While bushranging was largely a male-dominated world, two remarkable women defied the odds to become legendary figures in Australian history. Mary Ann Bugg and Jessie Hickman were both infamous bushrangers who fought against the oppressive colonial system. Mary Ann Bugg, the daughter of an Indigenous woman and a European man, played a key role in helping her partner, the notorious bushranger, in his criminal activities. Jessie Hickman, on the other hand, became a fearsome bushranger in her own right, known for her daring escapes and robberies. Both women broke the mould of the typical bushranger, showing incredible bravery and resilience in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the lives of Mary Ann Bugg and Jessie Hickman, uncovering the remarkable and often forgotten contributions of these pioneering women in Australian bushranger history.

***

Sources cited:

• Burin, Margaret. 2014. "Australia's lady bushranger: the life of Jessie Hickman sparks film industry interest." ABC North Coast, December 3. Accessed August 5, 2021. https://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2014/12/03/4141124.htm.
• Scanlon, Mike. 2014. "Out of the mists: Search for the truth about Elizabeth Jessie Hickman." The Newcastle Herald, October 10. Accessed August 5, 2021. https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/2614913/the-hunters-lady-bushranger/.
• The Grenfell Record and Lachlan District Advertiser. 1927. "Thunderbolt's Wife." October 13. Accessed August 5, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/115901446.
• The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser. 1866. "Capt. Thunderbolt, alias Ward, the Bushranger." March 29: 2. Accessed August 5, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/18712031.
• Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative. 1905. "Death of Mrs Burrows." April 27: 13. Accessed August 5, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/157688248.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.