Rydalmere, NSW. Finding the Female Orphans of Parramatta

Who were the children of the Female Orphan School? Joseph Lycett, Female Orphan School near Parramatta, 1825. NLA 135702032 Fortunately, April Collison wrote a booklet on the history of the Female Orphan School (FOS), in 1986, which has been the starting point for all research into the school, its staff and pupils. She tells usContinue reading “Rydalmere, NSW. Finding the Female Orphans of Parramatta”

ADB: Australia’s First Three Fleets 1787-1791

While having a quite coffee at the National Library of Australia cafe I came across an article in their June 2016 magazine on the Australian Dictionary of Biography (ADB). My blog on Parramatta Cemetery contained information on first fleeters buried there, some have headstones but most don’t so it was exciting to discover that theContinue reading “ADB: Australia’s First Three Fleets 1787-1791”

Parramatta, NSW. St John’s Cemetery

PECULIAR FAMILY TRIALS Have you ever been curious about why people visit cemeteries or headstones? I recently visited St John’s Cemetery for a tour by the Friends of St John’s Cemetery. These dedicated volunteers are passionate about St John’s and are doing their best to improve its appearance and maintenance. It is the oldest existingContinue reading “Parramatta, NSW. St John’s Cemetery”