Old Melbourne Gaol facts for kids
.jpg) |
|
| Location | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
|---|---|
| Status | Museum |
| Opened | 1 Jan 1845 |
| Closed | July 1924 |
| Managed by | National Trust of Australia |
The Old Melbourne Gaol is a very old and famous prison in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It was the first big prison built in Victoria. This strong building is made of a dark rock called bluestone. Many people were executed here, including the famous bushranger Ned Kelly in 1880. The prison closed in 1929 and is now a popular museum.
Contents
Building the Old Melbourne Gaol
Melbourne was first settled in 1835. Its very first small prison was built in 1839. A second prison was built in 1841. It was located next to the Supreme Court buildings.
A New Design for the Prison
In 1852, work started on a much larger prison. This new design was based on the Pentonville Model Prison in England. It had its own strong outside wall made of bluestone.
Expanding the Prison Walls
More building work began in 1857. The bluestone wall was made even longer in 1859. In 1860, the north wing, a chapel, a central hall, and the main entrance were all built.
Finishing the Gaol Complex
A western wing for female prisoners started in 1862. The entire outside wall was finally finished in 1864. The gaol also had 17 houses for jailers. There was a house for the chief warden and a hospital too. The prison was built on a high spot at the edge of the city. The prison finally closed its doors in 1929.
What Happened After it Closed?
During World War II, the Old Melbourne Gaol had a new purpose. It was used as a military prison for Australian soldiers. After the war, it became a storage building for the Victoria Police.
Becoming a Museum Today
Some parts of the prison buildings were later taken down. This made space for new buildings for the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. This is now part of Victoria University. In 1972, the remaining prison buildings were taken over by the National Trust of Australia. They turned it into a museum. Today, you can visit the Old Melbourne Gaol and learn about its history.
Images for kids
-
Old Melbourne Gaol in 1922
-
Calico hood
-
Old Melbourne Gaol gallows
-
Demolishing the Old Melbourne Gaol in 1937
-
Gates of the gaol, now part of RMIT
-
Inside the museum
.jpg)
_retouched.jpg)
