The old rectory of Rummen, proud of the outside lords

On a long, green avenue of plane trees, we see the gate of the former rectory of Rummen. This is private property.

This beautiful rectory suggests that the Abbey of Averbode took good care of its outdoor lords. The Council of Trent (1545-1563) determined that more attention should be paid to the pastoral care of the parishioners and that the pastor should live in the parish. Apparently, this had not always been the case. Abbeys built rectories that not only had to provide for their own livelihood as much as possible but also needed to convey a certain prestige. This was also the case in Rummen, where, in 1630, a closed complex was built consisting of several buildings, a residence, a barn, and stables surrounded by a wide moat with a circumference of about 170 by 40 meters. There was also a vegetable garden, an orchard, and a small wood for firewood.

Water was of vital importance, both as drinking water and for the possibility of fish farming. The rectories are therefore located somewhat lower in the landscape. The moat also provided protection against unwanted visitors. The access gate also played a role in security.

On the estate, there was one or more barns, known as tithe barns, intended to temporarily store tithes (natural taxes) before they were transported to the larger, centralized storage barns or 'spijkers'.

Apparently, this rectory was thoroughly rebuilt in the 18th century, and the whole looked more like the fashionable 'entre cour et jardin': the residence with a courtyard at the front to receive guests and a kitchen and ornamental garden at the back. In the 19th century, the garden evolved into a 'jardin anglais'.

Jan Rymenams