Boggo Road Gaol (Brisbane Prison) lays the claim of being home to many ghosts - both former prisoners and a warden/guard.
With more than a few executions having taken place within its walls (at least one not going to plan) there is certainly a history of darkness and death.
With more than a few executions having taken place within its walls (at least one not going to plan) there is certainly a history of darkness and death.
Boggo Road Gaol
Aerial view of Boggo Road Gaol. The Brisbane Prison took it's first load of inmates in 1883 after the prevous 'Old' Brisbane Gaol closed the same year. It was built using the recycled materials from the partial demolition of the old gaol‘s buildings.
The Gaol was built on Bogga Road, Dutton Park, Queensland, Australia, which was known locally as 'Bolgo' Road due to the boggy nature the road took on after a decent rain. In 1905, Bolgo Road was renamed Annerley Road, however the colloquialism was retained, one that also lent the prison it's common name.
The 1903 a female section of the prison was designed and constructed in the popular radial design, which limited blindspots to the guards. It was cited as a credit to the State, and it replaced many of the surrounding women‘s prisons and lockups. Although it was built to accomodate eighty prisoners, it only averaged about half that number within it's walls. In 1921, with the men‘s prison being overcrowded and the womens prison being under utilised, it was decided to move the women elsewhere. The women‘s prison was renamed Division 2, and the original section as Division 1.
The Gaol was built on Bogga Road, Dutton Park, Queensland, Australia, which was known locally as 'Bolgo' Road due to the boggy nature the road took on after a decent rain. In 1905, Bolgo Road was renamed Annerley Road, however the colloquialism was retained, one that also lent the prison it's common name.
The 1903 a female section of the prison was designed and constructed in the popular radial design, which limited blindspots to the guards. It was cited as a credit to the State, and it replaced many of the surrounding women‘s prisons and lockups. Although it was built to accomodate eighty prisoners, it only averaged about half that number within it's walls. In 1921, with the men‘s prison being overcrowded and the womens prison being under utilised, it was decided to move the women elsewhere. The women‘s prison was renamed Division 2, and the original section as Division 1.
Dark History
The gallows, where executions took place, taken in 1903. From the year of it's opening until 1913, 42 people were hanged at the gaol. None of the executed prisoners were buried on site, as was the case with some prisons, they were buried in South Brisbane Cemetery, most in unmarked graves.
Ellen Thompson (nee Lynch) is the only woman to have been legally executed in Queensland. In 1887 she was arrested together with John Harrison, for the murder of her second husband William Thompson. On the 13th of June 1887 Ellen's last words were reported as "Oh, my poor children; take care of my children will you, Father" before she went through the Boggo Road Gaol trap door, with the noose ending her life. The executioner had miscalculated the drop length, and the rope cut into Ellen‘s neck, severing her jugular. Her blood poured over her black dress and splashed on the stone floor beneath.
Unfortunately, Division 1, the section of the prison that contained the gallows, was demolished prior to the 1970's.
During the 1980's the prison came under scrutiny after a series of prisoner riots and rooftop protests due to poor conditions. There was little to no sanitation within the cells, with prisoners having to use a bucket as a toilet overnight, then having to tip it out in the mornings. After an inquiry, the prisons facilities were found to be inadequate and outdated. It was going to cost too much to bring them up to standard, and the decision to close up was made. Boggo Road Gaol closed its doors in 1992.
Ellen Thompson (nee Lynch) is the only woman to have been legally executed in Queensland. In 1887 she was arrested together with John Harrison, for the murder of her second husband William Thompson. On the 13th of June 1887 Ellen's last words were reported as "Oh, my poor children; take care of my children will you, Father" before she went through the Boggo Road Gaol trap door, with the noose ending her life. The executioner had miscalculated the drop length, and the rope cut into Ellen‘s neck, severing her jugular. Her blood poured over her black dress and splashed on the stone floor beneath.
Unfortunately, Division 1, the section of the prison that contained the gallows, was demolished prior to the 1970's.
During the 1980's the prison came under scrutiny after a series of prisoner riots and rooftop protests due to poor conditions. There was little to no sanitation within the cells, with prisoners having to use a bucket as a toilet overnight, then having to tip it out in the mornings. After an inquiry, the prisons facilities were found to be inadequate and outdated. It was going to cost too much to bring them up to standard, and the decision to close up was made. Boggo Road Gaol closed its doors in 1992.
A Few Ghosts...
The old womens prison sign the 'WO' removed for its subsequent role. Boggo Road has its ghost stories. During a night tour a visitor felt something brush past her leg. Looking down she saw a black and white three legged cat walk away. Upon enquiring with the guard about the experience, he recognised the description as belonging to 'Tripod', the cat which had made itself at home in the prison in the 1970's.
Ernest Austin, an executed murderer, is said to haunt Division 2. He was hanged for the rape and murder of eleven year old Ivy Mitchell. It is said that he mocked the witnesses at his execution, stating he would return from the grave. Prisoners stated that they have seen Austin's face at their cell door before entering to torment them.
There is also the disembodied voices, footsteps, shadowy apparitions and, as all good prisons should have, the ghost of a warder. This spirit may belong to Officer Bernard Ralph who was the only officer ever to be killed at Boggo Road, when he had his head smashed in by a prisoner wielding a heavy metal bar.
Ernest Austin, an executed murderer, is said to haunt Division 2. He was hanged for the rape and murder of eleven year old Ivy Mitchell. It is said that he mocked the witnesses at his execution, stating he would return from the grave. Prisoners stated that they have seen Austin's face at their cell door before entering to torment them.
There is also the disembodied voices, footsteps, shadowy apparitions and, as all good prisons should have, the ghost of a warder. This spirit may belong to Officer Bernard Ralph who was the only officer ever to be killed at Boggo Road, when he had his head smashed in by a prisoner wielding a heavy metal bar.
By Ashley Hall 2014
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