Artifacts from between 1830 and 1840 have been carefully dug up from beneath the dirt, along with the foundations of previous convict-built infrastructure.

Standing on the grassy lawns, its easy to imagine the stables, workshop, two haysheds, and milking shed that stood on the site in the nineteenth century. 

The nails, harnesses, horseshoes, and hooks that have been dug up were hand-made in forges by convicts about 180 years ago.

“This is a very, very significant site,” said archaeologist from Southern Archaeology, Darren Watton. 

“This is a utilitarian site, a farm site, and these buildings would have been very important at the time for keeping the place running. To get to dig here – we feel really privileged, because it’s such a great site. 

“People who have been having their weddings and events out here could well have been standing on an old stables or a milking shed.”  

Brickendon Estate is an World Heritage-listed attraction that has been in the hands of the same family for nearly 200 years. 

The owners enlisted Southern Archaeology to investigate the grounds of the estate before they undertake a planned development. 

Brickendon is expanding to be able to cater for larger numbers of people, with a demountable kitchen and an open shed for functions. 

Their aim is to ensure they do not disturb the valuable relics of times gone by as they grow.

“We want to make sure we’re not sacrificing heritage or disturbing any of the original material,” co-owner Lou Archer said. 

“The good thing about this is that it shows developments can be done on heritage sites – but it needs to be done properly, and all the groundwork needs to be done first. 

“Tassie has so much heritage, and its very expensive to maintain it, so if you can make it into a viable business I think it’s a great thing.”

Southern Archaeology were assisted in the excavation by volunteers from the Launceston Historical Society.

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