Cells
The cells were used as a place of short-term confinement for both men and women. Stays were short – three to four days normally – and while many left sooner some were subjected to longer periods of detainment.
The cells were used as a place of short-term confinement for both men and women. Stays were short – three to four days normally – and while many left sooner some were subjected to longer periods of detainment. Many were brought in for minor disturbances and often no charges were laid; people were simply held overnight to sober up or calm down. Depending on the sentence handed down by the Magistrate at the local Court House (originally located where the former Post Office stands today at Hunter & Bolton Sts and then later on Church Street) detainees would be released or moved to gaol at either Maitland, Cessnock or St Helliers.
The Lock-Up’s cell block includes rare examples of cell types from the mid 1800’s. Measuring 2.3 x 1.26m the first cell in the block is the final remaining unchanged cell from the original 1861 building and is a significant example of Colonial penal design introduced by Governor Gipps an economic measure. Although planned for widespread use by Colonial Architect A. Dawson in 1859, this type of cell was rejected due to its cramped size. The original Lock-Up building had six cells this size.
Believed to be the best preserved padded cell from the Colonial era in Australia, the Lock Up’s padded cell was added in 1893. Measuring 8’x5’6” its leather walls were filled with horse hair to prevent prisoners believed to be uncontrollable or insane from harming themselves.
Our History
Early History
The building of the Newcastle Police Station and Lock-Up was completed in 1861. Mortimer Lewis Jnr designed a single storey building under the direction of James Barnet.
Read MoreThe Foyer
The foyer was once the charge room of the lock-up with prisoners arrested and brought into this room for charging with one or more convictions.
Read MoreCells
The cells were used as a place of short-term confinement for both men and women. Stays were short – three to four days normally – and while many left sooner some were subjected to longer periods of detainment.
Read MoreThe Yard
The Yard was open to the elements and the metal barred roof and entry door still remain as well as bathing and toilet facilities and original graffiti remnants.
Read MoreCollection
The Lock-Up museum previously house a small collection of police artifacts including uniforms from different historical period and police ledgers.
Read MoreRecent History
In 2001 the Trust embarked on an ambitious program to completely renovate and refurbish the historic Newcastle Police Lock-Up.
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