GORINCHEM – During an archaeological excavation in the city center of Gorinchem, dozens of old utensils from the 17th century were found.de in 18de century. The excavation took place in the Emperor Street, at the location where housing association Gate6 wants to build an apartment complex.
Because of these construction plans, Poort6 is obliged to have such a study carried out. “We find all sorts of things,” says Daan Isendoorn of archaeological research agency ArcheoMedia from Capelle aan den IJssel. “We have uncovered a cesspit with pottery shards, knives and fish bones. We have also found a cannonball. Very special.”
Daan Isendoorn, Archeomedia
The archaeologists who conducted excavations this week in the Keizerstraat in the city centre of Gorcum hoped to find part of the old fortress wall. "Because we know where it should run," says archaeologist Daan Isendoorn. "But we didn't find the wall. It was probably already cleared away at a time when the rules for archaeological sites were not so strict."
The building on Keizerstraat where the excavations took place this week used to house an oil trader. The fortress wall probably had to make way for two colossal oil barrels. “But we did find a lot of other stuff,” says Isendoorn triumphantly. “These include knives, animal remains and utensils. We can’t yet say for sure how old they are. They probably date from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.”
A special find was a stone cannonball. “Because this excavation is taking place near the old fortress wall, it could easily happen that we find a cannonball. The wall was of course also a defense line.”
Trench with the exposed foundations
Yesterday, the dug trench was filled with earth again and the work was officially completed. “But it is possible that further research will be required in the near future,” Isendoorn explains. “We have exposed a number of foundations of houses and found quite a few objects. As archaeologists, we will write a report on this, after which the municipality will have to decide whether further research is required. That is not up to us.” If additional research is required, this could have adverse consequences for the planning of the new construction project. This involves the construction of five rental homes and one owner-occupied home. According to the current planning, Poort6 reports, this project will start early next year.”
October 30, 2009
AD Rivierenland