GORINCHEM – 'Full house' was the Monday evening in De Heul when the historical society Oud-Gorcum gave a slide lecture about the excavations on the Krijtstraat. City archaeologist Pieter Floore sketched a picture of what was uncovered in August and September last year on the spot where a branch of V&D is now being built.
A lot of data is currently being examined. The results are not expected until the summer. “We are still looking for the exact dating of many objects. But surprises are still emerging,” says Floore, who works as an archaeologist for the municipality of Gorinchem. In six weeks, the research and consultancy agency Baac from Den Bosch together with Floore searched for the Hof van Arkel and probably found it. “You never know for sure in archaeology, as long as you don't come across a nameplate. Not much is known about the Hof, but it is known that it must have been located opposite the Grote Kerk. The only question is, on which side? At this location it is very plausible, because the house on the Krijtstraat is very special and deviates from everything that has been found in Gorcum so far.
A court in the time of the Lords of Arkel was a smaller accommodation than a castle or fortress. This must have been the religious and administrative centre of the city. This can be seen from a map from the 16th centuryde century of Gorinchem. The Court had probably already disappeared by then, or at least its significance.”
Skeleton
The excavations thus provide insight into the presumed house of Jan van Arkel, who played an important role in the history of Gorcum. Even older remains of houses from the thirteenth century were found under the foundation. Floore: “Under all the buildings, pits and holes appeared full of manure and other household waste, even a whole skeleton of a sheep. These are the remains of agricultural town houses from the time the city of Gorcum was founded.”
Most discoveries were made in the cesspits and cellars that were exposed. Among them are dozens of writing styluses made of bone, iron and bronze. These were found around the late medieval school that was built on top of the foundation of the Hof. The archaeologists also found thousands of glass shards from the 16de century, which were assembled into beautiful drinking glasses with much patience by volunteers. In addition, a cool key, a wooden spinning top and a cloth seal came to light. "The origin of the seal is not yet entirely clear, but this story will be continued," concludes the city archaeologist.
January 22, 2003
Gorcumse Courant