The fortifications of Copenhagen: The western boundary as seen at Rådhuspladsen (Townhall square)
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2017-01-27

Prior to excavations carried out at Rådhuspladsen in 2011/2012, relatively little was known with certainty about Copenhagen’s former western boundary. What knowledge was available mainly stemmed from cartographic sources and historical references, as well as present day street layout (particularly Vester Voldgade). The first map however was only drawn in 1590, and the first historical references for this area date to the later 1300s, when Vesterport (the western gate) is mentioned for the first time. Part of the aim of this excavation was to confirm or reject existing ideas about the city’s border to the west; where it was placed, how it was constructed and when, and how it changed through time.
The excavations at Rådhuspladsen carried out in advance of the Metro Cityring, offered an unprecedented opportunity to examine the remains of the fortifications along Copenhagen’s western boundary, and as will be discussed here, the evidence unearthed has been extensive and very illuminating regarding the ongoing changes made to this boundary through the centuries. The historical evidence, previous archaeological observations and the new evidence as documented in 2011/2012 will all be outlined, in an attempt to achieve as complete an account of the story of this boundary as possible.

Author - Lyne, Ed, Museum of Copenhagen, Br nsh j, Denmark (Presenting author)