Built in 1841, The Guildford Colonial Gaol was originally used to house the drunk and disorderly in the town of Guildford.

A police married quarters, small justice room and seven cells were added in 1851 utilising convict labour, creating an L-shaped building. A larger magistrate’s (justice) room was added in 1853 and the stables were built in 1857.

In 1869, the Gaol hosted its most famous inmate. Bushranger Moondyne Joe had escaped from Fremantle Prison and, nearly two years later, was caught at the Houghton Winery in the Swan Valley. He was temporarily locked up at the Guildford Gaol, awaiting his return to Fremantle.