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Grave Of John Basson Humffray

Location

Cnr MacArthur Street & Creswick Road,, BALLARAT CENTRAL VIC 3350 - Property No B7167

File Number

B7167

Level

National

Statement of Significance

STATEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE:
What is significant? The grave, erected in 1891 by public subscription is a monument to John Basson Humffray who was one of the most important figures in the development of democracy in Australia. The conventionally designed grave consists of a bluestone plinth surmounted by cast iron uprights topped by decorative spears. These uprights support two rows of rope pattern cast iron rails. Within this railed enclosure, at the east end, there is a marble headstone set into a bluestone backing.
How is it significant? The J. B. Humffray grave is significant for historic and social reasons at a National level.
Why is it significant? The grave of John Basson Humffray is of national historical significance as a memorial to one who had a profound effect on the establishment of democracy in this country. Humffray had a leading role in framing the Ballarat Reform League Charter, based on his knowledge of British Chartism. This Charter influenced the Victorian parliament to adopt adult manhood suffrage and other democratic reforms and influenced the development of democratic government in the other colonies. He opposed the violence of the Eureka Stockade battle and positively worked for an amnesty for the participants. Through his parliamentary career he was a significant land reformer. The memorial was erected by public subscription demonstrating the esteem in which he was held by his contemporaries. It is also on the site that he requested, adjacent to the Diggers' Monument.
Classified: 08/04/2002

Group