Finding place of the Golden Helmet - Helenaveen

17 June 2020 marked the 110th anniversary of the discovery of the ‘Golden Helmet of Deurne’, which dates from 320 AD. Peat cutter Gebbel Smolenaars found the artefact during peat cutting, along with the remains of footwear, coins, a cloak pin and pieces of leather. This international archaeological find can now be viewed in the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden.

At the site where the Roman helmet was found, on Oude Peelstraat on the corner of Centurioweg, a monument has been erected to commemorate the discovery. The monument is made of black tuff and patinated bronze, with a brick border at the bottom. The tympanum of the artwork bears the date 21-06-1998, and at the bottom of the beam is the text: ‘E PALUDE EMERGO’ (I emerged from the mire).

In the centre of the monument is a helmet, with a plaque underneath that commemorates the discovery of the helmet of a Roman officer who died around 320. It was unveiled in 1998 and made by Joep Coppens from Vlierden

There is a legend about the cavalryman or officer who lost the Golden Helmet: the legend of the Wandering Peel Knight. For who was he, where did he come from, and what brought him to the mysterious, terrifying region of De Peel at the time? Was he on a business trip, had he left the army and was he returning to his home or to a piece of allotted land?

The book De Gouden Peelhelm (The Golden Peelhelm) by Huub Kluijtmans was published in 2020. The book includes a free topographical map from 1894, with walking routes that bring the story of the find to life. The book, with accompanying walking routes, is available from the Deurne tourist information office or via their webshop. Cycling routes along the site are also available from the tourist information office.

Photo: ©Brabant Partners