Colonial History
Berrima Gaol was built of local sandstone between 1836 and 1839, with much work done by convicts in irons. Conditions at the gaol were harsh, prisoners spent most of their days in cells and the only light was through a small grate set in the door. In 1866 the Gaol was renovated to the standards described by the prison reform movement for a "model prison". However, Berrima Gaol had solitary confinement cells which measured 8 feet by 5 feet, some smaller, where it was intended that all prisoners spent one year. In 1877 a Royal Commission was held to investigate allegations of cruelty by the prison authorities, but the complaints were not upheld.
One of the notable trials held in the nearby Berrima Court House was that of Lucretia Dunkley and her lover Martin Beech. Both were both hanged in 1843 for the murder of Dunkley’s husband. Lucretia Dunkley was the only woman hanged at Berrima Gaol.
In 1898, a residence for the governor (or superintendent) of the jail was built next door to the gaol. In the 1930s it was used as a police station. A house for the deputy superintendent was built on the other side of the gaol.
Read more about this topic: Berrima Correctional Centre
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