Addresses
Type of place
Cemetery
Period
Victorian 1860-1890
Balmoral Cemetery
Balmoral Cemetery
Balmoral Cemetery
This is an image of the local heritage place known as Balmoral Cemetery
Balmoral Cemetery
Addresses
Type of place
Cemetery
Period
Victorian 1860-1890
Balmoral Cemetery is important because it survives as a remnant of the development of the area during the latter half of the nineteenth century. It is a highly visible cemetery/ park on the side of a hill in the middle of the suburb of Morningside. It is in the style of the Victorian period ‘mortuary park’ a particular type of cemetery developed in the early nineteenth century throughout the western world1.
The significance of Balmoral Cemetery lies primarily in the historical evidence of 19th century cemeteries generally, of which this is an example; and in its aesthetic qualities, and in its continued use by the public of Brisbane as a place of burial, contemplation and recreation.
Lot plan
L2_RP13274
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (B) Rarity; (D) Representative; (E) Aesthetic; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
Lot plan
L2_RP13274
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (B) Rarity; (D) Representative; (E) Aesthetic; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
History
This site was first gazetted as the Kangaroo Point Cemetery in July 1869. The first recorded burial did not take place in the Balmoral Cemetery until 1874.
On top of the hill is an elaborate monument to Frederick Wecker, an early landholder in the district. Also buried in the cemetery are former Mayors of Brisbane, James Hipwood and Thomas Rees. The founder of the Queensland Book Depot and former Wesleyan minister Frederick Brentnall, MLA, was also buried in Bulimba in 1925.
The original cemetery area of 55 acres was reduced to 50 acres 3 roods in 1891. The cemetery was administered by Trustees until July 1930, when responsibility for its operation was transferred to the Brisbane City Council.
Description
The cemetery occupies a site adjacent to Balmoral Park, on sloping ground east of the city. The site is a cemetery reserve held in trust by the Brisbane City Council.
The cemetery contains an area of 61,260 m2.
The cemetery is similar to several other Victorian cemeteries in the city in its layout, which consists of curvilinear path and road patterns. Most gravesites are marked by headstones, or footstones, or both or a large horizontal stone slab covering the site. These differ according to individual taste, and financial circumstances of the individual or family concerned.
Porphyry gateposts and ornate timber gates mark the entrance to the cemetery.
Shelter sheds
The shelter shed is a typical tin and timber open sided shed. There are no seats – they may have been removed at some stage.
The cemetery is generally in good physical condition. There has been little vandalism, and the place is well maintained especially in terms of the grounds and weed control around graves. It shows little change since its transfer to the Brisbane City Council.
Several graves and headstones show signs of partial discoloration and the effects of ground movement, resulting in cracking and partial collapse.
Shelters remain largely in the state in which they were built, as does the external wall – part of which was dismantled and rebuilt for road widening in the early 1990’s. Some repair work is needed on the roofing of the sheds.
The newer brick amenity shed which is adjacent to Wynnum Road disrupts the aesthetic of the cemetery at this point.
The fabric, setting & context of the site are all important, including the surrounding wall and gates, with the exception of newer brick amenities buildings.
Statement of significance
Relevant assessment criteria
This is a place of local heritage significance and meets one or more of the local heritage criteria under the Heritage planning scheme policy of the Brisbane City Plan 2014. It is significant because:
References
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Allom Lovell. Toowong Cemetery A Conservation Plan. 2001. BCC
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Brisbane City Council - City Assets Branch Conservation Management Study Stage 1 Report. November 2002
Citation prepared by — Brisbane City Council (page revised September 2020)