Old Melbourne Cemetery

The Old Melbourne Cemetery was consecrated on 18 April 1838 by the Anglican Bishop of Australia, William Grant Broughton. It was used by all religious denominations in Melbourne until it was closed for further burials in 1853. From that time most burials were made in the Melbourne General Cemetery in Carlton. However, some burials were later allowed in the Old Melbourne Cemetery, mainly by families who had previously purchased burial sites. About 1877 the adjoining Victoria Market took over northern sections of the cemetery followed by a complete takeover of all remaining sections about 1917. One of the leading opponents to this takeover was Isaac Selby. Though unsuccessful in saving the cemetery, Selby recorded much of the history of the cemetery and in 1924 published “The Old Pioneers’ Memorial History of Melbourne” in which he recorded the location of all the gravestones and memorials in the Old Melbourne Cemetery. The surname index and plan of the cemetery can be viewed on this site.