Uncover Deventer’s medieval secrets: lecture reveals hidden city walls and towers
Discover how Deventer’s medieval defenses shaped the city’s growth. A free lecture on 9 April will share findings from nearly a decade of archaeological digs, revealing rare double walls, towers, and even a prior’s garden. Don’t miss this chance to explore Deventer’s past.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Lecture on medieval city walls and archaeological findings |
| Date & Time | Thursday, 9 April, 8:00 PM (doors open at 7:45 PM) |
| Location | Deventer City Hall, Grote Kerkhof 1 |
| Archaeological Findings | Double city walls, tufa stone tower, moat, and repairs to the walls |
| Historical Insights | Development of Bergkwartier, prior’s garden, and city stables |
| Research Period | 2002–2011 |
| Speaker | Municipal archaeologist Bart Vermeulen |
The Municipality of Deventer oversees archaeological research to preserve and share the city’s historical heritage. These efforts help residents and visitors understand how medieval infrastructure shaped urban development and daily life in Deventer.
Read the full translated article below
Lecture: Excavations at Houtmarkt – From the Embankment to the Prior’s House
On Thursday, 9 April, Archeologie Deventer will host a lecture on the findings of the archaeological research into the medieval city walls between Walstraat and Houtmarkt.
These investigations, conducted between 2002 and 2011, provide significant insights into the development of the city’s defences around the Bergkwartier and have been compiled into a new report.
Municipal archaeologist Bart Vermeulen will deliver the lecture at 8:00 PM in Deventer’s City Hall.
City Walls and Tuff Stone Towers
Deventer was one of the few cities in the Netherlands to have a double city wall. As early as 2002, trial excavations confirmed the presence of the remains of this double wall in the area between Houtmarkt and Walstraat. During the demolition of Walstraat 123, the remains of a remarkable tufa stone tower were uncovered. The tower stood on the embankment that gave its name to Walstraat.
In the years that followed, researchers were able to examine not only the embankment and the tower but also the inner and outer brick city walls, a possible tower in the outer wall, the moat, and various repairs to the wall.
Living Behind the Walls
In the 11th and 12th centuries, the Bergkwartier became increasingly populated. By the time the Bergkerk was consecrated in 1206, the district was likely already densely built-up. The area behind the embankment remained empty for a while longer. It was only when the embankment was replaced by a brick wall that the rear side of the embankment was excavated, allowing plots along the city wall to be used as building sites. At Walstraat 123, the city stables were constructed.
The Prior’s Garden
In 1397, Walstraat was described as the street along the embankment from the Brinkpoort to the house of the prior of the Bergkerk. The prior owned a large area extending from the end of Walstraat to the Bergkerk. Part of his garden was excavated, and at the edge of the area, he leased out houses and maintained a stable, which was also uncovered.
Programme
You are welcome at Deventer City Hall, Grote Kerkhof 1, on Thursday, 9 April. The lecture begins at 8:00 PM and will last approximately one hour. Doors open and coffee will be served from 7:45 PM.
More Information
For any questions, you can get in touch via.
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