ARCHAEOLOGIST Gary Hill says the reopening of a rare Chinese brick kiln in Bendigo has raised new questions about its history.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The kiln, which dates back to 1857, was discovered in Thunder Street in 2005 but was reopened for the public yesterday.
Crowds gathered throughout the afternoon to catch a glimpse of the brick kiln, which Dr Hill said was the rarest find in his career as an archaeologist.
“The rarity of it in particular, it’s the only operated kiln outside of China. It’s currently registered as (having) state significance; it will no doubt be registered as national significance, and maybe international significance.”
Yesterday’s reopening also signalled the start of new research into the kiln.
“We’ve learnt quite a lot from it already but there are more questions now that need to be answered. A report to be completed will be the basis of planning on what we do next on the site,” Dr Hill said.
“It’s possible that the report will recommend that it needs full archaeological excavation. We’d then be able to fully understand it and solve unanswered questions.”
An interpretation centre explaining the kiln’s history is one idea that has also been raised.
The kiln will be on public display again today.
