This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Kingturtle (talk | contribs) at 09:08, 15 May 2003 (reverted to version by 211.28.96.8). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 09:08, 15 May 2003 by Kingturtle (talk | contribs) (reverted to version by 211.28.96.8)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Edward "Ned" Kelly - (approx 1854-5 (DOB uncertain) - 11 November 1880) is Australia's most famous bushranger, and, to some, a folk hero for his defiance of colonial authorities.
Kelly was born in Victoria in December 1854.
As a boy he attended school and risked his life to save another boy who was drowning. In reward of this he was given a sash, which he would wear under his armour during his final show down with police.
Kelly's father died when he was only 12 and Ned was forced to leave school. It was at this time that the Kelly family moved to the Glenrowan area in Victoria, which to this day is known as Kelly Country.
The Kelly's grew up in some of the harshest conditions in the contemporary world and folk tales tell of their sleeping on the ground, in the bush during the Victorian winter.
In 1896, when he was 14, Ned was arrested for assaulting a Chinaman and was imprissoned for 10 days.
At 15 he was again arrested for being an accomplice of the bushranger Harry Power, the case was dismissed.
One of the jails where he was incarcerated has become the Ned Kelly Museum in Australia, and many weapons and artifacts used by him and his gang are in exhibit there. Some people have referred to him as the Billy the Kid of Australia.
Since his death Kelly has become an Australian Folk Hero
For instance he, and the distinctive tin armor he wore for his final unsuccessful stand against the police, were the subject for a famous series of paintings by Sydney Nolan.
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