The Lore Behind JWard’s Street: Girdlestone
- Lantern Ghost Tours
- Jan 19
- 1 min read
The Dark History Behind J Ward’s Girdlestone Street
Girdlestone Street in Ararat, Victoria is more than just an old road — it’s the address of J Ward, one of Australia’s most infamous historical institutions.
Built in 1861 as the Ararat County Gaol during the gold rush, the building later became a high-security psychiatric ward for the criminally insane. For over a century, it housed prisoners and patients under harsh conditions, reflecting the strict justice system and limited mental-health understanding of the time.
Today, J Ward stands as a museum and tour site, preserving original cells and corridors. It attracts visitors interested in true crime, history, and paranormal stories, as many believe the building still carries echoes of its dark past.
If you want a deeper look into this eerie place, you can watch the full video here:
Girdlestone Street remains a quiet reminder of how punishment, mental health, and society have evolved — and why J Ward’s legacy continues to fascinate and unsettle people today.
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