The first cemetery on the island was at Emily Bay - in which pieces of early headstones have been found.

The site of the present cemetery was set aside in the early days of the Second Settlement.

The headstones provide detailed evidence of convict revolts and the lifestyle of the island's early inhabitants.

"Ye Christian Bretheren as ye pass by
Pray on this tomb cast an eye
As I am now so you must be
Prepare yourselves to follow me."