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Dictionary of Sydney

The Dictionary of Sydney
Multimedia
James Edward Devine jail photograph 6 March 1923

The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

James Edward Devine jail photograph 6 March 1923

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State Archives & Records New South Wales

[[6/19612 Item107]]

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Tilly Devine

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Devine, James Edward (Jim)

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State Archives & Records New South Wales

Statutory body established by the State Records Act 1998. The Act provides for the creation, management and protection of the records of public offices of the State and for public access to those records.

Based at Kingswood, State Archives and Records NSW manage and provide access to the New South Wales State archives collection, a unique and irreplaceable part of Australia's cultural heritage dating back to 1788.

Tilly Devine

Tilly Devine, born Matilda Mary Twiss in London, arrived in Sydney as a war bride in 1920 and became a formidable figure in the city's underworld, particularly in Palmer Street, Darlinghurst. Known for her violence and her legendary feud with Kate Leigh, Devine was the city's leading madam until the end of the 1950s. She died, in financial ruin and unlamented, in 1970 but her legend has recently been revived in popular culture.

Crime

Prisoners

Devine, James Edward (Jim)

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Shearer, soldier, underworld figure and husband of the infamous prostitute, madam and sly-grog seller, Tilly Devine. He served as a sapper in the 4th Tunnelling Company of the Australian Imperial Force, consistently reprimanded for absence without leave.