Adelaide Gaol

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Adelaide Gaol
Main Entrance to the Gaol
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Status: Closed
Security class: not applicable
Capacity: not applicable
Opened: 1841
Closed: 1988
Managed by: Department for Environment & Heritage

Adelaide Gaol was an Australian prison located in Thebarton, South Australia, Australia. The gaol was the first permanent one in South Australia and operated from 1841 until 1988. The prison is now a museum, tourist attraction and function centre.

Adelaide Gaol cell block
Adelaide Gaol cell block

Construction of the prison cost approximately £40,000 which, being a fifth of the total funding for the establishment of the newly settled colony, was the main cause of a statewide depression and numerous bankruptcies.[1] From 1840 to 1964, 45 people were executed by hanging at the Gaol. William Ridgway was the youngest at 19, Elizabeth Woolcock the only woman and the last was Glen Sabre Valance.[2]

[edit] Notable prisoners

[edit] References

  1. ^ State library of South Australia, An Essay on the Adelaide Gaol
  2. ^ Information sign at the Adelaide Gaol, mid 2007

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 34.9176° S 138.5849° E