Relics of the Kretkowski Fortalice Revealed through Archaeological Research at Zameczek near Chodecz (Kuiavia)

Abstract

Archaeological investigations at the Podgórz-Zameczek site No. 1 were conducted in July and August 2023. The excavations were part of the conservation project for the eclectic villa, an existing residence from the early 20^th century. The complex is situated on a naturally elevated hill above Mielneńskie Lake near the town of Chodecz in Kujawy. This locality was believed to be the medieval site of a fortified court, mentioned in historical documents as the “fortalice” of the Kretkowski family. This article reviews the current state of research and source studies, presenting the most recent research results. Archaeological research was carried out as part of nine excavations completed in the vicinity of the villa and two surveys conducted in the interior. Excavations positively verified the remains of a late medieval settlement in the area. They were revealed in many aspects. There was evidence of the anthropogenic nature of the motte-type conical hillfort. Fragments of late medieval pottery were found in the sand and clay embankments. Subsequently, the documentation of the stratigraphy, foundation structures, and trenches gave rise to the hypothesis that the fortified manor was located at the central point of the culmination. After its abandonment, a 20^th-century complex was built on this site. In this context, the exposed stone foundation in the southern wing may be related to the earlier Gothic architecture existing in this place, as suggested by materials obtained from the fill of the revealed trenching (12c). Further remains were discovered in brick foundations exposed in the northern part, where, in addition to machine bricks, Gothic bricks were reused. The acquired material is chronologically very coherent. The examination of the remains of the vessels showed that the pottery predominantly dates back to the late medieval period, specifically the second half of the 15^th–16^th centuries, with approximately 10% of younger, early modern fragments. This corresponds to the date of historical descriptions, providing opportunities for a detailed development of a reference collection of ceramics for this part of Kujawy in the future.

The suggested date of the court’s destruction and abandonment, associated with the Swedish cataclysm, is also supported by archaeological sources. In the layers (14b), burnt floor tiles and charred wood were found, which, together with fragments of stove tiles, indicate the last phases of the Gothic structure’s functioning, dating back to the mid-17^th century. The picture of the sources of the history of material culture is complemented by archaeozoological analyses that show traces of the consumption of horned cattle and game. Finally, the research yielded answers regarding the architectural changes in the most recent phases of the existing villa, enabling the selection of appropriate conservation methods to permanently preserve the facility.