Enriching Viewpoint (Post#5) : The Quod
Photos of the day are all about “The Quod”, the old prison which converted into a hostel or lodge, and now as Karma Rottnest. They also called this as “The Establishment” within the island. While I was following the walking trail, I can say it was the biggest structure of all the colonial buildings that is still standing today that I was able to see. The prison was designed similar to Fremantle Prison (first prison in Western Australia). “The Quod” has been described with terrible conditions where no furniture, sanitation, fireplace nor windows and prisoners just slept in thin blanket. The structure was made by Aboriginals themselves and it witnessed the sufferings of native prisoners until they died. But the cruelty experienced by aboriginals were said to be driven by the first superintendent named Henry Vincent. These photos are part of Rottnest Island Tour October 2016.
Information board at the front of “The Quod”
— The Quod
In 1856 a fire destroyed the original prison. The replacement prison referred to as the Quod, was not built until 1863-64. (The term “quod” in English slang for prison). The only entrance into the Quod was on the eastern side. The rooms on either side of the gateway face toward the Settlement, housed the Superintendent’s office and provided accommodation for the Warders.
The Aboriginal Prison closed in 1904.
In 1911 the building underwent extensive alterations to make it suitable for holiday accommodation known as the State Hostel. Further alterations to improve the standard of accommodation were made in 1986, but the original building form is still evident.
–rottnestisland.com
Notes :
Photo : historical building, The Quod, prison, aboriginal prison, The Establishment
Location : Rottnest Island WA, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth where different options are available or
2. Take cruise to the island with your own or rented boat
Official Website : Rottnest Island
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