Overview

ICS was engaged by Strata Plus to undertake maintenance of the archaeological remains and artefacts in the Hospital and Kitchen Wing Pavilions at the Parramatta Justice Precinct (PJP) Heritage Courtyard.

The site includes remains of the second convict hospital (1792-1818) and John Watts' third convict hospital (1818-1844), as well as other remains such as a convict hut, surgeon's residence and associated artefacts.

ICS has been involved in the maintenance of the Parramatta Justice Precinct archaeology pavilions and associated artefacts since 2008. Following the uncovering and display of the site and artefacts at the precinct in January 2008 it became evident that the ground was very damp. Biological growth occurred almost immediately and within months the remains and surrounding ground, particularly in the Hospital Pavilion, had become covered with an extensive and thick layer of green moss, lichen, algae, and other plants.

The site requires a regular management to maintain the appearance of the site and to minimise the opportunity for plants to reestablish themselves.

Condition

The Kitchen Wing Pavilion contained biological growth on the bricks and soil, particularly in areas where ground water is present. There was extensive dust, insects, and spider webs, and salt efflorescence and flaking on bricks, particularly on the outer walls, with losses of the original stone detail.

The Hospital Pavilion contained extensive and varied biological growth, including the growth of small to medium sized plants on the archaeological remains. There were deposits of salt on bricks and soil, and some rubbish on both the archaeological remains and the viewing platform.

Treatment

• Plants were cut away and placed into rubbish bags to minimise the spread of
• Small amounts of weed killer were painted directly onto the cut stem of plants.
• Bricks were brushed to remove loose moss and algae where possible.
• Salt efflorescence was cleaned from the surface of the stonework in the Kitchen Pavilion.

Treatment outcomes

ICS conservators successfully removed the most invasive biological growth causing deterioration, and reduced the rapid growth of vegetation..

However, the current climate and the environment of both pavilion buildings encourages the rapid growth of new vegetation.

Ongoing monitoring and maintenance will be required to ensure the archaeological remains are not damaged.