GORINCHEM – The archaeological excavations at the castle of the lords of Arkel in Gorinchem have yielded a number of interesting finds. The metal finds are particularly special. For example, a chain mail was found. Arrowheads, bullets in various sizes and a few coins also emerged from the ground.
Proto-stoneware drinking jugs from the Rhineland (13de century)
The excavations at the castle, which was destroyed almost six centuries ago and whose walls and foundations were found last month during the dike reinforcement along the Dalemsedijk, have now been completed. A handful of archaeologists are busy almost daily in the archaeological workroom on the Gasthuisstraat sorting, cleaning and fitting together (shards of pottery and stoneware) the objects. They are most enthusiastic about the chain mail. This vest made of thousands of iron rings, which was worn as armour, is in a large lump of clay and rust. The rings can be clearly seen on x-rays taken of the lump. The chain mail will soon be sent to the National Service for Archaeological Heritage in Amersfoort, where they will examine whether it can be restored. Until then, the piece of clay must be kept moist so that it cannot dry out. "If the clay dries out and shrinks, the chain mail can break", says Martin Veen, one of the Gorcum archaeologists. He suspects that the heavy garment dates from the late 14e or the 15e century. “It is a special find. I think that the number of chain mail found in the Netherlands can be counted on the fingers of two hands.” Other finds also point to the military importance of the castle, which played an important role in the defense of the Land van Arkel. For example, arrowheads from crossbows and longbows, large bullets, and small bullets from handguns have been found. “Those were the first bullets at that time,” says Veen.
Exhibition
Also in the domestic field nice finds were made, such as a pewter spoon (also new for that time), half a pair of scissors and keys. A silver coin from 1389 dates with the coat of arms of Philip of Burgundy and half a gold coin was also excavated. In addition, the more common objects were found, such as nails, skeletons of animals (including three dogs that were buried together) and hundreds of shards. The volunteers have a big job finding the broken pots and jugs and putting them back together. The archaeologists - besides Martin Veen also Pieter Floore, Eva Dansen and Peter von Hout - are trying to have as many finds as possible ready for an exhibition in the town hall on 5 November. The reception by the municipality on that day for all new residents will focus on archaeology in Gorinchem.
It is still too early to draw firm conclusions about life in the castle from the finds. However, the dating of the finds does correspond with the time in which the castle probably existed (built somewhere between 1269 and 1412). It had already become clear that the castle was much larger (approximately 80 by 80 metres) than was thought. Veen: “It was probably one of the largest castles, possibly even the largest, in the Northern Netherlands”.
Clay layer
The polder district Tieler- en Culemborgerwaarden has changed its plans for the strip of land along the Dalemsedijk after the remains were discovered. The intention was to turn it into a marshy area. That will remain the case, but half a meter of clay will now be applied to the spot where the castle once stood. "That way, everyone can see where the castle once stood and at the same time the remains are preserved for further research in the future," according to a spokesperson.
September 28, 1996
The Dordrecht resident