Western Cemetery
93 Minerva Road, HAMLYN HEIGHTS VIC 3215 - Property No 300974
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Statement of Significance
C Listed - Local Significance
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE - GRC - HISTORIC PLACES DOCUMENTATION SHEET NO. 286
The Western Cemetery is of local historical significance for the associations with past residents and settlers of the district, the genealogical and other biographical data contained on the surviving headstones and tombs structures, and or architectural interest for the items of monumental masonry which mark the burial place of prominent local residents.
Many of the gravestones are by local monumental sculptors, including the work of clement Nash, Nataniel Brown, and Samuel Brain, and are of aesthetic interest.
The Western Cemetery is a local landmark.
RECOMMENDATIONS: PROTECTIVE MEASURES
Geelong Regional Commission Register,
REFERENCES
Details of the Western Cemetery are recoded in the files of the Lands and Survey Department held at the Public Records Office at Laverton, the relevant issued of the Victorian Government Gazette which record details of proclamations of cemetery reserves, trusteeships, etc., and in the records of the individual cemetery trustees minute books and registers.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE - City of Geelong West - Urban Conservation Study - Building Identification Form
The Western Cemetery is significant for its early date of formation (1855-1858), its original layout by Christopher Porter and its original plantings supplied by Baron Van Mullet . The cemetery has important historical associations with many Geelong families and with the now extinct aborigines of the district. In historical and environmental terms it is considered one of Victoria's most significant cemeteries. It is of State Significance.
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
National Estate Register
Government Buildings Register
A detailed policy should be compiled in conjunction with a landscape architect.
REFERENCES
J Thomas - "History of Geelong Western Public Cemetery (formerly New General Cemetery) 95 Minerva Road, Geelong West, manuscript by Mr J Thomas former Secretary of the Cemeteries Trust. (n.d.)
L - P Planning - Cemeteries of Victoria - A National Estate Study, 1980.
L Huddle - "Architects in Geelong in the 1840's and 1850's, Humanities Research Report, Department of Architecture, University of Melbourne, 1979. Vol. 1, PP 86,89; Vol 2. pp 12, 66; Vol 3. pp 146-7.
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Western Cemetery - Physical Description 1
DESCRIPTION
The boundaries of the cemetery are Minerva Road, part of Norwood Crescent, Herne Hill Reserve and Itkeson Street. This large cemetery is located on top of a hill in the locality of Herne Hill. The tall Italian cypresses and pines make it clearly visible from a distance. The entrance is dominated by large icon gates set back from the road, with its semi-circular plan mirrored with many new plantings and lawns. The old section is distinctive with the stone monuments being divided by a central serpentine path of Italian cypress. The cemetery contains many stone monuments, cast iron fencing ato plots, and a mausoleum to the Strachan family. Regretfully the lodge, fenceing and gates by Porter are no longer extant, however their original character can be seen in the illustration attached. The extent of the original landscaping remaining has not been determined.
Heritage Study and Grading
Greater Geelong - City of Geelong West Urban Conservation Study
Author: Huddle, Aitken and Honman
Year: 1986
Grading:
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ST ELMOVictorian Heritage Register H1180
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HOLY SPIRIT CHURCHVictorian Heritage Register H1110
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"WimmeraGreater Geelong City
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