The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

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A Scuffle on the Scaffold: the execution of Thomas Kelly

'The Gallows' from the Keep Yard / the Scaffold at Darlinghurst, drawn by a Confinee c1890. Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW (SSV1/Gao/Darh/2) Any event that involves a large number of people, no matter how carefully planned, carries a risk of…

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…