Willaston Cemetery
| Place type: | Site |
|---|---|
| Site type: | Land section |
| Town or Locality: | Willaston |
Willaston Cemetery
Situated on Dawkins Road, the Willaston Cemetery was opened on 1st August 1866. The first curator was Mr. G. Gitsham. The first burial was conducted on the 18th November 1866, of Mrs. E. Clement. The cemetery is known for its superb collection of cast-iron work associated with Gawler’s role as an industrial centre at this time. In particular, the cast iron gates at the entrance are an excellent example of elaborate lace work produced in Gawler’s foundries. These gates were restored during 2002. The iron gate posts were made by W. MacFarlane & Co. in Glasgow. (MacFarlane catalogue No.717). The same pattern appears on gate posts at the Adelaide Road Bridge, with the maker identified as A.C. Harley & Co. Adelaide (Catalogue 902). The same pattern is also found at the Memorial Hospital in Adelaide. The maker is identified as G.E. Fulton & Co. Adelaide (Catalogue 321).
The Cemetery site is nearly 14 acres in size, including the strip of natural bushland which surrounds it. The layout of the cemetery is in the shape of a diamond with the points at north, south, east and west. Two roadways cross the centre of the diamond grid and meet in the middle. From the two main roadways, a series of paths lead amongst the graves. The walls of the columbarium found in the centre of the diamond hold cinerary urns.
Please click here to read Gawler’s Cemeteries researched by Anne Richards', pages 6-12 inclusive.
The cemetery does not have specific denominational areas; however a motion was passed by the Gawler Council on 31st March 1868 to have a seperate area reserved for the burial of members of the Church of Rome.
On 8th November 2001, the Willaston Cemetery was confirmed as a State Heritage Place in the South Australian Heritage Register.
Click here to view photos and articles relating to the Willaston Cemetery.
Click here to see the 500 foolscap pages of information relating to all Willaston Cemetery interments since 1866 WHERE THERE IS A HEADSTONE. NOTE - Many interments exist where there is NO HEADSTONE and, as such, those names will not be listed. Therefore, if you have an unsuccessful search, please make enquiries direct to the Town of Gawler (08)85229211 or email council@gawler.sa.gov.au
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