St Mary Magdelene Church & Anglican Pioneer Cemetery St Mary's NSW

#stmarys #cemetery #grave #australia #history #sydney #pioneer
In 1840, Saint Mary Magdelene Anglican Church was built on land in South Creek, now known as St Mary's, and donated by Admiral Philip Parker King, son of the Third Governor of Australia, Philip Gidley King.
The Suburb St Mary's, in Sydney's West, was named after Saint Mary Magdelene, after the church was built.
This Cemetery also on the grounds is the resting place of Governor Philip Gidley Kings wife, Anna Josepha King, son Admiral Philip Parker King and many other members of the King family, as well as other Pioneer Families in the area.
Including the grave of Thomas Smith, Pioneer and Penrith Publican, who lived in the Colyton area.
Gov Philip Gidley Kings headstone was removed from England where he died and brought to this cemetery to be laid with his family, although it is believed his remains are still buried in England.
There was controversy a few years back when they removed many of the earliest hardstones that had been on graves interred in front of the church, to make for easier access on the gravel car park. The headstones were moved inside the walls of the cemetery however the remains of those buried are still beneath the car park, much to the disgust of descendants.
We found this cemetery to be very neat and well kept, full of many pioneer families from early European settlement.
A lovely cemetery to visit, just watch the plover birds nesting in the graves, they will let you know they are there!
Haunted & Historic Australia present
St Mary Magdelene Church & Anglican Pioneer Cemetery St Mary's NSW
We hope you enjoy this episode,
Please stay tuned for many more,
Thank you
Haunted & Historic Australia
With Special Thanks to the following for invaluable information:
penrithhistory.com
penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
www.findagrave.com
www.dailytelegraph.com.au