"The
Kelly gang's armour has become a symbol of Australia, more than a cuddly Koala
or Kangaroo, it's symbolises Immortality" WHY
WAS IT MADE? The
Kelly armour, in Ned's own words, " the Armour means we can come out into
the open" meaning the gang could leave their home in the ranges. The
armour was to strengthen an armed rebellion, "The republican of North -
Eastern Victoria" A fantastic plan which came so close to succeeding. It
was bullet - proof at 15 yards, and was extremely heavy. You
can imagine it would have been quite heavy for these slimly built youths. WHO'S
IDEA WAS IT? The idea, well , as far as we know came
from Ned's favourite book, "Lorna Doone" in which American outlaws,
wore armour on breast and head. Another suggestion is
from the Chinese armour, which has close connections with the Kelly armour. They
look very similar. WHO MADE IT? Their
are many different views on who made, or even where and when. Strong beliefs are
that the gang built the armour, over hot coals, beating it over a log to get
shape. There
will always be disputes on who made the armour, some say a blacksmith some say the
gang. In a way the armour did
serve its purpose, but it made movement very difficult, and riding a horse -
virtually impossible. It was made to protect the
gang from bullets, and it did, Joe was the only one, who, was hit through his
armour. The armour will continue to be one of
Australia's National symbols, if you need anymore information on the Kelly
armour, please don't hesitate to email 
