Matthew Brady was born in Manchester, England 1799. Transported to Botany Bay for forgery and retransported to Van Diemen's Land.

On 7 June 1824 he escaped from Macquarie Harbour aboard a stolen whale boat with 13 others, and proceeded to stick up homesteads and small towns and travellers along the country roads around Launceston, Hobart, Sorell, Lake River, South Esk, Kempton, Pittwater (Tasmania) and Crossmarch.

On 27 August 1824 Governor Arthur posted a reward for the capture of Brady and others of his gang.

During one altercation one of the gang shot and killed Thomas Renton, who they had accused of being and informer.

Brady was betrayed by an informer named Cowan who joined the gang in 1825, resulting in a clash with soldiers of Lieutenant Williams' 40th Regiment during which several gang members and soldiers were killed.

A wounded Brady fled to the bush and was pursued and captured by John Batman (who later founded Melbourne) and his black trackers. He was conveyed to Hobart Town, where he was tried and sentenced to death. He was hanged in April 1826.

Contents

Activities

FAQ

Contact Me

Last Updated 18.06.01   © 1998 Hazel K Orr, horr1@eq.edu.au