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ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
OF THE CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL
HERITAGE PRECINCT, FLEET STREET,
PARRAMATTA, N.S.W. for the
CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL CONSERVATION PLAN.
E Higginbotham
Consultant Archaeological Services
www.higginbotham.com.au
Or. Edward Higginbotham. Edward Higginbotham & Associates Pty Ltd.
Phone: +612 9716 5154. Fax: +612 9716 8547.
In association with
Perumal Murphy Wu Pty Ltd.
for the
N.S.W. Health Department
PERUMAL MURPHY
WU
PTY Limited
A.C.N. 001 961 806
PLANNERS
. Cumberland Hpspital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street,.Parramatta, N.S.W.
CONTENTS.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ........................................................................ iii
1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. 1
2. HISTORICALBACKGROUND ............................................................. 2
3. ARCHAEOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT AND HISTORICAL
SEQUENCE PLANS .............................................................................. 4
4. SITE SURVEY ............................................................................... 14
4.1. Stores Wing ........................................................................ 14
4.2. Stores or Hospital Wing .......................................................... 15
4.3. Sleeping Quarters for penal class of females ................................... 17
4.4. Female Factory Clock and Bell. ................................................. 20
4.5. Other above ground archaeological sites ........................................ 22
5. CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL
HERITAGE PRECIN'CT ........................................................................ 24
6. RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................... 25
. 6.1. Zone la. Below ground archaeological sites ................................... 25
6.2. Zone lb. Above ground archaeological remains ............................... 25
6.3. Standing buildings and other structures in Zone 1, except those in
Zone 1 b .................................................................................... 26
6.4. Zone 2. Above and below ground archaeological sites ....................... 26
6.5. Supplementary recommendations ................................................ 27
6.6. Recommendations relating to neighbouring archaeological sites,
outside the immediate study area ....................................................... 28
ii
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
The author would like to thank
Project management: Barry Antell, N.S.W. Department of Health.
Principal consultants: Vince Murphy, Perumal Murphy Wu Pty Ltd.
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct administration: Trevor Myers and
Tony Morgan.
Historical research: Terry Kass.
111
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Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
1 . INTRODUCTION.
The archaeological assessment of the Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct was
commissioned by Perumal Murphy Wu Pty Ltd on 22 June 1992.
The Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct forms the oldest part of the Cumberland
Hospital, and is located between Parramatta River and Fleet Street, North Parramatta
(1. Archaeological management plan).
The purpose of this report is to define the archaeological significance of the
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, and to make recommendations for the
conservation, investigation and management of the archaeological sites.
The site forms part of Inventory Number 14 of North Parramatta, in the Archaeological
Zoning Plan of Parramatta.1
1 Edward Higginbotham & Paul-Alan Johnson, 1991. The Future of Parramatta's Past. An Archaeological Zoning Plan. 1788 to 1844. Department of Planning, Sydney.
1
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
2. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND.
The historical sequence of development for the Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct
is summarised below.1
1. The water mill and mill race, 1790s to 1810s.
The mill was located in the northern part of Parramatta Park on the eastern side of
Parramatta River. The mill race passes through the Cumberland Hospital Site,
commencing at Parramatta River, near the 'Gaol, and running in a southerly direction
near Fleet Street to the site of the mill. 2 Part of the alignment of the mill race was
located during stormwater diversion works in 1990.3
The mill race passes between the Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct and Fleet
Street.
2. The Female Factory, 1819 to 1848.
The original Female Factory was attached to the 1803 Parramatta Gaol for male
convicts, then located on the north bank of Parramatta River, between Marsden and
Church Streets. It could only accommodate about 60 persons, although by 1817 more
than 200 women were working there, the excess finding their own lodgings in the
town. Governor Macquarie was well aware of the behaviour that this allowed, and
proposed to construct a much larger factory.4 This was commenced in 1819 and
completed before 1821. It was described as follows:
'A Large Commodious handsome stone Built Barrack and Factory,
three Stories high, with Wings of one Story each for the accommodation
and residence of 300 Female Convicts, with all the requisite Out
Offices, including Carding, Weaving and Loom Rooms, Workshops,
1 The historical evidence, which forms the basis of this report, was derived from a number of sources, including, the historical outline prepared by Terry Kass for this conservation plan. Other sources include: Edward Higginbotham & Paul-Alan Johnson, 1991. The Future of Parramatta's Past. An Archaeological Zoning Plan. 1788 to 1844. Department of Planning, Sydney; Edward Higginbotham, Drainage Diversion, Fleet Street, North Parramatta, N.S.W. Report on archaeological watching brief, 1990. Public Works Department, N.S.W.; Edward Higginbotham, 1988, Preliminary historical and archaeological assessment of hospital sites in Parramatta, NSW. Clive Lucas Stapleton and Partners. 2 Fleet Street is named after the mill race or fleet for the mill. 3 Edward Higginbotham, Drainage Diversion, Fleet Street, North Parramatta, N.S.W. Report on archaeological watching brief, 1990. Public Works Department, N.S.W. 4 HRA. Ser. 1. VoL 7:504.
2
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
Stores for Wool, Flax, etc; etc; Quarters for the Superintendant, and
also a large Kitchen Garden for the use of the Female Convicts, and
Bleaching Ground for Bleaching the Cloth and Linen Manufactured; the
Whole of the Buildings and said Grounds consisting of about Four
acres, being enclosed with a high Stone Wall and Moat or Wet Ditch.
N.B. - This important and highly useful as well as necessary Building
was erected by Contract'.5
Houses of correction for females (female factories) were only constructed at four
places in Australia, namely Hobart and Launceston, Tasmania, Parramatta, New South
Wales, and Eagle Farm, Queensland.6 The one at Parramatta was by far the most
important, playing a major role in the assignment of female convicts, as well as their
secondary punishment. The products of the Female Factory, blankets and woollen
cloth, were well known throughout the colony.
3. The Lunatic Asylum, 1848 onwards.
The Lunatic Asylum at Parramatta was one of a number of similar institutions in New
South Wales. It differed from the others in housing the criminally insane, a function
facilitated by the presence of high walling and cell blocks, similar to gaols.
5 HRA. Ser. 1. VoL 10:689-90. 6 J. S. Kerr, 1984, Designjor Convicts, Library of Australian History, Sydney, passim.
3
..,
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
3. ARCHAEOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT AND HISTORICAL SEQUENCE PLANS.
The following plans indicate the historical sequence of development within the
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, and identify the three zones to which
recommendations apply for the conservation, investigation and management of the
archaeological sites.
The plans are placed in the following order:
1. Archaeological management plan.
2. Sites of historic buildings in Zone l.
3. The Female Factory, 1823.
4. The Female Factory, 183l.
5. The Lunatic Asylum, 1855.
6. The Lunatic Asylum, 1861-3.
7. The Lunatic Asylum, 1880.
8. The Lunatic Asylum, 1895.
9. The Lunatic Asylum, 1932.
4
1. Archaeological management plan.
Boundary of ---+fi: study area.
o 50 metres.
Key to archaeological management recommendations.
Zone 1 a, below ground archaeological sites.
Zone 1 b, above ground archaeological sites.
Zone 2, above and below ground archaeological sites.
3. Sleeping Quarters. 2. Stores & Hospital Wing. 1. Stores Wing.
CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL HERITAGE PRECINCT. Computer graphics by Edward Higginbotham
2. Sites of historic buildings in Zone 1.
Boundary of ----M~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ study area. ~"" ..... ~",,'\:~,,~
o 50 metres.
Key to archaeological management recommendations.
Zone 1 a, below ground archaeological sites.
Zone 1 b, above ground archaeological sites.
Previous buildings or structures.
Unshaded areas within Zone 1 indicate the sites of known historic buildings or structures, belonging to the Female Factory, 1821-1848, and Lunatic Asylum, 1848-1895.
CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL HERITAGE PRECINCT. Computer graphics by Edward Higginbotham
3. The Female Factory, 1823.
o
Boundary of ---+I study area.
. " .' ".:- .: . I . . _-'.' ' .. '~~' "~'.' .~
· ~LfJlA.MA7''l'.A ,. PAr:7'OllY~-'lf.uB
~~
CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL HERITAGE PRECINCT. Computer graphics by Edward Higginbotham
4. The Female Factory, 1831.
o
Boundary of __ .. study area.
50 metres.
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.~
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)- .
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CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL HERITAGE PRECINCT. Computer graphics by Edward Higginbotham
5. The Lunatic Asylum, 1855.
Boundary of __ -.I study area.
W· ., ~ .. ~ t : ... t • -• 'It
o 50 metres.
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CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL HERITAGE PRECINCT. Computer graphics by Edward Higgll1bolham
6. The Lunatic Asylum, 1861-3.
Boundary of -~lIV. study area.
1fA:rE .
. / ....
~-J--•..
o 50 metres.
- ---, ~ ; • .. . .. ~ ~. I , ,.:. .. i
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·~ _____ Eif .. __________ . ______ LW-...I:IF-Io.,;;.a.. .......,;~ ..... -J;;;:;:;;~0f-------l
~ .. -" ,....,,~~.~ .. CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL HERITAGE PRECINCT.
Computer graphics by Edward Higginbotham
7. The Lunatic Asylum, 1880.
o
Boundary of ---.t study area.
50 metres.
/
(: " . t' I 'I t;
.~" :: j AI ... ·' ,..D
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CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL HERITAGE PRECINCT. Compute< graphics ~ Edward Higginbotham
8. The Lunatic Asylum, 1895. , ---------~--...---.-
o
Boundary of study area.
50 metres.
Surviving sandstone boundary walls.
:::0 .. " .. , -.. .. "
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Ward Number 1 clock tower and bell.
I'" , '~.~I : J .... .J. ......... \ I
'1 ' } .... _" '" I L .. -----1, .. ..:It\ \. ... - .. _-
Surviving sandstone boundary walls.
CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL HERITAGE PRECINCT.
f .. ·----\ to.f."".i ,'-----I ',_ .. ,"'"
I 1 r , , I
: ,.: I
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Computer graphics by Edward Higginbotham
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
4. SITE SURVEY.
Historical research and site survey enabled the identification of the most important
above ground archaeological sites. These items are briefly described below.
4.1. Stores Wing.
This range of rooms is constructed of sandstone, of one and two floors. It is part of the
original Female Factory, constructed between 1819 and 1821. For the period of the
Female Factory, the building was used for stores (see l. Archaeological management
plan.)
Both internally and externally it has undergone substantial alterations. The extent to
which the original sandstone treatment survives is perhaps an indication of the extent of
alteration. The first floor appears to have been removed or replaced in the two storey
sections. In spite of the alterations, the fabric of the building is likely to preserve
physical evidence of its construction, additions and alterations, as well as any changes
in usage. 'Underfloor deposits' are expected to reveal a wealth of artifactual evidence of
the nature of usage and occupation.
The north-west facade of the stores bUilding.
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Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
The extent of surviving original sandstone dressing on the south-east facade. The dressed stonework survives only in a small section below the pediment or string course.
4.2. Stores or Hospital Wing.
This range of rooms is constmcted of sandstone, of one and two !loors. It is part of the
original Female Factory, constmcted between 1819 and 1821. For the period of the
Female Factory, the building was initially used for stores, and then for a hospital (see
1. Archaeological management plan).
The interior of this building was not inspected. It has recently been refurbished and the
historical fabric covered over.
The limited extent of the original dressing of the sandstone gives an indication of the
substantial alterations that have occun·ed. In spite of this, the fabric of the building is
likely to preserve physical evidence of its constmction, additions and alterations, as
well as any changes in usage. 'Under!loor deposits' are expected to reveal a wealth of
artifactual evidence of the nature of usage and occupation.
15
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
The south-eastern facade of the stores, and later hospital wing.
The original dressing of the sandstone is confined to the eastern end of the north-west facade. Originally the outer faces of both the store buildings would have presented a blank wall of this appearance, with access to these buildings being gained only through the internal courtyard.
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Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S. W.
4.3. Sleeping Quarters for penal class of females.
This sandstone building was erected in 1825 as sleeping quarters for the third or penal
class of females. Originally of two storeys, the internal flooring has been removed. The
original pediments at either end have been removed, suggesting replacement or
alteration to the roof. The verandah has been added (see 1. Archaeological management
plan).
In spite of the alterations, the fabric of the building is likely to preserve physical
evidence of it') construction, additions and alterations, as well as any changes in usage.
'Underfloor deposits' are expected to reveal a wealth of artifactual evidence of the
nature of usage and occupation.
South-east elevation, with the baclifilled site of the ha ha in the foreground.
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Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
South-west elevation.
-
North-east elevation.
18
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
North-west elevation.
,,,._Mp,,, ' o • , . fin
, ... J •• '
1111111!!::~
Detail of the north-west elevation, showing the evidence for the former timber pediment details, and butt joint with adjacent range of buildings.
19
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
4.4. Female Factory Clock and Bell.
The clock from the former Female Factory has been rehoused in tbe tower of Ward
Number 1 (Hope Hostel) (see 8. The Lunatic Asylum, 1895). It is still mounted on its
original timber frame. The clock was manufactured by THW AITE & REED,
CLERKENWELL, LONDON. 1821. The clock mechanism, pendulum and weights
survive intact, although the clock faces (also appearing to be original) are now powered
by an electrical mechanism of German manufacture. The mechanism connecting the
clock to the clock faces appears to be missing. Elsewhere in the tower, timberwork
from the original Female Factory building may have been reused.
It is believed that the bell now mounted beside Ward Number 1 (the Hope Hostel) on a
cast iron frame, was also part of the original Female Factory. It may have been part of
the clock.
( ~ . -- .... ' "'
~'1!! "
~~~
l •. ·: 1·' . '. , , "
l__ .,~,
Ward Number 1, showing the clock tower and the position of the bell.
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Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
The bell.
4.5. Other above ground archaeological sites.
Other above ground archaeological sites belonging to the Female Factory may include
the sandstone boundary walls (see 8. The Lunatic Asylum, 1895). These walls are
likely to have been substantially rebuilt in the later nineteenth century. The only areas
where sandstone walls survive on the Female Factory alignment include:
1. The nOlth-west wall of the present Artisan's Compound,
22
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
2. the wall to the north of the Stores or Hospital Wing,
3. the wall to the west of the penal class sleeping quarters, and at the north end of the
Ha Ha, and
4. the wall at the south end of the Ha Ha.
Historical evidence reveals that the Ha Ha was constructed in the 1880s, removing the
pre-existing ranges of buildings.1 For this reason, it is likely that these sections of
sandstone walling were remodelled at this time.
No section of walling preserves its original stone dressing, as found on the Stores
Buildings, again leaving doubts as to their later alteration or rebuilding.
The standing buildings relating to the Lunatic Asylum, 1848 onwards, are not
considered to have substantial archaeological significance. The standing buildings from
this period may make a contribution to our knowledge of lunatic asylums and the
history of the treatment of mental disabilities, but this contribution may be equalled by
other historical or comparative physical evidence. The buildings and other features (for
example, the ha has) are nonetheless significant on architectural grounds and in other
respects.
1 History by Terry Kass.
23
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
5. CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CUMBERLAND
HOSPITAL HERITAGE PRECINCT.
'Archaeological significance requires an item to have the potential to define or expand
knowledge of earlier human occupation, activities or events through archaeological
research'. This definition is used by the Department of Planning in its Heritage
Assessment Guidelines.! It is further defined as the extent to which a site may
contribute knowledge, not available from other sources, to current themes in historical
archaeology and related disciplines. 2
The Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct possesses a high level of archaeological
significance in relation to its former use as the Female Factory from 1819 to 1848.
Archaeological evidence is likely to make a substantial contribution to our
understanding of this period of occupation. The prominence of the institution in the
penal system of New South Wales, its specific role in the assignment and punishment
of female convicts, and the widespread marketing of its woollen products make this site
of statewide or national significance. As mentioned in Chapter 2, there were only four
institutions in Australia relating to female convicts in the penal or convict transportation
period. The Parramatta Female Factory was the most important of the four. Thus the
rarity of the site type and the bias or scarcity of the historical documentation add value
to the archaeological resource.
The later evolution of the institution as a lunatic asylum is of less archaeological
significance. Comparative sites in New South Wales and elsewhere, and the wealth of
available historical documentation mean that the archaeology of this period is less likely
to make a substantial contribution to the study of the treatment of the mentally disabled.
The site did however possess some unusual features, namely the cell. blocks for the
housing of the criminally insane. Nonetheless it is recognised that other aspects of
cultural significance make the buildings of the Lunatic Asylum worthy of conservation.
1 Department of Planning, Heritage Assessment Guidelines, Department of Planning, Sydney, 1990. 2 This definition is based upon the following references; A. Bickford, & S. Sullivan, 'Assessing the research significance of historic sites', in S. Sullivan, & S. Bowdler, Site survey and significance assessment in Australian archaeology, Dept. of Prehistory, Research School of Pacific Studies, ANU, Canberra, 1984, pp. 19-26.; S. Sullivan, & S. Bowdler, Site survey and significance assessment in Australian archaeology, Dept. of Prehistory, Research School of Pacific Studies, ANU, Canberra, 1984, passim ..
24
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS.
For the purpose of the archaeological recommendations, the Cumberland Hospital
Heritage Precinct has been divided up into three zones (1. Archaeological management
plan):
Zone la. Below ground archaeological sites.
Zone lb. Above ground archaeological sites.
Zone 2. Above and below ground archaeological sites.
Recommendations for archaeological sites vary between each zone.
6.1. Zone la. Below ground archaeological sites.
Zone la is defined by the area occupied by the Female Factory between 1818 and 1848.
It includes the below ground archaeological remains belonging to this and later periods
of occupation. Zone la includes the below ground deposits in Zone lb.
It is recommended that:
1. archaeological excavations should be completed prior to the disturbance of below
ground deposits.
2. new services should be kept within existing service trenches where possible, so that
no fresh disturbance of archaeological remains is caused.
3. the disturbance of the sites of previous buildings and structures should be"
prohibited, except where unavoidable (for the location of the known sites of previous
buildings and structures, see 2. Sites of historic buildings in Zone 1).
6.2. Zone lb. Above ground archaeological remai~s.
Zone 1b forms part of Zone la. It includes the standing buildings and other structures
belonging to the Female Factory and dated between 1818 and 1848.
It is recommended that:
1. the surviving buildings from the Female Factory should be conserved.
2. detailed recording of the building fabric by an historical archaeologist should be
undertaken during disturbance of the above ground fabric of these buildings.
25
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
3. archaeological excavations should be completed prior to the disturbance of below
ground deposits associated with these buildings.
6. 3. Standing buildings and other structures in Zone 1, except those in
Zone lb.
The following recommendations makes provision for standing buildings and other
above ground structures .in Zone 1, which belong to the Lunatic Asylum, 1848
onwards.
It is recommended that:
1. an archaeological monitoring programme should be undertaken during the
disturbance of standing buildings and other above ground structures, other than those
in Zone lb.
2. the Female Factory Clock, dating to 1821 and housed in the tower of Ward 1 (Hope
Hostel), should be conserved.
3. the Female Factory Bell, now located adjacent to Ward 1 (Hope Hostel), should be
conserved.
6.4. Zone 2. Above and below ground archaeological sites.
Zone 2 is defined by the area occupied by the expansion of the Lunatic Asylum from
the late 1870s onwards.
It is recommended that:
1. an archaeological monitoring programme should be undertaken during the
disturbance of above and below ground deposits.
2. provision should be made for the archaeological excavation of important deposits, if
exposed during an archaeological monitoring programme.!
1 Provision for the archaeological excavation of important deposits is usually included in the conditions of an excavation permit for an archaeological monitoring programme.
26
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
6.5. Supplementary recommendations.
It is recommended that:
Excavation permit.
1. an excavation permit should be obtained prior to the disturbance of archaeological
relics, including the standing buildings and below ground archaeological sites of the
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct.
Conservation of below ground deposits.
2. important below ground archaeological evidence should be conserved in situ, unless
unavoidable.
3. care should be taken in the design of new additions or services to avoid the known
sites of previous buildings and other structures, so that below ground archaeological
sites may be conserved (2. Sites of historic buildings in Zone 1). (In other words
archaeological investigation should precede design work, except where the location of
sites is already known).
Artifacts, site records and reports.
3. arrangements and procedures should be adopted for the permanent archival storage
of artifacts, site records and reports derived from archaeological investigation., so that
they are easily accessible to future researchers and others.
4. these records and samples should be compiled into a reference collection for the
ongoing analysis of the buildings.
Museum.
5. the present museum should be maintained and expanded for the purpose of the
permanent archival storage of artifacts, site records and reports derived from
archaeological investigation.
6. the position of archivist or museum curator should be retained for the maintenance of
the Museum.
Historical research for archaeological investigation.
7. supplementary historical research may be necessary for an archaeological
excavation.2
2 The historical research prepared for this study, while suitable for the purposes of this conservation plan, may be insufficient for the purposes of archaeological excavation and the interpretation of excavation results.
27
Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, Fleet Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
6.6. Recommendations relating to neighbouring archaeological sites,
outside the immediate study area.
The location of important archaeological sites in the areas neighbouring the study area
should be recognised. The Artisan's Compound and the area between the Cumberland
Hospital Heritage Precinct and Fleet Street possess important below ground
archaeological sites. Then 1839 cell block is located within the Artisan's Compound,
while the 1790s to 1810s mill race lies between the heritage precinct and Fleet Street. In
addition below ground remains of parts of the Female factory and later Lunatic Asylum
lie contiguous with the eastern side of the Cumberland Hospital Heritage Precinct, but
just outside the study area. The mill race was diverted in the 1820s to serve as a 'Moat
or Wet Ditch' for the Female Factory (see 6. The Lunatic Asylum, 1861-3).
It is recommended that:
1. these areas should be subject to historical and archaeological assessment and
archaeological investigation prior to disturbance (excavation or monitoring programme
as appropriate).
2. important below ground archaeological evidence should be conserved in situ, unless
unavoidable.
3. care should be taken in the design of new additions or services to avoid the known
sites of previous buildings and other structures, so that below ground archaeological
sites may be conserved (In other words archaeological investigation should precede
design work, except where the location of sites is already known).
28