A historic gravestone linked to the naming of Frenchs Forest has been carefully removed from The Forest High School as the campus prepares to relocate to Allambie Heights, ensuring the monument is preserved ahead of site changes.
Headstone Removed For Safekeeping
On Tuesday, 16 December 2025, specialist heritage stonemasons removed the gravestone of northern beaches pioneer James French from the school’s auditorium wall. The removal was carried out to prevent damage or loss as the school prepares to vacate the site.
The monument, weighing about 130 kilograms, had been mounted indoors and protected from the elements for decades.
Photo Credit: Colin Gwyther via Find A Grave
Temporary Relocation To Lane Cove
Following its removal, the headstone was transferred to the Local Studies section of Lane Cove Library. The relocation allows the monument to remain protected while options for conservation and its longer-term placement are considered.
Possible works include stabilising existing fractures and addressing missing sections of stone.
Why The Gravestone Was At The School
The headstone was previously moved from James French’s burial site at what is now Pioneers’ Memorial Reserve in Lane Cove North after vandalism damaged the original gravesite. To protect the monument, it was later displayed inside The Forest High School in a purpose-built cabinet.
Its presence at the school meant the gravestone remained largely unnoticed by the broader community until the upcoming relocation raised concerns about its future.
Who James French Was
James French (1817–1893) was an early settler on the northern beaches and the namesake of Frenchs Forest. He operated timber cutting and orchard activities in the area during the mid-1800s and also served in ranger and constable roles.
His work contributed to early development across parts of the northern beaches and surrounding districts.
Community Concern And Next Steps
Concerns about the gravestone’s future were raised as The Forest High School prepares to relocate to its new campus at Allambie Heights. Members of the school community and descendants of James French sought clarity on how the monument would be protected.
The headstone will remain in temporary storage while decisions are made about conservation work and the possibility of returning it to its original burial location.
Published 23-Dec-2025
