Maitland Gaol facts for kids
The former Maitland Goal and Governor's House
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 Former Maitland Goal
Location in New South Wales
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| Location | John Street, East Maitland, New South Wales, Australia |
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| Coordinates | 32°44′42″S 151°35′23″E / 32.74500°S 151.58972°E |
| Status | Open(Museum) |
| Security class | Maximum security |
| Capacity | 174, but has reached 400+ |
| Opened | 1848 |
| Closed | 31 January 1998 after 147–148 years) |
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Building details
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| Former names | Maitland Correctional Centre |
| General information | |
| Construction started | 1826 |
| Completed | 1875 |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Stone |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect |
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| Architecture firm | Colonial Architect of New South Wales |
| Main contractor | H. Brodie and A. Craig |
| Official name | Maitland Correctional Centre |
| Type | Built |
| Criteria | a., c., e. |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 01296 |
The Maitland Gaol, also known as Maitland Correctional Centre, is a historic former prison in East Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Its construction began in 1844, and the first people were held there in 1848. When it closed on January 31, 1998, it had been operating for almost 150 years, making it the longest continuously-run gaol in Australia. Today, it's a popular museum where visitors can learn about its past. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999 because of its historical importance.
After the gaol closed, the Maitland City Council was given a 50-year lease in 1999 to manage the site.
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Exploring Maitland Gaol's History
Maitland Gaol sits on top of a hill in East Maitland. It's a key part of the town's design, planned by Surveyor General Sir Thomas Mitchell. The buildings are made mostly of sandstone with metal roofs. They line up with the main streets of East Maitland.
What Does the Gaol Look Like?
The main cell blocks, called "A" and "B" Wings, were built in the 1840s. They were placed equally far from the main gate. The houses for the Gaol Governor and Lieutenant-Governor stick out from the gaol wall, forming a courtyard with the main entrance at the far end. A newer part on the western side is made of red bricks.
Why is Maitland Gaol Important?
Maitland Gaol is very important because it is the oldest country gaol in New South Wales that is still mostly in its original condition. It was the longest-running gaol in Australia. It's also the only example left of the "Inspectors' Gaols" designed by the Colonial Architect in the 1840s.
A Landmark in East Maitland
The gaol, along with the nearby courthouse, creates an important landmark at the end of William Street, which was the main street in the 1829 town plan. Most of the gaol was built using local stone, giving it a consistent look from the 19th century. It shows off amazing stone, iron, and timber work from the 1840s to the 1890s, much of it done by local workers and even people held at the prison.
Visiting the Gaol Today
You can explore the historic prison by taking a self-guided audio tour. This tour lets you listen to stories as you walk around. You can also join special guided tours that focus on different themes and stories from the gaol's past.
Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles
Inside the Maitland Gaol, you'll find the "Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles." This museum displays a collection of clothing, accessories, and other textile items. It's a great place to see how fashion and fabrics have changed over time.
