Padlock

Equipment

Hard history

This padlock is a harsh reminder of the way that Aboriginal people were treated. It was widespread practice during early settlement, to shackle Aboriginal prisoners when held in custody. It is believed that this padlock was used with a chain in the late 1800s or early 1900s, to imprison Aboriginal people between trees at the back of the Gaol, near the Avon River and the York Courthouse complex. Donated by Mr Stewart Thorn.

Available at:

Shire of York Residency Museum

The history of York in an award-winning heritage listed building

This beautiful old building in York is a treasure trove of history. The former Magistrate’s residence has been reimagined as The Residency Museum, which sensitively shares the history of York...

Address:

5 Brook Street
York WA 6302
Australia

Tel:

(08) 9641 1751

Email:

museum@york.wa.gov.au

Open Hours

Friday 10am - 3pm. 11am to 3:00pm Saturday, Sunday and some publicised Public Holidays.
(Closed Good Friday, Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)

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Helena London’s red cape

Carmine cape

This red cape belonged to Helena, a child of Joseph London. In 1865 Joseph came to Australia as a convict from Worcester in England, for a seven-year sentence of 'servitude and labour' in York. Once...

Jar of animals

Elixir of life

This concoction is made of snakes, birds and local mammals from around York. It was made by two Chinese brothers, Lee Lee and Lee Wan Chong, as an elixir, which they drank regularly. The brothers...