Bomvrij militair object, Biltsestraatweg bij 160

English translation

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Description

Cluster 38. Bomb-proof Consumption Magazine I.

NEW HOLLAND WATER LINE

Introduction

BOMB-PROOF CONSUMPTION MAGAZINE I, as ammunition storage on the northern part of the fort. Magazine I is located in the northernmost corner of the front wall of the northeastern bastion of Fort De Bilt and forms the counterpart of consumption magazine K on the southeastern bastion. With the increase in the range of artillery, the force of projectile impacts and the explosive power of (brisant) grenades, it became increasingly difficult to withstand bombardment. Reinforcement of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (among other means through arches), gentle angles of inclination and curved or pointed shapes, use of concrete—and later of reinforced concrete—in progressively heavier construction, was one of the ways to keep the fortifications resistant to increasing offensive 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 structures are provided with a layer of earth or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction—and thus on the expected impact force of projectiles—one spoke of 'bomb-proof buildings' when they were deemed capable of withstanding a previously defined number of impacts from heavy calibre fire.

Description

Constructed in brick, BOMB-PROOF CONSUMPTION MAGAZINE I of Fort De Bilt, dating from approximately 1875 and consisting of a storage place for ammunition located and fitted out in the northernmost part of the front wall of the northeastern bastion. The storage place is covered with earth on three sides and on top and has only a short visible facade on the gorge side (west). Perpendicular wing walls descending from it. Consumption Magazine I forms the counterpart of bomb-proof consumption magazine K on the southern part of the fort.

Valuation

The BOMB-PROOF CONSUMPTION MAGAZINE I of Fort De Bilt is of general interest because of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Holland Water Line 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 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 race with increasingly powerful offensive means (19th century).

This concerns a component dating from approximately 1875, namely an example of a bomb-proof building as storage place for ammunition.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Holland Water Line. Also because of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex and in particular as counterpart of consumption magazine K on the southern part of the fort.

* The component is representative because it is a good example of a small bomb-proof structure on a fort from the early phase of the last quarter of the 19th century.

* The component is well preserved because characteristic components have been retained and remain recognizable.