Friday 31 October 2014

Theme Day - Landmark

Rookwood Necropolis was established in 1865. It covers 286 hectares. There are upwards of one million people buried in the cemetery. It is the largest in Sydney. Indeed, it is the size of a suburb.

Within the Anglican Section of the cemetery lies the epynonymous Serpentine Canal. The canal is an open, brick-lined drain that was commenced prior to 1890, giving employment to labourers during hard economic times. It is crossed at regular intervals by wrought-iron bridges.

There has been much restoration work done on the canal and its surrounds over the last decade. The plantinga. where possible, have been returned to their original horticultural base. This is an ongoing task, akin to painting the harbour bridge.
Visit other City Daily Photo blogs and see their chosen "landmark".

22 comments:

Stefan Jansson said...

You could publish a book about cemeteries in Sydney.

Birdman said...

A canal mid cemetery. Now, that's different. Landmarking.

diane b said...

You sure dig up interesting history and places in Sydney.

RedPat said...

It looks wonderful!

Julie said...

Hah, Steffi! I will write a book on Sydney's cemeteries when you write one on tatoos.

William Kendall said...

It's strangely peaceful, and beautiful.

Jack said...

Beautiful, Julie. Another of your fine photos from Australian cemeteries.

Jim said...

I can remember how dishevelled it looked when it was neglected. It really looks great now with the plants surrounding it especially with the flowers in bloom.

Unknown said...

interesting I especially like your last photo :)

Mersad said...

I'm sure there is lot to explore there in those rows and paths. Visiting you from City Daily Photo today.

Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography

wilf said...

Very interesting and informative, such a lovely cemetry....

Kate said...

Your exchange with Stefan is a challenge?? I'd like to see and read both of them. I small dainty flowers in your photos add to the scene.

Dina said...

Better a drainage canal than a flooded cemetery.
So interesting what you show us here.

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

Very interesting. Great shots.

Hull and Hereabouts said...

At that size it no mere cemetery it is truly a city of the dead.

Halcyon said...

Looks like a pretty place.

Joan Elizabeth said...

I have never seen this. It is pretty.

I have a friend buried in that cemetery. I think I would like my loved ones to be in a smaller more intimate space.

Julie said...

dON'T THINK OF IT IN ITS ENTIRETY, jOAN. iT IS ACTUALLY A MYRIAD OF SMALLER "ROOMS". eVEN THE aNGLICAN SECTION IS IN CRANNIES. tHERE ARE MANY DELICIOUSLY WILD SECTIONS TO IT. tHE MOST STARK, OBVIOUSLY, ARE THE MORE RECENT SECTIONS. yOU TAKE A GULP ...

Caps lock. Sorry.

Stuart said...

I love that canal slithering in the grass !

LOLfromPasa said...

Your posts are always so informative. Thank you!

Lois said...

How interesting that there is a canal in the cemetery. I just love the bridge. The flowers are pretty too!

Unknown said...

The Agapanthus are quite common here but I can't say the same regarding the canal. How interesting!