Archeologische verwachtingskaart Gemeente Bloemendaal – Archaeological Predictive Map Report 512
The Archeologische verwachtingskaart Gemeente Bloemendaal (Report 512) is a specialized regulatory document commissioned by the Gemeente Bloemendaal and prepared by Past2Present in January 2011. This report functions as a technical and policy framework for the management of archaeological heritage within the municipal boundaries, which include the districts of Bloemendaal, Overveen, Bennebroek, Vogelenzang, Aerdenhout, and parts of Bentveld. It operates within the legal structure of the Monumentenwet 1988, providing a statutory basis for evaluating archaeological risks during spatial planning and development projects.
The scope of the document encompasses a detailed geological, geomorphological, and historical analysis to define predictive zones for archaeological remains. It examines landforms such as strandwallen (beach ridges) and strandvlaktes (beach plains) across the Holocene coastal landscape. The report identifies 73 unique find locations and classifies them into complex types, including Stad (urban context), Nederzetting (settlement), Ridderhofstad (knightly estate), and Blekerij (bleaching field). It utilizes high-resolution data from the Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland (AHN) and historical records dating from the early 19th-century cadastral minutes (1811–1832) to map the subterranean archaeological archives.
This compliance document serves as the primary reference for municipal planners and developers to determine the necessity of archaeological field investigations prior to ground-disturbing activities. It provides concrete thresholds for high, middle-high, and low predictive values across different landscape units.
Geological and Geomorphological Framework
The municipal territory is characterized by a sequence of Holocene coastal developments, primarily the formation of beach ridges and plains. The document details the geological transition from Pleistocene wind-blown dekzand (coversand) to the formation of the coastal barrier approximately 2,500 years ago.
- Zone 1: The Beach Ridges (Strandwallen): High-lying sand ridges covered by Oude Duinen (Old Dunes) and Jonge Duinen (Young Dunes).
- Zone 2: The Beach Plains (Strandvlaktes): Lower-lying flat areas between ridges, often containing Hollandveen (peat) deposits.
- Zone 3: Peat and Clay Area: Located in the southeastern part of Bennebroek, representing the edge of the former Haarlemmermeer.
Historical Cores and Settlement History
The report evaluates the historical development of the four primary cores. Archaeological remains in these areas are often linked to medieval land reclamation efforts known as roding or rode.
- Bloemendaal: Originates from the ambachtsheerlijkheid Aelbertsberg, with known 12th-century foundations.
- Overveen: Historically connected to Tetterode and the transition to the peat-rich beach plains.
- Bennebroek: Formed on the transition between inner dunes and peatlands, becoming an independent administrative circle in 1653.
- Vogelenzang: Recognized for high concentrations of prehistoric finds from the Neolithic and Bronze Age.
Predictive Classes and Archaeological Values
The document defines archaeological expectations based on landscape units and historical human activity. These expectations are categorized into three primary levels.
- High Expectation: Assigned to the strandwallen and edges of the Oude Duinen, as well as the historical village cores.
- Middle-High Expectation: Assigned to strandvlaktes and Jonge Duinen, where remains may be buried under thick layers of sand.
- Low Expectation: Applied to the clay basins of the Haarlemmermeer and areas with confirmed deep soil disturbances.
Military and Industrial Heritage
Beyond prehistoric and medieval remains, the report accounts for specialized industrial and modern military archaeological traces.
- Blekerijen: 17th-century bleaching fields located primarily east of Bloemendaal and Overveen.
- Atlantikwall: Concrete bunkers and defensive positions from the Batterij Langerak (W.N. 142) built during 1940–1945.
- Buitenplaatsen: Foundations and landscape elements of 18th-century country estates such as Saxenburg, Elswout, and Meer en Berg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the depth of the Pleistocene surface in Bloemendaal?
The Pleistocene surface, consisting of coversand ridges, lies approximately 15 to 20 meters below the current surface level.
Which historical maps were used for the predictive model?
The model relies on the earliest georeferenced maps, specifically the cadastral minutes from 1811–1832 and the Adrian Ockerz map of 1599.
Are there legally protected archaeological monuments in Bloemendaal?
As of the 2011 report, the municipality contains several AMK-terreinen (Areas of Archaeological Value), but no legally protected national archaeological monuments under the Monumentenwet.
What archaeological period is most represented in the find catalog?
The Nieuwe Tijd (Modern Era) features the highest number of registered find locations (29), followed by the Late Middeleeuwen (15).
What are the specific archaeological risks for the Vogelenzang area?
The area has a high potential for Neolithic and Bronze Age remains, including flint tools and pottery, often found at depths of 0.90 to 1.70 meters +NAP.
How does the document handle soil disturbances?
Areas with confirmed deep soil disturbances, such as sand excavations for urban expansion or bulb cultivation, are generally assigned a lower archaeological expectation.
