Archaeological Collections (Darling Harbour sites)

Statement of Significance

The archaeological collections from Darling Harbour are significant for their research potential on the subject of the industrial development of Darling Harbour, and Australia, from 1813-1900. These collections include the substantial Paddy's Markets and Little Pier Street collections. The Paddy's Market and Little Pier St collections together with information from historical research, specialist reports and artefact analysis allow a comprehensive understanding of the history of the sites and enables conclusions to be drawn about the construction, function and heritage value of the sites, remaining relics, and artefacts.

Description

Assessed significance: Local

Item type: Movable / Collection

Current use: Archaeological Collection

Former use:

Group: Collections

Category: Other - Collections

Designer/Maker:

Builder/Maker:

Construction Years: 0 - 0

Physical Description: Archaeological collections from Paddy's Markets and Little Pier Street. They are currently stored at the Archaeological Store, Murray St , Darling Harbour.

Address

Various, Darling Harbour 2000
LGA(s):

Historic Notes and Themes

Historical notes: The Paddy's Market site was excavated in 1990/1991 by Godden Mackay Heritage Consultants Pty Ltd in conjunction with Wendy Thorp for Jason Property Management on behalf of Rockvale Pty Ltd, and indirectly for site owners, the Darling Harbour Authority. A team of 13 archaeologists and specialists, and several hundred volunteers worked from November 1990 and January 1991. Over 100,000 artefacts and the remains of houses, yards and associated outbuildings, workshops and warehouses dating from the 1840s were preserved under the 1.5/3.0 m levelling fill and thick concrete floor of the 1909 Markets building. The collection was subject to culling in 1991. The Little Pier Street Precinct site was excavated in 1992 by Godden Mackay Heritage Consultants Pty Ltd on behalf of the Darling Harbour Authority. The excavation was carried out over a six week period in during February and March 1992. It was undertaken as an integral component of preparation for the proposed redevelopment of the Precinct. It revealed the presence of substantial sandstone and brick masonry walls, a series of floors, associated deposits and an array of artefacts. Both collections together with information from historical research, specialist reports and artefact analysis allow a comprehensive understanding of the history of the sites and enables conclusions to be drawn about the contraction, function and heritage value of the sites, remaining relics, and artefacts.

Historical significance:

Historical association: The archaeological collection of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority are associated with all stages of British colonisation of the area, including convicts, military and free settlers, and their descendants that remained in the area. The collections are associated with the great many people who have lived and worked in the Darling Harbour area.

Aesthetic significance:

Social significance:

Research significance: The research potential of both Paddy's Market and Little Pier St collections is high. Both collections together with information from historical research, specialist reports and artefact analysis allow a comprehensive understanding of the history of the sites and enables conclusions to be drawn about the construction, function and heritage value of the sites, remaining relics, and artefacts.

Rare assessment: The archaeological collections held by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority are rare and cannot be replaced.

Representative assessment:

Intact assessment: The Paddy's Market collection was subject to culling in 1991

Physical condition: The collections have high research potential into the development of technology, working and living conditions on the sites.

Australian Theme NSW Theme Local Theme
Developing local, regional and national economies Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods.
Working Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour.
Developing local, regional and national economies Activities and processes associated with the knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences.
Developing local, regional and national economies Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements.

Listings

Heritage Listing Listing Title Listing Number Gazette Date Gazette Number Gazette Page
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register Place Management NSW

References

Type Author Year Title
Written  Godden Mackay Heritage Consultants Pty Ltd  1991  Paddy's Markets Archaeological Excavation Executive Summary   
Written  Godden Mackay Heritage Consultants Pty Ltd  1992  Little Pier Street Precinct Vol 1 Executive Summary   

IMAGES