Known, Unknowns: Archaeology of the Devonshire St Cemetery

What happened when a cemetery exhumed in 1901 was impacted on by modern redevelopment?

This is the case of the Devonshire Street Cemetery which occupied a sand ridge from 1819 to 1901. After 1901 the graves were exhumed and reburied. The sand ridge was flattened and Central Station was constructed on the site. From 2018, redevelopment of Sydney’s public transport impacted on the location of the Devonshire Street Cemetery.

But was anyone left?

Interestingly, and at times controversially, the answer was yes!

Dr Iain Stuart who was the Excavation Director on the two projects that impacted the Cemetery site will talk on the history of the Devonshire Street Cemetery, outline the archaeological programs that were undertaken and discuss some of the results of the work.

About the speaker

Dr Iain Stuart was born and raised in Melbourne and now lives and works in Sydney. He is a graduate from Latrobe University (in Prehistoric Archaeology), Monash University (in Environmental Science) and the University of Sydney where he wrote his dissertation on 19th century rural landscapes. He has worked for the Government Heritage Agencies in Victoria and NSW and as an archaeological consultant on various projects since 1993.

Although coming from an archaeological background he is also a professional historian as well as an industrial heritage specialist. Some of his work would also be considered historical geography. He is a Councillor of the Royal Australian Historical Society. He has a strong commitment to the protection and management of our heritage and is involved in a number of professional organisations such as the National Trust, ICOMOS and TICCIH who aim to further these aims. He also have a strong belief that everyone working on Australia’s heritage should have at least a good working knowledge of Australia’s history.

Following Iain’s talk there will be an opportunity to discuss it in a virtual Wonderme Room. A link will be provided.