200-year-old gravestone rediscovered and restored on Police Remembrance Day
A recent search has led to the discovery of the final resting place of a former convict who served as a police officer in NSW until his death in 1826.
Constable Benjamin Ratty’s final resting place is believed to be the third oldest police grave in Australia at St John’s in Parramatta.
In the lead-up to the 200th anniversary of his death, police attached to Parramatta PAC with support from Parramatta Local Council, Parramatta Leagues club executives and the state government launched a project to restore Constable Ratty’s resting place.
After years of a planned memorial, today the unveiling of the restoration will take place with the attendance of the Police Commissioner and other VIP’S.
NSW Police Superintendent Barry Vincent told Ray Hadley it’s fitting the unveiling happens on Police Remembrance Day.
“It’s our pleasure to go in there for Ben and tidy up the gravesite,” he said.
“It’s just got such a historic significance.”
He said funding from the government has been instrumental in restoring the grave.
Press PLAY below to hear the full interview
Image: Supplied