The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

Search the blogs

No honour among thieves…

Detail of Convicts embarking for Botany Bay, ca. 1790 by Thomas Rowlandson, Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW (SV/312) In Governor Arthur Phillip’s great outdoor gaol in Sydney Cove, most eyes were on the convicts. It was logical to assume that…

The last public hanging at Darlinghurst Gaol

The People's Advocate and New South Wales Vindicator, 25 September 1852, p2 via Trove On 21 September 1852, illicit grog dealer, snappy dresser and murderer Francis Green was the last man to be publicly hanged at Darlinghurst Gaol.   Listen to the…

The Bridge Street Affray: an incident that changed policing in New South Wales

Sydney Morning Herald, 3 February 1894, p9 This morning on 2SER Breakfast, Dr Rachel Franks talked to Tess Connery about the 'murderous' Bridge Street Affray in 1894.  Listen to Rachel and Tess on 2SER here.  In the very early morning of Friday 2…