Ned Kelly and the Kelly gang were bushrangers who ruled the Northern Victorian highlands holding up towns, banks and even murdering over two years between 1878 – 1880. Ned Kelly has since become Australia’s most known historical character and at the time was a legend who although did some very bad things was the inspiration to many Irish Australians of the time. Such was his legendary status that over 30,000 people unsuccessfully petioned for him not to be executed for his crimes and be pardoned. Today the towns of Glenrowan, Beechworth, Jerilderie, and Mansfield all celebrate the Kelly Legend. There are plenty of exhibitions and history to see along with plenty of souvenirs of Ned ranging from tea towels to artwork. These towns give you an insight into the man and these hard times when convict stock, immigrants, different classes and the English rule struggled to co-exist- but these times were the times which shaped Australia and Kelly and his gang what ever you opinion of them really helped give Australia its national identity.
