– I have found many different things. The most special thing so far is an entire candlestick from the late Middle Ages. I often find things that have been destroyed, or that have been destroyed over time in the ground. Julian Cadamarteri says so. He is the project manager, and one of nine archaeologists who have been working on excavations at Trondheim Katedralskole since June. They will soon renovate and build a new one there. But first the archaeologists must look for structures and historical traces in the ground. – We dug our way through all layers – from the 1950s when it was paved, says Cadamarteri. Important to document The candlestick he shows is from the 15th or 16th century, and is one of several discoveries made at one of the oldest schools in Norway. It has a typical representation of St. Christopher with a staff and with the baby Jesus on his shoulders. This candlestick is one of several discoveries the archaeologists have made. Photo: Bent Lindsetmo / news The archaeologist describes it as exclusive, and says that it was probably expensive. – But it may well have come from the cathedral school, which had services and a need for candlesticks of this type, says Cadamarteri. One of the oldest things archaeologists have found so far is a coin. A half silver coin from the 9th century or early 11th century, according to the archaeologist. All finds that are older than the year 1537 must be available for future research at the Science Museum in Trondheim. Other items that are important are also taken care of. – It is important to have them documented, even if we do not take care of all the objects. If we don’t, we lose everything. Here is the coin that was found during archaeological excavations at Trondheim Katedralskole. Photo: Bent Lindsetmo / news Half a billion It is the renovation of Trondheim Cathedral School that is the reason for the archaeological investigations that are currently being carried out. An older building will be demolished, while two new ones will be built. Vegard Eitrem is project manager in Trøndelag County Municipality. He tells news that it is a decision in the county council that determines the financial framework and design of the project. – What is so special about this project is that it is one of the oldest schools in Norway, Trondheim Katedralskole, and that extra care must therefore be taken for cultural heritage and building conservation. Trondheim Cathedral School will be renovated. In addition, one building must be demolished and two new ones built. Illustration: Illustration Eitrem describes that the school has long traditions and good results. – Now I’m working on finding the balance. The Cathedral School will develop and become a school that is as good as other schools in the county – when it comes to the physical building environment. Betonmast is the contractor for this project. They are working together with the county council on a sketch that will be completed in September. December is the deadline for delivery of the preliminary project and new financial estimate. – We expect to start construction in the spring of 2023. Then we expect 1.5 – 2 years of construction from then on. The total framework for the entire project is between NOK 400-500 million. Not found until now According to the archaeologist, it is highly unlikely that the excavations can stop the planned construction. The work will continue until September. – If we had found something extreme and exceptional, we might have had to make some adjustments with regard to the building. But it is very unlikely that a discovery would have stopped the construction process, says Cadamarteri. Archaeologist Julian Cadamarteri with the finds. Photo: Bent Lindsetmo / news He shows, among other things, a weighting ball from the 17th century, an old slate pencil and a soapstone playing piece. But it is perhaps more important that they have found waste pits that look like they are from the 16th-17th centuries. – There is a map of the town before the town fire, and then there is a residential area drawn on the southern part of what is today a school site. At that time there was a road that crossed over here, and there were people selling along the road. Roughly speaking, the illustration shows the current buildings to the north and west, and new buildings on the school site “Midbygget”, as well as new buildings towards the art museum Bispegata to the south, tentatively called “building B”. Illustration: Illustration Traces of this have never been found – until now. – This is an indication that we are in the vicinity of a settlement. Not exactly where the house stood, but probably at the back of the property, says Cadamarteri. – Then we’ll see, when we continue our work further towards Nidaros Cathedral, whether there will be remains of buildings that were here before the town fire – and perhaps all the way back to the Middle Ages.
ttn-69
Archaeologists with excavations before the development of Trondheim Katedralskole – news Trøndelag
