Founded in the 1840s, several dark storiesabout the prison. Dead bodies from public hangings were often left about for hours after the prisoner's death -- at least until 1897 when accused-rapist Charles Hines became the last known person to be publicly hanged in the gaol. Ivan Milat, notoriously known as the backpack killer, was also held in one of Maitland Gaol's high-security lots The small opening overlooking his cell had to be welded closed since Milat had a habit of throwing body waste at prison guards. Read more hidden stories about Maitland here: http://royalnewcastle.com.au/7-historical-facts-never-knew-maitland/ read more