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Two pairs of manacles, possibly from Port Arthur prior to 1849

2 sets of iron manacles

Two pairs of manacles, possibly from Port Arthur prior to 1849
(cessation of transportation on the east coast)
maker unknown 
iron 
bequest of Sir William Dixson, 1952 
SAFE/DR 121

Manacles were used to fasten a person’s hands or ankles. These manacles, possibly used on convicts in Van Diemen’s Land, have been shaped out of two iron bars into a figure of eight, joined on one side by a hinge. One set has a key attached.  

Between 1803 and 1853 some 75,000 convicts served time in Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania). While most convicts spent their sentences assigned to individuals or to a specific duty, convicts who broke the rules could find themselves severely punished. Male convicts could be flogged, put onto the treadwheel or sentenced to work on road and chain gangs – these punishments were inflicted to serve as a deterrence to those who attempted to rebel against the system.  

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