The Sirius Gun and Anchor

Anchor

This wrought iron anchor belonged to the H.M.S. Sirius, flagship of the First Fleet which arrived at Port Jackson in 1788.

The anchor was recovered off Norfolk Island in 1905, where it had lain since the wreck of the Sirius in 1790. Along with the H.M.S. Supply, the Sirius left Sydney Cove in early March 1790 laden with supplies to Norfolk Island, where it was wrecked on Norfolk Reef.

The anchor was transported from Norfolk Island to Sydney in 1905 and placed on a white marble pedestal in front of Customs House, Circular Quay, in memory of the ceremony in which the British flag was first hoisted and Eastern Australia was taken possession of in the name of King George III.

Later research, however, disclosed that Phillip had taken possession of the territory near the site of Macquarie Place Reserve while the Sirius was lying close by in Sydney Cove. Thus, it was decided to move the anchor to Macquarie Reserve, which was considered to be better identified with the claiming of the colony and the early life of New South Wales.

Cannon

This bronze cannon belonged to the H.M.S. Sirius, flagship of the First Fleet, which arrived at Port Jackson in 1788. The cannon was landed shortly after foundation of the colony in 1788. It was installed in Macquarie Place in 1907 with the anchor recovered from the Sirius.