PORT ARTHUR

 

1/ Port Arthur is a famous, convict settlement in south east Tasmania. Port Arthur has 30 historic buildings to explore. The white house to the left is the Commandant's House, while the large building to the right is the Penitentiary.

2/ This shows the Guard Tower of Port Arthur framed through the ruins of the Commandant's Office. Note the great skill shown in the masonry.

3/The Guard Tower demonstrates icon masonry. This makes it look much older than it actually is.

4/ The arches and pillars of the Guard Tower show their professionalism in this well balanced shot.

5/ The path to the Commandant's House. It had a brilliant view of the harbour of Port Arthur. From the verandah the governor would sip tea and ponder how to reform his prisoners.

6/ Many of the old buildings of Port Arthur have lost too much to be repaired.

7/ St David's is seen beyond the lawn This lawn once housed other lost buildings of Port Arthur.

8/ St David's Church is now surrounded by lovely gardens. It was destroyed in the fire after the closure of Port Arthur in 1897. This destroyed most of the original settlement.

9/ This shows the view into the ruin of St David's framed through a small window.

10/ This shows another well framed view of St David's.

11/ This shows a long view of the Penitentiary of Port Arthur. It was a very large, four storey structure.

12/ The Penitentiary was the largest building in Port Arthur. Unfortunately, it has suffered massive damage, but it is in the process of further restoration.

13/ The view into the Penitentiary shows the damage. A walkway has been inserted to help protect it.

14/ This shows the rear of the Penitentiary. Note how much is missing from this view.

15/ This shows the stairway into the Separate Prison of Port Arthur. It has been very well restored and shows great symmetry. Unfortunately, it leads to a terrible place.

16/ This shows another view of the stairway into the Separate Prison. Behind it you can see the barred cells that are a symbol of suffering.

18/ An office in the separate prison. Note the fire place, which represented considerable comfort.

19/ Cells in the Separate Prison of Port Arthur. Note the bland, soulless symmetry of the block. The lights on the ceiling are a modern addition to the otherwise dark corridor.

20/ An iconic view of the confinements of the cruel, penal system that once ruled Port Arthur.

21/ The view of the harbour of Port Arthur from this prison window is lovely. It added to the effect of the punishment.

22/ Port Arthur is an unusual contradiction. It is a beautiful place with a horrendous past.