Nearly 150 skeletons excavated in Oostkerke

When workers break into Processieweg at the end of March, they first come across seven skeletons. A month and a half later, there are almost 150. The archaeological investigation is causing quite a bit of delay in the works. Joachim Coens, Mayor of Damme: “We have of course calculated that something would be found, but not of that amount. The works have already been delayed for ten weeks. There is of course also the cost aspect that is increasing due to those finds. Anyway, in itself it is necessary to know what exactly is under the ground here.”

It concerns the remains of ordinary villagers. But researchers don’t just find skeletons. Coins and pottery also see the light of day again. Some discoveries are more than 800 years old. Everything is well preserved in the clay soil. Niels Janssens, archaeologist: “We can place most objects in the late Middle Ages.”

The archaeologists are now dusting off all the bones and transferring them to a depot for further investigation.