Weachurch: Werewolf of Pentridge – Part One

Weachurch: Werewolf of Pentridge – Part One

A century before Mark ‘Chopper’ Read became infamous in Pentridge, a convict named Weachurch struck terror into that prison’s warders and from behind its bluestone walls he loomed large as an Australian boogeyman. Weachurch’s attacks were so bloodthirsty that he was dubbed a ‘human tiger’ – a ‘wehrwolf’ – and he was kept in a cage in between court trials for attempted murder. If convicted, he faced the hangman. But Weachurch risked the noose because he was a rebel with a cause: he wanted the public to hear about his illegal detention and the barbaric treatment he suffered ‘outside the regulations’.

To some he was a monster. To others a martyr. To himself he was unbreakable.


This never-before-told story is based on extensive research in archival files. It’s made possible by Ancestry’s sponsorship and by supporter contributions.


Parts 2 and 3 will be on general release soon.

They’re available now to Apple and Patreon supporters:


Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia


Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com


Check out my books:

Hanging Ned Kelly @ Dymocks

https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/hanging-ned-kelly-by-michael-adams-9781922992185

The Murder Squad @ Dymocks

https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/the-murder-squad-by-michael-adams-9781923046504


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Episoder(326)

Before the Mushroom Trial – The Poisoned Footy Player: Part Three

Before the Mushroom Trial – The Poisoned Footy Player: Part Three

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Before the Mushroom Trial – The Poisoned Footy Player: Part Two

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When Sydney detectives confirm star Balmain rugby league player Bob Lulham has been poisoned with Thall-Rat, they begin an investigation that at first turns up few leads. A series of mysterious phone ...

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Before the Mushroom Trial – The Poisoned Footy Player: Part One

Before the Mushroom Trial – The Poisoned Footy Player: Part One

On the 20th of July 1953, Sydney detectives discovered that someone had used rat poison to try to murder star Balmain rugby league player Bob Lulham. More than 70 years later, this remains one of Aust...

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This Week in 1980 – The Family Court Murders, Miracle Babies and Birds, Our Richest Real Estate and the Village People Conquer Australia

A judge is gunned down, we welcome our first test tube baby and we try to save the world’s rarest bird. Meanwhile, Sydney sets a record house price and the Village People score bigly Down Under. Plus:...

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While Sydney welcomes African-American entertainers, Moree bans Aboriginal Australians from exercising their human rights on the land that’s always been their home. But this regressive act will have p...

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Up in the Queensland, a murderer and a robber break out of prison, while down in Canberra our Federal Parliament puts a couple of newspaper blokes behind bars for breaching privilege. Meanwhile, a vet...

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Before the Mushroom Case: Australia’s Infamous Poisoning Murder Trial – Part Five

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Following the verdict, Ronald Griggs has one last trick up his sleeve to amaze Australia. It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes. Hit either of th...

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Before the Mushroom Case: Australia’s Infamous Poisoning Murder Trial – Part Four

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Having already been convicted by the newspapers, Ronald Griggs stands trial for the murder of his wife. If he’s found guilty, he’ll be sentenced to death.It’s easy to get a free trial that will give y...

8 Jun 202548min

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