Few names stand out in bushranging history quite like the self proclaimed “Prince of Tobeymen” himself – Frank Gardiner. Often considered the godfather of bushranging, he was responsible for the largest gold heist in colonial Australian history and introduced many … Continue reading Frank Gardiner: An Overview
For this week’s feature we invited Georgina Rose Stones to pen her thoughts on Joe Byrne, lieutenant of the Kelly Gang. Georgina is a journalism student who has studied the Kelly story in detail and has been active in the … Continue reading Joe Byrne: An Opinion
Frederick Wordsworth Ward has gone down in Australian history as the quintessential bushranger. Gentlemanly, daring, and a skilled horseman and bushman, he operated under the alias of Captain Thunderbolt until his fabled death in 1870. Continue reading Captain Thunderbolt: An Overview
For his part in leading a prison riot at Norfolk Island that resulted in the death of a prison guard, William Westwood (alias Jackey Jackey) was sentenced to execution by hanging. On the eve of his execution, Westwood dictated a letter to be given to the Protestant Reverend. It is herein reproduced in its entirety. Continue reading Spotlight: “I Welcome Death as a Friend” – The Last Letter of William Westwood
Born in 1799, Matthew Brady was the first true “Gentleman Bushranger” and well-loved by women. His extraordinary story set the bar for every bushranger that came afterwards. Continue reading Matthew Brady: An Overview
A Guide to Australian Bushranging 