Murder, Execution, and Suffering in Wellington’s Dark History
More than a hundred police officers and up to forty relief workers put in immense effort to shift an estimated 2000 tons of rock and soil before the lifeless body of Phyllis Symons was uncovered in the spoil from excavations for the Mt Victoria Tunnel construction. This grim discovery sheds light on the dark and haunting chapters of Wellington’s history that have been hidden beneath the city’s welcoming facade for centuries.
Walking Through the Shadows of Wellington
As the warm summer weather envelops Wellington, locals and tourists flock to the city’s beaches to bask in the sun. However, for those seeking a different kind of adventure, a morbidly fascinating tour awaits. Starting at the vibrant Oriental Bay, a six-kilometer walk unveils the locations of some of the most gruesome murders, chilling executions, and the lingering marks of sorrow that linger beneath the surface of Wellington’s picturesque landscape.
Unveiling the Horrors of the Past
In 1849, John Ellis, a shipkeeper on the General Palmer, met a tragic end at Oriental Bay, his battered body discovered stuffed in a barrel aboard the ship. The subsequent trial and hanging of William Good marked a dark chapter in Wellington’s history, witnessed by hundreds eager for the spectacle. The haunting gallows outside Mt Cook Gaol painted a grim picture, reflecting the city’s bloodiest decade at the hands of the hangman.
The Shadows of Mt Cook Gaol
The foreboding Mt Cook Gaol, perched atop the hill, served as a grim reminder for transgressors. Originally designed to replicate London’s Pentonville Prison, the overcrowded and squalid conditions starkly contrasted with the progressive ideals of its inspiration. With inmates crammed into tiny cells, the prison’s walls bore witness to the toil and suffering of those confined within. The distinctive arrow-marked bricks lining Tasman Street stand as a somber testament to the labor of the incarcerated.
Inmates toiled on public works, leaving behind a legacy in the brickworks and walls that still echo their presence today. The nation’s darkest hour at the gallows unfolded behind the walls of the old Wellington police station, where justice and retribution intertwined in a macabre dance of death.
Humanizing Touch: A Glimpse into the Past
Imagine walking through the sun-drenched streets of Wellington, oblivious to the shadows of the past that lurk just beneath the surface. As you pass by Mt Cook Gaol, now the site of Wellington High School, take a moment to reflect on the lives lost and the suffering endured within those walls. The echoes of history whisper tales of despair and tragedy, reminding us of the fragility of life and the darkness that can consume even the brightest of days. Let us honor the memories of those who met untimely ends, their stories etched in the brickwork and the solemn silence of the gallows. As we navigate the vibrant streets of Wellington, may we pause to remember the voices of the past, their echoes shaping the present and guiding us towards a future of compassion and understanding.