Arkelsedijk (2012)

Arkelsedijk Gorinchem

Commissioned by Ziggo BV. is by Hollandia archaeologists In March/​April 2012, an archaeological desk study and inventory field study by means of drilling were carried out for two plots along the Arkelsedijk in Gorinchem. The reason for the study was the planned construction of a business premises where the soil would be stirred to a depth of 2 m. In addition, there was possible soil disturbance due to the driving of piles.

The archaeological desk study has shown that the plan location is on the western bank of the Linge. On this bank, archaeological remains from the late Iron Age, Roman period and/or early Middle Ages can be expected. At the beginning of the 14^de century, the Arkelsedijk was constructed over this riverbank, with the plan area lying outside the dike. The terrain was then probably used as arable, pasture or woodland. From 19^de-century sources show that fishing took place from the banks.

Drilling research

Because the planned work would disturb the expected archaeological remains, the archaeological expectation model was tested using a mapping drilling survey.

The drilling investigation has shown that there are no archaeological remains present within the plan area that will be disturbed by the planned work. The top 0,5 to 1,5 m consists of a recently disturbed layer. The expected riverbank was only found in the eastern part of the plan area and was probably topped off. In addition, no archaeological indicators were found that point to the presence of archaeological remains in the soil.

Based on the drilling research, it was advised to release the plan area. No archaeological follow-up research was required. However, the person carrying out the work had to be informed of the obligation to report incidental finds during the execution of the groundwork to the competent authority, as stated in the Monuments Act 1988, article 53, paragraph 1.