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Welcome to the
Penitentiary Chapel
Historic Site web site.
Situated on the corner of
Brisbane and Campbell Streets in Hobart, Tasmania, the
Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site was built in the early
1830's according to the design of Colonial Architect and Civil
Engineer John Lee Archer.
Originally
designed as a chapel for the growing convict population of
Hobart Town, there was also the inclusion of 36 solitary
confinement punishment cells, unlit and poorly ventilated,
constructed beneath the chapel floor. This chapel served the
adjoining Prisoners Barracks which later became the Hobart Gaol.
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In late
1859 the nave and eastern transept of the chapel
were converted into two Supreme Criminal Courts. The
western transept remained to become a gaol chapel
with an execution yard and gallows attached.
Today the
Penitentiary Chapel complex remains a fascinating
insight into Colonial Tasmania. A beautiful 1834 tower
with the two courtrooms remaining virtually unchanged
for over 145 years, and the gaol chapel restored to
display John Lee Archer's original design.
Come along
and organise a visit today, or participate in one of our
tours.
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