Albany Convict Gaol facts for kids
Albany Convict Gaol, north west corner
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| Established | 1852 |
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| Location | Albany, Western Australia |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 27 February 1996 |
| Reference no. | 37 |
The Albany Convict Gaol, also known as the Old Gaol, is a historic prison in Albany, Western Australia. Today, it has been restored and operates as a museum. It helps visitors learn about the lives of convicts and the history of the area.
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Exploring the Old Gaol Buildings
The Albany Convict Gaol has several interesting buildings. These include the Great Hall, the warders' (guards') living areas, and the cells where prisoners stayed. All these buildings are built around a central courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard was a hiring depot. This is where convicts could be hired for work. The entire prison area is surrounded by tall stone walls. These walls are about 12 feet (3.7 meters) high. They even have broken glass on top to make them harder to climb.
A Look Back: History of the Gaol
When Was the Gaol Built?
The gaol was first built in 1852. It was made for convicts sent from England to Albany. These convicts were often skilled workers. The first part of the gaol had a cell block for prisoners and living quarters for the warden. The gaol was designed to help convicts get back on track. It was not just a place to hold them. It also served as a place where settlers could hire them for jobs.
Convicts and Their Work
Many convicts arrived in Albany between 1850 and 1868. They had a "ticket of leave." This was a special pass that allowed them to work for free settlers. They often worked on important projects for the town. For example, they helped build the town jetty. They also worked on the pilot boat and built the road to Perth.
Changes and Expansions
The gaol was made bigger in 1873. It then became a public prison for everyone. Other buildings on the site were changed into homes for the town's magistrates (judges). At this time, Aboriginal prisoners were moved into this prison. This happened because there were many escapes from the old town prison in Lawley Park.
In 1875, more buildings were added. These included the Great Hall, cells for women, and more living areas for the warden.
Later Years and Becoming a Museum
The gaol was last used in the 1930s. During the Great Depression, it served as a police lock-up. By 1941, the Public Works Department decided to sell the gaol. They said it was not fit for people to live in. The building stayed in bad condition for many years. However, it was restored between 1989 and 1996. After its restoration, it opened as a museum. In 2007, special late-night tours of the gaol began.
