CEMETERY IN REVIEW

Rookwood Necropolis

A place of peace and tranquillity appreciated by families, historians, artists and environmentalists alike.

By Artemis Gouros

The word ‘necropolis’ is a Greek term that means ‘City of the Dead’. This is an apt description of the cemetery complex at Rookwood in that it covers a large area, 700 hectares, and represents the diverse cultural groups that make up our country. Rookwood, enclosing one of the largest Victorian cemetery sections in the world, was established in 1868 and also bears the distinction of being the largest cemetery in the southern hemisphere. It one of Australia’s oldest cemeteries and has been in continual use for the past 135 years with approximately 900 000 interments. The Necropolis at Rookwood is comprised of beautiful grounds that symbolise cultural and religious diversity, and artistic expression. The cemetery is also an invaluable historical and genealogical resource with relocated headstones that are dated as early as 1798 and a wealth of information relating to the history and development of our nation.

History

The Necropolis at Rookwood was founded in response to the problem Sydney was facing by the early 19th century. Sydney’s first two cemeteries were located where Sydney Town Hall and Central Railway Station now stand. These cemeteries were quickly outgrown and also unfavourably situated in the centre of town. Rookwood was developed as the ideal cemetery, it fitted the requirements of proximity to a railway line, distance from settled areas and grounds suitable to both burial and landscaping.

Grounds

The name ‘City of the Dead’ implies a barren landscape bereft of living things however this in not the case at Rookwood. The cemetery is an extraordinary garden that is home to almost 400 species of plants and trees that provide a natural habitat for a wide variety of birds and animals. Rookwood was conceived in Victorian times and this is reflected in the plants found in the cemetery and their relation to 19th century funerary customs. For instance the roses which were planted for their symbolic values of love and virtue. Fashions in funeral horticulture can be seen in the different species of trees that were planted in different periods. A large part of the cemetery is laid out like a picturesque park with radiating circles, serpentine paths and scenic nooks.

Tours

It is not necessary to have a loved one buried at Rookwood in order to explore this beautiful cemetery. The Friends of Rookwood offered guided theme tours that are relevant to anyone wishing to experience interesting walks through world class heritage areas. The Heritage Walks take people right into the old sections of the cemetery including the Presbyterian, Jewish and Catholic burial grounds, and visits the graves of famous people along the way. The Outer Limits car convoys take people to the newer parts of Rookwod Cemetery and also visits the Sydney War Graves, the NSW Garden of Remembrance and goes behind the scenes at the Crematorium. Other tours include Tales from the Twentieth Century, Our Anzac Heritage and the special Twilight Tours.

Funding

Rookwood is an invaluable historical resource and an enduring part of
our cultural heritage yet it receives no government funding for operational activities. Funding for general maintenance is derived from denominational cemetery trusts and contributions from the sale of rights of burial. The common property and provision of infrastructure is funded by the Joint Committee of Necropolis Trustees.

Future

New landscaping plans prepared by cemetery trusts are aimed at maintaining Rookwood as a monument and a tribute to both the living and the dead. Rookwood represents and accommodates the symbols and rituals of over 80 contemporary religions and will continue to be a testament to our multicultural land.

Rookwood Necropolis, with its tours, diversity and beautiful grounds, is a perfect example of the function of a cemetery as a public space to be enjoyed and utilised by the community at large. The cemetery offers an insight into our social, historical, architectural and ecological heritage allowing visitors to learn about many things including their ancestors and the customs of other cultures.