Tilly Devine (1900-1970) was one of Australia's most notorious women, leading razor gangs and procuring sex work throughout the interwar years. For those of you tuning in for the first time, welcome! Here’s the deal: Every weekday, we highlight the stories of iconic women in history you may not know about, but definitely should. We’re talking about women from around the world and throughout history. Each month is themed. This month we’re talking about troublemakers–from women who made “good trouble” to women who thrived in illicit industries to villains in the truest sense of the word.
This month, we're talking about troublemakers–from women who made “good trouble” to women who thrived in illicit industries to villains in the truest sense of the word.
History classes can get a bad wrap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Encyclopedia Womannica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.
Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know -- but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Encyclopedia Womannica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.
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Hello! From Wonder Media Network, I’m Jenny Kaplan and this is Womanica.
If you’re tuning in for the first time, here’s the deal. Every weekday, we’re telling the stories of women from around the world and throughout history who you may not know about, but should. Each month is themed.
This month, we’re talking about Troublemakers. We’re covering stories from across the spectrum, from women who made “good trouble” to women who thrived in illicit industries to villains in the truest sense of the word. All of the women we’re covering had a major impact on the societies in which they lived.
Women, just like men, have played good and bad roles in human history. To gloss over women who we may find less than inspiring is to accept a diminished and inaccurate place in the historical record.
Today we’re talking about one of Australia’s most notorious gang leaders. . She worked her way up from just lady of the night to the “Queen of the Night.” Please welcome Tilly Devine.
Tilly Devine was born Matilda Mary Twiss on September 8, 1900, in Camberwell, London. Growing up in a very impoverished area, Tilly was exposed to poverty and crime early on. When Tilly was only 12 years old, she left school to work in a trade factory, before beginning her career in prostitution [sex work]. Due to her youthful good looks and animated personality, Tilly became a sex worker in one of London’s more desirable neighborhoods, the West End.
By the age of 16, Tilly found herself in a physically and verbally abusive marriage. On August 12, 1917, she married Australian soldier, Jim Devine. The two were true opposites; she was vivacious and spirited, while he was sulky and sour. Shortly after their wedding, they had a son. Tilly continued to work as a prostitute [sex worker] and supported the family with her earnings.
On January 13, 1920, Tilly and Jim moved to Australia, leaving their son in Tilly’s parents’ custody. The couple found an apartment in Paddington, Australia, a rundown suburb infamous for its crime and gang activity. Tilly and Jim wasted no time getting acclimated.
Tilly went back to streetwalking at the top price of ten shillings per encounter and Jim acted as her pimp, while also dealing opium and cocaine on the side. Their dual income was substantial, but it had consequences. Tilly was arrested for prostition 79 times between 1921 and 1925.
On most occasions, her stints in jail were brief or nonexistent if she paid the fine. But in May 1925, Tilly spent two years in Long Bay Women’s Prison for attacking a man with a razor blade that resulted in him needing 17 stitches. Those years sparked a career shift for her.
In an attempt to curb prostitution, the New South Wales Police Offences Act of 1908 prohibited men from making money off prostitution. However, the law didn’t say anything about women profiting off prostitution. Tilly took advantage of this loophole. Instead of continuing to walk the streets herself, Tilly opened a string of brothels. ... Although Tilly was tough on her staff and expected unwavering loyalty, she was generous with those who proved themselves. For good behavior, she provided food, shelter, and medical care.
However, if anyone crossed her, they paid the price. Tilly was once charged with wounding one of her employees with her signature assault -- a razor to the face. But she weaseled her way out of charges by claiming that she had hit the woman with her diamond-adorned fingers out of self-defense. This type of embellished behavior was typical for Tilly. Her days in court were often a source of entertainment for Sydney residents. Tilly would arrive draped in diamonds and furs and put on quite the performance for the packed courtroom.
Whenever Tilly returned to London, her visits sparked gossip throughout British and Australian tabloids. They delighted in tales of her criminal exploits, extravagant cars and exorbitant spending
One individual who also was less than amused by Tilly’s operations was rival razor gang leader Kate Leigh.The name ‘razor gang’ reflected their weapon of choice -- a straight shaving blade. Kate was the queen of selling drugs and stolen goods in the Surry Hills region of Sydney. These two women ran the streets of Sydney and fought often and viciously. Several of their henchmen were stabbed and shot during these encounters. In 1936, they agreed to a truce. In exchange for a cease fire, the police commissioner agreed to turn somewhat of a blind eye to the two women’s illicit business activities.
The onset of World War II and the arrival of thousands of American soldiers brought new life to Tilly’s business. . The war also softened Tilly and she threw fundraisers for Australian soldiers’ families and veteran’s welfare associations.
After many violent altercations and one murder attempt by Jim, Tilly finally filed for divorce in March 1943. She struck up a romance with seaman, Eric Parsons shortly thereafter. This time it was Tilly who was accused of attempted murder. During an alcohol-infused fight in February 1945, Tilly shot Eric. Despite the rocky start, the two were married three months later. . They stayed married until Eric’s death thirteen years later.
Tilly’s luck soon ran out. In October 1955 the Australian Tax Department demanded she pay $20,000 in unpaid income tax. As a result, she was forced to sell many of her properties. Her brothel empire crumbled and by 1968 her last establishment closed after being bombed by newcomer criminals.
Tilly spent the short remainder of her life in poverty. After 20 years of suffering from bronchitis, Tilly was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Tilly Devine died on November 24, 1970, in Sydney, Australia
At the time, very few mourned her death or attended her funeral. In the decades since her death, her life and story have become legendary. Her life inspired Peter Kenna's play The Slaughter of St Teresa's Day and Larry Writer's book Razor. She is remembered on the streets of Sydney through a popular wine bar called Love, Tilly Devine.
All month, we’re talking about dynamic women who were villains and troublemakers during their era.
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Special thanks to Liz Kaplan, my favorite sister and co-creator.
Talk to you tomorrow!