The Colonial Gaol within Guildford's Heritage Precinct was built in stages between 1841 and 1867. Volunteer tour guides at the Swan Guildford Historical Society conduct tours of the Colonial Gaol and nearby Taylor's Cottage. The Gaol is a fine example of Colonial architecture and is listed on the State Register of Heritage Places. Over the years, the Gaol (really a small lock-up) contained people for all types of crimes, ranging from short stays to sleep off the effects of alcohol to more serious crimes. These offenders were locked up temporarily, then taken to Perth or Fremantle Gaol to await trial and sentencing. Parts of the Gaol were built by convict labour between 1850 and 1868. A Magistrate's room was added in 1853, where cases were heard for thirteen years. Then, the court moved to the Guildford Court House (now the Swan Valley Visitor's Centre). At full capacity the Gaol had 11 cells, a large exercise yard and a horse stable nearby. Other historic buildings in the vicinity include a house for the Police Sergeant and for the Police Constable....
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