Staffordshire Reef Cemetery
Donald McLeans Road STAFFORDSHIRE REEF, GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The Staffordshire Reef Cemetery is situated on allotment 5, section B within the township of Staffordshire Reef. The site was formally gazetted on the 4 December 1863 and is comprised of 10 acres. The cemetery contains the graves of local pioneering families, miners from the local diggings and more recently, former residents of the Staffordshire Reef district. It is bound to the north by Dales Road, to the west by Don McLeans Road, to the east by the Newtown - Berringa Road and to the south by a mature Pinus plantation. The cemetery is dominated by a particularly fine specimen of Pinus canariensis (Canary Island Pine). The Staffordshire Reef Cemetery does not show the elaborate landscape planning and planting of the other cemeteries in the shire such as the Scarsdale, Cape Clear and Linton Cemeteries. Instead, the cemetery is comprised of clusters of graves widely distributed across the sparse 10 acre reserve, with large spaces in between.
How is it significant?
The Staffordshire Reef Cemetery is of historical, social and architectural (aesthetic) significance to the Golden Plains Shire.
Why is it significant?
The Staffordshire Reef Cemetery is of historical significance as an enduring record of those who have lived and died in the community, as a reflection of the passing phases, ways of life and death, particular events, and as documentary evidence of the districts prosperity and hardships.
The Staffordshire Reef Cemetery is of social significance for reflecting the customs and tastes of the community, for reflecting different religious values, and for reflecting different economic and social status. It is also an important place for passive recreation.
The Staffordshire Reef Cemetery is of architectural (aesthetic) significance for its range of tombstones, memorials and iconography reflecting the aesthetics of different periods and groups within the community.
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Staffordshire Reef Cemetery - Physical Description 1
The Staffordshire Reef Cemetery is situated on allotment 5, section B within the township of Staffordshire Reef. The cemetery is bound to the north by Dales Road, to the west by Don McLeans Road, to the east by the Newtown - Berringa Road and to the south by a mature Pinus plantation.
The cemetery comprises 10 acres and with clusters of graves widely distributed across the whole reserve with large spaces in between. All the graves and headstones face east towards the rising sun, as is traditional. Pedestrian access to the cemetery is gained through a small wrought iron gate addressing the Newtown - Berringa Road. Vehicular access is gained via a larger gate located off Don McLeans Road, which also accommodates pedestrians. A small timber maintenance hut with a pitched corrugated iron roof is located directly to the east of the vehicular gates. A small toilet block is located on the southern boundary, beneath a large Pinus canariensis (Canary Island Pine).
Staffordshire Reef Cemetery - Historical Australian Themes
The Australian Heritage Commission devised the Australian Historic Themes in 2001. The following themes have influenced the historical development of the Staffordshire Reef Cemetery.
9 Marking The Phases of Life
9.7 Dying
9.7.1 Dealing with human remains
9.7.2 Mourning the dead
9.7.3 Remembering the dead
Staffordshire Reef Cemetery - Physical Description 2
Extent of Registration: To the extent of the Staffordshire Reef Cemetery, being Allotment 5K, section B, township of Staffordshire Reef including the grave sites, gravestones and the Pinus canariensis (Canary Island Pine).
Staffordshire Reef Cemetery - Integrity
The cemetery is in good condition and retains a high degree of integrity.
Heritage Study and Grading
Golden Plains - Golden Plains Shire Heritage Study Phase 2
Author: Heritage Matters P/L
Year: 2009
Grading: Local
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COMET, HOPEWELL, LITTLE HOPEWELL, MENTOR, SPEEDWELL, AND STAFFORDSHIRE REEF COMPANIESVictorian Heritage Inventory
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ADIT, STAFFORDSHIRE REEFVictorian Heritage Inventory
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OPEN CUT, STAFFORDSHIRE REEFVictorian Heritage Inventory
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