Around The World In 80 Waves

Edward “Ned” Kelly was an Irish Australian bushranger in the late nineteenth century, who is considered a ruthless killer or something of Robin Hood style folk hero depending on your perspective.

His exploits have been portrayed several times in movies, most recently by the late Heath Ledger, but most amusingly by Mick Jagger.

Following an incident at his home the police searched for him in the bush, three of the officers were killed by Kelly.

Victoria proclaimed Kelly and his gang wanted outlaws as a result.

Hostility between Australians of Irish and English heritage meant the gang was supported locally and they evaded capture for some time.

However after his final violent confrontation with the police, which took place at Glenrowan, he was famously captured wearing home made armour and a helmet, which were made from plate metal.

He was convicted of murder and hanged at Old Melbourne Gaol in November 1880.

More by luck than judgement I find myself in Glenrowan on the road to Melbourne. (Last night’s exploits in the mountains have put me off pushing on to Adelaide.)

The town have erected this huge statue to him on the main street.

It is massive.

That is a building behind it!

There is a museum and shop there too, from which I can’t resist adding this Ned Kelly themed thimble to my sewing kit.