What stories lie beneath these weathered stones? Welcome to South Head General Cemetery. This heritage-listed cemetery has been a place of reflection for over 150 years. South Head General Cemetery sits at 793 Old South Head Road in Vaucluse. It is also known as Old South Head Cemetery.
Let’s step back in time. Before European settlement, the Birrabirragal people of the Dharug nation lived here. They lived a traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Evidence of their occupation is found in nearby areas.
European exploration began in 1790 with a signal station at South Head. A road from Sydney to South Head was built in 1811. This became Old South Head Road. It runs along the western side of the cemetery.
In 1841, Reverend Lancelot Threlkeld requested land for a cemetery. The parish at that time consisted mainly of the fishing village of Watsons Bay. Governor Gipps reportedly granted the land in 1845. The Sydney Morning Herald noted the land was for a general cemetery. It would have no restrictions as to religious persuasion.
Few records survived from the early Trust prior to 1895. This leaves a gap in the record. It poses a challenge to those searching for people buried here. There is no evidence of burials before 1868. The first burial that there is proof of occurred on 27 February of Major Lee, a resident of Vaucluse. It is very likely that the Cemetery had many burials between 1845 and 1895.
Some earlier deaths were commemorated on later monuments. James Green, captain of the Dunbar, was wrecked off South Head in 1857. His name appears on his brother Malcolm’s gravestone. Malcolm died in 1904. Some graves were moved here from Devonshire Street Cemetery in 1901. This was during the construction of Central railway station.
In 1870, the first recorded trustees were appointed. They were Thomas John Fisher, Joseph Scaife Willis, George Thorne and Edward Mason Hunt. The original land grant was formalised in 1872. It was the south-eastern part of the present cemetery site. Further areas were granted in 1890 and 1902.
The first funeral held at South Head General Cemetery for a public figure was that of Margaret Robertson in 1889. She was the wife of Sir John Robertson. Sir John was a former Premier of New South Wales. Also in 1889, Sir John’s Maori servant, John Blanket, was buried within the family vault. Sir John was buried with his wife in 1891.
In 1895, Edwin Stanhope Sautelle became the Secretary. By then, the original Trustees had been replaced. A sexton’s cottage was built by 1895.
The tram line extension from Edgecliff to Watsons Bay opened in 1909. It passed close by the South Head General Cemetery. This made it easier to travel to the cemetery.
After the death of NSW Governor Sir Walter Davidson, he was buried here in 1923. His remains were moved to the central avenue in 1925. A large Celtic cross monument was erected. The main gates were designed by Edwin Sautelle and installed in 1924.
In 1926, there were plans to expand the South Head General Cemetery. This was opposed by Sir John Sulman.
South Head General Cemetery was the scene of dramatic funerals in 1927. This followed the sinking of the ferry Greycliffe. Twenty-four Greycliffe victims are buried here.
In 1937, Edwin Sautelle was discharged as Secretary. A subsequent audit revealed missing funds. Sautelle was convicted of forgery and stealing. In 1939, the NSW parliament passed the South Head Cemetery Act. This removed the trustees. In 1941, Waverley Municipal Council was appointed sole trustee.
Waverley Council has operated South Head General Cemetery since 1941. The sexton’s cottage was demolished. Lawn graves were added in the late 1960s.
South Head General Cemetery contains many notable graves. These include Edmund Barton, Australia’s first Prime Minister. Sir John Robertson, a former Premier of NSW, is also buried here. You’ll also find the grave of Gladys Moncrieff, an entertainer.
The cemetery also features naval burials. These are often marked with anchors. A marble cross and anchor marks the burial of sea captain Malcolm Green. A simple Celtic cross memorialises Juanita Nielsen.
The cemetery is one of the best-preserved old cemeteries in Sydney. It has impressive bronze cast-iron gates. The South Head General Cemetery is still in use. Lawn burials cluster in every spare avenue and pathway.
As you leave today, remember the stories etched in these stones. South Head General Cemetery is a testament to Sydney’s rich history.