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Cemetery with a View (16)
Janice
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3184 W: 224 N: 6865]](http://i1.treklens.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (27221) | The Cemetery at Norfolk Island
This site of the present cemetery was set aside for burials soon after the 1825 occupation.
In 1834, after the execution of convicts involved in an unsuccessful uprising, Bishop Ullathome described the cemetery as "closed in on three sides by thick melancholy groves... while the fourth is open to the restless seas."
Of those buried, another visitor wrote "... .the utter isolation of their position ... the vain hopes and doubtful figure of many who have found their last resting place in a spot so painfully remote from home, kith and kindred."
As in many nineteenth century graveyards, the Cemetery headstones provide detailed evidence of the convict revolts and the lifestyle and causes of death of the island's early inhabitants including those so often overlooked in official histories, the women and children of Norfolk Island.
We enjoyed walking through the cemetery, reading the headstones - many of them have been cleaned up and the wording made more readable. There were some very interesting headstones.
Yes, there is a slight curve in the horizon - can't fix it - sorry!
Notes added after Bill's comments:
This cemetery was at Norfolk Island in the South PAcific, where I was on holiday. It is a small island between Australia and New Zealand, only 5x3 miles in size.
The history of Norfolk is not good - it was twice a penal colony in the early 18th century - the worst ever. So some of the oldest graves are of the prisoners and soldiers/guards too.
Those headstones facing away from the sea (which is east) were those who committed suicide.
Those who mutineered and were considered the worst were apparently buried on the other side of the far fence, just above the beach. But there are no markings there at all. |
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