In 2007 the Redcliffe City Library successfully applied for a Q150 grant to conduct an archaeological investigation into Queensland’s first settlement site at Redcliffe.
The non-invasive investigation of selected first settlement sites was carried out in Archaeology Week 2008 over two full days, Sunday and Monday, May 18, 19. Site work was supervised by Dr Jon Prangnell, UQ, and Pat Gee, Redcliffe Local History librarian. Using Ground Penetrating Radar and Magnetic Gradiometry, two Georadar engineers undertook the investigation the aim of which was to find evidence of footings of the first settlement buildings at the Peninsula Eye Hospital site and a backyard on Anzac Avenue, and evidence of a kiln in Corscadden Park.
Identify sites
J G Steele’s conjectural map from his book Brisbane Town in Convict Days 1824-1842 was used as a guide. Steele’s map was superimposed over a modern day map of Redcliffe to identify the properties that could be supposed to have first settlement remains.
Target sites
• Peninsula Eye Hospital car park Sutton Street: Possible site of convict barracks
• An Anzac Avenue back yard: Possible site of commandant’s house
• Corscadden Park: Possible site of convict kiln
The results of the initial investigation will soon be available.
This blog will chart the progress of the next stages of the project and document the results from the investigation so far.
Pictured – GPR near the creek
A good book on the subject and more:
PEARN, JOHN HEMSLEY In the Capacity of a Surgeon. A biography of Walter Scott. Surgeon and Australian Colonist and First Civilian of Queensland.
Brisbane: , 1988. Hard Cover. Laminated Boards. Near Fine/No Jacket. First Edition. 8vo. ISBN:0959632123. vi,226pp, ills, index. Biography of a man who looked after the soldiers and convicts of Moreton Bay.
I lived on the property Eskdale NSW and had the pleasure to meet with Prof Pearn when he was writing this book.
I am sure it will be of interest to you in your archaeological investigation of the first settlement.