To build the Medieval harbourside of Gammel Strand, Copenhagen, Denmark
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2017-01-09

From the Early Medieval period onwards, the harbourside of Copenhagen was constantly developed to provide a safe and profitable harbour for shipping and trade. By the 1400s, the harbourside had expanded southwards to Gammel Strand, and this area became the central area of the harbour in Copenhagen. At this location a new set of administrative public buildings focussed on trade were constructed, with the newly created land to the north, east and west developed into private housing for the elites. A curious mix of maritime industry, administration, elite private housing and the fishing industry existed side by side in a way that would not occur in modern times. The buildings were located on the southern border of Copenhagen, and maritime border to the Baltic Sea. The aim of this talk is to discuss the Late Medieval and Early Renaissance buildings uncovered in the Metro Cityring excavations in relation to the development and later use of the area. From a combination of structural evidence, artefactual remains and natural science evidence a picture emerges of how the structures were built, where the building materials were transported from, who would live there and how the buildings were used.

Author - Whatley, Stuart, Museum of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (Presenting author)