Engraved in metal, the Claude-Francois-Joseph Receveur Plaque stands. It marks a place of significant history. Who was this man and why is this plaque here?
The Claude-Francois-Joseph Receveur Plaque commemorates a Franciscan scientist. He sailed with the La Perouse expedition. Receveur was chaplain and naturalist.
Born in France in 1757, Receveur joined the French Navy. He was chosen for his geology knowledge. Laperouse called him a naturalist. Receveur handled his religious duties well. He studied meteorology and natural history.
The La Perouse expedition landed in Botany Bay in 1788. Just weeks later, Receveur died. It’s thought wounds from an attack in Samoa caused his death. Captain de Langle and others were also killed there.
Receveur was buried on the headland. His grave was marked with a headstone. A board with an inscription was nailed to a tree. The inscription identified him as a French priest and scientist.
Sadly the local people tore down the marker. Governor Phillip then had the inscription engraved on copper and affixed to a tree.
In 1824, French officers visited Receveur’s grave. They carved an inscription on a eucalyptus tree. It said, “Near this tree lie the remains of Father Receveur.” The tree became a windbreak for a fire. Simeon Pearce saved the inscribed stump.
The stump was displayed at an exhibition in Sydney. It then went to the Paris Universal Exhibition. It became a symbol of colonial ties. Today the stump is in the Musee de la Marine Paris.
In 2012, a bronze replica was made. It was sent to the La Perouse Museum in Australia.
The Claude-Francois-Joseph Receveur Plaque reminds us of this man’s journey. He was a priest, scientist and explorer. He was the first Catholic priest and scientist buried in Australia. His grave became revered.
The tomb was commissioned in 1825. It bears an inscription in French. It identifies Receveur as a French priest and scientist. He died on the voyage around the world.
The Claude-Francois-Joseph Receveur Plaque and the story of the eucalyptus stump are links to the past. They connect us to the early days of exploration. It represents faith and scientific inquiry in Australia.