Introduction
Ned Kelly, the infamous bushranger, has become a symbol of rebellion and anti-establishment sentiment in Australian folklore. His life and crimes have been the subject of countless books, films, and songs, cementing his status as one of the most recognizable figures in the nation‘s history. In this article, we will delve deeper into the man behind the myth, exploring the social, economic, and political context that shaped his world and the enduring legacy he left behind.
The Making of a Bushranger
Colonial Australia in the Mid-to-Late 19th Century
To understand Ned Kelly‘s life and motivations, it is essential to examine the broader context of colonial Australia in the mid-to-late 19th century. This period was marked by significant social and economic upheaval, as the colonies grappled with the challenges of rapid population growth, urbanization, and the transition from a penal colony to a free society.
The discovery of gold in the 1850s led to a massive influx of immigrants, putting pressure on existing infrastructure and exacerbating tensions between different social classes. The wealthy squatters, who controlled vast tracts of land, often clashed with the growing number of small farmers and laborers who sought to make a living on the land (Molony, 2001).
| Year | Population of Victoria | Number of Immigrants |
|---|---|---|
| 1851 | 97,489 | 25,877 |
| 1861 | 540,322 | 169,149 |
Source: (Serle, 1963)
The Kelly Family and Irish Heritage
Ned Kelly‘s family background is crucial to understanding his worldview and his relationship with the colonial authorities. His father, John "Red" Kelly, was an Irish convict transported to Australia for pig theft, while his mother, Ellen Quinn, immigrated with her family from Ireland during the Great Famine (FitzSimons, 2014).
The Kellys, like many Irish immigrants, faced discrimination and prejudice from the predominantly English colonial establishment. The Victorian police force, in particular, was known for its corruption and bias against the Irish (Jones, 1995). This sense of injustice and oppression would have a profound impact on young Ned and shape his attitudes towards authority.
The Kelly Gang‘s Reign of Terror
Crimes and Conflicts
Ned Kelly‘s criminal career began in earnest in 1878, when he and his brother Dan went into hiding after a violent confrontation with Constable Fitzpatrick. Together with Joe Byrne and Steve Hart, they formed the Kelly Gang and embarked on a series of daring crimes that would capture the public imagination.
Over the next two years, the Kelly Gang was responsible for a string of robberies, murders, and other offenses that terrorized the Victorian countryside. Their most notorious crimes included:
- The murder of three police officers at Stringybark Creek in October 1878
- The robbery of the National Bank in Euroa in December 1878
- The taking of hostages at Jerilderie and the robbing of the town‘s bank in February 1879
These crimes, along with the gang‘s ability to evade capture, made them both feared and admired by the public. The colonial authorities, under increasing pressure to bring the outlaws to justice, offered an unprecedented reward of £8,000 for their capture (Kenneally, 1929).
The Jerilderie Letter and Kelly‘s Manifesto
One of the most significant documents to emerge from the Kelly Gang‘s crime spree was the Jerilderie Letter, dictated by Ned Kelly to Joe Byrne in February 1879. The 8,300-word manifesto, addressed to the Victorian Premier, outlined Kelly‘s grievances against the police and the colonial system, as well as his justifications for his actions.
In the letter, Kelly portrayed himself as a victim of police persecution and a champion of the oppressed Irish selectors. He accused the authorities of corruption and abuse of power, stating:
"The Queen must surely be proud of such herioc [sic] men as the Police and Irish soldiers as It takes eight or eleven of the biggest mud crushers in Melbourne to take one poor little half starved larrakin [sic] to a watch house." (Kelly, 1879)
The Jerilderie Letter provides a rare insight into Kelly‘s motivations and beliefs, and has been interpreted by some historians as a political manifesto that reflects the broader social and economic tensions of the period (McDermott, 2001).
The Glenrowan Siege and Kelly‘s Last Stand
The Plan to Derail the Police Train
In June 1880, the Kelly Gang hatched an audacious plan to derail a police train and ambush the officers on board. They selected the small town of Glenrowan as the site for their last stand, taking over the local inn and holding its occupants hostage.
However, their plan was foiled when one of the hostages, schoolmaster Thomas Curnow, managed to escape and warn the approaching police train. The officers quickly surrounded the inn, and a fierce gun battle ensued (FitzSimons, 2014).
The Shootout and Kelly‘s Capture
During the Glenrowan siege, Ned Kelly, clad in his iconic homemade armor, emerged from the inn and engaged in a lengthy shootout with the police. Despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, he managed to remain standing for a remarkable amount of time, leading to the popular legend of his invincibility.
Eventually, Kelly was brought down by shots to his unprotected legs and taken into custody. His three companions, Dan Kelly, Joe Byrne, and Steve Hart, were killed in the siege (Jones, 1995).
The Trial and Execution of Ned Kelly
The Prosecution and Defense
Ned Kelly‘s trial for the murder of Constable Thomas Lonigan at Stringybark Creek began on October 19, 1880, in Melbourne. The prosecution, led by Attorney-General Robert Wisdom, presented a compelling case against Kelly, with multiple witnesses testifying to his involvement in the shooting (Waller, 1968).
Kelly‘s defense team, consisting of barristers Henry Bindon and David Gaunson, argued that the constable‘s death was a case of self-defense, as the police had opened fire on the gang without warning. They also attempted to portray Kelly as a victim of police harassment and a champion of the poor (Jones, 1995).
The Verdict and Sentence
Despite the efforts of his defense team, Ned Kelly was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death by hanging. The verdict was met with mixed reactions from the public, with some hailing him as a hero and others condemning him as a criminal (Molony, 2001).
In his final statement before the court, Kelly expressed his defiance and his belief in the justness of his cause:
"I do not fear death, I fear it as little as to drink a cup of tea. On the evidence that has been given, no juryman could have given any other verdict; that is my opinion. But, as I say, if I‘d examined the witnesses, I‘d have shown matters in a different light." (Kelly, 1880)
The Execution and Last Words
On November 11, 1880, Ned Kelly was hanged at the Melbourne Gaol. His execution was witnessed by a small group of officials and reporters, and his last words have been the subject of much speculation and debate.
According to some accounts, Kelly‘s final statement was a simple, "Such is life." Others claim that he said, "Ah well, I suppose it has come to this," or remained silent (FitzSimons, 2014). Regardless of the exact words, Kelly‘s execution marked the end of a tumultuous and controversial life that would go on to inspire generations of Australians.
The Legacy of Ned Kelly
Folk Hero or Villain?
In the years following his death, Ned Kelly‘s legacy has been the subject of intense debate and reinterpretation. To some, he is a folk hero who fought against the injustices of the colonial system and championed the cause of the oppressed. To others, he is a criminal and murderer whose actions cannot be justified (Seal, 2002).
This dichotomy is reflected in the various artistic and cultural representations of Kelly that have emerged over the past century. From Sidney Nolan‘s iconic series of paintings to Peter Carey‘s Booker Prize-winning novel "True History of the Kelly Gang," Ned Kelly has been portrayed in a wide range of ways, each reflecting the values and preoccupations of their time.
The Impact on Australian Culture and Identity
Regardless of one‘s personal opinion on Ned Kelly, there is no denying his enduring impact on Australian culture and identity. His story has become a symbol of the nation‘s rebellious spirit and its love of the underdog, and his image has been appropriated by everyone from political activists to advertisers.
In many ways, the fascination with Ned Kelly reflects Australia‘s ongoing struggle to come to terms with its colonial past and its search for a distinctive national identity. As historian Manning Clark wrote:
"Ned Kelly is the Australian hero, the Australian male at his best, and his life is the story of the conquest of Australia by the Irish working class." (Clark, 1962)
The Continuing Fascination
More than 140 years after his death, Ned Kelly continues to captivate the public imagination. In recent years, new discoveries and interpretations have added to the complexity of his story, from the identification of his remains in 2011 to the ongoing search for his missing skull.
These developments, along with the enduring popularity of Kelly-related books, films, and exhibitions, suggest that the fascination with this iconic outlaw is unlikely to fade anytime soon. As long as Australians continue to grapple with questions of identity, justice, and resistance, the legend of Ned Kelly will remain a powerful and relevant part of the national narrative.
Conclusion
The life and legacy of Ned Kelly are a testament to the enduring power of myth and legend in shaping our understanding of the past. While the facts of his life may be debated, there is no denying the impact that this iconic outlaw has had on Australian culture and identity.
Through his story, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political forces that shaped colonial Australia, as well as the ways in which ordinary people resisted and challenged the established order. At the same time, the ongoing fascination with Kelly reflects the continuing relevance of these issues to contemporary Australian society.
As we continue to grapple with questions of justice, inequality, and national identity, the legend of Ned Kelly serves as a reminder of the power of individual action and the enduring struggle for a fair and just society. Whether viewed as a hero or a villain, his legacy will continue to inspire and provoke debate for generations to come.
References
Clark, M. (1962). A Short History of Australia. New York: New American Library.
FitzSimons, P. (2014). Ned Kelly: The Story of Australia‘s Most Notorious Legend. Sydney: Random House Australia.
Jones, I. (1995). Ned Kelly: A Short Life. Melbourne: Lothian Books.
Kelly, N. (1879). The Jerilderie Letter. Retrieved from http://www.nma.gov.au/collections/jerilderie-letter
Kelly, N. (1880). Ned Kelly‘s Last Statement. Retrieved from http://www.nedkellysworld.com.au/archives/trial_transcript.htm
Kenneally, J. J. (1929). The Complete Inner History of the Kelly Gang and Their Pursuers. Melbourne: J. Roy Stevens.
McDermott, A. (2001). "The Jerilderie Letter: Manifesto or Confession?" Overland, 165, 27-32.
Molony, J. (2001). Ned Kelly. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press.
Seal, G. (2002). Tell ‘em I Died Game: The Legend of Ned Kelly. Flemington: Hyland House.
Serle, G. (1963). The Golden Age: A History of the Colony of Victoria, 1851-1861. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press.
Waller, L. (1968). Queen v. Ned Kelly. Sydney: Australian Broadcasting Commission.
