Introduction

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, 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

While this dig failed to uncover pieces of Redcliffe’s past, a drain believed to date back as far as the early 20th Century was unearthed.

This blog charts the progress of the next stages of the project and documents the results from the investigation so far.

 Pictured – GPR near the creek

In September 2009, an archeological dig commenced in Corscadden Park at Redcliffe to locate the remains of the convict kiln. Archaeologists unearthed a piece of worked wood, a pile of charcoal and stone fused together by high heat.  

 The next step is a follow-up dig concentrating on the area around and east of the original find. As it is expected to be a highly controlled dig, no volunteers or school children will be allowed on site as it is esential that it be undertaken by professional archaeologists.

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