Place:

Rottnest Island, Western Australia, Australia

Date:

ca. 1870-1880

Historical Information:

This image is part of the Colonial Office photographic collection held at The National Archives UK.

Six Aboriginal prisoners were sent to Rottnest Island in August 1838 under the superintendence of Constable Laurence Welch and a small military force: Helia, for murder; Buoyeen, for assault; Molly Dobbin, Tyoocan, Goodap, and Cogat, for theft. All six escaped shortly after their arrival by stealing a boat. Helia drowned during the crossing, but the others apparently survived.

The Colonial Secretary, Peter Broun, announced in June 1839 that the island would be “converted to an Establishment for the Aborigines”, and between 1838 and 1931 (except for the period from 1849 to 1855) Rottnest was used as an Aboriginal prison. Henry Vincent, the Gaoler at Fremantle, was put in charge of the establishment. [Wikipedia]

Description:

Showing the Native Penal Establishment, Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Original photo ca. 1870-1880.

From the collection of:

The National Archives UK Flickr