Nonnenveld 52 | Bastion VII (2009)

Gorinchem Bastion VII

Desk research

Commissioned by Hurks Real Estate Middle heeft RAAP Archaeological Consultancy in July 2009 a desk study was carried out in connection with the proposed new construction of Bastion VII at Nonnenveld 52. The aim of this study was first of all to acquire as much information as possible about known and expected archaeological values ​​in order to formulate a specified expectation on that basis. Based on the research results and the nature and extent of the proposed soil interventions in the plan area, a recommendation was then formulated regarding archaeological follow-up research.

New Guest House to be demolished

Shipwrecks and urban waste

For the plan area, a low archaeological expectation applied for sites from the period up to the Early Middle Ages. It was possible that in the plan area there were remains of agricultural land use, utensils and the like from the Late Middle Ages and early Modern period (16^de century). Shipwrecks and urban waste may have been found in the subsoil at the former Kalkhaven.

Detail map Gorinchem Joan Blaeu 1652

Such archaeological remains were expected on the bottom of the Kalkhaven, the depth of which is unknown. Based on historical maps, remains (foundations) of buildings and a mill from the Modern period (period 17^de-19^de century) are present in the plan area. If present in the plan area, such remains would be close to the surface.

No follow-up research

In the 70's of the 20^e century, a nursing home was built in the plan area. This construction was piled. The plan area was located within the rampart and was excavated at least 50 cm (to approximately 3,0 m +NAP). The soil appeared to have been excavated largely to 1,85 m +NAP and partly even to 0,2 m -NAP. Based on the disturbance data from the construction of the nursing home, it could be stated that the remains that were close to the surface in the entire plan area were excavated. Remains that are located deeper in the soil will have been largely or partially excavated.

De Kromhout, harbour with shipyard of Hendrik van de Giessen and mill “De Eendracht”, anonymous (1814−1873)

On this basis, the chance that (intact and/or worthy of preservation) archaeological remains would be disturbed was considered very small. The soil was hardly excavated any more by future soil interventions than it had been in the 70s of the 20^e century. Based on the results of the present research, no further archaeological research was recommended in the plan area in the context of the proposed soil interventions.