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Penitentiary Precinct Archaeological Excavation

By Port Arthur Accommodation on November 7, 2016 in Local News and Events

 

3 November 2016

During November and December 2016 we are conducting an archaeological investigation of the area behind the Penitentiary Bakehouse, extending excavations completed earlier this year. A team of professional archaeologists will be painstakingly peeling back layers of soil to uncover, examine and record artefacts, deposits and features associated with the site’s convict period.

Between 1856 to the end of settlement in 1877, the area contained the laundry for the Penitentiary, as well as storerooms and a bathing area for the convicts. Before 1856 the area contained early waterfront workshops and we hope that through the excavation we can gather information about both periods of use.

Catch up with what’s happening at one of our 15 minute trench-side talks with the Project Archaeologist between 14th Nov and 14th Dec at 2pm (weekdays only).