During excavations for the Sydney Metro West project in Sydney’s central business district, workers working on Hunter Street made a surprising discovery. Hundreds of years of artefacts were unearthed. Among the significant finds, made near the former De Mestre Place, are items dating back to the 1820s, a turning point in Sydney’s early urban and cultural development.
Military Relics, Household Items and Rare Coin Found
The artifacts unearthed during the excavations reveal the multi-layered structure of early colonial Sydney. Among the finds are military relics, glassware from the period’s domestic life, a rare coin from 1834, and sandstone bricks that once formed the foundation of a significant early 19th-century structure that once stood on the site. These various artifacts provide valuable insights into both the military and civilian life of the region.
Traces of Prosper de Mestre Discovered
Many of the artifacts found are thought to be directly linked to Prosper de Mestre, a prominent French-born merchant who settled in Sydney during the reign of Governor Macquarie. De Mestre, who became a British citizen in 1825, quickly became one of Sydney’s leading businessmen. He lived with his Australian wife Mary Ann in his Hunter Street home, where he had a counting house that he used to manage the financial records of his business activities. The excavations also unearthed the sandstone brick foundations of the counting house and the remains of a specially constructed well. These discoveries confirm De Mestre’s important role in Sydney’s commercial and social life.
Objects Shedding Light on Colonial Life
Other artefacts uncovered include flints, old cartridge cases, lead shot, bone buttons, slate writing crayons and coloured glass beads. These diverse objects provide important insights into both domestic life in the early colonial period and the military connections of the area. The presence of the George Street Barracks, built in 1792, nearby explains the presence of munitions-related objects. The site’s strategic location further emphasises its military and civil importance in colonial Sydney.
The Findings Meet the Public
The discovery of these valuable artifacts sheds light on Sydney’s past, while also providing an opportunity for the public to see these important finds up close. A special public day will be held at the excavation site on Sunday, May 18, where visitors will have the opportunity to examine the outstanding artifacts up close and learn more about their historical context and significance from experts. Current members of the De Mestre family have also had the opportunity to preview some of the recovered historical collection.
Metro Project Moves Forward, Preserving Heritage
The metro development has been driven by a heritage preservation approach from the outset. The historic Skinners Family Hotel, a heritage-listed property located adjacent to the excavation site, is also being meticulously protected during construction. The plans call for the historic hotel to be integrated into the final metro station design, uniquely blending Sydney’s rich past with its modern infrastructure future. This approach respects the city’s historic fabric while also delivering a significant transport project for the future.
