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OLD CEMETERY

Other Names PIONEER CEMETERY ,  CASTERTON 'OLD' CEMETERY Location 18 OLD CEMETERY ROAD, CASTERTON, GLENELG SHIRE Level Recommended for Heritage Overlay

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Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Casterton Old Cemetery is located in a nine acre reserve five kilometres west of the centre of the township of Casterton, in Old Cemetery Road. It is Casterton's first Cemetery, although the Cemetery referred to as Casterton New Cemetery was actually gazetted prior to it. The burials date from the mid 1840s (but the earliest gravestone is dated 1854) and burials continued until 1964. The layout is typical of a simple nineteenth century cemetery, set on a gentle rise overlooking the town. The graves are laid out in typical denominational fashion. A number of indiegenous trees have grown throughout the cemetery, lending it a peaceful bush setting, enhanced by the indigenous spring wildflower display which appears. The Cemetery is in excellent condition, and retains a high degree of integrity.

How is it significant?
The Casterton Old Cemetery is of historical, architectural and social significance to Glenelg Shire.

Why is itsignificant?
The Casterton Old Cemetery is of historical significance as an enduring record of those who have lived and died in the community, as a reflection of passing phases, ways of life and death, particular events, and as a source of documentary evidence. The cemetery has further historical significance for the burials of individuals and families who made important contributions to their community. The cemetery is of social significance for reflecting the customs and tastes of the community, for reflecting different religious values, and for reflecting different economic and social status. It is also important as a place of homage and of passive recreation. The Casterton Old Cemetery is of architectural significance for its range of tombstones, memorials and iconography reflecting the aesthetics of different periods and groups within the community. It is also of interest for its overall design and position within the broader landscape.