Ned Kelly has held a special place in Australian history since his execution almost 128 years ago.
Understanding the story of this Australian Bushranger and his gang goes a long way to explaining many aspects of the modern Australian beliefs. Often, it's these at first subtle, yet significant differences to similar nations that are overlooked when explaining Australian attitudes.
What has been particularly interesting is the current archaeological dig at Glenrowan, in Victoria (see map).
"Seven-and-a-half thousand archaeological treasures have been uncovered at the site where outlaw Ned Kelly fought his way into Australia's history." Read a recent news article here for information about the recent discoveries.
And, if you're interested, read more about the Kelly gang and its place in Australian history.
For travellers to Australia, the story of Ned Kelly is something worth exploring. Travellers can also retrace the steps of Kelly and his gang.
For many Australians, Kelly's story is one of standing up against tyranny, defying the establishment and stands as further fuel in the debate about whether Australia should cut its ties with Britain and become a republic. UK media, (well at least it was 7 years ago), was still having a hard time accepting that Australians have their own sense of history with its own set of heroes. Scoffing and jeering at Australians and looking for any news to support their warped views appears to occupy the minds of many in the British media and its audience.
"In 2000, a special Sixty Minutes episode revealed that 91 per cent of people polled believed that Ned had not received a fair trial when he was sentenced to death for murder. Others go further, suggesting he was the victim of a vicious system; a young man hounded into crime and whose death fell little short of martyrdom. Even in his own brief lifetime, he became a legend."
No matter what your opinion, if you haven't looked into the facts behind his story before, Kelly is certain to fascinate.
Image: Artist Julian Ashton captured a striking image of Ned supporting a crippled left arm during Kelly’s appearance at Beechworth Gaol.
Photo Brad Webb - image from- www.ironoutlaw.com
