Hobart Convict Penitentiary

July 15, 2023
Arnold Duff
Uncategorized

About Hobart Convict Penitentiary

The Hobart Convict Penitentiary stands as a solemn reminder of the dark history of Tasmania’s convict system. Originally intended as barracks for male prisoners in Hobart Town, the complex soon became a symbol of terror and oppression as tens of thousands of convicts were forced to endure inhumane conditions and back-breaking labour. Although the convict transportation period eventually came to an end, the site’s history continued to haunt the region as it was transformed into Hobart Goal. The addition of an execution yard and gallows provided further evidence of the harsh realities of life within the penitentiary’s walls. Today, the Hobart Convict Penitentiary stands as a testament to the resilience of Tasmania’s people and a valuable reminder of the importance of never forgetting the past.

The Tench in Tasmania had a reputation that was equal parts infamy and fear in the 1800s. It was a place where convicts were imprisoned, tried, and executed. Today, while the barracks are gone, the red-brick chapel still stands. The chapel holds a dark history as the place where up to 1500 convicts sat for church services. Not only was it used for religious services, but it was built atop 36 solitary-confinement cells. Nowadays, visitors can take a tour of the chapel, but only by guided tour, which includes a 40-minute film titled ‘Pandemonium’. The film is projected onto the walls of the chapel, submerging visitors in the history of the prison. The Tench may no longer hold prisoners, but the story of its past is a chillingly unforgettable one.

What to do at Hobart Convict Penitentiary

As the sun sets over Hobart, the shadows in the city grow longer and more foreboding. It’s the perfect time to pick up your lantern and make your way to the Convict Penitentiary. This 90-minute tour promises to be an unforgettable experience as you explore the dark and twisted history of this infamous site. Prepare to hear tales of the convicts who were executed on its grounds and the ghost stories and experiences of those who have gone before you. You’ll travel back in time as you visit the Chapel and solitary cells beneath, where so many souls were condemned to live out their time in anguish. And you’ll learn about the lives that were ended at the Gallows and the spirits that still haunt every wall of this place. This is no ordinary tour; this is an adventure into the realm of the supernatural, a chance to hear the stories of those who came before us and to face one’s fears in the sumptuous depths of the night. Come, pick up your lantern, and join us on this journey into the unknown.

As one walks through the dark tunnels of Hobart Convict Penitentiary, it’s hard not to feel awestruck by the sheer size of the place. This building, known to many as “The Trench,” was home to over 50,000 male convicts in the 19th century. Despite the passage of time, the prison still retains a haunting quality that serves to remind us of Tasmania’s dark past. The cramped cells and dimly lit corridors are a stark reminder of the harsh living conditions that prisoners endured. A visit to this historical site is more than just a glimpse into the past; it’s an opportunity to connect with our collective history and reflect on the progress we have made as a society. So, take a walk through “The Trench” and bear witness to the enduring legacy of Australia’s convict era.