Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
Queen Victoria Market makes for an unusual archaeological site. It is built on top of an old cemetery, the city’s first official colonial cemetery. Literally just beneath the bitumen, as little as 1.5 metres below the car park and adjacent market stalls are the remains of 9,000 settlers including indigenous people. Figures vary according to different historians but 9,000 is generally the most accepted figure. 
The Cemetery was established in 1837 and existed officially till 1922. The last burials took place in 1917. It is generally believed that as Melbourne was expanding with the growth of colonists, the cemetery was deemed no longer suitable and bodies were exhumed and moved to other cemeteries around Melbourne.
Some bodies though were still left on-site and hence the skeletal remains today. Its a mystery why this is the case. No official documentation seems to exist that tells us why some bodies were moved and some were left.
The only known existing plan of the cemetery below clearly shows the burials were in segregated areas. It was divided up into several sections like Roman Catholic, Wesleyan, and Presbyterian.
Sadly, indigenous people were seen as second class citizens so were not granted burial in the cemetery. Instead, they were buried outside its walls along with convicted criminals. This means their remains are under the main roads that run adjacent to the market.
Walking around Queen Victoria Market as you do your shopping or just go for a browse really gives a whole new meaning to the old saying ‘walking on someone’s grave’.
You literally are walking on top of someone’s grave, unintentionally of course as most Melbournians along with many international tourists that visit this popular Melbourne destination are unaware of its macabre history.
Crowds of shoppers at the market
Entrance to H Stall at the market
This cemetery and its human remains are a vital part of Melbourne history. For the most part, its story has been mostly ignored. Aside from the market stall owners, archaeologists and some locals not many people know about the cemetery. Perhaps it’s just too macabre and uncomfortable, the thought of dead bodies underneath a market.
Whatever the case may be, it’s still important archaeology and cultural history. The city of Melbourne is expanding at an incredibly fast rate with new development taking place daily. It’s perhaps more important than ever to cherish the history before it gets overshadowed by modern development.
I strongly feel there should better signage than what is currently there to explain the history of the market.
Next time you’re buying your fruit and vegetables, or just having a browse spare a thought for all those dead people beneath you. What were their stories? Who did they love? What were their aspirations? What was life like for them?
Extra information:
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/bodies-under-queen-vic-haunt-market-revamp-20110311-1bqsp.html
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