GORINCHEM The archaeologists of the archaeological working group Gorinchem want to search for remains of the Blauwe Toren (Blue Tower), an enormous and unique castle tower that stood on the edge of the city from 1461 to 1578 at the height of the Duveltjesgracht. The foundations and probably meter-thick sections of wall have disappeared under the earthen city walls, but will probably become visible again when they are reinforced.
The Blue Tower, by Jacob van der Ulft (1644−1683)
The archaeologists want to start with the Alblasserwaard Water Board and the Vijfheerenlanden to discuss piggybacking on the reinforcement work on the city walls.
According to Martin Veen of the working group, it is clear where to dig to find the remains. In preparation for the reinforcement work, a specialist company carried out soundings (measurements with sound waves) and concentrations of stone and rubble were observed at the spot where the Blue Tower must have stood. "It looks like there are large foundations there. They are located about 2,5 meters below the foot of the city wall and more than ten meters below the top, so that probably means a few days of digging," says Veen.
The Blue Tower was part of a castle, the construction (or renovation – historians disagree on this) of which began in 1461, by order of Charles the Bold. It was intended as a stronghold against his father Philip the Good, with whom he was at odds. He also wanted to have a bridge built over the Merwede. The bridge never came, the castle only partially. Father and son reconciled in 1465. In the meantime, however, the striking Blue Tower on the southeastern corner had been completed.
Unknown
It is not known exactly what the building looked like. The etchings and engravings that exist of it are partly based on the imagination of the makers. Nevertheless, it is clear that it was a striking building, which according to Veen was unique in this region because of its Burgundian architectural style. Only one tower with such an architectural style is known in France. He therefore assumes that Charles the Bold put a foreign (probably French) builder to work. The foundation of such a heavy tower on the super soft Gorcum soil is also a sample of foreign skill. "During the excavations we therefore mainly hope to learn more about these foundations, which must have been enormous." The Blue Tower reportedly had walls with a thickness of two meters. In 1976, such wall remains were found during pile-driving work for the construction of houses on the Krabsteeg, but a connection with the Blue Tower could not be demonstrated. It proved impossible to remove the wall, so the piles had to be driven in with a drilling rig.
The Blue Tower was demolished in 1578 because the enormous structure was in the way of a new rampart around the city. The demolition took some time, because it was not until 1600 that there was no wall left standing. In 1831 the last foundation blocks disappeared under the city wall and out of sight.
December 11, 1998
The Dordrecht resident