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City of Sydney Historical Association
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About The Talk
Historian and weatherman Richard Whitaker tells us about the history of Darlinghurst Jail.
From 1841 to 1914, Darlinghurst Gaol was Sydney’s main prison. It held both male and female prisoners and reflected much of the penal philosophy of the time. Corporal punishment (flogging) was common as were regular hangings that were held down the years, including the execution of Louisa Collins – that last woman to be hanged in NSW.
After 73 years the old gaol closed its doors because of overcrowding and the impossibility of expanding into the already built-out area of the surrounding suburb of Darlinghurst. The existing prisoners were taken out to the new gaol at Long Bay.
Dick Whitaker looks at these long and sometimes turbulent times and shows what an important part of Sydney history Darlinghurst Gaol represents.
Image Credit: Supplied by City of Sydney Historical Association via Wikimedia Commons