Kelly Homestead Beveridge
Statement of Significance — Why is this place important?
Brad Webb
30 May 2003

The Kelly homestead at Beveridge, Victoria, comprises a timber cottage built by Ned’s father John “Red” Kelly in January 1859 when his son was approximately 4 years old. It was a typical Irish style of cottage with an earthen floor and drainage running between rooms. Internally there were only 2 rooms and there was no ceiling. The bluestone chimney dominated the house. The homestead is of cultural importance because it was the childhood home of Ned Kelly to 1863 (Criterion A & H) and illustrates the lifestyle of the Irish smallholders from whom he sprang (Criterion C). It also had features of minor architectural interest, including elegant iron grates and wood-grained ledged and braced doors.

The site is of National significance for its association with arguably Australia’s most well known historical figure since European settlement (in 2000 Ned Kelly was listed in the top 100 of the world’s most influential Irish). As the leader of the Kelly Gang, he has been immortalised in Australian art, literature, theatre, film and folklore (Criterion A, G & H). The Kelly homestead at Beveridge is one of the last visible landmarks of the Kelly legend – with many buildings and sites linked to this historical figure having disappeared. The site is significant as it is one of the original relics from that era, acting as a symbolic focus for the Kelly Gang tradition and associated anniversaries, exhibitions, and pilgrimages by different groups in the Australian community (Criterion G).

This essay formed part of a thesis I wrote for Curtin University entitled “Protecting Heritage Places”. Explanation of the criterion can be found on the National Trust (Victoria) website.