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Archaeological research outside the Waterpoort March 2017
The evaluation report of the archaeological research in the context of the permit procedure for the construction of a hotel Buiten de Waterpoort is known. Main conclusion and recommendations: the discovered defenses are worth preserving and it is advised to preserve them as much as possible and to adjust the construction plan accordingly where possible. The municipality of Gorinchem will now consider the (im)possibilities and will enter into discussions with the permit holder to see if a suitable solution is possible. This process will take a number of weeks and must lead to a decision by the board.
Finds worth preserving
In the excavation pit, remains were found of a round fortress tower, the city wall and a possible building on the inside of the city wall. These are remains of the first, stone-built city wall of Gorinchem, defensive works from the late Middle Ages (last part 14e century). Archaeologist René van Wilgen of SOB Research concludes in the report that the defenses found are worth preserving, because according to him the finds are of local importance: "Based on the physical and substantive criteria... this is an archaeological site worth preserving." Alderman for archaeology Arjen Rijsdijk is very surprised that so much of the medieval city wall has been preserved: "What surprised me most is that everything is so deep underground."
Overview map of research area, see report for explanation
Advice on additional foundation research
By means of soil drillings, an attempt was made to determine to what extent and how deep the foundations extend under the fortress tower and city wall. Based on the soil drillings, it was determined that the remains are still present up to 3 to 4 meters under the excavated soil. However, the soil drillings could not determine how far the contours of the foundations extend. The researchers therefore recommend that additional research be carried out on this point by means of mechanical rock drillings.”
Decision making
This evaluation report anticipates the final report that is not expected until later. “However, the evaluation report provides us with sufficient basis to be able to make further decisions,” says Arjen Rijsdijk: “We want to act as clearly and transparently as possible in the search for possible solutions. The fact remains that we have issued the building permit and that we must therefore enter into discussions with the permit holder about possible solutions. This will be followed by official advice and we will involve the council in a council meeting. After this, it is up to the board to make a decision.”
Reporting archaeological finds
Archaeological research is mandatory when building on a site with an archaeological expectation. The archaeological research was therefore carried out on behalf of the company that has a permit to build a hotel Buiten de Waterpoort. This research took place in November 2016 and March 2017. The evaluation report and building history research can be found below.
 | Willows, LR van (2017) Inventory Field Research by means of test trenches and Archaeological Guidance Plan Area 'Buiten de Waterpoort 2-6', Gorinchem, Municipality of Gorinchem: Evaluation report, Heinenoord. flipbook | PDF (4 MB) |
 | Reenen, W.G. van (2017) Building history support for an archaeological excavation Buiten de Waterpoort 2-6, Gorinchem, Leerdam. flipbook | PDF (3 MB) |
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