Ancient lock unearthed during Marken dyke upgrades reveals island's water battle history
A centuries-old lock discovered during dyke reinforcement works on Marken offers a glimpse into how residents historically managed water threats. The find, dating back to the 18th or 19th century, highlights the island's ongoing struggle against flooding and land loss.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Discovery Location | Between Rozewerf and the lighthouse, Marken, Noord-Holland |
| Structure Type | Historical lock, likely from the 18th or 19th century |
| Materials Found | Brick, mortar, and natural stone with holes for a wooden lock gate |
| Lock Dimensions | Maximum width of 2 meters |
| Purpose | Controlled water discharge or retention; possibly used by small fishing boats |
| Archaeological Method | Photogrammetry (3D modeling), GPS measurements, and GIS documentation |
| Previous Related Find (2023) | Wooden planks and a post dating to 1760/1761, likely from a sunken wharf |
| Current Status | Lock remains in place; thoroughly documented for historical records |
Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch government agency responsible for water management and infrastructure, oversees dyke reinforcement projects like the one on Marken. These projects include archaeological monitoring to preserve historical artifacts that shed light on the Netherlands' water management heritage. The discovery of the lock underscores the agency's dual role in safeguarding both modern and historical assets.
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Historical lock discovered during dyke reinforcement works on Marken
Published on: March 20, 2026, 08:59 AM
During dyke reinforcement works on Marken, another remarkable archaeological discovery has been made. Contractors Hof op Marken uncovered remains of a historical lock while removing part of the rubble foundation.
The find provides new insights into how Marken’s residents historically managed water control, dyke maintenance, and land protection.
The lock was discovered during the removal of the rubble foundation between Rozewerf and the lighthouse. Excavation revealed masonry structures made of brick and mortar.
‘As soon as something like this is encountered, the contractors halt the work and immediately contact us,’ says Rogier de Groot from the RAAP archaeological consultancy. ‘We then examine and document the site. It concerns a structure built directly into the dyke itself.’
Chance discovery during unsupervised works
The discovery aligns with the broader archaeological monitoring program for the dyke reinforcement on Marken. The island has a long history of battling the water, with many older structures hidden within and beneath the dyke. Therefore, seven locations were identified in advance where archaeological remains were expected, and where works are archaeologically supervised.
The lock was found in such a zone, yet the discovery was still unexpected. Similar to the earlier chance find in 2023 south of the Zuidkade on Marken, where wooden planks and a post were uncovered during works. Further research revealed the wood dated to around 1760/1761 from the Baltic region, likely remnants of a sunken wharf.
Lock from the eighteenth or nineteenth century
The recently discovered structure consists of two opposing masonry walls with sturdy side sections and natural stone elements. The natural stone features holes where a wooden lock gate likely once fitted. No trace of the gate remains.
‘Based on the size and hardness of the bricks and mortar used, we expect this to be a lock from the eighteenth or nineteenth century,’ says Rogier. ‘It is not a wide lock, at most two meters, making it too narrow for large ships. It was likely intended for controlled water discharge or retention. Perhaps small fishing boats could pass through.’
Careful documentation
The discovery has since been thoroughly documented. Archaeologists used photogrammetry—a method involving hundreds of photos from different angles to create a 3D model of the structure, providing an accurate representation. The lock was also measured with GPS, and the data was linked to geographic information systems (GIS).
‘All this information is compiled into an archaeological report,’ says Rogier. ‘We also consult historical sources to see if any records match this find.’ The researchers hope to learn more about a previous dyke reinforcement or heightening that may have buried the lock’s roof.
The lock will remain in place. ‘The archaeological information has certainly been preserved through extensive documentation,’ emphasizes Rogier.
A valuable addition to history
While locks are common in the Netherlands, this find is particularly significant for Marken. The lock is a tangible part of the island’s water management history, illustrating how residents for centuries sought to protect themselves against the sometimes fierce Zuiderzee.
‘In the struggle against the water, parts of the island were lost in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Such waterworks played a crucial role in protecting the land.’ The discovery thus contributes to reconstructing Marken’s development history and enriches the existing historical understanding.