FREMANTLE PRISON PARADE GROUNDARCHAEOLOGICAL TEST EXCAVATION RESULTS(STAGE 3)

for

Palassis Architects and Department of Housing and Works

February 2009

Sarah Burke – Alistair Patterson – Kelly Flemingeureka archaeological research and consulting

Eureka Archaeological Research and Consulting UWA

Director
Kate Morse, PhD

Consultants
Alistair Paterson (PhD)
Vicky Winton, D.Phil
Sarah Burke, MA
Annie Carson BA (Hons)
Viviene Brown BA (Hons)
Sean Winter BA (Hons)
Illya Sparkes-Santos, BSc (Hons)

Copyright
This report and the information it contains is subject to copyright and may not be copied in wholeor part without written consent of Palassis Architects, Department of Housing and Works andEureka Archaeological Research and Consulting UWA.

Geographic Co-ordinate Information
Geographic co-ordinates in this report were obtained using a Leica total Station. The
manufacturer states that these devices are accurate to within 15 m on average. Geographic coordinates in this report are based on the GDA 94 coordinate system.

Disclaimer
Eureka Archaeological Research and Consulting is not responsible for omissions andinconsistencies that may result from information that was not available at the time this report was
prepared.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

ieureka archaeological research and consulting

TABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 4
PROJECT SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................... 7
STAGE 1. ....................................................................................................................................... 7
STAGE 2........................................................................................................................................ 9
BACKGROUND INFORMATION................................................................................................... 11
HERITAGE STATUS ....................................................................................................................... 11
SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT ......................................................................................................... 11
PLANNING DOCUMENTATION ......................................................................................................... 12
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................... 13
FREMANTLE PRISON ..................................................................................................................... 13
PARADE GROUND ......................................................................................................................... 14
Wooden Division......................................................................................................................... 14
Well c. 1852............................................................................................................................... 16
Metalled Roads .......................................................................................................................... 19
Parade Area & Grass and Shrubs ................................................................................................... 21
Shelter Shed .............................................................................................................................. 22
Laundry and Ablution Block ........................................................................................................... 23
Drains/Tunnels ........................................................................................................................... 23
PROJECT DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY ................................................................................. 25
METHOD ...................................................................................................................................... 25
Area 1 and Area 3 (Wooden Division) .............................................................................................. 26
Area 2 (Well).............................................................................................................................. 27
Area 5 (Metalled Road) ................................................................................................................ 27
EXCAVATION TEAM ..................................................................................................................... 28
RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................... 29
AREA 1 (W OODEN DIVISION) ......................................................................................................... 29
Stratigraphy ............................................................................................................................... 29
Summary .................................................................................................................................. 32
AREA 3 (W OODEN DIVISION) ......................................................................................................... 32
Stratigraphy ............................................................................................................................... 32
Summary .................................................................................................................................. 35
AREA 2 (WELL C.1852) ................................................................................................................. 35
Stratigraphy ............................................................................................................................... 35
Summary .................................................................................................................................. 38
AREA 5 (METALLED ROAD) ........................................................................................................... 38
Stratigraphy ............................................................................................................................... 38
Summary .................................................................................................................................. 42
INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION ................................................................................................ 42
PROJECT IMPACTS ..................................................................................................................... 46
RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................................. 47
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 49
APPENDIX 1. STRATIGRAPHIC CONTEXT: FREMANTLE PRISON PARADE GROUND ....... 53
APPENDIX 2: STRATIGRAPHIC SECTIONS: FREMANTLE PRISON PARADE GROUND ...... 57

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

2

eureka archaeological research and consulting

TABLES
Table 1. Archaeological features and structures identified by Bavin (1990 a & b) within the parade
ground...................................................................................................................................... 8
Table 2: Heritage listings: Fremantle Prison ...........................................................................................11
Table 3. Key historical dates for Fremantle Prison. ...............................................................................14
Table 4. Trench areas excavated compared with those proposed in the initial GIS predictivemodel. ..................................................................................................................................................25
Table 5. Fremantle Prison parade ground: estimated depths for archaeological sensitivity............46

PLATES
Plate 1. Photograph of interior Fremantle Prison reproduced in Bosworth (2004: 71) .................. 20
Plate 2. Oblique photograph of Fremantle Prison (Gore 1935) .................................................... 20
Plate 3. Overview of Fremantle Prison parade ground and trench locations – facing north.......... 29
Plate 4. Area 1 (Wooden Division) - facing north. Stratigraphic context showing shallow limestone
bedrock (south end of trench) and deep layers of refuse dumping (north end of trench). .... 31
Plate 5. Area 1 (Wooden Division) – east facing section of trench. Layers of refuse dumping
evident in stratigraphy............................................................................................................ 31
Plate 6. Area 3 (Wooden Division) – facing north. Photograph showing final excavation depth. . 34
Plate 7. Area 3 (Wooden Division) – east facing section of trench. ............................................... 34
Plate 8. Area 2 (Well) – facing north. Photograph showing final excavation depth. Utilities trench(foreground) showing recent disturbance to the area............................................................ 37
Plate 9. Area 2 (Well) – east facing section of trench. Shows garden soil overlaying older layers
characterised by presence of crushed limestone. ................................................................. 37
Plate 10. Area 5 (Metalled Road) – facing south east. Possible limestone metalled road (009)
indicated with red arrow. Refuse pit in western section of trench. ....................................... 40
Plate 11. Area 5 (Metalled Road) – facing west. Trench after removal of limestone layer (009) tosterile deposit (010). Refuse pit (008) located in western most section of trench................ 40
Plate 12. Area 5 (Metalled Road) – east facing section of trench. Crushed limestone layer (009)
indicated by red arrow. Refuse pit (008) with dense bone deposit shown to right of photo. . 41
Plate 13. Area 5 (Metalled Road) – south facing section of trench. Crushed limestone layer (009)
possibly original metalled road shown clearly in stratigraphy................................................ 41

FIGURES
Figure 1. Location of Fremantle Prison, Western Australia.............................................................. 5
Figure 2. Fremantle Prison parade ground site plan and proposed development footprint............. 6
Figure 3. Archaeological features identified within the parade ground development area by Bavin(1990 a & b). ............................................................................................................................ 8
Figure 4. Fremantle Prison parade ground: potentially significant archaeological features andexcavation trenches. .............................................................................................................. 10
Figure 5. Plan showing structures Fremantle Prison in 1856 (Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle Capt. R.E [Wray] 1856). Arrow indicates location of wooden division................................... 15
Figure 6. Plan showing structures Fremantle Prison in 1855 with well locations to 1857 (Royal
Engineers' Office Fremantle - Capt. R.E [Wray] 1856). Well 1 located in Parade Grounddevelopment area. ................................................................................................................. 17
Figure 7. Electrical site plan Fremantle Prison showing structures just south of well (Fremantle
Prison Conservation & Future Use [Project] 1990a). Location of well indicated by arrow. ... 19
Figure 8. Area 1 (Wooden Division) stratigraphic sequence (Appendix 1). ................................... 30
Figure 9. Area 3 (Wooden Division) stratigraphic sequence (Appendix 1) .................................... 33
Figure 10. Area 2 (Well) stratigraphic sequence (Appendix 1) ...................................................... 36
Figure 11. Area 5 (Metalled Road) stratigraphic sequence (Appendix 1). ..................................... 39
Figure 12. Fremantle Prison parade ground: revised location of potential archaeological features
and areas of archaeological sensitivity. ................................................................................. 45

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

3

eureka archaeological research and consulting

INTRODUCTION
Fremantle Prison is located in the City of Fremantle, Western Australia (Figure 1). It was operating asa prison from 1859 through to 1991. Currently the site is managed with the Department of Housing
and Works (DHW) and is managed as a nationally significant heritage site with multiple usages suchas tourist destination, museum with collections, function venue, accommodation for offices, andaccommodation for museum workers. Eureka Archaeological Research and Consulting (Eureka)
have been engaged by Palassis Architects, on behalf of DHW, to undertake an archaeologicalassessment of the Fremantle Prison parade ground, in light of a proposed re-development of thearea.

Fremantle Prison is listed on a number of local, state and federal heritage registers; including theRegister of Heritage Places, National Heritage Register, Register of the National Estate, City ofFremantle – Municipal Heritage Inventory, National Trust of Western Australia. At the time of writing
this report it is also part of a consortium of convict-era heritage sites forming a national bid for World
Heritage Listing.

The proposed redevelopment of the parade ground is part of a wider master plan that aims to
improve functionality of the space within Fremantle Prison, at the same time as enhancing andconserving the site’s historical integrity (Figure 2). As part of this plan it is expected that some form ofground disturbance will take place within the parade ground. This disturbance has the potential toimpact upon known and unknown subsurface archaeological features and deposits.

The results of the excavation and report are intended to help guide the next stage of design andproject outcomes, so that impacts to this archaeological resource are either mitigated or kept to aminimum. Recommendations and advice are also provided in the event that archaeological material
or features are encountered during future ground disturbance works. Meetings to discuss theoutcomes have been ongoing throughout the life of the project.
thEureka conducted test excavations within the parade ground on the following dates: 14 - 15 and22ndAugust and 2

nd

th

th

- 6 and 13 October 2008. The areas chosen for excavation were based upon

the preliminary GIS model identifying potential archaeological features, background research and thelocation of the proposed development (Eureka 2008 a & b) (Figure 4). These areas are as follows:•

Area 1. Wooden Division•

Area 2. Well•

Area 3. Wooden Division•

Area 5. Metalled Road

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

4

Figure 2: Fremantle Prison Development Boundary

00

40
40

metresmetresLegendCreated on the 28.01.2009 by
eureka archaeological researchand consulting UWA
Map data provided by
MapData Sciences & City Of Fremantle
UTM MGA94 Zone 50K

First Development Boundary
Development Boundary

80
80

eureka archaeological research and consulting

PROJECT SUMMARY
A staged approach has been used to assess the archaeological potential of the prison parade
ground. Prior to undertaking the archaeological excavation, a GIS predictive model and historicalbackground of the parade ground was undertaken (Eureka 2008 a & b).

Stage 1.

GIS Predictive Model and Desktop Review

Stage 2.

Historical Background ResearchStage 3.

Excavation

This report discusses the results of the excavation with reference to these earlier stages. The originalreports for Stage 1 and Stage 2 should be reviewed for a more detailed account.

STAGE 1.
The aim of the GIS predictive model (Stage 1) was to identify potentially significant archaeologicalfeatures or deposits that may be disturbed during the development of the parade ground and develop
preliminary strategies and procedures to mitigate any destruction of these features prior to any
proposed development. This assessment of archaeological potential was based upon a sample ofeight available site plans (c. 1858-1990) and the past archaeological assessment conducted at
Fremantle Prison, Bavin (1990 a & b).

Only one known prior archaeological excavation has taken place within the parade ground (Bavin1990 b). As part of this process Bavin produced an archaeological zoning plan (1990a) which divided
the prison into areas of predicted archaeological sensitivity (Figure 3):•

Zone A: areas of high archaeological sensitivity. Research indicated that these areas
may contain archaeological remains in the form of building foundations, stores, amenities,
services and associated cultural artefacts. Such areas are likely to have high historical andarchaeological value in relation to the history of the prison;•

Zone B: areas of medium archaeological sensitivity. Research indicated that these areas
may contain archaeological remains of less research potential and significance than those inZone A i.e. minor structures adjoining substantial buildings, artificial landfill, garden plots andless predictable deposits within yards and parade areas ;and•Zone C: areas of little or no archaeological sensitivity. These areas have little of nopotential for archaeological remains. These areas were places of little concentrated activity,
and were where no substantial buildings were constructed as based upon historical
documentary evidence.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

7

eureka archaeological research and consulting

This zoning plan was based upon historical research only and is to be used as a predictive tool for
determining the potential location of archaeological features. Excavation and/or development of theseareas has the opportunity to further define the archaeological characteristics of the prison.

Figure 3. Archaeological features identified within the parade ground development area by Bavin(1990 a & b).

During this research, Bavin identified eight potential archaeological features within the parade grounddevelopment area. Four were investigated for archaeological remains (Table 1).
Structure

Date

Zone

Extent of Excavations

OutcomeTunnels/Drains

1854

B/C

No Excavation

NA

Wooden Division

1856

A

1 trench 1 m

Cisterns (south)

1857

A

5 trenches either 1 m or 1x2
m

Proposed Metalled Road

1862

A

1 trench 1 m

Parade Area

1862

B

No Excavation

NA

Grass and Shrubs

1862

B

No Excavation

NA

Incinerator

1900

A

2 trenches 1 m

Laundry and Ablution Block

1950

C

No Excavation

2

Not Located22

LocatedNot Located2

Not Located
NA

Table 1. Archaeological features and structures identified by Bavin (1990 a & b) within the parade
ground.
Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

8

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Whilst undertaking research into identifying potential features within the parade ground for Stage 1 ofthis project, it became evident that further documentary evidence and archaeological excavation
would be required in order to gain a clearer understanding of the nature of the archaeological deposit
2

within the parade ground. Bavin’s excavations were minimal (i.e. only two 1 m test pits wereexcavated within the present study area) and had limited success in identifying the locationarchaeological features. A review of the historical plans also highlighted discrepancies in the locationof some features. More recent disturbance and/or destruction of archaeological features may also
have occurred as a result of the prison’s continued use until 1990 and it’s more recent development
as a tourist destination.

Based upon the available information six potential archaeological features were identified within theparade ground development area as part of the GIS predictive model (Figure 4):•

Well in front of the South Main Cell Block (c.1858)•

Wooden Division (c.1856)•

Stone Shed (c.1890)•

Proposed Metalled Roads (c.1862)•

Parade Area (incl. Officers Shelter Shed c.1908) & Grass and Shrubs (c.1862)•

Incinerator and associated rubbish deposits (c.1900)

STAGE 2.
Stage 2 of the project involved further detailed historical research into the identified archaeologicalfeatures within the parade ground. This involved reviewing, where possible, all the primaryresources identified by Bavin (1990 a & b), as well as additional sources. The aim of undertaking
this additional research was to attempt to clarify discrepancies relating to the location ofarchaeological features, as well as to obtain further information relating to these potential physicalremains and their relationship to the history of the use of Fremantle Prison.
A detailed account of the findings provided in the Stage 2 report are repeated in the historicalbackground chapter of this report (Eureka 2008 b).

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

9

Figure 4: Trench Location & Predicted Archaeological Features57

6
TrenchTrench A5
A52
TrenchTrench A2
A2

1

TrenchTrench A1
A1

TrenchTrench A3
A3

4
3
00

25
25

metresmetresLegendDevelopment Boundary Predicted Archaeological Features
Created on the 28.01.2009 by
eureka archaeological researchand consulting UWA
Map data provided by
MapData Science & OpenStreetMap
UTM MGA94 Zone 50K

Wooden Division
Well

Trench locations

Parade Area
GardenMetalled Road
Incinerators
Shed

50
50

eureka archaeological research and consulting

BACKGROUND INFORMATIONHERITAGE STATUS
A number of legislative and non-statutory frameworks exist within Australia to help protect andconserve items of cultural heritage significance. These have applications at a national, state and local
level; how and if they apply to specific heritage items will depend on each sites individual significanceassessment. Fremantle Prison is considered significant at a local, state and national level. As such it
is listed on the following heritage registers:

Heritage RegisterID

StatusLegislation

Application

Register of Heritage Places

01014

Current

Heritage of Western Australia Act
1990

State

National Heritage List

105762

ListedEnvironment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999

National

Register of the National Estate

10570

Registered

Environment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999

National

City of Fremantle – Municipal
Heritage Inventory (MHI)-

ListedHeritage of Western Australia Act
1990

Local

National Trust of Western
Australia-

Listed-Local

Table 2: Heritage listings: Fremantle Prison

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT
Full significance assessments of the Fremantle Prison complex are provided in each of therespective heritage listings identified above (Table 2). A summary of the key values associated with
Fremantle Prison are provided here:

Fremantle Prison, constructed 1852 – 1859, is an important example of nineteenth century convict
establishment in Western Australia. It represents a major component of the British convict system inAustralia. It is unique in its continued use as a prison until 1991, representing 133 years ofcontinuous use as a prison. The site …

’…contains major evidence of the physical apparatus of an imperial convict public
works establishment and of its adaptation for subsequent colonial use. The
establishment is the most intact such complex in Australia. The prison is theoutstanding symbol of the period in which WA was developed using convict labour.
The austere and monumental quality of the longest and tallest cell range inFremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

11

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Australia is set in a precinct characterised by a homogeneity of form, materials,
texture and colour make it a landmark feature of Fremantle’ (Place No: 01014,
Heritage Council of Western Australia 2008).

Fremantle Prison also has a strong association with the persons who left their mark on its fabric ormade an impact on its discipline and reputation such as Jebb (Surveyor General of the [English]
Prisons, Henderson (Comptroller General of Convicts), Wray (Acting Comptroller General), Manning(Clerk of Works in the Royal Engineer Office), Fitzgerald and Hampton (Governors), Lefroy, Stone,
George and Hann (Superintendants) as well as sappers, miners, artisans, pensioners and theprisoners. Fremantle Prison has considerable research and education potential, its’ integrity,
authenticity and rich material culture (including historical and archaeological) offers insight into theconvict experience throughout the imperial, colonial and state periods. Fremantle Prison contributes
to Fremantle’s current sense of place in its physical, social and cultural dimensions.

PLANNING DOCUMENTATION
The following are a list of existing planning documents associated with the conservation andprotection of Fremantle Prison. The management outcomes identified in each of these documents
have implications on any proposed development planned within the Fremantle Prison site:•

Kerr, J. S. 1992, Fremantle Prison. A Policy for its Conservation•

Building Management Authority. 1992, Fremantle Prison Conservation and Future Use.

•

Bavin, L. 1990, Fremantle Prison Conservation and Future Use: Archaeological Zoning Planof the Prison Compound.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

12

eureka archaeological research and consulting

HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDFREMANTLE PRISONThe Fremantle Prison site functioned as the central convict establishment in Western Australia. Uponits construction (1852 – 1859) it was utilised as a public works prison, convict distribution depot,
convict workshop and the main site of Imperial convict administration in Western Australia. The site
was designed by Captain Henderson, Comptroller General of the Swan River Colony and was
located on a raised coastal limestone scarp clearly visible from the sea. The imposing building
dominated the town of Fremantle in the early nineteenth century. The prison complex is bound by thepresent street system of Hampton Road, Fothergill Street, Knutsford Street and The Terrace. The
complex occupies some 12 acres (4.86 ha) of land and Bavin identified 23 substantial extant
structures within the prison walls at the time of its closure as a prison in the 1990’s (1990 b).

Following changes to the penal code in Britain, transportation ceased and convicts were no longer
sent to the colonies to serve out their sentences. Western Australia was the last colony to receive
convicts; the last convict transport ship sailed to Western Australia in October 1867. At this timeFremantle Prison passed into the control of the colonial government, where it became the Colony’s
and later State’s primary place of incarceration (Place ID 105762 National Heritage List). The siteremained in use as a prison until 1991. Most recently the site has been reused as a popular tourist
attraction.

A full historical account of Fremantle Prison is provided in a number of other sources. For the
purposes of this report only potential archaeological features identified within the Fremantle Prison
parade ground development area are discussed in detail below (Bavin 1990 a & b, Kerr 1992, BMA
1992). A summary of key historical dates for Fremantle Prison are as follows (Table 3):

Event

Date

Construction began on an Imperial Convict Establishment

1852

First convict occupation of the prison

1855

Cessation of convict transportation to Western Australia

1867

Imperial Convict Establishment is renamed Fremantle Prison

1867

Transfer of prison management to colonial government

1886

First female prisoners

1886

Use as a military gaol and internment centre during both World Wars

World War I and World War II

Female prisoners moved out of Fremantle Prison

1970

Fremantle Prison closed as a prison

30 November 1991

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

13

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Event

Date

Establishment of Fremantle Prison Trust

1992

Fremantle Prison becomes a tourist attraction

1992

Table 3. Key historical dates for Fremantle Prison.

PARADE GROUND
Wooden Division
The first evidence from the primary documents, referring to the wooden division erected at theFremantle Prison, is a detailed description of a wooden building erected at the temporary depot inSouth Fremantle. The report states that due to‘the arrival of the two ships, “Robert Small” and “Phoebe Dunbar,” with nearly
600 men, it became necessary to increase the accommodation. A woodenbuilding, 110 feet long, 20 feet wide, on plates, weather-boarded on sides,
shingled on battens, and floored, with ship’s fittings, was erected in September[1853] in the yard of the present temporary depot. It affords accommodation for
176 men, in two tiers of hammocks. Being built on plates, it can be removed on
the expiration of the lease of the present depot’ (Royal Engineers' OfficeFremantle - Lieut. R.E [Wray] 1855: 196). A report for the period ending June
1855 suggests the structure described above was moved to the Fremantle
Prison site; ‘the wooden building put up in 1853, for the “Robert Small” and“Phoebe Dunbar” prisoners, has been cut into short lengths, and carried to the
new site. It affords, as before, accommodation for 176 men’. (Royal Engineers'
Office Fremantle - Capt. R.E [Wray] 1856: 208).

Plans appended to the same volume confirm the location and capacity of the wooden division (Royal
Engineers' Office Fremantle - Capt. R.E [Wray] 1856).

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

14

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Figure 5. Plan showing structures Fremantle Prison in 1856 (Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle Capt. R.E [Wray] 1856). Arrow indicates location of wooden division.

The description above indicates the wooden division was ‘on plates’ so it could be easily removed(Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Lieut. R.E [Wray] 1855: 196) confirming that it was a very
temporary structure. This would suggest there will be limited physical evidence of such a structure
remaining. However there is the potential for archaeological material relating to the period it was
occupied to remain in situ.

It is unknown exactly when the wooden division was dismantled and removed. However, in in
September 1856 a ‘large tent [was] erected in the prison yard for the accommodation of prisoners
ex “Runnymede,” capable of holding 160 men, on a boarded floor’ (Royal Engineers' OfficeFremantle - Clerk of Works [Manning] 1857: 63; Superintendent's Office Fremantle Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Dixon] 1859: 31). The tent was removed by February 1857 and
it is stated that ‘no necessity will again arise for……temporary accommodation in the mannerreferred to’ due to the ‘completion of two new wards’ (Superintendent's Office Fremantle Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

15

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Dixon] 1859: 31). There is no mention of the wooden division
but this would suggest it was no longer in use at this time.

No specific information was located that described the levelling and/or building up of the garden bed
area where the wooden division was situated but it is assumed the area would have been level
enough for the wooden division to have been erected in 1855. By at least 1896 it is shown as‘terraced’ (Public Works Department 1896) and this may have been completed in 1862 when theparade ground was being ‘reformed’ (Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Lefroy] 1862a: 305). It is
probable the area leading to the southern prison wall is close to bedrock as can be seen at the baseof the wall itself. However, it may have been necessary to raise it above this somewhat to make itsuitable for planting. A photograph reproduced in Bosworth (2004: 71) shows planting on the rise at
the southern end by c.1909 but it can not be ruled out that this terracing was a product of quarrying
stone during the construction of the prison and the wooden division was erected on top of this in
1855 (Plate 1).

Two known intrusions in the area of the wooden division are visible on plans. These are a ‘4" ironscour pipe’ leading from the reservoir on the southern knoll, probably constructed by at least 1879 forthe supply of shipping at the Port (Penal Commission 1899: Plan 1; Superintendent Fremantle Prison[Unknown] 1879: 583). Reticulation is also shown at this location in a plan dated 1922/1935 (orperhaps as late as 1942) (Public Works Department 1922 [1935]). If the current terracing was close
to its present location in 1855 other intrusions may include the turning over of earth for the purpose ofgardening and levelling the area during the last 150 years.

Well c. 1852th

A report by Wray detailing works carried out during the half year ending 30 June 1852 describes awell (Figure 4 – Well 1) approx 40 feet deep having been..

‘…sunk through the rock at the permanent depot site, requiring little or nosteening, and affording a plentiful supply of water for the works and for drinking,and will, I have little doubt, be nearly sufficient for the supply of the intended
establishment’ (Le Page 1986: 70; Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle Lieutenant R.E [Wray] 1853: 213).

Although there is no mention of where the well is located, a plan of the Prison, dated 1855, shows
three wells within the boundary walls (Figure 4). One of these (Figure 4 – Well 2) is described as
being sunk in the six months ending 30th June 1855, ‘two washing sheds have been erected in rearof the prison, and a well, 45 feet deep, sunk through the rock convenient to them’(Royal Engineers'
Office Fremantle - Capt. R.E [Wray] 1856: 207). This would confirm this well is not the one referred toin 1852.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

16

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Further wells are described in the half yearly report of works in the Fremantle District, for the sixstmonths ending 31 Dec 1856 – ‘two wells have been sunk, one for the use of the north wing of theprison (Figure 4 – Well 3), to about 50 feet deep, the other for making mortar…..outside the boundary
wall….[t]hese wells are cut in the solid rock….[t]wo other wells are also in the course of sinking for
the workshops and baths, each in the vicinity of the building they are intended to supply’ (Royal
Engineers' Office Fremantle - Clerk of Works [Manning] 1857: 63). Two of these, the bath house well
(Figure 4 – Well 5) and workshops well (Figure 4 – Well 4), are again mentioned in the report for thehalf year ending June 30 1857 (Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Clerk of Works [Manning] 1859a:
51) and again in December 1857 (Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Clerk of Works [Manning]
1859b: 110). Although these wells are not indicated on plans at this time the locations of those
directly associated with ‘the building[s] they are intended to supply’ (Royal Engineers' OfficeFremantle - Clerk of Works [Manning] 1857: 63) can be assumed. The well sunk ‘for the use of thenorth wing of the prison’ (Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Clerk of Works [Manning] 1857: 63) isassumed to be the only northern well shown on the 1856 plan (Figure 4 – Well 3).

Figure 6. Plan showing structures Fremantle Prison in 1855 with well locations to 1857 (Royal
Engineers' Office Fremantle - Capt. R.E [Wray] 1856). Well 1 located in Parade Ground developmentarea.

By a process of elimination it may be suggested that the well in the Parade Ground Development
area is the earliest, sunk in 1852. All other wells shown on plans can be accounted for. The wellwould have been central to the major works and the secondary source Water, Walls & Yards also

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

17

eureka archaeological research and consulting

states that the first well is believed to have been in the south west area of the parade ground(Fremantle Prison Conservation & Future Use [Project] 1990b: 2.2.01).

Unfortunately no information regarding the stopping of this well was located. It appears on plans for
1855 (Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Capt. R.E [Wray] 1856) but not on any dated c.1890(Penal Commission 1899 ; Public Works Department 1896). The paucity of plans for the intervening
period makes it difficult to pinpoint a date. It is possible that when the water supply system was
expanded in the late 1870s, particularly after completion of the long jetty in 1873 increased the needto supply more water for ships (Le Page 1986: 157; Western Australian Legislative Council [Hon M.
Fraser] 1875: 29), this well became obsolete and was filled in. However, a reference in the Votes andProceedings to the water tank constructed to supply shipping at Fremantle suggests the tank was
supplemented during the dry season by water pumped from wells (Western Australian Legislative
Council [Hon M. Fraser] 1875: 29). A reference to pumping water (by hand) for a large tank for the
supply of shipping at the port appears in an 1879 report, so the tank and pipes to the port must havebeen constructed by this time and the well was potentially still in use for this purpose (Superintendent
Fremantle Prison [Unknown] 1879: 583). Bavin (1990 [February]: 2.2.23) suggests the cisterns on thesouthern knoll were constructed in 1857. However, a return to the cited source provides evidence
that the cisterns referred to were those associated with the bath house east of the main building(Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Clerk of Works [Manning] 1859b: 110) and the Water, Walls andYards report also gives an 1876 date for the completion of the cisterns on the south knoll (Fremantle
Prison Conservation & Future Use [Project] 1990b: 2.2.04). Further research may provide moredetails.

Information from plans suggests the well (1852) was positioned approximately 47 feet (14.3 m) fromthe southernmost corner of the front main cell block and then at a 90 degree angle, 82 feet (24.9 m),from the front of main cell block south. Its diameter was approximately 1.4 m (Public Works
Department c.1857/1858 ; Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Capt. R.E [Wray] 1856). A sewerageand drainage plan dated 1899 places an inspection chamber in this approximate location 55 feet
(16.7 m) from the southernmost corner of the front main cell block and 75 feet (22.8 m) west at a 90
degree angle to the front of the cell block (Penal Commission 1899: Plan 2). Georeferencing of thisplan places the inspection chamber at 13.5m from the south corner and 21.9 m at a 90 degree angle
to its centre. The dimensions are shown on plans as 4.3 x 4.3 Feet (1.3 x 1.3 m). These
measurements would indicate that if the inspection chamber was constructed as per the plans, thewell - just west of this location - would have been missed. However, on-site surveys confirmed thatthe inspection chamber was actually positioned approximately 3.5 m north of the position shown onplans and is unlikely to have impacted on the well at all.

Other potential intrusions within the well’s approximate location include a number of small structures
shown on plans just south of the well’s location and a path leading to them from the east after at least1980 (Fremantle Prison Conservation & Future Use [Project] 1990b). The functions of thesestructures are not labelled on most plans but the larger northernmost of the structures is indicated toFremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

18

eureka archaeological research and consulting

be a store on a 1987 plan, while the others are not yet shown (Building Management Authority ofWestern Australia 1987). An electrical plan from 1990 shows these structures with a ‘garden party
distribution board’ (eastern structure) and a ‘laundry main switchboard’ (western structure) so theirfunctions at this time can be assumed (Fremantle Prison Conservation & Future Use [Project] 1990a)

Figure 7. Electrical site plan Fremantle Prison showing structures just south of well (Fremantle
Prison Conservation & Future Use [Project] 1990a). Location of well indicated by arrow.

Metalled Roads
There are a number of descriptions in the primary, and secondary documents, of limestone rubble
resulting from quarrying stone at the Fremantle Prison site being used in road building (Le Page
1986: 65; Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Lieutenant R.E [Wray] 1853: 214). The Foreman ofWorks, Fremantle, suggests stone (limestone presumably) from the excavation of the rifle range wasbrought to the Prison to be broken into road metal (Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Unknown]
1879: 583), Wray suggests the same is used for constructing the main approach to the prison withtips (of stone) at the back and front of the Chaplain’s house to be used for the road along the front of
the buildings (Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Lieut. Royal Engineers [Wray] 1854: 253)
Photographic evidence suggests the roads were similarly positioned to their present routes andmetalled with limestone in c.1909 (Plate 1) and remained in this state until 1935 (Plate 2).

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

19

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Plate 1. Photograph of interior Fremantle Prison reproduced in Bosworth (2004: 71)

Plate 2. Oblique photograph of Fremantle Prison (Gore 1935)

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

20

eureka archaeological research and consulting

General correspondence files dating to 1948 suggest that ‘portions of the roadways in the Gaol andexercise yards have been bitumenised [but that there is] still a large amount of roadway still requiring
to be bitumenised’ then it is further mentioned that at present most of the roadways within the prison
are surfaced with limestone or earth (Chief Secretary's Department 1949). This is further
corroborated by an aerial photograph from 1948 (Landgate 1948). In March 1963 a note to theSuperintendent suggests no action as yet had been taken with respect to Prison roads (Chief
Secretary's Department 1963) which may be due to concerns regarding drainage raised during
discussions of the matter in 1949 (Chief Secretary's Department 1949).

All of the above information suggests that the roads within the prison parade ground were initiallymetalled (surfaced) using limestone rubble and it is probable that when the prison parade area wasbeing ‘reformed’ in approximately 1862, roads were included in this process (Superintendent
Fremantle Prison [Lefroy] 1862a: 305). A reference to road construction in 1862 suggests theprincipal road was placed ‘along and levelled to the entire front of the Prison’ (Superintendent
Fremantle Prison [Lefroy] 1862b: 179). No other evidence i.e. plans, were located to support theslightly deviated route of the southern end of the main central road as shown in Bavin (1990[February]) besides this quote and it is probable she depicted it on plans in the 1990 report due to thesuggestion it was ‘levelled’ to the front of the Prison (Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Lefroy]
1862b: 179). It is more probable the main internal road of the Prison maintained a similar route to thatwhich it follows today. In the source Bavin cites, the Superintendent requests that he is sanctioned to‘make a wide metalled road along and levelled to the entire front of the Prison, and sweeping aroundthe north and south [ends?] of it to the Hospital and the Blacksmith’s shop respectively’…..to maketwo other short roads leading at right angles from the abovementioned principal road to the woodstack and to the cookhouse respectively’ (Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Lefroy] 1862b: 179).
This reference to ‘sweeping around to the south’ (Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Lefroy] 1862b:
179) would seem to agree with the current physical evidence. The current physical evidence and the
documentary sources would also suggest that at some point between 1963 and the present day theroads were bitumened.

Parade Area & Grass and Shrubs
The Fremantle Prison Superintendent’s letterbook refers to prisoners being ‘employed during the lastmonth in raising and breaking stone to reform the Prison parade ground’ (Superintendent Fremantle
Prison [Lefroy] 1862a: 305) and an earlier letter states…

‘…both of the smaller Division yards and the great yard of this Establishment[remain in an] an unfinished state…..the levelling, flooring, concreting, roadmaking, grass and shrub planting which are all requisite or desirable in different
portions of the yards…..[he suggests these] improvements of our internal state
and appearance might be gradually affected in an (?) manner, and without
detriment to the supply of labour for the public works generally,….. [Prisoners

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

21

eureka archaeological research and consulting

could

be

employed]inthegradualaccomplishment

of

these

improvements…..The particular improvements which I solicit authority to carry out
in this way are the following…..‘plant with grass and shrubs the whole of theremaining portions of the front yard, except a portion north, north side of thechapel and contained between the line of the proposed principal road and thenorthern half of the prison, which will be required for (assembling?) and parading
the prisoners on’ (Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Lefroy] 1862b: 178-179).

Although the above quote suggests the area directly in front of the north main cell block is included it
takes in a greater proportion of the area for both the Parade Ground and the Garden and Shrubs. A
plan in, Water, Walls & Yards (Fremantle Prison Conservation & Future Use [Project] 1990b)
suggests that garden areas were established at either side of the parade area’s main entry gate by1930 and the parade area is shown to be more centrally located i.e. in the road itself. This is partly
corroborated by the c. 1909 photograph which shows shrubs just inside and to the north of theparade gate (Bosworth 2004: 71 see Plate 1). No plans located to date show a garden area in front of
the south main cell block and photographic evidence from both c.1909 (Bosworth 2004: 71) and 1935
(Gore 1935) demonstrate that this area was clear. Subsurface archaeological evidence may still belocated to support the existence of these features, however it is also possible that the proposed
garden and shrub planting of the larger part of the great yard was never undertaken and the ‘paradearea’ was simply left clear rather than constructed for this purpose.

The current state of the Parade Ground appears to have been constructed after 1963. The roads
were bitumenised at some point after this and the grass areas, as they appear today i.e. raised andlined with modern bricks, are likely to have been a post-c.1970/80 event. The photograph from 1935
(Gore 1935) suggests the grass areas are level with the road or only slightly raised (Plate 2). Further
research, and an examination of the physical evidence, will likely resolve the date for the raised grass
bed construction.

Shelter Shed
Construction of a timber, glass and cement shelter shed on the Prison parade ground in 1908 was
confirmed (Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Jarvis] Officer in Charge of Works 1908: 118) but the
specific location of the one mentioned in this source is unknown. The c. 1909 photograph of theprison parade ground (Plate 1) shows two shelter sheds and a rotunda west of the main roadway.
The shelter shed described by Bavin, and referred to in the primary documents, is probably one ofthose in the photograph though only the rotunda is shown on a 1919 plan (Government ElectricalEngineer 1919).

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

22

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Laundry and Ablution Block
Plans for a new laundry/ablution block first appear in 1950 and research confirmed the former
location of the structure, just inside the parade ground south of the main reception complex as it
appears in Bavin (1990 [February] ; Chief Secretary's Department 1949), was confirmed. Further
research indicated the block was completed in September 1964 and was constructed from timber,iron and asbestos (Chief Secretary's Department 1949 ; 1963).

Drains/Tunnels
th

The half yearly report of works in the Fremantle District for the six months ending 30 June 1855
states…

‘…tunnels of the drains commenced last year have been driven up to theprison….cesspits in the flats have been made good…… [and have been]
purposely sunk into rock, to avoid the expense of lining them with masonry’(Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Capt. R.E [Wray] 1856: 207).

These are the main drains shown on the earliest plans running from each end of the main cell block
under the west wall of the prison. Although their actual depth has yet to be determined, they aredescribed as ‘tunnels’ so are presumably at a reasonable depth beneath the surface.

A Penal Commission Report published in the Votes and Proceedings 1899 includes a plan showingth

the drainage and sewage conditions in the Fremantle Prison on 7 September 1898 and proposes a
new system (Penal Commission 1899). The comments of J.P. Bedforth ‘a sanitary engineer of large
experience’ are included in the appendix and it is probable the new system, with a few alterations assuggested by Bedforth, was completed at approximately this time (Penal Commission 1899: 78-80).
The plans indicate that the old 6' x 3' drainage tunnels discussed above are to be stopped and a new
drainage system established (Penal Commission 1899: Plan No. 2). If old drainage pipes have been
removed it is likely that only limited physical evidence may be identified during the course of theparade ground development. However, as found during other ground disturbance works within theFremantle Prison complex, it is also possible that many of these sub-surface features still remain(Eureka Archaeological Research and Consulting UWA 2008 [June] ; Fleming, Morse & Paterson
2008 [June]).

Bedforth suggests that surface drains should be avoided wherever possible (Penal Commission
1899: 78-79) so the drainage system within the parade ground may be far enough below the surface
that limited ground disturbance will not encounter this infrastructure. If more extensive ground
disturbance is planned e.g. for service trenches, this may encounter early drainage infrastructure.
Although discussed above it is worth mentioning again here that by 1879 prisoners were pumping
water for a large tank for the supply of shipping at the Port so the cisterns on the southern knoll,Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

23

eureka archaeological research and consulting

possibly another tank, and pipes to the port had been constructed by this time (Superintendent
Fremantle Prison [Unknown] 1879: 583). Again the depth of this infrastructure is unknown but plansshow a 4" iron ‘scour pipe’ leading from the reservoir on the southern knoll (Penal Commission 1899:
Plan No. 1) and cutting across the former location of the wooden division.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

24

eureka archaeological research and consulting

PROJECT DESIGN AND METHODOLOGYMETHOD
Following detailed background research into the location of potential archaeological features within
the parade ground development area, a series of four targeted trench locations were chosen for
excavation (Figure 4). These trench locations were intended to confirm and document the presenceor absences of potential archaeological features identified during the background research; as wellas provide information on the depth of these features for future planning purposes. The excavation
process was designed to be as non-invasive as possible.

The location of the excavated trenches varied slightly from those initially suggested in the Stage 1
GIS predicative model report due to a number of factors, including time and budgetary constraints,
accessibility and the revision of findings following additional historical research (Table 4, Eureka 2008a & b). The size of the development area was also reduced and no longer included the southern most
portion of the prison (shed and incinerators were no longer in the study area.) The chosenorientation and location of the excavated trenches was designed to capture a cross section of each of
the key archaeological features identified during the background research.

Area

Area

(Stage1 )(excavation)

Potential Feature

Excavated

1

1

Wooden DivisionYes

3

Wooden Division

Yes

2

2

Well c. 1858

Yes

3

-

Incinerators

No – no longer in development area

4

-

Shed

No – no longer in development area

5

5

Metalled Road

Yes

6

-

GardenNo – due to time constraints and low
archaeological potential

7-

Parade GroundNo – historical evidence could not confirm
location of this feature as different from themain parade ground

Table 4. Trench areas excavated compared with those proposed in the initial GIS predictive model.

Prior to excavation the parade ground was inspected for working electrical and water infrastructureby using a remote sensing, handheld pipe and cable locator. For safety reasons, trenches weremoved to avoid impacting these areas. On site, trench locations were mapped out using handheld
metre tapes. Existing structures (i.e. south west corner of the main cell block, main cell block wall)
were used as common reference points for plotting the location of each trench. A small mechanicalexcavator and front loader were used to remove the grass/bitumen, topsoil and any modern fill inFremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

25

eureka archaeological research and consulting

each trench prior to excavation with handheld trowels and shovels. All mechanical earth removal wasmonitored by an archaeologist.

All trenches were excavated by hand using trowels and hand shovels. Where necessary, a geo-pick,
patiche, or a mattock was used to break up hard deposit. All deposit removed from exploratory
trenches was sieved with 6 mm and 3 mm screens. All artefactual material was bagged and labelledaccording to its trench, stratigraphic context and material type and retained for further analysis. A
sample of building materials and soils were also recorded.
The excavation was recorded using a Leica Total Station and digital camera. The survey plotted thelocation of artefactual concentrations, the spatial extent of features such as structural remains, and ofarchaeological excavations. This information was used to generate a site plan linked to other fieldrecords such as paper recording forms, digital photographic images and plans. Section drawings
indicative of the stratigraphy were made. Excavation units were recorded sequentially using thesingle context recording system and their stratigraphic relationships demonstrated using a Harris
Matrix (Appendix 1). Historical documents were used to assist in the interpretation of thearchaeological deposit.

Primary sorting of excavated material into classes of material (glass, ceramic etc.) occurred onsite during the excavations. It is recommended that the detailed post-excavation analysis ofsurvey data and excavated material could be conducted at by an Archaeology Honours student
for the University of Western Australia. This research would provide an enhanced version of thisreport submitted. Following analysis excavated material is intended to be returned to theFremantle Prison collection.

Members of the Combined Metropolitan Working Group, the local Aboriginal Native Title Claimants(Vanessa and Trina Corunna) were invited to attend each of the excavation days. Where materialof potential Aboriginal significance was identified during the excavation (i.e. a tooth), all workceased until it was possible to confirm that artefacts were not of Aboriginal significance or of humanorigin.

Area 1 and Area 3 (Wooden Division)
Area 1 and Area 3 (Wooden Division) was excavated on 2nd- 6th and 13th October 2008. On
consideration of historical data and accessibility of the area, the decision was made to excavate two
trenches in the hope of capturing archaeological evidence of the convict built Wooden Division (i.e.
structural or cultural materials). Historical sources suggested that the building was standing in thearea on government plans c. 1856 (Eureka 2008 b). The location of the trenches was intended tocapture the northern and southern extent of the structure and/or evidence of its use, as identified
from its location on relevant historical plans. The trenches were located in areas away from existing
electric/water infrastructure and other known disturbances which may have impacted upon thearchaeological deposit. The Area 1 trench (northern alignment) was 1 x 4 m. It was located in theFremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

26

eureka archaeological research and consulting

northern most grassed area on the southern terrace (Figure 4). The Area 3 trench (southernalignment) was 1 x 5 m. It was located in the southern section of grass, on the southern terrace andran parallel to the wire security fence line (Figure 4).

Area 2 (Well)
Area 2 (Well) was excavated on the 14 -15th and 22nd August 2008. The location of the trench wasintended to capture the c. 1852 well identified on relevant historical plans (Eureka 2008 b). The
trench was located in areas away from existing electric/water infrastructure and other known
disturbances which may have impacted upon the archaeological deposit. The Area 2 trench was 2 x
5 m and was located on the western grass area, in front of the south main cell block and north of theentrance into this cell block (Figure 4).

Area 5 (Metalled Road)
Area 5 (Metalled Road) was excavated on the 14 -15th and 22nd August 2008. The aim of this trench
placement was to locate the alignment of the original limestone metalled road, known to have beensituated within this general area from historical maps and sources (Eureka 2008 b). The trench was
located in areas away from existing electric/water infrastructure and other known disturbances which
may have impacted upon the archaeological deposit. The Area 5 trench was 2 x 6 m and was
located on the western grass area, in front of the south main cell block and south of the entrance into
this cell block. The trench was located partially over the current bitumen road and partially over thegrassed area (Figure 4). The bitumen was removed by mechanical excavator and front loader, whilst
being monitored by an archaeologist.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

27

eureka archaeological research and consulting

EXCAVATION TEAMTeam Member

Position

Institution

Alistair Patterson

Senior Archaeologist

University of Western Australia, Eureka
Archaeological Research and Consulting

Sarah Burke

Archaeologist

Eureka Archaeological Research andConsulting

Sean WinterArchaeologist

Eureka Archaeological Research andConsulting

Kelly Fleming

Archaeologist

Eureka Archaeological Research andConsulting

Illya Sparkes – Santos

Archaeologist

Eureka Archaeological Research andConsulting

Rebecca Yit

Archaeologist

Eureka Archaeological Research andConsulting

Jim Steadman

Archaeologist

Eureka Archaeological Research andConsulting

Shuan Mackey

Archaeologist

Eureka Archaeological Research andConsulting

Vanessa Corunna

Monitors

Combined Metropolitan Working Group

Trina Corunna

Monitors

Combined Metropolitan Working Group

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

28

eureka archaeological research and consulting

RESULTSThe results presented in this report provide a brief overview of the stratigraphic sequence and thefindings pertinent to the proposed development of the Fremantle Prison parade ground. Further
research into the artefactual assemblage collected during this excavation has the potential toprovide a more comprehensive understanding of the archaeology uncovered. It is recommended
that this is undertaken and a more detailed amended version of this report is produced. Figure 4
provides an outline of excavation trench location and predicted archaeological features. Figure
12. provides a revised plan of predicted archaeological features and areas of sensitivity based
upon the results of the excavation.

Area 5.
Area 2.
Area 1.

Area 3.
(left ofphoto)

Plate 3. Overview of Fremantle Prison parade ground and trench locations – facing north.

AREA 1 (WOODEN DIVISION)
Stratigraphy
Excavation of the Area 1 trench identified the following features:•

Turf (001) overlaying recent soil deposit (027) to a depth of 15 cm below the surface. Thisis likely to relate to more recent gardening activities.
Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

29

eureka archaeological research and consulting•

The northern extent of the trench revealed several layers (032, 033, 036, 037) of c. early
20th century cultural deposit which have been identified as successive episodes of
rubbish dumping off the edge of the terrace (between a depth 15 – 170 cm). Materials
identified in these layers included slate pencils, glass, ceramic, metal buttons, bone, atooth, leather and glass light bulbs.

•

The southern extent of the trench was much shallower than the northern and revealed asilty grey deposit, c. 1950’s (038) and a layer of mixed crushed limestone (039), at a
depth 15 - 35 cm below the surface.

•

The deposits within the southern extent of the trench correspond with those in the trenchin Area 3.

•

These deposits lay over sterile deposit of yellow/orange sand (040) considered to benatural deposit (depth 30 - 40 cm).

•

Areas of disturbance noted through the trench included the more recent installation of two
concrete footings (028, 035) to support a structure (no longer in situ) which occupied anarea along the northern section of the terrace.

A detailed stratigraphic sequence showing the results of the excavation is provided in Figure 8
Further stratigraphic information is provided in Appendix 1 and 2:

Figure 8. Area 1 (Wooden Division) stratigraphic sequence (Appendix 1).

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

30

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Plate 4. Area 1 (Wooden Division) - facing north. Stratigraphic context showing shallow limestone
bedrock (south end of trench) and deep layers of refuse dumping (north end of trench).

Plate 5. Area 1 (Wooden Division) – east facing section of trench. Layers of refuse dumping evident
in stratigraphy.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

31

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Summary
The current terrace consists of truncated bedrock overlain by a thin layer of topsoil in the central
parts of the terrace. No evidence was found during the excavation for the use and construction of
the wooden division, although it may well exist on the terrace in another location.
Given that historical evidence suggests the wooden division structure was a temporary wooden
structure built on ‘plates’, it may be that only limited physical evidence relating to the structure
remains. However, it is still possible that some archaeological material relating to the period
remains in situ and/or the actual location of the building was not within the boundaries of thecurrent excavation trenches.
Bedrock is largely absent along the terrace towards the parade ground (north); here layers ofrefuse constitute landfills (i.e. successive episodes of rubbish dumping) which have formed thecurrent topography (depth 15 – 170 cm). Artefactual material recovered from these layers datethfrom the late 19 C to mid 20th century. This suggests there are several metres of the terrace
wall facing the parade ground that have 20th century deposits. Any remaining evidence for the
wooden division is therefore likely to occur within the southern extent of the terrace (from a depthof 10 – 40 cm).
Some disturbance has also occurred along the terrace through gardening and turning over of soil,
installation of a structure with concrete footings, pathways, reticulation and electric and water
infrastructure.

AREA 3 (WOODEN DIVISION)
Stratigraphy
Excavation of the Area 3 trench identified the following features:•

Turf (001) overlaying recent soil deposit (027, 031) to a depth of 15 cm below the surface.
This is likely to relate to more recent gardening activities.

•

The deposits within this trench correspond with the deposits identified in the southern
section of the trench in Area 1.

•

A mixed deposit with some modern materials (031) overlays a layer of mixed crushedlimestone (030) at a depth 15- 35 cm below the surface. Some cultural material (c. 20th
century) was recorded in this layer.

•

Below these deposits a darker possibly humic soil was indentified along the southernedge of the trench (045) (depth of 20- 40 cm). This could possibly relate to an earlier
drainage feature, though no historic evidence of its presence has been identified to date.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

32

eureka archaeological research and consulting•

The limestone and humic deposits over lay two sterile deposits of yellow (040) and white(044) sands which are considered to be natural deposit (depth 30-40 cm).

•

Areas of disturbance noted through the trench included the more recent installation of
piping, and a modern disturbance in the northern extent of the trench which may
correspond with the excavation trench dug by Bavin (1990b).

A detailed stratigraphic sequence showing the results of the excavation is provided in Figure 9
Further stratigraphic information is provided in Appendix 1:

Figure 9. Area 3 (Wooden Division) stratigraphic sequence (Appendix 1)

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

33

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Plate 6. Area 3 (Wooden Division) – facing north. Photograph showing final excavation depth.

Plate 7. Area 3 (Wooden Division) – east facing section of trench.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

34

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Summary
The current terrace consists of truncated bedrock overlain by a thin layer of topsoil in the central
parts of the terrace. No evidence was found during the excavation for the use and construction of
the Wooden Division, although it may well exist on the terrace in another location.
Given that historical evidence suggests the wooden division structure was a temporary wooden
structure built on ‘plates’, it may be that only limited physical evidence relating to the structure
remains. However, it is still possible that some archaeological material relating to the period
remains in situ and/or the actual location of the building was not as shown in the early plans andtherefore not within the boundaries of the current excavation trenches.
The deposits uncovered in the Area 3 trench are similar to those recorded in the southern portionof the trench in Area 1. Bavin’s trench was also excavated nearby and the stratigraphy was
similar to that observed in this trench. Bavin was also unable to locate any trace of the wooden
division structure (1990b).
Some disturbance has also occurred along the terrace through gardening and turning over of soil,
installation of a structure with concrete footings, pathways, reticulation and electric and water
infrastructure. A modern disturbance in the northern extent of the trench may correspond with the
excavation trench dug by Bavin (1990b).

AREA 2 (WELL C.1852)
Stratigraphy
Excavation of the Area 2 trench identified the following features:•

Modern turf (001) overlays soil deposits (011) containing artefactual material (structural
material, timber, modern wiring, bone, slate and nails). The artefactual material is mostly
recent with some older material possibly being redeposited through the actions ofconstruction and demolition of buildings and other installations in the 20th century.

•

This area was the site of several laundry buildings and the upper areas of this excavation
trench may reflect these activities (011, 012and 023).

•

Underneath these more recent layers, were less artefact rich, mixed deposits (014, 021)
with some structural material (slate, old iron nails and crushed limestone).

•

These in turn overlay bedrock (022) at a depth of approximately 66 cm which occurs as alimestone outcrop with no associated yellow/orange sand, as was recorded in the trenchin nearby Area 5 (010).

•

At the far northern end of the trench, a limestone layer (020) similar in material andconstruction to one located in Area 5 (009) was partially revealed (depth 41 cm). This

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

35

eureka archaeological research and consulting

appears to overlay the older (possibly 19th century) redeposited soils (021) in some
sections of the trench. This evidence suggests that it is a cultural deposit such as a pathor hard surface. There is no map indicating a path/road in this area, however the majorityof plans fail to refer to the route of roads and paths.

A detailed stratigraphic sequence showing the results of the excavation is provided in Figure 10.
Further stratigraphic information is provided in Appendix 1:

Figure 10. Area 2 (Well) stratigraphic sequence (Appendix 1)

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

36

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Plate 8. Area 2 (Well) – facing north. Photograph showing final excavation depth. Utilities trench(foreground) showing recent disturbance to the area.

Plate 9. Area 2 (Well) – east facing section of trench. Shows garden soil overlaying older layers
characterised by presence of crushed limestone.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

37

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Summary
The c. 1852 well was not located during the excavation of Area 2. It should be noted that the
trench could not be dug in the preferred area immediately adjacent to Area 2, as remote sensing
revealed an electrical cable had been installed here. Based upon the stratigraphy found during
the excavation of the Area 2 trench it is suggested that the top of the well would be located at thedepth of the basal deposit, a maximum of 66 cm below the current ground level. The crushedlimestone layer (020) located in the far northern end of the trench at a depth of approximately 41
cm was identified as being a possible path or other hardened surface. There is historical evidence
to confirm this interpretation (Fleming 2008). Some disturbance has also occurred along theterrace through gardening and turning over of soil, installation of a structure with concrete
footings, pathways, reticulation and electric and water infrastructure.
If any construction was to occur in the area it should not go below a depth of more than 40 cm
below the current surface. If ground disturbance is to take place below this depth it is possiblethat archaeological material (i.e. the well) may be disturbed.

AREA 5 (METALLED ROAD)
Stratigraphy•

The turf (001) overlays recent soils (005, 007) which in turn overlay mixed deposits withina large pit (008). This pit was cut deep (+40 cm) into the basal yellow/orange sand (010).
The pit was full of historical waste, dominated by butchered animal bone (much of which
it cattle), as well as artefacts (clothing parts such as metal heels, buckles, eyelets;thcrockery; glass bottles semi-mould; charcoal). This cut was identified as a 19 century
rubbish pit (008).
•

The pit (008) is located adjacent to (and possibly cuts into) a compact limestone deposit(009) identified as the original road surface.

•

The crushed limestone deposit (009) is between 20 - 30 cm thick. This appears to be an
earlier road/parade ground surface. This deposit appears to follow the path of the current
road although the sample trench has only exposed an area of two metres.

•

The crushed limestone deposit (009) is located 10 -12 cm underneath the modern
bitumen surface (002, 003) and re-deposited soils (004, 006) which contain some cultural
materials (ceramic, glass, bone, boot heels, slate fragments, nails, bottle glass, light bulb
fragments).

•

The crushed limestone layer (009) overlays orange sand (010) and limestone bedrock(022), which are considered to be natural deposits.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

38

eureka archaeological research and consulting•

The excavation also exposed an old trench with a metal pipe in situ (depth approx 13 - 23cm), running in a general north south direction along the edge of the road. The trenchappears to have cut into the original compact limestone road surface (009).

A detailed stratigraphic sequence showing the results of the excavation is provided in

Figure11 Further stratigraphic information is provided in Appendix 1 and 2:

Figure 11. Area 5 (Metalled Road) stratigraphic sequence (Appendix 1).

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

39

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Plate 10. Area 5 (Metalled Road) – facing south east. Possible limestone metalled road (009)
indicated with red arrow. Refuse pit in western section of trench.

Plate 11. Area 5 (Metalled Road) – facing west. Trench after removal of limestone layer (009) to sterile
deposit (010). Refuse pit (008) located in western most section of trench.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

40

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Plate 12. Area 5 (Metalled Road) – east facing section of trench. Crushed limestone layer (009)
indicated by red arrow. Refuse pit (008) with dense bone deposit shown to right of photo.

Plate 13. Area 5 (Metalled Road) – south facing section of trench. Crushed limestone layer (009)
possibly original metalled road shown clearly in stratigraphy.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

41

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Summary
Background research suggests that compacted limestone surface uncovered in Area 5 may be
the original ‘metalled’ road surface (Fleming 2008). The earliest description of the proposed roadis 1862, which describes a road in front of and parallel to, the main cell black with two branches
extending along the north and south main cell blocks to the Hospital and Old Workshops(Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Lefroy] 1862:178 -179).The earliest photographic evidence forthe road dates to 1909; there are no details of roads in the main 19th and 20th century survey
maps (reproduced in Bosworth 2004:71; Fleming 2008). The alignment of the limestone surface
follows that of the current bitumen road (similar to the description above) and it is likely that thishas varied little over time.
Any development work deeper than 10 cm below the surface of the bitumen is likely to disturb theoriginal limestone road surface. It is also possible that the limestone road extends beyond thebitumen, under the current lawn area. This could not be confirmed as the refuse pit had cut into
the road, obscuring its original boundary alignment. Bavin excavated a trench immediately southof Area 5 whilst also attempting to locate the original metalled road surface (1990 b). The roadwas not located during her excavation and the stratigraphy from this earlier excavation trench
was closer in characteristics to that encountered in Area 2 (Well), rather than Area 5 (1990 b).
These findings also confirm the limestone metalled road is likely to follow an alignment similar tothe current bitumen road and not extend very far into the grassed area.
Historical photographs (c.1900), as well as evidence observed during the excavation indicate thatthe lawn area has been raised approx. 30 cm above the bitumen road level in the recent past. As
such any archaeological features within the grassed area are likely to be further below thesurface than the bitumen road
Some disturbance has also occurred within the area through gardening and turning over of soil,
digging of refuse pits, installation of pathways and electric and water infrastructure. These may
have impacted upon potential archaeological features in various ways. It should be noted thatsome activities may also represent archaeological information not recorded in the historical
record. For example, the nineteenth century pit and refuse dump excavated in this trench (008)
has the potential to inform on prison life (i.e. the program of waste dumping within the prison,
prison diet). It is possible that other refuse dumps may be encountered within the parade ground.

INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION
Archaeological excavations undertaken in the Fremantle Prison parade ground confirm that theprison complex is an archaeologically sensitive area across the site. No major structural buildings
are known to have been built within the parade ground area; however ancillary buildings andinfrastructure important to the operation of the prison are known to have existed. These cultural

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

42

eureka archaeological research and consulting

remains have the potential to inform on more than the architectural history of the prison,contributing to a holistic understanding of changing use of the prison over time.
The excavation was successful in locating the original limestone road that was installed along thefront of the main cell black. This road functioned as part of the necessary prison infrastructurethfrom the mid 19 century and would have been used by staff, prisoners and visitors alike. It is asignificant feature of the original parade ground layout. The continued use of the originalalignment up until the present day reinforces the necessary function of this main road within theprison. The use of limestone to create the road base confirms the historical records describing theuse of local materials in the construction of the prison wherever possible. This material would
have been a readily available and a cheap by-product of the building activities taking placethroughout Fremantle. Whilst primarily of a utilitarian function, this limestone road would havecontributed to the stark and austere aesthetic of the prison parade ground, reinforcing thedominance of the main cell block and its purpose as a place of incarceration and punishment.
Whilst not all potential archaeological features were located by the current excavation program(c.1852 well and wooden division were not uncovered), it is possible that such features still
remain in situ. Existing documentary evidence relating to the use of the parade ground is limited,and often contradictory when describing the construction and or demolition of specific features.
The findings of the excavation also confirm that prison activities not documented in the historicalresource were also taking place. For example, it appears that sections of the open areas of theprison were used for waste disposal. This was also confirmed by Bavin’s 1990 excavations
throughout the prison (1990 b).
Interestingly, other recent archaeological excavations within the Fremantle Prison complex havealso confirmed that many subsurface features (i.e. demolished structural features, old drainage
pipes) remain in situ (Eureka 2008 c).
The current test excavations confirm that the removal of any paving or turf has the potential toreveal archaeological deposits across the site. It is likely that in most grassed areas within theparade ground development area, modern turf overlays more recent soils initially, which in turnth

may overlay other, older 19 century archaeological features, such as paths, old drainage pipes,
other drainage features and rubbish deposits. The existing bitumen road is also likely to overlay
and correspond to the original limestone ‘metalled’ road alignment, which the excavation has
confirmed remains in situ.
Bedrock and/or sterile layers were recorded at different depths across the parade ground. In
areas where soil has been built up for lawn/gardening areas it is up to 60 cm below the current
surface, whereas the existing bitumen road is only approximately 35 cm above the sterile layer.
Along the southern terrace, successive episodes of waste dumping have artificially extended thenorthern face of the wall for approximately 2 m, with no bedrock observed. South of this, theFremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

43

eureka archaeological research and consulting

actual terrace has a shallow deposit, reaching bedrock at a depth of approximately 30 – 40cm
below the current surface.
Some disturbance to the integrity of the archaeological record was observed to have occurred
within the parade ground in the form of utility trenching, gardening activities, construction anddemolition of more recent auxiliary buildings. However these are area specific and do not appear
to impact significantly on the archaeological material/features identified to date. These activities
reinforce the continued use of the prison up until the very recent past and may be considered acontinuation of the prison timeline until its closure in the 1990’s.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

44

Figure 12: Archaeological Zoning Plan

00

35
35

metresmetresLegendCreated on the 28.01.2009 by
eureka archaeological researchand consulting UWA
Map data provided by
Map Data Sci & City of Fremantle
UTM MGA94 Zone 50K

Archaeological Zoning
Zone A
Zone B
Zone C

Development Boundary70
70

eureka archaeological research and consulting

PROJECT IMPACTS
The aim of this report is to input archaeological advice to the planning process, so that impacts to thecultural heritage are avoided or kept to a minimum. At the time of writing this report the Fremantle
Prison parade ground redevelopment project is currently in the planning stages, no design plans
have been assessed and as such it is not possible to determine specific impacts of development on
the archaeological heritage associated with the Fremantle Prison parade ground.

Test excavations completed to date indicate that while no major architectural features are likely to be
disturbed during the proposed works, other features such as ancillary infrastructure or cultural
material remains associated with the day to day use of the prison may be uncovered. The potential
archaeological features identified in the GIS model (Figure 4) may also still be in situ despite notbeing uncovered during the current excavation described here.

A revised archaeological zoning plan has been created based upon Bavin’s three zones ofarchaeological sensitivity and the results of the current excavation (1990a and b). It is intended that
this may provide some guidance on archaeological sensitivity of the parade ground (Figure 12).

In order to limit impacts to the archaeological cultural heritage it is suggested that where possible
ground disturbance works should not go below the following depths (Figure 12):

Area

Archaeological Sensitivity Zone

Depth (cm)Bitumen

A

10

Grass

A&B

30

South Terrace (north – wall to 2 m C

No constraint

south)South Terrace (south)A

10

Table 5. Fremantle Prison parade ground: estimated depths for archaeological sensitivity

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

46

eureka archaeological research and consulting

RECOMMENDATIONS•

Care must be made to ensure that development design does not have an adverse impact
on the significant heritage values of the Fremantle Prison complex as a whole.

•

Consultation with the Heritage Council of Western Australia must be undertaken as partof the planning process associated with the redevelopment of the Fremantle Prison
parade ground as part of the Heritage Act of Western Australia 1990.

•

Any proposed development work that is likely to have a significant impact on the National
Heritage values of the Fremantle Prison complex must be referred to the Federal Minister
for approval under Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation ACT 1999
(EPBC ACT).

•Any further ground disturbance work should be undertaken in consideration of anarchaeological plan of management for Fremantle Prison.

•

Monitoring of any ground disturbance works within the parade ground should beundertaken by a suitably qualified archaeologist.

•

Where archaeological remains are uncovered during monitoring or construction works,
work must cease and an archaeologist must assess the significance of thefeatures/materials uncovered and determine the best course of management regardingthese deposits

It is recommended that in areas identified as having:•

No to Low Archaeological Value: Archaeological remains may be removed and works
continue.

•

Moderate Archaeological Value: Archaeological features with moderate archaeologicalsignificance must be accurately recorded in situ prior to any disturbance by construction
works. A decision will then be undertaken on a case by case measure as to whether it ispossible to avoid disturbing the archaeological feature, or if it needs to be removed prior toconstruction works beginning. Interpretation and/or display may be used to explain theimportance of such archaeological features in relation to Fremantle Prison once they havebeen removed.

•High Archaeological Value: All efforts should be made to avoid disturbing archaeologicalfeatures with high significance and ensure they remain in situ wherever possible. If it is notpossible to avoid disturbing features which high archaeological significance, they must be
accurately recorded in situ prior to their removal. Interpretation and/or display may be

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

47

eureka archaeological research and consulting

used to explain the importance of such archaeological features in relation to Fremantle
Prison once they have been removed.
•

Any removal of material as part of the proposed parade ground redevelopment projectrequires careful management decisions, in keeping with archaeological best practice andthe Burra Charter. These decisions may include keeping some archaeological features in
situ, or perhaps conducting sites works above older archaeological deposits.

•

The excavated material is made available for a student at University of Western Australia
to analyse as part of an Honours project.

In addition, Eureka would suggest the following recommendations with regards to specific areas
within the parade ground:

Bitumen•Ground disturbance works should not exceed a depth of 10 cm below the surface as it ispossible that archaeological remains are present below this depth.

Grassed Area•

Ground disturbance works should not exceed a depth of 30 cm below the surface as it ispossible that archaeological remains are present below this depth.

Southern Terrace•

Where possible ground disturbance works should be situated along the northern extent of
the terrace (within approximately 1.5 m of the northern edge).

•

Ground disturbance works should not exceed a depth of 10 cm below the surface along thesouthern extent of the terrace as it is possible that archaeological remains are present below
this depth.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

48

eureka archaeological research and consulting

REFERENCES
Bavin, L. J. (1990a). Fremantle Prison Conservation and Future Use: Archaeological Zoning Planof the Prison Compound. Report Prepared for Building Management Authority.
Bavin, L.J. (1990b) Fremantle Prison Conservation and Future Use: Archaeological Excavationsof in the Prison Compound. Report Prepared for Building Management Authority
Bosworth, M. 2004. Convict Fremantle: A Place of Promise and Punishment. University ofWestern Australia Press, Perth.
Building Management Authority of Western Australia. 1987. Fremantle Prison Site Plan Drawing No. 54-S1 [Fremantle Prison Conservation and Future Use]. ePlans Drawing
List 0003F66F. Department of Housing and Works, Perth.
Chief Secretary's Department (1949) Letter from Chief Secretary's Department to Superintendent
Fremantle Prison 16th February 1949. Fremantle Prison: materials and supplies from
P.W.D. (2) Buildings, repairs etc. [State Records Office Cons 752 Item 1947/0057].
Chief Secretary's Department (1963) Note to Superintendent Fremantle Prison 15th March 1963.
Fremantle Prison (1) Requisition of material and supplies from P.W.D. (2) Buildings,
repairs etc. [State Records Office Cons 752 Item 1963/0240].
Eureka Archaeological Research and Consulting UWA (2008 [June]). Fremantle Prison - Brick
Floor Significance Assessment. University of Western Australia. PerthEureka 2008 a (Flemming, K., Morse, K. & Paterson, A.). Fremantle Prison GIS Predictive Model(Stage One). Report Prepared for Palassis Architects.
Eureka 2008 b (Flemming, K., Burke, S., Morse, K. & Paterson, A.). Fremantle Prison Parade
Ground historical research Targeting Areas for Archaeological excavation (Stage Two).
Report Prepared for Palassis Architects.
Eureka 2008 c (Fleming, K., Morse, K. & Paterson, A.). Fremantle Prison Visitor's Centre Cafe
Development: Archaeological Recording and Assessment. Unpublished report by Eureka
Archaeological Research and Consulting, University of Western Australia for Philip
Griffiths Architects. PerthFremantle Prison Conservation & Future Use [Project]. 1990a. Electrical Site Plan. Departmentof Housing and Works, ePlans Drawing List 0002ACB6. Building Management Authority,
Perth.
Fremantle Prison Conservation & Future Use [Project] (1990b). Fremantle Prison Conservation &Future Use: Water, Walls & Yards. Building Management Authority of Western Australia.
PerthGore, S. 1935. Fremantle Gaol. Battye Library Pictorial Collection 031598PD Online Image.
State Library of Western Australia, Perth.
Government Electrical Engineer. 1919. Fremantle Prison - Government Electrical Engineer'sPlan. Cons 1647 Item 21092. State Records Office Western Australia, Perth.
Landgate. 1948. Aerial Photograph Metro. Run 31 Frame 59. Landgate, Perth.
Le Page, J. S. H. 1986. Building a State: The Story of the Public Works Department of Western
Australia 1829-1985. Water Authority of Western Australia, Perth.
Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

49

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Penal Commission (1899) Report of the Commission Appointed to Inquire into the Penal Systemof the Colony. No. 16. pp. 1-80. Minutes and Votes and Proceedings of the Parliament(Western Australia) during the Fourth Session of the Third Parliament 1899: With Papers
Presented to both Houses by Command of His Excellency The Governor and Copies of
the Various Documents Ordered to be Printed. Vol. II. Richard Pether, Government
Printer, Perth. [Battye Microfilm Q328.941 WES].
Public Works Department. 1896. P.W.D.W.A. Proposed Stormwater Drain Fremantle, To Divert
Prison Drainage from Barrack Field. ePlans Drawing List 0003FBA9. Department of
Housing and Works, Perth.
Public Works Department. 1922 [1935]. Plan Fremantle Gaol [Fremantle Prison Plan Showing
Portion of Fremantle Prison to be declared an Army Detention Barrack]. Cons 1647 Item
29807. State Records Office Western Australia, Perth.
Public Works Department. c.1857/1858. Plan of the Convict Grant Fremantle, PWD 105. Cons
1647 Item 105. State Records Office Western Australia, Perth.
Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Capt. R.E [Wray] (1856) No.12 Half Yearly Report of theWorks in Fremantle District, from 1st January to 30th June 1855. Royal Engineers' OfficeFremantle July 10 1855. pp. 207-209. Australian Colonies Convict Discipline andTransportation: Further Correspondence on the Subject of Convict Discipline andTransportation (In continuation of Papers presented August 1855). Presented to bothHouses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty 2 June 1856. Vol. 7. Her Majesty's
Stationery Office, London. [Battye Library Microfilm Q343.2 COL - A collection of
miscellaneous official documents relating to the transportation of convicts to Australia,
covering the period 1810-1865, bound in 8 volumes (British Parliamentary Papers)].
Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Clerk of Works [Manning] (1857) Sub-Enclosure 2 to
Enclosure in No. 10. Half-Yearly Report on Public Works, from the 1st July to 31st
December 1856, Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle, February 27, 1857. pp. 63-70.
Australian Colonies Convict Discipline and Transportation: Further Correspondence on
the Subject of Convict Discipline and Transportation (In continuation of Papers presented
21st March 1857). Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty
25th August 1857. Vol. 7. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London. [Battye Library
Microfilm Q343.2 COL - A collection of miscellaneous official documents relating to thetransportation of convicts to Australia, covering the period 1810-1865, bound in 8
volumes (British Parliamentary Papers)].
Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Clerk of Works [Manning] (1859a) Appendix B. toComptroller General's Report. Report of Works at Fremantle and Out-Stations, Half Yearending June 30, 1857. Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle, July 30, 1857. pp. 51-60.
Australian Colonies Convict Discipline and Transportation: Further Correspondence on
the Subject of Convict Discipline and Transportation (In continuation of Papers presented
21st March 1857). Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty
25th August 1857. Vol. 8. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London. [Battye Library
Microfilm Q343.2 COL - A collection of miscellaneous official documents relating to theFremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

50

eureka archaeological research and consulting

transportation of convicts to Australia, covering the period 1810-1865, bound in 8
volumes (British Parliamentary Papers)].
Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Clerk of Works [Manning] (1859b) Half-Yearly Report ofProgress of Works ending 31st December 1857. Royal Engineers' Office, Fremantle,
January 26, 1858. pp. 110-116. Australian Colonies Convict Discipline andTransportation: Further Correspondence on the Subject of Convict Discipline andTransportation (In continuation of Papers presented 21st March 1857). Presented to bothHouses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty 25th August 1857. Vol. 8. Her
Majesty's Stationery Office, London. [Battye Library Microfilm Q343.2 COL - A collectionof miscellaneous official documents relating to the transportation of convicts to Australia,
covering the period 1810-1865, bound in 8 volumes (British Parliamentary Papers)].
Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Lieut. R.E [Wray] (1855) Appendix D. Half-Yearly Report of
the Works in Fremantle District, from 1st July to 31st December 1853. Royal Engineers'
Office Fremantle 14th January 1854. pp. 195-197. Australian Colonies Convict Discipline
and Transportation: Further Correspondence on the Subject of Convict Discipline andTransportation (In continuation of Papers presented May 1854). Presented to bothHouses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty February 1855. Vol. 6. Her Majesty's
Stationery Office, London. [Battye Library Microfilm Q343.2 COL - A collection of
miscellaneous official documents relating to the transportation of convicts to Australia,
covering the period 1810-1865, bound in 8 volumes (British Parliamentary Papers)].
Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Lieut. Royal Engineers [Wray] (1854) No.12 Report ofWorks during six months ending June 30, 1853. Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle July28, 1853. pp. 252-253. Convict Discipline and Transportation Australian Colonies:
Further Correspondence on the Subject of Convict Discipline and Transportation (Incontinuation of Papers presented July 18, 1853). Presented to both Houses ofParliament by Command of Her Majesty May 1854. Vol. 6. Her Majesty's Stationery
Office, London. [Battye Library Microfilm Q343.2 COL - A collection of miscellaneous
official documents relating to the transportation of convicts to Australia, covering theperiod 1810-1865, bound in 8 volumes (British Parliamentary Papers)].
Royal Engineers' Office Fremantle - Lieutenant R.E [Wray] (1853) Appendix B. Fremantle,
August 15, 1852. Report of Works Carried out Half Year Ending 30th June 1852. pp.
213-214. Convict Discipline and Transportation: Further Correspondence on the Subjectof Convict Discipline and Transportation (In continuation of Papers presented December
13, 1852). Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty July 18,
1853. Vol. 6. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London. [Battye Library Microfilm Q343.2
COL - A collection of miscellaneous official documents relating to the transportation ofconvicts to Australia, covering the period 1810-1865, bound in 8 volumes (British
Parliamentary Papers)].
Superintendent's Office Fremantle - Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Dixon] (1859) SubEnclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 10, Superintendent's Half-Yearly Report relative to thecondition of the Convict Establishment, Western Australia, from 1st January to 30th June
1857. pp. 30-34. Australian Colonies Convict Discipline and Transportation: Further
Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

51

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Correspondence on the Subject of Convict Discipline and Transportation (In continuationof Papers presented 25th August 1857). Presented to both Houses of Parliament by
Command of Her Majesty. Vol. 8. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London. [Battye
Library Microfilm Q343.2 COL - A collection of miscellaneous official documents relating
to the transportation of convicts to Australia, covering the period 1810-1865, bound in 8
volumes (British Parliamentary Papers)].
Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Jarvis] Officer in Charge of Works (1908) Re Officer's Shelter
Shed 22nd June 1908. p. 118. Officer in Charge of Works, Fremantle Prison Letterbook
14th December 1904 - 22nd July 1914. Fremantle. [State Records Office WA Microfilm
Cons 1156 Item C66].
Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Lefroy] (1862a) Superintendent of Fremantle Prison toComptroller-General Western Australia 15th December 1862. pp. 305-306.
Superintendent of Fremantle Prison to Comptroller-General Letterbook 3rd October 1861
- 9th July 1865. Convict Department, Fremantle. [State Records Office WA Microfilm
Cons 1156 Item C8].
Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Lefroy] (1862b) Superintendent of Fremantle Prison toComptroller-General Western Australia 20th March 1862. pp. 178-179. Superintendent ofFremantle Prison to Comptroller-General Letterbook 3rd October 1861 - 9th July 1865.
Convict Department, Fremantle. [State Records Office WA Microfilm Cons 1156 Item
C8].
Superintendent Fremantle Prison [Unknown] (1879) Fremantle Prison: Extracts from theSuperintendent's Report. pp. 573-583. Report of the Directors of Convict Prisons on the
Discipline and Management of Millbank and Pentonville Prisons and of Borsal, Brixton,
Chatham, Dartmoor, Parkhurst, Portland, Portsmouth, Woking and Wormwood Scrubs
Prison for Male Convicts with Fulham and Woking Prisons for Female Convicts/ and also
the Convict Establishment in Western Australia for the year 1878 [Western Australia(Appendix)]. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London. [Battye Library Stack 365.99 REP].
Western Australian Legislative Council [Hon M. Fraser] (1875) No. 7 Minutes of the Proceedingsof the Legislative Council. Wednesday 8th December, 1875. p. 29. Western Australian
Votes and Proceedings of the Legislative Council During the Session 1875-76. Richard
Pether, Government Printer, Perth. [Business Government Periodicals P328.94104 P2
Reid Library, University of WA].

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

52

eureka archaeological research and consulting

APPENDIX 1. STRATIGRAPHIC CONTEXT: FREMANTLE PRISON PARADE GROUND
Well c. 1852. (Area 2), Metalled Road (Area 5), Wooden Division (Areas 1 and 3)

Unit Number

Unit Type

Description

Cultural deposit

Depth below

Area

surface (cm)

001
002
003
004
005

Surface
DepositDepositDepositDepositTurf
Asphalt tarmac
Orange clay road baseFine grey silty sand with charcoal and artefacts
Black humic soil (garden soil)

006

DepositCompacted limestone and rubble

007
008

DepositDeposit

Orange/yellow sand underlying 005
Dark brown soil – mixed deposit – refuse fill009

Deposit010
011

DepositDeposit

Limestone crushed layer – possible original
metalled road
Yellow sand
Dark loamy soil with lens of builders sand (012)

012
013
014
015
016
017
018

DepositDepositDeposit
Cut
Cut
Cut
Cut

Yellow sand lensOrange/yellow sandy soil
White limestone rubble
Cut for 008
Cut for refuse 008
Cut for 008
Cut into 009 - made for metal pipe

Ceramic, glass, bone and metal
Ceramics (stoneware), Bone (mainly cow),
nails (structural), boot heels, slate
fragments, clear bottle glass
bottle glass, slate fragments, building
material, brick, animal bone, shoe heels,
nails, bolts, wiring, light bulb fragment,
crockery fragments
Metal structural material, timber fragments,
ceramics, bone glass, slate, shoe eyelets
and heels, pipe fragment, oyster shellfragments, plastic, 4xsml buckles
Crushed limestone road base

3-5
5-9
5-25

1,2,3,5
5
5
5
5

8-15

5

28-50
35-85

5
5

11-26

5

26-90

5
2

Structural material, concrete, plastics,
timber, modern wiring, bone, slate, nails

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

13-32

2
2
2
5
5
5
5

53

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Unit Number

Unit Type

Description

Cultural deposit

Depth below

Area

surface (cm)019

Deposit

Loose fine grained limestone sand deposit - Fill for
018
Crushed limestone layer adjacent to 021. Similar
to 009 in area 5 – possibly road path surface?
Grey sandy soil with limestone inclusions,overlays bedrock 022
Limestone bedrock
Cut for possible post hole cut into 013 and 021
Yellow sand same as 007
Mixed dark brown soil. Excavated as 008
Mixed soil with crushed limestone, yellow and grey
sandy soils. Excavated as 008.
Black humic soil (garden soil)
Concrete footing
Brown sandy deposit. Charcoal. Mixed soils located in north half of trench020

Deposit021

Deposit

022
023
024
025
026

NaturalCut
DepositDepositDeposit

027
028
029

DepositDepositDeposit030

DepositCrushed limestone matrix – south half of trench031

Deposit

Mixed soils

032

DepositDark reddish brown silty clay – located in northhalf of trench033

DepositGrey/brown mixed soils in lenses – located innorth half of trench

034
035
036

Cut
DepositDepositCut at base of concrete footing
Fill of cut
Brown soils – mixed lenses with 037
Excavated in two spits 036 and 036b

Metal pipe in situ

13 -325
2

Some cultural material

2

Sterile
28-50
25-45
45-64

2 and 5
2
5
5
5

22
54
15-45

1 and 3
1
1

15-35

1

Glass (clear and amber), plastic, metalthth

Rubbish rich soil c. late 19 to early 20
century. Building rubble, slate pencils,
buttons, bone, ceramic, glass, clothing
studs, metal tin lid, large amounts of metal
Plastic comb fragment, light globe,
battery (?)
Slate pencils, ceramic, small amounts ofglass
Rubbish deposit. Textile, bone, mental,
ceramic (c.1940’s, slate, buttons, clothing
studs, building rubble, colourless window
glass, light globes, bottle glass
Rich cultural deposit, leather, boot heelfragments, large amounts of building
material, tooth, enamel, ceramic, burned
paper, glass bottles c. 1920’s -1930’s,
stone, metalth036: General rubbish. Burned. c. late 19 tothearly 20 C Similar to 032. red brick,Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

3
15-55

1

15-90

1

15-1.70

1
1
1 and 354

eureka archaeological research and consulting

Unit Number

Unit Type

Description

Cultural deposit

Depth below

Area

surface (cm)ceramic, burned paper, leather, boots heels
with nails, copper, bottles (i.e. ‘champions
vinegar’ bottle c. 1880’s – 1930’s)th037

Deposit038

Deposit

039
040
041
042
043
044

DepositNatural
DepositCut
DepositDeposit045

DepositCream sand with limestone thick towards south
thinning to north. Ends with a steep edge runninge-w which may be a cut? Mixed with 036
Silty grey deposit subsoil under 027- south end of
trenchLimestone in south end
Yellow sand – Natural
Mixed soil in base of cut for 028 – modern fill
Cut for 028
Black soil – modern cut and fill
White sands possibly natural – possibly younger
than 040??
Grey sandy soil between 040 and 030

036b: General rubbish. Burned. Early 20 C.
Similar to 032. red brick, ceramic, leather,copper, buttons, bone, metal, glass bottles
c. 1920’s (i.e. ‘WAGM 1924’ , AustralianGlass Manufacturers Co. mark ‘AGM’ c.
1912 – 1922 and Australian Glass
Manufactures mark ‘AGM’ P = Perth c.
1930’s )Rubbish deposit. glass, charcoal, metal,
bone

15-53

Coin c 1950s? aluminium, bone, glass

Sterile

1

1

30-40
54
54

1
1 and 31
1
3
3
3

Historic Timeline (Well):•1852 - well sunk at permanent depot site (Fremantle Prison)•

1870’s - well becomes obsolete and is possibly filled in/capped?

•

Intrusions/disturbances:•

1899 - inspection chamber placed nearby approximate location of wellFremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

55

eureka archaeological research and consulting•

By 1900’s c. - grassed area – turning over of earth. No historical evidence to suggest when or if soil was introduced to support grass.

•1980 – plans show small structures (garden distribution board and laundry main switchboard) south of well’s location. Path leading to structures. Electricaltrenches with pipes and cables to service these structures.

Historic Timeline (Metalled Road):•1862 – parade ground reformed and road constructed along the front of the prison•

Local limestone rubble from building activity used to ‘metal’ roads.

•

1909c. – 1935 Photographic evidence places limestone road in similar alignment to present route.

•1963 – present road bituminised

Historical Timeline (Wooden Division):•

1855 – 1856 - installation of wooden division•

Unknown - removal of wooden division•

1896 – area where wooden division is situated described as ‘terraced’. Possibly as part of parade ground development in 1862.

•c.1909 – garden in use on terrace.

•

Intrusions/disturbances:•

1879 – installation of iron pipes leading from reservoir on southern knoll•c.1920’s-1930’s – reticulation•c.1900’s – gardening (i.e. turning of the earth)•

No historical evidence to suggest when or if soil was introduced to the terrace to support gardening.

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

56

eureka archaeological research and consulting

APPENDIX 2: STRATIGRAPHIC SECTIONS: FREMANTLE PRISON PARADEGROUND

Fremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

57

eureka archaeological research and consulting
South Facing Section of Trench A5, Fremantle Prison Parade GroundFremantle Prison Parade Ground: Archaeological Test Excavation Results 2009.

58