Nails galore

Archaeologists were mystified by the large number of nails uncovered across the Lake Innes Estate. It is generally acknowledged that nails were not commonly used in Australia until after the 1870s. Archaeologists discovered that the number of nails retrieved from particular buildings reflected the status of people living there. Proportionately lower numbers were found in workers’ huts in the village compared with those retrieved from the main house. To secure the nails needed to build his grand house, Archibald Innes would probably have bought nails from Sydney and convict ‘nailers’ in Port Macquarie, as well as having them made on site. Significant quantities of nail rod for making nails were found near the blacksmith’s hut.