RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION CAMP SITE

21-25 SWIFT STREET SUNBURY, HUME CITY

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • History

    RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION CAMP SITE - History

    The Melbourne, Mount Alexander and Murray River Railway Company was established in 1852 to construct the main line from Melbourne to Mount Alexander and the River Murray (Echuca). The government took over the project when the company was unable to raise sufficient funds to build the railway.

    The Railway Bridge at Sunbury Hill was built by Cornish and Bruce under the direction of chief engineer G.C Derbyshire. The project was the largest building enterprise in the colony at the time, and large temporary construction camps were established at Sunbury and Riddell's Creek to accommodate accommodate the 2000 men and 600 horses required. Wives and families lived in canvas or corrugated huts, and many other people established shops, eating and boarding houses, and hotels to service the workers.

    The first section of the line, from Melbourne to Sunbury, was opened by the Victorian Railways Department on January the 13th, 1859, but when the line was officially opened the Sunbury Hill bridge had not been constructed and a temporary timber structure had to serve in its place. The delay was the result of a number of strikes during 1858-61 against the principle of sub-contracting, assaults on the eight hour day, and the lowering of wages. The massive size of the railway contract and the importance of stone bridges such as this one saw the line become the focus of the battle by stonemasons to protect their working conditions. The contractors eventually won the struggle, partly by importing indentured masons from Germany who, despite establishing a partial allegiance with the local masons, were employed in the construction of bridges on the line, and eventually the established levels of wages.

    Interpretation of Site

    RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION CAMP SITE - Interpretation of Site

    The previous site card (2003) records a dispersed scatter of glass, ceramic and metal fragments. These have been interpreted as the remains of domestic refuse dating to the recorded occupation of the camp between 1859 and 1862. No structural remains were identified.

    Surface artefacts were limited to a few metal fragments of early appearance, and the site contained modern refuse. However, a possible hearth site, comprising burnt rocks, which may relate to the construction camp was identified to the east in an area of disturbed ground.

    Archaeological Significance

    RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION CAMP SITE - Archaeological Significance

    The site appears to have been heavily disturbed by recent construction activities in the surrounding area, and by more recent dumping. It is likely that ephemeral structural remains, of the kind likely to be left by a temporary camp of tents and huts, will have been destroyed. However, it is likely that intensive occupation will have deposited artefactual evidence which may survive below the ground surface.

    Historical Significance

    RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION CAMP SITE - Historical Significance

    The site is of historical significance for its association with the Sunbury Hill Railway Bridge, a major component of the bridge works of the Melbourne to Echuca Railway line, which was opened soon after the formation of the Victorian Railways Department in 1856. The site may also produce artefacts relating to the Railway Construction Camp occupation.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION CAMP SITE - Heritage Inventory Description

    A wooded area to the east of the railway tracks which has been subject to tipping. Historic metal artefacts and burnt stones, perhaps relating to a hearth, lie at the eastern edge of the site.

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