Convicts: gaol records

Upon arrival in the colony, convicts were either assigned to a settler or kept to work for the government and this assignment would determine the measure of independence they would experience. The movements of the convicts or prisoners were restricted by military presence, there were night patrols by constables, curfews and some prisoners were physically constrained by leg irons. A secure gaol was required for those who committed criminal offences within the colony and who were sentenced to imprisonment. Gaols were also used to house prisoners awaiting trial or transportation to another penal settlement.

Overview

An Act for the Regulation of Gaols, Prisons and Houses of Correction in the Colony of New South Wales 1840 (4 Vic. Act No.29) nominated the gaols at Sydney, Parramatta, Windsor, Bathurst, Liverpool, Campbell Town, Berrima, Newcastle and Melbourne as the public gaols and the House of Correction at Sydney for the colony.

In addition to buildings erected for the purpose, hulks were used for the confinement of prisoners. The Phoenix was used from 1825-1838 and the Harmony in 1863.

Sydney and Darlinghurst Gaols

The first temporary gaol was built in Sydney in 1797. A permanent stone building was planned in 1799 and erected in the following year. Sydney Gaol closed in 1841 and the prisoners were transferred to the new gaol in Darlinghurst. (HRA vol. 17, p.630).

When the State Penitentiary at Long Bay opened on 2 June 1914, Darlinghurst Gaol was closed and it ceased to be a prison on 14 July 1914.

Parramatta Gaol

The first gaol in Parramatta, built in 1798, was destroyed by fire on 28 December 1799 and was rebuilt in 1802. (NSW Government Gazette, 4 June 1841, pp.767-68). A new prison was erected on the site between 1837 and 1843 because of the poor physical state of repair of the previous premises. The building under construction was proclaimed a 'Public Gaol, Prison and House of Correction' in 1842.

Phoenix Prison Hulk

The ship Phoenix, of 589 tons, was damaged on 6 August 1824, when she struck the Sow & Pigs Rock in Sydney Harbour. She was condemned by the Vice-Admiralty Court to be broken up and her stores were to be sold, but she was instead bought by the government for one thousand pounds, and fitted out in May 1825 as a prison hulk. (Fletcher, Ralph Darling, pp.111-2).

The Phoenix was used to house the overflow from the Sydney Gaol and to house prisoners detained for trial and those under sentence of transportation to the penal settlements. The Phoenix, which had the capacity to accommodate about two hundred prisoners, ceased to be used as a prison in 1838.

Indexes to the records

Bathurst Gaol

See digitised entries about Bathurst Gaol in the Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1825 »

See Plan of Bathurst Gaol, 1837 in NRS 1286, Blue Book 1837, [4/269], *Fiche 474, Reel 5 *ARK.


Corrective Services

Series
Title
Dates
NRS-1993[4/8490-8500]
Entrance books
- 1831-1835 [5/1093]
- 1837-1854 [4/8490A-8491], Reel 2320
- 1854-1867 [4/8492-9493], Reel 2321
- 1867-1884 [4/8494-8497], Reel 2322
- 1884-1898 [4/8498-8500], Reel 2323
1831-1898
NRS-1994[4/8501-8502]
Indexes to Entrance books
- 1846-1868 [4/8501], Reel 2319
- 1887-1897 [4/8502], Reel 2320Copies of returns
This volume appears to comprise copies, kept in the gaol, of returns sent to the appropriate administrative office in Sydney (for example, Colonial Secretary, Comptroller General of Prisons). The format varies over time, but the returns normally consist of monthly lists of prisoners admitted, together with an annual list of all prisoners in the gaol on a certain date (usually Michaelmas Day, Sep 29).
The 1836-37 returns give statistics only, under similar broad headings to those in the 1847 return (see below), together with comments on the general state of the gaol and on prisoners' health and behaviour.
The 1847 return appears to list all prisoners in the gaol as of January that year, as well as month-by-month lists of admissions. Prisoners are classified under the following headings: free or bond; born in the colony; home sentence; married or single; religious denomination; age; charges; number of times in gaol before; education; punishments in prison; date of punishment. There is a further breakdown by sex in each of the above categories.
The 1872-81 monthly returns give similar information, with the omission of convict details and religious denomination, and with the addition of details on committals (whether under hard labour, confinement, awaiting trial, on remand, in transit, or a debtor).
1846-1868, 1887-1897
NRS-1995[5/1096]
Description book
1837-1844
NRS-2001[4/8527]
Copies of returns
This volume appears to comprise copies, kept in the gaol, of returns sent to the appropriate administrative office in Sydney (for example, Colonial Secretary, Comptroller General of Prisons). The format varies over time, but the returns normally consist of monthly lists of prisoners admitted, together with an annual list of all prisoners in the gaol on a certain date (usually Michaelmas Day, Sep 29).
The 1836-37 returns give statistics only, under similar broad headings to those in the 1847 return (see below), together with comments on the general state of the gaol and on prisoners' health and behaviour.
The 1847 return appears to list all prisoners in the gaol as of January that year, as well as month-by-month lists of admissions. Prisoners are classified under the following headings: free or bond; born in the colony; home sentence; married or single; religious denomination; age; charges; number of times in gaol before; education; punishments in prison; date of punishment. There is a further breakdown by sex in each of the above categories.
The 1872-81 monthly returns give similar information, with the omission of convict details and religious denomination, and with the addition of details on committals (whether under hard labour, confinement, awaiting trial, on remand, in transit, or a debtor).
1836-1837, 1847, 1872-1881

Cockatoo Island

see the Convict Penal Settlements guide

Hulk - Harmony

(moored in Lavender Bay)

Used to house prisoners from February 1863 and remained in use as a prison until November of the same year.

Colonial Secretary

Series
Title
Dates
Letters received
See entries in Colonial Secretary's Correspondence: Index to convicts and others, 1826-1896. Compiled by Joan Reese.
1861-1867
NRS-906CSIL 62/762 in [4/740.1]
Special bundles
Prison discipline and regulations
1847-1863

Hulk - Phoenix

(moored in Lavender Bay)

The following references are of value for the history of the Hulk:

  • NRS 14492, Papers re the wreck of the Phoenix, 1824-25, [4/7025]
  • Sheriff; NRS 13235, Rules for Sydney Gaol and Phoenix Hulk, c.1830, [5/1199]
  • NRS 1286, Returns of the Colony (Blue Books), Fiche 450-452
    • Includes Administration of, and particulars concerning, 1830 [4/261 p214]
  • Colonial Secretary, NRS 905, Letters received, 1826-1982.
    • Discontinuance as a prison, 1838 CSIL 38/2513 and enclosures in [4/2428]

See digitised entries about the Phoenix Hulk in the Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1825 »

Colonial Secretary

Series
Title
Dates
NRS-905[4/1790 pp.75-8], Reel 890
Letters received
Instructions to be observed and followed by the Superintendent of the Convict Hulk in Sydney Harbour
1825
Special bundles
- 1826 Miscellaneous convict returns [4/1917.11]
- Returns of prisoners etc., 1828 1832 [4/6028; 4/7278], Reel 822
- 1836 Phoenix Hulk — returns [4/7026], Reel 822.  Similar to those described at NRS 2430. Includes: Nominal list of prisoners under sentence of transportation to a penal settlement for seven years and upwards on board the Hulk, 20 Jun 1836
1826-1836

Corrective Services

Series
Title
Dates
Copies of letters sent by the Superintendent11 Feb 1828-5 Nov 1833 [4/6275], Reel 8225 Nov 1833-4 Oct 1836 [4/6276], Reel 1261
11 Feb 1828-4 Oct 1836
Entrance booksThe volumes record name; ship and year of arrival; free or bond - on arrival and on entering hulk; native place; religion; trade or calling; details of admission (when, where, purpose); disposal (how, when); and an occasional note on behaviour.20 Aug 1825-3 Jan 1831 [4/6281], Reel 8191 Jan 1831-22 Nov 1833 (Partial index in back of volume) [4/6282], Reel 81927 Nov 1833-30 Jan 1837 (Index in back of volume) [4/6286], Reel 819
20 Aug 1825-30 Jan 1837
NRS-2424[4/6445 part], Reel 820
Transportation entrance bookThe volume records the entry of prisoners into the Hulk prior to their transportation for a colonial offence, providing details of - name, ship, original and colonial conviction (when, where, offence, sentence), Governor's decision and when forwarded. There is an index in the back of the volume.
18 Jan 1833-7 Sep 1848
NRS-2425[4/4539], Reel 819
Copies of weekly transcripts of entrance bookThese are copies of weekly returns sent to the Colonial Secretary containing the same information as series NRS 2422 (see above).
2 Jan 1831-9 Feb 1834
Copies of weekly transcripts of transportation entrance booksThese are copies of weekly returns sent to the Colonial Secretary of prisoners transported elsewhere from the Phoenix.1 Jan 1831-6 Apr 1834 [4/4534], Reel 8217 Apr 1834-1 Jan 1837 [4/4535], Reel 821. Indexed2 Jan 1837-29 Mar 1840 [4/4536], Reel 821. Indexed30 Mar 1840-31 Dec 1843 [4/4537], Reel 8211 Jan 1844-Feb 1846 - Male Convicts [4/4538], Reel 821. Indexed1 Jan 1838-11 Dec 1842 - Female Convicts [4/4538], Reel 821
Jan 1831-Feb 1846
Description booksThe volumes record each prisoner's name, ship and year of arrival, year of birth and physical peculiarities of prisoners entering the hulk.The indexes to the entrance books in the previous series could be used as a guide.1831 [4/6279], Reel 8211833-1837 [4/6280], Reel 821
1831, 1833-1837
Discharge booksDetails of prisoners leaving are noted: date of discharge, name, ship, sentence, where discharged to, and vessel's name.6 Sep 1825-30 Dec 1830 Index in back of volume [4/6285], Reel 82227 Dec 1831-3 Nov 1833 [4/6283], Reel 822
6 Sep 1825-3 Nov 1833
Daily occurrence booksDaily journal noting the happenings of the day. 1 Sep 1826-10 Feb 1828 [4/6277] 14 Feb 1828-8 Jul 1830 [4/6278]
12 Sep 1826-8 Jul 1830
NRS-2430[4/6283 part; 4/6284 part], Reels 822, 2720
Weekly state of the HulkThese volumes contain numerical returns showing numbers of: various grades of officials on the establishment, convicts in hospital, for trial (various courts), under sentence (state, destination etc.), detained, government convicts (at various places), total actually confined, vacancies, and total capable of being confined. The volumes also contain reports on general conduct, number of boats and their condition, the state of the Hulk, and return of total prisoners showing increase and decrease.[4/6283] was also used as a Discharge book, and [4/6284] also served as a record of the Monthly state of the Hulk.
1831-1835
NRS-2431[4/6284], Reel 2720
Monthly state of the HulkRecord of number of convicts daily: respited awaiting H.M. pleasure, awaiting H.E. pleasure, labour on board, awaiting to be sent to Norfolk Island, Moreton Bay, Iron'd gangs, witnesses, further orders, Van Diemen's Land, or those whose destinations were not fixed.Also included are returns of the total establishment, the floating magazines, and any increases or decreases.
1 Jan 1834-1 Nov 1837
 
Sources held elsewherePurchase as Hulk for £1000, 1825 (Mitchell Library A1559-62 p.124)Report on Hulk, 23 Oct 1826 (Mitchell Library A1197 pp.472 et seq)Rules and Regulations, 1829 (Mitchell Library A1204 pp.477, 481, 484-506, 526; A1206 p.502)
 

Newcastle Gaol

See digitised entries about Newcastle Gaol in the Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1825 »

See Plan of Newcastle Gaol, 1837 in NRS 1286, Blue Book 1837, [4/269], *Fiche 474, Reel 5 *ARK.

Colonial Secretary

Series
Title
Dates
Copies of letters to the Sheriff, 5 Jul 1828-31 Dec 1850List of women in Newcastle Gaol to be assigned, 11 Aug 1831 [4/3897 pp.167-69], Reel 760List of 40 women to go from the Female Factory to Newcastle Gaol per the Isabella, 6 Oct 1832 [4/3898 pp.70-72], Reel 761
1831-1850

Corrective Services

Series
Title
Dates
NRS-2372[2/2003-2009], Reels 755-757
Entrance books< br /> A record, under the following headings of each prisoner admitted: gaol annual number, name, ship and year of arrival, free or bond (on arrival, on entering gaol), native place, religion, trade or calling, admitted (when, where, sentence), how and when disposed of, and behaviour in Gaol.
- 11 Sep 1829-8 Jan 1833 [2/2003], Reel 755
- 17 Aug 1831-3 Mar 1833 [2/2004], Reel 755
- 5 Mar 1833-13 Jun 1837[2/2005], Reel 756
- 1838-39 [2/2006], Reel 756
- 1840 [2/2007], Reel 756. Index located [5/781] Reel 2367
- 1841-1845 [2/2008], Reel 756. Index located [5/781] Reel 2367
- 1846-1848 [2/2009], Reel 757. Index located [5/781] Reel 2367
1829-1848
NRS-2373[2/2020], Reel 757
Entrance book< br />The volume provides the following details relating to each prisoner: date received, name, ship, condition (bond or free), committed (by whom, when and where), crime and sentence. The series is indexed by the volume located at [5/781, Reel 2367].
1840-1848
NRS-2374[2/2010-2017], Reels 758-759
Description books< br />The volumes record the following particulars of each prisoner: name, ship and year of arrival, year of birth, physical description and connections and history.
- 1832-33 [2/2010], Reel 758 1834 [2/2011], Reel 758
- 1835-37 [2/2012], Reel 758
- 1836-37 [2/2013], Reel 758 
- 1838-9 Apr 1840 [2/2014], Reel 758
- 9 Apr-31 Dec 1840 [2/2015], Reel 758. Index located [5/781], Reel 2367
- 1841-45 [2/2016], Reel 759. Index located [5/781], Reel 2367
- 1845-48 [2/2017], Reel 759. Index located [5/781], Reel 2367
1832-1848
NRS-2376[2/2018-2019], Reel 760 
Discharge books
The volumes record, in most cases, the following particulars of prisoners discharged: date received, name, gaol number, ship, sentence, when discharged and how disposed of.
- 1840-46 [2/2018] Reel 760
-1847-48 [2/2019] Reel 760
1840-1848
NRS-2377[5/1240], Reel 761
Weekly reports of the female prisoners received or discharged
The volume provides details of name, ship of arrival and class of the women prisoners under the headings Prisoners Received and Prisoners Discharged.
29 Apr 1838-18 Apr 1846

See Plan of Parramatta Gaol, 1837 in NRS 1286, Blue Book 1837, [4/269], *Fiche 474, Reel 5 *ARK.

Colonial Secretary

Series
Title
Dates
Special bundles
Extracts from Entrance and description books, 8 Feb-14 Aug 1833
- Entrance book [4/4570B], Reel 802
Description book [4/4570C], Reel 802
1833

Corrective Services

Series
Title
Dates
NRS-2385[4/6529-4/6547], Reels 802-810, 1260 
Entrance books
The volumes show for each prisoner admitted: gaol annual number, name, ship and year of arrival, free or bond-on arrival and on entering gaol, native place, religion, trade or calling, when and from whence admitted, purpose and how and when disposed of.
- 1830-32 [4/6529], Reel 802
- 1833-34 [4/6530], Reel 1260
- 1835-36 [4/6531], Reel 802
- 1836-38 [4/6532], Reel 803
- 25 Apr 1838-28 Jan 1840 [4/6533], Reel 803
- 28 Jan 1840-31 Dec 1843 [4/6534], Reel 803
- 10 Apr 1844-1848 [4/6535], Reel 803
- 1854-73 [4/6536-37], Reel 804
- 1874-83 [4/6538-40], Reel 805
- 1883-86 [4/6541-42], Reel 806
- 1886-88 [4/6543], Reel 807
- 1888-93 [4/6544-45], Reel 808
- 1893-97 [4/6546], Reel 809
- 1897-98 [4/6547], Reel 810
1830-1848, 1854-1898
NRS-2388[4/6553-4/6570], Reels 1260, 810-817
Description books
The volumes record for each prisoner on arrival: number, name, ship and year of arrival, where born, religion, trade, age, physical description and education.
- c.1831-1833 [4/6553], Reel 1260
- 1833-34 [4/6554], Reel 810
- 1837-39 [4/6555], Reel 810
- 31 Jul 1839-1842 [4/6556], Reel 810
- 1844-54 [4/6557], Reel 810
- 1857-67 [4/6558-59], Reel 811
- 1867-78 [4/6560-61], Reel 812
- 1878-84 [4/6562-64], Reel 813
- 1884-88 [4/6565-66], Reel 814
- 1888-93 [4/6567-68], Reel 815
- 1893-97 [4/6569], Reel 816
- 1897-98 [4/6570], Reel 817
c.1831-1898
NRS-2400[4/6550], Reel 817
Calendar of persons tried on criminal charges before Parramatta courts
The volume records for each prisoner tried at the Quarter Sessions at Parramatta: name, ship, condition (free or bond), whence received, date admitted, crime, sentence and date of conviction.
1843-1917

Sydney and Darlinghurst Gaol

The prisoners were removed from the Old Sydney Gaol in George Street to the Darlinghurst Gaol in June 1841.

See Plan of Old Sydney Gaol, 1837 in NRS 1286, Blue Book 1837, [4/269], *Fiche 474, Reel 5 *ARK.

See digitised entries about Sydney Gaol in the Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1825 »

Colonial Secretary

Series
Title
Dates
NRS-905[4/1790 p.74], Reel 890
Letters received
- List of prisoners for transportation confined in H.M. Gaol Sydney, 17 Jan 1826
1826
Special bundles
- Returns of prisoners in Sydney Gaol, 10 Mar 1828 and 11 Jan 1836 [4/2772.2], COD 226 p.4 & Reels 1901, 2800
- List of prisoners executed at Sydney Gaol, 1 Feb to 28 May 1828 [4/2772.2], COD 226 p.3 & Reel s 1901, 2800
- Weekly list of prisoners, 1836. May-Jul 1836 [4/6977D]; Aug-Dec 1836 [4/6977C], Reels 889, 1261, 2801
- Returns of prisoners under sentence of transportation in Darlinghurst Gaol, 1844-48. The returns record name, ship and year of arrival, whether first or second conviction, Governor's decision, and gaol. Oct 1844-Feb 1845, Apr 1845-Jan 1847, Sep 1847 [X747], Reel 2720; Oct 1847-Mar 1848, May-Jul, Sep, Oct, Dec 1848 [X748], Reel 2720
1828-1838

Corrective Services

Series
Title
Dates
NRS-2514, 2515, 2519[4/6360] [4/6428-4/6441], [X843], Reels 850-854, 1864
Entrance books
The volumes contain varying degrees of information, usually date of entry, name, ship, when tried, crime, sentence and details of discharge.
- 1819-23 [4/6360], Reel 850
- 1822-24 Alphabetical [4/6428], Reel 850
- 4 Oct 1825-30 Jan 1828 [4/6429], Reel 850
- 1825-28 Alphabetical [4/6430], Reel 851
- 1829-30 Alphabetical [4/6431], Reel 851
- 23 Feb 1830-7 Oct 1831 [4/6432], Reel 851
- Jan 1831-4 Feb 1832 [4/6433], Reel 851
- Jan 1833-Apr 1834 [4/6434], Reel 852
- May 1834-9 May 1835 [4/6435], Reel 852
- 19 May 1835-Feb 1837 [4/6436], Reel 852
- Mar 1837-10 Aug 1838 [4/6437], Reel 853, Reel 853
- 11 Aug 1838-26 Jul 1839 [4/6438], Reel 853
- 26 Jul 1839-7 Apr 1841 [4/6439], Reel 853
- 1839-40 [X843]
- May 1842-Aug 1844 [4/6440], Reel 854
- Dec 1844-Dec 1849 [4/6441], Reel 854
See Sydney and Darlinghurst Gaols: Index to inmates, Dec 1819-49. Compiled by Ann Smith.
1819-1849
NRS-2521[4/6445 part], Reel 820 
Transportation book
This volume records details of prisoners prior to their transportation for colonial offences. It provides details of name, ship, original and colonial conviction (when, where, offence, sentence), Governor's decision and when forwarded. There is an index at the back of the volume.
Aug 1837-Sep 1848
NRS-2522[4/4536 part-4538], Reel 821
Copies of weekly transcripts of transportation books
These are copies of weekly returns sent to the Colonial Secretary of prisoners transported elsewhere from the Gaol showing: annual number, standing number, name, ship and year of arrival, original conviction (where, when, offence, sentence), colonial conviction (by whom, where, when, offence, sentence), decision of the Governor, where sent to or pardoned, and when forwarded.
Aug 1837-Feb 1846
NRS-2516[2/2121]
Weekly returns of the daily state of the gaol
1829-1831
NRS-2517[4/6296, 4/6298-301], Reels 855-856
Description books
The volumes record gaol number, prisoner's name, ship and year of arrival, year of birth and physical description.
1831-1839
NRS-2524[4/6297], Reel 855
Description book (colonial transportees)
The volume records gaol number, prisoners' name, ship and year of arrival, year of birth and physical description.
30 Dec 1840-1848
NRS-2523[4/6302-59], Reels 857-889
Description books
The volumes record gaol number, prisoner's name, ship (and year of arrival not always given), age or year of birth, physical description, education and remarks.
Apr 1841-1898
NRS-2520[4/6442 part-6444], Reel 855
Entrance books for prisoners transported from New South Wales, or sentenced to death
The volumes record gaol number, prisoner's name, ship and year of arrival, native place, religion, education, trade or calling, physical description, when admitted, sentence, when and how disposed of.
22 Aug 1837-7 Jun 1847
NRS-2518[4/6419-21], Reels 2729-2730
Copies of letters sent
The letters are addressed chiefly to public officers: the Sheriff, Police, Magistrates, Superintendent of the Hulk, Superintendent of Woolloomooloo Stockade, Principal Superintendent of Convicts, etc.
There are indexes in front of the volumes.
- 24 Nov 1831-21 Jan 1833 [4/6419], Reel 2729
- 14 Nov 1837-25 Nov 1846 [4/6420], Reel 2729
- 1 Dec 1846-19 Dec 1854 [4/6421], Reel 2730
1831-1881

Sheriff

Series
Title
Dates
NRS-13235[5/1199]
Rules for Sydney Gaol and Phoenix Hulk
c.1830
NRS-13236[4/6271 part], Reel 687, 708
Miscellaneous returns
- Memoranda of stores and provisions received
- Lists of men in irons from Norfolk Island and Moreton Bay, 1839-1840
- List of prisoners discharged to Country Iron'd Gangs
- List of prisoners from Norfolk Island for commutation of sentence, 1840-1841
1836-1841
NRS-13237[4/6272]
Salary abstracts
Abstracts of the salaries of the iron'd gangs, 2nd class convicts and detached parties stationed at Carters' Barracks, Woolloomooloo, Goat Island and Grose Farm, 1 Sep 1836-30 Sep 1837; Woolloomooloo and Carters Barracks, Oct 1837-Jan 1844; and Woolloomooloo, Feb 1844-Jan 1848.They provide details of station, situation, name, condition, period covered and amount.
Sep 1836-Jan 1848
 
Printed sources
Report and Minutes of Evidence of Select Committee on Darlinghurst Gaol in Legislative Council: Votes and Proceedings, 1849 vol.2
 

Windsor Gaol

See Plan of Windsor Gaol 1837 in NRS 1286, Blue Book 1837, [4/269], *Fiche 474, Reel 5 *ARK

See digitised entries about Windsor Gaol in the Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1825

Colonial Secretary

Series
Title
Dates
Special bundles
- Weekly transcripts of entrance book [X42.2], Reel 904
- The transcripts provide details of the prisoner's name, ship and year of arrival, situation (free or bond) on arrival in the colony and on entering gaol, native place, religion, trade or calling, when and from whence admitted to the gaol, crime committed, sentence and date of sentence and behaviour in gaol.
- Weekly transcripts of description book [X42.1], Reel 904
- Completed printed forms containing details of prisoners entering gaol: name, ship and year of arrival, year of birth, physical description and history.
1838

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