Welsh Slate Roofing & Sandstone Walls - Heritage Restoration
Welsh Slate & Sydney Sandstone - Watchtower, Darlinghurst Gaol
This ornate watchtower with new Welsh slate on the roof was part of the Darlinghurst Gaol was built in the 1820’s. The intricate slate work uses green and heather blue slates sourced from quarries in north Wales.
Designed by Francis Greenaway,the tall, circular watchtower stands in the middle of the site, around which are sited the six rectangular cellblocks in a radial fashion. The site was used as a prison until 1912, when Long Bay Gaol opened. During the time it functioned as a prison, 79 prisoners were executed mostly by hanging. Famous inmates included Captain Moonlight, Jimmy Governor and poet, Henry Lawson.
The building is no longer used as a gaol; it is now being used by the National Arts School.
