Index to the Gaol Photographs
We are progressively adding other gaols to this index in alphabetical order of the gaol.
There are currently c.35 200 entries, from the photographic description books listing prisoners from the following gaols:
- Albury (1876-1929) NRS 1966
- Armidale (1894-1915) NRS 1989
- Bathurst (1874-1930) NRS 1998
- Berrima (1883-1888) NRS 2021
- Biloela (1885-1906) NRS 2027
- Broken Hill (1904-1929) NRS 2057
- Darlinghurst (1869-1914 - now complete) NRS 2138
- Deniliquin (1895-1929) NRS 2191
- Dubbo (1889-1920) NRS 2202
- Goulburn (1884-1930) NRS 2232
- Trial Bay (1892-1901 - latest addition) NRS 2549
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.
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.
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.
Feedback
We would appreciate any feedback and suggestions you may have on using the Index.
