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. |
You could publish a book about cemeteries in Sydney.
ReplyDeleteA canal mid cemetery. Now, that's different. Landmarking.
ReplyDeleteYou sure dig up interesting history and places in Sydney.
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHah, Steffi! I will write a book on Sydney's cemeteries when you write one on tatoos.
ReplyDeleteIt's strangely peaceful, and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Julie. Another of your fine photos from Australian cemeteries.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteinteresting I especially like your last photo :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there is lot to explore there in those rows and paths. Visiting you from City Daily Photo today.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Very interesting and informative, such a lovely cemetry....
ReplyDeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteBetter a drainage canal than a flooded cemetery.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting what you show us here.
Very interesting. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteAt that size it no mere cemetery it is truly a city of the dead.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a pretty place.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen this. It is pretty.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend buried in that cemetery. I think I would like my loved ones to be in a smaller more intimate space.
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 ...
ReplyDeleteCaps lock. Sorry.
I love that canal slithering in the grass !
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always so informative. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that there is a canal in the cemetery. I just love the bridge. The flowers are pretty too!
ReplyDeleteThe Agapanthus are quite common here but I can't say the same regarding the canal. How interesting!
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