Sir Redmond Barry is known for many roles, including as the first chancellor of the University of Melbourne, a trustee of the Public Library - which became the State Library of Victoria – and a judge. Barry’s most notable court case was that of Ned Kelly in 1880.
Born in Ireland in 1813 Barry emigrated to Australia in 1839. Barry met his partner Louisa Barrow in 1846 and the couple had four children together. Unusually for the era, the couple never married. The couple are buried together, and Barrow is commemorated with a plaque in front of the monument.
It has been claimed that Barry was known for his harshness in criminal cases, however there is no criticism of his conduct during Ned Kelly’s trial. It’s said that, after Barry sentenced Kelly by saying the traditional ‘May God have mercy on your soul’, Kelly responded with “I will go a little further than that and say I will see you there when I go.” As fate would have it, Barry passed away only twelve days after Ned Kelly’s execution.
Barry’s instrumental involvement with the University of Melbourne and State Library of Victoria is remembered to this day. There is a reading room and building named after him at the State Library and University respectively.
Despite struggling with money in his early years in Ireland, Sir Redmond Barry became a wealthy and influential figure in Melbourne. This is reflected in the size and design of his grave and monument.
The design of cemetery elements, from monuments to overall layout, often reflects the culture of the time – but takes longer to be visualised. In the rapid growth of the Victorian era, from the 1820s to 1900s, monument design slowly became much more elaborate with a desire for grandness. The industrialisation of the Victorian era allowed for lavish designs in architecture and home interiors. These design choices were reflected in cemeteries from the 1870s to 1900s. This includes the grave of Sir Redmond Barry, as well as Sir Charles Hotham from the previous stop.
At this time, the height of monuments reached a peak and wrought iron fencing with ornate details became more popular. There have been many discussions about why these fences were included in monument design. Some believe it was to keep out animals, or body snatchers looking to use the body for medical research. However, the more commonly agreed upon reason is that the railings and fences separated the rich from the poor. This is represented both in a physical sense with the barrier, and also by a visual distinction as the fences and monuments became a display of wealth and grandeur.
Fences and elaborate monuments were a trend which passed in the early 1900s when monument heights began to decline and change shape, reflecting a more conservative era.
To continue the tour, return to Second Avenue and continue away from the Burke and Wills memorial. Part way down the road is a monument with a statue of a woman grieving. Just before this is a pathway into the graves. Take this pathway and stop at the tall cross monument for Lady Janet Clarke.
