GORINCHEM – An old city wall was not found. However, the excavations of the past week in the Keizerstraat did yield interesting finds from daily life of about three centuries ago. The excavations took place at the height of Keizerstraat 44, on the site of the former oil trading company.
Exposed masonry Keizerstraat 44
The archaeological excavations were carried out by the company ArcheoMedia. Archeologist Daan Isendoorn of ArcheoMedia was assisted by volunteers from the Archaeological Working Group in Gorinchem. “No really shocking items were found, but some really nice things were found, material that tells us a lot about the past. A louse comb, a stone cannonball, glass shards and a lot of pottery.”
The excavations were carried out on behalf of the municipality. Initially, it was assumed that an old city wall would be found at this location. That was not the case. Isendoorn: "It is possible that the wall is located deeper, but there is little to say about that at the moment. However, many foundation remains from the 16e, 17e in 18e century."
Keeping this in mind and the fact that quite a bit of material has been found, Isendoorn concludes that further research may be necessary. "I will certainly recommend this to the municipality." Although the find is interesting enough for further research, not as much has been found as recently in, for example, the New Town.
In the Netherlands, it is legally stipulated that archaeological research must be conducted before construction can begin. This is also the case here. In March of next year, Poort6 wants to start demolishing the building on Keizerstraat. Five rental apartments and one owner-occupied apartment are to be built on the site of the former oil trading company. It is not yet known whether construction will be delayed by the finds.
Mirjam de Swart
November 3, 2009
The City of Gorinchem