Kelly Gang:
Ned Kelly was the leader of the notorious Kelly Gang, which operated in the bushranger era of Australian history. The gang engaged in various robberies and daring escapades, making them infamous throughout Australia.
Glenrowan Siege:
In 1880, the Kelly Gang's final standoff occurred at Glenrowan, a small town in Victoria. Kelly and his gang members took refuge in a hotel and engaged in a shootout with the police. This dramatic siege captured the attention of the nation and marked the beginning of the end for the Kelly Gang.
Kelly's Last Stand:
During the Glenrowan Siege, Kelly donned homemade metal armor, which he mistakenly believed would protect him from bullets. However, it hindered his mobility and eventually proved ineffective against the police gunfire. He was wounded and captured during the siege.
Trial and Execution:
Following his capture, Ned Kelly was put on trial for numerous crimes, including murder and armed robbery. His trial captivated the public, and he became an iconic figure of Australian folklore and bushranging. Despite public sympathy and efforts to secure a reprieve, Kelly was sentenced to death and hanged on November 11, 1880, at the Old Melbourne Gaol.
Legendary Status:
Ned Kelly's audacious exploits, defiance of authority, and folk hero status have made him an enduring figure in Australian history. He is often romanticized as a symbol of rebellion, freedom, and defiance against perceived injustices.
Cultural Impact:
Kelly's story and the Kelly Gang's escapades have inspired books, films, documentaries, television shows, and more, cementing their place in Australian popular culture and contributing to the mythology surrounding Australian bushrangers.