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Tasmanian Anglican

December 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 


Robert Knopwood's tomb in the historic churchyard of St Matthew's Church, Rokeby

 

Conservation of the Reverend Robert Knopwood's tomb

by Wendy Andrew

 

 

A Bicentennial project is quietly underway in the historic St Matthew's Churchyard, Rokeby, where conservation is taking place on the tomb of our first Colonial Chaplain, Robert Knopwood, and the nearby Rumney vault.

Much has been written about Robert Knopwood and a brief history is included in the interpretive brochure being produced as part of this project. After his retirement as chaplain he was assigned in 1826 to clerical duties in Clarence Plains, and almost immediately began agitating for a church and burial ground.

Whilst the church was not erected until after Knopwood's death, the first burial took place in the adjacent churchyard in December 1827. A headstone still survives. Knopwood's years of travelling through the colony on horseback, preaching in all weathers, often in private homes, barns or in the open, and financial stress, eventually took their toll in September 1838.

No name-plate

One home where he regularly held services was that of the Rumneys' at Hollow Tree, now called Cambridge. The Rumney vault is directly next to the imposing obelisk which marks Knopwood's tomb. On the other side of his tomb is the tall headstone of Elizabeth Morrisby (née Betsy Mack) his well-loved ward, who pre-deceased Knopwood in 1830 after giving birth to her daughter Elizabeth Sarah.

When Knopwood died, he was, at his request, buried in a plain coffin, with no name-plate. Some years later Elizabeth Sarah, now Stanfield, a beneficiary of his estate, erected the obelisk as a mark of respect by 'an obliged and grateful friend'.

Twilight Gathering

A Twilight Gathering will be held in the Churchyard on Tuesday 21 December commencing at 7.30 pm. We hope that Bishop John will be able to attend, along with other invited guests. The general public is also invited to come and help celebrate and share light refreshments afterwards.

Our conservation architect will be on hand to explain the conservation works and the brochure will be launched. There is no charge but donations to further work on this complex of graves are welcome. Colonial dress will be welcome, but optional.

This project has been assisted by funding from the State Government and Clarence City Council Bicentenary grants programs, and is being carried out on behalf of Clarence Plains Historical Society Inc. Contact: Wendy Andrew 03 6247 6925 or email