Peat re-excavated at the Abbey of Ename (Belgium): archaeobotanical evidence for peat extraction and long distance transport in Flanders around 1200 AD

Abstract

Little is known about the medieval use of peat as fuel. Until now, most research has focused on different aspects of peat extraction but not on its consumption. However, the discovery and analysis of several fragments of peat bricks from an archaeological deposit dating around 1200 AD from the abbey of Ename (located along the upper part of the river Scheldt, near Oudenaarde, Flanders, Belgium) provided a first opportunity to gather information on the trade and use of peat in late medieval times in Flanders. Analysis of pollen and botanical macroremains from the peat bricks has shown that their composition is dominated by heather (Calluna vulgaris L. Hull and Erica tetralix L.) and peat moss (Sphagnum sp.), thus representing oligotrophic conditions. In the Ename region, only eutrophic peat is present. The nearest occurrence of oligotrophic peat has to be sought in the coastal area and the Scheldt estuary, two rather distant regions, which are known for (commercial) peat production in late medieval times. The Ename peat bricks not only illustrate the existence of long distance peat transport around 1200 AD, but also suggest the need for the import of fuel into the rural region of Oudenaarde. Indeed, from historical sources it is known that the extent of woodland in this part of Flanders showed a minimum in the late 13th century, presumably forcing people to look for alternative sources of fuel.