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Excavations carried out before the construction of a new administrative center in Nieuwpoort revealed about 500 medieval cannonballs, ancient structures, and a World War I projectile, reinforcing the Belgian city’s connection to historical defenses, military conflicts, and still little-known layers of its past
Excavations carried out before the construction of a new administrative center in Nieuwpoort revealed about 500 medieval cannonballs, ancient structures, and a World War I projectile, reinforcing the Belgian city’s connection to historical defenses, military conflicts, and still little-known layers of its past.
The discovery of about 500 cannonballs in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, surprised archaeologists during excavations carried out before the construction of a new administrative building. The laying of the building’s foundations is scheduled for late 2026.
The find occurred on a plot of land located between the town hall, which dates back to the Middle Ages, and the city’s ancient medieval defenses. The area was investigated as part of the preparation for the construction project, with excavations led by the Van Vooren Group.
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Cannonballs draw attention in historical area
Archaeologists already expected to find ancient remains on the construction site, precisely because of the plot’s location in Nieuwpoort’s historic center. Mayor Kris Vandecasteele stated that the city is a place “where history is literally everywhere”.
During the removal of soil layers, the team found ancient walls and floors, whose original function is yet undefined. The location, however, led archaeologists to suspect a possible administrative connection with the city’s old civic center.
Despite the relevance of these structures, the collection of cannonballs became the most talked-about aspect of the excavation. The high-quality finish of the objects led specialists to associate them with the use in firearms.
The cannonballs were of different sizes, indicating the existence of a varied arsenal in Nieuwpoort. A cannon is depicted near the archaeological site on a map drawn by Antonius Sanderus in 1641.
Depot may have served the city’s defense
The collection was described as a treasure consisting of dozens of natural stone cannonballs, used approximately between 1350 and 1600. These projectiles could be fired by cannons, catapults, or trebuchets.
The location of the material suggests that the pieces were stored on site, rather than scattered from being used in battle. As the depot was near the city’s southern wall, the hypothesis presented is that the objects were kept there for defensive purposes.
The discovery reinforces the military significance of the investigated area. The plot was strategically located near the city wall and the Town Hall, in a space linked to the protection of Nieuwpoort residents.
The mayor stated that the site clearly played a role in the well-being and protection of the population. For him, each phase of construction in the city also functions as a journey of discovery of a past that has not yet revealed all its secrets.
World War I Projectile also found
In addition to the medieval cannonballs, the excavation revealed an unexploded World War I projectile. The DOVO demining service was immediately called to isolate and remove the ordnance.
The presence of this artifact brought to light another significant period in local history. The discovery was presented as a reminder of the destruction that occurred between 1914 and 1918, when Nieuwpoort was completely wiped off the map.
Thus, the excavations brought together traces of different periods of conflict. The military theme emerged as the central axis of the archaeological work, linking the city’s medieval defenses to the marks left by the war in the 20th century.
New administrative center to be built on site
The discoveries exceeded the initial expectations of the archaeological investigation. The collection includes structures of medieval buildings, the exceptional cannonball depot, and military relics associated with Nieuwpoort’s past as a frontline city.
Kris Vandecasteele stated that the construction of the new Administrative Center on this historic site has symbolic significance. For him, the project connects Nieuwpoort’s rich past with services aimed at the future of its residents.
The foundations of the new building are expected to begin in late 2026, after the preparatory excavation phase. Until then, the cannonballs and other findings reinforce the importance of the site as a meeting point between administration, defense, and historical memory.
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