Sydney 1929: Tilly Devine & Kate Leigh rule the underworld. The Razor Gang Wars erupt. Blood flows.
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The Enigmatic Tale of Charles le Gallien
A Murder in Crows Nest
In the annals of Sydney’s criminal history, the case of Charles le Gallien stands out as a particularly brutal
A Murder in Crows Nest In the annals of Sydney’s criminal history, the case of Charles le Gallien stands out as a particularly brutal and mysterious episode. The violent murder of this enigmatic figure in the quiet suburb of Crows … Read More
Australia's notorious hangman.
Robert ' Nosey Bob' Howard - Sydney's hangman
Prior to being the hangman Robert Howard was a cabbie, it is said the injury to his face was caused by a horse kicking him. He lost his job because no one wanted the disfigured man driving them around. With a wife and 6 children he took the job few others wanted.
In Colonial Sydney from 1876-1904 'Nosey Bob' executed 61 men and 1 woman (Louise Collins who poisoned her husband. ) The hangings usually took place at Darlinghurst Gaol, but he also travelled to Regional areas and his salary for this gruesome employment was 156 pounds per year.
At the end of his career 'Nosey Bob' retired to North Bondi.
More information about Bob can be found in Rachel Franks new book. "An uncommon hangman"
CRIME IN THE CROSS 1975: July 4th Juanita Nielsen walks to Carousel (aka Les Girls). She was never seen again.
Crazy kids from Sutherland shire finally crossed the Cooks River for a morning of Razorhurst! Great fun was had by all today!
My niece and I enjoyed the Razorhurst tour this afternoon with Phil as our guide. I’m a local but I’ll be looking at these streets with new eyes!
KINGS CROSS PHOTO SERIES #2847
samba dancer janice breen entertains the crowd at tabou (the legendary club at the collision of darlinghurst road, macleay street and elizabeth bay road), 1959. people.
The Cross in the sixties
KINGS CROSS PHOTO SERIES #2846
looking south thru the puffball to the start of darlinghurst road, circa mid 60s.
If you enjoyed the Razorhurst Walking Tour, you'll be enthralled by tracing Juanita's last steps and trying to solve the mystery of the Disappearance of Juanita Nielsen.
10.30am Friday 4th July 1975: Juanita Nielsen walks to Carousel Club (aka Les Girls). She was never seen again.
A happy group completing Saturday's Razorhurst tour with Philip.
Glittering Mile documentary
The entire 1964 documentary about Sydney's Kings Cross "The Glittering Mile*. David Low's classic narration says it all: King Cross is a "glittering mile of ...
For those interested in true crime in Razorhurst. Here's a tale of Joe Borg, who took over Tilly Devine's brothels.
DEATH OF JOE BORG
It was 1950 when a 20-year-old migrant, Joe Borg, stepped off the boat from the Mediterranean island of Malta.
But, where many of his countrymen wasted no time in getting down to hard work in the lucky country, Joe found there was easier money. In the double standards of the day, the oldest profession flourished, but ladies “on the game” preferred to work in decent accommodation and needed protection from males who would skim their takings. The young man had found his niche and his warm generous nature earned him the regard of the ladies who, under his care, enjoyed a degree of security not always available.
Joe’s business prospered, he married, and over the years acquired many properties, some he owned outright, others rented. Accounts of the number he controlled ranged from 14 to more than 20. Many had been Tilly Devine's brothels.
But his kindness had to go beyond looking after “his girls”. Police were then expected to eradicate such businesses and had to at least put on a show with raids from time to time. Joe’s generosity had to extend to the police too, lest the raids become too frequent or heavy-handed.
That was soon to be the least of worries. By the mid-sixties, others were keen to join in the lucrative trade. Ironically, the new threat came from Joe’s former homeland. Other men from Malta were jealous of Joe’s prosperity, noting his lifestyle and enjoyment of the trappings of success. They believed he should share this with his countrymen.
But while others had yielded to the demands of stand over gang, Joe was of a different mind. He had put years into growing his business, had accepted including a network of police and even a leading “conservative” politician in the spoils. Enough was enough!
The stand over men were determined. Noting his routine, returning home from his rounds in his white utility at 3 am, in a darkened Brighton Boulevarde, with one man watching, another slid under the vehicle, attached gelignite and batteries to the tail shaft under the driver’s seat, wired it to the ignition, and slipped away.
Joe Borg had only occupied the house in Brighton Boulevarde North Bondi for a few weeks and was painting the front room with a friend, Ben Zammit. Needing more paint, he went to his utility to drive off. A massive bomb blast ripped the vehicle apart. His friend dragged him from the burning vehicle but, with massive injuries, Joe died in the ambulance... the stand over men had won.
He willed $250,000 to the RSPCA. East Sydney then again changed dramatically.
SYDNEY 1929: Tilly Devine & Kate Leigh rule the underworld. The Razor Gang Wars erupt. Blood flows. Tour their territory of RAZORHURST.
SYDNEY 1929: Tilly Devine & Kate Leigh rule the underworld. The Razor Gang Wars erupt. Blood flows. Tour their territory of RAZORHURST.
Book here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/razorhurst-walking-tour-tickets-128215639429
SYDNEY 1929: Tilly Devine & Kate Leigh rule the underworld. The Razor Gang Wars erupt. Blood flows. Tour their territory of RAZORHURST.
REVIEW Thurs 18 Nov 2021
Hi Stephen,
Just wanted to thank you and your guides for a great experience. We all had terrific guides, real pro actors who brought all the characters of the razor gangs vividly to life. Great fun and so well organised. We lunched at the Lord Roberts who served a well priced and very tasty meals.
On behalf of our group a big thanks you.
Cheers,
Duncan
PROBUS
Talk to us
Book now:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/disappearance-of-juanita-nielsen-walking-tour-tickets-212135953347
10.30am Friday 4th July 1975: Juanita Nielsen walks to Carousel Club (aka Les Girls). She was never seen again.
Shooting at Frank Green (dangerous!).
Shooting at Frank Green.https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16816845?searchTerm=Brame&searchLimits=&fbclid=IwAR2ItS7uqD_9IKTqaxbZvvvxhmqawe2jHRhnPuCHavk9-yHD0gSx9c4ggN8
Charles George Brame, 30, musician, was charged at the Central Police Court yesterday with having shot at Francis Green on October 26 with intent to murder him. Mr. ...
Review from Saturday 6 November 2021:
"Was fabulous, we did it on Saturday. Very interesting and our guide Kathryn was very informative and fun . Highly recommend this walking tour. Sally."
A very happy walker last Saturday:
Hi Stephen,
I just wanted to let you know that my friends (3) and I really enjoyed the walking tour yesterday. Our group of 12 was perfect, even though my shoulder was on the receiving end of some bird droppings 🤣🥴. Our tour guide, Kathryn, was exceptional and certainly knows her stuff. She was not only very knowledgeable but quite entertaining as well.
Congratulations on putting together this fascinating tour.
Kind regards
Sue
Good for getting about.
With parts of the country reopening and international travel restrictions set to ease, showing proof of vaccination is mandatory at some venues. Here's how to get your digital certificate and what to do if you're heading overseas.
There are many ways to access and share proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
If you’re having problems accessing your certificate, call the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809.
More info: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/.../how-get-proof
We're back from 1pm Saturday 16 October! Click link below for more info, dates and booking.
COVID Lockdown
No Razorhurst Walking Tours planned until mid-October 2021 due to COVID lockdown restrictions. If the rules change before October we'll begin again then.
We'll begin Juanita Nielsen vs Abe Saffron Walking Tour in early November.
Big Jim Devine was dangerous.
Progress in distribution! Now available to BAD crime festival members. Last festival was in the Police and Justice Museum (where we want to film Louisa).
Listen to DEADHOUSE The Trials of Louisa Collins 1888 on Spotify. The Trials of Louisa Collins. Louisa was the first and last woman hanged in NSW Australia.This case captured the public imagination in 1888. People packed the courthouse to watch the 'Botany Borgia's murder trials. Not one trial but f...
93 Victoria Street Potts Point
Sydney, NSW
2011
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Prison Ghost Tours - Parramatta Gaol
Corner of New & Dunlop Streets
