34 Facts About Tilly Devine

Early Life of Tilly Devine

Tilly Devine, born Matilda Mary Twiss, was an infamous figure in Australian history. Her life was filled with drama, crime, and notoriety.

1. Born in London on September 8, 1900, Tilly grew up in a working-class family.
2. She left school at the age of 12 to work as a prostitute, a common occupation in her neighborhood.
3. Tilly married James Edward Devine, an Australian serviceman, in 1917, which led her to move to Australia.

Rise to Notoriety

Tilly's move to Australia marked the beginning of her criminal empire. She quickly became a well-known figure in Sydney's underworld.

4. Tilly started her career in Australia as a prostitute, but soon expanded into running brothels.
5. She was known for her violent temper and was involved in numerous brawls and confrontations.
6. Tilly's brothels were highly profitable, making her one of the wealthiest women in Sydney.
7. She was often in trouble with the law, facing numerous arrests and convictions.

Criminal Activities

Tilly Devine's criminal activities were not limited to prostitution. She was involved in various illegal enterprises.

8. Tilly was a key figure in the razor gang wars of the 1920s and 1930s, which involved violent clashes between rival gangs.
9. She was known for using razors as weapons, a tactic that earned her gang the name "razor gang."
10. Tilly was also involved in drug trafficking, particularly cocaine.
11. She ran illegal gambling operations, adding to her wealth and influence.
12. Tilly's criminal empire extended to protection rackets, where she extorted money from other criminals and businesses.

Personal Life and Relationships

Tilly's personal life was as tumultuous as her criminal career. Her relationships were often marked by violence and betrayal.

13. Tilly's marriage to James Devine was troubled, with both partners engaging in extramarital affairs.
14. She had a son, Frederick, who was born in 1921.
15. Tilly's relationship with her son was strained, and they were often estranged.
16. She had numerous lovers and was known for her promiscuity.
17. Tilly's violent temper extended to her personal relationships, and she was known to physically assault her partners.

Legal Troubles

Tilly Devine's criminal activities frequently brought her into conflict with the law. She spent a significant portion of her life in and out of prison.

18. Tilly was first arrested in 1921 for consorting with known criminals.
19. She was convicted of numerous offenses, including assault, theft, and drug trafficking.
20. Tilly served multiple prison sentences, with her longest stint being five years.
21. Despite her frequent incarcerations, Tilly continued to run her criminal empire from behind bars.
22. She was known for bribing police officers and other officials to avoid prosecution.

Later Years and Legacy

Tilly Devine's influence waned in her later years, but her legacy as one of Australia's most notorious criminals endures.

23. Tilly's criminal empire began to decline in the 1950s due to increased police pressure and competition from other gangs.
24. She retired from her criminal activities in the 1960s and lived a relatively quiet life.
25. Tilly died on November 24, 1970, from cancer.
26. She left behind a significant fortune, which was the subject of legal battles among her surviving family members.
27. Tilly's life has been the subject of numerous books, films, and television shows.
28. She is often portrayed as a ruthless yet charismatic figure.
29. Tilly's story is a testament to the turbulent and violent history of Sydney's underworld.
30. Her legacy continues to fascinate and horrify people to this day.
31. Tilly's life has been compared to that of other infamous female criminals, such as Bonnie Parker and Ma Barker.
32. She is remembered as one of the most powerful and influential women in Australian criminal history.
33. Tilly's story highlights the challenges and dangers faced by women in the criminal underworld.
34. Her life serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of a life of crime.

Tilly Devine's Legacy

Tilly Devine's life was anything but ordinary. From her early days in London to becoming a notorious figure in Sydney's underworld, she left a mark on history. Her involvement in illegal activities, including running brothels and bootlegging, made her a household name. Despite her criminal background, she also showed a softer side, often helping those in need. Her story is a reminder of the complexities of human nature and how one person can impact a community in various ways. Tilly's life serves as a fascinating chapter in the annals of crime history, offering lessons on resilience, ambition, and the duality of human character. Whether seen as a villain or a benefactor, Tilly Devine remains an unforgettable figure whose legacy continues to intrigue and educate.