History

Key Facts:

Evidence suggests that burials were taking place as early as 1822
Oldest extant headstone is that of Thomas Nugent, buried in 1824
Closed as a cemetery in 1971
Parramatta Council assumed ownership from the Catholic Church in 1975
Listed on the NSW state Heritage Register in 2012

Read more about St. Patrick’s Cemetery via the following:

Parramatta History and Heritage
NSW Environment and Heritage Website‍ - comprehensive description and history of the site and learn about the cemetery’s unique significance
Notes prepared by Judith Dunn provide a more intimate exploration of the cemetery’s aesthetic, scientific, social and historical value, written as part of the submission for NSW State Heritage Listing.

Interior of a small chapel or prayer room with two arched windows, a black cross on a black board, and an altar with candles, flowers, and religious items.

Inside the Australia’s oldest Mortuary Chapel (1844) in the grounds of St Patrick’s Cemetery