Exploring Ned Kelly: His Life, Death, and Burial Site
Ned Kelly remains one of Australia’s most iconic and controversial figures. Exploring his life, eventual demise and burial site provides a fascinating insight into the turbulent times of 19th-century Australia. Kelly’s legacy as an outlaw, bushranger, and symbol of rebellion continues to stir discussions, making his life story essential for those interested in Australian history.
Milestones of Ned Kelly’s Life
Ned Kelly was born in June 1855 in Beveridge, Victoria, into an Irish Catholic family of former convicts. His early years were marked by hardships, including poverty and brushes with the law. By age 16, he had his first arrest. After a series of events, including the imprisonment and wrongful conviction of his mother, Ned became involved in bushranging alongside his brother Dan.
Kelly’s famed notoriety began with the infamous Stringybark Creek incident where he killed three police officers. This act propelled him to the top of the police’s most wanted list. Despite the government’s intense manhunt, he eluded capture for two years, during which he gained folk hero status among some segments of the population.
The narrative of Ned Kelly’s life comes to a climax in the events leading up to his arrest at the Siege of Glenrowan in June 1880. Wearing self-made armour, Kelly made a last stand, which ended with his capture. For a detailed biography of Ned Kelly, you can refer to his Wikipedia page.
The Death and Burial of Ned Kelly
Ned Kelly was sentenced to hang for his crimes. His execution took place at the Old Melbourne Gaol on November 11, 1880. The site of his death is now a historic landmark, drawing tourists and history enthusiasts eager to learn more about this notorious bushranger.
After his execution, Kelly’s remains were buried in a mass grave within the confines of the gaol. However, following the closure of the gaol, it underwent several changes, and his bones were exhumed and reburied at Pentridge Prison in 1929. In 2009, Kelly’s remains were identified and later given to his descendants, who interred him in a private cemetery near Greta.
To visit the burial site, travellers can start from Melbourne, heading north towards Greta. Directions can be found on a reliable GPS service or through maps that detail local and state roads. It’s a common pilgrimage for those interested in Australia’s storied past, offering a chance to reflect on the life and legacy of Ned Kelly.
