Z Ward, Glenside
RCHP had the privilege of a guided tour of South Australia's asylum for criminally insane and psychiatrically unstable.16 Rotarians, partners and friends were fascinated by the stories of this wonderfully historic building and the rather troubling information on how criminals and the "criminally insane" were treated. A meal at the Pagoda followed.
Designed by the SA Architect in Chief Edward Johns Woods, completed in late 1885 and closed on 13 December 1973.
Woods also designed four other striking buildings for the Glenside site and Martindale Hall and Old Parliament House.
Originally designated L Ward, the name was changed to Z ward soon after 1900 when telephones were installed. The change became necessary when callers mistook "L" for "Hell". Costly resigning was avoided by adding a stroke to the top of "L" to create "Z".
The facility, designed to accommodate 48 inmates and surrounded by a high wall, comprised Admin offices, cells, visitor meeting area and the Day Room with access to a rear outdoor space all at Ground level and Officer accommodation and cells at the First Floor. A feature common to most of buildings designed by Woods was a natural ventilation flue in every room allowing fresh air to circulate from underfloor.
.jpg) | .jpg) |  |
.jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) |
Each window has two small openable panels
.jpg) Through the Wicket gate to another world behind the wall |  Tour guide David (far right) regales us with a fascinating story of "how it was back then" |
 Natural ventilation duct - an advanced feature of John Woods architectural design |  Simple stair to first floor from Mintaro slate floor |
With only two known exceptions (in 1914 and 1940), Z Ward accommodated only men. There were only two known escapes from the facility. One fellow walked out when he was given a key to load dirty linen into a van while the supervisor went for a smoke - after visiting all of the other Wards on the site to tell his story, he returned to Z Ward and asked to be let back in. The escape method was never known but the unfortunate fellow hanged himself shortly after.
 Cell doors - open out Staff doors opened in |  David explaining the door features - peep holes, lock |
 Peep hole from inside | .jpg) Very clever original 3-action lock and a simple modern bolt just in case on cell door |
Criminal detainees were locked naked in cells for 12 hours a day with no artificial light. Each cell only contained a bed with sheets and a blanket. Four officers had to be present when a cell door was to be opened.
 Through the looking glass |  Grill of closed off fire place in Day Room |
 Wall art - just joking |  A Design Drawing |