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BRIDGEWATER CEMETERY

Other Name TARRAGAL Location 264 BRIDGEWATER LAKES ROAD, CAPE BRIDGEWATER, GLENELG SHIRE Level Recommended for Heritage Overlay

[1/1] 52597 Bridgewater Cemetery 133

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Bridgewater Cemetery is located in a some 3 km west of the centre of the township of Bridgewater, in Bridgewater Lakes Road. It is the first official cemetery gazetted for the township, and provided local people with a central burial ground. Prior to this, burials were placed in private family or property cemeteries around the area, such as Kennedy's, Kitson's and Black's family cemeteries and crypts. The burials date from the mid 1870s, and are relatively sparse until the early twentieth century. 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. The Cemetery is in fair condition, and retains a high degree of integrity.

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

What is significant?
The Bridgewater 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. It is of further historical interest for its small number of early burials, reflecting the tradition of family cemeteries and crypts in the area. 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 Bridgewater 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.