A delicate operation to conserve a convict-built structure at Towrang was completed this week.
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The Towrang Stockade, some 10km north of Goulburn, is known for its unique collection of convict structures, including a bridge and five culverts constructed as part of the original Great South Road.
But number one culvert was in danger of collapse. The decorative solid shale and sandstone arches at either end were in good condition but inside, timber supporting the overburden had rotted and collapsed, according to an archaeological report.
Towrang Stockade Trust member Ken Wray said its condition was discovered about 10 years ago but repair funds were unavailable. Holcim has donated $12,500 from its community investment fund to the $20,000 project, with the remainder topped up by the Trust, to complete the work.
“We see it as a fundamental project for preserving the area’s history,” the company’s senior environment and community liaison manager Alannah White said.
“For a small amount of money it achieves a big outcome.”
Overseen by archaeologist Chris Carer, the work completed on Thursday involved removing soil, gravel and stone over the culvert in 100mm layers. The rotted support was removed and replaced with hardwood timber supplied by the Roads and Maritime Service. Then the overburden was replaced in the order it was removed.
The project also offered a chance to re-bed and replace some of the stone paved floor.
The Towrang Stockade is listed on the State’s heritage register. Mr Wray said the 1839 bridge at the site was thought to have been constructed by prominent colonial bridge designer, David Lennox. It’s believed the ornately designed culverts were built in the 1840s. Mr Carer found that culvert one had “substantially altered” from its original form, with part of the arched roof replaced with timber.
Mr Wray told The Post that up to 80 convicts would have worked on the Great South Road in the 1840s. Their camp was located on the eastern side of the current Hume Highway.
“They lived in wooden huts that had wheels, enabling them to be relocated. There was also a blacksmith’s shop, a kitchen and houses and the commandant had a house at Murrays Flat from where he rode each day to check on the convicts and the work,” he said.
Remains of graves and a powder magazine are also evident on a Towrang district property.
Some 10 members of the Trust help conserve the Stockade remains, relying on fundraising and State Government funds.
This week’s work required Office of Environment and Heritage and other approvals.