LADY BAY POWDER MAGAZINE SITE

OFF HICKFORD PARADE WARRNAMBOOL, WARRNAMBOOL CITY

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • History

    LADY BAY POWDER MAGAZINE SITE - History

    In 1876, the Victorian Board of Land and Works put out a call for tenders for the construction of a powder magazine at Warrnambool. This facility was to serve as storage for explosives being transported in and out of the port of Warrnambool, under the control and supervision of a specifically appointed harbour and custom official; the Keeper of the Powder Magazine. In October 1876, the magazine was constructed on the northern shore of Lady Bay, likely from local brick or bluestone.

    This magazine represented the second harbour explosives store; an earlier powder magazine had been constructed in 1859 by B. Wycherley on a ridge above the north-eastern shore of the bay, possibly prompted by the significant increase in transportation of gunpowder and explosives assocated with the Victorian Gold Rush. However, the area around the earlier magazine had developed significantly with much surrounding residential and industrial occupation. It seems likely that a new, more isolated location was thus deemed necessary.

    Plans of Warrnambool dating to the 1880s show the powder magazine situated on the northern shore of Lady Bay near the Hopkins River, within an area reserved for "public purposes". This was well away from residential occupation.

    During the mid-1880s, the position of the powder magazine at Warrnambool was the cause of some concern. Two major war scares in 18777-1878 and 1885 resulting from Russia's expansion eastward and the expected declaration of war between Britain and Russia had spurred intensive investigation and development of Victoria's coastal defences. The location of the powder magazine was noted as making an "admirable target for a shell". No action appears to have been taken, despite public agitation, as the magazine is still recorded in the same position in the 1890s. It appears that the magazine remained in operation until sometime during the early-mid 20th century.

    Interpretation of Site

    LADY BAY POWDER MAGAZINE SITE - Interpretation of Site

    The area where the site is located is on top of a low flat topped hill. The area is covered with tall grass and occasional thick and tall bushes. No remains of the magazine were identified

    Archaeological Significance

    LADY BAY POWDER MAGAZINE SITE - Archaeological Significance

    The archaeological significance of the site lies in its potential to inform on the manner of the construction of the magazine. What materials were used and how they were bonded to form the structure would affect the security of the explosives stored within as well as the minimisation of collateral damage in the event of an explosion.

    Historical Significance

    LADY BAY POWDER MAGAZINE SITE - Historical Significance

    Powder magazines are a common feature 19th ports as explosives were used for a variety of reasons such as blasting reefs to widen and deepen shipping channels and anchorages. Due to their very dangerous nature these buildings were sited in isolated areas. Its relocation in the 1870s from a hill adjacent to the Merri River near Harris Street to this site shows the increasing development around the former location and the relative isolation of the new site at this time. The magazine may have stored the munitions for the battery at Flagstaff Hill for a period.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    LADY BAY POWDER MAGAZINE SITE - Heritage Inventory Description

    The site is within a coastal reserve which is mostly vegetated sand dune.
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