The Small Lock in the Groene Gracht
General
Near the old city wall of Gennep lies the small lock of the Groene Gracht. This small structure dates back to around 1910. It was used to regulate the water level in the moat. In this way, the moat could be deliberately filled or drained. The pump house opposite the lock dates from the 1970s.
Gardens in the Moat
About 30 allotment gardens used to be located in the former moat. These were already visible on cadastral maps from 1731. See the orange blocks outside the red city wall in the photo. In old writings, these were referred to as “kweektuinen” (cultivation gardens). The gardens were deliberately flooded during high water. The sediment that remained made the soil fertile. However, too much water was dangerous, as the city walls were weak in some places.
Protection Against High Water
Rainwater from the southern gardens flowed away through the lock. The lock also protected the city against high water from the rivers Maas and Niers. When high water threatened, the lock was closed. This helped keep, among other things, the nuns’ cemetery dry.
Restoration by Students
In 2016, students from the Elzendaal College restored the lock. They did so as part of a project by the masonry and metalworking departments.