The Old Sydney Burial Grounds
The Old Sydney Burial Ground, also known as the Old Sydney Cemetery, was one of the earliest cemeteries in the city of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was established in 1792 and remained in use until 1820. Located in the heart of Sydney's central business district, the cemetery occupied the land bounded by George Street, Druitt Street, and Market Street.
The Old Sydney Burial Ground served as the primary burial site for the early European settlers in Sydney. It was a reflection of the city's colonial history and the challenges faced by the early inhabitants. The cemetery was predominantly used by convicts, soldiers, and other members of the early colony.
As Sydney developed and expanded, the cemetery became overcrowded and unsanitary. It was poorly maintained, and many of the graves were in a state of disrepair. In 1820, the cemetery was closed to further burials, and a new burial ground was established at Devonshire Street, which is now known as the Sydney Central Station.
Over the years, the land that once housed the Old Sydney Burial Ground underwent significant changes. In the 19th century, the cemetery was converted into a recreational space known as Hyde Park. The remains of those buried in the cemetery were relocated to other cemeteries, including the Devonshire Street Cemetery and later to other locations.
Today, there are few visible traces of the Old Sydney Burial Ground within Hyde Park. In 1889, a sandstone monument was erected in the park to commemorate the cemetery's existence. The monument, known as the "First Government House Monument," stands as a reminder of the site's historical significance.
While the Old Sydney Burial Ground no longer exists as a functioning cemetery, it holds great historical importance as one of the earliest burial grounds in Sydney. It provides insight into the early settlement period and the challenges faced by the early colonists in establishing a permanent settlement in Australia.
The Old Sydney Burial Ground was originally a garden owned by Captain Shea of the Marines
It is now occupied by the Sydney Towm Hall
This area was used for burials from September 1792 to the end of January 1820.
1789 - Shea ; John
1792 - Edwards ; William
1792 - welch ; James
1793 - Allain - Allen ; John
1793 - Bishop ; Thomas
1793 - Clough ; Richard
1793 - Finn ; Mary
1793 - Robinson ; George
1793 - Nation ; Gabriel
1794 - Welch ; John
1795 - Thandy - Thodie - Thoudy ; James
1795 - Webb ; Thomas (Headstone)
1795 - Welsh ; James
1795 - West ; John
1796 - Henry Brewer - 10th July 1796, Sydney Midshipman HMS Sirius 1788. David Collins - He came out with Governor Phillip as his clerk. and on our landing was appointed to act as provost marshal in the room of the person Appointed by the Crown, Mr Alexander who never came out. Mr Brewer aftewards received His Majesty's Commission Appointing him into the vacancy.
1797 - Baughan ; John
1797 - Brooks ; Jane
1797 Stewart ; Margaret
1798 - Hill ; Mary
1798 - McManus ; James
1799 - Eggleton ; Mary
1799 - Penny ; John
1799 - Webb ; Robert
1801 - Clayton ; Edward
1801 - Stodgell ; John
1803 - Carroll ; Mary
1804 - Bloodworth ; James
1804 - Humphries ; Edward
1804 - Smith - Smyth ; Thomas
1805 - Barnes ; Samuel - 12th January 1805 - Sydney Gazette 13 January 1805- Death and Funeral Notice. Arrived Free on The Golden Grove1788 as Personal Clerk to Reverend Johnson.
Dundas ; Jane - 23rd December 1805. Headstone at Old Sydney Burial Ground - Sydney Gazette: - Wearing apparel and other property of the late J Dundas to be sold at auction by Mr David Bevan at his rooms in South Street, On Wednesdat next the 2nd Of April 1806 at 11 in the Forenoon. Sydney Gazette gives a full list of items.
Convict - Prince Of Wales 1788
Her headstone read - Mrs Jeanette Dundas, Housekeeper gto His Excellency The Governor King, Whose family deeply fament (sic) the loss of an honest, faithful, affectionate servant, wohcse character the deceased maintained during a service of 15 years. Obituary Dec 22ns 1815 - aged 47 years.
1805 - Price ; Rebecca - Died 12th February 1805 - Sydney Gazette 17th Feb 1805 - "Wife of Thomas Mayor." Rebecca Davidson - Convict - Lady Penrhyn 1788
1805 - Roegrs ; Daniel - Convict - Alexander 1788 married to Sarah Graham - Convict - Lady Juliana 25th October 1790 - Port Jackson - She Died 12 Nov 1812 and is also buried at the Old Sydney Burial Ground
1805 - Wordsdull ; Mary Ann - buried 17th ay 1805 - Headstone At the Old Sydney Bural Ground. Convict Mary Lawrence Lady Penrhyn Married William Worsdell, Convict, Charlotte 1788 31st May 1788 - Port Jackson. Her Headstone read "By Her Well Wishers, William Saunders. The young might like to know the tale of the grave could tell of parted joys, but of transparent love."
1806 Fitzgerald ; Jane
1806 - Stewart ; James
1807 - Cuckow ; William
1807 - Hall ; Margaret
1808 - Whiting ; William - Convict - Alexander 1788 - Married Mary William 1790
1808 - Wilks ; Mary - Other names - Wilks, Wilson, Turner. Lived with David Batty. She Arrived as a convict on Lady Penrhyn 1788
1809 - Horrall ; Rebecca
1809 - Sandlands ; Ann
1809 - Sideaway ; Robert
1810 - Roe ; John
1811 - Bayliss ; John - 30th August 1811 - Aged 60 - Free by Servitude - Convict Friendship 1788
1811 - Dennison ; Barnabas - 25th April 1811 - Aged 58 - Convict Alexander 1788
1811 - Wright ; Joseph - 30th Aug 1811 - Aged 44, died on 29th August 1811 - Arrived Convict Scarborough 1788 Married - 13th December 1790 Sydney Elenor Gott Neptune 1790
1812 - Colley ; Richard
1814 - Craddock ; Mary
1816 - Sheers ; Mary
1817 - Podmore ; Phoebe
1818 - Atkinson ; Mary
1818 - Archer ; John
1819 - Parsons ; Harry
1819 - Wood ; Ann (Possibly at the Devonshire Street Cemetary)
Australian Research Info - Old Sydney Bural Grounds
City Of Sydney - Old Sydney Burial Ground
The Old Sydney Burial Ground, also known as the Old Sydney Cemetery, was the first official cemetery established in Sydney, Australia. It holds a significant place in the city's history as a final resting place for early colonists, convicts, and other individuals who played a role in the early development of the colony. Here's an overview of its history:
Founding and Early Years:
- The Old Sydney Burial Ground was established in 1792, just four years after the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.
- It was situated near what is now the intersection of George and Druitt Streets in the heart of Sydney.
Usage and Significance:
- The cemetery served as the primary burial ground for Sydney's inhabitants during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
- It provided a burial place for convicts, early settlers, military personnel, and others who contributed to the colony's growth.
Overcrowding and Closure:
- Over time, the Old Sydney Burial Ground became overcrowded, and by the 1820s, the space had nearly reached capacity.
- Due to concerns about public health, hygiene, and the lack of space for new burials, the cemetery was closed for further burials in 1820.
Transformation into a Park:
- In the mid-19th century, the decision was made to convert the burial ground into a public park, reflecting changing attitudes toward urban planning and public spaces.
- The area was landscaped, and a park known as the "Burying Ground" or the "Sandhills" was created.
Rediscovery and Preservation:
- The site of the Old Sydney Burial Ground was largely forgotten over the years, with subsequent development covering much of the original space.
- In the 20th century, various archaeological surveys and excavations helped rediscover and document the history of the burial ground.
Recognition and Memorialization:
- In recent years, efforts have been made to recognize and memorialize the Old Sydney Burial Ground's historical significance.
- Plaques and markers have been placed to commemorate the site's history and the individuals interred there.
The Old Sydney Burial Ground serves as a poignant reminder of Sydney's early colonial history and the people who shaped the city's development. While much of the original site has been transformed, its significance continues to be acknowledged, offering insight into the lives of those who lived in the early days of the colony.
