In 1772, hard stone tubes were placed in two parallel rows in the pavement of Kortendijk, Langendijk and Eind van de Langendijk. To be able to install an extra (removable) water barrier. The square holes were closed with a wooden plug. In the 20th century, with the same function, iron wells with an iron lid appeared. The wells were not allowed to go until 1970, because Kortendijk, Langendijk and Eind were no longer flood defences. In Kortendijk, as a reminder, coffin tubes and pots were installed again. Or did they just stay where they already were? In the photo part of the rows of tubes and wells. The nap covers were opened to insert a pole. Then planks came into contact with the inside. The space between them was filled with soil and manure. That was a good wall that could withstand the high water of the Linge. the entire city center was protected against high water.
The linge stream from east to west, approximately from Arnhem to Gorinchem. At Arnhem, water can be let in (or pumped) from the Bylands canal (say, from the Rhine). As a result, the Betuwe almost always has water. At high water in the Rhine, this opening remains closed, thus preventing high water in the Linge. Of course, heavy rainfall in the Betuwe can still cause nuisance.
while cycling in this street I wondered what all those wells meant. Two chance passers-by, you can still see them walking, brought the answer. (partial source Facebook)