For some time now, there has been a special view from the Groenmarkt to the Kazerneplein. A view that is temporary, because in the autumn, construction work will start on this location for a new V&D branch. But before that happens, an archaeological investigation will first be carried out on the resulting site at the Chalk Street and Ostrich Street.
A working group of Gorcum amateur archaeologists led by city archaeologist Pieter Floore, assisted by the company BAAC from Den Bosch, started on August 12 and has been given seven weeks to complete the excavations.
In 2002, a municipality is required to engage a professional service for excavations. In addition, archaeological research must always be carried out for construction projects that go more than a meter deep. These stricter regulations force governments to deal more carefully with underground heritage. And it could be a very exciting job. According to archive material, the location on Kruisstraat could well be the location of the Court of the Lords of Arkel. If remains of this are found, this could shed a lot of light on the origins of the city of Gorinchem.
In the thirteenth century, the Lords of Arkel were the boss here. In addition to an enormous castle located between the city and the river, the Lords also owned a court in the city center. This court must have consisted of a house with buildings and a garden.
If no remains of a court are found, then there is a good chance that parts of the predecessor of the Gorcum Gymnasium will be uncovered. Archives show that the Latin School would have stood on the same spot in the fifteenth century. At that time, the Knipsteeg was called 'Scoelsteghe' or School Alley.
An initial discovery has already been made. During a preliminary exploration of the site, amateur archaeologist Ton Wijkamp made the first interesting discovery: a pewter pilgrim badge from the fifteenth or early sixteenth century with the edge inscription 'Ave Maria'.
A souvenir taken by pilgrims as proof of their journey. In seven weeks we will know what other treasures have been uncovered.
13-08-2002 The City of Gorinchem