The name Gwalla is a title given to the new town of Northampton, and it seems only the residents may know of its history. However, this remote little town holds an interesting history.

A Quick History of Gwalla

Not to be confused with the ghost town of Gwalia, Gwalla, or Northampton, is located North-West of Western Australia, 52km North of Geraldton. When visiting the town, you may see signs diverting you to the location of the old cemetery. This, of course, drew me in. However, why can't you find this place on maps? I haven't quite figured that one out yet - but, I have put a request in!

Gwalla was an old copper mining town that first opened in 1859. In the grand scheme of things, that ain't too long ago. Upon visiting the graveyard, I noticed the large tomb of Joseph Horrocks. He provided the funding for the mine along with George Shenton. The mine provided a large population of workers from Cornwall, England.

In 1864 the nearby Wanerenooka Mine joined together to create the larger residential town of Northampton. Gwalla mine was closed for many years. However, it was opened again in 1907 to provide water for the town, and continued to thrive until the 1980's when it was closed again. 

Gwalla Church & Cemetery Ruins

I mentioned earlier that a large tomb rested on the cemetery grounds. Of course, the cemetery was the first place I visited here, and I had no idea who it was at first, as there was no inscription on the tomb! However, upon exiting the graveyard I noticed an information board, so I went to have a look to find out that it was the grave of Joseph Horrocks. Horrocks also built the church in 1864 in an effort to cater for 'all religions'.

The tomb of Joseph Horrocks in Gwalla Cemetery

Unfortunately, the church closed its doors for the last time in 1917 and sadly fell to ruin soon after.

Further research from a Tripadvisor review tells me that a plaque once stood on the wall of the tomb, in a picture taken in October 2020.

Who was Joseph Horrocks?

Lancashire-bred Joseph Lucas Horrocks was born on November 18th 1803. He was the first son of William Horrocks and Jane Smith. Joseph had 5 sisters and 3 brothers. He was known to be a father of 3 with a wife named Mary, though it seems his family did not join him in Australia.

Working Life

Later in his life, in the 1850's he was listed as a businessman in Manchester, under the name of Horrocks, Schaer and Co. The nature of this business was producing and selling chemical products. 

On March 22nd 1851, Horrocks pleaded guilty in a defrauding attempt of £430 9s 7d. This would amount to over £34,518.45 today. In fact, this wasn't the only time Horrocks was caught for forgery. To make it a bit easier, I've made a table below.

During his business-man era, he also went into partnership with a London-based company, Gustav Kober and Co. Unfortunately I couldn't find any information on this.

The Move to Australia

Joseph Horrocks was convicted to 14 years in prison. On October 30th 1851 he boarded a ship called The Marion, with 280 other convicts heading to Western Australia. He arrived on January 30th and somehow convinced people that he was a medical professional. This resulted in him securing a job in the medical field at Fremantle's Prison. 

Settling in Gwalla

In 1859 he met with George Shenton Sr to discuss the possibility of building a mining town on 100 acres of land. It was in this discussion that Gwalla was born.

Joseph's last commission was to build a schoolhouse and garden. Construction started in 1863. Sadly, Horrocks wouldn't be around for the completion after he passed away in Wanerenooka on October 7th 1865 at the age of 61. The school was completed in 1866 and the town was later renamed Northampton.

Today, I'm going to go through some of the graves that you must visit; some that I visited myself, and some that I missed on my just-short-of-one-hour trip.

1. The most visited tomb in Highgate

I was honest on my Instagram post, so I'll be honest here. When I visited Highgate, I'd heard about his grave, being the most visited one at this cemetery, but I didn't have a clue who he was. 

The Grave of Karl Marx

Marx's original grave is a short distance away. There was a new tomb created that was much larger, you could tell it a mile off. I'll be honest, I had a little giggle to myself when I saw it as I was struggling to find it!

2. The quiet resting place of George Michael

I didn't picture George Michael's grave. However, it was very easy to find. George is located in a peaceful spot next to his mother. His gravesite requests no photographs. Unlike others who rudely disrespect his final wishes, I honored this and simply said hello to him.

The beautiful grave of the Uzielli Family

3. Uzielli Family Tomb

I had no idea who this is. Esther wasn't a movie icon or famous singer. Her grave, however, was so beautiful that I had to screenshot my video just to share it on my page! There are lots of little intricate statues dedicated to this beautiful Italian family.

4. The Dog of Highgate

Unfortunately, I couldn't find this grave. I don't believe it was listed on the map that we had, and we only had an hour so I couldn't find it on my speedwalk around the cemetery. I will return one day though, and I'll make sure this one is on the top of my list...

5. The First Grave in Highgate!

...as well as this one too! Elizabeth Jackson was the first person to be interred into Highgate Cemetery. I did have a little look for her grave but I believe it may be nestled beyond the many 'no entry' zones due to unsteady ground. Elizabeth passed away due to combustion aged 36 on May 20th 1839.

6. You're pretty much DEAD

This grave is by far one of the most interesting graves at Highgate Cemetery. It is a simple, but grave reminder that death comes to us all. I didn't know of the artist Patrick Caulfield, or of the works that he created, apart from his final one, but I had to get a picture.

7. The Resting Place of Jeremy Beadle

Jeremy was one of the only people I knew of, of all the graves I visited. He also has a simple but lovely grave, not quite as striking as the above but a nice sentement to a much loved tv presenter.

8. ... Not the McLaren Cars (like I thought)

In highgate cemetery, you too can visit the grave of The Sex Pistols manager, Malcolm McLaren. As I mentioned in my Instagram post, McClaren once dated Vivienne Westwood. It was recently announced on the news that she passed away on December 29th 2022. I suspect she may be buried in Highgate but details have not been raised yet. Keep an eye out on Find a Grave!

9. Nero The Great Lion

This grave took my breath away. George Wombwell isn't a name we hear very often today, but back in the 1800's, it was very well known. Originally, George was a shoemaker who later progressed into collecting exotic animals, later exhibiting a travelling menagerie. Presented above his grave is George's pet lion, Nero.

10. To Infinity and Beyond!

Unfortunately, I couldn't find the grave of Douglas Adams on my visit to Highgate. If you haven't heard his name before, chances are you will have definitely heard of his work. Adams was known for his best selling piece, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. On his graveside you will find a collection of pens donated by devoted fans.

Have you visited Highgate Cemetery before? Let me know which graves you visited below!

If you're a regular visitor to my Instagram, you'll know that a visit to the graveyard is quite common for me, so when I visited the final resting place of Robert Tennant Stowe Wolfe, it was just a normal day. However, my visit to Kenwick Pioneer Cemetery was very spontaneous. I think I'd gone two weeks without a visit to the graveyard. I'm from Yorkshire and Australia was a new country, I just wanted to visit the closest cemetery and this one was it!

A Sparse Cemetery with Few Graves

Robert Tennant Stowe Wolfe: A Back Story

The Move Down Under

The Naming of Wolfe Creek Crater

Robert Wolfe: Life Behind the Bar

Robert Wolfe Settles Down... or tries to

Did Robert have any children?

Fun Facts About Robert Tennant Stowe Wolfe:

If you're following my Instagram, you'll know that I recently made the decision to spend a year in Australia. We have been spending the first part of our trip in Perth. Before setting off, I already knew I wanted to go to Fremantle. My partner had been before and he told me all about it. One of the places on my bucket list is New Orleans and this is pretty much the next best thing! 

The Round House, on the other hand, is a whole different kettle of fish. Mind you, they could have something similar in New Orleans... who knows!

A Brief History

This iconic building was first opened in January 1831, making it Western Australia's oldest standing building. It took just 5 months to build! In its early life, it served as a prison before all prisoners were later moved to the larger Fremantle Prison in 1886. 

The Execution of John Gavin at The Round House

I'm not entirely sure if this was a single occurrence, but in April 1844 a 15-year-old boy was executed here. Mr. John Gavin* was responsible for killing his boss' son, George Pollard. John's body was apparently laid to rest in the sand hills south of the round house. Who knows, his body may be lurking beneath you whilst you're casually enjoying the views at the beach! 

* The link above takes you to a various historic recollections quoted by the families of George Pollard and the police.

George Pollard is buried at Pinjarra Saint John's Cemetery. I haven't been there yet, but stay tuned on my Instagram... I'll put it on my list to pay my respects. 

Fun Fact: This building cost £1,603 in total to build. I didn't even know Australia used to be funded by pounds! Nevertheless, this would roughly amount to $3,392,000 in 2021. 

London's Highgate Cemetery is known for being the resting place for many famous people, but it also has some infamous names, one being John Atcheler. Have you ever heard of him before? I can't say I had before this trip!

John was born in the village of Hockliffe in 1791. During his first job he was employed as a Professional Fighter, one that I believe his peers at the time wish he'd kept. 

John Atcheler's Family Tree

If you would like to see a full scale picture of this grave, please visit my Instagram where I share more about the lives of people buried at Highgate, and the rest of the world!

The Dark Side of John Atcheler

It is no secret that this grave here commemorates a very infamous name of Victorian Britain. When John retired in his career as a Professional Fighter, he sought out a new and very different career; a Horse Slaughterer. 

John soon started his training, and within a few weeks, the Atcheler name was soon to be banished from any conversation from locals in the area. He was like the Victorian Voldemort, if you think of it. Soon after graduating from his Slaughter School, John decided to pick up and move his office nearer to the Cattle Market at Kings Cross. It was here that people started to notice John's claims, and specifically his plaque above his office door, reading 'Horse Slaughterer for Her Majesty Queen Victoria'.

... but was he really?

Fortunately for John, making false claims to Royal Warrants would only be made illegal in 1883, this was 16 years after his death. However, there are no official claims of this status and many people in those days did not believe him at all. Although, in his will, this statement was accepted. 

The Horse Monument

Sadly, the resting place of Sarah, John (jr), and Henry has become the victim of hate crime over the years. The horses legs have had to be repaired. This is quite sad since John himself isn't actually buried here. He is, however, buried within this cemetery, and on this side (the west). Unfortunately since I only had an hour in the cemetery, I wasn't able to plan very well, but I'm going to save his actual grave for another day and update this page!

This Grade II listed monument is also very weathered. I found it impossible to read, but the power of the internet has provided me with the original listing. Thank you Pet Histories!

“She’s gone; whose nerve could rein the swiftest steed,

whose heart and hand to all in time of need

we’re ready, and with a cheering hope she gave

to soothe the suffering and weak to save”

 

There are many graves in Haworth that have caught my eye, but nothing stands out quite like Lily Cove, who’s tie to the village is quite a tragic one.

Lily’s parents, Thomas and Annie were never married. However, on November 7th 1885, in Poplar, London, they welcomed their baby girl, Elizabeth Mary Cove into the world.

Sadly, Annie’s life was short lived, and for most of her childhood she was brought up by various relatives due to her father’s prison sentences. Lily flew the nest aged 15, 2 years later than her peers. She served as a nursemaid and servant at a psychiatric hospital for girls for her first job. 

Lily Cove's Introduction To The Skies

At the age of 16 she begun her training to become an aeronaut. At the age of 19 she was under the employment of a gentleman named Captain Fred Bidmead. 

In a nutshell, an Aeronaut is a person who floats up in a balloon then parachutes to the ground. Lily enjoyed exposing her bloomers and knickers by removing her skirt before her act. This was a move that she became famous for.

On June 8th 1906, Fred and Lily checked into the Old White Lion Hotel. I’m not sure which room Fred had but Lily was in room 7; which adds to the story later. 

Her Tragic Death

It was the day of the Haworth Gala in 1906. Following a mishap with the previous balloon, and to a mere 6000 peoples disappointment, the event was postponed. On the Sunday Captain Bidmead took to repairing the balloon and on the Monday, claimed the apparatus was safe to ascend with. Cove took off from a playing field with confidence on West Lane. 

After some time Lily was nowhere to be seen, except from one witness who saw her ‘cartwheeling’ to her death from the skies of Scar Top over Ponden Reservoir. Some believe that Lily had unhooked herself midair due to her fear of water when floating over the reservoir. We will never know.

Lily’s body remained in room 7 until her burial, and her spirit it said to haunt the room to this day. Other sources say that the Kings Arms across the road also served as a mortuary. I prefer the first story since I like to attend weekly quiz nights at The Kings Arms.

Resources:

https://danseastendportraits.wordpress.com/2017/01/29/9th-june-1906-lily-cove/

https://wessyman137.wordpress.com/2014/09/21/the-tragic-demise-of-miss-lily-cove/

https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=426231.0

http://elizabethdollyshepherd.blogspot.com/2018/06/dolly-shepherd-miss-lily-cove-haworth.html

https://theyorkshirejournal.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/2019-5-pages-48-61-the-tragic-story-of-a-lady-aeronaut.pdf

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/99977259/elizabeth-mary-cove

I thought that I would preface this by saying, welcome to The Crypt Chick! At this current stage in the making, I haven't completed my 'About' section yet, but this will be the next best thing, and probably the better thing!

What is a Taphophile?

The official meaning of the word 'Taphophile', in accordance to the wikitionary goes as follows: "A person who is interested in cemeteries, funerals and gravestones.". However, we can cross the funerals bit off if we're referring to myself. 

A Taphophile may also be referred to as a 'Tombstone Tourist', although I only enjoy that entitlement when travelling to a cemetery in an unfamiliar place.

How did I get into graveyards?

When I was very young, my Nonna's (Italian) mum died. Some of my earliest memories are visiting her. She was very poorly; in her nineties, bed-bound. However, sadly she was near blind, so she had the thickest pair of glasses known to man, and she would always request that I go right up to her so she could see me. As a 5 year old, this terrified me. 

Every year following this we would go to Italy to visit her grave, and soon after my Nonna & Nonno joined her in the same spot. On our way back, my mum and I would play a game of 'find the oldest grave'. We would also make up stories about the people buried nearby after seeing their portraits (a common thing in Italy). 

...and that, ladies and gentlemen, is how I became a Taphophile.

The Later Years

Now, if you asked me a year ago what I would've thought about myself if I'd been taking photos of graves, I would've called you crazy. When I first started on findagrave, I would literally go all 'sneaky' fearing that I would get told off, and I hate getting told off!

I've now grown courage and I absolutely love fulfilling requests and activating memories again. Not even memories, just stories. I'm not the biggest believer in religion, but if somebody can write a book about someone all those years ago, then why should John from 1742 who lived down the road be forgotten? They had stories too.