Peek-A-Boo, We See You!
Melbournians given a glimpse of the past & a front row seat to the future, with new Scott Alley viewing windows!!
With never-before-seen views of the biggest archaeological dig in Victoria’s history, the new viewing windows on Scott Alley are a must see…
Image Courtesy of Metro Tunnel
Before excavation works for the Metro Tunnel begin, archaeologists and heritage experts are sifting through layers of rock and soil to uncover lost artefacts from the past. With the use of excavators, shovels and hand trowels, diggers are hoping to find archaeological remains that date back nearly 200 years.
Digging began on the corner of Swanston and Flinders streets in April this year, and thousands of items have already been discovered. Findings to date include highly decorative pottery, clay tobacco pipes and other items that reflect domestic life in Melbourne throughout the 19th century.
Image Courtesy of Metro Tunnel
(Courtesy of the Metro Tunnel Twitter Page: Corkscrews, glass tumblers and wine glasses, as well as swizzle sticks, alcohol and medicine bottles, from the 1870s to the early 20th century, recently found on the Metro Tunnel site next to Young and Jacksons on Swanston Street. Historical records show that by 1858 the site was occupied by the Freemasons Hotel, then the Gippsland Hotel. It is likely that these artefacts were left behind during this time).
(Fashion in Melbourne has always been marvelous. This ornate piece was part of a pair of earrings from the 1860-90s, also found on the old Freemason’s Hotel site).
Image Courtesy of Metro Tunnel
With digging to continue around the clock, there’s little doubt history will continue to reveal itself in fascinating fashion…
“The area has undergone tremendous change since Melbourne’s founder John Batman paid £100 for part of the site in 1837 to build a timber cottage and it promises to reveal a treasure trove of early Melbourne life,” (CBD News).
