A well-preserved skeleton was previously excavated in the context of the archaeological research following the work for the redevelopment of Ros Beiaardstraat and Sionsplein. At the request of the Immovable Heritage Agency, the excavations were continued. Meanwhile, the counter is already at twenty. This number may increase as the investigation progresses.
The first skeleton uncovered on the site of the former Claes Gummaers mill was that of a man. The latest excavations took place at Sionsplein near and beyond Hazenstraat. Although few objects have been found besides the skeletons to accurately date the human remains, according to Mattias Heirman of the archaeological research bureau BAAC, they date back to the end of the 16th – early 17th century. “We have found coins from 1586-1589 in the graves. The skeletons – both male and female – were buried in various directions, which may have been purely for practical reasons. Further examination of the bone will certainly help determine the date of death. In any case, it is a remarkable cemetery. A link with the former Monastery of Sions is currently out of the question." A slope that has not yet been walked could possibly lead to the ancient 'Sinte Elisabethen Gasthuys'. It already existed in the 12th century and was located in the Berlarij near the Molenstraat. Around 1236 it was transferred to the Berlaarsestraat opposite the Gasthuisvest. It was given successive names such as 'O.L.V.-gasthuis' (13th-14th century), 'Sint-Lysbettengasthuis' (1422) and 'Tryckgasthuis' (1496). It eventually moved to 'de Veldekens' in the Mechelsestraat, where a 'new' guest house was built from 1868 to 1873. Further research seems appropriate, although caution is advised.
Source : Lier exposed