Boggo Road Gaol – A Female Perspective – Matron Sarah Ann Nixon

A Female Perspective –  Matron Sarah Ann Nixon

Never having married or raised children, Sarah served the longest sentence of all.  Forty years in Queensland Prisons.

Matron Sarah Ann Nixon at the Gate

Queensland’s most experienced Matron,  Sarah Ann Nixon entered the prison service in 1883.  She served in the Fortitude Valley Prison,  the Toowoomba Gaol and finally HM Prison Brisbane (Females) – later known as  Number 2 Division Boggo Road Gaol.

 

Her remarkable career spans four decades; her last twenty would be as Matron at 2 Division Boggo Road Gaol.  She began there when Matron Sarah Browne fell ill and eventually retired.

A petite lady,  she is not at all what you would expect for the Matron of a prison.  Her character is described by all who knew her as firm and resolute. She did her job with great understanding.

At some 83 years old, in 1940;  Sarah is interviewed by the Sunday Mail… in their column Tales from Queensland Gaols.  Part 9.   Women in Crime.   A wonderful article, details the career of Sarah Ann Nixon.  You can read this article in full here

Sarah retired to her home in Moorooka and lived out her days there with her siblings and extended family surrounding her.  She died in 1945 and is buried in the Toowong Cemetery.

Nixon Family Grave – Toowong Cemetery


In celebration of Queensland Women’s Week and International Women’s Day, We are delighted to share the stories of Boggo Road Gaol from a female perspective.

This Thursday, a special tour is being held in honour of International Women’s Day. A morning tea will be served at 10am with a bargain ticket price of $20 per adult ticket for the 11am History Tour!

So ladies, come along and join us! Gentlemen bring along the ladies in your lives and lock them up for a couple hours! This special event is bookings essential as places are strictly limited.

BOOK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE!! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!

 

This article was contributed by Research Coordinator Sue Olsen as part of the ongoing research program for Boggo Road Gaol Pty Ltd. The aim of the program is to bring to light and share articles relating to Boggo Road for the purposes of review and study. Do you have a story to share or something you would like us to know about? You can contact the research team here

 

 

 

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