Why was Rookwood Cemetery established? Sydney’s population boomed in the mid-19th century. The city’s existing cemeteries were overcrowded. A new, larger burial ground was needed. That’s how Rookwood Cemetery came to be.
Rookwood Cemetery has operated continuously since 1867. This makes it one of Australia’s oldest working cemeteries. Today, Rookwood Cemetery serves as a significant source of Australian history. Its stories date from Victorian times to more recent eras.
Originally, the area was known as Haslem’s Creek Cemetery. People didn’t like this name. Residents thought it had too close an association with death. A local suggested the name Rookwood. He said there were many crows in the neighbourhood. So the railway station and suburb were renamed Rookwood. By 1878, the cemetery was also commonly known as Rookwood. Later, the suburb changed its name again to Lidcombe. But the cemetery remained Rookwood.
Rookwood Cemetery is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It covers over 190 hectares. Almost one million people have been buried or cremated here. Many notable Australians rest in Rookwood. Politicians, business people and artists found their final resting place here.
Special funeral trains once ran to Rookwood. They departed from purpose-built receiving houses. These houses were located at Regent Street in the city. The trains ended in the centre of Rookwood. Twice-daily services were available. Tickets cost one shilling each way. However, corpses travelled free.
Rookwood Crematorium opened in 1925. It is the oldest operating crematorium in Australia. The Australian War Graves section was established in 1945. It features more than 15000 rose bushes.
One notable person buried here is Louisa Lawson. She was a renowned suffragette and newspaper proprietor. Another is Peter Dodds McCormick. He composed Advance Australia Fair. This is the Australian National Anthem.
In 1948, the historic Mortuary Station ceased operations. This was largely due to the rise of motor vehicles. The station was sold and transported to Canberra. There, it became the All Saints Church of England.
Today, Rookwood General Cemetery united several trusts in 2012. These included Anglican, General, Jewish and Muslim trusts. Each year, Rookwood performs over 1900 interments and commemorations. These represent over 90 different religious and cultural groups. Rookwood Cemetery continues to serve as a final resting place for people from all walks of life. Rookwood Cemetery safeguards its heritage. It also ensures its relevance to modern life.