Parramatta Hospital Archaeological Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parramatta Hospital Archaeological Site |
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A section of the Parramatta Hospital Archaeological Site
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| Location | Marsden Street, Parramatta, City of Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1818– |
| Official name: Parramatta District Hospital - Archaeology; Archaeological Site potential - Parramatta District Hospital ; Parramatta Justice Precinct | |
| Type | state heritage (archaeological-terrestrial) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 828 |
| Type | Hospital |
| Category | Health Services |
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The Parramatta Hospital Archaeological Site is a special historical place in Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia. It is called an archaeological site because it holds hidden clues about the past, buried underground. This site is very important to Australia's history. It was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999, which means it is protected for future generations.
What is this Site?
This site holds the buried remains of two very old hospitals. These hospitals were built a long time ago for convicts. Convicts were people sent to Australia from other countries as a form of punishment.
The first hospital on this site was built around 1792. The second one was built in 1818 by a person named John Watts. These hospitals were used until about 1844.
Besides the hospitals, archaeologists have found other interesting things here. They found parts of a convict hut, which was a simple home for convicts. They also found where the surgeon (doctor) lived. Many old objects, called artefacts, were also discovered. These artefacts help us understand what life was like back then.
Digging Up the Past
In the 2000s, experts called archaeologists carefully dug up this site. This digging, or excavation, happened because a new area called the Parramatta Justice Precinct was being built. The archaeologists wanted to find and protect any historical remains before construction.
After the digging, the old remains were made part of a new courtyard. Two special buildings, called pavilions, were built there. These pavilions now show exhibits and information panels. They help visitors learn about the site's history. Other parts of the site were covered with a protective layer to keep them safe.
In 2008, this project won an award from Architects Australia. This award recognized the great work done to protect and share the site's heritage.
Why is it Important?
The Parramatta Hospital Archaeological Site is very important for two main reasons:
- Historical significance: It tells us about the early days of convict settlement in Australia. The site dates back to 1790, making it one of the first settled urban (city) areas in the country.
- Archaeological significance: The buried remains and artefacts are like a time capsule. They give archaeologists and historians valuable information about how people lived, worked, and were cared for in the very early days of the colony.
