View of the octagonal centre bloc from inside one of the exercise yards.

Construction on the Gaol began in 1839 on land donated by the Canada Company. Built in an octagonal shape, the central cell blocks are surrounded by exercise yards with walls that are two feet thick. Most of the building is constructed of stone quarried from the nearby Maitland River. The Gaol was designed by architect Thomas Young and was viewed as a model of humanitarian prison design.

Jail Cells

When the Gaol first opened in 1841, the cramped austere cells were constructed of hand-hewn timbers about 30 cm (one foot) square. By 1851 some of the cells were lathed and plastered to prevent fire. Originally the cells had double-oak bolted doors; these were replaced by the iron-barred doors that remained in use until the Gaol closed in 1972. Among the criminals and drunkards who served time in these cells is James Donnelly, father of the infamous Black Donnellys of Lucan.

Gaol's top floor set up as Courtroom.

Originally intended for use as a chapel, the Gaol's top floor was used as a court room and meeting place for the County's first council. First warden for the district of Huron was William "Tiger" Dunlop. These rooms were later used for prisoner overflow when the courts relocated to a new courthouse built downtown in the centre of the market square.

Interior of the Governor's House attached to the Gaol.

The Governor's house was built on the south-east side of the Gaol in 1901. With its dark ash woodwork, ornate oak furnishings, velvet drapes and lace curtains the Governor's House reflects the important status of this position within a rural Ontario community in the early part of the 20th century.

Interior of the Governor's House attached to the Gaol.

The relative luxury of this home, built for the gaoler and his family, is a stark contrast to the conditions endured by the prisoners only a few steps away.