Rope and Pitt built the gallows then used them

George Rope and George Pitt

As with most gaols in Australia, they were provided with  gallows. The gallows were of a standard size and construction. In the case of the Mudgee gaol, the gallows were constructed at the rear of the Gaol, out of sight of the public. After many years it became rotten and dangerous to use, not only for the convicted but for the attendants as well. When renovations were approved, the gallows were ordered from Hudson Brothers of Darling Harbour. They were the Government suppliers of timber. Now, this is where the story has a twist. The timber sections were made and sent to Mudgee by freight  train. However, the train didn't go all the way to Mudgee only as far as Wallerwang.  Someone had to go to Wallerwang, pick up the timber and deliver to the Mudgee Gaol. Easy - No. No-one would take the job - except a man called George Pitt decided he would do the job for a price. He dropped off the timber at the gates saying that it is bad luck for him to go inside the prison. In the end prison staff moved them to the spot in the rear year for erection. Again, no-one could be found to build the gallows, that was till George Rope was persuaded to build the edifice. Now, the twist. Still, both men believed in the ’bad luck’ but were persuaded by money.

George Rope was the first man to be hanged on 'his' gallows and George Pitt the second. A full account can be found in the book Hanged in Mudgee. It can be ordered by contacting publishing2020@outlook.com John de Rune Dick John de Rune Dick was the first appointed Governor of Mudgee Gaol, and from all accounts was a breath of fresh air for not only the warders but for the prisoners as well. He had a very interesting life but chose to settle in Mudgee, marry and have a family. However, he liked a drink and as the pressure of the job, social life and standing became too much, he used the wages of the staff to settle debts. He was fronted by James Jenkins who demanded his wages. John Dick became angry and fortified by rum he got a gun and shot at Jenkins, hitting him in the chin. Arrested and found guilty of attempted murder he was due to be hanged on Mudgee Gallows. His sentence was remitted to 14 years and eventually released. The full story is in the book, John de Rune Dick, The Mystery of Mudgee Gaol Governor.