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There are currently c.38 200 entries, listing prisoners from the following gaols:

• Albury (1876-1929)
• Armidale (1894-1915)
• Bathurst (1874-1930)
• Berrima (1883-1888)
• Biloela (1885-1906)
• Broken Hill (1904-1929)
• Deniliquin (1895-1929 - latest addition)
• Dubbo (1889-1920)
• Darlinghurst (1869-1914 - now complete)

Contents of the Gaol Photograph Description Books

The Gaol Photographic Description Books contain a photograph of each prisoner and the following information: number, prisoners' name, aliases, date when portrait was taken, native place, year of birth, details of arrival in the colony - ship and year of arrival, trade or occupation, religion, standard of education, height, weight (on committal, on discharge), colour of hair, colour of eyes, marks or special features, number of previous portrait, where and when tried, offence, sentence, remarks, and details of previous convictions (where and when, offence and sentence).

The series was created in accordance with the 'Gaol Regulation' proclaimed in the NSW Government Gazette of 19 February, 1867. While the series roughly covers the period 1870-1930, the dates of the books for each gaol vary.

View examples of the records

Accessing the records

Microfilm copies of the Gaol Photographic Description Books (for the gaols listed above) can be viewed in our reading rooms.

You can also order photographic prints of the records (scanned directly from the microfilms) online via the search facility. Simply 'tick' the relevant search result(s) and follow the instructions. We will be offering a digitised copy service in the near future.

The copy service fee is $25.00 (includes administration, postage/handling and the first entry). Additional entries are $1.50 each.

» See more about our copy services

You can purchase duplicate microfilm reels for your local library, family history society or for your own use at home. Duplicate microfilm reels of ALL the Gaol Photographs are $50.00 each.

We would appreciate any feedback and suggestions you may have on using the Index.