In our new series “We Love Parramatta”, we highlight Parramatta’s many histories and cultures.
This week we look at St John’s Cemetery on O’Connell Street, Parramatta.
St John’s is the earliest-surviving European cemetery in Australia. Established in 1790, the cemetery housed over 50 people who travelled on the First Fleet, plus a multitude of convicts, soldiers, patients, orphans and elites from the British colony at Parramatta. Notable internments include the Blaxland family (relatives of the Blue Mountains adventurer) and magistrate Reverend Samuel Marsden, the “flogging parson” and governor of Parramatta’s second prison (see our post on Parramatta Gaol). Dicky Bennelong, the son of Woollarawarre Bennelong is also believed to rest here.
For more information, have a read about the St John’s Cemetery Project.
Life expectancy has dramatically improved in Australia. Boys and girls born in 1881-1890 could expect to live to 47.2 and 50.8 years respectively. Today, boys and girls born in 2014-2016 can expect to live to 80.4 and 84.6 years.
Yet, just as death was a reality in 1790, it still is today.
You and your loved-ones need a Will, Power of Attorney and Appointment of Guardian. Reduce your stress. Plan for your future. Take control of your life.
If you would like to discuss Estate-planning, including making a Will, give us a call on (02) 9687 9322.