The cell shown here is representative of the period 1870 - 1920. The original single cells were a meagre 7 feet by 4 feet (1.2 x 2.1 m) which is half the size of this one. Following a Royal Commission into conditions at the Prison, held in the late 1890s, the cells were increased in size by knocking down a wall between two cells. Later these cells would accommodate two prisoners.

Walls were also erected within the cell range to create four separate divisions. These allowed for the segregation of men according to the nature of their crime. Power points were not installed in the cells until the 1980s.

Amongst the highlights for visitors to the site today is a set of cells which reproduces conditions across the life of the Prison. In the six cells, the changes to living arrangements are documented showing there was little improvement in the 136 years the Prison operated.