Ename settlement
The medieval trade settlement of Ename (Belgium) emerges probably around 965 AD. Around 990, an impressive keep is constructed in the walled castrum. Around the same time, a stone Saint Salvator church is built for the trade settlement while the much larger Saint Laurentius church is erected in the village. In 1063, the Ename abbey is founded by Adele of France, wife of Baudouin V, the count of Flanders, and daughter of the king of France. The abbey receives the village of Ename and other properties to provide financial income. The Benedictine abbey starts in the former Ottonian palace building, directed by a monk from the Saint Vedastus abbey in Arras. Around 1070, the new Benedictine abbey around the Saint Salvator church was finished and more farmers settle in the village, now managed by the abbey community. The Saint Laurentius church is turned into a pilgrims' church, providing additional income for the abbey community. In 1139, the small Saint Salvator church, former church of the trade settlement, is replaced by an impressive Romanesque church, inspired by the Benedictine abbeys of Cluny, Hirschau and Affligem. The abbey is flourishing and has acquired many properties, providing a steady income. Around 1165, the abbey buildings, although only 100 years old, are replaced by larger and more decorated buildings in the new Gothic style. In the second half of the 13th century, the abbey is extended with a hospital and quarter for sick monks. The Saint Laurentius church has been rebuilt after the fire that damaged the church around 1170. In the 13th century, the woodland had degraded so badly that the abbey started to plant trees and harvest the wood. This act of forestry seems to be the oldest on record in Europe. The medieval village of Ename is at its largest extent and contains over 70 farms. The economy is thriving in a period of peace and stability. But shortly after, mayor changes take place. Protestantism and major inflation (caused by the inflow of Inca gold and mined silver from South-America) result in revolt and civil war, in which many religious buildings, including the Ename abbey, get destroyed. Although the abbey escapes major damage in the 1566 revolt called “Beeldenstorm”, the 1578 occupation of Oudenaarde by the protestant troops of the city of Ghent is disastrous. The monks flee, the abbey buildings are pillaged and stripped of any valuable element and the ruins are eventually used as a stone quarry until the start of the rebuilding of the abbey in 1596. The centre of the village is void of any houses and more than half of the population has left. The abbey and village are mostly rebuilt after the destructions in the 1578-1593 period. The abbey has reclaimed its property in the village and dominates the live of the inhabitants, symbolised by the rectangular village square that contains only a cross and a pillory. The carillon tower of the abbey towers above the village, playing its nice tunes and indicating the hour of the day. The abbots of the Ename abbey are participating in political life as members of the Parliament of that time. As political matters are not allowed within the abbey walls, the new French gardens with several pavilions allow them to meet their political friends. The abbey shows off its wealth and power, but 65 years later, the French Revolution will make an abrupt end to it.
Read more about the trade settlement of Ename at: http://enamearound1000.wordpress.com/
 Saint Salvator church 1015 |
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 Ename Castrum 1015 |
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 Ename Portus 1015 |
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 Palace building 1015 |
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 Ename 1015 |
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 Ename 1065 |
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 Ename 1085 |
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 Ename 1150 |
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 Ename 1300 |
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 Ename 1500 |
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 Ename 1595 |
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 Ename 1665 |
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 Ename 1730 |
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 Evolution Ename |