Until its closure in 1997, Pentridge Prison was Victoria’s most well-known and used gaol in the State’s history. Most of Victoria’s convicted and notorious criminals were gaoled there between 1900 and the 1990s. In 1967, Ronald Ryan, who was convicted of the murder of a prison officer during an escape, became the last person in Victoria to be hanged.
On Friday the 14th of March, a group of history buffs with vision loss attended a fascinating tour of Pentridge Prison facilitated by knowledgeable National Trust tour guides, Damian and Taylah.
The journey started at the Warder’s Residence, then moved to the impressive main gate with its castle-like turrets and deep bluestone walls, past the ‘piazza’ and shopping complex, on to eery H Division and finally, ending at the ‘Airing yards’ where prisoners were given one hour a day of ‘airing’ outdoors in solitude.
H Division was particularly memorable, since participants could walk into individual cells, touch original furniture, and listen to audio descriptions from prisoners themselves and guards.
After the tour, the group enjoyed a pub lunch and social catch up at Brewdog Bar Pentridge.
Written by Miriam Bilander, BSRV Program Manager.
Thank you to Merri-bek City Council for making this event possible.
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