Afternoon all ... on another steamy one ! A snippet from the local paper (Hills Shire Tiimes) this week advises that a local historian (Bede Ireland Jnr.) believes that he has located the grave of one of Castle Hill's earliest and colourful characters - Chevalier Verincourt de Clambe. If forensic archaeologists can identify it as being de Clambe's, it will be a significent local discovery. Buried under about 3 metres of earth, the location is in an area that once formed part of the Government Farm. A portion of the old farm site has been earmarked for a Heritage Park, but the grave is currently outside that area. While Mr. Ireland has no doubt that the brick lined vault suggests the grave is that of a person of social standing, only time will tell if it is that of the French Count. He is now working with the Heritage Council to try and have the grave site listed. de Clambe, a French loyalist, was born c. 1760 and after fleeing France went to England before coming to Australia in 1801. He built a home - The Hermitage - on 100 acres granted to him in 1802 ( No. 1042 Feb. 1st : Granted 100 acres in the district of Dundas. Rent : 2 shillings per year commencing after 5 years. "It being necessary to take off an angle for a public road by Mr. DeClambe's consent of 14 acres - 28 acres were added at the upper part of the farm. 11th May, 1804. P.G.K.") A documentary about the Government Farm site and de Clambe's tomb (if indeed it is his!) is currently "in the pipeline". Research for a book, as well, is currently underway. Given that the Bi-Centenary of the 1804 Castle Hill uprising will occur next year, both the documentary and book may be a fitting way to commemorate the auspicious occasion. Visitors from Ireland are also expected to take part in the celebrations. A report on de Clambe's death appears in the Sydney Gazette, June 10, 1804. The article mentions that he had frequently expressed a desire to be buried among his coffee trees, on the farm. It will be interesting to see, over the coming months, if it can be proved, beyond reasonable doubt, that the grave is indeed that of de Clambe. Also, speaking of the Sydney Gazette ... Notice of the upcoming Bicentenary of newspaper publishing in Australia, with George HOWE and the Sydney Gazette (1803). The celebrations begin on Friday, March 7th, and continue over 3 days. On Sunday, March 9th, a new memorial will be dedicated to mark Geoge HOWE's resting place. Further details can be obtained by emailing Joy Jorgenson on joy@ihug.com.au Have a great weekend everyone ! Diane

Ooops .... The newspaper article stated that "The Hermitage" was built by de Clambe .... but this *may* be an error. Perhaps it may have been built by John ROGAN, of Rogans Hill. Can anyone clarify that ? Diane > He built a home - The Hermitage - on 100 acres granted to him in > 1802 ( No. 1042 Feb. 1st : Granted 100 acres in the district of > Dundas. Rent : 2 shillings per year commencing after 5 years. > "It being necessary to take off an angle for a public road by Mr. > DeClambe's consent of 14 acres - 28 acres were added at the > upper part of the farm. 11th May, 1804. P.G.K.")