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Gaol Entrance & Walls - Bendigo Gaol

Location Park Road, BENDIGO VIC 3550 - Property No B1369 File Number B1369 Level State

[1/2] B1369 Gaol Entrance & Walls [2/2] B1369 Gaol Entrance & Walls

Statement of Significance

The Bendigo Gaol was erected in stages from 1858-64 from designs prepared by the Public Works Department. The buildings erected at that time comprised the Central Hall, principal cell blocks, the perimeter and some internal walls, towers, gateway, gaoler's and warden's quarters and the chapel wing.
The cell wings etc. and gateways are constructed in Harcourt granite. The walls and quarters are of red brick construction with granite footings, slate roofs.
This is one of the finest of a series of gaols erected by the Public Works Department in the period 1858-64. The plan and form is typical of gaol designs during this period and is based on the 'panopticon' principle used in the construction of Pentonville Prison and adopted in several early Victorian prisons in Australia. The cell block is one of the largest structures in the area erected in the local stone. The picturesque towers and massive gateways are particularly notable features. The stone dressings and gateways contrast superbly with the fine colour of the brickwork walls. The gaol is an outstanding element of this important historic city.
Small intrusive verandah entrances have been constructed to the gaoler's and warden' s quarters. The building otherwise appears to be intact and in a sound structural condition.