Murder, Misadventure and Miserable Ends: Tales from a Colonial Coroner`s Court

$35.00
Author Dr Catie Gilchrist
Barcode 9781460755785
ISBN 9781460755785
Format Books
Publisher HarperCollins UK
Size 235 x 155 x 30mm
Weight (g) 560g

Product description

Murder in colonial Sydney was a surprisingly rare occurrence, so when it did happen it caused a great sensation. People flocked to the scene of the crime, to the coroner's court and to the criminal courts to catch a glimpse of the accused.

 

Most of us today rarely see a dead body. In nineteenth century Sydney, when health was precarious and workplaces and the busy city streets ... Read More

Murder in colonial Sydney was a surprisingly rare occurrence, so when it did happen it caused a great sensation. People flocked to the scene of the crime, to the coroner's court and to the criminal courts to catch a glimpse of the accused.

 

Most of us today rarely see a dead body. In nineteenth century Sydney, when health was precarious and workplaces and the busy city streets were often dangerous, witnessing a death was rather common. And any death that was sudden or suspicious would be investigated by the coroner.

Henry Shiell was the Sydney City Coroner from 1866 to 1889. In the course of his unusually long career he delved into the lives, loves, crimes, homes and workplaces of colonial Sydneysiders. He learnt of envies, infidelities, passions, and loyalties, and just how short, sad and violent some lives were. But his court was also, at times, instrumental in calling for new laws and regulations to make life safer. 

Catie Gilchrist explores the nineteenth century city as a precarious place of bustling streets and rowdy hotels, harbourside wharves and dangerous industries. With few safety regulations, the colourful city was also a place of frequent inquests, silent morgues and solemn graveyards. This is the story of life and death in colonial Sydney.

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Author Dr Catie Gilchrist
Barcode 9781460755785
Isbn 9781460755785
Format Books
Publisher HarperCollins UK
Size 235 x 155 x 30mm
Weight (g) 560g

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D
Dayle

Just started reading this excellent book, riveting, factual and sometimes disturbingly sad and brutal. 10 out of 10 ❤️

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