I really enjoy a walk through a cemetery and I know I am not alone in this practice.  When I visit a new area and I see a burial spot I am drawn to take even just a small moment to visit the memorials of those laid to rest.   I will admit, however, that the older the stones and plots, the more I am drawn in and here was no different.

JHP_161230_BONDI2_1107_8_9Waverly Historical Cemetary

The Waverley Cemetery sits on a hill overlooking the vast southeastern Pacific Ocean.  I think it may be a resting spot that the Lord himself would have picked.  The temperate climate and cool breeze lended itself well to a walk amongst the remembered.  We took an Uber ride from Bondi Beach and were dropped at the entrance.  The plan was to visit the cemetery and then walk back to Bondi via the coastal path, Bronte to Bondi, and we quite enjoyed this little trip.

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The cemetery was opened in 1877.  It is currently listed as a state heritage cemetery and is one of Sydney's oldest continuous funeral suppliers. The cemetery sits atop the sandstone cliffs and was designed as well as maintained with a peaceful garden theme.   

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Rows upon rows of graves are scattered in an organized fashion throughout the grounds.  Many of the plots are comprised of families, some generations deep.  "The first interment took place in the afternoon of 4 August 1877.  Since that time more than 83,000 interments have taken place in 50,000 gravesites and memorials over 16 hectares (approx. 28acres)", states the Waverley webpage.

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People of many different backgrounds are buried at Waverley, but a large part of the cemeteries significance is that many were of notable character.  Writers, poets, actors, sports stars, government officials, inventors and musicians to name but a few are a large draw to history buffs.  Obviously many were simply fathers, mothers, children and friends.  So many memorials highlight a cross, angel or other religious figure to bare watch over the site and serve as a reminder.

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Unlike many of the graves in the US, a large majority of the gravestones are elaborately marked with poems, verses and personal memories.  As I walked and read the different stones I felt as if I wish I had known some of the people that were long laid to rest and I smiled at the fact that the memorial did what it was supposed to do...  Leave behind a memory.  

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Here is the memory/poem of one such a stone:

"A BETTER HUSBAND NEVER LIVED.

A KINDER HUSBAND NEVER DIED.

THIS HONEST HEART NO MAN DECIEVED.

HIS MANLY SPIRIT KNEW NO PRIDE.

HIS MEMORY FONDLY IN OUR HEARTS SHALL REST.

LOVED WHILE ON EARTH IN HEAVEN FOREVER BLEST."

PATRICK TIGHE DIED 26TH OCTOBER 1879

I hope you enjoyed a walk through Waverley Cemetery.