Visiting old cemeteries, you can’t help thinking of all the stories buried there.
They can reveal information about historic events, religions, lifestyles, and genealogy. The
Forbes Pioneer Cemetery is no different – but it was abandoned long ago, and has
no visible headstones to inform the stories. The Forbes Pioneer Cemetery reflects
the arrival of newcomers to the Lachlan Goldfields during the 1861-1863 gold rush.
Now Forbes is about to embark on a modern day project to help us understand the
secrets of this forgotten cemetery as forensic archaeologists and heritage
conservators Dr Louise Steding and Gerald Steding have been engaged to scan the
site with Ground Penetrating Radar [GPR].
Mr Bruce Adams, President of the Forbes & District Historical Society said
“information from this project will contribute to our understanding of the goldfield
pioneers and conserve the heritage value of this historic site.”
The cemetery is believed to contain the remains of more than 160 people (as listed
on a sign at its perimeter). Notable individuals interred here include John Bagwill, a
former Sergeant-Major of the NSW Gold Police, and Auguste Grasset, renowned for
owning the last gold mine of the rush.
Project leader Mrs. Monica Wren, from the Forbes Family History Group, shared, ‘My
fascination with the Forbes Pioneer Cemetery started in 2021 after being inspired by
a similar project near Hartley’s ‘Collits Inn’ cemetery, which was originally a private
burial ground for the Collits family; but also included the remains of early settlers
from the Fields and Morris families, who moved to the Forbes district from Hartley in
the 1830s. I was fascinated by the discoveries of the Hartley project.
Funded by Forbes Shire Council, Mrs Wren praises them for their commitment to
heritage; and expressed her gratitude to Forbes Shire Council for their dedication to
preserving and understanding the town’s heritage.
“I’m thrilled at the possibility of GPR uncovering more about Forbes’ history and
heritage.” Mrs Wren said. “The report from this project will be presented to the public,
and accessible through the Forbes Family History Group.”
The public is invited to witness and participate in the cemetery survey on
21 September. You will have the opportunity to observe the process, ask questions,
and learn how the survey equipment works. For those interested in discussing the
project, Mrs Wren can be contacted at 0414943248.
Story supplied by Monica Wren.
BEN HALL’S GRAVE and a Forbes Cemetary self-guided tour can be found on the HERITAGE MAP.
