When was the Old Melbourne Gaol built?
Q: When was the Old Melbourne Gaol built?
A: The Old Melbourne Gaol was built in 1852, with a second stage of construction beginning in 1857.
Q: What materials were used to build the gaol?
A: The gaol was constructed from solid bluestone.
Q: Who was executed at the prison?
A: Ned Kelly was hanged at the prison in 1880.
Q: Why did it close in 1929?
A: In 1870, a report recommended that the prison should be closed and prisoners moved to a more suitable location. As such, it closed in 1929.
Q: What happened to the buildings during World War II?
A: During World War II, the gaol was used as a military prison for Australian soldiers.
Q: How did Victoria University come into being on this site?
A: After World War II, some of the buildings were pulled down to allow for the building of Victoria University (formerly known as Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology).
Q: When did it become a museum?
A: In 1972, the buildings were taken over by National Trust and turned into a museum.
