Richmond Gaol

The Richmond Gaol is a convict era building and tourist attraction in Richmond, Tasmania, and is the oldest intact gaol in Australia. Building of the gaol commenced in 1825, and predates the establishment of the penal colony at Port Arthur in 1833. One of the tasks completed by the convicts who were held at Richmond Gaol was the construction of Richmond Bridge.Most of the gaol buildings have not been changed since convict times. They include an example of a female solitary confinement cell, measuring 2metres by 1metreThe buildings include a chain gang sleeping rooms, a flogging yard, a cook house and holding rooms. The buildings also feature historical relics and documents.BeginningsSettlers of Hobart Town were moving away in order to search for more farming land. The area of Sorell was quite established and it was being extended into the area soon to be known as Richmond. In the meantime, convicts were used as virtual slave labour to create all kinds of infrastructure like roads, bridges and public buildings.