Yesterday, Timaru Girls' Year 12 history class not only spent time researching in our archives but as many students were focusing on Law & Order (as past of AS2.1) they explored the Old Gaol.

Built in 1875 and still without electricity (roof laterns instead let in natural light) the old gaol is a great primary source of information. Students can see first hand the horrible conditions people held in custody on the goldfields faced. Women usually fared slightly better than men with a fire in their tiny cell and some would even commit crime in winter so they could have a warm place to shelter.

Timaru Girls' we hope your trip was informative and now you have some good primary and secondary sources for AS 2.1 & 2.2 (let us know on this blog!). AND good luck for the rest of the year!