Rothsay Cemetery

Values

• The place is a representative example of a small gold mining era cemetery.
• The place provides some evidence for the type of headstones and grave markers used during the gold rush era.

Physical Description

The Rothsay Cemetery is situated near the site of the historical mining town of Rothsay on the Yalgoo Goldfield, approximately 78km west of Payne’s Find. The place comprises a sandy area of relatively flat ground with a small creek running through it. Vegetation comprises various Eucalypt and Acacia species which differ in density across the site.
There is only one headstone present, that marking the grave of Mr Alfred Chopin. Other grave markers are evident in the form of stone arrangements.

History

Gold was first found in the Rothsay area in 1894 and the town of Rothsay was declared in 1898. Between 1897 and 1902 over 90,000 ounces of gold were extracted from the Rothsay mine, and the town grew to a population of approximately 300. The first burial at the cemetery is believed to have occurred in 1895. In 1902 the mine was closed, and the town began to decline. Information suggests that five people were interred at Rothsay Cemetery during this period:
• Chopin, Alfred Cecil. Died 19/12/1898 (aged 23 years)
• McLoughlin, Will. Died 29.10.1896 (aged 30 years)
• Mason, John Daley. Died 4/7/1898 (aged 68 years)
• Purchase, Charles. Died 11/2/1903 (aged 59 years)
• Esbenson, Rowan Emil. Died 3/9/1898 (aged 4 months)
In the 1930s Rothsay Mine reopened for a brief period with the financial backing of mining entrepreneur Claude de Bernales but closed again with the advent of WWII in 1939. During this later period the town grew to a population of 500 people with all the anticipated facilities including a post office, bakery, general store and school. The Mine Manager’s house was constructed from stone and overlooked the mine and battery.
The land on which Rothsay Cemetery is situated was originally earmarked for recreation but this was changed to ‘Cemetery’ in 1931. It is also understood that the dimensions of the cemetery were increased from 14 to 17 acres at this time.
There appear to be no records of any burials having occurred during this later period, but this may be due to the loss of such records following a fire at the then Shire of Perenjori-Morawa Road Board offices in 1924.
An archaeological site survey in October 2017 noted a number of historical features across the site, some of which may represent grave sites. A ground penetrating radar survey undertaken by the mining company which holds the lease over the area identified sub-surface anomalies, but the results were inconclusive as to whether these represented grave sites. The archaeological survey report concluded that there may be unmarked graves across the site.

Uses

Historic Themes

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Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.