The Melbourne General Cemetery's origins date back to a period before Carlton
or the colony of Victoria existed. Then a remote bushland site, it was chosen by
Superintendent C.J. La Trobe and charted by Robert Hoddle in 1849. It formally
opened its gates in June 1853, celebrating 150 years in 2003.
The Cemetery began to operate during the chaos of Victoria's main alluvial
gold rush, whilst its first major extension - between 1858 and 1860 - coincided
with the depletion of alluvial gold and the return of disillusioned 'diggers' to
the colonial metropolis. It experienced another significant extension during the
traumatic years of the Great Depression.
Today, the Cemetery's diverse memorials fascinate and intrigue, reflecting
every wave of immigration that has occurred since Melbourne was a provincial
pastoral centre in New South Wales.
Menzies' ashes are interred here. And you will not only find memorials to
explorers like Burke and Wills, and politicians like John Pascoe Fawkner,
William Champ (Tasmania's first premier), Sir Isaac Isaacs (our first
native-born Governor-General), Prime Minister Scullin, and Peter Lalor (of
Eureka Stockade fame), but also to prominent local trade unionists, writers like
Marcus Clarke, and early captains of industry.
For anyone wishing to 'feel' the history of this part of Australia since
European settlement, there is no better place to go.
Contents:
1. The Melbourne General Cemetery
2. Famous and Infamous People
3. Memorable Memorials in Stone
4. Two Self-Guided Walks
Trustees of the Melbourne General Cemetery
Notes
Bibliography
Index
