Perth was established as the "Swan River Colony" in about 1829. It suffered from a severe labour shortage and many settlers left the colony. In 1849 the settlement was declared a penal settlement and convicts were sent to the area. One of their first constructions was this prison.
It was declared uninhabitable in the late 1800's but, after approx 100 years it was reopened and has only ceased to be an active prison in 1991.
@olivetreeann Hi Ann - it does seem unbelievable. However, those with skills who worked hard were rewarded with limited freedoms that could gradually be expanded until they were released on a "ticket of leave" and maybe an eventual conditional pardon. A number of the skilled convicts went on to become wealthy, influential people in the colony. Cheers Rob
