Maitland councillor Arch Humphery calls on council to restore historic Dunmore family gravesite

The family crypt located opposite Dunmore House on Paterson Road, Largs is a significant part of Maitland’s history many people are unaware of.

Cr Humphery said the family set up the area’s first flour mill on the Paterson River, which employed 350 people. They also built historic Dunmore House, a landmark Hunter building which owners Paris and Mittie Osborne have restored.

Cr Humphery said the Osbornes had made a huge effort to restore the property and retain its heritage value. He said they hoped the tomb site could also be restored and saved.

The Osbornes are concerned that due to the recent sale of the property where the crypt is located, this significant monument may be lost.

The crypt is the last resting place of Mary Dunmore Lang, mother of Dr John  Dunmore Lang, the proprietor of Dunmore and a prominent clergyman in the early days of the colony.

He was the first Presbyterian minister in the colony and built Scots Church in Sydney. He was also a Member of Parliament and a great sponsor of immigration to the colony.

“This family made an unbelievable contribution to this area,” Cr Humphery said.

Lang was granted the estate, which he called Dunmore – his mother’s maiden name – and ordered the construction of Dunmore House.

When he died in 1825, the house was passed to his brother Andrew.

In a notice of motion to Tuesday’s council meeting, Cr Humphery will call on council to investigate the possibility of acquiring the small parcel of land containing the graves of the Dunmore Lang family.

“The historical significance of the settlement of the Largs and Woodville areas, the construction of Dunmore House, the convict water supply and construction of the Dunmore Bridge needs to be preserved,” Cr Humphery said.

“Some interpretive signage would enhance the site’s history. I have spoken with the new owners of the property and they are happy to talk to council to achieve a suitable outcome to any proposal.”