Archaeologists have uncovered significant traces of Borken’s past during preliminary investigations at the planned site of a new health centre in the historic Brinkerhof quarter, Germany.
Experts from the Westphalia-Lippe Regional Association (LWL), working alongside a specialist archaeological firm, identified extensive remains spanning from the High Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the most notable discoveries are substantial foundation walls of the former Marienbrink Monastery church, which once stood in the heart of the town.
Initial exploratory excavations and geophysical surveys were carried out in 2024 south of the existing Caritas buildings. According to Dr. Andreas Wunschel of LWL Archaeology for Westphalia, investigators first encountered sections of the 15th-century monastery church at that time. Parts of the western and southern walls were uncovered, measured and documented.
Further excavation work at the end of 2025 revealed that sections of the church foundations are exceptionally well preserved. Excavation director Dr. Ulrich Holtfester reported that archaeologists identified an exterior wall measuring up to 1.25 metres wide, with foundations reaching approximately 1.60 metres in height. Constructed of red brick bonded with lime mortar, the walls had in places been concealed beneath thick rubble deposits.
The site has also yielded more recent historical features. In 2024, a World War II air-raid shelter was discovered southwest of the church remains. Preliminary assessments indicate that the bunker occupies a considerable portion of the development area.
Additional trenches dug between October and November 2025 in the garden sections—where an underground car park entrance is planned—revealed filled-in cellars of earlier buildings, an animal carcass pit, and numerous pits and postholes from the early modern period. Ceramic fragments recovered during the work date from the late High Middle Ages through to modern times, demonstrating continuous and dense occupation of this part of Borken’s town centre over centuries.
The area is considered archaeologically sensitive due to its proximity to the parish church of St. Remigius, whose origins trace back to around the year 800 as a royal missionary outpost or episcopal estate. Researchers note that Borken’s historic core generally preserves complex archaeological layers beneath the modern streetscape.
The site also holds cultural and religious significance. Following the dissolution of Marienbrink Monastery in the early 19th century, parts of the complex were repurposed for a synagogue, school and mikveh established in 1818. The synagogue was destroyed during the November Pogroms of 1938 and demolished the following year. While no definitive remains linked to the synagogue have yet been identified, archaeologists say investigations are ongoing as planning for the new development proceeds.
Header Image Credit : U. Holtfester
Sources : LWL
