In this episode, we dive into the story of one of Australia's most infamous outlaws, Ned Kelly. Born in 1854 in Victoria, Kelly became a symbol of resistance against the authorities and the harsh conditions faced by poor Irish settlers in Australia. We explore the early years of Kelly's life, his family's struggles, and his eventual transformation into a bushranger, along with his gang of outlaws. With a focus on contemporary sources and folklore, we examine the events that led to Kelly's capture and eventual execution in 1880, including the infamous siege at Glenrowan.

We also explore the enduring legacy of Kelly and his gang, and the many myths and legends that have grown up around their story. From the famous suit of armor worn by Kelly during the Glenrowan siege to the ballads and stories that have been passed down through generations, we bring to life the colorful and often contradictory world of Ned Kelly and his gang. With a mix of historical insights and engaging storytelling, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most enduring figures in Australian history.


Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod
"Slow Ticking Clock" – Kevin MacLeod
Used under a Creative Commons license.

Sources cited:
The Benalla Ensign and Farmer's and Squatter's Journal. 1869. "Benalla Police Court." October 29: 2. Accessed August 5, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/66837804.

The Argus. 1869. "Country News." October 22: 2. Accessed August 5, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5832622.

Kelly, Ned. 1870. Letter to Sgt. James Babington. Accessed August 5, 2021. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Ned_Kelly_Letter_to_Sgt._James_Babington.

Kennedy, Leo. 2018. Black Snake. Melbourne: Affirm Press.

Kenneally, J.J. 1946. The Complete History of the Kelly Gang and their Pursuers. Melbourne: J. Roy Stevens.

Kenneally, J.J. 1929. The Inner History of the Kelly Gang. Melbourne: Ruskin Press.

The Argus. 1878. "The Police Murders." October 30. Accessed August 6, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5919040.

Carmody, Shane. 2004. "Through Green Tinted Glasses: Barry, Kelly and Irish Sentiment." The LaTrobe Journal, Autumn. Accessed August 5, 2021. http://latrobejournal.slv.vic.gov.au/latrobejournal/issue/latrobe-73/t1-g- t4.html.

The Argus. 1880. "The Kelly Gang." August 10: 7. Accessed August 6, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5961325.

The Argus. 1923. "Kelly Gang at Eurora." February 20: 7. Accessed August 6, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1877492.

Kelly, N., n.d. "The Jerilderie Letter." State Library of Victoria. Accessed August 6, 2021. http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/explore-history/rebels-outlaws/bushrangers/jerilderie-letter.

1880. "Destruction of the Kelly Gang." June 29: 5. Accessed August 7, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5975546.

FitzSimons, Peter. 2013. "Iron man: the story of Ned Kelly's last stand." The Sydney Morning Herald, November 3. Accessed August 7, 2021. https://www.smh.com.au/national/iron-man-the-story-of-ned-kellys-last-stand-20131102-2wt5p.html.

1878. Sir Redmond Barry in Court. Accessed August 7, 2021. http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/explore-history/rebels-outlaws/law-enforcement/sir-redmond-barry-court.

The Sydney Morning Herald. 2002. "Ned Kelly shot with his mother - in sepia." March 23. Accessed August 7, 2021. https://www.smh.com.au/national/ned-kelly-shot-with-his-mother-in-sepia-20020323-gdfd3k.html.

The Sydney Morning Herald. 1907. "The Australian." August 10: 12. Accessed August 7, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/14870716.

Flanagan, Martin. 2013. "Rebels who knew the end was coming, but stood up anyway." The Age, March 30. Accessed August 7, 2021. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/rebels-who-knew-the-end-was-coming-but-stood-up-anyway-20130329-2gz9t.html.