Argyle Cut
Location: Argyle Street, The Rocks, NSW 2000
Constructed: 1843 - 1868
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The Rocks is a unique historical precinct where you will be transported back in time and, as you wander the streets, you will be impressed by many of the sights, including the Argyle Cut. The Cut was begun with convict labour in 1843 to provide direct easy access between Millers Point and The Rocks but was not completed until 1859, with the use of explosives and council labour. Today, the Argyle Cut is an imposing but aesthetic example of convict public works that still provides a dramatic crossing through The Rocks.
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Physical Description
The Argyle Cut is a deep rock cutting giving a direct connection between Millers Point and the Rocks.
Argyle Cut, completed 1867-1868, by Sydney Municipal Council, Charles Moore, mayor. Inscription. |
Condition
Archaeology Assessment Condition: Destroyed. Assessment Basis: Excavated into bedrock. |
History
Argyle Cut, was begun with convict labour by 1843 to provide direct easy access between Millers Point and The Rocks. The cut was eventually completed by Sydney Municipal Council , using explosives and council labour in 1859. Overhead bridges were built for Gloucester Street in 1862, Cumberland Street in 1864 and the Princes Street in 1867-68 (the latter demolished as part of the Harbour Bridge construction) (de Vries Evans 1983: 38-39). There is an inscription identifying Charles Moore, Mayor (1867-8).
As part of the improvements undertaken by the Sydney Harbour Trust in 1911-12, Gloucester and Cumberland Streets were realigned and the two road bridges over the Argyle Cut replaced by a single bridge at Cumberland Street, and the Argyle Stairs were constructed. This work involved the demolition of 22-24 Gloucester Street, part of View Terrace.
Later, as part of the building of the Bradfield Highway in the 1920s, the Princes Street Bridge was demolished and the Argyle Cut was widened at the Princes Street end and the Bradfield Highway was constructed overhead, completed in 1932.
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Internet links
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Attraction Homepage |
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Data
| Name of Item: |
Argyle Cut |
| Type of Item: |
Built |
| Collection: |
Transport - Land |
| Category: |
Road Embankment/Cutting |
| Location: |
Argyle Street, The Rocks,
NSW 2000 |
| Local Govt: |
Sydney |
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| Builder: |
Part convict and part council labour |
| Constructed: |
1843 - 1868 |
| Current Use: |
Road cutting, roadway |
| Former Use: |
Road cutting, roadway |
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