Grave of Ben Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grave of Ben Hall |
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| Location | Forbes Cemetery, Bogan Gate Road, Forbes, Forbes Shire, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1865– |
| Architect | Headstone - Mr Jones |
| Owner | Forbes Shire Council |
| Official name: The Ben Hall Sites - Grave of Ben Hall; Ben Hall's Grave | |
| Type | state heritage (landscape) |
| Designated | 8 October 2010 |
| Reference no. | 1827 |
| Type | Headstone |
| Category | Cemeteries and Burial Sites |
| Builders | Mr Jones |
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The Grave of Ben Hall is a special historical site in Forbes, New South Wales. It marks the burial place of Ben Hall, a famous Australian bushranger. A bushranger was like an outlaw who lived in the bush. This grave is part of a group of important places called the Ben Hall Sites. These sites are all connected to Ben Hall's story. The Forbes Shire Council looks after the grave. It was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2010 because of its historical importance.
Contents
The History of Ben Hall's Grave
When the Cemetery Was Built
The Forbes General Cemetery opened in 1863. It was used for burials until 1994. Many well-known people are buried here. This includes some of Ben Hall's gang members. John O'Meally and Warrigal Walsh are buried in unmarked graves. An Aboriginal tracker named Billy Dargin is also buried here.
Ben Hall's Burial
Ben Hall was killed by police on May 5, 1865. He was buried in the Forbes Cemetery two days later. His funeral was held on Sunday, May 7, 1865. About 50 people and three buggies followed his hearse. Some were family members, and others were just curious locals.
Marking the Grave
Ben Hall's grave was likely unmarked at first. A picket fence was built around it before 1900. In 1957, a stone was placed there. It had Ben Hall's details painted roughly in black. Later that year, author Edgar Penzig and a local person put up the headstone you see today.
There has been some debate about Ben Hall's age on the headstone. It says he was 27 when he died. However, some people believe he was 28. The Australian Dictionary of Biography states he was born on May 9, 1837. This would mean he was 27 years old when he passed away.
A Tourist Attraction
Today, Ben Hall's grave is a popular spot for tourists. It is often featured in tourism brochures for Forbes. People visit to learn more about this famous bushranger.
What the Grave Looks Like
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The headstone is designed in a style called Gothic Revival. It has these words carved into it:
- IN
- Memory Of
- BEN HALL
- SHOT 5th MAY 1865
- AGED 27 YEARS
A white picket fence surrounds the headstone and grave. There is a small gate opposite the headstone. The grave is located on the eastern side of Forbes Cemetery. It is near a path that goes west. In 2009, the grave was reported to be in good condition.
Why Ben Hall's Grave is Important
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A Key Part of History
The Grave of Ben Hall is very important to the story of Ben Hall. It marks the end of his life. Ben Hall and his gang had a big impact on the early police force in New South Wales. For example, they influenced how Aboriginal people were hired by the police. They also affected how money and people moved between country towns. The grave helps us understand this historical period.
Connecting to Important People
This grave is directly linked to Ben Hall, who was buried here on May 7, 1865. It adds to the importance of the Ben Hall Sites. Ben Hall was well-known during his time and is still famous in Australia. The cemetery is also special because it's the resting place for others. This includes Aboriginal tracker Billy Dargin, who helped capture Hall. Two other bushrangers, John O'Meally and Warrigal Walsh, are also buried here.
Social Significance to the Community
The Ben Hall Grave is important to the community for social reasons. Ben Hall is often seen as a "gentleman bushranger." Some people even compare him to Robin Hood. Grave sites and memorials help us remember important people. They show how communities connect with historical figures.
Learning from the Past
The grave can also help us learn more about history. Studying the grave site might give us information about how Ben Hall died. It could also teach us about burial customs from that time period.
A Symbol of Public Feeling
The way Ben Hall's grave is marked shows how the public felt about him. It represents how people remember him as a well-known historical figure.
