- I think it is incredible that it can be preserved after so many years, says Magnus Stibéus, archaeologist at the State Historical Museums and project manager for the excavations in the Inner Harbor.
Norrköping's dock was built in the 1840s and used to dry boats that needed to be repaired. It is unique in its kind because it is made almost entirely of wood. The dock was part of the shipyard that lay in the Inner Harbor.
At that time, the area was actually an island, Skeppsholmen. Like today, Skeppsholmen was on the outskirts of Norrköping with a prison, a lap and a distillery.
- It was a big workplace with several hundred people who worked here in the 18th century. It's probably been a pretty tough life, ”Magnus Stibéus says.
In addition to the dock, a stone house foundation has been excavated. It is believed to be part of Skeppsholmen's Krono distillery where they produced spirits in the 18th century.
Important to document for the future
The excavations in the Inner Harbor are the largest archaeological projects that have been done in Norrköping and soon the first stage is ready.
- It is very important to make good documentation for the future, so that you can tell the story of this place and the people who lived here. And it is unique and fantastic to have the opportunity to tell about it to the Norrköping residents going forward, says Magnus Stibéus