What to read after Hanged in Mudgee?

Mudgee was a small town west of the Blue Mountains where from the beginnings of settlement savagery reigned between First Nations and settlers. The town was ideally located for a Gaol and for punishment. Life was harsh and many found solace in alcohol which in a lot of cases, led to trouble. The Gaol was in the center of town and although surrounded by high walls did not block out the sounds of those being punished.

Four men were convicted and hanged in Mudgee between 1875 and 1893 inside the 'new' Mudgee Gaol, three for murder and ones for rape. All paid the ultimate price.

All were hanged by the state executioner, Robert Rice Howard, known as 'Nosey Bob'. Two of the men, George Rope and George Pitt were builders of the gallows and the first two hanged on them. The story of the construction of the gallows is one not to be missed.

This highly readable book walks the reader through the development of the town, law and order and gives a detailed account of crimes committed, the trials and finally the executions.  The book fully researched by Helen Cottee and illustrated with many photographs, signatures, drawings and plans of buildings and crime scenes. The Gaol was demolished in the 1930's and the contents auctioned.

Each chapter, where available finish with the family trees of those executed and of their victims. It is bound to appeal to anyone interested in the darker side.