For a place with a lot of prisoners about, and a population fond of indulging in ardent spirits, Moreton Bay was sorely lacking in a place to house criminals. There was a small lock-up in the Police Station, which occupied a part of the former Convict Barracks. It was only suitable for very short stays,Continue reading “Please, Governor, may we also have a Gaol?”
Tag Archives: Colonial Architecture
History in our midst – the Mooney Memorial Fountain.
On Eagle Street, an ornate Victorian drinking fountain sits in the midst of towering buildings, Moreton Bay fig trees and oblivious foot traffic. It was erected in the memory of a young volunteer fireman, James Mooney, who died of scalding and burns in March 1877, trying to save a block of buildings in Queen Street.Continue reading “History in our midst – the Mooney Memorial Fountain.”
February 20, 1872 – the death of Andrew Petrie.
DEATH OF MR. ANDREW PETRIE, SEN. The death of the oldest free resident in our community and colony, is an event not to be allowed to happen without notice; and the aged, revered, and useful citizen who has just left our world for a better was no ordinary man. The name of ANDREW PETRIE isContinue reading “February 20, 1872 – the death of Andrew Petrie.”
February 9, 1860 – Ipswich Courthouse
On 09 February 1860, the Circuit Court sat at Ipswich on a particularly hot sub-tropical summer’s day. Here’s how the Moreton Bay Courier recorded the day: THE court opened at 10 o’clock. There were seven prisoners for trial. The attendance of jurors was very good, two only of those summoned being absent, a good andContinue reading “February 9, 1860 – Ipswich Courthouse”
February 3, 1849 – Brisbane prison completed.
Well, that’s accurate in a way. Work was completed on the renovations to the old Female Factory in Queen Street on February 3, 1849. The authorities in Sydney Town felt that an inexpensive repair to an existing building would be better than a fancy new gaol for Moreton Bay. The Female Factory had been largelyContinue reading “February 3, 1849 – Brisbane prison completed.”
February 2, 1891 – the Brisbane Exhibition Buildings approved.
Ah, the Exhibition. Originally the Intercolonial Exhibition, it began in 1876, and showed off produce, industry and crafts to a fascinated public. Every August, the Country comes to the City and there is much rejoicing (especially since the advent of Sideshow Alley and the addition of the Stockman’s Bar and Grill). The original building was charmingContinue reading “February 2, 1891 – the Brisbane Exhibition Buildings approved.”
Moreton Bay and More 