Tinkers well rediscovered

The convict-era ‘Tinkers Well’ has potentially been rediscovered in Pyrmont.

Local resident Glenn Wall made the find two weeks ago after it was revealed by Lend Lease labourers clearing lantana from the area on Distillery Drive.

“I climbed up onto Anzac Bridge … there is a remand of the path leading to it with sandstone blocks in fills it appears to be very very old,” he writes in an email.

“It appears as a small cave half covered by landslip…..BUT by jigs it’s the well!”

Pyrmont takes its name from the well when, in 1806, what the Sydney Gazette described as a ‘select party of ladies and gentlemen’ went to the peninsula for a picnic.

One of the guests remarked the area reminded them of the spa at Bad Pyrmont in Germany.

John Macarthur, who had been granted land here, adopted the name.

Convenor of Pyrmont Action Elizabeth Elenius says the discovery raises questions about the Lend Lease development and that the well must be preserved for its historical significance.

“Whatever these structures turn out to be, I strongly believe they are of archaeological significance and should be investigated before any further drilling and excavation occurs in this area,” she said.

“As part of this area of interest is on Council land, Council also has a responsibility to investigate the matter urgently.”

But a Council spokesperson said there is some doubt as to the well’s authenticity.

“Following an inspection by Council heritage experts, the developer ceased works and engaged an archaeological consultant to investigate and prepare a report for review,” they said.

“The archaeologist found that the uncovered outcrop is unlikely to be Tinker’s Well.

“The Council has requested the developer to seek further archaeological advice to substantiate the location of Tinker’s Well and whether this outcrop has any relationship with Aboriginal occupation of the area.”

The water source has been also been documented as having important to the original Indigenous people who lived on Pyrmont right up to the 1830s.

And as it was later an encampment for itinerants and travellers (hence the name) its social significance straddles pre and post invasion history.

The well is located on 1 Distillery Drive, Pyrmont and incorporates part of Council land adjoining 120-122 Saunders Street.

Lend Lease could not be contacted for a comment at the time of publication.

By Simon Black