Punishment and Capital Punishment at Boggo Road
Between 1183 and 1913, forty-two criminals comprised of thirty-nine men, one woman and two teenagers were executed at Boggo Road Gaol - all were hanged. The last man hanged was Ernest Austin in September, 1913. In 1922, Queensland became the first state in the British Empire to legislate the end of capital punishment.
Funded by Boggo Road Gaol Pty Ltd, and researched by Gaol Director, Jack Sim, this new exhibition explores the history of capital punishment, and punishment, behind the walls of Boggo Road Gaol.
Visitors to Boggo Road have been the impetus for the new exhibition - the story of the Gallows has been a topic that visitors are keen to know about. This exhibit was created to tell the story of punishment within the walls of Boggo Road Gaol in an educational and interesting way.
For the first time, the known remaining pieces of the Gallows, as well as pieces of the dreaded Black Hole - an underground dungeon - have been brought together at Boggo Road Gaol.
The exhibition includes several displays telling the stories of those executed, their crimes, and their awful punishments. It also explores the long political battle to abolish capital punishment - a practice that began in the 1890's - and looks at the Labor and community leaders who fought to remove the death penalty.
Thanks to the support of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland, the exhibition includes the gallows beam, on loan from the Commissariat Museum.
Please Note: The Gallows: Punishment and Capital Punishment at Boggo Road Gaol includes displays and artefacts which may be confronting to some visitors. This exhibit is not recommended for children under 10. Adult guidance is required for children.