Gaol or Hospital? Stories From The Gladstone Gaol: Part IV

Gaol or Hospital?

Stories From The Gladstone Gaol: Part IV

  Gladstone Gaol was built in 1879 at great expense to the colony, and many questioned why such an imposing building was erected in such a remote location. During its many years of operation, it rarely housed hardened criminals, other than those awaiting transfer to Adelaide Gaol. There were no long-term serious offenders kept within its walls. Those serving lengthy sentences were transported to Adelaide Gaol, while Gladstone was used primarily to house drunks, debtors, and other low-level offenders.

Looking down on the inside of the tower
© Allen Tiller

More often than not, however, the gaol housed the sick, the elderly, and the disabled. It became common practice to transfer frail and ill prisoners from Adelaide Gaol and other prisons throughout the South Australian colony to Gladstone to spend their final days. Many were elderly women who would ultimately pass away within its walls.

One such example was reported in the following newspaper article. I also mentioned Eliza Evershed in Part One of this series. She, too, was transferred from Adelaide Gaol and died at Gladstone. It seems to have been a common theme, doesn't it?

The South Australian Advertiser

Tuesday, 1 December 1885 – Page 5

"Caroline F. C. Grahlow, an old woman, died in gaol yesterday. An inquest on the body was held at the gaol by Mr Ingram J.P., Mr Stewart being foreman of the jury.

The evidence of the doctor, matron, and the keeper was taken, and a verdict was returned that death occurred from natural causes.

The woman's age was 65. She was sentenced in Adelaide to four years' hard labour for burning a dwelling-house and had served nearly eighteen months of the term. She had been ailing ever since her arrival here, and a fortnight ago the doctor asked for a remission of the remainder of her sentence owing to her suffering, but the order for her release only came here this morning. Up to the time of her death, she did not acknowledge the crime for which she was sentenced.

Mrs Rofran, sister of the deceased, arrived by train from Adelaide this afternoon with a coffin, and the remains were taken back on this evening's train for interment in Adelaide. It seems that the Government will persist in weeding out all cripples and dying people from the Adelaide Gaol to this one.

Since its establishment, the Gladstone Gaol has been nothing better than a hospital, and many complaints have been made, but to no purpose. It is said that most of the prisoners here are invalids from Adelaide. The case of the poor woman who died yesterday is a most pitiable one and should be enquired into."

Between the walls of Gladstone Gaol
© Allen Tiller

By the end of 1885, little had improved at Gladstone Gaol, as this article from the South Australian Weekly Chronicle demonstrates.

South Australian Weekly Chronicle

Saturday, 19 December 1885

"Another Sick Prisoner from Gladstone Gaol"

"Gladstone, December 16.

A prisoner has been released from the gaol in order to go into the Adelaide Hospital. The poor woman had to be carried into the train this morning. She is utterly helpless and in a pitiable state.

A male and a female warder from Adelaide came for her, and under their charge the prisoner was taken away. Dr Hamilton ordered her removal. This is another instance of sending prisoners here in a frail condition, making this prison an asylum for sick criminals."

Although Gladstone Gaol was built to house prisoners, it appears to have spent much of its existence functioning as a hospital and transfer station for the sick, the elderly, debtors, and inebriates, rather than as a prison for serious offenders.

While there were several escapes over the years, only one escapee was never recaptured. The gaol also witnessed a number of deaths within its walls—but none were the result of execution, riots, medical experimentation, or firing squads.