In 2014, archaeological work in the former prison grounds led to the discovery of three rare panopticons (named after Jeremy Bentham's prison design of 1791) located near the A and B Divisions that were built of bluestone in the 1850s.
The first uncovered and excavated was to the north of A division and was built of bluestone in the 1850s.
The circular design, with walls coming out from the centre, created wedge shaped 'airing yards' where prisoners would be permitted access for one hour per day without coming into contact with each other.
The panopticons fell out of use, due to prison overcrowding, and were largely demolished in the early 1900s.
The panopticons were based on the design concepts of British philosopher and social reformer Jeremy Bentham.
The footings of the first panopticon that was excavated and uncovered is located to the north of A Division and remains relatively intact.
The excavation and uncovering of the other two panopticons next to B Division only revealed the remains of its rubble footings.
In 2014, archaeological work in the former prison grounds led to the discovery of three rare panopticons (named after Jeremy Bentham's prison design of 1791) located near the A and B Divisions that were built of bluestone in the 1850s. The first uncovered and excavated was to the north of A division and was built of bluestone in the 1850s. The circular design, with walls coming out from the centre, created wedge shaped 'airing yards' where prisoners would be permitted access for one hour per day without coming into contact with each other. The panopticons fell out of use, due to prison overcrowding, and were largely demolished in the early 1900s. The panopticons were based on the design concepts of British philosopher and social reformer Jeremy Bentham. The footings of the first panopticon that was excavated and uncovered is located to the north of A Division and remains relatively intact. The excavation and uncovering of the other two panopticons next to B Division only revealed the remains of its rubble footings.
HM Prison Pentridge