Episode Two - Convict Life

In the second episode we get an understanding of the prisoner classification system and see how the remnants of a letter suggesting that authorities payed off political prisoners to go into exile rather then let them die, lest they become martyrs.

We also find out how the star shaped fort on Spike Island was constructed between 1804 and 1815 and was based on a design that was developed in 17th century France.

Other historical accounts, from the convicts themselves, reveal that some prisoners in the 1860's and 70's were treated very harshly and it is clear that further research and excavation is needed to establish the exact nature of the convict hierarchy and their treatment within the prison.