The Blackheath Stockade - Beneath the Street

⛏️ More than 180 years after the Blackheath Stockade operated in the Blue Mountains, part of its convict-era history has been uncovered beneath a modern street. In August 2026, archaeological investigations along Station Street in Blackheath revealed postholes believed to belong to two former stockade buildings, along with the remains of a fireplace believed to have once formed part of the medical quarters. 🏚️ Established in 1844, the Blackheath Stockade housed around 130 convicts and more than 40 military personnel. From here, convict road gangs worked on the Great Western Road through the harsh conditions of the Blue Mountains. When Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey Charles Mundy passed through Blackheath in 1846, he described a settlement of whitewashed timber slab buildings with tall stone chimneys. Almost 180 years later, traces of that settlement have emerged from beneath modern Blackheath. 🔎 In this episode of Shadowed Secrets, I return to the site of the Blackheath Stockade to explore: • The archaeological discoveries made beneath Station Street • The postholes believed to mark two former stockade buildings • The remains of the stockade’s medical quarters fireplace • Captain John Bull and the convict road gangs of Blackheath • What happened to the stockade after it closed in 1849 • Why the newly discovered remains are being buried again 🪦 I’ll also revisit the surviving connection to the stockade cemetery and look at how these discoveries add another piece to the story of one of the last roadside convict stockades established in New South Wales — and the last to operate. For generations, thousands of people have passed through this part of Blackheath without knowing what survived beneath their feet. For a brief moment in 2026, part of that history returned to the surface. Soon it will disappear beneath the street once again. 👍 If you enjoy exploring forgotten places, Australian history, convict history and the hidden stories of Sydney and the Blue Mountains, consider liking the video and subscribing to Shadowed Secrets for more. #Blackheath #BlueMountains #BlackheathStockade #ConvictHistory #AustralianHistory #NSWHistory #Archaeology #BlueMountainsHistory #ConvictAustralia #HiddenHistory #HistoricNSW #ShadowedSecrets