Blauwe Torenstraat 7 – 13 (2004)

Research into wall remains of Blauwe Torenstraat (2004)

In April 2004, by Hollandia Archaeologists an archaeological investigation was carried out at Blauwe Torenstraat 7-13. During previous excavation work for the demolition of old foundations, wall remains were found that were associated with the late medieval city wall. Based on maps, it was expected that the city wall would have to be cut by the test trenches.

Cadastral map of Blue Tower Street (1970)

City wall

However, no trace of the city wall was found at this location. A little to the north of the wall, a moat, a dike and another moat can be seen on the map. Due to the inevitable inaccuracy of the old maps, it is quite possible that the city wall lies on the south side of the Blauwe Torenstraat and that we have observed remains of the moat or dike in the profile. However, the research was too limited in terms of scope to be able to establish this with certainty. Another possibility is that the old city wall lies deeper under the grey clay. In the Keizerstraat, remains of the city wall were found at a depth of two metres below ground level. The buildings that were built over the possible moat or dike are very likely the houses that can be seen on Blaeu's map (ca. 1652). Somewhere in the 18th or 19th century, as evidenced by the thick layers of rubble in the profile, there seems to have been extensive demolition. The houses were demolished and a new building of remarkable size was built.

Map of Gorinchem by Joan Blaeu (1652)