Fremantle is a lovely historic, maritime town located at the mouth of the Swan River and is West Australia's main port. It is a compact town, ideal for walking, where the streets are full of buildings little changed since the 19th century. It is just dripping with character and I loved the opportunity to step back in time. I spent a couple of hours strolling around, taking photos and stopping here and there for a rest or a coffee at one of the many lovely cafes in town and then enjoying a late lunch at the Kalis Fish Market Cafe (highly recommend this) overlooking the fishing boat harbour.
Below: Some of the many heritage buildings in Fremantle
Fremantle is home to West Australia's only World Heritage listed building, Fremantle Prison. Built in the 1850's by convict labour it was used as a prison right up until 1991. I arrived there just in time to take a guided tour with a young and enthusiastic guide who related many gruesome stories about this terrible and forbidding place.
It was a place where, in convict times, the discipline was harsh with floggings, leg irons, solitary confinements and a diet of bread and water common place. The ultimate punishment, of course, was execution, there were 43 men and one woman executed in the prison and there are many tales of hauntings. Fortunately nothing haunted me on the tour apart from my contemplation of the grim conditions and treatments the prisoners endured. It was horrifying and fascinating and I couldn't help but be pleased we live in more enlightened times.
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| The netting between floors was to prevent prisoners throwing things at the guards below. Unfortunately it didn't protect them from the contents of chamber pots |
Despite the harsh conditions for some reason it didn't stop recidivists, some prisoners coming back multiple times. There was constant violence between prisoners and towards guards, when the prisoners were in the yards exercising the guards on duty had to remain inside a wire cage to protect themselves from attacks. There were many attempted escapes and riots - at one stage prisoners set fire to the prison causing major damage. Thankfully modern prisons have now replaced Fremantle Prison.
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| Prisoners were not permitted to draw on their walls but this prisoner was extremely violent and the only thing that calmed him down was his art. |
My guide was a fount of knowledge and told many interesting stories. The tour was extensive and I highly recommend it as an insight into how punishment was meted out in times past. It's strange to say that I really enjoyed the tour, but I did, it was fascinating and educational. I would not recommend it for children though. There were a couple of children on my tour and they were visibly upset and frightened by some of the stories. This was my first, and hopefully my last, time in prison.
