A Female Perspective – Florence Macdonald

Perhaps one of the worst women ever to darken the cells in a Queensland prison.

Florence Macdonald was the first lifer of HM Prison Brisbane -(females)  later known as Number 2 Division Boggo Road Gaol . In fact, she was the first woman ever sentenced to life imprisonment in Queensland.

Florence Macdonald

Florence Alma Macdonald

Age: 34

Height :  5 Feet 4 Inches (162cm)

Build:   Stout

Weight:  12 Stone 4 ounces  (76.3Kg)

Hair Colour:  Brown

Eye Colour :   Brown

Complexion:   Sallow

Native of :   Queensland

Distinguishing Features:

Ears Pierced; mole on bridge of nose; scar on left thumb; burn mark on right hand; mark on chest like vaccination mark; scar under right arm;  large mark on thigh and leg.

Wilful Murder

Florence and her husband, Angus, were charged with the wilful murder of… a child. 

The Macdonald’s worked their daughter Grace to death. Grace was Florence’s stepdaughter. She was kept deprived of food and chained up under the family home at Longreach in Western Queensland.

They were convicted and sentenced to death.  For reasons unknown to this day,  their sentences were commuted to life.   Florence was to serve hers at Number 2 Divsion Boggo Road Gaol.

Florence entering the black maria. The transport to Gaol

Florence was evil.

So evil, she needed to be protected from the other inmates. Her cell, F2, Still standing to this day, is an unusual cell. It has two doors, one solid steel door opening outwards and one barred inner door originally covered with a wire mesh grill (part of which can still be seen) She had to spend long periods of time during the day locked alone in her cell. The grill gate was specifically made so Florence could look out at the prison gardens while she did her time. Florence was regarded as a model prisoner. Her behaviour was exemplary. She was released after serving just 12 years, from 1904 to 1916.

Upon release she changed her name; some years later she died and is buried in an unmarked grave in the Toowoomba Cemetery. Forgotten.

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