Sometimes the death sentence is just the start of the story. In this episode, we hear about six times capital punishment from Australia’s convict days didn’t go to plan — from equipment malfunctions to out and out brawls.
Even the first execution in the British settlement at Port Jackson didn’t go very well when they couldn’t convince anyone among the First Fleeters to act as hangman. In fact, the first official hangman of the colony, James Freeman, had to be persuaded to take on the job as he himself stood at the gallows ready to face the worst of all punishments.
Then there was Hugh Lowe, who was granted a full pardon from the King himself … a year after he had been executed for sheep stealing.
Or how about William Smith, who survived the drop, and then had to face going through the whole thing again?
There are many more, but the one who gave the best last words before his punishment was dealt was Francis Morgan. Sent to the gallows on Pinchgut Island — now Fort Denison in Sydney Harbour — he turned to the Governor and said: “I have to thank Your Excellency for giving me the opportunity of dying among the most beautiful scenery in the world.”

00.00 Introduction
05.12 The first hangman
09.30 A late pardon
13.08 Lovely view … for one
17.16 The need for quality tools
20.40 Punch-up on the gallows
25.00 Don’t lose your head

Hosted by Marion Langford. Follow on Instagram or check out the website at ratbagsandroustabouts.com. Do you know a story that the history books forgot? Let us know about it!