Early Plans of Victoria Gaol

The Gaol was Hong Kong’s first and main prison until the 1920s. The first page of the Gaol plan in 1844 shows the early design of the prison. Page 2 of the Gaol plan in 1844. The floor plan and illustration of the prison are shown. The page shows the location of the prison and the police station as well as the streets around the compound. The upper floor of Gaols A and B was intended for convicts. The ground floor of Gaols A and B was intended for prisoners awaiting trial.

The ground floor of Gaol C intended for 4 prisoners in each cell. The upper floor of Gaol C intended for 9 in each cell. The Victoria Gaol remained a common gaol consisted of 3 detached buildings, surrounded by a 25 feet stone wall with two watch towers. The new Debtors prison was built in 1853. The Block Plan of Victoria Gaol in 1864 shows new radial wing design added to D Hall. One of the few surviving photos of Victoria Gaol in the 1860s showing the radical prison design and the laundry area.

The colonial government adopted the American-inspired 'radial' design and rebuilt the Gaol in 1858. View of Central Police Station Compound in 1895 with the location of the prison, the magistracy and the staff quarters. Aerial View of Central Police Station Compound the 1960s, with Victoria Prison located at the back of the compound. Victoria Prison surrounded and overlooked by high rise residential and commercial buildings in the 1960s. All adult male convicted prisoners were received and classified in Victoria Prison in the 1960s.