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Guildford Colonial Gaol renovations turn up unexpected discoveries

Justin BianchiniMidland Kalamunda Reporter

WORK on renovating the Colonial Gaol in Guildford has become an archaeological dig.

Swan Guildford Historical Society said contractors for the City of Swan would do further digging after unearthing a brick wall last week.

“So many surprises from our museum precinct,” the society said on its Facebook page.

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“We are now almost considered an archaeological site as well!

“The contractors unearthed a brick wall near the flagpole – this would be the manure pit that was in the exercise yard and adjacent to the stables.

“The contractors will extend the dig and see if they can locate the far wall of the manure pit.

“Later, they have given us a rusted offset spanner that was found 160mm below the path between the gaol and the toilets. It seems that it had been affected by a fire, as a bed of charcoal was found nearby.

“So many exciting surprises!”

The gaol is located in the Heritage Precinct, which includes the Court House and Taylor’s Cottage, once home to an ex-convict and his family.

The gaol operated as a local lock-up for more than 100 years from 1867.

The society said despite the gaol refurbishment works, it was still operating tours and visits at the site.