First Brisbane Burial Ground facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Brisbane Burial Ground |
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First Brisbane Burial Ground, view from Eagle Terrace, 2010
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| Location | Skew Street, Brisbane City, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1824 - 1841 (convict settlement) |
| Official name: First Brisbane Burial Ground, Skew Street Cemetery | |
| Type | archaeological |
| Designated | 16 July 2010 |
| Reference no. | 645609 |
| Significant period | 1825-1843 |
| Significant components | archaeological potential |
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The First Brisbane Burial Ground is a special historical place located on Skew Street in Brisbane City, Queensland, Australia. It is also known as Skew Street Cemetery. This site is considered an archaeological site, which means it holds clues about the past hidden underground.
It was first set up in 1825. This was when Brisbane was a very new place, part of the Moreton Bay penal settlement. Because of its historical importance, it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 16 July 2010. This means it is protected so we can learn from it for many years to come.
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Brisbane's First Cemetery: A Look Back in Time
The First Brisbane Burial Ground was the very first official cemetery in Brisbane. It was used during the early days of the Moreton Bay penal settlement. This settlement was a place where convicts from Britain were sent.
What Was the Moreton Bay Penal Settlement?
From 1824 to 1842, Brisbane was a penal settlement. This means it was a strict prison colony. Convicts were sent here to work and live under harsh conditions. The settlement was established to punish serious offenders. It was also meant to stop them from returning to crime.
Life was very tough for the convicts and early settlers. They faced many challenges, including hard labor and limited resources. Because of these difficult conditions, many people died. This made a burial ground a necessary part of the new settlement.
Who Was Buried Here?
The First Brisbane Burial Ground was used for about 18 years, from 1825 to 1843. During this time, many people were buried there. This included convicts, soldiers, and some of the early free settlers. It was the main place for burials in Brisbane during its early years.
After 1843, a new cemetery was opened. This new cemetery was located at what is now the Roma Street Parkland. The old burial ground was then closed. Over time, the land was used for other purposes. Many people forgot about the cemetery that once stood there.
Discovering the Past: An Archaeological Site
Today, the First Brisbane Burial Ground is an important archaeological site. This means that experts can study the ground to find clues about the past. They look for old foundations, artifacts, and even signs of where graves once were.
Why is This Site Important Today?
Even though the graves are no longer visible, the site holds valuable history. It helps us understand what life was like in early Brisbane. It tells us about the people who lived and died there. Studying this site helps historians piece together the story of Brisbane's beginnings.
The site reminds us of the challenges faced by the first Europeans in Queensland. It also shows us how the city has grown and changed over nearly 200 years. Protecting this site helps us remember and learn from our history.
Protecting Our Heritage
Because of its historical value, the First Brisbane Burial Ground is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This listing helps protect the site from being damaged or forgotten. It ensures that future generations can also learn about this important part of Brisbane's past.
Archaeological studies at the site help us learn more. They can uncover details about the layout of the cemetery. They might also find information about the people buried there. This research adds to our knowledge of early Queensland history.
Images for kids
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Plaque showing a map of the First Brisbane Burial Ground, 2009
