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Ned Kelly Facts & Worksheets

Ned Kelly, an iconic Australian outlaw born in December 1854, gained notoriety for bushranging activities during the 19th century. Known for his distinctive homemade armor, he led a gang in a series of daring robberies.

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Ned Kelly, an iconic Australian outlaw born in December 1854, gained notoriety for bushranging activities during the 19th century. Known for his distinctive homemade armor, he led a gang in a series of daring robberies. Kelly’s life ended in 1880 with his capture and execution, leaving a lasting legacy in Australian folklore.

See the fact file below for more information about Ned Kelly, or you can download our 22-page Ned Kelly worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

CHILDHOOD AND EARLY RUN-INS

  • Ned Kelly was born as Edward Kelly in Beveridge, Victoria, Australia. His parents were Irish immigrants, and he was the third of eight children. Ned Kelly’s childhood was marked by poverty and hardship. Here are some significant points about Ned Kelly’s childhood:
  • Family Background The Kelly family faced economic struggles, and Ned’s father, John “Red” Kelly, often clashed with authorities over land disputes.
  • Orphaned at a Young Age In 1866, when Kelly was just 12 years old, his father passed away. This left the family in a difficult financial situation, and Ned became the primary provider for his mother and siblings.
  • Conflict with Authorities The Kelly family became entangled with law enforcement over various issues, including allegations of cattle rustling and clashes with police. These conflicts escalated over the years.
  • String of Arrests Ned Kelly had multiple run-ins with the law, resulting in several arrests. His criminal activities intensified, leading to his involvement in the infamous Stringybark Creek police murders in 1878.
  • Outlaw Status Following the Stringybark Creek incident, Ned Kelly and his gang went into hiding, marking the beginning of their life as outlaws. They engaged in a series of robberies and violent confrontations with the police.

CRIMES OF NED KELLY

Early Criminal Activities

  • Ned Kelly’s involvement in criminal activities began at a young age. In 1869, at age 14, he was arrested for associating with the notorious bushranger Harry Power. This early encounter with the law set the stage for a tumultuous relationship between Ned Kelly and the authorities.

The Fitzpatrick Incident (1878)

  • One of the pivotal events leading to Ned Kelly’s life as an outlaw was the Fitzpatrick incident in April 1878. Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick claimed that he was shot by members of the Kelly family, including Ned. 
  • This incident fueled tensions between the Kellys and the police, marking the beginning of a series of violent conflicts.

Stringybark Creek Police Murders (1878)

  • The Stringybark Creek incident, which occurred later in 1878, was a turning point in Ned Kelly’s criminal activities. During a confrontation with police at Stringybark Creek, three police officers were killed. 
  • Ned Kelly and his gang were implicated in the murders, and they subsequently became fugitives.

Bank Robberies

  • The Kelly Gang, consisting of Ned Kelly, his brother Dan Kelly, Joe Byrne, and Steve Hart, embarked on a spree of daring bank robberies. 
  • Their most infamous heist was the Euroa bank robbery in December 1878, during which they managed to escape with a substantial amount of money.

Jerilderie Bank Robbery (1879)

  • One of the most audacious acts committed by the Kelly Gang was the Jerilderie bank robbery in February 1879.
  • During this robbery, Ned Kelly presented the bank manager with a lengthy letter outlining his grievances and justifying his actions. 
  • The letter, known as the Jerilderie Letter, provides insights into Kelly’s perspective on the injustices he believed he and his family faced.

Glenrowan Siege (1880)

  • The Kelly Gang’s criminal activities came to a head in June 1880 at Glenrowan. The gang planned to derail a train carrying police reinforcements using a homemade suit of armor. The plan failed, and a siege ensued. During the confrontation, Ned Kelly, wearing his iconic armor, was captured by the police.

ARREST AND TRIAL

  • After the infamous siege at Glenrowan in June 1880, Ned Kelly was captured by the police. He was taken to Melbourne to stand trial for his involvement in the Stringybark Creek police murders and other criminal activities. The trial took place in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
  • The trial was held from October 28 to October 29, 1880, and Ned Kelly, along with his brother Dan Kelly, Joe Byrne, and Steve Hart faced charges related to the murder of Constable Thomas Lonigan at Stringybark Creek.
  • The evidence presented during the trial included witness testimonies, statements, and the circumstances surrounding the Stringybark Creek incident.
  • Ned Kelly chose to represent himself during the trial and vigorously cross-examined witnesses. Despite his defense, he was found guilty of the murder of Constable Thomas Lonigan, and the jury recommended the death penalty.
  • Death Sentence On October 30, 1880, Ned Kelly was sentenced to death by hanging. Despite petitions for clemency and protests from the public, the authorities proceeded with the execution. The judge’s recommendation for mercy was not heeded.
  • Execution Ned Kelly’s execution took place on November 11, 1880, at Old Melbourne Gaol. Before his execution, he reportedly made the famous statement, “Such is life.” Thousands of spectators gathered outside the jail, and the event attracted significant public attention.
  • The hanging was carried out by the hangman James “The Trapper” Barry. After the execution, Ned Kelly’s body was buried in an unmarked grave within the jail grounds. His skull was later removed for phrenological examination.

LEGACY

  • Symbol of Resistance Ned Kelly has become a symbol of resistance against perceived injustice and oppression. His actions are often interpreted as a response to the social and economic hardships faced by the Irish community and other marginalized groups in Australia during the 19th century.
  • Folk Hero Status Over time, Ned Kelly has achieved folk hero status, particularly among those who identify with the underdog or rebel against authority. Some view him as a Robin Hood-like figure, challenging the powerful in defense of the downtrodden.
  • Public Sympathy During his time and subsequent years, Ned Kelly garnered public sympathy. His trial and execution attracted widespread attention, and petitions for clemency were signed by thousands. The debate over whether he was a criminal or a victim of injustice further fueled public interest.
  • Social Inequities and Class Struggle Kelly’s story is often seen in the context of the social inequities and class struggles of 19th-century Australia. His grievances against the police and landowners resonate with issues related to economic disparity, land distribution, and the treatment of Irish immigrants.
  • Legal Reforms The Kelly Outbreak prompted discussions about the shortcomings of law enforcement and the need for legal reforms. The events surrounding Ned Kelly’s life contributed to changes in police procedures and the justice system in Victoria.

Ned Kelly Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Ned Kelly across 22 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Ned Kelly. Known for his distinctive homemade armor, he led a gang in a series of daring robberies. Kelly’s life ended in 1880 with his capture and execution, leaving a lasting legacy in Australian folklore.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Ned Kelly Facts
  2. Ned’s Life Summarized
  3. Elements and Punishments
  4. Laws of the Land
  5. Family Struggles
  6. Paying for the Crime
  7. The Jerilderie Letter
  8. Government Interventions
  9. Think About It…
  10. Hero or Convict?
  11. Quick Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Ned Kelly?

Ned Kelly was an infamous Australian bushranger (outlaw) of the 19th century. He was born in 1854 in Victoria, Australia, and became known for his involvement in a series of robberies and conflicts with the authorities.

What led Ned Kelly to a life of crime?

Ned Kelly’s descent into a life of crime was influenced by the economic hardships and perceived injustice faced by his family. His father died when he was young, and his family faced financial difficulties. Kelly believed that the legal system was biased against poor Irish settlers like his family, contributing to his resentment and criminal activities.

What is the significance of Ned Kelly’s armor?

One of the most iconic aspects of Ned Kelly’s story is his use of homemade, bulletproof armor during his final confrontation with the police at Glenrowan in 1880. The armor consisted of metal plates fashioned from plow heads. While it provided some protection, Kelly was eventually captured, and the armor became a symbol of resistance against perceived injustice.

How did Ned Kelly’s life end?

Ned Kelly’s life came to a dramatic end on November 11, 1880, when he was captured by police after a shootout at Glenrowan. He was tried and found guilty of the murder of a police officer during the confrontation. Ned Kelly was hanged at Old Melbourne Gaol on November 11, 1880.

What is Ned Kelly’s legacy?

Ned Kelly is a controversial figure in Australian history. To some, he is seen as a folk hero who resisted oppression and injustice. Others view him as a criminal and a murderer. Regardless of the perspectives, Ned Kelly’s legacy has endured in Australian culture, inspiring literature, art, and debates about justice and the treatment of marginalized communities.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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