Redruth Gaol facts for kids
Redruth Gaol is a very old building in Burra, South Australia. It used to be a prison and then a special school for girls. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about its past. It was the first prison built in South Australia outside of the main city, Adelaide.
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Redruth Gaol: A Historic Building
Redruth Gaol has a long and interesting history. It served different purposes over the years, from holding prisoners to helping young girls. Now, it helps people learn about the past.
Early Days as a Prison
The building was first constructed in 1856. It was meant to be a prison for people in the northern parts of South Australia.
Building the Gaol in Burra
When it first opened, the prison was sometimes empty. For example, in January 1866, there were no prisoners inside. However, it was still an active prison. In 1871, it became the official place for people arrested in nearby towns like Redruth, Clare, Riverton, and Auburn. Later, Georgetown was added to this list in 1874.
Life Inside: Empty Cells and Crowds
The prison had only eight cells. In 1876, it became very crowded, with 22 people staying there. This was more than double the number of cells! By 1879, people said Redruth Gaol was too small and needed many repairs.
Why the Prison Closed
By 1894, the prison was not used much anymore. It was costing a lot of money, about £370 each year, even though it only held three people. Because of this, the government decided to close the prison that year. People who were arrested north of Burra were sent to Gladstone Gaol. Those arrested south of Burra went to Adelaide.
From Prison to Reformatory
After closing as a prison, the building found a new purpose a few years later. It became a place to help young girls.
A New Purpose for Girls
In 1897, the building reopened as a girls' reformatory. A reformatory was a special school or home for young people who needed guidance or a fresh start.
Challenges and Changes
The reformatory faced some challenges. In 1920, there were concerns about how it was managed. In February 1921, there was even a disturbance involving the residents. By July 1921, only 13 girls lived there.
The Reformatory Closes Its Doors
The reformatory closed in 1922. The person in charge at the time, Acting Premier John George Bice, said the building was "entirely inadequate" for its purpose. This meant it was not suitable anymore. The girls living there moved to a Salvation Army home in Enfield, a suburb of Adelaide.
Redruth Gaol Today: A Museum and Movie Set
After its time as a prison and reformatory, Redruth Gaol took on new roles. It even became a movie set!
Starring in a Movie
In 1979, the building was used to film parts of the movie Breaker Morant. This shows how unique and historical the building looks.
Bringing History Back to Life
In the late 1980s, the building was carefully restored. This means it was repaired and brought back to its original look. The National Trust of Australia and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia helped pay for these renovations. This project was part of the Australian Bicentenary celebrations, marking 200 years since European settlement in Australia.
Visiting the Museum
After its restoration, Redruth Gaol opened as a museum. It has many displays that show its long history. You can visit it as part of the Burra Heritage Passport tour. The National Trust manages the site, making sure its history is preserved for everyone to enjoy.
Protecting a Piece of History
Redruth Gaol is an important historical site. It was officially listed on the South Australian Heritage Register on July 24, 1980. It was also listed on the former Register of the National Estate on March 21, 1978. These listings help protect the building so future generations can learn from it.
