Didn’t this bluestone facade use to strike fear into the hearts of all who approached? We’re standing at the Pentridge Prison Main Gate. It’s more than just an entrance. It’s a symbol of containment and order.
This imposing structure was designed like a medieval fortification. It was constructed from bluestone. Much of the stone was quarried right here on site. Imagine its impact. The grim facade must have been intimidating in scope and severe in purpose.
Pentridge Prison was established in 1850 as a penal stockade. It quickly became Victoria’s central prison. It was the most well-known gaol in the State’s history. Most of Victoria’s notorious criminals were gaoled here between 1900 and the 1990s.
Construction of the prison complex began in 1857. It became the largest prison complex in Victoria in the 19th century. From the early 1860s it operated as the central establishment in the wider prison system. This included the Melbourne Gaol.
The complex of buildings demonstrates phases in the development of the penal system. This includes the ‘separate system’. It dominated penology in Victoria in the 19th century. Prisoners were separated from each other. They were often kept in solitary confinement. This system aimed to encourage reflection and repentance.
The new complex was surrounded by a six-metre high wall. The large main entrance was constructed. Behind it were offices, warden accommodation and the armoury. There were improved staff sleeping quarters and a hospital. Five parallel cell blocks were added. These included the notorious underground ‘C’ Division. These cells were the smallest, darkest and least ventilated. An industrial area was designed. It was meant to help prisoners develop skills while in prison. An adjoining farm area allowed prisoners to work. Workshops included a tailor shop, a woollen mill and a shoemaking shop. A separate division housed female prisoners. They had previously been housed on the prison ship Success.
Pentridge Prison became the main remand and reception prison for Melbourne in 1924. It replaced the Melbourne Gaol. When the Melbourne Gaol closed in 1929, its prisoners were relocated here.
Executions were carried out in ‘D’ Division. A hanging beam was used. Next to it was a special cell. The condemned man spent his last night there. The cell was twice the size of regular cells. It had room for an overseer. This was to prevent suicide before the hanging. The prisoner could have whatever he chose for his last meal. No visitors were allowed except a priest or chaplain.
Ronald Ryan was the last person to be hanged at Pentridge. He was also the last person to be executed in Australia. Ryan was hanged in 1967. He had been convicted of shooting dead a prison officer during an escape.
By the 1990s, the Coburg council campaigned to move the prison. It was in an urban area and bordered a school. Part of the prison closed in 1997. This was part of the government’s decision to privatise prisons. The rest of the prison closed in 1999. It was sold to developers. They retained the outer walls and main entrance. Today a housing estate stands inside on the grounds.
HM Prison Pentridge was often referred to as the “Bluestone College”. It was also known as the “Coburg College” or “College of Knowledge”. The grounds were originally landscaped by Hugh Linaker.
Since its closure, most buildings of no significance have been demolished. This was done with the approval of Heritage Victoria. The remaining heritage buildings and landmarks have been retained. They will undergo restoration works to ensure their preservation. The site is classified as a place of state significance by the National Trust.
Today you can explore the former prison. Tours are available. Visitors can explore B Division and the notorious H Division. The front entrance gate stands as a reminder of Pentridge’s history. It’s a history that challenges and confronts you. The stories within are deep and unique. They expose the intricacies of prison punishment. Remember as you pass through this gate. You are walking through a place that deeply connects to the social and cultural fabric of Australia.