ARCHAEOLOGICALREPORT GOVERNOR'.S...

ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT

GOVERNOR'.S DAIRY PRECINCT

PARRAMATTA PARK

A RBPORT PREPARED FOR PARRAMATTACITY COUNCIL

JUNE 1994

WENDYTHORP

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT

GOVERNOR'S DAIRY PRECINCT

PARRAMATTA PARK

A REPORT PREPARED FOR PARRAMAITA CITY COUNCIL

JUNE 1994

WENDYTHORP

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CONTENT OF THE REPORT

1.0 Precis of the Report 1

2.0 Context ofthe Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.1 Location of the Study Area . 5

2.2 Initiative for Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.3 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.4 Methodology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.5 Authorship and Acknowledgements 7

3.0 Historical Context 8

3.1 Phase I: Salter's Farm . 9

3.2 Phase Il: Government Dairy .10

3.3 Phase Ill: Public Park and Council Store 11

4.0 The Archaeological Evidence 12

4.1 Salvage Works .12

4.2 Research Excavation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

5.0 The Archaeological Resource 29

5.1 The Identified Resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

5.2 The Potential Archaeological Resource 31

5.3 The Significance of the Archaeological Resource 32

5.4 E:A'Ploitation of the Resource .34

6.0 Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35


Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Dai1J~ PmTamatta.

SECTION 1.0PRECIS OF THE REPORT

Context of the Investigation

This report documents archaeological work carried out within and around thebuildings known as the Governor's Dairy precinct in Parramatta Park. The work wascarried out in response to stabilisation measures initiated by conservation policiespresented in the 1988 conservation plan for this site. This plan has since beensuperseded and all conservation works, including those relating to archaeology, havebeen suspended pending the production of a new conservation plan and interpretationpolicy. A new excavation permit and research design that responds to these changedcircumstances will need to be prepared for the site when this documentation becomesavailable. .

Objectives

The principal objectives of archaeological work carried out in response to the 1988conservation policies were to record or salvage evidence revealed by the stabilisationworks and, secondly, to excavate one room of the Ranger's Cottage for the purpose ofproviding confirmation of the location of an early nineteenth century dairy. Thisinformation was required for decisions to be made with respect to the conservationand interpretation of this building.

Historical Context

Using the limited documentation currently available three distinct phases of use andoccupation have been defined for the purpose of this work. This analysis may beamended when new historical evidence is consolidated in the revised conservationplan.

In this work Phase I encompasses the period c.1796-1813 during which time the sitewas included in a land grant made to George Salter. The land was developed as afarm. Salter is likely to have built the first structure that has subsequently evolved intothe Dairy Cottage.

Phase II has been identified as the period between 1813 and 1856. In this time Saltersold the farm to the government and it became part of the much larger agriculturalestablishment at Rose Hill. The farm house was repaired and extended (possibly intwo phases) and in c.1822j23 a sunken and covered dairy was built on the southernside of the cottage. Other buildings were constructed on the site to the north of the

Pagel


Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Daily, Pa17'a1natta.

cottage and in other unidentified locations.

Phase III is a lengthy period that covers the years between 1856 and 1993. In thisphase the government domain became a public park, the structure over the sunkendairy was demolished and a new cottage erected over the site. Both cottages wereused variously by the ranger and other council employees. From the 1960s onwardsthe buildings were used for storage purposes.

Archaeological Evidence Identified in the 1993 Programme

The archaeological work principally comprised salvage recording of evidenceuncovered by the stabilisation measures. One research excavation was undertaken onthe site of the sunken dairy and a second commenced on a feature unearthed in theDairy Cottage. The latter work was suspended, along with other conservation works,at the commencement of the revision process.

The principal features recorded during the archeological work were:

• a stone feature in the Dairy Cottage that may be the remnant of a field, farm ordomestic wall that predates Salter's Cottage i.e. early 1790s. A pebble scree in oneof the northern rooms of this building might also be associated with this feature.

• compacted earth deposits in the Dairy Cottage that might represent existing surfacescommensurate with Salter's cottage.

• several architectural features added to Salter's Cottage as part of its conversion fordairy purposes.

• a sunken dairy under the northern room of the Rangers' Cottage including severalintact features such as steps and a cess-pit. This was built in c.1822/23.

• a brick barrel drain east of the cottages, running obliquely down the hill andeventually emerging near the river. It could also be located in the sunken dairy. Thiswas built in c.1822/23.

• extensive areas of sandstone flagging between the Dairy and Ranger's Cottages, theyard behind the Dairy Cottage (to an extent of at least fourteen metres) and easternverandah of the Ranger's Cottage and to the north of the Dairy Cottage (to an extentof at least nine metres). There are several portions of brick paving and patchingincluded in this feature, particularly along the northern wall of the Dairy Cottage. Itis likely that several phases of work are represented in this feature, although therelationships are unclear, and substantial elements have been re-used.

• a small portion of brickwork to the north of the Dairy Cottage that may representpart of the foundations of an early nineteenth century building lmown to exist on thissite. A round depression near-by may be the site of well.

• a depression east of the Ranger's cottage that may indicate the site of an earlynineteenth century building.

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• a rubble drain along the western side of the Dairy Cottage close to the edge of theverandah. This is likely to date from the later nineteenth or early twentieth centuryand was constructed to catch or channel water away from the cottage. It, as well as asump or drainage pit, reuses early nineteenth century materials in its construction.

• a raised garden and brick edging at the north eastern corner of the Dairy Cottage. Itis likely to post-date the paving. The brick edging may represent the side of a path oranother garden.

• a timber post between the garden and edging that may be part of an earlier fence orgate.

• deposits on the Rangers' Cottage verandahs including a crushed early nineteenthcentury brick base for the western side (re-used materials), a sandstone flagged baseon the eastern side (also reused) and then a bituminous leveL

• a completely brick paved floor in an eastern room of the Dairy Cottage that re-usedearly nineteenth century bricks in its formation.

• a brick path and foundations of a toilet to the east of the dairy cottage of twentiethcentury construction.

The Potential Resource

The work carried out to date has provided substantial evidence that the areas withinthe buildings, within their immediate environs and to a lesser degree of certaintyfurther away from the buildings, towards the river for example, contain extensive,detailed and largely intact deposits and structures relating to the entire period of thesite's occupation. Portable relics or artefacts have been found during this work to berelatively rare.

The Significance of the Resource

It has been concluded on the basis of the archaeological evidence sampled to date andfrom which an assessment may be made of the potential resource that the significanceof it is as follows:

• the potential archaeological resource has the ability to document the full span ofoccupation from the 1790s through to the 1990s even possibly pre-dating the earliestknown period of use.

• that this evidence of not only likely to compliment the above ground evidence andhistorical data but also provide a considerable new source of evidence to more fullydocument the historical development, occupation and management of this site.

• that this evidence has the ability to provide a largely intact source of data that will beofimmense comparativevalue for other sites in Parramatta as well as those in Sydneybecause of its likely occurrence of particularly early and intact physical evidence.

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Archaeological Rep01t: Govemor's Daily, Pmmmatta.

The Exploitation of the Resource

Archaeological work carried out to date has not been a planned programme designedto uncover and investigate specific aspects of history, use or management of the site. Ithas responded to stabilisation works derived from the 1988 conservation policies. Theevidence uncovered to date indicates the potential for the creation of a successfulprogramme of exploitation designed to uncover new or complimentary evidence tothat which exists.

However, without a defined thematic context and conservation framework,archaeological investigation lacks direction and runs the risk of destroying or harmingevidence that, in the light of formulated interpretation and conservation goals, mayhave been better either left intact or managed differently. At the time of this reportno such revised conservation or thematic goals have been forthcoming and so, as such,no meaningful archaeological programme mayor has been presented in this report.

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Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Dab)', PaTTamatta.

SECTION 2.0CONTEXT OF THE INVESTIGATION

2.1 Location of the Study Area

The archaeological work described in this report was undertaken on several locationswithin an ill-defined area known as the "Governor's Dairy" precinct. This land issituated within the northern area of Parramatta Park and focuses on two nineteenthcentury buildings known as the Dairy Cottage (Building A) and Ranger's Cottage(Building B).

2.2 Initiative for Investigation

The conservation works now being carried out on these two buildings and their"precinct" is intended to stabilise them and provide a museum/interpretation facilitywithin or attached to them. A draft conservation plan was originally prepared for thissite by Brian McDonald Pty Ltd in 1988. Some initial archaeological work was carriedout at that time by Ann Bickford. This work was for the purpose of providing evidencefor the presence of an early nineteenth century dairy within the area of Building A,the Dairy Cottage. The work showed conclusively that this could not be the case.

The current archaeological programme described in this report was initiated in 1993on the basis of recommendations presented in the 1988 conservation plan. Itresponded to actions and requirements of the work commenced in the precinct thatwere an outcome of the conservation policies presented in that plan.

During the later part of 1993 work on the site was suspended after it was concludedthat the conservation policy required revision. A revised conservation plan was to beprepared on the basis of new research and investigation. Active archaeological workon the site, like other works, ceased at this point. An archaeological policy was to beprepared for the revised conservation plan, however, insufficient information wasprovided with respect to historical evidence, conservation and interpretationguidelines for the buildings and site to make the formulation of any meaningfulcomplimentary archaeological policy and research design a possibility based on newconservation 0bjectives.

Consequently this report documents only those works initiated in response to the 1988conservation policy and provides some discussion with respect to the possibleexploitation and management of the resource. At this time a revised conservation planor policy has not been forwarded to this consultant making any adaptation of this

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preliminary discussion an unprofitable exercise.

2.3 Objectives

With two exceptions the archaeological work documented in this report does notrepresent a planned programme of investigation and exploitation of the resource.Generally it records evidence that was exposed as a result of conservation works suchas excavation for drainage or sub-floor ventilation. These works were carried out asthe preliminary means of stabilising the building.

One such excavation resulted in the routine recording of the site being up-graded toan investigatory exercise on the basis of the evidence uncovered by that work. Theonly planned research work was to provide confirmation of the existence of the earlynineteenth century dairy in Building B, the Ranger's Cottage. This work necessitatedthe complete excavation of the sub-floor space involved in the northernmost room ofthat building.

It was concluded at the time of this work that archaeological investigatory or researchwork should be carried out as a means of complimenting or providing specificevidence for the principal interpretative themes to be explored in the building and onthis site. A preliminary thematic context or policy has not been forthcoming hence nofurther archaeological research was carried out except for the one circumstance notedin the preceding paragraph.

Generally then the principal objectives of the work carried out in response to the 1988conservation policy works and defined in a brief issued at that time may be describedas:

• recording archaeological evidence coincidentally revealed through the course ofconservation works within and around the buildings;

• providing confirmation of the location of an early nineteenth century dairy withinBuilding B.

The documentation of these works fulfills the requirements of the excavation permitand the research objectives outlined in it for the site as far as circumstances allow.

2.4 Methodology

Two principal types of archaeological work have been undertalcen during thisprogramme. These works have encompassed salvage recording and researchexcavation. The salvage work has been confined to recording sub-surface evidencerevealed and/or disturbed as part of the conservation works carried out on the site. Assuch the archaeological features are accidental; they reveal glimpses of what may be alarger and more informative resource.

The principal research exercise has been the excavation of the complete basementarea of the northern room of Building B, the Ranger's Cottage. A second similar

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ArchaeologicalRep01t: Govemor's Daily, Pa17'a1natta.

exercise initially commenced as a recording programme as sub-floor material wasexcavated for ventilation purposes in Building A, the Dairy Cottage. In one room(designated 4C) this excavation revealed a feature that was considered to need morecareful attention. Detailed excavation was commenced but was suspended when theconservation plan review was initiated; it remains incomplete due to the ongoing stateof that work.

In all cases of salvage work excavation was carried out manually or mechanically witha supervising archaeologist. Research excavation was completely carried out byarchaeologists. All recording was by means of pro-formas, graphic recording andphotography as appropriate.

The stratified relics recovered during the course of this work have been cleaned,noted in this report and returned to Parramatta Council.

2.5 Authorship and Acknowledgements

This report has been prepared by Wendy Thorp, principal archaeological consultantfor the project. The author would like to thank Mr Martin Carney and Mr PeterTonkin for their assistance with the site work, Ms Lisa Newell of the Department ofPlanning for her advice and Mr Brian McDonald of McDonald McPhee Pty Ltd forhis assistance. Thanks also to Mr R.Hawldns and Ms S.Brown for providing someinformal historical evidence.

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DAIRY COTTAGE

LOCATIONPLAN

Adapted from Brian McDonald PtyLtd "Conservation Plan for theGovemment Fann Precinct'~ 1988;

GOVERNOR'S DAIRY PRECINCT - PARRAMATTA PARK


Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Daily, Pa17'amatta.

SECTION 3.0HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Several historians have over the years and in recent times investigated historicalevidence for this site and its various components. As part of the revised conservationplan new archival research has been undertaken with a view to producing acomprehensive historical discussion for the site. The latter is a prime requirement forarchaeological investigation and interpretation. At the time of this report thisdocument was still forthcoming.

For the purpose of this discussion a short historical framework is presented thatutilizes several diverse sources that were made available to the author as well as theexisting information contained in the 1988 conservation plan. It is, of course, by nomeans an adequate discussion but it provides the best possible framework that may beproduced using the available evidence. This context may be applied as a broadinterpretive device to the archaeological evidence documented in this report. Thelatter may need to be amended when a comprehensive historical report is preparedfor the site.

The sources from which this brief outline have been developed are presented in thebibliography attached to this report. Three distinct phases of occupation anddevelopment have been identified on this basis. These phases are:

Phase I: c.1796 - 1813 Salter's Farm

Phase Il: 1813 - 1856 Government Dairy

Phase Ill: 1856 - 1993 Public Park and Council Store

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Archaeological Rep01t: Govemor's Daily, Pal1'Glnatta.

3.1 Phase I: c.1796 - 1813

Salter's Farm

The original grant of thirty acres on Parramatta Creek upon which the Dairy andRanger's Cottages are situated was made in 1796 by Governor Hunter to GeorgeSalter. Salter, however, may have resided there for some time prior to that date.Conditions attached to this grant required Salter to cultivate and improve his land andreside there for at least five years. He appears to have abided by the conditions.Certainly by 1800 his farm appears to have been flourishing being fully cleared andcultivated with ten acres planted with wheat and approximately twenty acres withmalZe.

Salter moved to Sydney temporarily in 1801/2. He had moved back to Parramattacertainly by 1806 although it is unclear if he occupied his farm at that time or leased itout. He sold this farm to the government in 1813 and departed for Van Dieman'sLand. There appears to be no documentation with respect to the structures or otherimprovements Salter made at his farm.

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Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Daily, PaT7'a1natta.

3.2 Phase 11: 1813 . 1856

Government Dairy

The changes and additions made to Salter's former farm were carried out as part of amuch wider agricultural enterprise that encompassed the later park. Rose Hill hadbeen selected as the location for a public farm in 1788 and by the following year goodcrops had been harvested at the Parramatta site. More farm buildings and enclosuresfor cattle were erected there in 1790 and continued success was reported over thefollowing years. More construction work was undertaken including that of a milL

In 1811-12 mention is made of repairs and other improvements to the governmentdairy. In the following year Governor Macquarie purchased Salter's farm. It ispossible that this farm was initially tenanted for some time, the first work to ready itfor dairy purposes not occurring, possibly, until c.1816 although considerable evidenceof work carried out on a building in 1813 might refer to this building. It is also likelythat a shed or other building was added to the northern side of the former farm houseat this time or soon afterwards.

In 1822 Macquarie reported that "an old farm house" had been converted into a dairyand repaired as such. The sunken dairy with its above ground structure was built onthe southern side of the former farm house in c.1823 (the site of the later Ranger'sCottage or Building B). It was described at that time as 19' x 14', sunk to a depth offive feet with fixtures and steps, a circular sewer and cesspool. There was also a"garden house" repaired with new fittings and other changes. This same reportmentions several out-buildings including a privy and fowl-house.

The work in the house (the Dairy Cottage or Building A) appears to haveencompassed some new windows and doors, brick flooring, a double brick chimney,possibly a hearthstone and covered way and repairs to the verandah.

These buildings, including a shed at the rear of the northernmost building, beyond theDairy Cottage, are shown in a sketch of c.1844. The building over the sunken dairy isclaimed to have been removed from the site by c.1858. All the other buildings mayhave been intact at that time.

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Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Daily, Pal7'a1natta.

3.3 Phase Ill: 1856 -1993

Public Park and Council Store

In 1858 the former government domain was established as a public reserve. BuildingA, the former Dairy Cottage and Salter's farm house, is likely to have been used bythe park ranger at that time. In c.1870 a new building was constructed over the site ofthe sunken dairy for use by the ranger and his family. The dairy was used for someconsiderable period as a cellar for the new house. In the 1880s both buildings werenoted as being used by the ranger. There is one photograph of the site fromapproximately this period.

The two buildings continued to be used by the ranger and other Council employeesuntil the 1960s. After that time both were used for storage purposes. A draftconservation plan was prepared for the buildings and their environs in 1988.Conservation works commenced in 1993 and were suspended later in that year for arevised conservation plan to be prepared; this work is still ongoing.

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Plan of Principal Archaeological Features Recovered During Salvage Programme

Pebblescree

Feature 6.well (?~

and ,\brick .11"';

iOU'

Fea ure 4:timberpost.

Feature 3: raisedgarden & brickedging.

DAIRY COTTAGE

1/ Stone wall &path.

Sunken ~~I&!dai]y·----:~!r!!~1Ililli

fiJi:o

Patchy areas ofstone, brickpaving andcement.

Feature 10: possiblebuilding site.

1:200

Archaeological Report: Governor's Daily Precinct - Pa17mnatta

I -- ~ - - ---. --.-. {X} -. ._.- ---... _T~m~~r~,y i=n_=j"

I

1Feature 2: sandstone paving I

I Feature 1: rubble drain (?) exposed in\ drainage trench\, Feature 5: cement over brick &_••••••••••••••iQ! rubble - verandah depos~ .

,

j.II

\I

II

II Feature 5: bitumen, sand and IXJL.J!.a in - verandah deposits. ,

... . --- - -- . - ...... -- -..- ,- --'-'- .. --- . --,-.- ... ~-- -,, ,

Rubble and "&

deposits found in ~ ~~\this trench -possible / ~\~\, "'--\ . .link to FeatureIO~ " Feature : bnckr' ,- ~1~ Feature 2: ath & \

sandstone foundations.paving. Feature :

ban'el drain.



Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Daily, PalTamatta.

SECTION 4.0THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE

4.1 Salvage Works

The archaeological work carried out on the site in response to the policies of the 1988conservation plan principally were devoted to salvage recording. One researchexcavation was undertaken; a second was commenced but suspended, along with allother conservation works, at the commencement of the revision process for theconservation plan. This work is still ongoing and the excavation remains to befinalized in the most appropriate manner according to the policies expressed in thenew conservation plan.

4.1.1 Feature 1: Rubble Drain Near the Dairy Cottage.

An "L" shaped trench has been excavated around Building A, the Dairy Cottage, on itsnorthern and western sides. The long section of this trench, along the front of thebuilding, revealed what appeared to be a rubble drain approximately 500mm from theeastern verandah edge. This drain was formed from broken bricks of an early,probably pre-1850, date. A sump or drainage pit located at the north-western cornerof the verandah was also constructed from re-used materials, in this case bricks and asandstone flag for a cover.

It is possible that, alternatively, this feature is the remnant of brick paving similar tothat which was found on the northern side of the building (see Section 4.1.2).However, the degree of destruction of the bricks in Feature 1 suggests deliberatedestruction designed to create a rubble fill rather than the destruction of apre-existing surface formed from bricks.

The drain (Feature 1) is likely to have been excavated to help keep ground water awayfrom the cottage. It was found almost immediately below the grass and topsoil coverand varied in its depth, generally averaging 200mm. In this trench it had beendisturbed by excavations made for two iron pipes. One of the latter was locatedapproximately one metre from the southern edge of the verandah and ran east-westacross the trench. The second was located a similar distance from the northern edgeof the verandah and ran across the trench north-east to south-west. The trenchesexcavated for these pipes have disturbed the rubble drain and have introducedquantities of rubbish including twentieth century artefacts such as Bovril bottles.

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Archaeological Rep01t: Govemor's Daily, PaJTamatta.

These provide an indication of the period of work.

The date of the material used in Feature 1 is unlikely to reflect the actual date of itsconstruction. It is likely that the material was salvaged from the demolition of anotherbuilding or other feature on the site. The most likely building of this nature was thatstructure located to the north of Building A, the Dairy Cottage, and possiblyconstructed in c.1823. This would accord with the style of the bricks used in the drain.This building was still in existence during the later years of the nineteenth century; itis glimpsed in photographs of that period.

If the source of the material came from this structure it infers, therefore, that thedrain was formed late in the nineteenth century or during the twentieth century. It isimpossible, on the basis of the evidence revealed by this work, to be more accuratewith the date. Other possible sources for the material might be a paved floor liftedfrom the sunken dairy (Section 4.2.2).

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Archaeological Rep01t: Govel71or's Daily, PaJTamatta.

4.1.2 Feature 2: Sandstone Paving

The excavation of a drainage trench in the space separating the Dairy Cottage fromthe Ranger's Cottage revealed the presence of a substantial area of sandstone paving.Portions of this feature were visible at surface, the rest very close to it. It was left insitu, the blocks disturbed for the drainage trench replaced after the completion of theexcavation. It was observed to have already been disturbed in places by the excavationof trenches for earlier services. This work introduced concrete fragments under theflags. The flagging is laid directly on clay.

Extensive areas of sandstone paving were also found at the rear of the Dairy Cottage(eastern side) at a maximum depth of 150mm below the accumulated grass and soilcover although some were visible at surface. This paving extended for an unidentifieddistance from the building but at least for fourteen metres measured from the easternverandah of that building. It was also found to extend for a distance from the back ofthe Ranger's Cottage, at least in the area of the verandah which was formed at thebase (and earliest extant level) from re-used sandstone flags (Section 4.1.5). The lattermay represent a separate phase of work.

In places, particularly in the area beyond the current perimeter fence and nearly in aline with the south-eastern corner of the Dairy Cottage, this surface was particularlywell laid, the flags being more regular than those used elsewhere and it had beenrepaired with concrete. This was at a distance of approximately thirteen metres fromthis corner. A line of sandstone flagging appears to extend from this point down thehill towards the river possibly forming a terrace or garden edge.

In contrast the remnant paving at the back of the Dairy Cottage is patchy and irregularlargely due, it appears, from the later construction of brick paths and toilets in thisarea (see Section 4.1.8). This is approximately ten metres from the eastern verandahof the Dairy Cottage. There are small patches of brick throughout the entire area.Several services have required trenches to be cut through the courtyard at the back ofthe Dairy Cottage thereby disturbing the flagging. Large patches of asphalt, inparticular, are found at the south-eastern corner of the Dairy Cottage.

The stones used in the paving were worn and, in some cases, appear to have beenreused. The relationship between the paving and the cottages, in terms of chronologycannot be determined on the basis of the available evidence. Similarly the likelihoodof several phases of paving and the relationship between each is also unclear based onthe preliminary work undertaken to date.

Paving was also found to extend along the northern side of the Dairy Cottage. Thiswas revealed in a drainage trench excavated in this area. The shallow topsoil coveringthe paving was removed for the purpose of defining its extent, more particularly, todetermine if it would be impacted upon by another major stormwater line to beexcavated to the north of the Dairy Cottage. This work found brick paving close to thenorthern wall of the cottage. It was observed in the edges of the drainage trenchexcavated here approximately one metre from the wall of that building. It was alsoobserved in the ground adjacent to the northern door of the cottage, extending east,

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---------~..._--~.~._~~ ......................•.........................................._.__..

but had been rli;,;t.urbed ;l! the corner of dl': building hy service tren<:hing,

Beyond this ,l Sf~ctjon uf sandstone p,lving \va:-, clcared to an cxlent of nint' metr('~;,

me~sured from the nonhern wall of the Dairy Cottage, No further paving cOllldbetraced beyond rhi:.: point. The eastern Hnd ,v('stern extent of th!", fc:Hure w','I" notexplored.; this work \ova" only carried out tD trace the northernmost extent JS a mean",of estabHshin~ the likely impact of an exr(lvation for a stormwater trench in thb area,In ail areas the paving wa:.: found to be. ",;om,

Several possibilities l"l),W be cOTl:>ickred 10 ev}lain this extensive feature, At least sorneJ. .... t"

Pavin£ mav havi':; been iaid as part (if the original work carried out to convert the. t../ .' ... .......

cottage to dairy p:'lrposes, II \vould !laVt~ formed a firm and dean surface hetween thi':;. I" ,. "I~!' k' , l ' l... hv('mou5mlicmes.. t {,Ot.':" [Jnf)ear j'elY, flO\V('Ver, tl~at at ieilSt one or t\"vo otl;er p, ::l::,es

~... t- t .' ' "-

of \\'ork m~~y be represented in this fe,~ture, The presI.3nce of what appears to bereused flagging might imply that the flag", like hricks found u:.:ed ebewhert:, v:eresalvaged from the demol1tion of the bllildimr to the north (If the Da~rv Conmrc or fro'T

....' '...... ,,- M

the dairy floor. If so tbis (del'S a date for this l~n('r phase of work as later ninet{~enth ortw{~ntieth century. It is ::\1so possible that th,~ !.1rick paving found to the north of the,'ottaQe \vas also salvaged from either source and, hence, should b{> (;orxman'lblv dcltuL"~. 'J' ~

The latter' rT1'1V ~+.;o h'l\"" r"'11hn:r1 s··;qds'(''l''· n"00~l"'O in tb;s ';re'~"" "- .,' W,., (<..- ... 0:......< __ ... ..( <. (A. "~' ..L.. ..... . ("'~:-;:.' "';",:,:. . ...... (h"". ~

When the drainagt' llnes were completed. m~n;rna! de,'iwnce of topsoil finishcJ andthe feature recorded dean s,wd \N<1S ~Tr('ad neros:.: it to prov~de protection until afuture po1ky \vith re~pect ;0 imc:prctmion ,mdimesligJtion h\:.: been formed as panof tly. l'''''''·i.;e·\ ''''q'ep,·q'np ql"ll" ... 1 ....... J,VV ~. l l-~) ... " \<'.t~--<." ~ tt<...: ,

Sandstone paving at back (east) ofDailY Cottage.

Sandstone paving north ofDailY Cottage

Archaeological Report: Governor', Daily, Panmnatta.

Sandstone pm'ing east ofRangcr



4.1.3 Feature- 3: Raised Garden Hnd Brick Edging ~ lhliry Cottage

Clearance of the soi! over the p<wing at the back (caste'm side) of the Dairy Cottageillso rcvc<lleJ the prescnce of Cl narrow, curved built,up garden tbat abotted the{lonb-ewnern corner of the Dairv Cottage, l'heborder was forme~d from small, "-

sandstone hlocks and the garden which could be traced for approximately sevenmetres along the edge of the verandah VJas 25 metres wide, 'I'he date of thb featurecannot be detenniw:.'d on the bm,is of the available evidence but it j~ more than likelyto post-date the laying of t he sandstone pavi ng al tht~ n"lr of the Dairy Cottage and ismost probably a prodUCT of tht' later nineteenth or f\ventietll centuriel',.

A partial line of brick edging was found cio')!!. to the garden, to its east, in thenorth-eastern corner of the Dairy COttage yard. It (:ould be traced for appro~dmately

six metres (at least 2.5 metres beyond the northern edge of the building), It wasslnwted four metres from the eastern \v;;dl of the com~gc, The function of this featureis unclear; it ~ould have formed part of a path or defined the edge of another garden.At the conclusion of \york hoth the edr:im! and raised garden 'Nere covered \vith a

to' to'

protective layer of sand.

Sandstone paving east of Dai,y Cottage and brick edging and garden bed.

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4.1.4 Feature 4: Timber Post (Fence?)

The excavation of the drainage trench along the northern side of the Dairy Cottagealso revealed, apart from brick and stone paving, beyond the eastern end of thebuilding (approximately four metres) the remains of a timber post. This feature mayhave formed part of a fence or a gate although no other similar features were found inthis excavation. It was left in situ.

Page 17

The deDosits on the real', eastern verandah, of tbeRamzer\ C(ln~l£~> were removed to.i (.. ... ..

provide vemHmiof1 to the base of the buHd.ing. A bituminous rnaterialltiid over a HIndhed was removed to reveal the sandstone r);;lv{~d surface referred to in Section 4,1.2. Inthis case the flagging \Vas wen defIned by a raised concrete "kerh" that 1\upported theverandah po::,ts. fn this 1l1st:mce the sandstone flag;;, <lppe~u to have been TE.'-llsed, fore,xample, two ':\how check-ollts which may have supported a gate.

East verandah prior toexcavation.

On the front or \-vcstern verandah of this truilding (j concrete surface \V(l:,> relnol./ed toreveal a ba!'>c of crushed brick. The bricks v/ere of an eady niut:tt.'t>nth century typesimilar to those found in the rubble dwin reveakd in the fr<>I1t of Building A (.SN:tion

"4.1.1). It suggests that, if the premIse is correct of a buUd.ing demolished on thennnht'fn side of the Dairy Cottage :.md/or the sunken dairy floor robhed for theirmaterials, more found there \,vay here 10 support the veml1dah. This infers that thishase, then~fore. \vas also bid late in tbe nineteenth centmym e,:,rly twnstkth century.



&GM J Malba_M;.. ; ;;

Archaeological Report: Governor's Daily, Parranzatfa

~Vest verandah after demolition showingrubble deposits.

t """ 3.. """ ,,[ """",,& ,,,,,,';,,,UJUXm

East verandah after excavation; sandstonepaving at base.

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Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Daily, PaJTamatta.

4.1.6 Feature 6: Building Foundations? . Demolished Structure to the North of theDairy Cottage and Well Site

Clearance of approximately lS0mm of the topsoil over the sandstone paving thatextends to the north of the Dairy Cottage revealed the corner of what appears to bebrick foundations or part of a wall. This feature was found to be approximately fivemetres from the north-east corner of the Dairy Cottage. The brickwork may be part ofa building known to have existed in this location at least from c.1844 and possiblyearlier. It is still shown to be in existence in a photograph of the later nineteenthcentury.

It has been postulated elsewhere that the demolition of this structure, either later inthe nineteenth century or early in the twentieth century, created a source of buildingmaterials (bricks and stone at least) that were used in and around the rest of thebuildings for purposes such as drainage, paving etc. Certainly the small section ofbrickwork (approximately SOOmm) exposed by this work conforms to an earlynineteenth century date. The feature is found in close association with the sandstonepaving also located in this area.

The clearance work in this area was designed only to identify the presence of sensitiv~sites that may have been impacted upon by the excavation of a major stormwater lineclose by. The site of the building, if it is such, therefore has been recorded but nodetailed investigation has been carried out at this time to determine its extent, natureor age or whether these bricks might represent a re-use of earlier material.

Close to the presumed building foundation, approximately 2.5 metres to the west, wasa round depression that appears most likely to identify the site of a well or reservoir.In line with the policy of salvage work only at that time, other than recording thelocation of the feature, no investigatory work was carried out to more preciselyidentify its function. The relationship between this feature and the possible buildingsite could also not be determined for this reason.

When this work was completed a protective layer of sand was laid over the featuresand a picket fence erected around them.

Page 19

Ban'el drain revealed intrench east ofcottages,

Scvc;'n! w::rc nil ;l,:;: ~';\~t(;:rl,

COft(l!lC\ to e"':.lhtist dLli:w.s:c 1i,I(:', \"cn::)!.o:nr\\··;;H-,~r ~jne -r

,Jl(; hack \,;,l,t) n;\"<.;" kdhrkk, h;\rrd dr,; in, Tt'.' ~';\(';l\;:lic'f: "','V':;l ~

The hH,"2~ c<niin run;.; l1i1L i. tu ~(lt,tb,\\ Hi"'; ern~;r

rH;',\I'lhe rh,,;.'!" It "'<'S it :In,','\ '.0 nm the :-,unken chi under lb.;:r{.',ln('~' (""tt""JP 'l"l~;" \d>1l hl'l')' h,;c!' (ln~i:.., ~H}"'~'r'l: !Hi"l"'l' '\n(IYl'~l:' i" <"!l"'>:1:""t'~l"1:;'.1.. <.... _~?.... _""_'~'~-";,,:,,:"'" ,.)~_. , ...... c>.<,J: .. ,'.J ........ \ ...... ~.~ ... .... :.,.:..1.' ... \ .•• , .... , .... ,"". '.-, __ ~ ~.t {;.~ ... >.{ •. \,._ .....

'l.n(l'~ "'t;(·l'~"~·i,.; :i'l'" ::'l'~"':l)~:r' _,i",: 'l'" :"·,f,·.,',,,,! t"" ,"" nr!"!" of' ·'1" 1"~""'-';-'~~ • \, l. ... \:.• , ,( ,_ L •.<........' '.,., ...... it..,. ~~ .... , ..... ,d"" .. " , ........ '.t, \...\ '.'." C.. ,-' ;,', > .• _ ... '., • \. ............/ ...........

~~--------'~"~'"''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

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4.1.8 Feature 8: Brick Path and Foundations· East of the Dairy Cottage

Partially overlying the site of the barrel drain and extending north along the line of thecurrent perimeter fence, approximately twelve metres from the eastern verandah ofthe Dairy Cottage, is a line of brick paving. It is much disturbed and considerablypatched with stone and cement. This feature appears to relate to another brickfoundation that was exposed in the excavation for a major stormwater line that runseast-west down the hill at a distance of approximately six metres from the northernedge of the dairy Cottage.

The foundation was part of a twentieth century toilet block and the paving obviouslyformed a path leading towards it. Much of the brick appears to have been re-used.The path was left intact, the foundations of the toilet were largely disturbed by theexcavation for the stormwater line.

Page 21

Room4A

r-II

t

L

East Verandah

Room4C

Room4G

West Verandah

-;

I Room4DI1

Sketch Plan Identifying Room Designations Used in the Text

DAIRY COTIAGE (BUILDING A)

GOVERNOR'S DAIRY PRECINCT - PARRAMATIA PARK

Room4E

Room4F

Archaeological Report: Gove171Or's Daily Precinct, Panmnatta

r::::l===:[==~_ss:-=~-=====" _._---\ r'iJ--'-- - -- -. - - l .- -r:::::::Jt=:::t=:1. . ~ - . ._ C_

L.J------~----_-!:..i-·-- =.8 __LEJ;.,.L_ __J.:U

~,I

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1IIIIIIIIIIIIIII

III~I

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Dail)', Pan'a1natta.

4.1.9 Feature 9: Sub-Floor Clearance Dairy Cottage

The original conservation policy for this building called for limited excavation of allrooms to provide sub-floor ventilation. Prior to the commencement of this work, afterfloor boards were removed in Rooms 4C, 4E, 4F and 4G, all floor surfaces werecleaned and recorded and any artefacts retrieved and recorded; the building wasnotable for its virtual absence of any artefacts except for one room, brick floored, atthe back of the building (Room 4G).

Room4G

This room had been partially disturbed with a substantial portion of the floor depositremoved prior to the commencement of archaeological work. The remaining depositof grey sandy soil containing quantities of building debris was excavated and recordedand a small collection of artefacts retrieved from it. The latter comprised variousdomestic objects from the later nineteenth and twentieth centuries. There wasextensive evidence of rat activity in this room.

Removal of the deposit revealed a completely paved floor. The paving comprisedre-used early nineteenth century bricks, some marked with a Board of Ordnancebroad arrow. It is posited that these bricks may have come from the demolition of thebuilding to the north of the Dairy Cottage or from the floor of the dairy. The brickfloor was recorded and a protective layer of sand spread over it.

Room4E

The two northernmost rooms of the Dairy Cottage were excavated underarchaeological supervision to a depth of c.200mm. In Room 4E (an extension made tothe cottage in the c.1822 period) the surface deposit was found to comprise a loose,grey sandy material with quantities of building debris, no artefacts and considerableevidence of rat and mouse infestation.

Below this material was a compacted layer of sterile hard packed earth and clay. Thisalso showed signs of vermin activity. This material may have formed an externalsurface contemporary with the Salter cottage. Resting on this surface, around theedges at the base of the walls, were found two to three courses of bricks laid edgewiseand not bonded. These supported a timber floor.

At the lowest point of the excavation, over naturally occurring clay, was a loose screeof ironstone and slate pebbles. These appear to be not be part of a natural soil profile.There were, for example, no evidence of these in the adjoining room to the east whichhad a similar accumulation of deposits. The work was stopped at this point. Thenature of this scree and its possible interpretation is discussed in Section 4.2.1.

Room4F

The eastern room in the northern portion of the Dairy Cottage had a similar depositto that found in Room 4E although no loose scree was found above the naturally

Page 22

brick courses a: hases \~<dl:;, \vi~h lhfsman brick piers along the (~:.lstern "'<'alL

T'hest~ sqnnrlcri a floor.,''''''""" a! lhis

Roorn 4G prior to investigatzon, alr,(,iUlv disturbed deposits.

Room 4C

occurring cJay. Simiiexception of a .ArwtherTbeappro:umatdy

The (l,!!V (>'j1('1' ("X'I"<\"l: ,()n :<) Cl 1'1',:.,"(',< <,"',1'.' ,','''..' \)l-' tl);" "',::1'1'"~ L '..' .' ~, " .. 0' ., ..... ). # -", • '. .} • _~ '" . ,."" .. { • t .",-,' ,",' ~~.. .( v

. " ", ", '! . 1j .conservation pOilCy ot SUi'-:,no: v(;nL/;;:H,O(L commerKe(1 ;Ch as,:, vagf (,';,>;(;rCSf but WH':''~p<;,nt>l'lfkd "pr, )","~)L:''''(l hv (!"'~";I""J 'jr"h~)C>cllr,nl';'~'1 :')V;>S';;"'~;'I'I)" ""IV"l~ '1"(:<":101",,<,,~ t,( .v-.( ;~t"'H _} "'~ ' -.1.<: \,..,ot,.{ i.,t.-:-· ,·..<. ,·}.~ ,t.c';'\' ~,~ <'. .""" :~.~.:'t,.u...

features \.ver,;,: revei'lled in :.h;,;~ course work. This exci'~vatiun i<.: discu:~s~d inSection 4.2, L

IIIIIII

IIIIIIIIIIIIII

£

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Detail ofpaving shmving Board ofOrdnance arrmv.

Room 4G after clearance showl11g brickpaving.

riMiEMiUJ2£ ill 25

Archaeological Report:Govenwr's Dairy, Panmnatta


Detail ofRoom when cleared.

Roorn 4E as found.

Archaeological Report: Govemor's Daily, Parramattta

Room 4F after clearance.

I us


11& kW! ...Li. )UhtL j ; t Jitl!!itt a UllUiE Midi

Room 4F prior to clearing.

ra


& [Md ; J

Archaeological Report: Govemor's Daily, Panmnatta

Detail offoundations, Room 4£

Detail offoundations Roorn 4F

I1

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Archaeological Rep01t: Govemor's Daily, Pa17'a1natta.

4.1.10 Feature 10: Unidentified Building Behind the Ranger's Cottage

In the area of the Ranger's Cottage, approximately nine metres from the easternverandah, the form of the land suggests that this may have been the site of anotherbuilding. There is a distinct depression in an approximately rectangular configurationin this space. In addition the barrel drain that comes from the back of the sunken dairytakes an oblique angle away from this space to run down the hill. The avoidance of thearea suggests the presence of a building in this location. This in turn infers that thebuilding in question must be of an early nineteenth century date.

The excavation of a drainage line approximately mid way between this area and theverandah of the Ranger's Cottage revealed at c.500mm depth quantities of brick andrubble of varying dates. It is impossible to determine whether this material derivesfrom the demolition of the proposed building in this area but it indicates that cautionmust be exercised in carrying out work on this site.

Page 24

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ArchaeologicalReport: Govemor's DailY, Pa17'a1natta.

4.2 Research Excavation

4.2.1 Excavation of Room 4C, Dairy Cottage

This room, part of the original 1790s cottage (although modified), had been thesubject of an earlier archaeological investigation carried out by Ann Bickford in 1987.This work was undertaken for the purpose of determining whether the sunken dairywas located in this building. The work recorded several features and cultural deposits;it also showed that the dairy was not located in this room.

On this basis excavation for sub-floor ventilation commenced as with the other rooms,under supervision. As with the rest of the rooms examined the surface was covered ingrey sandy soil with quantities of building debris. No artefacts were found in thismatrix. The fill in the room beneath this matrix comprises hard packed clay and loam.

Several anomalies between this excavation and the earlier work were noted almostimmediately, in particular, the almost total absence of artefacts in the majority of theroom where the earlier excavation had recorded several cultural items in the area ofexcavation (a strip in the south-eastern corner). More particularly, in the centre of theroom, a line of natural surfaced stones appeared; these seemed to not represent anatural feature. At this point the excavation was discontinued and precisearchaeological investigation was commenced to more fully examine this feature.

The work in this room was not completed because of the suspension of all work due tothe decision to revise the conservation plan; the latter is still incomplete and the finalarchaeological investigation of the site has not recommenced for this reason. Newpolicies contained in that document may negate the need for more information aboutthis feature. The work carried out to date, however, has produced evidence thatshould require much closer investigation of the two rooms to either side (north andsouth) and the front and back verandahs.

The excavation has revealed what appears to be a rubble and field stone wall. It isincluded in and partially covered by the hard packed clay which forms the matrix ofthis room indicating that the latter was either contemporary with or laid later than thisstone feature. At the base of the stone feature, and only in this area, packed around itis a level of ironstone pebbles similar to those found as a scree in Room 4E. .

The position of the stone feature in relation to the walls of the building, from which itis on a different alignment (running obliquely north-east to south-west) and has beencut by those features, suggests that it pre-dates this building. This would imply a datein the early 1790s if the central two rooms of this cottage are to be equated withSalter's farm house.

It is a possibility that this feature represents no more than random field stones.However, these are the only such stones in the entire room and they clearly form arelatively straight line across the floor; it is possible that they may have been partiallydisturbed throughout the building process associated with Salter's cottage therebyslightly disarranging them. Certainly the configuration suggests a deliberate

Page 25

It is possible that this wall runs beyond the existing partitions into both the northernand southern rooms adjoining Room 4C. Care and prior archaeological excavationmust be carried out in these rooms before they are further disturbed; the relationshipof this feature to the existing cottage is unclear.

Inside Room 4C a large portion of this feature was removed, without recognition,during the earlier archaeological excavation. However it does appear to be intactbetween this trench and the eastern wall of the cottage. Care, therefore, must also betaken in exposing the eastern verandah for the same reason as the front; evidence ofthis feature may be contained in the area.

The wall, as described, runs in an oblique angle across the room. On the western sideit has been cut by a low dwarf wall (see following) but appears to be intact betweenthis and the external wall of the cottage. It may well run beyond this wall into the areaof the verandah. Disturbance of this area, therefore, must be preceded byarchaeological investigation.

Apart from observing that this stone feature appears to be deliberate and, because ofits relation to the walls of the cottage, of an extremely early date (presumably early1790s) it is difficult to interpret. The most attractive conclusion would be that itrepresents an earlier structure, possibly a first house, farm building or field wallerected on the site prior to Salter's construction of the two roomed house containedwithin the existing structure. The available evidence, however, is too small and notcompletely excavated to arrive at any conclusion at this time.

Page 26

The excavation in Room 4C also revealed, apart from the stone "wall" or feature, abrick-built dwarf wall running parallel to the western front wall of the cottage. This isin addition to a similar feature already observed closer to the external wall of thecottage in this location. The latter mirrors a similar dwarf wall along the eastern walLThe excavation had just reached this point before it was suspended, however, enoughwas revealed to determine that one or more courses had been removed from thisburied dwarf walL It also cut through the stone feature.

It should also be noted that in the north-western room of the Dairy Cottage, Room4E, an anomalous scree of pebbles was located at the base of what maybe a hardpacked layer that formed the external surface to Salter's cottage and between it andthe natural clay horizon. It is possible that this feature may have some relation to thestone "wall" in Room 4C. Only excavation in Rooms 4D and 4A, to the north andsouth of Room 4C, will help to determine the true nature of the stone "wall" and itsrelation, if any, to the pebbles in Room 4E and, finally, to the cottage built by Salter.

construction rather than an accidental left-over. Varman has noted similaritiesbetween this work and the foundations of late eighteenth century buildings onNorfolk Island.

Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Dail)), Pmmmatta.IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIJ _

EJ -------l~

Area of1988 excavation

Rubble Wall (?) Partially Excavated(Excavation suspended 1993)

--_-l:E.....J _.... _

-i

I

II

DWalfWall Partially Excavated(Excavation suspended 1993)

DAIRY COTIAGE (BUILDING A)

GOVERNOR'S DAIRY PRECINCT - PARRAMATIA PARK

Archaeological Report: Govemor's Daily Precinct, PalTamatta

r::::::I;~=::~_.;;;:~ ...._~-"a::====:=....,. -_....- ._., r -;;::; ...--- - - -- '. - - '" _.•-.--- --. L....: -_. - -_•._.- _. -- ._- _ C_.- r=:::l=::.:=t:~

4-J- -~_ B

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II Features Uncovered During Sub-Floor Excavation Room 4CI (Excavation suspended 1993 for conservation plan revision)

~:"""-_--------~-- I

Archaeological Report: Governor's DailY, Panmnatta

"Field wall" and dWalfwall duringexcavation.

r&IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

dJlJiJM!. I J I &22&1 £..! .. .1.£Ii&tM .133&

Room 4C, Dairy Cottage prior toexcavation.

Detail of ''field'' and dW(llj'vval!s

Archaeological Report: Governor's Dairy, Panwnatta.IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

&&ddb a i1 &3

Room 4C, Dairy Cottage duringexcavation looking south.

IIilIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Archaeological Report: Govemor's DailJI, PaTTamatta.

4.2.2 The Sunken Dairy. The Ranger's Cottage

The entire northernmost room of the Ranger's Cottage was excavated at the directionof the client and consultant architect to determine whether the sunken milk-room ofthe government dairy was located in the sub-floor space. The likelihood of this beingthe case was indicated by the negative result produced by Bickford's work of 1987 andevidence gained through oral history. The potential sensitivity of the space requiredthat this entire excavation be carried out as an archaeological investigation.

1.67 metres of industrial slag, coal and ash was removed from the space. It appears tohave been introduced in some manner from the northern window space; a wide"platform" of the deposit extended from here three metres into the centre of theroom, the deposit falling away to the sides. The provenance of this material could notbe determined on the basis of the available evidence. The few relics found within it(clay pipes etc) indicate that the room was filled during the period of the 1890s toWorld War I. Prior to that time it had remained open and obviously accessible. It wasused at one time to stack empty bottles on a small brick "stand" or "box", an originalfeature of the dairy in the north-eastern corner.

The stoneware bottles, dating from c.1880, were left in situ as a feature of the room.Several had to be removed during excavation to stabilise the stack. These have beenreturned to Council.

Removal of the slag and other deposits revealed the entire sunken dairy, largelycomplete. It also demonstrated that the superstructure of the dairy, seen in the c.1844sketch, had simply been removed and the current building constructed over the space;at least one stone step leading into the dairy had been removed as part of this process.The rest of the stairs, with the exception of the bottom tread, had been reversed at thesame time to present a less worn surface.

The principal question that this raises, however, is what use of the dairy was madebetween c.1858, when it is claimed this building had been removed, and c.1870 whenthe new and extant building is said to have been built over the top. The excavationclearly demonstrates that it remained open or at least unfilled during this time. Thismay suggest an earlier date for the construction of the Ranger's Cottage.

The principal features in the room, aside from brick walls and stone steps, were astone flagged base along the northern wall of the room, one flag wide and whichsupports the steps, and two brick features in the northern corners of the room. Thesebrick "boxes", with arched openings facing towards the steps, are likely to have beenused to store milk churns; the air inside is appreciably cooler than inside the rest ofthesoom.

The remainder and majority of the floor has been removed; it could either have beenbrick or stone paved. If stone paved, consistent with the line of flags along thenorthern wall, some of the flags could have been re-used in the areas behind andbeyond both cottages discussed in preceding sections. There is some evidence tosuggest, however, that the floor was brick paved. Two remnant lines of bricks have

Page 27


Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Daily, Pa17'alnatta.

been left one on either side of a large cess-pit (described as such in the 1822/23report) found in the centre of the floor. Re-use of the bricks could also be indicated inseveral places on the site.

The cess-pit was cut into the underlying shale and clay. Quantities of the clay arefound over the floor surface. The cess pit, excavated at this time to a depth of 150mmto confirm its identification, is also filled with shale. A single timber beam liesobliquely across the south-eastern corner of the pit. It is unclear if it had a function oris filling material.

The cess-pit and floor surface remain largely unexcavated; it was concluded that thefinal excavation of these spaces would be better undertaken when any conservation orconstruction works required in this room were complete. A thin layer of fillingmaterial was left intact to preserve the underlying surface. No artefacts. other thanthose from the later use of the space, were found in association with the dairy.

The remaining feature in this room is an anomaly in the brickwork in the centre of theeastern wall. It is clear from its location that this is the entrance point of the brickbarrel drain that was uncovered in the drainage trenches excavated to the east of theDairy and Rangers Cottages (see Section 4.1.7). Remnants of surface finishes such aslimewash were also identified in this space.

All the features uncovered in the room conform nearly precisely to the specificationsof the work recorded in 1822/23. There can be no doubt that this is the sunken dairyreferred to in the report of that date.

Following the excavation of the room to the point discussed earlier a sand base waslaid across the floor and plastic stretched across at the top of the space to preserve thehumidity within it and, therefore, the more fragile components. This measure wasadopted on the advice of the conservation consultant.

Page 28


Archaeological Report: Governor's Daily Precinct, Panmnatta

RANGER'S COTTAGE (BUILDING B)

GOVERNOR'S DAIRY PRECINCT - PARRAMATTAPARK

Room OverSunken DailY

Sketch Plan Identifying Sunken Dairy Room

Archaeological Report" Governor's DailY Precinct - Pan'amatta

"Cool Box"

o

Clay over entirefloor swface -brick or stone 0paving likely tohave been re-used around thebuildings.

o

1:50

Stone flagging

"'(H"Ul\_,~ Uncovered in Excavation of 01.11"''''-,''

Circular "cess pit" excavatedin floor ofdaily

Entry point ofbarrel drain - seenin brickwor

Part plan Ranger's

"Cool box" withstoneware bottlesstacked on top,



Archaeological Report: Governor's Daily, Palmmatta

"Cess pit" and remnant brickedging or paving.

Industrial wastes filling the sunkendairy.


Archaeological Report: Govel1wr's Daily, Parranzatta

"Cool box" north-west comer andremnant stone flagging.

North wall showing steps and"cool box" north--west comer


Archaeological Report: Governor~') Dairy, Pmmmatta.

Steps, "cool box" in north-east corner and remnant stone flagging.

Stoneware bottles in situ, north-east "cool box".

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Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Daily, Pal1'a1natta.

SECTION 5.0THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE

5.1 The Identified Resource

The features revealed and recorded as part of the salvage and research programmemay be summarised as follows:

• possible structure or feature from the early 1790s predating Salter's farm house;

• compacted earth deposits that may relate to the external surfaces surrounding Salter'shouse;

• structural features added to the Dairy Cottage as part of its conversion from a farmhouse to dairy purposes;

• the 1822/23 sunken dairy;

• the 1822/23 "circular sewer" or barrel drain;

• sandstone paving (and possibly brick) paving that may have been laid as part of thec.1822/1823 works as well as several other likely phases;

• foundations? of a building, north of the Dairy Cottage, that may be c.1822/23 or'earlier;

• the possible site of an early nineteenth century building of unidentified nature to theeast of the Ranger's Cottage;

• identification of a substantial pattern of re-use of materials including bricks, stoneand timber possibly from the demolition of the building to the north of the DairyCottage or the taking up of the dairy floor as well as other potential sheds or buildings;

• rubble drain close to the western verandah of the Dairy Cottage of probably laternineteenth or twentieth century construction;

• a raised garden abutting the north-eastern corner of the Dairy Cottage of probablelater nineteenth or twentieth century construction;

• timber post north-east of the Dairy Cottage that may be a remnant of a fence or gate;

Page 29


Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Daily, Pa17wnatta.

• brick edging, brick paths and foundations of a toilet block east of the Dairy Cottagelikely to be all of twentieth century origin.

Page 30

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Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Daily, Pmmmatta.

5.2 The Potential Archaeological Resource

With one exception the archaeological work carried out in response to the 1988conservation plan policies has provided an indication of the potential archaeologicalresource that resides within the site. The excavation of the sunken dairy has, in thiscase, realized that potential. Tal(en together the evidence revealed to date clearlyshows that the areas within the buildings, in their immediate environs and, to a lesserdegree of certainty, further away towards the river for example, are of the highestarchaeological sensitivity.

The high degree of survival of archaeological material evidenced by this samplingindicates that extreme care must be exercised in any works that disturb the site, itsimmediate environs and within the buildings. It is highly likely that even morearchaeological evidence will be located in these areas principally comprising featuresand structures. Portable artefacts appear to be relatively rare on this site. Severalfeatures revealed by this work, including the foundations to the north of the DairyCottage and within that building, could provide focus for future investigation if this isconsistent with the new conservation and interpretation policies.

Page 31

II11IIIIII111il

I111III1

Archaeological RepOlt: Gove171or's Daily, Pmmmatta.

5.3 The Significance of the Archaeological Resource

The significance of the archaeological resource is a component that may be used tocompliment or more adequately define or describe the principal issues of significance.The latter must appear as a statement presented in the revised conservation plan. Thefew preliminary statements with respect to that issue made to date and seen by thisauthor suggest that the primary significance is considered to be because of the rarityof the remnants of Salter's farm with respect to architectural and social issues, thesurvival of significant elements of the government dairy and the cumulative growth ofthe site.

To this end the so-called "archaeological resource" is no different to the above groundstructures or remnant landscape. The cumulative changes and additions made to thesite reflect the various periods, uses and occupations which have occurred there; thisis all archaeological evidence if one understands "archaeological evidence" to meanrelics of that past use.

In the sense that it has been used throughout this project however, at least for thisconsultant's commission, "archaeological" evidence has come to mean buried evidence(Mr R. Varman was appointed separately to prepare an archeological description ofthe standing structures). If, for consistency, the definition of archaeological evidencecontinues here to identify "buried objects" it is clear that the relics, features anddeposits of the potential resource are of high cultural significance to the site.

The resource as it has been sampled and which potential may be deduced from thissample is likely to reveal substantial elements relating to all phases of occupation ofthe site and, in particular, the very earliest periods of occupation possibly evenpre-dating the earliest documented phase or, at least, illustrating aspects of that firstphase not identifiable in the limited archival resource.

This is of particular importance because it appears, at least on the historical evidenceprovided to this consultant, that the site is likely to be poorly documented except forthe broadest framework of occupation. The physical evidence retained within the sitewill provide, in some cases, the only evidence and certainly the most detailed evidenceof development, use, management and occupation. It will certainly be able tosubstantially contribute to determining and interpreting the historical development,occupation and management of the site in all its phases.

In addition to the site specific, however, it must also be concluded on the basis of thework to date that the archaeological evidence contained within the site will be able tosubstantially contribute to more general areas of historical, technological and socialenquiry. The latter is because of the rarity of some material and the high degree ofpreservation which appears to have occurred on this site. It will provide a particularlyuseful comparative resource for other comparably early sites in Parramattainvestigated to date and also a possibly unique comparative resource for sites such asFirst Government House.

It may be concluded, therefore, that the potential archaeological resource contained

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Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Dail)', Pa17'a1natta.

within and around this site is of the highest cultural significance principally because it,like the above ground structural evidence and topographic changes:

• document the full span of occupation from the 1790s through to the 1990s evenpossibly pre-dating the earliest known period or use.

• that this evidence is not only likely to compliment the above ground evidence andhistorical data but also provide a considerable new source of evidence to more fullydocument the historical development, occupation and management of this site.

• that this evidence has the ability to provide a largely intact source of data that will beof immense comparative value for other sites within Parramatta as well as those inSydneyparticularlybecause ofits likely occurrence ofparticularly early chronologicalmaterial.

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ArchaeologicalRepOlt: Govemor's Daily, PaJTamatta.

5.4 Exploitation of the Resource

The archaeological work carried out on the site to date has been, with one exception,the result of salvage work caused by conservation works which were carried out tostabilise the fabric of the buildings. This was not a planned programme ofarchaeological work designed to uncover and investigate specific aspects of history,use or management. The latter was not possible because no interpretation themeswere available at the time and, in the subsequent period since this work, have notbeen formed or have not been made available to this author. Similarly no revisedconservation policies have been made available.

Archaeological work is not and should never be the product of accident or whim. Itmust, if the potential of that resource, is to be realized, be formed according to a welldefined plan for the site that sets out the principal significance of the site, theconservation directives for the major artefacts (the buildings) and the interpretationpolicies that are to be explored within this environment.

The archaeological programme, on this basis, may be directed to achieving specificobjectives or goals within those parameters. Without this framework any detailedarchaeological investigation of the site is non-directed, it has no specific questions itmay be set to answer and it runs the real risk of actually destroying or harmingevidence that, in the light of formulated interpretation and conservation goals, mayhave been better either left intact or managed differently.

At the time of writing this report no such conservation goals or interpretation policieshad been provided to this author. Clearly it is therefore impossible to define a precise,structured and complimentary programme of archaeological work which may be usedto achieve these ends. It is clear from the evidence revealed by this early work that thearchaeological resource within the site has the potential to provide an enormousamount of evidence.

Therefore, while it may be concluded that the site has a resource of the highestsignificance with the potential to provide substantial new and complimentary evidenceand that, it is considered, this resource should be exploited in a thoughtful and wellplanned way it is impossible at this time to define a programme to achieve this.

Archaeology does not occur in a vacuum and at the time of writing this report this isthe situation that exists. When the revised conservation plan is presented andinterpretation policies devised an active policy of archaeological investigation shouldbe constructed an implemented as part of the conservation process.

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Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Daily, PalTamatta.

SECTION 6.0BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. BickfordParramatta Park the Governor's Dairy Excavation of a Portion of Room 4CBrian McDonald Architect Pty Ltd. 1987.

M.FlynnGeorge Salter and His House 1796-18171994.

M.FlynnBuilding A Parramatta Park Research Report No. 2 1993

M.FlynnGeorge Salter Research Report 1993

R.HawkinsHistorical Research Notes as at 10 June 1993.

Brian McDonald Pty LtdDraft Conservation Plan Governor's Dairy Precinct.Parramatta Council. 1988.

W. ThorpSummary Statement ofArchaeological Work at the Governor's Dairy ParramattaPark. 1993.

R.V.J.VarmanPreliminary Summary Archaeological Investigation of the Fabric of Building AParramatta Park (Old Government Grounds) With Additional Comments onBuilding B and Site in GeneralParramatta Council. 1993.

R.V.J. VarmanGovernment Dairy Parramatta Park Building A and Environs 1790s - 1990sParramatta City Council. 1993.

R.V.J.VarmanBuilding A 1993.

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Archaeological RepOlt: Govemor's Daily, Pa17"G1natta.

Photograph of Building A (ND but later nineteenth century) Courtesy of S.Brown.

Preliminary Chronology August 1993

Draft Chronology November 1993.

Page 36


EXCAVATION NOTES

Room4A

f-II

f

L

East Verandah

Room 4C

Room 4G

West Verandah

,( Room- 4DII

Sketch Plan Identifying Room Designations Used in the Text

DAIRY COTTAGE (BUILDING A)

GOVERNOR'S DAIRY PRECINCT - PARRAMATTA PARK

Room.4F

ROOl11 4£

Archaeological Report: Govemor's Daily Precinct, Pa17'a111atfa

r:::.::r:=~==~=S!::"-=-:~~-..,. =======11---"-- -- 'I r-:.--'·-- - - -~ -. - . 'C'" --r:=:J~C:::1--------. L..."? .j _

----~---..........--- ~------<..£1.-...-.. ----__ -~t)------_............FJ,L..... .lMoII

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at nest

ecayed timberbeams

"0'

Room4E4F

Excavation to base clayrevealing pebble scree.

Sketch plan ofplincipal features Room 4E.

ROOM 4E

Archaeological Report: Governor's Dairy - Parramatta

Brick courses at base ofwalls to support floor

* Total depth of deposits varies - average 200mm.

bricks laid in courses at base of wall to support floor.

small accumulation of bone fragments and nestingmaterial for rat/mice in south-west corner.

Features

Removal of hard packed clay matrix reveals ironstone screeabove sterile 'and natural clay horizon.

Surface Deposit

Loose grey sandy deposit with building materials (timberscraps, broken brick etc). Very few artefacts. Evidence ofvermin activity - gnawed bones (sheep etc) as well asrat/mice skeletal material.

Artefacts

Underlying Deposit

Removal of loose matrix reveals hard packed clay.Generally sterile. Some small quantity of bone (vermin andbutchered).

Base Deposit

From surface deposit: clay pipe fragment (long stem anddecorated spur), single piece of Chinese hand paintedporcelain (mu1tico1our, scenic?) of saucer (?), singlefragment of window glass, metal ring (use unknown).

IIIIIIIIIIIIIII'IIIIII

Sketch plan ofprincipal features Room 4F.

Artefacts

4E

. Stone foundations

Excavation to base clay.Bricks supportingpiers.

five brick piers in centre of room to support floor.

* Total depth of deposits varies - average 390mm.

stone foundations at base of north, west but only partof south wall.

Features

bricks laid at base of west wall to support floor.

ROOM 4F

Removal of hard packed clay matrix reveals sterile andnatural clay horizon.


Base Deposit

Surface Deposit

Loose grey sandy deposit with bUilding materials (timberscraps, broken brick etc). Very few artefacts.

Underlying Deposit

Removal of loose matrix reveals hard packed clay.Generally sterile. Some small quantity of bone (vermin andbutchered) .

From surface deposit: three fragments porcelain banded ingrey and brown - very small bowl; one fragment whiteporcelain saucer - possibly related to former small bowl;ooffin doll (missing head and lower legs); copper/brassfitting (unidentifiable); one fragment of window glass;one sherd blue transfer ware; one semi-circle of glass.

I,IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

BJickpaved floor

4F

.00m4GParticular areaofrat nest activity

Cement over bricks

Sketch Plan ofprincipal features Room 4G

overlying deposit the deepest in the cottage; extensiveevidence of rat activity.

concrete overlies the bricks at the west wall.

Features

Artefacts

Animal bones.

Completely paved floor using bricks (re-used), a numberwith Board of Ordnance arrows.

Sample

ROOM 4G

Underlying Deposit

From surface deposit: three fragments white earthenwarejar; one sherd white earthenware saucer; one sherd whiteporcelain saucer; one sherd grey transfer print; one sherdblue transfer print; one rim sherd black glass; one rimsherd clear glass; two sherds window glass; one thimble;two marbles; one length copper/brass chain; two slatepencils; one dress hook; two gas fittings; one bonebutton; one mother of pearl button; four copper/brassbuttons; one penny (?) with central hole; two glass beads;three studs; four seeds; nine iron nails; 20+ pins.

Surface Deposit

Loose grey sandy deposit with building materials (timberscraps, broken brick etc). More compacted over bricks.Disturbed and partially removed prior to beginning ofprogramme.


IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

:1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII


EXCAVATION OF SUNKEN DAIRY - NORTH ROOM RANGER'S COTTAGE

Floor

A timber floor covered the room; this was removed prior tothe archaeological programme.

Deposits

The room was completely filled to a depth of approximately2.0 metres with industrial wastes (slag, coke, coal) etc(Layer 1). This appears to have been dumped from the northwindow; it formed a "platform" in the centre of the roomfor approximately 3.0 metres north/south shelving away tothe east and western sides. Few artefacts - unmarked pipeetc.

Below the industrial waste was a layer of shale (Layer 2)that covered the entire floor space. The shale covered thefloor to a depth of c.150mm.

The shale filled (and remains in) the cess pit (Layer 3).

The floor has been robbed of flagging or paving. It is nowcovered with clay, predominantly red with patches of whitepipe clay, particularly in south-east corner.

Features

Along the north wall are the principal features of thedairy. In north-east and north-west corners are brick"cool boxes", hollow inside. These rest on stone flagswhich run along the entire length of the wall. In thecentre of the wall is a flight of steps, each tread nowreversed.

In the centre of the floor is a large (approximately 2.0metre diameter) circular "cess pit" cut into theunderlying sub-deposits. This is still filled with shale.Along the western side of the pit is a remnant line ofbricks.

Artefacts

Layer 1 - industrial wastes: one unmarked clay pipe; twounmarked clay pipe bowls; one clay pipe bowl with ships;two clay pipe stem fragments; three sherds window glass;one fragment clear glass small bottle; one complete smallglass bottle; one sherd amber glass; one part base greenbottle embossed "AUSTR •. "; one golf ball; twenty-foursherds white earthenware; seven iron artefacts; one roundplaited item.

Layer 2 - shale on floor over clay: five sherds blue and



white transfer print; three sherds white earthenware; twosherds brown stoneware; two sherds window glass; two clearsherds bottle glass; one sherd amber glass; one tin lid.

Layer 3 - shale in cess pit: three sherds blue and whitetransfer print (same as Layer 2); four sherds green bottleglass.

Covered by Layer 1, stacked on north-east "cool box" are anumber of stoneware bottles. These were left in the cellarspace and were covered when the room was filled.

Samples

Sample of industrial waste/slag from Laye~ 1.

Top ofsandstone steps visible

...-_......., - Jl

Sketch plan ofsunken daily room prio r to excavation



EXCAVATION OF ROOM 4C, DAIRY COTTAGE

Floor

A timber floor had covered the room; this was removedprior to the 1993 archaeological programme.

1988 Excavation

A trial excavation was undertaken in this room during 1988for the purpose of determining the presence or absence ofthe sunken milk-room. This work recorded several depositsand features. However, on the basis of this work, it wasconsidered suitable to excavate this room for ventilationpurposes under supervision. Soon after the commencement ofthis work (which revealed sterile hard packed clay) astone feature in the centre of the room appeared; itseemed anomalous to the earlier results. At this time thework was stopped and detailed archaeological excavationcommenced in its place for the purpose of investigatingthis feature.

Deposits

The room was covered in a layer of grey, sandy materialwith scattered building materials (Layer 1).

Underlying this deposit, in a space between two dwarfwalls (Features 1 and 2) was a small section of compactedmaterial (Layer 2) that appears to be redeposited materialfrom Layer 3. This is likely to have occurred when thefoundation trench was excavated, disturbing the existingsoils and then being repacked over the top. It presumes,therefore, that the dwarf walls post-date the compactedclay matrix.

The foundation trenches for the two dwarf walls (Features1 and 2) are described as Layers 3 and 4. The two dwarfwalls were used (at least in one case) for supportingfloors in the western portion of the room. The westernmostof these walls (Feature 1) was visible at surface. Theeasternmost of the walls (Feature 2) (separated byapproximately 300mm from the westernmost) was partiallydemolished; a thick layer of mortar lay across thesurface.

The majority of the room encompassed a hard packed, claymatrix (Layer 5). This deposit had few artefacts. Withinvestigations in other rooms it has been suggested thatthis material may form the external or internal surface ofa building that existed on the site prior to theconstruction of the current building. This materialenclosed and partially overlay the stone feature (Feature3)



The latter appears to be a rough wall that runs obliquelyacross the room. It is formed from large nodules of fieldstones packed about with ironstone pebbles. A largeportion of the wall has been removed from the easternportion of the room by the earlier excavation. Between theouter, eastern wall of the cottage and the dwarf wall onthis side of the room, however, appears to be a remnant ofthe rubble wall. It may continue out to the area of theeastern verandah. Similarly, on the western side of theroom, the field stones appear between the two dwarf wallsand may continue onto the western verandah. This presumesthat the dwarf walls post-date the construction of thestone wall, having to cut through it for theirconstruction.

At this point the excavation was suspended until theresumption of work after the completion of the revisedconservation plan.

Features

Feature 1: a brick dwarf wall close to the westernmostwall of the cottage and visible at surface.

Feature 2: a brick dwarf wall partially demolished withmortar still on the surface.

Feature 3: a rubble "wall" formed from large nodules offiled rock packed about with ironstone pebblesrunning obliquely across the existing room.

Artefacts

Layer 2: redeposited material from foundation trench.Three sherds window glass; two sherds bottle glass; toothfrom comb; one iron nail.

Layer 5: compacted clay. One. marble; one button; fourpins; three iron nails.

ronstone pebbles (Feature 3)

Layer 5

Feature 2

Layer 3

Layer 2

;ttt1ttt~~~~--+ Layer 4

Feature 1

ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORK AT THE GOVERNOR'S DAIRY

PARRAMATTA PARK

SUMMARY STATEMENT

AUGUST 1993

WENDY THORP

CONTENTS

1.0 The Context of the Work: Objectives

2.0 Methodology

3.0 Remedial Works3.1 Drainage Trenches Within the Compound - Paving and

Drains3.2 Building B: Verandahs3.3 Drainage Lines Outside the Compound3.4 Sub-Floor Clearance Building A

4.0 Archaeological Excavation4.1 Building A4.2 Building B

5.0 Discussion

1.0 THE CONTEXT OF THE WORK: OBJECTIVES

Archaeological involvement to date has encompassed bothinvestigative and remedial works. The results of this workare outlined in the following sections.

The remedial works have been in response to thoseprocedures carried out to stabilize the buildings and, insome cases, those carried out according to the initialproject design. The investigative works have been inresponse to measures that have been carried out for eitherof t~ese purposes and which have exposed what appeared tobe significant archaeological features. The archaeologicalwork has been strictly limited at this time to definingthe possible extent of the features, as a means ofestablishing protective curtilages, and defining theirpossible significance as a context for outlining futureprogrammes.

Programmes for more detailed archaeological work will beestablished when a clearly defined interpretation policyis presented which will make clear the means by which thearchaeological evidence may contribute to the site.

The principal constraints on the work have been a lack ofclearly stated objectives for the archaeologicalprogramme, lack of historical evidence and no directionwith respect to future interpretive themes to which thearchaeological evidence could be exploited forclarification and contribution.

2.0 METHODOLOGY

The work has been undertaken within the parameters of anExcavation Permit issued by the Department of Planning. Ithas been carried out either by supervision of programmedsite works, such as drainage excavations, or specificarchaeological excavation either by one or twoarchaeologists. Recording has been to standardarcheological practice; photography, plan and sectionrecording and site diaries and pro-formas as appropriate.

3.0 REMEDIAL WORKS

3.1 Drainage Trenches Within the Compound - Paving andDrains

An "L" shaped trench has been excavated around Building A.The long section of this trench, along the front of thebuilding, revealed what appeared to be a rubble drainconstructed primarily from broken bricks of an early(probably pre-1850) date. This drain is likely to havebeen excavated to assist in keeping ground water away fromthe cottage. The date of the material used in itsconstruction is unlikely to reflect the actual date ofexcavation. It is likely that the material was salvagedfrom an early building (possibly located immediately northof Building A). It may have been demolished possiblyduring the later nineteenth century or, more likely, theearly twentieth century. _

,-

_ ••-1 IL L tJ- con~ f::f4/0

Sketch of Remedial Works, Features & Excavations: Compound

The excavation that commenced in the space separatingBuilding A from Building B revealed sandstone paving. Thiswas partially exposed and left in situ.

Sandstone paving was also encountered in the eastern endof the trench running along the northern side of BuildingA and in a small trench excavated at an oblique angle fromthe south-eastern corner of Building A. The shallowtopsoil (c. 100mm) covering the courtyard within thecompound behind Building A was removed to define the fullextent of paving in this area. This was for the purpose ofdetermining whether it was appropriate to excavate furtherin this location.

The work revealed a narrow curved built-up garden thatabutted the north-eastern side of Building A. Sandstonepaving was found all over the courtyard behind Building A

although it was patchy and had been partially disturbed byearlier excavations (not part of the current project).Several slabs appear to have been re-used. The pavingcontinued outside the fence. The relationship of thispaving, in terms of chronology and function, to Building Ais at this time unclear. The features have been recordedand a layer of clean sand spread over them for protection.

In the trench running along the northern side of BuildingA the remains of a timber post were found in the easternend. This may be part of a fence; further work is neededto positively identify it.

3.2 Building B: Verandahs

The deposits on the rear verandah were removed to allowventilation of the building. A bituminous material over asand bed were removed to reveal a sandstone paved surface.This extended to the edge of the verandah; the latter wasdefined by a raised concrete "kerb" that supported theverandah posts. The sandstone flags appear to have beenre-used, for example, two show check-outs that may havesupported a gate. No further work has been carried out inthis area.

A concrete surface was removed on the front verandah toreveal a crushed brick base; the bricks were of an earlynineteenth century type.

3.3 Drainage Lines Outside the Compound

A trench for a large drain has been excavated to the northof Building A down the hill to the road. The trenchencountered and removed the mid twentieth century footingsof a toilet block that was located to the north-east ofBuilding A.

It is proposed that this trench will eventually beextended along the northern side of Building A. Theexcavations inside the compound that revealed quantitiesof sandstone paving suggested that this trench mayencounter similar features. For this reason a small areaof topsoil was cleared outside the northern fence of thecompound to determine whether paving extended in thisarea. The grass cover and topsoil (approximately 150mm)were removed to reveal a well paved surface that extendedfor at least five metres beyond the compound fence. Inplaces this had been repaired with concrete.

On the extreme western side of this excavation a smallsection of brickwork was revealed of a type that appearsto be early nineteenth century. This feature may be thefootings of a building that may be seen in later

nineteenth century photographs of Building A. It isunclear if the bricks have been reused or relate to anearly building. The site has been recorded but noadditional work has been carried out at this time. Aprotective layer of sand has been spread over the featuresand a star picket fence erected around them. The site of apossible well in this same area was noted but not exploredat this time.

Sketch of Features Outside Compound

Patchy areas of sandstone paving were found immediatelyabutting the eastern fence of the compound. These appearto have been disturbed in the past; no work was carriedout to further investigate the feature at this time.

Another drainage line was excavated along the easternfence behind Building B and obliquely down the hill tomeet the large drainage trench already discussed in thisarea. A number of features were unearthed by thisexcavation. An early nineteenth century brick barrel drainwas found approximately in a line with the back gate ofthe compound. It is clear that this drain runs into theback of the sunken dairy-room excavated in this programmeand outlined in the 1823 specifications of works. The endof this drain may be traced on the side of the river bank.The feature was recorded, left intact and recovered duringthe excavation.

Small sections of re-used brick paving were also uncoveredin this area; they appear to be part of a mid-twentiethcentury path that led to toilet blocks in this area. Thefeature was recorded, although partially disturbed, andthe rest left intact.The excavation also revealed well laid sandstone pavingapproximately on a line with the northern side of the

eastern gate of the compound. This paving is part of along line of gardens and possibly steps that lead to theriver. These features were recorded and recovered duringthe work.

3.4 Sub-Floor Clearance Building A

The original design for this building called for limitedexcavation of all rooms to provide sub-floor ventilation.Prior to tis work commencing all the floor surfaces (afterthe removal of the floorboards) were cleaned and recordedand any artefacts reprieved and recorded; the building wasnotable for its virtual absence of relics with theexception of the enclosed northern room on the backverandah. This room had been partially disturbed prior tothe archaeological work commencing; the remaining depositwas excavated and recorded archaeologically. A smallcollection of later nineteenth and early twentieth centuryartefacts were recovered. Removal of the deposit revealeda completely paved floor which was formed from re-usedearly nineteenth century bricks, some marked with agovernment arrow. This floor was recorded and a protectivelayer of sand spread over it to protect it.

The two northern-most rooms of Building A were excavatedunder supervision to a depth of c.200mm. The deposits wereconsistently found to be of sterile clay. In the westernroom two-three courses of bricks were laid around the baseof the walls. At the base of the excavation is a loosescree of ironstone and slate pebbles that does not appearto be part of a natural soil profile. The work was stoppedat this point.

The eastern room in this area of the building had asimilar deposit but lines of stone foundations may be seenat the base of the walls. These foundations clearlyindicate a different phase of building. Both rooms areparticularly informative for the development of thearchitecture of this building. Shallow brick piers thatsupported the last floor were left in situ and afterrecording the work was stopped at this point.

The only other excavation to date in this building is inthe central room, entry to which is gained from the frontdoor. This room had been the subject of an earlier (1988)archaeological excavation which recorded a number ofstructural features and some cultural deposits. Thecurrent excavation, however, has revealed anomalies inthis earlier work. The excavation of this room commencedunder supervision, however, the apparent discrepanciesbetween the earlier recording and the current resultscaused the work to be stopped and a detailedarchaeological excavation to take its place.

The southern-most room in this building has had theconcrete floor removed but no further work has beencarried out. The sensitivity of the adjoining room to thenorth suggests that this room may also require detailedarchaeological analysis.

farth anI ru.Jtr~ vl'lfJ2V~

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Sketch of Features Inside Building A: Remedial Works

4.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION

4.1 Building A

The detailed investigation of the central room has onlycommenced; it is sufficient to prove that an important andpreviously unrecognized feature is still partially intactwithin it and may extend beyond the building andthroughout it.

The excavation has revealed, to date, a rubble and fieldstone wall that appears to date from a building thatpre-dates this section of the current building i.e. theearlier building is most likely of the early 1790s. Itruns on an oblique north-east/south-west angle and may rununder both the front and back verandahs of Building A.Unfortunately a large section of the wall was removedwithout recognition by the earlier excavation in thisroom. The construction of this wall and the presence of ananomalous mass of pebbles in the northern room of BuildingA suggests that other features may exist within thedeposits of Building A that may, with furtherinvestigation, explain this feature.

The excavation of this room also revealed a dwarf brickwall, partially demolished, that runs parallel to thewestern wall of the room. Its function, date andrelationship to the current building are unclear. It mayextend into either the southern or northern roomsadjoining the excavation area.

The work has been stopped at this point until some cleardirection is provided with respect to the use andinterpretation of the building. The features have all beenrecorded and covered and the area sealed to preventdisturbance of the site.

Sketch of Features: Excavation in Building A

4.2 Building B

The entire northern-most room of this building wasexcavated at the direction of the client to determinewhether the sunken milk-room of the governor's dairy waslocated in the sub-floor space. The potential sensitivityof this area required that the entire excavation becarried out as an archaeological investigation.

Approximately two metres of industrial slag, coal and ashwas removed from the space. The provenance of thismaterial could not be determined on the basis of theavailable evidence, however, the few relics found withinit (bottles, clay pipes etc) indicate that the room wasfilled in the period of the 1890s to WWI. Prior to thattime it had remained open and obviously accessible; it wasused to store empty bottles that had been stacked in onecorner on one of the pre-existing features of the dairy.The bottles are of the period c.1880. They have been leftintact as a feature.

Removal of the slag etc revealed the entire sunken dairy,largely complete. It also indicated that thesuperstructure of this building had simply been removedand the current building constructed over the space; atleast one stone step leading into the space had beenremoved in this process. The rest of the stairs, with theexception of the bottom step, had been reversed at thesame time to present a less worn surface.

The principal features in the room, aside from the brickwalls and stone steps, were a stone flagged base along thenorthern wall that supports the steps and two brickfeatures in the corners of the room. These brick "boxes"are likely to have been used to store milk churns; the airinside is appreciably cooler than outside.

The rest of the floor has been removed; it may have beenbrick-paved. There are two remnant lines of bricks oneither side of the central cess-pit. The latter is a verylarge circular excavation in the centre of the room thathas been infilled with rubble.

The remaining feature in this room is an anomaly in thebrick work on the western wall. t is clear from itslocation that this is the entrance point of the brickbarrel drain that was uncovered outside the compound.Remnants of surface finishes such as limewash were alsoidentified throughout the space.

All of the features uncovered in the room conform nearlyprecisely to the specifications of the work recorded in1823. The excavation halted at clearing the floor of theroom as it was expected that both conservation andinterpretation works would require workmen to be in this

space. The final excavation should occur at the conclusionof this work. All of the excavation and features have beenrecorded and, after a considerable delay, a sand base hasbeen laid on the floor and plastic stretched across thespace to maintain the humidity and preserve the featuresand finishes until an interpretation policy is presentedfor this room.

~- -

Sketch of Features: Excavation of Building B

5.0 DISCUSSION

It is clear that the entire area within and around thebuildings is a sensitive archaeological site that may wellprovide unique evidence of the various phases of thebuildings that are now on site as well as pre-existingfeatures.

The archaeological work that has been carried out to datehas provided evidence for some areas that appear tocontain evidence of additional structures and features.For example, there is the possibility of an additionalbuilding to the north of Building A. The angle of thebarrel drain from the back of Building B in associationwith a regular depression in the ground suggests thepresence of another building in this area. The large areasof paving around the buildings are descriptive of pastuses and landscape arrangements.

The materials used in these various features, such asre-used sandstone blocks and bricks and natural fieldstone, also provides evidence of both the sources ofsupply as well as the simple practicalities of managingthe buildings. One outstanding feature that requires someconsideration is the notable absence, to date, of relicsor artefacts of the occupants.

While it is clear that the archaeological material is aparticularly important resource for this site future workis hampered by the lack of historical evidence at thistime which provides an interpretative framework and,secondly, an interpretation policy which may providedirection for the areas and types of information whichcould and should be exploited in the future.Archaeological work on this site should not be undertakenwithout a clearly defined strategy that relates to theoverall objectives of the project.

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Sites of Potential Structures of Features

ARCHAEOLOGICALREPORT GOVERNOR'.S...

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