A GROUND-penetrating radar survey at Port Macquarie’s historic Allman Hill Burial Ground could reshape understanding of the town’s earliest colonial years, with researchers hoping to reveal the true extent of the forgotten cemetery.
The survey, being undertaken by University of New England Professors David Andrew Roberts and Martin Gibbs, will examine the site without disturbing the ground, searching for evidence of graves dating back to Port Macquarie’s first penal settlement.
Professor Roberts said researchers hoped the survey would answer long-standing questions about the burial ground.
“It is hoped the survey will give us a better idea of the extent of Port Macquarie’s first colonial burying ground,” he said.
“At present all we can see are two large tombstones and one headstone/footstone set, all of which appear to have been moved at some time.”
While historical publications often state that 28 people were buried at Allman Hill, Professor Roberts said no complete list exists.
Research by Port Macquarie and District Family History Society historian Clive Smith has identified about 50 recorded deaths that may represent people buried at the site.
Ground-penetrating radar has become a valuable archaeological tool because it allows researchers to investigate beneath the surface without excavation.
Professor Martin Gibbs said the equipment sends very high-frequency pulses into the ground every few centimetres, allowing archaeologists to detect areas where soil has been disturbed.
“The Allman Hill cemetery is tricky since we know little about how or where the convicts were buried, and it is likely they were just buried in a shroud rather than a coffin,” Professor Gibbs said.
“However, we will carefully examine the traces to see if we can see possible evidence of grave cuts.”
Mr Smith said while the survey would not identify individual graves, it could provide another important clue for descendants researching their family histories.
“It presents another important piece of the jigsaw puzzle for people searching for information for their family tree,” he said.
The survey will coincide with the NSW and ACT Association of Family History Societies Conference at Panthers in September.
A free Family History Fair will be held on Friday, September 18, featuring exhibitors, workshops and expert speakers, followed by the conference on September 19-20.
Family historians and descendants can find more information at www.portmacconference2026.com
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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