Penitentiary
1827-1828: Hobart Convict Penitentiary was built. Locally called the Tench.
Accommodated male convicts when they first arrived in the colony. Some convicts stayed in the Tench. They were taken out on daily work gangs.
Over 50,000 convicts passed through.
Originally enclosed by a high stone wall and covering 2 acres. Included a chapel and 36 solitary confinement cells in basement.
1830-1833: The chapel was built in the shape of a crucifix. Chapel had sperate entrances for prisoners and non-prisoners. In use in 1833 for baptisms, funerals and weddings. In use until 1845. Reopened in 1853. With three wings. Wings reserved for both convicts and non-convicts.
The clock tower is one of the highlights of the building.
1847: Some solitary cells in the basement were deemed inhuman and sealed.
1853: Transportation ceases.
1856: Self-government begins.
1857: The Penitentiary became Hobart’s Gaol and Supreme Court. An execution yard began operating. The first hanging was 18.8.1857.
1859: Historical records show the shouts and guffaws of the convicts being held in solitary confinement could be heard during chapel services.
This was a major reason why the church was closed to free settlers in 1859 and two of its wings converted to court rooms.
1859: Part of the chapel was changed and became The Supreme Criminal Courts. Tunnels were built joining the gaol to the court.
The courts were used from 1860 to 1983.
1946: Last person hung. The total hung was 32 prisoners. Gallows are still working.
1960: A new gaol built at Risdon. The Penitentiary ceased to be a gaol.
Today: Tour includes an amazing building and stories of humans and what they are capable of.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/penitentiary/
Accommodated male convicts when they first arrived in the colony. Some convicts stayed in the Tench. They were taken out on daily work gangs.
Over 50,000 convicts passed through.
Originally enclosed by a high stone wall and covering 2 acres. Included a chapel and 36 solitary confinement cells in basement.
1830-1833: The chapel was built in the shape of a crucifix. Chapel had sperate entrances for prisoners and non-prisoners. In use in 1833 for baptisms, funerals and weddings. In use until 1845. Reopened in 1853. With three wings. Wings reserved for both convicts and non-convicts.
The clock tower is one of the highlights of the building.
1847: Some solitary cells in the basement were deemed inhuman and sealed.
1853: Transportation ceases.
1856: Self-government begins.
1857: The Penitentiary became Hobart’s Gaol and Supreme Court. An execution yard began operating. The first hanging was 18.8.1857.
1859: Historical records show the shouts and guffaws of the convicts being held in solitary confinement could be heard during chapel services.
This was a major reason why the church was closed to free settlers in 1859 and two of its wings converted to court rooms.
1859: Part of the chapel was changed and became The Supreme Criminal Courts. Tunnels were built joining the gaol to the court.
The courts were used from 1860 to 1983.
1946: Last person hung. The total hung was 32 prisoners. Gallows are still working.
1960: A new gaol built at Risdon. The Penitentiary ceased to be a gaol.
Today: Tour includes an amazing building and stories of humans and what they are capable of.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/penitentiary/