A number of unique archaeological discoveries have been made at the Binnenhof, including some of the site’s earliest foundations and retaining walls. These foundations, and the various objects unearthed in the dig, reveal that the Binnenhof was a gigantic complex as long ago as the 13th century. ‘A court with royal architecture and the ambition to be an imperial palace.’
The nearly 800-year-old architectural remnants were found at the Buitenhof, between the Mauritstoren (Maurits Tower) and the Stadtholders Gate. Archaeologists from the municipality of The Hague discovered them in the course of research undertaken in connection with the renovation of the Binnenhof. Some of the remaining foundations that were excavated belong to the predecessors of what is now the Stadtholders Gate.
North of the gate, traces were also found of a narrow annex and a wall that would have surrounded the medieval courtyard. Two years ago a 13th-century quay wall had already been laid bare under the floor of the plenary council chamber of the Council of State. This retaining wall, which was part of the gatehouse, held back the water of the canal that ran along the Binnenhof. The canal was filled in during the 19th century.
‘It’s exceptional to find such a large part of the foundation from the Binnenhof’s earliest period,’ said Peter Stokkel, the head of the municipal archaeology team. ‘This discovery helps us get a better sense of how the Binnenhof developed as a count’s residence in the 13th century.’
Father and son
Archaeological and architectural research into the history of the complex has revealed that there was already a gatehouse at the Buitenhof at the time of Count William II (1227 – 1257). The dating of the remnants is consistent with the construction phase of the Rolgebouw (the building housing the Hall of the Rolls, a medieval courtroom), which was built shortly after the election of William II as King of the Romans of the Holy Roman Empire in 1247. The Rolgebouw is the part of the Grafelijke Zalen (Count’s Halls) which is now behind the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights).
Around 1280, Floris V (1254-1296), the son of William II, added the Hofkapel (Court Chapel). He went on to further enlarge the count’s castle with the addition of the Ridderzaal some 15 years later. As we now know from the recent excavations, he also added a new gatehouse, flanked by a quay wall and a narrow annex. The old gatehouse, erected by his father William II, had only been there for 40 years. In terms of grandeur and size, it is likely that the renovated gate, with its annexe, was more in keeping with the impressive Ridderzaal, which was at the time one of the largest assembly halls in Europe.
Royal architecture, imperial ambitions
All of this large-scale construction indicates that the Binnenhof was already a major centre of power as far back as the 13th century. Through the Binnenhof, Count Floris V sought to project prestige, power and wealth. According to architectural historian Hein Hundertmark: ‘These excavations are rewriting the history of the Binnenhof. They tell us more about what the complex looked like in the Middle Ages. For example, we now know there were a lot more buildings in the initial stages than we previously thought. This means that the Binnenhof was not just the court of a count, but a court with royal architecture and even greater ambitions to serve as an imperial palace.’
A construction sacrifice and a heron’s skull
The excavations also unearthed a completely intact flagon or jug made of proto-stoneware. Archaeologists think that this object may have been left there as a ‘construction sacrifice’. Another notable discovery is a rare silver coin bearing the image of Count Floris V. This medallion probably dates from the last phase of his rule, between 1293 and 1296.
In the narrow annex, remnants were found of a rubbish cellar and six chutes leading down to it. The chutes were connected to latrines. This is an exceedingly interesting discovery for archaeologists, because rubbish provides clues about daily life at the medieval court. For example, a nearly complete heron’s skull was found among the debris. (At that time herons were eaten by the nobility.) Other bits and pieces found include shards of stained glass, a drinking glass or flask and an iron chisel or awl with a grip made of antlers.
800 years of cultural heritage
The archaeological and architectural research into the history of the Binnenhof is focused on documenting and sharing 800 years of cultural heritage. In the coming months and years the discoveries will be examined, documented and analysed by archaeologists and architectural historians.
From Wednesday 9 April, some of these discoveries will be on display in a new exhibition at the free information centre (Dutch page) dedicated to the renovation of the Binnenhof (Plaats 22, The Hague).