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Mary & Robert ThomasPrint Page Print this page

23-February-2021
23-February-2021

Photographs supplied by Stephen Warren

The headstone at the gravesite commemorates Mary and Robert Thomas for their contribution to the colony of South Australia.

Robert Thomas (1782-1860)  established the first printing press in South Australia, on which South Australia`s Proclamation document was printed, and in 1837 the first newspaper, the South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register.

Mary Thomas (1787-1875) was a writer and poet who recorded of the colony`s early years. 

Location

Address:West Terrace, West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide, 5000
State:SA
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -34.933655
Long: 138.585769
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Grave
Monument Theme:People
Sub-Theme:Settlement
Link:http://adb.anu.edu.au/

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Tuesday 14th October, 2008
Front Inscription

Thomas

Mary (1787 - 1875) and Robert (1782 - 1860)

Pioneers of South Australia arriving from London in 1836.

Mary and Robert are commemorated for their contribution to the colony`s foundation.

Robert, for introducing the first printing press, on which South Australia`s Proclamation document was printed, and in 1837 the first newspaper, the South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register.

The Register remained one of Adelaide`s leading newspapers for nearly 100 years, incorporating the liberal views held
by Mary and Robert Thomas.

Mary, as writer and poet, for her contributions as a commentator and recorder of the colony`s early years.  Her published diaries and letters vividly describe the life and times of the first settlers.

Frances Amelie Skipper (1818 - 1855)
The eldest of Robert and Mary`s five children is also buried at this site.

Source: MA, ADB
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au