Bomvrij militair object, Fort Blauwkapel Utrecht

English translation

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Description

Cluster 33. Foundation bomb-proof (watch)building D.

NEW HOLLANDIC WATERLINE

Introduction

FOUNDATION of BOMB-PROOF (WATCH)BUILDING D, as a relic of the guardhouse situated on the remnant of the ravelin at the northern - facing the front side - access to the fort. A bomb-proof (watch)building is a defensible shelter with provisions for personnel and their equipment that is capable of withstanding impacts from projectiles of a predefined calibre. With the increase in the range of artillery, the force of projectile impacts and the explosive force of (brisant) grenades, it became increasingly difficult to resist bombardment. Thickening of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (including by means of arches), shallow angles of inclination and curved or pointed shapes, use of concrete - and later reinforced concrete - in increasingly heavy construction, was one of the ways to keep fortification works resistant to increasing assault force. Moreover, the application of earth coverings proved to be an effective means of absorbing or damping the energy. This is the reason why many masonry or concrete works were provided with a layer of earth or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - the term 'bomb-proof buildings' was used when they were considered capable of withstanding a predefined number of impacts from heavy calibre.

The bomb-proof guardhouse D of Fort Blauwkapel was situated southwest of the bridge, directly opposite the access from Maartendijk and Hilversum onto the ravelin that defended the northern access to the fort. It was added to the work during the modernization of the fort in the 1870s. The building was demolished around 1965 in connection with the planned, but not realized, construction of a transmitting station on the western part of the fort.

Description

FOUNDATION of BOMB-PROOF (WATCH)BUILDING D, dating from 1873-1875, and consisting of heavy (1.50 to 2.00 cm thick) rectangular masonry (approximately 10 x 8 m with an extension on the southeast side) to approximately one metre above ground level. The foundation shows traces of two equally sized rooms situated next to each other. The memory of the special location of the building, on a ravelin with access at the front of the fort, contributes greatly to the significance of this partly underground and ruinous element.

Valuation

The FOUNDATION of BOMB-PROOF (WATCH)BUILDING D of Fort Blauwkapel is of general importance because of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially realized from 1815 by him, Jan Blanken and Major-Engineer Willem Offerhaus and subsequently strengthened and improved by others for approximately 125 years.

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

This concerns a component from 1873-75, as an example of (the relic of) a, by location, rare, earth-covered, brick, bomb-proof structure.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. Also because of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex.

* Archaeological values because of the remains and/or traces possibly present in the soil of building phases, components and the like.