FORMER PORTLAND GAOL, CLIFF ST, PORTLAND
CHARLES ST PORTLAND, GLENELG SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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FORMER PORTLAND GAOL, CLIFF ST, PORTLAND - History
The first gaol was built in Portland around 1842. It was designed by Colonial Architect, James Ratten, and reflected the functional model of gaols in country districts of NSW. The gaol consisted of a central hallkeeper's office and descriptions room, flanked on each side by large group accomodation cells.
This level was sufficient until the early 1850s when Portland became an important access port for the central Victorian goldfields and the population increased. Prisoners sentenced to hard labour on the roads or in houses of correction were transferred to Melbourne.
To alleviate overcrowding, a stockade was completed in 1855 but never occupied by the Penal Department as budget cuts by the new government prevented the staffing of the stockade. It was subsequently transferred to the Polic Department. In 1856 the stockade was used to accommodate the Sheriff's prisoners who were employed on the construciton of the road to Heywood. The stockade was abandoned in 1863 and the buildings sold for ?150 to the Shire of Portland. The gaol was handed over to the police in 1892 for use as a gaol and was demolished in 1938 except for part of the surrounding wall.
FORMER PORTLAND GAOL, CLIFF ST, PORTLAND - Interpretation of Site
One wall remaining of former Portland Gaol.
FORMER PORTLAND GAOL, CLIFF ST, PORTLAND - Archaeological Significance
This site is of archaeological significance as it contains the remains of an early Gaol.
FORMER PORTLAND GAOL, CLIFF ST, PORTLAND - Historical Significance
The site is of historical significance as an example of the early gaol system in Victoria and for its association with the history of the local area.
Heritage Inventory Description
FORMER PORTLAND GAOL, CLIFF ST, PORTLAND - Heritage Inventory Description
Bluestone buildings and wall. Site inspected and recorded Jan 1994. The single remaining bluestone wall runs approximately north/south, at the rear of the Portland Police station. The north face stands 3.3 metres above the current ground level and consists of nine visible courses, including the capping course. The wall extending behind this face is 4.08 metres high, and consists of eight irregular courses. The mortar is cement and has been patched in places. A series of large round headed nails has been inserted in the wall. The southern end of the wall is covered in thick vegetation. The footings extend 40 millimetres from the base of the wall. The east side of the wall has been used for an internal for an adjoining garage. A plaque, giving a brief history of the site, is fixed to the north face.
Heritage Inventory Significance: Unique site.
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FORMER STEAMPACKET HOTELVictorian Heritage Register H0239
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LONDON INNVictorian Heritage Register H0237
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PORTLAND TOWN HALLVictorian Heritage Register H0234
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