Citation

Maude P. Australas. Psychiatry 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/10398562211014221

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the history of Fremantle, Western Australia's first purpose-built asylum.

METHOD: A range of primary sources were consulted.

RESULTS: Fremantle was opened in 1865 to house inmates away from the populace and for the most part under the care of Dr HC Barnett. Attendants as well as inmates were occupied with work roles that kept the asylum functioning cost effectively.

CONCLUSION: Within 15 years, the structure was neglected and overcrowded. Changes to the Penal Servitude Act limiting convict transportation, petty crime and a need to manage its proliferation resulted in large numbers of people being incarcerated at Fremantle.

Language: en

Keywords

Psychiatry; Western Australia; Asylum; history