The Clarkes of Araluen

- Bushrangers - Thomas Clarke - John Clarke - Braidwood - Jinjeara Ranges - NSW - 1865 -

Second in reputation to the Hall gang, but operating in a more restricted area, was the Clarke gang of Araluen, near Braidwood, NSW.

In October 1865 Thomas Clarke escaped from prison and committed a number of robberies before being joined by his youngest brother John in May 1866.

The Clarkes murdered a party of special police sent out to apprehend them late in 1866; a reward of £5000 was offered for their capture, and on 27 April 1867 the two brothers were taken by police in the Jinjeara Ranges.

The crowds that turned out to watch the notorious Clarkes brought to Sydney expected to see burly, bearded desperadoes. They saw two beardless, sheepish country youths.

After warning their brother James, then in jail, that crime did not pay, Thomas and John Clarke were hanged on 25 June 1867.

Reference

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