“And did those feet..”

I thought is was a park. Well, the sign said ‘Abney Park’ so I looked at the map to see how to get through to the cemetery entrance. Little did I know that when the website said you had to make an appointment to find a grave, they meant ‘because you’ll never find the grave, nor your way out again’.

It is, in fact, an overgrown cemetery. And a very special one too because it hadn’t been ruined by a spine of hideous immigrant peasant’s graves along what were once pathways as have many of the older Melbourne cemeteries – with their awful black granite tombs, plaster Madonnas and plastic flowers. And the vulgar mausoleums. And those ugly photos,…. but I digress.

It has certainly been let go. Mother Nature has taken hold, but the climate allows for undergrowth and trees rather an just weeds. And by undergrowth I mean poison ivy and stinging nettles. Has I known I would have brought some gardening gloves and a pair of secateurs. You’d have your work cut out here, Tutti.

But I had wisely made an appointment.

As you can see the modest office has all the conveniences of home, plus the only flowers on site.

I set off with my Sherpa guide and maps.

And we calculated it was behind that tree.

About here. Under that mound. And with some assistance – 

The grave of my great-great-great-grandfather’s brother, David Morrison, and some of his family.

And a few more for good measure.

Six in total.

So that was a delightful find and well worth the visit. I can share these photos with my cousin, Jan Sparkes, who is a direct descendant of David Morrison and who I am visiting in a few days.

The cemetery is one of the ‘magnificant 7’.

Isaac Watts favourite spot, the mound, is retained as a rest spot (if you can find it).

And, of course, he is buried here too – larger than life.

The chapel has also known more glorious times.

Another great adventure in God’s own country.