• Entry type: Person
  • Entry ID: AWE3730

Miles, Beatrice (Bea)

(1902 – 1973)
  • Born 17 September, 1902, Ashfield, Sydney New South Wales Australia
  • Died 3 December, 1973, Randwick Sydney New South Wales
  • Occupation Rebel

Summary

Bea Miles was notorious in Sydney for her disruptive conduct in public places, and her criticism of political and social authorities. She had no fixed address, and sometimes raised money for food and transport by reciting Shakespeare: alternatively, she simply refused to pay fares. Miles claimed to have been falsely convicted by police 195 times, and fairly convicted a further 100 times. Bea Miles advocated free love and was a fervent nationalist. The 1984 musical, Better Known as Bee, was based on her life.

Published resources