Drawn to this peaceful garden? It’s more than just a cemetery. It’s St Jude’s Anglican Cemetery. St Jude’s Anglican Cemetery is an integral part of Randwick’s history. Established in 1858, St Jude’s Anglican Cemetery accepted its first burial before the current church even existed.
According to the Randwick Council website, St Jude’s Anglican Cemetery became the burial ground for Sydney society’s elite. Many well-known early settlers rest here. They include NSW Colonial Secretary Edward Deas. Also interred here is Sir Alfred Stephen. Even Sir Frederick Pottinger, the man who pursued bushranger Ben Hall, is buried here.
St Jude’s Anglican Cemetery offers a glimpse into the past. The earliest discernible date on a tombstone is 1843. However, some graves might be even older. Most burials occurred between 1865 and the 1890s. The last burial took place in 1975.
Notice the arrangement of graves. They are set in parallel rows. A major pathway extends from the church towards the columbarium. The ground is fairly level, except for a small earth bank on the south side. The monuments are impressive. Most feature richly carved Victorian designs in sandstone. A few are marble or granite. Delicate cast-iron fences surround many family plots.
Look around at the trees of St Jude’s Anglican Cemetery. Mature Moreton Bay and Port Jackson figs dominate. You’ll also see eucalypts and camphor laurels. During spring, wildflowers grow freely. They create a beautiful display of rare plants.
In 1956, the columbarium opened at the far end of the path. It extends from the cemetery gates towards The Avenue. The columbarium is a peaceful place. It provides niches for the ashes of loved ones. Since 2006, St Jude’s has offered a Memorial Garden near the columbarium’s northern entrance. Ashes can be placed in the garden. Inscriptions are made on plaques along the garden’s edge.
Interestingly, St Jude’s may be Sydney’s last place where a funeral procession moves directly from the church to the burial ground. Consider purchasing a place here. Grave sites are available to regular parishioners through written application to the Rector and Parish Council.
Remember Ann Hordern. She was the wife of Anthony Hordern of the retail empire Anthony Hordern and Son. Think of Simeon Henry Pearce. He was the civil servant, land agent, and “father of Randwick.” Envision Sir Alfred Stephen. He was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and a legislator. Ponder Archibald Mosman, the whaler. He was the namesake of the suburb of Mosman.
The well-heeled residents of the Eastern Suburbs erected some impressive monuments at St Jude’s Anglican Cemetery. Many iron grave surrounds are intact. They form a neat catalog of designs. St Jude’s Anglican Cemetery remains a place of respect. It showcases interesting characters and offers a serene environment.