Dr Steven Anderson and Rhondda Harris presented July's Talking History lecture in 2017: 'Gallows and Governance at the Old Adelaide Gaol.' The Adelaide Gaol once housed some of South Australia’s most notorious criminals, from petty thieves to the very worst lawbreakers. Dr Steven Anderson talked about the criminals who were executed at the gaol. His talk showed that rarely did an encounter with the colonial hangman go to plan - botched executions, misbehaving criminals and rowdy spectators were all commonplace. Rhondda Harris is the author of 'Ashton’s Hotel: The journal of William Baker Ashton, first governor of the Adelaide Gaol'. She discussed the early years of the gaol and how the recent discovery of Ashton’s gaol journal has revealed a hidden story of the underbelly of early Adelaide. This free public lecture was part of the History Trust of South Australia's Talking History series. For upcoming events visit: history.sa.gov.au/whats-on/events/
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