Penitentiary Chapel – Courtroom Scoops and Gaol Stories

TUESDAY, 2 MAY 2023 from 12:30pm

When transportation ceased to Van Diemen’s land, the old gaol on Murray Street was closed, and moved to the Hobart Convict Penitentiary site on Campbell Street. From the 1860’s to the 1960’s it was then known as the Hobart Gaol and and two wings of the Chapel were refitted as the Supreme Court – connected to the gaol by grim underground tunnels. These courts operated until 1983.

Join us on Tuesday 2nd of May for a cup of tea and a biscuit, and hear stories from Retired Inspector David Plumpton, Retired Sergeant Barry McDonald (also previously a guide at the Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site), and Retired Sergeant Michael Barber as they take you back by sharing stories from their time in the Courts and the Hobart Gaol.

With such a long history, who knows what scandals and secrets you’ll unveil!