Ned Kelly, born in 1854 in Victoria, Australia, was a notorious bushranger who led a gang of outlaws in the late 19th century. He became a symbol of resistance against authority and his story still captivates Australians today. Kelly grew up in poverty after his father died when he was young. As a young man, he became involved in bushranging, committing a series of robberies and murders. Kelly actively justified his crimes as acts of defiance against oppression. After years of evading the law, Kelly was captured, tried, convicted, and hanged in 1880. Despite his criminal activities, he is still regarded as a folk hero by many Australians today.

The Notorious Life of Ned Kelly: Australia’s Most Famous Bushranger

Introduction

Ned Kelly is one of Australia’s most famous historical figures. He was a notorious bushranger who led a gang of outlaws in the late 19th century. Kelly became a symbol of resistance against authority, and his legacy continues to captivate Australians today.

Early Life

Ned Kelly was born in 1854 in Victoria, Australia. He was the son of an Irish convict, and he grew up in poverty. Kelly’s father died when he was young, and he was forced to become the main breadwinner for his family. His early experiences with the law enforced a deep distrust of authority in him, and he was known to be a troublemaker from a young age.

Bushranging

As a young man, Kelly became involved in bushranging, which was a popular form of crime in rural Australia at the time. He and his gang committed a series of robberies and murders, and they became infamous throughout the country. Unlike many other bushrangers, Kelly actively tried to justify his crimes as acts of defiance against oppressive authority.

Capture and Execution

After several years of evading the law, Kelly was finally captured in 1880. He was tried and convicted of murder, and he was sentenced to death by hanging. Kelly’s trial was controversial, and many people believed that he had been unfairly targeted by the police. However, his execution went ahead, and he was hanged at Melbourne Gaol on November 11th, 1880.

Legacy

Despite his criminal activities, many Australians regard Ned Kelly as a folk hero and a symbol of resistance. His famous suit of armour, which he wore during his final stand against the police, has become an iconic symbol of Australian history. Kelly’s story has been the subject of numerous books, films, and plays, and he continues to be a popular figure in Australian culture to this day.

FAQs

Who was Ned Kelly?

Ned Kelly was an Australian bushranger who led a gang of outlaws in the late 19th century. He became famous for his acts of defiance against authority, and he is still regarded as a folk hero by many Australians today.

When was Ned Kelly born?

Ned Kelly was born in 1854 in Victoria, Australia.

What was bushranging?

Bushranging was a popular form of crime in rural Australia in the 19th century. It involved robbers who would operate in the bush, away from the reach of the law.

What was Ned Kelly’s famous suit of armour?

Ned Kelly created a suit of armour out of metal plates that he wore during his final stand against the police. The suit protected him from gunfire and allowed him to continue fighting even when he was outnumbered.

When was Ned Kelly executed?

Ned Kelly was hanged at Melbourne Gaol on November 11th, 1880.