Born in Launceston in 1846, actor Hattie Shepparde dazzled audiences on stage from the age of five. In the early 1870s, the height of her career, she was a highly sought-after leading actress who toured across Australia and New Zealand. Through her work she became a celebrity in her new home of Melbourne, gaining many theatre-going fans.
In 1874 the theatre community was devastated by Shepparde’s sudden and unfortunate death. She passed at age 28 due to complications in childbirth. After her passing, Melbourne newspapers were inundated with letters and poetry mourning her. Her funeral also caused a sensation, with all female pallbearers and highly emotional reactions of mourners. Newspapers reported individuals pushing and elbowing their way to the front of the procession. Even the pallbearers were thrust aside to allow mourners the chance to view the proceedings.
Like many people from the 1800s, Hattie Shepparde shares her grave with her family, laying at rest with her mother and daughter.
Shepparde’s wealth and influence at the time of her death is evident due to her unique monument. Its ornate design is representative of the transition from the Pioneer to Victorian era of design. With a variety of stone has been used, evident in the colour difference between the inscribed plaques and pillow design in the centre of the structure, and the main body of the monument.
The ravages of time have impacted this memorial. The fence around the plot has been damaged, the inscription is difficult to read due to weathering, and a column that was previously on top of the design is now resting behind it.
While SMCT maintains the cemetery grounds, the ongoing maintenance and restoration of memorials and headstones is the responsibility of those who are the holder of rights for the grave, as outlined in Victoria’s Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003. This restricts our options to respond to worn memorials. We may move unsafe items that may have fallen or broken, like the column here, to a safe place around the grave. On occasion, we work with families and communities to restore monuments of historical significance, however this is not a core function of the cemetery.
Walk back along Ninth Avenue, to the intersection and continue straight through. As you follow the road, please be mindful of any uneven terrain. When you reach the end of the road, with the Melbourne Mausoleum on your right, turn left and walk down Centre Avenue. The stop will now be on your right.
