From motte to fortress

If you turn to an encyclopedia or Wikipedia, the following definition of a motte pops up: "a medieval artificial mound for defensive purposes, on which some form of castle was then built."

During this bike ride, it will become clear to you that perhaps people have focused a bit too often on just one period in the evolution of motts, more specifically the Middle Ages. During the 15th century, there were reportedly 13 such walled moths in Works. The three surviving moths we visit by bicycle to date make it clear that not all three originated during the same period. Moreover, their function was certainly not always, or at least not purely defensive.

Strange things, those moths...

For a long time, the inhabitants of Werken, as well as tourists, have marveled at these peculiar mounds that our ancestors apparently raised in the village. By the way, it must have been a serious job to do so. When you know, for example, that the "Hoge Andjoen" is over 6 meters high, has a diameter of over 25 meters and a circumference of about 180m, you realize that a huge amount of earth had to be moved to do so.

What prompted our ancestors to build this kind of artificial hill? There is no single answer to this question. For example, the three moths we touch had different end purposes. This is one of the main insights this bike ride will undoubtedly provide.

📏 11.8 km
📍 OC Hemelsdaele
🏁 OC Hemelsdaele