300-year-old canon back on boulevard

A cast-iron cannon from the early 18th century was placed back on the Scheveningen boulevard on 30 November.

Workers found the cannon by chance in the summer of 2010 during excavation work on the boulevard. The municipality had the gun restored to its former glory and fitted with a wooden chassis, which was reconstructed according to historical models. Visitors to Scheveningen can see the cannon on the Zeekant by the Seinpostduin

Archaeological research has shown that it is a so-called Swedish six-pounder and protected the signal tower (lighthouse) in Scheveningen in the 18th century . Some  42 of these signal towers were part of the coastal defence system three centuries ago, serving to warn the French of a possible British attack.

‘Replacing this cannon contributes to the historical awareness of our city’s residents. It shows another glimpse of what life here three centuries ago looked,’ explained Deputy Mayor Rabin Baldewsingh (Monuments). ‘The 30th of November is an historic day because it was exactly 198 years ago today that King William I landed here.’

Also see

• Photo album of the 18th century cannon