HM Prison Pentridge, Coburg, Victoria, Australia
Posted by: 
themd
S 37° 44.223 E 144° 58.142
55H E 321042 N 5821417
HM Prison Pentridge was an Australian prison built in 1850 and located in Coburg, Victoria. The prison officially closed on May 1 1997
Waymark Code: WM9908
Location: Victoria, Australia
Date Posted: 07/16/2010
Views: 15
Pentridge was known as The Bluestone College for its vast amounts of use of this material.
The prison was needed due to the over population of the Melbourne Gaol.
With alot of bluestone found in the area, prisoners were placed to work with leg irons, creating roads and buildings. Others worked in various industries such as the woollen mill, bakery, printery, tailor's shop, garden, library or in the labour yard rock-breaking. A car number-plate manufactory was established in 1962.
With the closing of Melbourne Gaol in 1926, executions were carried out here until the last man was hanged in 1967 Ronald Ryan. Ronald was found guilt of killing a police officer in an escape attempt.
5 prisoners died from rioting and a fire in 1987 in the Jika Division.
The notorious H Division hknown for high security and danger housed many prisoners including Mark 'Chopper' Read as portrayed in the movie by Eric Bana known as 'Chopper'.
During the 1980's general unrest and drug issues caused rioting and in 1997 after the prison was privatised in 1994 it was officially closed and prisoners moved elsewhere.
After being sold to private developers the property is being transformed into a residential development.
Address:
Champ St
Coburg, Vic Australia
Open to the public: Yes
Hours:
You can still walk thru part of the grounds.
Fees?:
Nil
Web link: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
In order to add a new log to the waymark of this category, simply take another photo of the prison from a different angle than the other posts. Also add to the history of the jail when possible.