Pearce Family cemetery

In 1794, a ship named the Surprize arrived in Australia, carrying a man named Matthew Pearce. This man, a free settler, would unknowingly lay the foundation for a story etched in stone and earth at the Pearce Family cemetery. The Pearce Family cemetery stands as a testament to this family’s enduring presence. It’s a small, intimate space of about 5,000 square feet. The cemetery is nestled on a rise along Seven Hills Road North in Bella Vista, surrounded by the quiet serenity of open paddocks. Matthew Pearce obtained a land grant in 1795. This land, part of which would later house the Pearce Family cemetery, became his legacy. He named it King’s Langley, a name that echoes still in the nearby suburb. Matthew Pearce, a prominent landholder and member of the Parramatta Grand Jury, died in 1831. His land passed down through his family, eventually becoming the property of Matthew Woodward Pearce in 1835. Later, it came under the ownership of William Thomas Pearce. The Pearce Family cemetery contains the remains of Matthew Pearce and many of his descendants. The exact date of the first burial remains a mystery. However, several headstones mark the resting places of Pearce family members who died in the mid-1800s. The cemetery holds more than just graves. A large family vault, topped by a stone sarcophagus, commemorates Pearce family members who passed away in the 1870s. Near the vault stands a granite obelisk dedicated to the Archdall family, a prominent landmark in the cemetery. There is some mystery surrounding some of the interments. It’s unclear if bodies were relocated from St John’s Cemetery in Parramatta to the Pearce Family cemetery or if only the headstones were moved. The vault itself is quite large, capable of holding up to twenty coffins. The Pearce Family cemetery, enclosed by a post-and-rail fence, isn’t shaded by traditional cemetery trees. Instead, a few conifers, jacarandas, and native trees stand within and around its boundaries. A mix of sandstone and granite headstones, along with a few unique markers, like an open-book headstone, dot the landscape. The cemetery has endured over time, with some natural deterioration and occasional vandalism. However, the Pearce family has diligently maintained this resting place, ensuring the preservation of their family history. The Pearce Family cemetery remains privately owned. It stands not just as a burial ground, but also as a symbol of the family’s deep roots in the area. It is a reminder of their connection to the land and their lasting contribution to the history of the region.