After its destruction in 1573 the memory of the Abbey was kept alive. Many artists in the 17th and 18th centuries (among whom Jacob van Ruysdael and Cornelis Pronk) depicted the picturesque ruins, thus documenting their gradual deterioration.
Archaeological explorations were undertaken at an early stage. As a result we have a fair knowledge of the exact location of the old Abbey and of its building history.
In the 1920’s, Dutch entrepeneur de Bont carried out excavations. In the 1930’s and ’40’s the renowned archaeologist J.H. Holwerda investigated the site. Several graves belonging to the Counts of Holland were uncovered. Since then, DNA-tests have been carried out on the skeletal remains which were then found. Their age could accurately be determined.
For a long time the need had been felt to build a memorial to the Counts of Holland. After all, their place in our history is an important one!
To that end, a new tomb for Count Floris I has been erected in front of the glass partition in this church, to preserve the earthly remains in an appropriate way — both dignified and for all to visit. The tomb has been made by a Benedictine monk of the Abbey of Vaals fr. Leo Disch. It was unveiled in 2008.