Geelong Gaol

Ride for Life – The Near Execution of John Goldman

In 1853, Trooper John Goldman shot his superior Corporal William Harvey in his tent at Buningyong following an altercation with a local shopkeeper, Edward Adams, over the ownership of some boxes. Harvey died 24 hours later and Goldman disappeared for 9 months before being arrested. At his trial before Judge Redmond Barry, Goldman was convicted…

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Escape of Thompson and Reynolds

In 1865, two prisoners were let out of the cooks cells to make their way to the kitchens to cook for the rest of the prisoners.  But these two men had other ideas – for one man it would result in him never returning to the Geelong Gaol.  For the other his freedom was shortlived….

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“The Seaside Resort” – Geelong Gaol

For over 170 years, the old Geelong Gaol has overlooked the township of Geelong.  It has been a place of incarceration of men, women and children during its 138 years of operational history.  Some of the roles it has been used may surprise you!  In this episode we revisit the history, the building and some…

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