The life, crimes, and execution of Ned Kelly make up one of the most well-known and controversial chapters in Australian history.

Despite their outrageous crimes, or perhaps because of them, the infamous Kelly gang has captured public imagination for over 140 years.

Whether justified or not, they have become national folk heroes - and there are so many interesting aspects to the story.

Today we're going to take a look at the story of how John's Great Great Grandfather, Charles Nettleton, took some of the most famous photos in Australian history - those of notorious bushranger Ned Kelly the day before he was hanged.

We're also heading to Melbourne, where we're going to explore how one of the most significant relics of Ned Kelly's execution has been lost in the old stonework of the city for almost 100 years.

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Research and writing - John Tully and Michelle Ross

Filming and production - Michelle Ross

Victorian History Adventures © 2024

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REFERENCES

Image - ironclad bushranging Ned Kelly taking the attacking force in rear. 1880. Gibbs, Shallard & Co., printer. State Library Victoria

Ned Kelly's Arrival in Melbourne. 1880. David Syme and Co. State Library Victoria

The Capture of Ned Kelly. 1880. Ashton, Julian Rossi. State Library Victoria

Ned Kelly the Bushranger. Ca. 1870 - ca. 1880. Photographer - Richards, George. State Library Victoria.

Murderous attack on Victorian Police by Kelly and his Gang. 1878. Calvert, Samuel. State Library Victoria

The Kelly Trial - The Scene in Court. 1880. David Syme and Co. State Library Victoria

Examination and remand of Kelly in Melbourne Gaol. 1880. Alfred May and Alfred Martin Ebsworth. State Library Victoria

Last scene of the Kelly drama: the criminal on the scaffold. 1880. Alfred May and Alfred Martin Ebsworth. State Library Victoria

Destruction of the Kelly Gang. Drawn by Mr. T. Carrington during the encounter. 1880. Alfred May and Alfred Martin Ebsworth. State Library Victoria

The Victorian Police. 1880. David Syme and Co. State Library Victoria

Images of the stone wall at Brighton Beach - Victorian Heritage Database

Ned Kelly. Nettleton, Charles. State Library Victoria

Photograph of Ned Kelly. Nettleton, Charles. National Museum Australia.

Ned Kelly in chains. Nettleton, Charles. 1880. State Library Victoria

Ned Kelly the day before he was hanged. 1880. Nettleton, Charles. State Library Victoria

Prisoner record sheet Edward Kelly, registered number 10926. Public Record Office Victoria

John Conder - Central Register for Male Prisoners. 1876. Public Record Office Victoria

Boxing photo of Ned Kelly - John Chidley, Wikimedia Commons

Charles Nettleton, 1864.

Melbourne Gaol. Ca. 1920. Garrett, W. Raymond Sir. State Library Victoria

Panorama of Melbourne in 1881 taken from the tower of the Law Courts. 1881. Nettleton, Charles. State Library Victoria

The Post Office, Melbourne. Thomas, Edmund (artist). Huxtable & Co, 1853. State Library Victoria

Suit of armour worn by Ned Kelly. 1880. State Library Victoria

Death mask of Ned Kelly. 1880. State Library Victoria

Snider Enfield rifle belonging to Ned Kelly. State Library Victoria