maha sac - camden archaeological report
MAHA Students Mad for ‘Miserable Hut’
During the month of August 2008 MAHA members Melissa Grima, Jennifer Purcell and Daniel Walker were fortunate enough to participate in an excavation at Belgenny Farm, organised by prominent Australian archaeologist Dr Edward Higginbotham.
The objective was to locate Elizabeth Macarthur’s temporary residence whilst she resided in Camden. It was dubbed “the small miserable hut” by Governor Macquarie, his disdain for her accommodation apparent. Despite his judgment however, the site and its contents, including shards of china, nails, kaolin pipe pieces and one coin can be considered quite remarkable.
Much archaeological practice was obtained on the dig, not limited to manual excavation with shovels and trowels (Jennifer being particularly fervent earning her the nickname ‘Pick-axe Purcell) and artefact processing but also how to entertain the media by play-excavating and to get rid of them when they ambushed the beloved ‘party trench,’ number 5. It is amazing how territorial one can get over their trench!
Although the dig was threatened with bad weather and uncertainty over the approval of pending grants to extend the trenches, nevertheless, with the help of an 1840s estate plan, a mid 1830s painting by Conrad Martens, good leadership and an enthusiastic team, the dig was a success. The nature of the artefacts and features uncovered, including a hearth are confirmation that indeed the Miserable Hut has been located.
Despite its premise, the excavation was far from miserable, rather a dirty yet extremely delightful experience. Eagerly anticipating season two 2009!