Archaeologists discover remnants of medieval domain in Ypres (Ypres)
Archive image Ypres – © Thijs Pattyn
In Ypres in West Flanders, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a medieval domain. The motte was the Ypres residence of the count of Flanders until around 1130. During the excavations, coins and toys were found in the Mottegracht.
Source: Belga
At the end of 2025 a new Carrefour will have to open its doors on the site on Vandenpereboomplein. After the demolition of the previous building, however, archaeological excavations were started. The expectations were high, because historical sources might have been a burial domain at that location. The city of Ypres would have originated from that place of residence of the graves of Flanders.
In the meantime, the archaeologists indeed exposed parts of a medieval moth. A motte is an artificial hill of accumulated earth with a wide canal around it. Specifically, the archaeologists discovered a retaining wall and a canal with a width of about fifteen meters. In the coming weeks they also hope to expose a well or a possible basement of the Graaf’s home. In the excavations, coins, buckle fragments, toys and insignia were already found.
Flemish Minister for Real Heritage Ben Weyts (N-VA) reacted proudly to the archaeological finds. « After all, in Ypres we get a fascinating view into an important and fascinating chapter from the story of Flanders, » it sounds. Mayor Katrien Desomer (Team Ypres), in turn, pointed to the important role that Ypres played in the Middle Ages. « The find of the medieval burial domain confirms the historical significance of our city within the county of Flanders. »
