Denmark Public Cemetery

Author

Shire of Denmark

Place Number

14306

Location

South Coast H wy Denmark

Location Details

Reserve 11655, Loc 7478 part of 21845 aerial landing ground

Local Government

Denmark

Region

Great Southern

Construction Date

Constructed from 1910

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Municipal Inventory Adopted 28 Jun 2011 Considerable Significance

Statement of Significance

This place has historic and social cultural heritage significance. This is the last resting place of many of Denmark’s pioneers. Many headstones are typical of a past age. Much research into the death/burial records has uncovered tragedies such as diphtheria epidemics, drownings and boating accidents on the lake and in dams. Maternal tragedies (many young mothers and their babies died in circumstances which would not occur today) and many premature deaths caused by accidents also took their toll. The early deaths reflect the extreme loneliness, isolation, stress and hardship faced by the early settlers. The cemetery is still in use.

Physical Description

The Cemetery is located on the eastern outskirts of the Denmark township on the South Coast Highway. Set back behind a picket fence and a number of mature trees, the cemetery is well ordered and maintained.

History

The original part of the Cemetery (divided into four parts - and labelled “Primitive Methodist, Church of England, Roman Catholic and Presbyterian”) consisted of half an acre cleared in the centre of a ten acre reserve. The first burials were conducted in 1910 when four children were buried. Later a portion 20ft x 20ft in the (then) extreme north west corner was fenced off to be used as a Stillbirth section. The first official plans were drawn up in 1919 by Surveyor Fenton at the cost of £7.7.0. This amount had to be paid in yearly instalments. The Shire of Denmark adoped the Denmark Cemetery Development Concept Plan at the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 6 May 2014 (res. No: 060514) to guide development and use of the Cemetery Reserve into the future.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree

Condition

Good

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
R McGuinness;"Denmark Cemetary, 1910-2008".". Denmark istorical Society 2008
Denmark Historical Society

Place Type

Other Built Type

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use MONUMENT\CEMETERY Cemetery
Present Use MONUMENT\CEMETERY Cemetery

Historic Themes

General Specific
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES Community services & utilities

Creation Date

15 Oct 1999

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

01 Jan 2017

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.