The Netherlands: conservation work starts on medieval cog ship from Kampen (Hanseatic League)

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Source: Conservation work begins on medieval trade ship - DutchNews.nl

Conservation work begins on medieval trade ship
January 10, 2019

Conservation work on a 14th century ship found near Kampen on the river IJssel has started this week after a storm early last year demolished the roof of the conservation station.

The IJsselkogge [site is slowly loading; Dutch only; 62 photos], one of a fleet of 100 trade ships belonging to the Hanseatic city of Kampen, was raised from the river bed in 2016 after being discovered in 2011.

Although the ship was not completely dismantled, archaeologists think the 20 meter long ship was sunk, along with two smaller vessels, to prevent sand from building up in the river and blocking what was a vital waterway in the Hanseatic trade network.

The find is considered to be a unique one which underlines Kampen’s importance as a trade link in the Middle Ages.

The ship’s length indicates it was a sea-going vessel which would have transported wood and cereals from the countries around the Baltic Sea, salt and wine from France, beer from Germany, herring from Sweden and wool from Britain.

Cogs played a vital part in Medieval transport because of their superior design which allowed them to better weather storms and keep on course.

The ship, which was transported to Dutch heritage site and museum Batavialand [Dutch only] in Lelystad, will undergo a special wood preservation process there which will take six years to complete. It will then go on show at the site.
 
Source (Dutch only): Gemeenteraad Kampen beslist over lot van uniek wrak uit 15de eeuw

NOS News - Regional News - today, 12:43
Kampen city council decides on fate of unique 15th century wreck

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The shipwreck of the IJsselkogge after salvaging in 2016
-Image: RTV Oost

In the upcoming time it should become clear whether a shipwreck retrieved from the IJssel in 2016 will return to Kampen. At the time, the wreck of the so-called kogge went to a conservation center in Lelystad. Exhibiting the 15th century ship will cost a million euros more than expected and the Kampen city council must decide.

"The council must give a clear 'go or no go' signal," alderman Albert Holtland tells RTV Oost. "Kampen decided in 2014 that the wreck of the medieval trading ship, after conservation at the shipyard in Lelystad, should return to Kampen."
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The cog was discovered in 2011, during preparations for deepening the shipping channel in the mouth of the IJssel River.

At the time, the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management said the cog was in exceptionally good condition. Most previously found cog wrecks are completely or partially disintegrated and not complete. The IJssel Kogge is one of only three kogges that have survived. Other ones were found in Bremen and Doel (Belgium).

The cog was developed in the thirteenth century as a successor to the flat-bottomed vessels that had been common until then. The ship was
much more seaworthy and could carry much more cargo. This type of ship was used for trade with cities on the Baltic Sea.
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When the decision was made to bring the ship back to Kampen, money was made available, but far too little, it would appear. A minimal exhibition space is a million euros more expensive. Initially 5 tons were budgeted.

According to the alderman, the idea of exhibiting the ship was oversimplified. "There are more technical and climatic facilities needed. If we place the IJssel Kogge under a glass bell jar, the wood will pulverize on the spot. A better and therefore more expensive exhibition space is definitely needed."

The city council will make the decision in October. However, some parties think that a minimum of 1.5 million euros is too much money and want to spend it differently.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
 
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