http://hobsons-bay-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/bunker-uncovered-...
WILLIAMSTOWN now lays claim to one of the state’s oldest military bunkers after one dating back to the 1850s Crimean War was discovered at the cricket ground in Morris St.
The bunker and tunnel were uncovered during redevelopment at the Williamstown Cricket Club on January 13.
Heritage Victoria executive director Jim Gard’ner said the bunker was probably part of the Port Phillip Bay defences dating back to the 1850s.
It lay exposed until the 1920s when it was backfilled, and was consigned to history during construction of the grandstand in 1930.
Hobsons Bay Council said army personnel had visited the bunker and confirmed that it was probably used to store artillery in the 1800s.
It is believed the bunker was built from bluestone, possibly excavated by prisoners kept on prison hulks moored in Hobsons Bay.
Bushranger Ned Kelly spent several months on board the prison ship Sacramento in 1873-74 and worked ashore breaking stone for local infrastructure. There is a lingering rumour that he played football with the Williamstown Reserves during that time.
The Hobsons Bay military bunker will be protected under the Heritage Act, which makes it an offence to knowingly damage, disturb or excavate the site without permission from Heritage Victoria.
The location of the bunker means it is unlikely to interfere with the cricket club’s $8 million expansion.
The council is investigating the origins of the bunker, in collaboration with Heritage Victoria and a historical interpretation consultant, to determine the best options for preserving or restoring it.
"Bushranger Ned Kelly spent several months on board the prison ship Sacramento in 1873-74 and worked ashore breaking stone for local infrastructure. There is a lingering rumour that he played football with the Williamstown Reserves during that time." ..... got a fair idea who is responsible for that 'lingering rumour' :-)
