local church has revealed. ‘It teaches us a lot about what the villages in the southern part of East Flanders used to look like. They were clusters, rather than the continuous built-up areas we know today.’
Archaeological research reveals what medieval villages in Flanders looked like
Colin Clapson
Published:
The village: you might think it’s as old as modern humanity itself. Even in the Middle Ages, people lived close together in villages, much as we know them today, didn’t they? It turns out that’s not the case. On the square in front of the church and in the adjacent streets, archaeologists have found traces of what Denderleeuw looked like from the 10th to the 19th century.
‘In the 10th century, close to the church, a residential compound surrounded by a moat was built,’ explains project leader Wouter De Maeyer of Solva Archaeologists. ‘There were several wooden houses on this site. We have recovered the posts on which the houses were built!’
Almost 1,000 years of influence
It is remarkable that so many traces can still be found of a settlement built in the 10th century, says De Maeyer. ‘Usually, many traces disappear over the centuries because other things take their place. Certainly in urbanised areas.’
But this settlement has really left its mark on Denderleeuw, it turns out. ‘Over time, the layout of that settlement has always been preserved, right up until the 19th century. So it has always remained inhabited. You can still see the structure in the Roads Atlas, an historic map of Belgium in the 19th century featuring all roads and paths.'
'This residential area influenced the aspect of Denderleeuw for almost 1,000 years.'
The medieval village
‘Although the houses’ wooden posts were eventually replaced by stone, the layout remained the same and has therefore shaped the development of Denderleeuw’s town centre over the centuries.’
This research tells archaeologists not only about Denderleeuw, but about the entire region in the southern part of East Flanders Province. ‘A village used to look completely different. We already suspected as much, based on other excavations in the area.’
‘Excavations have also been carried out in France and the UK with the same results. Further research will be needed to determine whether villages in Western Europe all looked similar.’
‘This is the first time we’ve been able to investigate a larger area. As a result, we’ve suddenly gained a great deal of additional information that we’ll be analysing in more detail over the coming years.’
During the excavations, 40 human skeletons were also unearthed on this site. This is not surprising, given that the excavations took place close to the church and the cemetery. However, a few bodies were also found outside the cemetery area. Further research will have to determine why this is the case.
From residential area to the green meeting place of the future
The archaeological excavations carried out over the past few months were commissioned by the local council. The council aims to transform the square in front of the church into a green meeting place. Before such works can begin, an archaeological survey must always be carried out first.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the excavations and village life in Denderleeuw through the ages can attend one of the public lectures being held by archaeologists on 18 and 19 June.