Bookable
The Convict Establishment
Fremantle Prison stands on Whadjuk Noongar land, Walyalup. Convicts began building it in 1851 from limestone quarried on the site, following the design of Pentonville Prison in Britain. Prisoners moved into the southern half of the Main Cell Block on 1 June 1855, and the northern wing was finished by the end of 1859.
A colonial prison
On 31 March 1886 the Convict Establishment passed to the colonial government and became Fremantle Prison. From 1888 to 1984 its gallows were the only lawful place of execution in Western Australia; at least 43 men and one woman were hanged there, the last in 1964. A Royal Commission in 1972–73 examined the treatment of Aboriginal prisoners, who by 1984 made up nearly half of those held.
Riot, closure and heritage
A riot and fire on 4 January 1988 caused heavy damage; the hostages taken were released after 19 hours and no one died. The prison closed on 30 November 1991. In 2010 it was inscribed on the World Heritage List as one of the eleven Australian Convict Sites.
