Ashton’s Hotel: The Journal of William Baker Ashton, First Governor of the Adelaide Gaol by Rhondda Harris

The new colony of South Australia was an idealistic idea of a place where free settlers could flourish without the taint of transported criminals experienced by the other Australian colonies. There was no provision for a gaol, let alone a mental asylum but almost immediately it became clear that one would be required, often to hold criminals until they could be transported to the penal colonies. While researching in the State Archives the author re-discovered the journal of William Baker Ashton, first governor of Adelaide Gaol, appointed in 1839. In the journals Ashton notes the daily business of the gaol and the comings and goings of its inmates. This is a complete transcription augmented by newspaper reports, official documents and contextual comments by the author.  Other inmates were debtors, especially as the colony experienced financial difficulties. Drunks, destitutes and the mentally ill, along with aborigines from as far away as Port Lincoln made a very mixed population housed in buildings that were cramped and insecure. Ashton is revealed as consistently advocating for the best conditions possible for those under his compassionate care in the most difficult of circumstances. A comprehensive index and reference notes make this book not only an engaging insight into Adelaide from 1839 to 1845 but an excellent research tool.

Themes: Adelaide Gaol (S.A.) - History, Governors - Biography, South Australia - History - 1836-1856.

Sue Speck