THE barrel brick drain at Thompson Square, which is reportedly the first of its kind in Australia, will remain in place according to Roads and Maritime Services.
The drain was uncovered during the archaeological salvage work the RMS is doing as it prepares to start replacing Windsor Bridge.
A 1992 report by Dr Edward Higginbotham, of Edward Higginbotham & Associates Pty Ltd., compiled an historical and archaeological assessment of the brick culvert in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, built in 1816, with the report stating it was the oldest such structure in Australia.
On February 21, the RMS released a statement, which said the brick barrel drain would ‘stay in place in Thompson Square’.
An RMS spokesperson said ‘ this is excellent news for the Windsor community and particularly residents with an interest in the history of Thompson Square’.
“Roads and Maritime engaged professional archaeologists to carefully excavate the north eastern section of Thompson Square to record and document any heritage artefacts found within the area,” the spokesperson said.
“During the excavation exercise, archaeological crews discovered a brick barrel drain dating back to 1814 in a hand-dug test pit.
“Heritage investigations continued and crews recently located the end of the brick barrel drain near the river.
“Although most of the brick drain has been found intact, the end was found to be eroded and partially washed away.
“The NSW Government has listened to the concerns of the community and will not be removing the brick barrel drain.”
The RMS said the archaeological work would continue.
