Archaeological Zoning Plan. Parramatta Park Trust (late Parramatta City Council). Completed April 1997.
Erina Wharf. Gosford City Council. Completed 20 Feb 1997.
Wyoming. Hely homestead. Highway Extension. Gosford City Council. Completed Feb 1997.
52 Harris Street, Pyrmont. Report finalization. UPDATED April 1997.
Study of old slab construction barn and drainage, Rouse Hill House, Rouse Hill. Current April 1997
Reports
Here Presented
Hyde Park Barracks, North Guardhouse, analysis. 1996.
Early Farm and Aboriginal Site.1997.
Note: THE ILLUSTRATIONS HAVE BEEN REMOVED TO KEEP THE FILES LIGHT
HYDE PARK BARRACKS
ARCHAEOLOGICAL GUIDE
TO
THE
INTERNAL
WALLS
AS
FOUND
AFTER
THE REMOVAL
OF LATE-PHASE PORTLAND CEMENT RENDER
FOR: THE HISTORIC HOUSES TRUST:
BY: DR ROBERT V J VARMAN JUNE-OCTOBER 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction.....................................................4
Acknowledgements............................................6
Methodology..................................................10
Terminology............................. .....................10
Summary of Findings........................................11
General Construction Observations........................15
Interior North Wall...........................................17
Key to Interior North Wall..................................24
Interior East Wall.............................................25
Key to Interior East Wall....................................30
Interior South Wall...........................................31
Key to Interior South Wall..................................36
Interior West Wall............................................37
Key to West Interior Wall...................................43
This report was commissioned by Mr Lynn Collins, Curator of the Hyde Park Barracks, for the Historic Houses Trust after the internal portland cement based render had been removed. The removal took place early in 1996 by Gabriel Popian, a heritage consultant with international experience. The selection of the consultant reflects the acknowledged high significance of the guardhouse, a singular, largely intact, survival of a gatehouse element of the Macquarie period.
The reason for the Historic Houses Trust removing the render was part of a carefully staged maintenance/conservation program in relation to the front wall of the Barracks. The aim was to deal with rising damp and associated deterioration of the fabric, largely stone and brick work. This work has been under the direction of Clive Lucas of Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners, the consultant heritage architect for the Hyde Park Barracks.
The careful removal of the dense modern render resulted in the survival of many of the smaller fragile elements of the structure, permitting the walls to be 'read'. These elements, listed and described in this report, are in many cases open to further interpretation: the chief recommendation, therefore, is to preserve the exposed elements by careful stabilization work (without replastering). It is felt that the largely destroyed south guardhouse would be more suited to returning the structure to its original apertures scheme, leaving the north guardhouse 'to tell the story'.
The history and significance of the guardhouse are covered in several previous reports. However, the last detailed archaeological study of the structure was carried out by G.C.Wilson Archaeological Report Hyde Park Barracks, September 1982-January 1983, pages 10 to 35 (Public Works Department of New South Wales).
Other significant findings have been recorded by consultant Gabriel Popian. As expected, several periferal-to-study observations have been made as a result of the close examination of the walls. One observation is connected with the cracking of the walls; though of early origin (note the traces of early repairs) the cracking appears to be progressive. It is felt that the foundations have long settled (having set off the initial cracking), the enormous weight of the stone entablature exacerbated by vibrations from traffic and trains, weathering etc., are causing measurable spreading of the upper walls and must remain cause for alarm in the long term. Mr Popian has noted that the vibrations are more noticeable at the upper levels of the structure.
Although this has been a recording exercise, some interpretation is offered in the hope of encouraging interest and debate.
The funding for the recording work was limited and the 31 hours permitted for the recording, analysis and report production did not match the actual needs of the task by a long-shot. The extra time dedicated here is an expression of the author's regard for the Hyde Park Barracks.
Dr Robert V J Varman
Archaeologist.
Strong archaeological and research background of the Barracks: on-site experience 1980-1981, 1992-1994; building analysis, excavation, artefact analysis, historical and stratigraphic phasing.
I would like to thank the Curator of the Hyde Park Barracks, Mr Lynn Collins, for providing every assistance in the cause of this report, for bringing to light previous studies and documentation. I would like to thank the guides and staff of the Barracks for showing genuine interest and encouragement during the course of examination and analysis. To Gabriel Popian of G & L Popian Pty Ltd for his expertise in practical and theoretical conservation, which brought with it a much needed contemporary international perspective.
Having a sound knowledge of the phasing of the Barracks, no additional research was considered necessary, considering the scope of the commission. The first step was to record the four walls on a scale of 1:10. The features found were often of a very small or subtle nature, it was then decided to indicate all the brickwork. The resulting drawings were reduced to an A3 format for the purposes of this report. The features, nails, timbers. stone, peg holes etc., were then plotted in according to their brick position. The features were given a running number for each wall, for example, W1 represents feature 1 on the west wall, S1 represents feature 1 on the south wall. Each feature is given a brief description, approximate date and where possible original function.
Construction-period: refers to the main building phase during 1817.
Horizontal notch: refers to a horizontal incision in the brickwork.
Jolt headed: the familiar modern nail with a nailing head like a miniature flattened barrel.
Original: refers to the main building phase during 1817. See construction phase.
Plaster: traditional three layered plastering including a smooth finishing coat.
Plug hole: used to describe any cavity made in the wall for the purpose of inserting a constructional timber, or a piece of timber to function as a ground for nailing timbers onto.
Plug: refers to the material filling a plug hole.
Portland cement: a very hard setting cement with a bluish-grey hue.
Public Works: refers to the Public Works Department of New South Wales. The term is awkward because the involvement of the Institution at the Barracks saw a number of radical changes over the years, from indifferent to sensitive.
Render: a single coat of mortar but more often a portland cement mix.
ca 1848: refers to the conversion of the Barracks to an Immigration Depot for women (etc). The circa, or 'ca', before the date is meant to convey that all the work may not have been completed in that year.
1887-1889 conversion: refers to the conversion of the Hyde Park Barracks into a complex of law courts etc.
The documentation for the conclusions presented is to be found in the body of the text.
---The greatest changes to the interior occurred circa 1848, 1887-1889 and the Public Works period, all involving the removal of old plaster and/or the application of new plaster or render.
---The interior was originally plastered.
---the exterior was of exposed brick. Note flat arches with tuck-pointing.
---the interior plaster was scribed in imitation of ashlar stone construction, by circa 1848. The scribed lines were painted black or dark grey for emphasis. This may indicate that the original phase plaster was treated in the same way.
---The interior was white washed several times between (well after) ca 1848 but before 1887-1889.
---No evidence of wall colour schemes was found for the period before 1887-1889 (though no finishing coat of the pre- ca 1848 plaster has yet been identified). No early doors, windows, skirting etc., survive to examine for paint.
---Skirting appears to have been of standard type, minimum 140mm high originally; the 1887-1889 skirting followed suit.
---The floor level was originally about 40mm to 70mm lower than the present. Caution: as yet, no evidence of how the floor was supported.
---The doors and windows had reveals and architraving. Whether the architraving had corner blocks or not is still open but traces of the former nailing seem to favour corner blocks. No architraving profiles found.
---Any evidence of the original mantelpiece was destroyed by ca 1848. The arching first rebuilt ca 1848 (arch bar dates to at least ca 1848-reused metal).
---Four shelves set into the wall on both sides of the fireplace. Constructed after 1817 and well before ca 1848, the likely date seems to be 1819 or very soon after. At least parts of the shelving were removed ca 1848.
---An 'inbuilt' desk or desk with shelving was constructed against the west wall after 1817 and well before ca 1848. Evidence of remodelling and changes, perhaps even into a low cupboard, during and after ca 1848. Demolished before 1887-1889. The floor tilted southward during the later work.
---East window converted into a door by 1887-1889.
---Original doorway (south wall) bricked up during 1887-1889 (mortar sequences).
---There are no obvious remains of an early ceiling. There is evidence to suggest that originally there was no ceiling. View into the base of the dome.
---No obvious proof of former lighting.
---Provision for hanging (regulations?) boards or frames above the fireplace during early phases.
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General Construction Observations
Brickwork
Standard traditional brickwork based on English bond. In places bricks have been cut down to three-quarters and less so to preserve the arrangement of vertical joints. Closers, or bricks cut down to a quarter, may be seen at the outer edges of the chimney breast, these were used to regulate the vertical joints. These may also be seen along the original windows, the original door and the external corners of the structure. Later brickwork is acknowledged later in the text.
Mortar
The original mortar (1817) is of shell lime in a greyish matrix. A much later shell lime mortar (around 1848) is easily distinguished by its bright white hue (easily confused with the white stone lime mortar of the ca 1888 phase of a similar hue and consistency). Internally and externally the original mortar pointing was 'downstruck' ( ), as was standard in early work, (though later frowned upon).
Plaster, Paint and Whitewash
Though the external brick walls were of exposed brick originally (note arching remains above original exterior door, flat arch and tuck pointing and lack of traces of early plaster), the interior walls were plastered. Traces of the original plaster, or scratch coat remains, were found on all walls. The plaster was also of shell lime but the matrix having a yellowish orange hue. The use of plaster is further confirmed by the exposed timbers of the window and door lintels, or heads; the rough rounded relieving arches above windows and doorways; and the incisions into the brickwork for the slightly later shelving.
A find of major significance was the one remaining trace of ca 1848 plaster finishing coat (N28). The relict showed that the wall was once scribed in imitation of ashlar stonework, certainly by ca 1848. The scribed line was darkened to emphasise the effect, as was usual: this also indicates that the wall not at first painted (why obscure the painted line and natural colour of the plaster?). This does not necessarily mean that the plaster of the construction phase was treated in the same way but it might be an indication that it was. (Scoring in imitation of ashlar coursing has been found on early phase external plaster at Old Government House, Parramatta (early 1810s phase), so the technique was certainly not unusual by 1817).
The sequence seems to be:
---1817 internal plastering (with or without ashlar scoring). There is no direct evidence of how the surface was treated. The G.C. Wilson excavation report of 1982/1983 does not mention any plaster finds (though may yet exist because the excavation was limited in scope). The plaster was of a yellowish hue and shell lime based as was the following.
---1848 (circa) internal white matrix shell lime plastering, the surface ashlar scribed (scribing darkened) and left unpainted for a period of time. Evidence of two very light coats of whitewash, probably a later feature to hide soot and grime. Traces of this plaster is found on all walls and even used to fill then existing holes. Where surviving, this plaster goes over the yellowish plaster of the construction phase.
---Some time (years) before 1887-1889, the ca 1848 plaster was axed off the walls, damaging the brickwork. No attempt was made to smooth the resultant surface. The surface was whitewashed a number of times. There may have been a minor fire because the second last coat was heavily discoloured by soot (this seems a final coat but in some areas a final white coat covers the sooty coat).
Late in this period, a layer of asphalt, over fill, was put on the floor with a slight slope in the direction of south door, probably an attempt to put 'modern technology' to use in an attempt to combat rising moisture. The inside brickwork of the fireplace was also renewed and finished off in a portland cement based mix.
---1887-1889; a period of major changes to the entire Barracks when converted to law courts. Evidence points to the bricking up of the south door, the conversion of the east window into a doorway and major repairs to the fireplace.
The walls were again plastered: a soft white plaster of rock lime, similar in appearance to the ca 1848 plaster. However, this period is not well understood because of the scant surviving evidence
---Public Works. The 1887-1888 plaster was chipped off and a render of a portland cement mix formed. Jolt-headed, galvanised flat headed nails and a metal mesh were used to make the render adhere over wood. The render received an undercoat and one layer of paint. This phase should eventually be split up into sub-phases.
---The cement render was removed early in 1996 by Gabriel Popian, at the direction of Clive Lucas of Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners, as part of an ongoing maintenance to deal with rising and falling damp etc.
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The principal features of this wall are the fireplace and the evidence of former shelving on both sides of the chimney breast. Other features include the only evidence of a phase (ca 1848) where the plaster was scribed in imitation of stone ashlar coursing.
N1---The area above the mouth of the fireplace which was rebuilt around 1848 (marked 'N'). This area was again weakened and the bricks marked 'PW' were reset during the Public Works period but according to the ca 1848 scheme: the two bricks marked 'N(1)' survive from the earlier period. Old and new bricks were used in the rebuilding. The arch iron (N 31) dates to ca 1848 at least. See N3. The early deterioration of the brickwork of the fireplace suggests very intensive use prior 1848.
N2---A timber plug composed of two or three pieces of what appear to be laths (as in lath and plaster). A plug likely to secure a nail or hook for hanging a board, frame etc., on which may have been regulations that the guard needed to be aware of or needed to enforce.
N3---Three bricks or part bricks used in a repair around 1848. Note the disruption in the jointing, five vertical joints one above the other.
N4---An early plug to secure a nail or hook to hang a board, frame etc. See comment under N2.
N5 to N10---Vertical plug holes between bricks from the original construction phase to secure the skirting. The plugs appear to have been inserted as the brickwork was going up (no scarring evidence on the bricks). Skirting at the time was usually nailed along the upper side. If the skirting was the standard '6 inch' (150mm), it has implications in regard to the original floor level.
N11---Small round drilled plug hole relating to the Public Works skirting (west side of the fireplace).
N12 to N16---horizontal notches were made by a chisel in the brickwork for the reception of shelving planks. N16 is not well defined. These are reciprocated on the opposite east and west walls. Ruined structures on Norfolk Island show that when the planks were installed, the plaster was worked up against the timber. In this case the shelving was an afterthought, otherwise there would not be the random damage to the brickwork; it seems that the notches were made after the plaster had been applied to the wall.
The shelving was probably installed soon after the opening of the Barracks (1819) and certainly well before ca 1848 when part of the shelving was removed. At N15 there seems to be evidence that the shelves were about 13-14mm thick. Evidence of a top shelf may be seen at N38A-N39 and N25-38B. Very curiously the east top shelf (N25) is one brick course lower than the west one and the lowest shelf (N16) is one course higher---this could hardly have been an error---the question 'why?' remains open. Untypical horizontal notches appear on the same level at 38A and 38B in the face of the north wall, these may have been for a tongue in the shelf for extra strength (what was the top shelf expected to hold?). The arrangement at 38B, if it were not for the reciprocal N25, would suggest a corner shelf (as seen in the privy outbuildings of Quality Row, Kingston, Norfolk Island, in various states of preservation).
The shelves on the west side of the fireplace did not survive beyond ca 1848, judging by the plaster of that date used to plug the holes, being identical to that used elsewhere for plugging and replastering. The shelving notches on the east side were plugged (portland cement and old brick fragments) well after 1848 and before the conversions of the 1887-1889 period: may relate to the repairs using portland cement on the inside of the fireplace (N22-N23). N14 shows signs of a ca 1848 repair. (See W23 for the lowest shelf).
N17---Timber plug possibly associated with the former shelving. Requires further investigation because it could pre- or post-date the shelves.
N18A, N18-N21---Skirting plugs relating to the Public Works Phase. The plug holes were drilled and round sectioned timber plugs, about 14mm in diameter, were inserted.
N22-N23---The sides of the mouth of the fireplace must have become unstable and a number of bricks on each side needed replacing. The bricks were set using a portland cement mix (the same mix being used as a light render to cover the work). The inside of the mouth was whitewashed a number of times. The work seems to date sometime before the big changes of 1887-1889.
N24---Traces of a lighter portland cement used when some sort of heater was installed or from when the fireplace was bricked up.
N25---A horizontal notch for the reception of a shelving plank. This is reciprocated on the east wall. Horizontal notch 38B is connected to this arrangement and echoes the arrangement on the west side of the fireplace. Why 38B was required can only be guessed at because the other six shelves do not show such a feature. Was it for extra support for whatever it was expected to bear? See N12-N16. Fine chisel marks may be seen on the bricks here.
N26-N27---Large (19mm) round sectioned plugs relating to the Public Works phase. These are at the same height as those on the west wall W32 and W33 (sill area).
N28---A complex little area. The third brick from the left is actually a plug relating to the overhaul of ca 1848, judging by the white shell lime mortar. Why a large hole needed plugging is uncertain but it seems to be reciprocated on the south wall S30. Significantly, it is at about window sill level (west wall) and may have represented the support for an 'inbuilt' table of standing height, a tall stool would have served as a chair. The table level would have been perfect considering the light from the west window. It is in conflict with shelf N13 in that they are too close for the fireplace shelf, N13, to function properly; this suggests that the fireplace shelf was there before the table structure. The upper plug holes along the west wall seem too high for a guard bed.
Another possibility is that they represented scaffolding holes but these were usually due to timbers being built into the wall as the brickwork went up. The timbers were removed as the plastering was being completed, the holes were generally filled with rubble and the plaster mix (common on the walls of Old Government House Parramatta). However, in this case the fill belongs to the ca 1848 and 1887-1889 phases, not the original construction phase.
The white mortar on the right hand side of the brick dates to the work of the 1887-1889 period.
An important relict of the ca 1848 replastering is the one remaining section of the finishing coat which, against the odds, has a small part of the scribing in imitation of stone ashlar coursing. The latter feature was achieved by dragging a round sectioned stick or metal bar across the wet finishing coat. The horizontal lines were generally about 300mm apart, the vertical lines varied (creating the appearance of blocks of stone) but were often 18 inches (450mm) apart. When the plaster had dried, the scribed lines would be darkened to heighten the effect. The walls were not painted or whitewashed until they had become discoloured by soot etc., over time. The finishing coat in plastering was a skilful and expensive undertaking, it is a modern assumption that such surfaces were immediately painted. The wall was eventually whitewashed (after discolouration); two light coats were noticed.
N29---A bent Eubank's Patent nail dating to the 1840s to 1860s period, most likely the late 1840s-1850s when they were most commonly used. Relates to N30 and belongs to the period after the removal of the shelving.
N30---Square shafted nail broken off at the wall, very likely a Eubank's Patent nail relating to N29.
N31---Iron arch bar. This is a recycled metal bar, about 4mm thick at the edges but seems to bulge in the middle on the upper side (hence would be segmental in shape with flat edges). The bar is about 42mm wide and 1035mm long, as surviving (badly corroded). We know that the bar has been recycled because of the rivet holes at regular intervals (of about 125mm apart): the third one from the east still has a rivet head in place.
The arch bar dates to at least ca 1848, judging by the white shell lime mortar and two bricks it supports from that time (marked 'N(1)'). There is some evidence to suggest that it may have belonged to the original-construction period, note the location of the bar between the original construction bricks and mortar at the two ends of the bar. However, the bar could have been slid between the original bricks and the lost mortar made up by the ca 1848 mortar.
The arch bar is badly corroded where in contact with the mortar and brick and the metal expanding in layers, contributing to the movement of the brickwork. The edges are fraying. The kink in the bar may be an original feature but once hidden by the arrangement of the mantle shelf and plaster. The kink may also have been due to rough handling when being installed or the result of an unsuccessful attempt to remove it.
N32---a brick in two halves dating to the ca 1848 fireplace repairs, when reunited, measuring, 235mm x 103mm x 68mm with a shallow rounded rectangular frog (out of centre). The brick was split in halves when plug hole N35 was drilled in. The brick was restored to its former position after the scale drawing was completed (October 12).
N33 to N36---Series of four small round shafted timber plugs (13-14mm diameter) for a mantle shelf during the Public Works period.
N37---Small plug, as for N33-N36 but used for a hook for mounting a picture. Public Works.
N38A---Horizontal notch in the brickwork related to the former shelving with N39. Why a notch was required on the face of the wall is not known, unless the shelf had a tongue there for extra holding strength. See N11-N16 and N25 for a discussion on the likely date. The notch was filled in ca 1848 unlike the shelves below it (which survived to some years before 1887-1889). However, a nail dating to the 1870s/1880s on the west wall (about 265mm from the north-west corner) seems to relate to this top shelf!
N38B---As for 38A. See N11-N16 and N25.
N39---Horizontal notch for the former shelving related to N38A. Note this shelf was one brick higher than the corresponding shelf N25-N38B. The notch was filled in during the plastering of ca 1848.
N40---Round sectioned plug relating to the Public Works period.
N41---Sandstone blocks, probably to help distribute the weight of the stone entablature.
N42---Small round shafted plug. Public Works.
North Wall Condition
The wall is in a fairly stable but poor condition. There is solid evidence that the chimney breast suffered its worst period of deterioration before about 1848. The large cracks on the west side suggest a spreading of the upper part of the structure, possibly due to the great weight of the stone entablature and the weight of the west exterior facade.
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The chief feature of this wall is the construction period window converted into a doorway.
E1---Horizontal notch cut into the brickwork for a shelf. Relates to N16. The notch was infilled with a portland cement mix and brick fragments some time before the 1887-1889 overhaul. The shelving dates well before ca 1848, possibly as early as 1819.
E2---As for E1 but relates to N15.
E3---As for E1 but relates to N14.
E4---As for E1 but relates to N25. This shelf had some sort of reinforcing, as noted under N38B. Unlike E1-E3, this shelf was removed by ca 1848.
E5---Construction-period (1817) timber plug for securing the window reveal. Has attached rusted nail. The wood is of a light hue in contrast with the darker wood (recycled Cedar?) of the 1887-1889 conversion period.
See E7, E9 and E11.
E6---Site of plug (timber missing) for reveal or architraving. Judging by the position, it relates to the 1887-1889 conversion period. See E10.
E7---Construction-period timber plug with nail remains. See E5.
E8---Plug for door reveal. This plug of a darker hue, possibly of recycled Cedar, dates to the 1887-1889 reconstruction period.
E9---Original-construction period. See E5..
E10---Timber plug for door reveal of the 1887-1889 period. Note the extension of the plug from the original brickwork past the later bricks (to narrow the door width), dating the plug to the conversion of the window to a door.
E11---Construction-period timber plug with a square ghost nail (nail missing but the outline is to be seen). The plug also has nails from the Public Works phase. See E5, E8 and E9.
E12---As for E10.
E13--Construction-period plug for skirting. See E22.
E14---A small gap in the brickwork in relation to the removed timber lintel beam of the construction-period doorway located in the south wall.
E15---Eubank's Patent nail, dating between the 1840s and 1860s, but likely from the late 1840s to 1850s. Corroded.
E16---Stump of a nail, probably a Eubank's Patent. See E15.
E17---Cut in the construction-period (1817) timber window head for electric conduits done during the Public Works period. The damage done to the reveal area, the timber head, the arching and original brickwork is nothing short of criminal--all for a light switch and spare cable. It is hoped that the damage had been done previous to the Public Works period but the width of the scar (for two plastic conduits) seems to be against it. This ugly feature should be a warning to all future custodians of the Barracks that 'necessary services' should not be at the expense irreplaceable heritage.
E18---Inset timber head of the construction-period window aperture. The jolt headed and flat headed nails and mesh date to the Public Works period, used for the reception of render. Early square shafted ghost nails may also be seen on the surface of the timber. Note the gap between the timber and the original mortar at the south end (12mm) and at the north end (about 5mm) due to timber shrinkage or more likely to wall movement (or both).
E19---Modern timbers of the Public Works period to lower the height of the doorway. The metal mesh was installed to allow the render to adhere against the timber.
E20---Metal mesh to facilitate the adhesion of the render. Public Works.
E21---Plug of a portland cement mix. Appears to predate the 1887-1889 conversions by a few years. Note the white plaster and the layer of whitewash.
Does not seem to be reciprocated on the other walls.
E22---Hole for the initial construction-period timber skirting plug. See E13.
E23---Large burned shell (note the grey colour) from the mortar of the construction-period. Known as the Hercules Club, or Mud Whelk, Pyrazus ebeninus, it is a common species on mud flats around the Sydney region.
E24---Remnant early plaster of the construction-period (note yellowish colour). The rough application may indicate that it was part of the scratch coat.
E25---As for E24 (near the ceiling height of the Public Works era).
E26---Conduit box: in black marking pen; 'Spare conduits to under floor', 'O.B.C2' (or D.B.C2'). Two orange conduits emerge from the top and there is a hole for a third one.
E27---Light switch with remnant Public Works portland cement mix render with the surface painted brown. Stamped on the plastic of the switch; '20 cut-out' and '20 cut out' (sic). In marking pen; 'D.B.C.2.C.B.52.mixed circuit'.
E28---Very roughly laid bricks in what seems to be rock lime mortar of the 1887-1889 conversion period. The bricks are of several types: darkish cinder bricks with rectangular frogs; a dry press brick (1880s?); and an extruded 'double press' brick. The mortar is white and soft and lies under the portland cement render of the Public Works era. The brickwork was intended to reduce the width of the aperture probably when the window was converted to a door. The narrowing was intended from the start, when the conversion took place, because the original brickwork below sill level was retained. See E32.
E29---Plug of portland cement mix with whitewash. Sandy mortar is seen over it--applied after chipping the surface. This seems to date some years before the 1887-1889 conversions but appears to be no more than a repair.
E30---Public Works render. The junction between the brown paint and the unpainted portland cement based render is the site of the former ceiling.
E31---Closers (quarter bricks) regulating the jointing of the brickwork. These indicate that the adjacent aperture was a window, otherwise they would have continued downwards to the under-floor area.
E32---The only surviving section of the under-sill area of the former window, permitted to the width of half a brick. (the intended doorway was to be narrower than the window). See E28.
E33---The beginning of the former window from the eleventh course (inclusive) from the brick course of the skirting plugs (E13 and E22). Above this course would have been a course of bricks placed on the edge, header style, as seen at the window in the west wall.
E34---Bricks laid on edge, stretcher style. These bricks are not tied into the general brickwork. The bricks appear to be making up the left-over space from whatever is the (load bearing) construction behind them and the line of the internal wall. Originally they would have been covered in plaster (some of which survives). The reason for this curious feature, as seen on all four walls, seems to be connected with the height of the adjacent sandstone blocks, as if regarded as a single course.
E35---Public Works render over one of the conduits.
E36---Relieving arch over the original window, similar to those on the west and south walls. It seems the exterior arch was a flat arch with proper tuck-pointing, painted with a purplish stain (note exterior door on the south external elevation).
E37---Evidence of the former concrete floor.
E38---Evidence of a former asphalt floor or under-floor level, just predating the 1887-1889 conversion work.
East Wall Condition
Constructionally fairly good but the exterior skin of brick was largely replaced. Minor localized damage requires stabilizing.
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The principal feature of this wall is the blocked doorway. The blocking took place during the 1887-1889 general conversion period of the Barracks, judging by the mortar and brick.
S1---Timber plug, round shafted, smaller gauge (13mm-14mm) for skirting. Public Works.
S2---As S1 but damaged.
S3---As S1 but the peg is missing.
S4 to S6---Plug sites for construction-period (1817) skirting. The plugs have rotted away.
S7---Wooden plug for door reveal (and architraving?). These belong to the original construction period. Though the doorway had architraving (one can not have reveals without architraving), it is assumed that it was attached onto the reveal. The plugs, where surviving, are of a light hued timber (as are all from the original construction period); the nails or ghost nails point into the doorway area, not outwards into the room.
S8---As for S7. The nail points into the doorway area.
S9---As for S8. The timber is split.
S10---As for S8.
S11---As for S8 but the timber has decayed into a number of thin layers of wood.
S12---As for S7. The hole was partly covered with a portland cement mix as a repair (some time before the 1887-1889 work?). A fragment of wood survives behind the repair.
S13---Row of bricks laid on edge, header style. Relates to S14 and S15. These bricks replaced the former timber head of the doorway (as survives on the east and west walls) during the 1887-1889 works.
S14---Brick in place of the former timber doorway head. Part of the cavity left by the removed timber still survives to the left of the brick. See S13.
S15---Brick in place of the former timber doorway head. See S13.
S16---This area was probably damaged when the timber doorway head was removed. This brick replaced a header, a closer (quarter brick) and half a
header, the other half is still in situ. The latter was probably already split when the 1887-1889 work took place: this suggests that the large cracks in the wall were already well advanced by that time.
S17---Relieving arch. The brick fragments directly below (fill under the arch) are from the original construction phase and have survived despite the missing timber head.
S18 to S19---S18 represents the darker bricks in the bricked-up doorway and S19 represents the lighter bricks. The darker bricks are mostly in the upper half of the doorway and the lighter bricks are below. Several have noticed this difference, thus it is dealt with here.
The evidence suggests that the doorway was bricked up during the 1887-1889 conversion period of the Barracks. The white sandy stone lime mortar is consistent throughout the brickwork. There is nothing at the base, the top or the reveals of the former doorway to suggest that two phases might be involved.
The change in the colour of the bricks is purely co-incidental, there are a few of the dark bricks in the light area and a few light bricks in the darker area. A likely explanation is that there were two batches of brick, the lighter ones being slightly under-burned, the darker ones slightly over-burned. This happens in the best of kilns because of the way bricks are stacked, some bricks are further away from the source of the heat than others. The bricks were often sorted as to colour and quality when taken out of the kiln. In this case the bricklayer started on one batch and completed the work with the other---it did not matter because the whole work was to be plastered anyway.
S20 and S21---Lengths of flat timber between the brickwork and the stone blocks directly above. The timbers, from what can be seen, appear to have been rejected or used shingles. The function seems to have been temporary: that is, to support the heavy stone blocks while the mortar hardened so as to keep the stone course level.
S22---A small remnant of Public Works render memorializing the former level of the ceiling. The original scheme did not provide for a ceiling, judging by the discovery of the rounded timber base of the dome (G.C. Wilson report of 1982/1983). The rounded timber base was found to have laths on the inside and traces of lime: this is proof that it was originally plastered---there would be no need to plaster this unless it were meant to be seen (would reduce draughts also).
S23---Ventilation hole dating to early this century when laws were passed requiring such vents to be installed.
S24---Hole in the brickwork below floor level. Reason unknown but predates the 1887-1889 work at the Barracks.
S25---A thin patch of portland cement render which appears to have once extended over S24. The patching seems to be related to work which took place before the 1887-1889 period.
S26---A below-floor vent with a capping slate (?). The base of the vent is formed by the asphalt 'floor', hence the vent and brickwork post-date that floor. May also have been intended as a drainage outlet, in the case of heavy rains.
S27---Possibly a skirting plug hole for the 1887-1889 scheme.
S28---Skirting plug hole and decayed wood, relicts of the 1887-1889 scheme. It will be noticed that these are on the same level as the ones belonging to the original construction period, S4 to S6.
S29---As S28 but the plug is fully evident.
S30---Filled plug hole which seems to relate to N28. These may have held a timber, forming part of a standing-height table--roughly at the level of the west window sill (provided with a tall draughtsman's type stool one imagines).
S31---Brick closers but the top one is missing. See S16. This feature continues below floor level, additional confirmation that there was once a door there.
S32---Gap along the stone course shows the extent of upper-structure 'spread'. There is evidence that the cracking was well advanced by the 1880s. See S16.
S33---Sandstone blocks. See W18 and N41.
S34---Construction period mortar or plaster.
S35---Cement render. Public Works.
South Wall Condition
Fairly stable. The crack at the west half of the wall is widest at the top, then narrowing from the top down, as also seen on the north wall: this indicates a significant upper-structure spread. The cracking is on the western side of both the north and south walls, no coincidence considering the heavy nature of the stone-fronted west external elevation. It seems that the heavier wall began shifting, probably due to a slight settlement differential of the foundations. The weight of the entablature seems to have exacerbated the initial cause and developed into major cracking. Most of the damage seems to have happened before the 1848-1880s period. The cracks should still be monitored as traffic and train vibrations are very noticeable, particularly at the upper levels of the structure (pers. com. Gabriel Popian).
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This wall is probably the best preserved of all. The principal feature is the original construction-period (1817) window aperture, the original window frame and sashes were replaced in fairly recent times. Three original window head, or inset lintel, timbers survive.
W1---Construction-period window head timbers. All three have survived in an excellent state of preservation. The nailing is all of recent times; jolt headed wire nails, flat headed plain, and flat headed galvanized nails. A number of small ghost nails (nail holes) survive, the outline indicating fine, square shafted, joinery nails, no doubt relating to the former architraving. The ghost nails are to be seen on the wooden bricks (W7 and W8) under the window head also. The distribution of the ghost nails may or may not indicate corner blocks as part of the architraving (though seem to favour corner blocks where three timbers need to be secured instead of two in mitred joints).
W2---Timber plug for window reveal from the construction period. The timber was probably damaged when the new window and frame were installed.
W3---Timber plug for reveal, as W2. The timber and a square shafted ghost nail survive.
W4---As for W3 but the original nail is still in situ (corroded).
W5---Site of original wooden plug for reveal. The timber plug is missing.
W6---Series of four hanging fillets, or chocks, wedge shaped (flat on one side, sloping the other) with flat headed galvanized wire nails among older jolt headed nailing. These two types of fairly modern nail suggest that the window was removed and then returned during relatively recent times.
W7---Wooden brick, approximately 350mm long, set in the masonry as were the window heads. Tiny square shafted nail impressions (joinery nails) may be seen on the end, suggesting architraving. Flat headed galvanized nails may be seen along the inside and head, these were so that the modern white render would adhere to the wood. There was also evidence that metal mesh had been used in the area for the render to adhere to, (see E18 to E20).
W8---As for W7.
W9 to W12---Four blocks of white sandstone. These tie the interior work with that of the exterior of the structure. The blocks were fairly roughly finished, another indication that the walls were intended to be plastered over. See W28.
W13---Fairly recent window but may predate the Public Works period or belong to an early phase of Public Works involvement. Evidence of portland cement based render and a softer white render. The window appears to have been removed and reset (during the Public Works period). See W6. The window has a distinct light pink undercoat.
W14---Row of graded brick fragments to support the relieving arch (W15), the same scheme as at S17 and E36.
W15---Relieving arch above the window, as seen on the south and east internal walls. This was a stronger construction than the stylish flat arches of brick seen on the exteriors of the south and east walls. The exterior wall here is of stone.
W16---Air vent very likely dating to early this century when legislation was passed requiring these for all habitations.
W17---Bricks on edge, stretcher style, dating to the original construction period. The bricks were originally covered with plaster. For a general discussion on them see E34.
W18---Sandstone block. See S33 and N41.
W19---Early plaster remains over brickwork.
W20---Wire nail of a thick gauge with 'diamond' head. Difficult to examine properly but most likely dates to the 1870s or 1880s. It is located 265mm from the north-west corner and seems to relate to the top shelf N38A but according to other evidence the top shelf should have been removed by this time (ca 1848 mortar infil). Perhaps the nail related to some quite different function.
W21---Horizontal notch in the brickwork for the support of a shelf, relating to N13. The shelf seems to have been removed ca 1848, judging by the mortar.
W22---As for W21 but relating to N12.
W23---As for W21 but relating to N11. This one may also have been removed around 1848 but had to be later repaired (some time before the 1887-1889 period) with a stronger mix containing portland cement (since the reciprocal N11 was filled during the earlier phase).
W24---A plugged square hole, dating to around the 1848 conversions, judging by the white shell lime mortar. Almost certainly related to W40 (and perhaps to W36), and the slightly higher N28 and S30 (the cross timber W24 etc., as supports). The evidence seems to suggest an inbuilt table, perhaps with below-desk shelving, later possibly even a cupboard (See W27, W28, W38, W39 and W25, W29 to W31).
Was there a sleeping bench? The only possible location could have been against the west wall because there could not have been one along the other walls: fireplace in the way of the north wall and the south doorway would have been in the way of a bed along both the east and south walls. There was too much of an early nature going on along the west wall (table and more shelves?). The interpretation of the plug holes should remain open to debate.
W25---Plugged squarish hole of white shell lime mortar, dating to the ca 1848 conversions.. Seems to relate to W24 above.
W26---Plug of the same period of W24 and W25 but does not relate to the west wall plugs otherwise. However, the gap in the stretcher course is unusual.
W27---A small square (about 32mm by 32mm) chiselled into the brick. Importantly, the square is filled with a grey mortar of an unknown phase (but likely between ca 1848 and 1887-1889). See W29 regarding the grey mortar.
W28---A similar square (27mm by 30mm) but chiselled into the sandstone block W52. No mortar has survived in this square.
W29---Probably a patched plug (in line with W29 to W31, and marginally with W25 and W22). The mortar is of a distinctive grey colour, probably rock lime and if so would date between ca 1848 and 1887-1889.
W30---Cut into the brickwork plugged with soft grey mortar.
W31---A smaller cut, plugged as W30.
NOTE: The line of plug holes W25, W29, W30 and W31 and the line of W27, W28, W38, W39 and W39A can be seen to descend very slightly from north to south in relation to the coursing of the brickwork. This means that the holes were cut into the plaster, there are no obvious signs that the workmen were aware of the coursing of the brickwork. The consistent slope of the two lines of holes is an indication that at the time the holes were cut the floor had a tilt from north to south (doorway) by up to 30mm. Could this have been on purpose considering the open nature of the structure and the easy ingress of the rain.
W32 and W33---Larger drilled holes with round sectioned decaying plugs (19mm in diameter). Sill area of the Public Works era. See following.
W34 and W35---Relates to W32 and W33 but are located below them. Possible the site of a mounted sign.
W36---A small cut square with soft grey mortar, dating between about 1848 and 1887-1889. This would seem to relate to W24 and W40 except for the mortar and the size.
W37---Construction-period plug hole but filled with ca 1848 white shell lime mortar. The surface is whitewashed with the soot layer, identified elsewhere as predating the 1887-1889 conversion phase. Not reciprocated on the opposite wall.
W38---Old shallow plug hole filled in about 1848. Relates to W27, W28, 39 and 39A.
W39---Old plug hole remains, damaged at a later time. See W38.
W39A---Plug hole, probably part of the sequence mentioned under W38.
W40---A large plug hole, plugged by a brick fragment and mortar of the ca 1848 phase. Appears to be in line with W36 and W24.
W41---Site of a skirting plug relating to the construction phase (1817).
W42---As for W41 but some of the decayed timber and a corroded nail survive.
W43 to 46---as for W41. There is some doubt about W45.
W47 to W49---Smaller gauge (13-14mm) drilled plug for Public Works skirting.
W50---As for W47 but evidently a mistake, the drill just penetrated the surface of the brick..
W51---As for W47 to W49.
W52---Sandstone at the base of the window sill. This stone relates to the external sandstone facade and suggests that the stone and the brick parts of the wall were constructed at the same time.
W53---Remnants of the portland cement based render of the Public Works era.
W54---Damaged brick patched with brick fragments and a portland based cement mix.
W55---The west ends of the sill bricks (original construction phase) were damaged when the window frame was removed or installed at some time in the past. The sixth brick from the south is half missing on the western end, giving the impression that the space under the window frame may have been used for some intriguing purpose.
W56---A series of six metal straps, three on each side of the window frame, used to secure the frame to the reveal area.
W57---Plugged hole of unknown significance.
West Wall Condition
The west wall is in sound condition, requiring only the stabilization of minor details.
NORTH - WEST CORNER LAND AT THE JUNCTION OF WITHERS ROAD AND CADDIES CREEK
Near: Rooty Hill (Baulkham Hills Shire Council).
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SUMMARY
The site features examined constitute the remains of an early European homestead site with graves. Initial analysis of the fireplace remains suggests a broad date anywhere between the 1790s and 1830s.
Several of the site features are not readily explained in terms of European activity. Aboriginal activity around the area is certain but the degree of this is for anthropologists and Aborigines to determine.
The site integrity was fairly good until recent years (two below-ground drains installed, infill of the formerly wide creek bed and subsequent weed invasion, creek degradation and planting of nursery natives). Further adverse site impact is taking place due to the housing development on the higher land, north of the site (sand washing onto parts of the site, stormwater overload and silting of a natural water course to the west). Future adverse impact to be expected will include: silting, water and land pollution, rubbish dumping, sporadic (cumulative) vandalism, and a radical change in the plant regime and water table (due to the change of dry scrub to watered gardens on the housing development). The features of the site are extremely fragile, having survived because of the isolation and bush setting.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The site of graves and a farmstead illustrating a failed frontier enterprise dating to the founding years of European settlement in Australia of National significance. The site of Aboriginal activity of a possible monumental nature. A site which could be a meeting point of co-operation between Aboriginal and European as early site features are studied. A site of archaeological integrity. A site with rare natural features of great beauty and intrigue.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My thanks to Mrs Denise Hofman for her perseverance in contacting me regarding the significance of the site; for her time in visiting the site with me; and sharing her knowledge of the condition of the site which she came to know intimately since girlhood. Thanks also to David Cunningham for the site visit and recommending me to Mrs Hofman.
SITE DESCRIPTION
Natural
The lower reaches of a fairly gentle slope down toward Caddies Creek ending abruptly with a band of rock ledges which delineate the former edge of a wide creek bed (now obscured by land fill). At the base of the rock ledge are the remains of the ancient main course of the creek, a remnant of times of greater rainfall.
The number of indigenous plants have been on the decrease since the initial clearing of the site, though the rock area was probably never cleared, hence the monumental old Eucalypts and survival of species such as the large Geebung (Persoonia sp), the Rock Felt-ferns (Pyrrosia rupestris), various indigenous ferns, herbs and grasses (including Themeda australis). Privet is beginning to dominate the ledge area. Indigenous grasses are better represented to the west of the site. Of the fauna, less is known. Mrs Hofman recently saw a 'huge' goanna on the site, when conducting Aboriginal representatives over the site.
The creek bed until recent decades was wide, extending from the present course with a natural flat spillway (mini-floodplain), reaching the base of the overhanging rock. At the latter place is the location of the ancient course of the creek, now swampy ground with evidence of silted ponds).
The creek water is poor and the edges are choked with weeds, though some native semi-aquatic plants have survived, such as Alisma plantago-aquatica.
Aboriginal
This aspect should be addressed by anthropologists and the aboriginal community. There are several site features which do not have a ready explanation in terms of European settlement.
Items identified as possible Aboriginal constructions by Aborigines include item numbers 4, 5, 6, 9-13. These are described under the European section because until it can be confirmed that they are Aboriginal, they must be regarded tentatively, at least, as early European settlement features associated with the remains of the early farmhouse.
Stone implements have been found on or near the site. Material will almost certainly be found in the silted gaps between the boulders (13) and in the ancient creek bed (18).
European
As the site is basically a natural setting, the European elements are presented as numbered features in this landscape. It must be emphasised that some of these features may be Aboriginal in origin, particularly 4, part of 5, 7-9, parts of 10-13 and perhaps 6.
As this is an 'honourary capacity' report, the following should be considered as summaries only.
SITE FEATURES.
This feature is the key to the European aspects of the site. Several stones show clear signs of pick marks to create an even surface or a corner. One stone has a rebated edge, a finer pick-like instrument was used to work away uneven surfaces. A flat stone with the same sort of rebate has been used to prop up the headstone, no doubt taken from the fireplace site at some time. The tools used for the fireplace were make-do, no real chisel work having been noticed, yet the fireplace was fairly well constructed: these indicate that the fireplace was constructed under 'frontier' conditions.
The mortar used in the coursing also indicates frontier conditions. Further examination will be necessary but it seemed that there was little or no lime in the mix, the mortar being largely a fine sandy-clay mix. Although not identical, the mix is similar to the mortar used in the footings of a 1790 outbuilding belonging to Old Government House at Parramatta. During the first years of European settlement, shell lime mortar was difficult to obtain; by the late 1790s it was fairly obtainable, as is evidenced in surviving early buildings in the Parramatta district.
In frontier situations lime might be difficult to transport, so one must use caution when determining the age of a building based on mortar alone.
The stone work was properly coursed with stones of different thicknesses, this is best seen at the south-west corner. The north-west corner is largely missing above ground level. No brick seems to have been used in the initial construction, although one early brick fragment was noted in the rubble--possibly the result of a later repair or improvement when transport to the site had been improved.
The mouth of the fireplace is entirely obscured by fallen stone. No attempt should be made to clear away the rubble.
1A Excavation North Side of Fireplace.
There is evidence of excavation to the north of the fireplace, almost certainly to level an area for the actual (timber) house. I have seen similar 'cuts' for 1790 structures on Norfolk Island. This evidence and the lay of the land suggests that the longer part of the house was in a roughly east-west orientation.
The orientation of the house is important in order to determine where the outbuildings may have been located. Expected outbuildings would have been a shed or barn and a long-drop privy (where the household rubbish often ended up, a potential source of diagnostic artefacts).
A large flat stone of unknown function is located near the site. Mrs Hofman remembers that similar stones were removed from the site once: this is important because a number of depressions in the mid of the projected house site needed explaining.
NOTE: No early cultural material was found in the vicinity of the site: this can be an indication of an early site because people did not have much in a frontier situation to be able to break and scatter about. Cultural material will be eventually found which should help in a closer dating of the site.
Early grave site of unknown date. The headstone is well cut (curiously even on the reverse side). As far as can be seen, there never was an inscription on the stone, only a simple incised cross. The stone was very likely cut by the same person who prepared the stone for the fireplace, only took greater care and time to smooth the surfaces. This suggests that the grave was for a wife or for children. Evidently the person who cut the stone could not read or write. If it had been prepared by a stonemason, he would have known how to carve letters.
The lone grave (or graves) also suggests frontier conditions, otherwise the bodies would have been buried in a consecrated graveyard. During the early years of settlement people were often buried on their own properties, until graveyards were established. The proximity of the grave to the house suggests the isolation felt by the survivors; this would not have been adversely regarded before the nineteenth century. (Family graveyards on wealthy landowners' properties should not be regarded as somehow comparable, they generally had a choice in the matter of burial sites).
The flat cairn of stone is also an early feature, intended as a precaution against animals digging up the grave (though the custom survives in the soil filled borders of graves even up to the present time). It was noted in the 1790s that European graves had soil raised up over them (presumably for the same reason). Further investigation required.
This is a pile of stone to the south of the headstone, very likely the site of another European grave and may originally have had a wooden cross. However, the orientation is different, as is the untidy placement of the stone. There is some indication that the stone has been interfered with. The location of the old Eucalyptus tree at the end of the cairn suggests an early age for the grave because it is unlikely that a grave would have been dug next to a mature tree (roots); the tree most likely grew there as a result of the softness of the broken soil and the initial protection of the stone. The tree could easily be over 150 years old. Trees 14 and 15 are older.
Row of stones of local sandstone set upright in line with 5. One of the stones was pushed almost out of the ground several weeks ago: this event brought to light the high significance of the site which had been overlooked by the public authorities in charge of the site.
The stones are arranged in a line with spaces between them. The naturally shaped stones have not been modified by tools in any way. They are in line with a feature composed of piles of stones (5) on the other side of the dip in the land contour to the west (or south-west) where a below-ground pipe was laid some time ago.
In terms of European activity, the feature is difficult to explain. It is not a foundation; it does not form a dam or terrace; it does not conform to any pattern of irrigation, erosion control, plant cultivation, animal husbandry or even decorative landscaping. It is not a natural feature.
The alignment of the stones and piles of stones does not conform with the alignment of the definite European features of the site such as the house (1) and grave (2).
The feature is thought by some to be an Aboriginal construction of high spiritual significance. Whether European or Aboriginal, it is in any event an early site feature. On the balance of things, it is important that the damaged shifted stone be set back in its place by the local Aboriginal representatives of the area.
The feature requires closer analysis by all concerned.
This row is in alignment with the row of stones mentioned above. The purpose and origin is just as puzzling. See 4. This early feature is composed of several beds of small stones. The heaps at either ends are slightly different, the one at the east end is minimally out of line and the one at the west end is of a different composition (see 5A).
While such heaps of stone can sometimes be attributed to European agriculture in cases where stones are gathered from a field and piled up in one spot or fashioned into a stone wall to allow for easier ploughing and cultivation, this area can not associated with such activities. The feature is located on already shallow rocky ground, not far from the graves (2) and (3). The alignment, and hence common purpose, with the spaced standing stones of (4) discounts the piled-stone agricultural theory.
5A West-end Cairn of 5
This part of the Cairn differs from the others in the row in that there is an outer border of the ordinary local sandstone but the middle is filled with smaller stones of high iron content. The stones have shifted over the years but the pattern can still be discerned. The layout seems intentionally decorative.
It is possible that this may have been yet another European grave but it would be a strange European custom (a) to build a long cairn below and in line with the grave or (b) place a grave at the end of an existing cairn. Could it be a mass grave?
Although a small-scale cross-section excavation may bring us closer to an understanding of 5 and 5A, it might be better to investigate the possibilities of 'sounding' for below-ground features (that would require Aboriginal permission and supervision).
This feature can be explained in both Aboriginal and European terms. A visiting Aborigine saw the feature as a fishing trap. As it is along the ancient course of the Creek, this would make it an ancient feature indeed. The extent and flow of the creek has declined over the last 10,000 years.
Another explanation (European) would be that the stones were placed there by a settler in order to secure the edges of the former pond from being trodden in by animals. Interpretation as an ornamental pond is the product of a modern-age mind, nothing about the site suggests that anything but bare existence was in the minds of the early settlers there.
Fish hasn't been seen in the creek for many years now, according to Mrs Hofman.
(numbering indicative only)
There are several large boulders with piles of small stones on them to the south-west of the rocky part of the site. The advanced state of the various species of lichen and moss on the stones indicate a long time span.
The only reasonable European explanation for this feature is the piling of rocks from fields to be ploughed and cultivated. Nearby land would have been ideal for cultivation, though prone to flooding. The time and energy required to put the small rocks carefully on the boulders, rather than throwing them between or behind the boulders discounts this agricultural theory.
An Aboriginal interpretation for the stones should be examined. As suggested by Mrs Hofman, an age might be determined by the growth of lichen (the Australian Museum may be able to offer guidelines).
By opening the site to the public, unsupervised, this feature would be the first to be destroyed by cumulative vandalism.
10-12 Rows of Rocks Blocking Holes Under Boulders
There are several boulders in the vicinity where the wide spaces under them have been blocked by rows of rocks, several of these coincide with the piled cairns of small stones. The spaces are wide but not very high, though one part of the space may extend under the rock quite deeply. The spaces may have begun as wombat habitats but in later years would have made ideal lairs for foxes (though the introduction of foxes to the district may have been as late as the 1880s).
There are several possible interpretations, the most superficial one being that local farmers placed the rocks there to discourage foxes (evidence of quite recent activity). The stones have been disturbed very recently according to Mrs Hofman and it might be difficult to make much of them without the benefit of excavation. Aboriginal visitors to the site thought the stones to be of Aboriginal significance: this interpretation should be explored further, especially since they may have been associated with funeral rites. Since the European interpretation involves only the last 100 years or so, it is possible that the Aboriginal construction was modified to suit European needs.
A series of rock ledges, large enough to shelter humans, overlook the formerly wide creek bed. There are no unambiguous Aboriginal markings on the ceiling of these ledges, though occupation debris is sure to be found between the rock ledges and to the front (south). A fairly recent camp fire site is found at the base of the largest of the ledges. The rock formations harbour several native fern and other plant species. There are several well-established Rock Felt-fern (Pyrrosia rupestris) colonies along the edges of the over-hanging rock.
Unfortunately the Small Leaf Privet (Ligustrum licidum) has succeeded to dominate the rock ledge area at the expense of indigenous species. The dumping of fill along the former creek bed has also introduced many vigorous weed species, the most to be feared for the site is Kikuyu grass (which will also be introduced from the north side after the housing development is completed). To make matters worse, nursery natives have been planted all over the former shallow area of the creek bed and in a few years time will change the ancient appearance of the place, marginalize the local plant gene pool and alter the micro-climate.
One of the larger rock ledges collapsed at some time, perhaps preserving early archaeological material (bones have been found there).
14 and 15 Monumental Eucalyptus Trees
Two ancient trees, of the same species as seen at 3. These survived clearing mainly because of their location. The species appears to be adapted to growing in rocky places. Some have suggested that they were planted on purpose but this is very doubtful. Nevertheless, the two trees create a presence in the site which could almost be described as 'holding dialogue'.
Though unlikely to be contemporary with the early European features of the site, the earth dam is of some age, certainly older than the nearby larger dam. Further analysis required.
17 Two Rocks
Probably not of significance but listed here because of the proximity to the fireplace (1).
18 Ancient Main Course of Caddies Creek
Remnants of the former main course of Caddies Creek may be seen as a series of long and narrow silted ponds along the base of the rock ledges, one of which is listed as 6. The old course was probably formed at times of greater rainfall and has survived in a reduced form by periodic scouring during heavy flooding. Being close to the rock ledges, base layers may contain Aboriginal material.
19 Flood Prone Flats
This area would have been used for growing crops because of the silt, despite the danger of flooding.
20 Stone Scatters and Piles
To the west or north-west of the main site are a number of stone scatters.
The largest of the piles was evidently dumped there with some effort, a couple of the large fragments were evidently from a rock ledge. The exact origin of the stones is unknown but may possibly originate in the construction of the large dam since they are nearby.
The flatter groups of stone further west of the shallow water course require further study.
SITE HISTORY
The site history, if exists, was not consulted. It was thought better to view the site from an unbiased point of view. Mrs Hofman did tell me the outline of the various grants and comments made by several Aborigines who have visited the site.
It should be mentioned here that the early European features may have pre-dated the first grant. It was very common, almost the rule at certain periods, for a settler to 'squat' on a piece of land and subsequently apply for a grant.
Site Visits
The above survey was the result of two short site visits, totalling about five hours: the first on February 3, 1997 was a solo visit, the second on February 5, 1997 in the company of Mrs Denise Hofman and Mr David Cunningham who alerted me to the existence of the site.
The Author
Involved in Australian heritage since 1977, in the capacity as archaeologist. Though largely involved in early archaeological sites in Sydney, Parramatta and Norfolk Island, major reports were prepared on the Castle Hill Lunatic Asylum site and Bella Vista around 1981/1982. Specializations include dating techniques on building materials, landscape analysis and dating early artefact categories such as ceramics, glass and metals.
Although not in the habit of compiling 'honourary capacity' reports, on this occasion the merits of the site outweighed the more practical aspects of conducting a profession.
Dr Robert V. J. Varman
Archaeologist/ Heritage Consultant.
February 12, 1997.
varman@ozemail.com.au
ARCHEOLOGICAL REPORT
DR ROBERT V J VARMAN
ARCHAEOLOGIST
HERITAGE CONSULTANT
FEBRUARY 12, 1997