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In the heart of Gerresheim, a historic town now part of Düsseldorf, archaeologists have made an intriguing discovery. The suspected remains of a tannery, believed to date back to the early 19th century, have been unearthed at the Alter Markt.
This discovery is significant as Gerresheim was known for its early industrial and artisanal activity. At the beginning of the 19th century, the establishment of a tannery marked a crucial economic development for the town. Tanneries were essential for producing leather goods, often acting as a local economic driver in towns of that period.
The former property owner of the suspected tannery was Caspar Körfgen von Gerresheim, who was listed as a red tanner or lime tanner in the official address book for Rhineland-Westphalia in 1833. Initially, leather production was for self-sufficiency, but later specialized red, white, or mixed tanners emerged in the craft.
The leather production process involved several steps, including cleaning hides on a scraping beam, soaking them in potash or lime milk, and tanning them in pit vats. Archaeologically traceable large vats at the Alter Markt are believed to be remains of these pit vats.
The tannery liquor used in the process was an extract from woods, leaves, bark, and specific tree fruits. The presence of a flowing water source was a basic requirement for setting up a tannery, and the Pillebach could meet the demand for large quantities of water.
The discovery of a tannery was a surprise to urban planners, and initially, archaeologists questioned the interpretation due to the proximity to a church. However, it is now understood that tannery processing of meat would have caused intense odor pollution, making it unlikely in the vicinity of a church today.
The archaeological documentation and scientific evaluation of these finds will offer new insights into Gerresheim's economic history at the beginning of the 19th century. The further handling of the finds and the scientific methods for their examination will be determined in collaboration with the LVR Office for Monument Protection in the Rhineland.
This discovery not only sheds light on Gerresheim's past but also highlights the importance of preserving historical sites for understanding the economic and industrial evolution of towns during early industrialization. For precise details, specialized local historical sources or archives would need to be consulted.
The discovery of a tannery in Gerresheim's Alter Markt, dating back to the early 19th century, reveals valuable insights into the town's home-and-garden lifestyle and economic development. Caspar Körfgen von Gerresheim, a red tanner, played a crucial role in this evolution, as proven by the archaeologically traceable large vats believed to be remains of the tannery's pit vats.
