Podcast 3 - In and Out of Fremantle Prison

On 10th January 1868, the Irish Fenian political prisoners are put ashore, and marched to the infamous Imperial Convict Establishment - Fremantle Prison. Some stay inside the walls to work as clerks but most are sent in work parties to quarry for building materials or construct new roads in the torturous Australian sun. They remain united as they protest the draconian conditions, endure solitary confinement for refusing to be separated and smuggle letters to the growing Amnesty movement in Europe. When the civilian Fenians are pardoned many leave Western Australia to return to Ireland or move to the USA. They receive a heroes’ welcome from the Irish communities in Adelaide and Sydney but they don’t forget their companions, the military Fenians, who continue to languish in Fremantle Prison.