Clayton, Box Hill SRL digs uncover thousands of artefacts from early 1900s

Crews working on the new Clayton and Box Hill SRL stations have uncovered thousands of artefacts including some treasures dating back to the days of colonial Victoria.

Crews working on new SRL stations have uncovered thousands of historical artefacts. Picture: Suburban Rail Loop Authority

Crews working on the new Clayton and Box Hill Suburban Rail Loop stations have uncovered thousands of artefacts including some hidden treasures — including toy soldiers, porcelain dolls and medicine — dating back to the 1870s.

Close to 14,000 artefacts were recovered during a three-week archaeological dig at the existing Clayton railway site on Haughton Rd and at the Box Hill Gardens.

Some of the artefacts date back to the 1870s. Picture: Suburban Rail Loop Authority

Historic household items were uncovered. Picture: Suburban Rail Loop Authority

At the Clayton site, crews uncovered historic household items including crockery, glassware, porcelain dolls, marbles, dominoes, toy soldiers, a metal buckle, building materials, medicine bottles and more.

The site was home to the station masters cottage in the 1800s and historians believe the items were used by residents between 1870 and 1920.

Ceramics, glass bottles, nails and cooked bones were uncovered during the dig at the Box Hill Gardens site.

Archaeologists have begun work to catalogue and assess the items — a process expected to take months.

Archaeologists will catalogue and assess all the artefacts. Picture: Suburban Rail Loop Authority

The artefacts included building materials from the early 1900s. Picture: Suburban Rail Loop Authority

Clarinda state Labor MP Meng Heang Tak said the artefacts found were “fascinating” pieces of history from Clayton.

“These artefacts show Clayton’s rich history as a centre for transport and for families,” he said.

“These fascinating pieces of history were found while crews were building two new community spaces in Clayton, delivering even more open space for the local community to enjoy while we build SRL East.”

The SRL Authority will work with Heritage Victoria to determine what will happen to the artefacts.