During a trial excavation, archaeology firm BAAC uncovered a medieval cemetery beneath the Vlasmarkt or Flax Market in Ghent. The city authorities in the capital of East Flanders had planned to plant a tree on this location following roadworks. BAAC estimates that there may be up to 240 skeletons buried here. The tree will now not be planted for the time being. Ghent has also decided not to carry out any further excavations at the minute.
Archaeologists found four skeletons during a trial excavation on the Vlasmarkt. A small section of the market was examined at the spot where a tree was to be planted. The excavation took place whilst roadworks were underway. Ghent is removing the traditional cobblestones and resurfacing the market with tarmac.
It was known that the current Vlasmarkt was a cemetery from the 11th to the 18th century. The square is situated next to St James’s Church. Until now, it had been unclear how many people were buried here.
The archaeologists found the skeletons at a depth of just over 1 metre. A deeper borehole indicates that there are a further four burial levels underneath. This means that there are probably only 20 skeletons buried at that specific location. Based on this, the archaeologists have made an estimate for the entire site, which covers 23 square metres. Beneath the Vlasmarkt, there is thought to be a cemetery containing more than 240 skeletons.
Ghent has decided that the tree will now not be planted and that no further excavations will take place. The finds will therefore be preserved for the time being. The city authorities have, however, promised to take the remains into account during any future, larger-scale redevelopment.
Today the Vlasmarkt is one of the places where Ghent residents and visitors enjoy a night out. During the Ghent Festival, the square is the place to party until the early hours of the morning.