Vaals, Limburg, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

De Gau

— Historische Stadswandeling —

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 28, 2023

1. De Gau Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Hier bevindt zich de bron van het riviertje de Jau, in het Vaalser dialect "Jauspronk" genoemd. De Gau stroomt ondergronds nog steeds door het gebied, maar is niet meer zichtbaar.

(English translation:)

Here is the source of the river Jau, called "Jauspronk" in the Vaalser dialect. The Gau still flows underground through the area, but is no longer visible.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 50° 46.206′ N, 6° 1.134′ E. Marker is in Vaals, Limburg. Marker is on Von Clermontplein, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Vaals, Limburg 6291 AW, Netherlands. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Locatie van de voormalige synagoge / Former Synagogue Location (here, next to this marker); Von Clermontplein 24 (a few steps from this marker); Von Clermontplein 4-6 (within shouting distance of this marker); Clermonttuin / Clermont Garden (within shouting distance of this marker);

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Evangelisch-Lutherse Kerk / Evangelical Lutheran Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Huis Verves / “Verves” House (within shouting distance of this marker); Oudste spuren van Joods leven in Vaals / Oldest Traces of Jewish Life in Vaals (within shouting distance of this marker); Huis Clermont / Clermont House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vaals.

Also see . . . Von Clermontplein, Hoek: De Gau (Historische Stadswandeling Vaals, in Dutch). Scanning the marker’s QR code yields some additional information, which is presented below.

Excerpt (in translation): The water power of this fast-flowing stream brought the coppersmiths and the needle and cloth industry to Vaals. A water-rich area is an attractive location.

During the redevelopment of Koningin Julianaplein (“Queen Juliana Square”), drainage systems were discovered, as well as a gutter covered with wood and natural stone, probably an old-fashioned sewerage system.

It is known from historical sources that there were extensive gardens around the Von Clermont House with fountains that also required water. Water was also used in the cloth factory.

(Submitted on November 30, 2023.)

De Gau Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 28, 2023

2. De Gau Marker - wide view

The marker is visible here on the retaining wall just to the left of the fountain.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 41 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 30, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.