Ned Kelly, an infamous Australian bushranger, was hanged for murder after a battle with the police force, known as The Last Stand, on November 11, 1880. The lead-up to the battle started in 1878 when Kelly and his gang became notorious for robbing banks, resisting arrests, and killing police officers. The Battle of Glenrowan was the Kelly Gang’s last and most violent battle, resulting in the death of three members of the gang and the capture of Ned Kelly. After being found guilty, Kelly was sentenced to death by hanging on November 11, 1880. His legacy is a part of Australian cultural identity, inspiring books, movies, and fashion.
The Infamous Bushranger Ned Kelly’s Last Stand
Ned Kelly, one of Australia’s most infamous bushrangers, met his end on November 11, 1880, at the age of 25. He was hanged for murder after an intense battle with the police force in Victoria, commonly known as The Last Stand. The event is still one of the most captivating and intriguing periods in Australian history.
The Lead-Up to The Last Stand:
The lead-up to the Last Stand started in 1878 when Ned Kelly and his gang became infamous in the state, robbing banks, resisting arrests, and killing police officers. This continued for two years, and the gang became known as the Kelly Gang. The police force decided it was time to bring the Kelly Gang to justice, and this led to a bloody showdown between the police and the Kelly Gang.
The Battle:
The Battle of Glenrowan was the last and most violent battle that Ned Kelly and his gang were involved in. The event took place on June 28, 1880, in Glenrowan, Victoria, Australia. The Kelly Gang had taken around 62 hostages, briefly trapping a train in the area, in an effort to draw the police out into the open. Kelly planned to ambush the police when they arrived, but the plan didn’t work.
The police had received information about the Kelly Gang’s movements, plans, and hid outside of Glenrowan. Kelly and his gang were unaware of the police presence outside the town. When Kelly and his gang arrived in Glenrowan, Kelly put on his iconic full-body armor consisting of thick metal plates, getting ready for battle.
A six-hour confrontation between the Kelly Gang and the police force took place, resulting in the death of three members of the gang and the capture of Ned Kelly. The event marked the end of the Kelly Gang’s reign of terror.
Ned Kelly’s Trial and Execution:
Kelly was taken to Melbourne for trial, where he was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. Kelly was hung at the Old Melbourne Gaol on November 11,1880. His last words before being hung were reportedly “Such is life” – a phrase adopted as an iconic Australian saying.
Ned Kelly’s Lasting Legacy:
Ned Kelly’s life and legacy have been debated and discussed for more than a century. Some Australians see him as a hero who stood up against authority, while others believe his actions were criminal and violent. Regardless of the opinions, Ned Kelly’s story has become a significant part of Australian cultural identity – inspiring books, movies, and even fashion.
FAQs About The Last Stand:
Q. Who were the members of the Kelly Gang?
A. The Kelly Gang consisted of Ned Kelly, his brother Dan Kelly, Joe Byrne, and Steve Hart.
Q. Were any members of the Kelly Gang able to escape Glenrowan?
A. No. Three members of the Kelly Gang were killed, including Joe Byrne, Dan Kelly, and Steve Hart. Ned Kelly was the only member to survive, as he was captured by the police.
Q. How did the police capture Ned Kelly?
A. Kelly was trapped in a hotel in Glenrowan, Victoria. The police force surrounded the hotel, leading to an intense confrontation that lasted six hours. In the end, the police were able to capture Kelly, leading to his eventual trial and execution.
Q. What happened to Ned Kelly’s armor?
A. After Kelly’s capture, the armor was taken by the police and eventually placed on display at the Victoria Police Museum in Melbourne, where it can still be seen today.
Q. What was the aftermath of the Last Stand?
A. The Last Stand had significant consequences for the police force, which embarked on a program of reform to improve their operations. It also had a profound effect on Australian culture, with Ned Kelly becoming a folk hero for some Australians.
In conclusion, Ned Kelly’s Last Stand was a gripping and tragic event in Australian history. It left an enduring legacy, with Kelly himself becoming a cultural icon. The Last Stand serves as a reminder of the country’s rough-and-tumble past, and the legacy of one its most infamous figures.
