La fortification de Bruges (Belgique). Les fouilles de 1987-1989 au « Burg » de Bruges (le site du Burghotel)
Hubert De Witte
In 1987-1989, rescue excavations led to the discovery of major remains early phases old stronghold, later Saint- Donatian church and adjoining canons' cloister. The first probably Carolingian (9th century) stronghold required extension a pleistocene sand-ridge (already used in Roman times) into low, marshy area with thick peat layer. Two could be identified, but it is not clear how much time elapsed between them. First, was raised, leading rampart resting on successive layers brushwood branches protected by shallow moat cut peat. Soon, however, this provisional structure replaced more important one, built top deeper moat. Probably already during its construction, strengthened heavy oak timbers which were prevent from sliding depression. Located along northern perimeter earliest castrum these defense-works thus consisted rampart, presumably palissade top, forming partly circular pattern, proceeding later, 1 lth-century square-shaped linked two natural river Reie (the Kraanrei Groene Rei). Of earliest, mid- 10th-century (count Arnulf I) Saint-Donatian (with central plan), eastern wall choir studied, while site also yielded part ' dormitoriunC equally These building operations earlier defenses eradicated enclosed reorganised extended. A stone area.
Actes des congrès de la Société d’Archéologie Médiévale