Prison Entrance. Note the clock in a decorative surrounding.
Fremantle prison was completed in 1855 and closed in 1991. It was built with prison labour by the first prisoners deported from the UK. Well before it's closure it was
earmarked for preservation and and being open to the public as a tourist attraction, reflecting the prisons history. It is open daily and includes night tours, exploring the
tunnels and waterways below the prison. Fresh water was found. and as well as being used for the prison it was commercially sold around Fremantle and Perth. The works
were abandoned as was and makes for an interesting tour. The prison became known World Wide by a riot that broke out in 1988, when guards were kidnapped and one
prison block was destroyed by fire. The event was televised at the time.
Prison Entrance. Note the clock in a decorative surrounding.
The 'free' 'CAT' bus, that serves all the main attractions in Freemantle. First level through the main entrance. Once through the big gates you have left freedom behind.
Looking back out to freedom. You are now in prison. Note the clock is identical but in a plain surrounding. Reflecting perhaps, on what you are leaving behind!
Once through this gate it's goodbye to freedom Once prisoners were processed the final act before going to their cells is to have a shower
The main quadrangle and guard tower. In earlier times this area was used for growing crops, sown by the
prisoners and used in the prison kitchen.
The guard towers at each end of the quadrangle
The Men's prison, with the women's prison off to the left. The Chapel
By trick of light or most likely faults in the glass, it is claimed that a lady's face can be seen in one of the windows! This effect is not seen from inside.
Right: Sit back a little from this cropped image. You can make out the outilne of what appears to b a face.
There were two Chapels. This is the C of E Chapel.
N.B. Commandment V1!. The powers at be felt that while hanging was still being carried out the term "Not Murder" would have been hypocritical.
Ground floor level. No. 1 Division.
The wire meshing deterant against possible suicide attempts from the three upper levels.
The Kitchen. Toilets.
No privacy here!
Exercise Yard and toilets
Some shade was neccessary as temperatures can get really high in Perth and Fremantle.
Razor Wire fencing.
Not a lot of cover to get out of the Summer heat.
On the second floor
The Warden's room. Record office
Note the notice at the top of the door marked C63S. Prisoners earned Spend Slips which they could spend or exchange for goods.
Our guide did an excellent job of showing us around and stating the historical details.
These next set of photos demonstrate how prisoner's cells improved, slightly, over the years. First there was just a hammock type bed, then a proper single bed. By the 80's they had a TV
Wall paintings left by prisoners have been preserved
The ceiling has frames painted, ready for possible future paintings!
An Aboriginal style painting
The Riot and the rebuild at No. 3 Division
4 January 1988. A riot virtually destroyed No 3 Division These photos shows the reconstructed building.
Cropped from the photo above, showing how much destruction was caused.
Solitary confinement, flogging and execution
A 'Solitary' Cell. A seat and a bucket are the basic facilities. The only other item was a Bible, which even in the day time was difficult to read.
The heavily armoured door. The only ventilation and light source was a grilled window and at the base of the door.
The Flogging Post. An interesting point is that it was difficult to get any of the guards to do this task as they found it unbearable and inhuman.
The Execution Room. 45 murderers were executed during the life of the prison.
Freedom and fresh air once again.
Prison Riot Video Report YouTube
All photographs are the copyright to myself. If you wish to use any for other web sites please ask for permission first at : reidcrcwdr@taltalk.ne
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