Bushranger Ned Kelly (born 1854/1855) was hanged on 11 November 1880.

A legend in his own, short lifetime, Ned Kelly is still one of Australia’s most famous folk-heroes.

Whether he is seen a symbol of national pride or just a merciless bushranger, the legend of Ned Kelly made a powerful contribution to the mythology of the Australian bush as a unique cradle of mateship and equality.

Like the miners at the Eureka Stockade, he was admired for his defiance of colonial authority and egalitarianism. Ned Kelly was also famous, of course, for the home-made metal armour and helmet which he wore at his final battle with police at the Glenrowan Inn in North East Victoria.

After taking and then releasing more than 60 hostages at the hotel, Ned Kelly was wounded and captured, while the other three gang members were killed.

Moments before his death by hanging at the Old Melbourne Gaol, Kelly reportedly uttered the famous last words: ‘Such is life’.

Ned Kelly has been memorialised by painters, writers, musicians and filmmakers. In fact, more books, songs and websites have been produced about Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang than any other group of Australian historical figures.

Image: Ned Kelly the day before he was hanged (1880) State Library of Victoria