Rookwood Cemetery Discoveries

  There are many murderers and victims buried in Rookwood. Most of the murderers lie in areas that have been allowed to return to nature, but many are lying in amongst their victims such as Stuart Briggs who I mentioned in this blog a few weeks ago. His poor unfortunate victim lies but a few plots away. But what of the plots where both the murderer and the victim (or victims) are all buried together. I often wonder what nocturnal activity abounds in the area.... Today's blog highlights two of these tragic tales. VICTOR EDWARD ROBINS Victor was born in October 1887 to John and Margaret Robins, the second last of their seven children. Victor was a part owner of the family run shoe manufacturing business which operated under the name of J Robins in Leichardt, commencing operations in 1911. He was known to be a of a quiet disposition. It seems that from August 1914, Victor showed signs of depression and odd behaviour so much so that his wife Elizabeth confided to her sister Nel...

 A recent tour of the Sydney Trades Hall and its history caused some thinking on Health and Safety issues and how they have improved incredibly over the years.  I recalled the various inscriptions upon monuments in the Cemetery and it is one disaster that came to mind. BALMAIN COLLIERY DISASTER OF 1900 Coal was an essential component for 19th century industry. With seams in the Illawarra and Hunter areas it seemed logical that there would be coal under Sydney Harbour somewhere. If found this would be of great benefit to local industry and exporters. A Company, Sydney Harbour Collieries Ltd., was formed in England in 1896, acquired mining rights and started to explore.  A seam was found near Cremorne Point, but it was decided that this area was not suitable for the heavy industry involved with coal mining and it was decided to access this seam from the suburb of Balmain. A site was selected at the corner of Birchgrove Road and Waters Street and work began in 1897 with the ...

 As we approach Remembrance Day 2022, I've decided that today's blog will not honour one person as such but many as I share a special area in Rookwood Necropolis dedicated to the War dead and Remembrance". SYDNEY WAR CEMETERY AND GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE As you enter the Necropolis from Centenary Drive and turn right at the first roundabout, after passing the cafe and meeting "Hub" you will see a rather large Cemetery full of white headstones. These are reminiscent of those contained in a War Cemetery readily viewed on the former battlefields of France or Belgium and containing an altar to the unknown soldier. Sydney War Cemetery - cwgc.org with thanks This War Cemetery was established by the Military Authorities in 1942. It mainly contains the graves of those who died in Concord Military Hospital nearby, either from wounds or illness relating to conflict in War. The Cemetery was taken over by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) in December 1946.  The Ceme...

  The Melbourne Cup has been raced and won. For many - lost! Great Trip who had only won one other race in over 12 months took it out in style. Well done to the owners, trainers, mucker-outers, the Jockey and of course the horse. Today's post is about the Jockey who not only rode the mighty Archer to victory in the first Melbourne Cup but backed up for the victory again on the same horse the following year! JOHN CUTTS DILLON John was born @ 1829 to Tom Dillon, a clerk, and his wife Ann nee Butler. Tragically his father died before he was born, and his mother was merely 17 years old. Ann married again in 1837 to Robert Cutts who had been sentenced to death for horse -stealing in 1825 but commuted to life originally being sent to Moreton Bay. Robert's father, William Cutts, also arrived on these shores as a convict in 1829 sentenced to 14 years for receiving stolen goods, William Cutts went on to be the licensee of the Homebush Inn and died in 1858. John was given the sec...