Full-scale mission digging Inn

TOOWOOMBA’S very own “Time Team” has begun archaeological excavations at Toowoomba’s Royal Bulls Head Inn.

But instead of Sir Tony Robinson, it is Toowoomba students searching for archaeological artefacts.

The dig started yesterday morning and will run until Sunday in an effort to investigate the rich history lying beneath the surface at the site.

USQ’s Professor Bryce Barker and Dr Lara Lamb, in partnership with Toowoomba National Trust, are leading the research program.

Professor Barker said the Royal Bulls Head Inn at Drayton was well known as one of the oldest extant historic buildings in the Toowoomba region, dating to 1847.

“What is probably less well known is that originally the inn itself was surrounded by a suite of ancillary buildings,” he said.

“This included a secondary cottage, a butchers shop, stables as well as an earlier version of the hotel which was replaced by the present structure.”

A geophysical survey using techniques such as ground penetrating radar has already been undertaken to develop a better understanding of spatial aspects of the site, estimate levels of preservation across the property and help identify suitable locations for the dig.

Professor Barker said excavators would include archaeology students and documentary film makers from USQ, volunteers from the public and more than 80 students from Toowoomba State High, Centenary Heights and Harristown State High Schools.

“A field laboratory will be set up to allow preliminary sorting and identification of material retrieved during excavation and further geophysical work will be carried out over the week,” he said.

Centenary Heights State High School ancient history students Jessica O’Loghlen and River Evison said it was a great learning opportunity.

“I’m really interested in this because I want to do history after school,” Ms O’Loghlen said.

Mr Evison said that before joining the dig, he didn’t realise the building was the oldest in Toowoomba.

The site will be open to the public at the weekend coinciding with the Toowoomba Open House.

thechronicle.com.au PHOTO: NEV MADSEN DIGGING DEEP: Jessica O’Loghlen, 13, River Evison, 16, and Professor Bryce Barker prepare to dig at the Royal Bulls Head Inn.