Convict era punishment cells unearthed
Posted
Updated
The dig was brought about by persistent rumours about the existence of the cells (Supplied: Sydney Harbour Federation Trust)
Two solitary confinement cells used for punishing convicts in the mid-nineteenth century have been discovered on Cockatoo Island.
The cells were finished in 1841 and covered up by 1898 but have now been rediscovered in an archaeological dig on Sydney's largest island.
Sydney Harbour Federation Trust's Libby Bennett says it is an amazing discovery.
"They tell us a lot about what life would've been like on the island, in particular, how they punished the prisoners there," she told ABC News Online.
"The cells have no windows and there's evidence of a basic timber floor and they're very dark and damp and wet so it gives a very good insight into how life was on the island in that time."
The dig was brought about by persistent rumours about the existence of the cells, which are under a cookhouse.
"There's been rumours ... we knew they must have been there, but we were a bit sceptial," Ms Bennett said.
Federal Heritage Minister Peter Garrett also says the discovery is remarkable.
"This is an extremely rare find from Australia's convict past," he said.
"The cells are rare physical evidence from Australia's convict past and will help us to understand what it was like to be imprisoned on Cockatoo Island."
Cockatoo Island, which was listed on the National Heritage List in 2007, was first used as a convict jail in the late 1830s.
It was used for hard labour and severe punishment for more serious offenders.
The island was later used as a government shipyard and remained a major dockyard until 1992.
Search ABC News
Featured Video
-
Video
Taronga Zoo's baby elephant continues to surprise, taking its very first steps.
-
Video
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan says the cost of replacing unsafe insulation may result in budget cuts to other areas.
-
Video
Alligator wrestlers in Florida are hoping to turn the tribal tradition into an international extreme sport.
-
Video
An elephant is born despite being declared dead on Sunday at Sydney's Taronga Zoo.
The ABC News Online Investigative Unit encourages whistleblowers, and others with access to information they believe should be revealed for the public good, to contact us.
