Port Arthur and the Convict Penal Colony
Took a drive over to Port Arthur. Home of the big old convict prison for those who re-offended having already been sent over to Australia.
Most of it is still there, all spread out around the waterfront though it’s hard to get a sense of what it must have been like when convicts were there. Everything now is neat, tidy, well kept. A lot of the buildings still remain though some have decayed and some were partially destroyed when Australia got a conscience and hated the place for a while.
The area is a large mix of old decaying buildings, which usually housed the prisoners, the church and Governor’s house, which has been restored and maintain in a reproduction of their existence during the time of the prison.
Port Arthur, Penal Colony Main Barracks
Port Arthur had been one of the more vicious places for a convict to end up. This was one of the places where convicts who re-offended ended up. Cruel, brutal and harsh would sum the settlement. Solitary confinement, the floggings and deaths were numerous.
Now open to the public, Port Arthur, is a classic example of the early days in Australia’s history.
Thoroughly enjoyed the place though. Had a boat trip around the island where a lot of the dead are buried. It’d be interesting to be here at night.
Got some money today. Have to get a haircut and Claire’s chocolate.
