Old Melbourne Gaol
One wing remains of the old gaol in Melbourne, now a museum and a little piece of history in the old colony of Victoria. Ned Kelly swung on a noose here and many death masks tell a tale of life and crime.
The first gaol building began in 1841 and the gaol grew over the years, especially after the gold rush in the 1850s. The one wing that now remains opened as a museum in 1972 and features the three levels of cells including some very interesting artefacts.
Death masks were made of executed prisoners at a time when phrenology was in vogue. Numerous death masks are in cells along with the story behind the head. The most famous of these is Ned Kelly who was hanged in Melbourne Gaol on November 11 1880. Elsewhere a triangle used for flogging and the devices used to restrain prisoners or stop them masturbating are on display. Explore every cell and learn a little more each time.
George Melville became a celebrity in Melbourne after his execution. Hanged in 1853 for his part in the McIvor Gold Escort Robbery, Melville’s body was released to his wife who promptly decorated it with flowers and put it on display in her oyster shop. The public outcry forced authorities to change the laws and afterwards all executed people were buried in the grounds of the gaol.
Link: Old Melbourne Gaol
