Bear with Monk

Until 1816, Schoonhoven was part of the Dutch Waterline as a fortified town.

In the past, the fortifications of the river dike were connected by this bear, a masonry dam with a sharp edge (donkey's back) to separate the moat from the open water of the Lek. This bear depicts a so-called monk who had to make it difficult for the enemy to cross the moat.

This bear dates from 1590 as part of the Old Dutch Waterline and is said to have been renovated in the second half of the 18 century.

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Source

• Text: Peter Schipper
• Photos: Peter Schipper