SUMMARY of: De Antwerpse Polder in de middeleeuwen. Ontginning,
bedijking en overstromingen. Tijdschrift van de Belgische Vereniging voor
Aardrijkskundige Studies 54 (1985) 43 - 77.
drs. K.A.H.W. Leenders
This study is a partial revision of the half century old description by
Prims of the mediaeval evolution of the polder area north of Antwerp, the
nowadays Port of Antwerp. It is shown that embankment was not a condition
for the reclaimation of this lowlaying terrain, but drainaige was very
important from the start. As a result, the peaty subsoil was spoiled by
oxidation and compression. This was followed by the threat of floading by
the river Sceldt. After building local ringdikes, in the middle of the 12th
century a dike was build around the polder area, mostly with Antwerp
capital. But ground level fell further. The situation deteriorated by the
growing tide on the river, caused by the developing sea arms in Zeeland.
Floods occurred with shortening intervals and culminated in a 57-year
innundation of the northern part of de polder area. From 1340 onwards the
new claysoil was being reclaimed. The southern part of the polders
(Oosterweel c.a.) suffered less: only a thin claycover was deposited,
perhaps mostly before embankement, leaving the mediaeval parcelling intact
till the 20th century.
© Copyright : K.A.H.W. Leenders
August 2nd, 2023.