AGY-463 | Silverton Gaol (1888-1892) / Broken Hill Gaol [I] (1892-1942)

Full description

The Police Gaol at Broken Hill, known as Silverton Gaol, was established in 1888 and first prisoner entered on 11 January, 1888. During the calendar year 1888 a total of 121 prisoners entered and 113 were discharged. (1)

The proclamation from 12 May 1891 declared that the building called and known as the Watch-house or Lock-up at Broken Hill should be notified as a public gaol, prison and house of correction and the new gaol was established. (2)

The last prisoner was received at the old prison on 27 October 1892, and the prisoners were transferred to the new premises on 8 November, 1892 which is considered to be the commencement date of the new Broken Hill Gaol (3) following which the previous gaol was disestablished. (3)

Broken Hill Gaol was a minor gaol and its accommodation was for five separated and 20 associated prisoners (4) In 1909 a total of 113 prisoners were received (a daily average of 9.3 prisoners). That number was a decrease on the previous year when there was a total of 203 or daily average 14. (5)

In 1920 the Gaol buildings were repaired. The entrance gate was renovated, the bathroom repaired and some of walls were replaced by stone ones. The Inspector of Public Accounts visited the Gaol on 11 November 1920 was pleased with the order of the gaol. (6) The number of prisoners received (including some by transfer from other prisons) during 1937/38 was 88 with a daily average of 8. On 30 June 1938 there were five prisoners in detention. (7)

The Broken Hill Gaol was deproclaimed on 7 May 1942 notifying that the buildings and enclosures so used at Broken Hill ceased to be a prison from 18 February 1942. (8) The premises were used by military forces during most of the second world war but the prison reverted to its original use in 1946.

Endnotes
1. Silverton Gaol Entrance Book 1888-1892, Archives Authority of NSW, "The Concise Guide", Corrective Services, pp.40 & 76 and NSW Public Service List 1888, p 98.
2. New South Wales Government Gazette, No.311, 19 May 1891, p.3739.
3. Silverton Gaol Entrance Book 1888-1892, Archives Authority of NSW, "The Concise Guide" , Corrective Services, p.40 & 76.
4. Prisons Reports for 1891 and 1899, Annual Reports 1892/93, v. 2 p.766 and Annual Reports 1900, v.2.
5.Prisons Report for 1909, Annual Reports 1910, v. 2 p.76.
6. Prisons Report for 1920, Annual Reports 1921, v. 2 p.113-114.
7. Prisons Report for 1937/38, Annual Reports 1938/39/40, v.6 p.197.
8. New South Wales Government Gazette, No.73, 15 May 1942, p.1573.