Taken on 25 October 1930, various houses with the Hume Dam under construction are depicted in the background. The construction of the Hume Dam took place from 1919 to 1936. At the time of construction, it was the second largest dam in the world. It was also one of the earliest civil projects developed after the Federation. Some of the Dam workers consisted of World War I veterans. Dam workers often settled their families in Mitta Junction Village and Wodonga. Archaeological surveys were completed by Austral Archaeology, which was done when the Department of Land & Water Conservation was doing work to improve Hume Dam. The archaeological report that came out of the survey recommended three sites of interest where archaeological excavation should be done: Camp Ganger’s Quarters, Stableman’s Quarters, and the Industrial Dump. The excavation uncovered artefacts. Mitta Mitta: Mitta Mitta is situated between Mount Welcome and Mount Misery. It is named after the river that explorers Hume and Hovell discovered in 1824. The town would eventually become a huge gold mining town. Mitta Mitta is called Midamodunga by the local Indigenous peoples Wodonga: Wodonga is situated on the Murray River and is part of North East Victoria. Hume and Hovell: Hamilton Hume (1979-1873) and William Hilton Hovell (1786-1875). W. H. Hovell was born in Norfolk England and Hume was born in Parramatta, New South Wales Hovell and Hume undertook an exploration journey in 1824 and thought they discovered a river, which turned out to be the Murray River. They returned home in 1825, but returned to the area in 1826 and discovered coal in the area. This photo is historically significant as it shows the Hume Dam under construction in 1930. The Dam was named after Hamilton Hume, who is an important historical figure for this area as he helped discover the area where resources were found. Black and white rectangular photograph printer unmountedReverse: 1997.3145/ 84-20-2construction, houses, veterans, mitta junction village, hume dam, world war i, federation, wodonga, archaeological survey, excavation, austral archaeology, department of land & water conservation, camp ganger's quarter's, stableman's quarters, industrial dump, artefacts, mitta mitta, mount welcome, mount misery, murray river, hamilton hume, william hilton hovell, hume and hovell expedition

Agate occurs when amygdales (gas pockets) form in the upper levels of basaltic lava flows. If these pockets or bubbles are iniltrated by water bearing silica in solution, the fluid dries and hardens in layers, forming round or egg shaped nodules or geodes within the rocky matrix. Agate is formed of a silica mineral chalcedony similar to quartz. Although relatively common and semi-precious, agate has been prized since at least 1450 BC - an intricately carved agate seal was found in the 2015 excavation of a grave belonging to a Mycenaeum priest or warrior near Pylos in Greece. Agate is also used in jewellery and other decorative or ritual purposes due to its often striking appearance. These specimens originated in North Queensland, which contains noted agate-fossicking regions such as in the area surrounding Forsayth. They were collected in approximately 1852 as an adjunct to the Geological Survey of Victoria. It was donated to the Museum in 1868. Victoria and other regions of Australia were surveyed for sites of potential mineral wealth throughout the 19th Century. The identification of sites containing valuable commodities such as gold, iron ore and gemstones in a locality had the potential to shape the development and history of communities and industries in the area. The discovery of gold in Victoria, for instance, had a significant influence on the development of the area now known as 'the goldfields', including Beechworth; the city of Melbourne and Victoria as a whole. The specimens are significant as examples of surveying activity undertaken to assess and direct the development of the mineral resource industries in Victoria and Australia, as well as the movement to expand human knowledge of earth sciences such as mineralogy and geology in the nineteenth century. Two solid egg-sized pieces of peach/orange toned agate (a common semi-precious chalcedony, similar to quartz) with a striped pattern, embedded in a light and dark brown matrix. geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, agate, north queensland agate, 1852 geological survey of victoria, l. hufer - donor, mineralogy, agate specimen, indigo shire

This image shows an unknown location in the area of Beechworth that was possibly used as a sluicing mining site for gold during the Victorian Gold Rush. This era saw an influx of Chinese immigrants and Australian prospectors hoping to strike it rich on the fields. Many companies such as the Rocky Mountain Extended Gold Sluicing Company Ltd and the Cocks Pioneer Gold &Tin Sluicing Company also set up mines in the area. This site may be the location of one of these company's mines. The wooden logs are reminiscent of known sluicing operations in the era from that time. Sluicing involved the use of high-pressured hoses to clear away soil from earth that had been dug up by miners and was a popular method of excavation in the area, although it had severe impacts on the environment.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray an open cut sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold. It also shows a location where sluicing was undertook which provides insight into the impact of sluicing on the environment at a time when it was done.A colour rectangular photograph printed on glossy photographic paperReverse: 6855 /beechworth, gold rush, sluicing, mining

In 2018, excavations in the vicinity of Flinders Street Railway Station uncovered about 300 aboriginal artefacts which indicated that the site was used for corroborees and other celebrations. Results of other archeological digs in the city area are also described by archaeologist Jeremy Smith.2 p. Article from "The Age" 25/05/2023, text and colour imagesnon-fictionaboriginal heritage sites, melbourne - history, jeremy smith

In 1999, an archaeological dig was undertaken at the Viewbank Homestead site in Viewbank. This set of photographs was taken at the dig site in 1999. The house was built c1840 by James Williamson; it was later purchased by George Gear as a wedding gift to his daughter on her marriage to Dr Robert Martin. It became a grand mansion in the late 1800s but by the 1920s, it was stripped bare of materials and demolished in the 1920s. The archaeological dig was and insight into early life in the Viewbank HomesteadSet of 8 panoramic photos of archaeological dig and flyer for dig.viewbank homestead, banyule road viewbank, viewbank, archaeological digs

Construction of the main road from South Tawonga to the Bogong High Plains, to provide access to the construction sites for the new Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme, was commenced early in 1938, the work being undertaken on behalf of the Commission by the Country Roads Board. For the construction work, the Commission purchased three Caterpillar - model R07 - diesel crawler tractors equipped with Kay Brunerei (Brunner) hydraulically operated trailbuilders (angle dozers). This acquisition resulted from a visit to the United States of America in May, 1937 by the Construction Engineer ( Mr. C.H. Kernot) and Assistant Civil Engineer (Mr. J.F. Douglas) where they saw this relatively new type of equipment in use. With the co-operation of the CRB, the Commission demonstrated the operation of these machines at Fishermen's Bend on 6th April, 1938. They were then sent to Kiewa where they commenced operation towards the end of the month. From South Tawonga, the route led immediately across the Western Branch of the Kiewa River necessitating the construction of a bridge 100 feet long. By the end of 1939, the excavation had been 'opened up' for a distance of 19 1/2 miles (approx. 31 km) and of this length, 10 miles (approx. 16 km) had been surfaced.The purchase and use of this type of mechanical equipment in road making was a huge investment, as prior to this most of the work would have been done manually with the use of picks and shovels. Not only were many months of hard manual labour saved, but a very significant amount of time in providing access to the proposed work sites for the new Kiewa Hydro Scheme. This photo is an excellent reminder of how primitive the early machinery was compared to the present but also represents the forward thinking of the State Electricity Commissions engineers in purchasing such innovative equipment . A black and white photograph showing the type of machinery used for road making in the 1930's. It shows a grader being towed by a caterpillar tractor.On the top left hand corner of the photograph , hand written in black ink is the words 'Kiewa Road Making 25/8/1938'. On the right hand side of the photo has been stamped in blue the Number 1. It has been developed on Velox paper (marked on back of photo) with a gloss finish.road making, state electricity commission, caterpillar tractor, kiewa

Construction of the main road from South Tawonga to the Bogong High Plains, to provide access to the construction sites for the new Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme, was commenced early in 1938, the work being undertaken on behalf of the commission by the Country Roads Board. For the construction work, the Commission purchased three Caterpillar - model R07 - diesel crawler tractors equipped with Kay Brunerei (Brunner) hydraulically operated trailbuilders (angle dozers). This acquisition resulted from a visit to the United States of America in May, 1937 by the Construction Engineer ( Mr. C.H. Kernot) and Assistant Civil Engineer ( Mr. J.F. Douglas) where they saw this relatively new type of equipment in use. With the co-operation of the CRB, the Commission demonstrated the operation of these machines at Fishermen's Bend on 6th April, 1938. They were then sent to Kiewa where they commenced operation towards the end of the month. From South Tawonga, the route let immediately across the Western Branch of the Kiewa River necessitating the construction of a bridge 100 feet long. By the end of 1939, the excavation had been 'opened up' for a distance of 19 1/2 miles (approx. 31 km.) and of this length, 10 miles (approx. 16 km.) had been surfaced. (see KVHS 0328)The purchase of this type of mechanical equipment in road making was a huge investment, as prior to this most of the work would have been done manually with the use of picks and shovels. Not only were many months of hard manual labour saved, but a very significant amount of time in providing access to the proposed work sites for the new Kiewa Hydro Scheme. This photo is an excellent reminder of how primitive the early machinery was compared to the present but also represents the forward thinking of the State Electricity Commissions engineers in purchasing such innovative equipment.A black and white photograph of road making near Mt. Beauty in 1938. Mount Beauty hills can be seen in the background with cleared land for grazing in the fore ground.Hand printed in black ink at the top of the photograph is 'Kiewa Road Making 25/8/1938'. On the right hand corner has been printed the number 2. It has been printed on gloss Velox paper.road making, state electricity commission, caterpillar tractor, kiewa, secv

Construction of the main road from South Tawonga to the Bogong High Plains, to provide access to the construction sites for the new Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme, was commenced early in 1938, the work being undertaken on behalf of the Commission by the Country Roads Board. For the construction work, the Commission purchased three Caterpillar - model R07 - diesel crawler tractors equipped with Kay Brunerei (Brunner) hydraulically operated trail builders (angle dozers)). This acquisition resulted from a visit to the United States of America in May, 1937 by the Construction Engineer ( Mr. C.H. Kernot) and Assistant Civil Engineer (Mr. J.F. Douglas) where they saw this relatively new type of equipment in use. With the co-operation of the CRB, the Commission demonstrated the operation of these machines at Fishermen's Bend on 6th April, 1938. They were then sent to Kiewa where they commenced operation towards the end of the month. From South Tawonga, the route led immediately across the Western Branch of the Kiewa River necessitating the construction of a bridge 100 feet long. By the end of 1939,the excavation had been 'opened up' for a distance of 19 1/2 miles (approx. 31 km.) and of this length, 10 miles (approx. 16 km) had been surfaced.The purchase and use of this type of mechanical equipment in road making was a huge investment, as prior to this most of the work would have been done manually with the use of picks and shovels. Not only were many months of hard manual labour saved, but a very significant amount of time in providing access to the proposed work sites for the new Kiewa Hydro Scheme. This photo is an excellent reminder of how primitive the early machinery was compared to the present but also represents the forward thinking of the State Electricity Commission's Engineers in purchasing such new and innovative equipment.A black and white photograph of a Caterpillar diesel crawler tractor and a hydraulically operated trailbuilder (angle dozer) making a road in the Mt. Beauty area.Hand written in black ink in the top left hand corner are the words "Kiewa Road Making 25/8/1938". On the upper right hand of the photograph has been stamped the number 3. On the back is stamped the word 'Velox' severaly times, which is the make of the photograhic paper. roadmaking, caterpillar tractor, kiewa, state electricity commission

Work commenced at Rocky Valley Dam site in early 1947 and proceeded until May. Resumed work in October after the winter and a camp for the accommodation of workmen was commenced at this time. Work continued in 1948 with the establishment of work facilities, including the erection of two large excavators. At the dam site the river was diverted through a temporary pipeline. Work proceeded in the summer months with the placing of concrete in the foundations and earth and rock fill for the construction of the wall. Rocky Valley and associated spillway and outlet works were completed in March, 1959. A very good representation of the type of machinery available in the 1940's used for excavation of the dam and the construction of the dam wall.Black and white photograph of Rocky Valley Dam wall under construction. There are at least three cranes plus workmen in the photo. This is taken from the Heathey's Spur side of the dam wall looking back toward Sun Valley.Hand written on back of photograph "Rocky Valley Dam Wall Excavation" in blue ink.rocky valley, dam, wall, machinery

This photograph was taken during construction of the Rocky Valley Dam and wall. Work was commenced in early 1947 but had to be suspended during winter and then resumed in October. Work continued in 1948 with the establishment of work facilities and, at the dam site, the river was diverted through a temporary pipeline. Rocky Valley and associated spillway and outlet works were completed in 1959.A pictorial record of the construction of the rock and earth filled dam wall at Rocky Valley. Shows the extent of the project undertaken and the fact that a lot of the work was done manually by pick and shovel - note the workmen using picks and sledge hammers on the lower half of the photo.A black and white photograph showing the excavation of the dam at Rocky Valley looking towards Heathey's SpurHand written on the back of photograph in blue ink "Rocky Valley showing dam excavation" rocky valley, dam, wall, picks, sledge hammers

In December 1939 the excavation of the diversion tunnel at the site of Junction (Lake Guy) Dam was commenced and finished in February, 1940.This allowed the stream to be diverted to facilitate the dam wall construction. This is a 'slab and buttress' dam. It is framed with timber and concrete then poured into the structure. A contract was let to Lewis Construction Co. for the construction of the dam, and the first batch of concrete was placed in September, 1940. Industrial trouble caused some delays but there was also slow progress on the part of the contractor and the work was taken over by the S.E.C., terminating the contract. The dam was completed in March, 1944. The lake is named after Mr. L.T. Guy who was the Resident Engineer, in charge of construction work and associated activities on the Kiewa area, from 1939 until November 1946. An historical pictorial record taken for the State Electricity Commission of Junction Dam (Lake Guy) on spill. Mt. Arthur is in the background and there is still evidence of the destruction of trees from the 1939 bushfires. Black and white photograph of Lake Guy Dam . The dam is spilling and Mt. Arthur is in the background. Hand written on back of photograph in blue ink " Lake Guy Dam".dam, lake, water, mr. l.t.guy

In July, 1941 work commenced on the site of the power station with the building of a coffer dam and excavation for the power station building and machine foundations followed. Work proceeded, and the access bridge, transformer foundations and transfer track were completed in April, 1943 and the power station building in May, 1943. Installation of the machines was then proceeded with and No. 1 machine was run for the first time in June 1944. No. 2 machine was completed in April, 1944 and placed in service in May.A pictorial record for the State Electricity Commission of the first Power Station commissioned in the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.Black and white photograph of the bridge and entrance to No. 3 Power Station (Clover Power Station).Handwritten on back of photograph in blue ink "No. 3 Power Station".clover, power station, machine, kiewa scheme

Digitised video (3.17GB). Duration: 56 minutes. Recorded June, 2023 (Video is available for viewing at Ringwood & District Historical Society Archives by appointment)Presenter: Wren Lakeman has a Bachelor of Archaeology and Masters in Professional Archaeology from LaTrobe University, finishing in 2018. She has been working as a sub-contractor for many different archaeology companies and with tickets in excavation, now works for Archstone Archaeology, providers of machinery and operators to archaeological sites all over Australia. For this talk, Wren talks about her work and outlines results of earlier excavations carried out in Ringwood.

Black and white 'Views of Bendigo' No. 7. Excavation of Quartz Reef, near Ironbark Hill. Panorama of Mullock heaps and four mine sites. Copy of frames photo?. Inscriptions: Mine sites named - 'Lansell's 180 claim', 'Victoria and New Chum Company', 'North Old Chum Claim', 'Old Chum Mine'.NJ Caire, Sandhursttopic, mining

Base map Australian map grid of Eaglehawk area. Map has letter attached from the Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, 22 March, 1990, addressed to Felicity Kingerlie, BHS, requesting information regarding the historic mining sites marked on the map. Sites marked are: A. Golden Age Mine, engine mountings present B. Johnson's No. 2 Mine, engine mountings, old boiler foundations C. Johnson's No. 1 Mine, mullock retaining wall made from sandstone, engine mountings, remains of old building demolished? D. Toma's Eucalyptus Factory, old boiler still there, boiler shed, chimney (remnants of) outlet drain, distilling vats, dam, remnant of winch. E. New Argus Mine,mullock heap F. New Moon Mines Dams (1) stone walls G. North Lightning Hill Mine, engine mountings, quartz retainer wall, Pascoe and Simmons open cuts and other open cuts here too H. New Prince of Wales Mine and Poppet Head I. Quarry site for stone, excavation (for miners cottages in Clarke Street) J. Lancashire open cut mine K. Virginia Hill (cynaide vats etc) L. South Prince of Wales mine, now capped and fenced M (possibly ) Catherine United Mine, engine mountings, battery mountings?bendigo, mining, eaglehawk mines

Image shows construction site. Woolworths store and Myer in background. Excavations in foreground. On back ' Monday 1/3/82 a.m. looking towards Woolworths from about Commonwealth Bank'place, bendigo, hargreaves mall, bendigo, hargreaves mall

This photograph was taken during the upgrade of the Bendigo Railway line at the Sunbury Station in 2005. The upgrade took twelve months to complete and during this time bus services replaced the trains for commuters along Bendigo line.A coloured photograph of the construction on the site of the Sunbury Railway Station. The old railway lines have been removed and the bluestone road over rail bridge can be seen with excavation equipment in front of it. Concrete sleepers which replaced the old sleepers are on the LHS of the photograph.railways, bendigo line, railway stations, bridges, bluestone bridges, sunbury railway station, george evans collection

This photograph was taken during the upgrade of the Bendigo Railway line at Sunbury Station. The upgrade of the line took over twelve months to complete and bus services replaced the train service during that time.A coloured photograph of construction on the site of the Sunbury Railway Station. The photograph has been taken from the Macedon Street bridge and is looking south towards Station Street. The old rail tracks have been removed and excavation work is in progress to make way for the new tracks. The new rail lines have been placed on the side of the track on the RHS of the photograph.railways, bendigo line, railway stations, bridges, sunbury railway station, george evans collection

This photograph was taken during the upgrade of the Bendigo Railway line at Sunbury Station. For the twelve months when the upgrade of the line took place buses replaced the train services.A coloured photograph of construction on the site of the Sunbury Railway Station. The photograph was taken from the Macedon Street end of the station platform and shows the excavation taking place to allow for the placement of the new rail tracks.railways, bendigo line, railway stations, bridges, sunbury railway station, george evans collection

Black Boys Inn is in the market square of Aylesham, England. "Archaeological evidence shows that the site of the town has been occupied since prehistoric times. Aylsham is just over two miles (3 km) from a substantial Roman settlement at Brampton, linked to Venta Icenorum at Caistor St Edmund, south of Norwich, by a Roman road which can still be traced in places - that site was a bustling industrial centre with maritime links to the rest of the empire. Excavations in the 1970s provided evidence of several kilns, showing that this was an industrial centre, pottery and metal items being the main items manufactured. Aylsham is thought to have been founded around 500 AD by an Anglo Saxon thegn called Aegel, Aegel's Ham, meaning "Aegel's settlement". The town is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Elesham and Ailesham, with a population of about 1,000. Until the 15th century, the linen and worsted industry was important here, as well as in North Walsham and Worstead and Aylsham webb or 'cloth of Aylsham' was supplied to the royal palaces of Edward II and III. John of Gaunt was lord of the manor from 1372 and Aylsham became the principal town of the Duchy of Lancaster. Although John of Gaunt probably never came to Aylsham, the townspeople enjoyed many privileges, including exemption from jury service outside the manor and from payment of certain taxes. The village sign depicts John of Gaunt. In 1519 Henry VIII granted a market on Saturdays and an annual fair to be held on 12 March, which was the eve of the feast of St Gregory the pope. Aylsham markets have always been an important feature of the town, and businesses developed to meet the needs of the town and the farming lands around it. Besides weekly markets there were cattle fairs twice a year and, in October, a hiring fair. The historic Black Boys Inn in the Market Place is one of Aylsham's oldest surviving buildings, and has been on the site since the 1650s, although the present frontage dates to between 1710 and 1720. There is a frieze of small black boys on the cornice and a good staircase and assembly room. The Black Boys was a stop for the post coach from Norwich to Cromer, had stabling for 40 horses, and employed three ostlers and four postboys. A thatched waterpump was built in 1911 at Carr's Corner in memory of John Soame by his uncle, a wealthy financier. An artesian well 170 feet (52 m) deep, its canopy is thatched in Norfolk reed. As with many of the other market towns in the county, the weaving of local cloth brought prosperity to the town in medieval times. Until the 15th century it was the manufacture of linen which was the more important, and Aylsham linens and Aylsham canvases were nationally known. From the 16th century linen manufacture declined and wool became more important, a situation that continued until the coming of the Industrial Revolution. Thereafter the principal trade of the town for the 19th century was grain and timber, together with the range of trades to be found in a town which supported local agriculture. Records show that Aylsham had markets and fairs, certainly from the 13th century. Such weekly and annual events were important for the trade that they brought. Annual horse fairs would bring many other traders to the town, and the weekly market would be the occasion for more local trade. The rights of the stallholders in the market place today date back to the rights established in medieval times." See wikipediaDigital photograph colouredinn, aylsham, england, black boys inn, market square

Black Boys Inn is in the market square of Aylsham, England. "Archaeological evidence shows that the site of the town has been occupied since prehistoric times. Aylsham is just over two miles (3 km) from a substantial Roman settlement at Brampton, linked to Venta Icenorum at Caistor St Edmund, south of Norwich, by a Roman road which can still be traced in places - that site was a bustling industrial centre with maritime links to the rest of the empire. Excavations in the 1970s provided evidence of several kilns, showing that this was an industrial centre, pottery and metal items being the main items manufactured. Aylsham is thought to have been founded around 500 AD by an Anglo Saxon thegn called Aegel, Aegel's Ham, meaning "Aegel's settlement". The town is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Elesham and Ailesham, with a population of about 1,000. Until the 15th century, the linen and worsted industry was important here, as well as in North Walsham and Worstead and Aylsham webb or 'cloth of Aylsham' was supplied to the royal palaces of Edward II and III. John of Gaunt was lord of the manor from 1372 and Aylsham became the principal town of the Duchy of Lancaster. Although John of Gaunt probably never came to Aylsham, the townspeople enjoyed many privileges, including exemption from jury service outside the manor and from payment of certain taxes. The village sign depicts John of Gaunt. In 1519 Henry VIII granted a market on Saturdays and an annual fair to be held on 12 March, which was the eve of the feast of St Gregory the pope. Aylsham markets have always been an important feature of the town, and businesses developed to meet the needs of the town and the farming lands around it. Besides weekly markets there were cattle fairs twice a year and, in October, a hiring fair. The historic Black Boys Inn in the Market Place is one of Aylsham's oldest surviving buildings, and has been on the site since the 1650s, although the present frontage dates to between 1710 and 1720. There is a frieze of small black boys on the cornice and a good staircase and assembly room. The Black Boys was a stop for the post coach from Norwich to Cromer, had stabling for 40 horses, and employed three ostlers and four postboys. A thatched waterpump was built in 1911 at Carr's Corner in memory of John Soame by his uncle, a wealthy financier. An artesian well 170 feet (52 m) deep, its canopy is thatched in Norfolk reed. As with many of the other market towns in the county, the weaving of local cloth brought prosperity to the town in medieval times. Until the 15th century it was the manufacture of linen which was the more important, and Aylsham linens and Aylsham canvases were nationally known. From the 16th century linen manufacture declined and wool became more important, a situation that continued until the coming of the Industrial Revolution. Thereafter the principal trade of the town for the 19th century was grain and timber, together with the range of trades to be found in a town which supported local agriculture. Records show that Aylsham had markets and fairs, certainly from the 13th century. Such weekly and annual events were important for the trade that they brought. Annual horse fairs would bring many other traders to the town, and the weekly market would be the occasion for more local trade. The rights of the stallholders in the market place today date back to the rights established in medieval times." See wikipediaDigital photograph"Admiral Lord Nelson attended a dance at the Assembly rooms here on 15th December 1792 - 21st October 2005"aylsham, lord nelson, 1792, plaque

Lord Nelson plaque is in the town of Aylsham. "Archaeological evidence shows that the site of the town has been occupied since prehistoric times. Aylsham is just over two miles (3 km) from a substantial Roman settlement at Brampton, linked to Venta Icenorum at Caistor St Edmund, south of Norwich, by a Roman road which can still be traced in places - that site was a bustling industrial centre with maritime links to the rest of the empire. Excavations in the 1970s provided evidence of several kilns, showing that this was an industrial centre, pottery and metal items being the main items manufactured. Aylsham is thought to have been founded around 500 AD by an Anglo Saxon thegn called Aegel, Aegel's Ham, meaning "Aegel's settlement". The town is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Elesham and Ailesham, with a population of about 1,000. Until the 15th century, the linen and worsted industry was important here, as well as in North Walsham and Worstead and Aylsham webb or 'cloth of Aylsham' was supplied to the royal palaces of Edward II and III. John of Gaunt was lord of the manor from 1372 and Aylsham became the principal town of the Duchy of Lancaster. Although John of Gaunt probably never came to Aylsham, the townspeople enjoyed many privileges, including exemption from jury service outside the manor and from payment of certain taxes. The village sign depicts John of Gaunt. In 1519 Henry VIII granted a market on Saturdays and an annual fair to be held on 12 March, which was the eve of the feast of St Gregory the pope. Aylsham markets have always been an important feature of the town, and businesses developed to meet the needs of the town and the farming lands around it. Besides weekly markets there were cattle fairs twice a year and, in October, a hiring fair. The historic Black Boys Inn in the Market Place is one of Aylsham's oldest surviving buildings, and has been on the site since the 1650s, although the present frontage dates to between 1710 and 1720. There is a frieze of small black boys on the cornice and a good staircase and assembly room. The Black Boys was a stop for the post coach from Norwich to Cromer, had stabling for 40 horses, and employed three ostlers and four postboys. A thatched waterpump was built in 1911 at Carr's Corner in memory of John Soame by his uncle, a wealthy financier. An artesian well 170 feet (52 m) deep, its canopy is thatched in Norfolk reed. As with many of the other market towns in the county, the weaving of local cloth brought prosperity to the town in medieval times. Until the 15th century it was the manufacture of linen which was the more important, and Aylsham linens and Aylsham canvases were nationally known. From the 16th century linen manufacture declined and wool became more important, a situation that continued until the coming of the Industrial Revolution. Thereafter the principal trade of the town for the 19th century was grain and timber, together with the range of trades to be found in a town which supported local agriculture. Records show that Aylsham had markets and fairs, certainly from the 13th century. Such weekly and annual events were important for the trade that they brought. Annual horse fairs would bring many other traders to the town, and the weekly market would be the occasion for more local trade. The rights of the stallholders in the market place today date back to the rights established in medieval times." See wikipediaDigital photograph"This stone commemorates JOSEPH THOMAS CLOVER 1825-1882 pioneer anaesthetist born in Aylsham"aylsham, joseph thomas clover, anaesthetist

The Mitcham Reservoir was completed in 1923. Excavation was by horse drawn scoops and drays. The site is accessed by Agra Road MitchamTwo copies of a black and white photograph of John Williams of East Doncaster Road, Mitcham, standing in front of the Mitcham Reservoir construction site in c1922williams, john, mitcham reservoir