Secrets of Sydney's past unlocked after Hunter Street Metro station excavation By Courtney Barrett PetersTopic:Archaeology38m ago38 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 1:58amArchaeologists at Hunter Street West site, Sydney, where artefacts from the city's history were found. (Supplied: NSW government)In short:Metres below the ground secrets of a colourful Sydney identity from the past have been unearthed.Coins, glass beads and bullet shells were among the surprising finds.They were discovered as excavators began to dig as part of works for the new Hunter Street Metro site.abc.net.au/news/nsw-metro-station-hunters-street-archaeology-prosper-de-mestre/105285440Link copiedShareShare articleThe excavation of what will become Hunter Street Metro station has unearthed archaeological treasures from early Sydney.Archaeologists discovered sandstock brick footings from the 1820s to 1840s, believed to be the base for prominent businessman Jean Charles Prosper de Mestre's home and counting house — a traditional finance office.De Mestre grew up in America before he moved to Australia in 1818 and began his working life as a business importer.Glass and miscellaneous items found in Hunter Street station excavation. (Supplied: NSW government)He later went onto be the director of the Bank of New South Wales and his own companies.Sydney Metro West's excavation team made the discovery near the former De Mestre Place, a laneway just off George Street, finding a treasure trove of other relics, including glass beads, an 1834 coin, slate pencils and glass bottles.Gun flint and bullet shells, likely from the former George Street Barrack opposite the site, were also notable finds.The city's history will be further preserved with the incorporation of the heritage-listed Skinners Family Hotel, built in 1845.Skinner's Family Hotel, corner George and Hunter streets, Sydney in 1849. A watercolour by Andrew Torning. (Supplied: State Library of NSW)The Hunter Street metro station will be the final stop on the 24-kilometre Sydney Metro West line, connecting Parramatta to the Sydney CBD from 2032.Some of de Mestre's descendants met with the project's director, Ronan McEleney, to view the uncovered relics, some of which will go on display to the public on 18 May.The sandstock brick footings believed to be part of prominent Sydney colonial-era merchant Prosper de Mestre's residence and counting house. (Supplied: State Library of NSW)Mr McEleney said the artefacts were being catalogued and analysed by specialists."Special care is being taken to preserve these relics so that future generations can learn more about the Sydney of that era," he said."Having the involvement of the de Mestre family and incorporating the Skinners Family Hotel into the metro build are important ways we are ensuring Sydney's heritage is remembered in this historic transport project."NSW Transport Minister John Graham said the government hoped the discoveries "serve as a reminder of how rich in history the site is"."The Hunter Street metro station project is part of Sydney's future, but these finds are a fascinating window into the city's past," he said.Posted 38m ago38 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 1:58am, updated 25m ago25 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 2:11amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesSussan Ley is the new leader of the Liberal Party, Ted O'Brien is deputy LIVEPhoto shows Susan Ley talks while standing behind a lectern. 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