Wierdedorp Ulrum
Ulrum is situated on an elongated salt marsh ridge, which once formed the western bank of the Hunzeboezem. The village is part of a string of mound settlements of similar age. Today, Ulrum lies in an open rural landscape.
Ulrum is a so-called ‘double mound village’ with a clearly recognisable rectangular layout. Both mounds are substantial (more than 5 metres above sea level), although part of the eastern mound has been excavated. The mounds have now almost merged. A saddle-shaped dip still serves as a reminder of the former boundary between a religious and a secular centre of power.
The double-mound settlement of Ulrum is of great archaeological value, as revealed during archaeological research in 1995 near the site of the former Asingaborg. The history of this manor house, which belonged to the Asinga family, dates back to before 1400. What was then a farmstead developed into a stately residence, which was demolished in 1809.
From the top of the wierde right down to street level…
Ulrum is a so-called ‘double mound village’ with a clearly recognisable rectangular layout. Both mounds are substantial (more than 5 metres above sea level), although part of the eastern mound has been excavated. The mounds have now almost merged. A saddle-shaped dip still serves as a reminder of the former boundary between a religious and a secular centre of power.
The double-mound settlement of Ulrum is of great archaeological value, as revealed during archaeological research in 1995 near the site of the former Asingaborg. The history of this manor house, which belonged to the Asinga family, dates back to before 1400. What was then a farmstead developed into a stately residence, which was demolished in 1809.
On top of the wierde and right down to just below street level, there are fascinating archaeological remains, such as the ruins of a farm dating from 731–741. Around 600–650, people were still living at salt marsh level here, causing the mound to grow rapidly in height and width. The raising of the mound ceased around 1200, when the dykes were safe enough. Behind this large-scale development of salt marshes and mounds must have been a robust organisation.