Tilly Devine

Matilda 'Tilly' Devine (8 September, 1900–24 November, 1970) was a prominent Sydney crime figure, involved in a wide range of activities, including sly-grog and involvement in razor gangs, but most notable as a madam.

Born Matilda Twiss in Camberwell, London in the United Kingdom, she married an Australian serviceman, Jim Devine, during World War I. When Jim returned to Australia she followed him back to Australia on the bride ship "Waimana", arriving in Sydney on 13 January 1920.cite web |title= Devine, Matilda (Mary) (1900 - 1970)|publisher= Australian Dictionary of Biography online edition |url= http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A080318b.htm |accessdate= 2008-03-09] Both Tilly and Jim Devine rapidly became prominent in the Sydney criminal milieu. Devine was famous for flamboyant acts of generosity, and also for her violent feud with rival madam Kate Leigh.

Peter Kenna wrote a play called "The Slaughter of St Teresa’s Day" (1973 Currency Press),cite web |title= Fifty Australians - Tilly Devine |publisher= Australian War Memorial |url= http://www.awm.gov.au/fiftyaustralians/15.asp |accessdate= 2008-03-09] based on Devine's life.

A popular cafe in Canberra, known as Tilley's is named after Devine.

Notes

References

* [http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A080318b.htm Devine, Matilda (Mary) (1900 - 1970)] Australian Dictionary of Biography online edition (Retrieved March 9, 2008)
* [http://www.awm.gov.au/fiftyaustralians/15.asp Fifty Australians - Tilly Devine] Australian War Memorial (Retrieved March 9, 2008)