Ross Female Factory Site

The Ross Female Factory, erected in 1833, is located in the town of Ross, Tasmania. It was built to house the chain gains employed on the Ross Bridge. The Ross Female Factory is one of four female factories built in Tasmania. Between 1847 and 1854 it operated as a probation station for female convicts and their babies. The buildings were converted from a chain gang station and extended to include a chapel, dining rooms, hospital, nursery, solitary cells, dormitories and an outer courtyard. The women were taught how to sew, clean, cook, launder and care for their children. The Ross Female Factory is a protected historic site today, managed by the Department of Parks & Wildlife Service and the Tasmanian Wool Centre of Ross. Visit the Overseer