Thompson Square Conservation Area, Colonial heritage site in Windsor, Australia
Thompson Square Conservation Area is a heritage site with colonial buildings arranged around a central grassed space with mature trees. The precinct is bounded by four streets and includes structures such as the Macquarie Arms Hotel and Georgian-style cottages.
The site was established in 1811 under Governor Macquarie's direction as a focal point for early settlers and traders in the region. Excavations conducted between 2016 and 2019 uncovered more than 30,000 artifacts, ranging from Aboriginal objects to colonial items now housed at the Hawkesbury Museum.
The square reflects continuous human use over many centuries, with the Darug people having deep roots in this place they called Dyarubbin. The buildings and open spaces we see today sit atop the traces of that long occupation.
The area is best explored on foot and features informational plaques positioned throughout the precinct. The four surrounding streets provide flexible routes through the space and offer easy access to the various historic structures from multiple directions.
The location bears traces of human settlement stretching back 27,000 years, representing one of Australia's longest continuous occupation records. This deep time dimension lies hidden beneath the colonial structures visible today.
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