The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

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When a Spade’s a Spade: the hanging of John Hammell

Sydney Gazette, 5 May 1832, p2 via Trove   On 7 May 1832, John Hammell (also reported as John Hammill, John Haymell and Charles Hammell) was hanged for the murder of his boss George Williamson. Not everyone was sorry Williamson had been…

The first woman hanged in Sydney

David Collins records the death of Ann Davis in An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales, 1798, p86 On 23 November 1789, Ann Davis became the first woman hanged in New South Wales. Listen to Rachel and Alex…