H.M. Geelong Gaol

The HM Prison Geelong was a high security prison until July 1991.

Based on the Pentonville Prison, building of the Geelong Gaol commenced in 1849 and completed in 1865. A key feature of the Pentonville design was cells were intended to accommodate only one prisoner.

The Gaol could accommodate some 150 prisoners most of whom were confined to individual bluestone blocked cells (approximately 4m long, 2m wide and 3m high) with minimum natural light and small, unglazed, barred windows near the ceiling. From 1853 until closure in 1991 it housed many notorious prisoners including 'Squizzy' Taylor and 'Chopper' Read.

A total of six convicts were hanged in Geelong from 1854 to 1865.