Dead Man Walking

My next Doors Open destination was the Carleton County Gaol, in the downtown core. It shares the property with a former courthouse, a hotel, and the Ottawa Art Gallery, seen at upper right. This building dates to 1862, serving as a prison for 110 years until its closure. It then became a hostel, which it remains to this day.

It is imposing from the outside, and the parking lot I was standing in must have been the yard for the prison back in the day.

A door was open at the back.

Beyond, a courtyard. The tour begins at that entrance.

Looking up, that black square recessed above is the gallows.

Here we have it from inside. The floor would open up, and the condemned would fall to their death. A noose has been placed here.

There were only three hangings (officially) in the old gaol, but the inhumane conditions of the prison are well known, and the place feels oppressive, as though you are being watched. Not surprisingly, there are plenty of ghost stories associated with the building.

Death row is on the top floor, with four cells. A series of historical display panels are found here, going into specific details about the gaol, criminal justice, and the death penalty, which was ultimately abolished in Canada.

The cells can be entered.