In this episode, we explore the little-known story of Black Caesar, a legendary figure in Australian history who played a significant role in the early days of European settlement. Black Caesar was a West African man who was captured and sold into slavery, eventually finding himself transported to the British colony of New South Wales in 1788. There, he escaped from his captors and established a camp on the Hawkesbury River, where he became a notorious bushranger.

We delve into the historical context of Black Caesar's life, exploring the brutal realities of the early days of European settlement in Australia. With vivid storytelling and historical insights, we bring to life the complex and intriguing figure of Black Caesar and his enduring legacy in Australian folklore.


Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod
"Slow Ticking Clock" – Kevin MacLeod
Used under a Creative Commons license.

Sources cited:
Barrington, George. 1802. The History of New South Wales. London: M. Jones.

Collins, David. 1801. An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales. Sydney: University of Sydney Library.

Bradley, William. 1969. A voyage to New South Wales : the journal of Lieutenant William Bradley RN of HMS Sirius. Sydney: Trustees of the Public Library of New South Wales.

Huntington, H. W. H. 1899. "History of Parramatta and District." Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, September 16. Accessed August 4, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/85777960.

Collins, David. 1801. An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales. Sydney: University of Sydney Library.

Hunter, John. 1796. "Government General Order." January 29. Accessed August 4, 2021. https://www.ausnc.org.au/corpora/cooee/1-049-original.