Rare Bronze Age treasure unearthed in Goirle during construction project
A remarkable archaeological discovery in Goirle reveals a Bronze Age pot filled with bronze objects, including an axe, offering new insights into the region's ancient history. Residents can explore the excavation site and view some finds during an open day on March 19.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bakertand, Goirle, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands |
| Significant Find | Pot with bronze objects (including an axe) from the late Iron Age (~1000 BC) |
| Other Discoveries | Merovingian burial site with 35 graves, rare knife in a pot (~1000 BC) |
| Historical Timeline | Human habitation from Bronze Age (1800 BC) to New Age (1300 AD) |
| Open Day | March 19, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Dorenweg, Tilburg |
| Accessibility | Best reached on foot or by bicycle; limited parking available |
The Municipality of Goirle, in collaboration with archaeological organizations, oversees excavations to preserve historical artifacts during construction projects. These efforts ensure that significant cultural heritage is documented and protected before development proceeds.
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Unique archaeological finds during excavations at Bakertand
During preparations for the new construction of Bakertand in Goirle, archaeological research has been conducted. During these excavations, remarkable archaeological finds were made. For example, a pot filled with bronze objects was discovered in a settlement.
At the start of the excavations in January 2026, unusual finds were already made. A rare knife was found in a pot dating back to 1000 BC. This is rare in the Netherlands. In a Merovingian settlement, a burial site with 35 graves was discovered, one of which was within the boundaries of a former dwelling.
The most remarkable find was unearthed last week in the eastern part of Bakertand. A pot from the late Iron Age was discovered, containing a treasure trove of bronze objects, including an axe. This was determined via a CT scan at the hospital. The contents will be further examined in a specialist laboratory over the coming year. Such an excavation is rarely carried out in the Netherlands. In fact, this is the first time such a pot has been found in a settlement.
It has also been established that people have lived in the area near Bakertand for a long time. From the Bronze Age (1800 BC) up to at least the New Age (1300 AD).
"It is truly unique that this find was made on Goirle soil. The archaeological research is not yet complete. Goirle has a rich history, and we are using the future to discover the past." – Willem den Ouden, alderman for archaeology.
Background
Archaeological finds have been made in Goirle before. During the construction of the Rillaersebaan in 1985, six water wells from the early Middle Ages were discovered. And during the development of the Boschkens-Oost district in 2004, unusual archaeological finds were also made. Based on this, and still today, there are high archaeological expectations for the excavations at Bakertand.
Open day
On Thursday, March 19, the excavation will be open to the public from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Archaeologists and members of the Archeologische Werkgemeenschap voor Nederland will be present to provide explanations. Part of the finds will also be on display.
The excavation hut is located on Dorenweg in Tilburg. The site is best reached on foot or by bicycle. You can do this via the bicycle bridge over the Rillaersebaan to the Waterput. Coming by car? You can reach the excavation via the Abcovenseweg, Bakertand, and Dorenweg. Please note: there is limited parking space, and parking is at your own risk.