Camberwell – a glimpse into the past.
On this page, we will bring you stories about the history of Camberwell as told in contributions sent to us by our supporters.
Here are some other references you can follow up and find out more:
- Camberwell Junction: https://camberwellshopping.com.au/the-history-and-heritage-of-camberwell/
- Camberwell Historical Society Inc., a volunteer organisation whose purposes are to foster historical interest and knowledge of the former City of Camberwell: https://www.chs.org.au/
- Boroondara Library: Research your local history.
Featured image: Discover the history of Camberwell Camberwell Junction circa 1916-17. Credit: Charnley-V.E. State Library Victoria
A lookback at the past: the death of a Mounted Constable in Camberwell in 1894
Reverend Jim Pilmer PSM OAM OStJ
This is the little known story of Mounted Constable James Foley 3811.
Foley was born in County Limerick, Ireland on 15th January 1864 and joined Victoria Police on 4th March 1887. After initial service at Russell Street, Melbourne he was stationed at Leongatha and eventually transferred to Caulfield East police station. He was a single man and an enthusiastic steeple chaser.
On Tuesday, 11 September 1894 Foley was on duty when he was required to ride to Camberwell as he had received information that some pigeons stolen in Caulfield were there. The horse on which he was mounted was described as a ‘splendid jumper’. Foley was accompanied by a friend, Mr Charles Chambers, an estate agent from Malvern. Together they rode to Camberwell and, after Foley had completed his enquiries, he and Chambers set out to return to Caulfield. While doing so they rode up to a paddock on Camberwell Road.
The paddock was enclosed by a two-rail fence. Apparently taking time for some light relief Foley decided to jump his horse over the fence. He cleared it but in attempting to jump his horse back onto the road the horse baulked three times. On the fourth attempt it struck the top rail with its front leg, causing it to turn a complete somersault. After that it rolled on top of Foley who had been thrown from the saddle.
Chambers hurried to Foley who had time to say in a low tone ‘Jack I am killed’ before lapsing into unconsciousness and dying almost immediately.
Chambers hailed the driver of a passing spring cart, put Foley in the back and took him to a Dr Looslie’s residence where life was pronounced extinct. The body was then taken to what the record describes as the ‘Camberwell Hotel’ (most likely the Camberwell Inn, then at the corner of Burke Road and Riversdale Road) whilst those assisting awaited the direction of the Coroner.
Police records contain full details as to the cause of death but emphasise that Foley was perfectly sober at the time and that the fence ‘was a pretty stiff one to tackle’.
The funeral took place on the afternoon of Thursday 13 September 1894. The cortege moved from the Camberwell Hotel to Melbourne General Cemetery at 2pm. It was largely attended by police members. The coffin and grave were covered with flowers, among which were wreaths from the police at Russell Street and other stations.
Interestingly the Inquest into Constable Foley’s death took place on the morning of his funeral. It was conducted in Camberwell. The exact location is unclear but the same hotel seems likely. Foley’s relatives were represented and an equine expert attended on behalf of Victoria Police. Members from Caulfield attested to Mounted Constable Foley’s ‘excellent character’ and the Inquest was told that there was nothing in police regulations against mounted constables jumping their horses, either for practice or in the discharge of their duties. Market gardener, W. Meehan gave evidence and stated that he had seen the event take place.
The Oakleigh Leader newspaper of Saturday 15/9/1894 reported that the jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
The above article is drawn from research conducted by retired Chief Inspector Ralph Stavely, Chair of the Victoria Police Memorials Committee. Jim Pilmer is an Anglican priest and chaplain to Boroondara and Camberwell Police stations.