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Knipsteeg 13 – 15 April 2019
Archaeological research agency starts on Monday 13 May The Sample an exploratory investigation at the Knipsteeg. The investigation was originally planned a week earlier. Based on the conclusions in the report of the desk research (2015) and the results of the excavation to the Court of Arkel and the Great School (2002) on Krijtstraat the archaeological expectation for this plot is very high.
Big School
The excavation carried out in 2002 on the current site of the former department store V&D brought to light remains of the Hof van Arkel. During this same investigation, part of the Grote School was also found, which had been on this site since at least 1435. At that time, the Knipsteeg was also called the “Scoelsteghe”The large school was the continuation of the “Little School”, which children could visit until they were about seven or eight years old. Around 1600, the Big School elevated to Latin School, comparable to a gymnasium, where students were prepared for university education. Among other things, subjects were taught in Latin.
The school building complex extends towards the north. The southern boundary of the research location is indicated by a thick red line
During the excavation, a cesspit was discovered between the foundation remains of a part of the school building, in which, among other things, many objects were found that could be linked to the function of the building. For example, a wooden part of a book cover was found. But also writing pens (styli), pencils, chalks and a plaque with which disobedient children were punished.
The archaeologists also found a large quantity of toys, including spinning tops, balls, knucklebones, dice, and marbles. This important find provides an interesting insight into daily life at the Gorcum school in the 16e century. The north side of the plot on which the school building stood is probably located at the level of the plots along the Knipsteeg.
Knipsteeg, corner of Ostrich Street
Name changes
The Knipsteeg has changed its name several times over the centuries. In 1435 the alley was called the “Scoelsteghe” called, between 1544 and 1643 the “Aert Helvensteech” of “Beer Stekers Alley”The term biersteker can refer to someone who mixes beer of different origins and strengths, a beer seller or tapper. Possibly as early as 1629, but in any case in 1719, the steeg was called “Lord Henrichsteegh”. Between 1699 and 1789 the name changes to “Jacob Robbesteeg”, then, between 1736 and 1809, the alley became known by its current name, the Knipsteeg. The alley was then named after “The Cut”, a house with yard and bowling alley. It is likely that the current building on the corner of Knipsteeg and Struisvogelstraat – until not so long ago “House of Breughel” and before that “The Play Wagon” – during this period it has already been given the function of a café.
Medieval canal with a surprising amount of water
Over the past three weeks, an excavation was carried out in the Knipsteeg in Gorinchem. Based on …