Militair wachtgebouw, Gageldijk 165

English translation

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Description

Cluster 30. Bombproof square guardhouse.

NEW HOLLANDIC WATERLINE

Introduction

BOMBPROOF SQUARE GUARDHOUSE, built around the middle of the 19th century on Fort De Gagel as the first fortified addition to the earthwork that had existed since approximately 1820. A bombproof guardhouse is a defendable shelter with provisions for personnel and their materiel capable of withstanding impacts from projectiles of a predefined (and contemporary) calibre. A square form for such a work is relatively rare in the New Hollandic Waterline; another example dating from approximately the same period is located at the Fort near Tienhoven. There it is incorporated into a larger bombproof barracks building (building A). With the increase in the range of artillery, the force of projectile impacts and the explosive power of (brisance) grenades, it became increasingly difficult to withstand attacks. Thickening of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (including by means of arches), shallow angles of slope and curved or pointed forms, use of concrete - and later reinforced concrete - in increasingly heavy construction, was one of the ways to keep the fortifications capable of withstanding increased attack force. Moreover, the application of earth coverings proved to be an effective means of absorbing or dampening energy. This is why many masonry or concrete works were provided with an earth layer or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - one spoke of 'bombproof buildings' when they were considered capable of withstanding a predefined number of impacts from heavy calibre weapons. The bombproof guardhouse on Fort De Gagel was entirely surrounded by a moat and functioned as a redoubt. The guardhouse had space for two gun embrasures, while close defence from the work itself could be carried out via loopholes for cannon and rifle fire. When the fort was improved around 1880, the moat around the guardhouse was filled in on three sides, the guardhouse was altered and the open battery with surrounding breastwork on its roof was removed. The guardhouse of Fort De Gagel remains in the condition it was brought to after that alteration. A restoration is planned for the guardhouse and there are plans for new use.

Description

Bombproof square guardhouse, built around 1850 on Fort De Gagel, with basement and earth covering, on a square ground plan of approximately 16 x 16 m; rounded corners and masonry walls 1.5 metres thick. Lowered and altered around 1880; traces of this are visible. The entrance - with internally arched and recessed archway access - is located on the south-west side (gorge side) and is provided with wooden double doors. On all sides and at the corners (arched openings partly or completely filled in around 1880), also designed as loopholes. Basement windows in various facades. Interior ground floor with masonry vaults, divided into four rooms; walls with passages in which wooden doors with fanlights and small windows on either side.

Valuation

The BOMBPROOF SQUARE GUARDHOUSE of Fort De Gagel is of general interest on account of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Hollandic Waterline as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially realised from 1815 by him, Jan Blanken and major-engineer Willem Offerhaus and subsequently strengthened and improved by others over approximately 125 years.

* Architectural-historical values, in particular as an expression of military-strategic building design, which is based on: a. the system of inundation and access defence (19th century), b. the competition with increasingly powerful offensive means (19th century).

This concerns a component from approximately 1850 - altered around 1880 - as an example of a square, brick bombproof guard building.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Hollandic Waterline. Also on account of the functional and physical cohesion with the other components of the complex.

* The component is representative (characteristic) and fairly rare because in its appearance it displays the characteristics that underline the defensive purpose of a defendable guardhouse at that time.

* The component is well preserved because the building is in virtually the condition it was brought to after alteration around 1880.