Ned Kelly



Was Ned Kelly a Hero or a Villain?

                                         
   

Q. According to Ned, in his Jerilderie Letter, why was he sent to prison for three (3) months, when he was only 14?

A.   According to Ned, he was accused for stealing Mr. McCormack’s horse, Ned pleaded his innocence but Mrs. McCormack turned on him and accused him of bringing the horse from Greta to Mr. Gould’s bogged wagon, That very same day when his uncle and him were cutting calves, Mr. Gould wrapped up a note and a pair of the calves testicles for Ned to give to Mrs. McCormack. The parcel was delivered to Mr. McCormack instead.   Mr. McCormack summons Ned, Ned then pleaded his and Mr. Gould’s innocence once again, only to be called a liar. Mr. McCormack challenged Ned to a fight which Ned accepted, after dismounting his horse Mrs. McCormack struck his horse in the flanks with a bullock shin, making it jump forward and then Ned’s fist came into contact with Mr. McCormack’s nose causing him to lose his balance and fall to the ground. Ned tied his horse up to finish the battle but Mr. McCormack ran to the police camp and Constable Hall arrested Ned. He was sentenced to 3 months for hitting Mr. McCormack and 3 months for sending the parcel and was bound to keep the peace for 12 months.

Q. Why has Ned Kelly been described as the Iron Outlaw?

A.   Its is believed that the reason why Ned has been
described as the “Iron Outlaw” was in reference to
the famous suit of armour plating that Ned wore at
the time of his eventual arrest at Glenrowen.   He was
an expert with a “running-iron” on stolen, unbranded
stock which also could be a reason for the name
“Iron Outlaw”, but he is most remembered for his suit
of armour plating.



Q. Why do some people think of Ned Kelly as a folk hero?

A.   Ned Kelly is Australia’s most famous bushranger and to many he was a folk hero for his defiance of the authorities and the law. He began committing minor crimes... [continues]

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