Silverton's original gaol was cobbled together from timber and
iron. The building itself was less than secure, and prisoners
were secured with leg-irons to prevent their escape. Due to
overcrowding, prisoners often found themselves chained to a
nearby peppercorn tree. It was these appalling conditions which
led to the erection of the current Silverton Gaol. But as the
town shrank the gaol found itself being used for short term
prisoners and overnight lock-up only.
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