Aussie historian, author & entertainer Jim Haynes joins Overnight each week for his unique knowledge of the not-so-famous characters from Australia’s history. This week Jim shines the spotlight on Israel Chapman – Coachman, Robber, Policeman & Detective.

Could a 24-year-old convicted armed robber be trusted to maintain law and order among hundreds of prisoners?  Perhaps not, but that’s exactly the job Londoner Israel Chapman was given at Governor Macquarie’s newly opened Prisoners’ Barracks at Hyde Park in 1819.

He was next appointed constable and principal overseer in the lumber yard, where in the course of duty he captured a number of burglars and bushrangers.

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