Richard Collyer

The Murder of Peter Septon

On the evening of the 26th of August 1817, Tasmanian bushranger Peter Septon was killed by George Hillier, a recent addition to the gang. Two members of Michael Howe’s gang, Peter Septon and Richard Collier, were sleeping in a hut at the back of Gordon’s Plains (Evandale) when George Hiller decided he would murder theContinue reading “The Murder of Peter Septon”

A Lesson from the Lawless

You should know we have you in our sights Mr Humphrey and I dare say you should be expecting us. A man with as desperate a character as yourself should not be expecting any less. It is no secret the way you treat the convicts under your charge, I have heard firsthand how you driveContinue reading “A Lesson from the Lawless”

The Currency of Kangaroo Hide

As money was scarce in Van Diemen’s Land during Michael Howe’s outlawry, the gang would often use the hide of the Eastern Grey (Forester) Kangaroo as currency, which they exchanged for ammunition and provisions. One such example of this comes from early 1815, when Richard Collyer informed George Nelson, a servant to Mr. Gunning, thatContinue reading “The Currency of Kangaroo Hide”

Richard Collyer was a member of Michael Howe’s gang who was born in Kent, England, in 1786. In July 1799 at the age of only 13, he was sentenced to death at the Maidstone Assizes for the crime of committing an “unnatural act” with 45-year-old Thomas Bowles. However, this sentence was later commuted to life,Continue reading “Richard Collyer”

A Visit to Thomas Seals

On Thursday the 5th of July 1816, Michael Howe, Peter Septon, James Geary, Richard Collyer and George Jones visit the hut of Thomas Seals at Broadmarsh. Finding Seals outside, Michael covers the man with his musket and demands to know who else is inside. Seals raises his arms, telling Michael there is no one insideContinue reading “A Visit to Thomas Seals”

The Gunfight with Denis McCarty

On the 24th of April 1815, the gunfight between Michael Howe and Irishman Denis McCarty took place on the banks of the Derwent River at “The Falls”, halfway between New Norfolk and Stoney Hut Plains (Gretna). Believing that there were “two or three parties of soldiers out”, Michael knew that gathering weapons was essential forContinue reading “The Gunfight with Denis McCarty”