Government House, Halifax : archaeological resource impact assessment

Abstract

Davis Archaeological Consultants Limited conducted an archaeological resource impact assessment of renovations at Government House in Halifax from November 2006 to February 2007. The assessment included surface reconnaissance of the property grounds as well as archaeological monitoring of excavations in the moat, beneath the existing floor in the interior basement, and at the southeast corner of the exterior of the house. Three test trenches were also excavated between the carriage house and the north side of the main house which were monitored by an archaeologist. Archaeological resources were observed in the moat as well as beneath the floor of the basement and on the south wall of the carriage house in the excavated trench. Recommendations for monitoring of any ground disturbance inside the carriage house have been made. Early nineteenth century artifacts were observed in a disturbed context in the gardens on the southeast side of the house. No additional monitoring is required in those areas investigated by archaeologists. However, recommendations for monitoring on the west side of the house in the gardens and on the east side of the grounds near the entrance to the house have been made if future ground disturbance is to occur in hhese areas. These areas have not been investigated and may contain in situ archaeological resources.