The small single storey brick gaol with bluestone trim was
designed by colonial architect James Barnet and built between
1879 and 1881. It was one of the earliest Australian – designed
gaols together with Hay Gaol (1880), Dubbo Gaol (1871) and Long
Bay Gaol (1909 and 1914). The bricks were made on-site from the
local clay, by Joseph Fritz, and the bluestone was transported
from Malmsbury, Victoria. Government records show that the first
Acting Gaoler, James Sheringham was appointed on 5 September
1891, together with Susan Sheringham, who was appointed as
Acting Matron on the same day.
|