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Archaeology in Fremantle's Phillimore Street: can you dig it?

TWO archaeological digs in Phillimore Street are set to uncover more of the past - and will be open to the public for observation from May 14 for about a fortnight.

Pioneer Reserve, opposite Fremantle Railway Station, and the corner of Cliff and Phillimore Streets are being investigated for their archaeological potential, giving an insight into 19th century commercial port activity and leisure past-times in the 1920s and 30s.

The City of Fremantle, assisted by $24,000 in Lotterywest funding, has engaged consultant archaeologist Jack McIlroy for the digs to search for evidence of early buildings and artefact scatters.

According to City of Fremantle Heritage Planner Vanessa Collins, it’s rare to find an extensive archaeological landscape in a built-up area – but these two areas were deemed good possibilities as investigative sites.

“The Phillimore Street Precinct is within Fremantle’s West End Conservation Area, which has continuously evolved since European settlement in 1829,” she said.

“There’s a rich layer of stories in this location waiting to be uncovered so they can be told through effective heritage interpretation.

“Pioneer Park was home to the Uglieland Fun Park from 1922 to 1936, run by the charitable Ugly Men’s Association to alleviate suffering in the community after World War I.

“We are also looking for physical evidence of families living there in the early 19th century because research shows there were several homes and a boarding house that had at least 23 men and five women staying there in 1899.

“In Phillimore Street west, we’re hoping to find physical evidence of the first railway station, railway and tramway lines.”

Ms Collins said some of the area’s history had been obscured by development over time, such as the reclamation of the Swan River foreshore and construction of Fremantle Harbour.

“This project intends to peel back some of the layers to reveal and communicate the area’s rich and varied past,” she said.

“It’s always fascinating to see what slices of history might be unearthed by archaeological digs such as these.”

Anything discovered during the Phillimore Street digs will be assessed for future heritage interpretation of the area.

Ms Collins will be at the sites from 12.30pm to 1.30pm daily to discuss the digs as they are happening.

Archaeologist Jack McIlroy is also part of this year’s Fremantle Heritage Festival from May 25 to June 2, presenting a discussion on archaeology including details of anything discovered during the Phillimore Street digs.

Details of the Fremantle Heritage Festival can found at www.fremantlefestivals.com.

• For more information, contact Heritage Planner Vanessa Collins on 9432 9578.