This double-sided grey sign is on Siege Street, and gives some background to the capture of the bushranger Ned Kelly.
Glenrowan Inn
'I am sorry, but I must detain you.'
Business was looking up for Ann Jones, until the Gang took over her Inn that Sunday morning.
For the rest of the day, they kept themselves and their captives entertained, while they waited for the police. They danced, sang and played games. Even Ned was seen playing hop, step and jump - but with a gun in each hand.
During the revelry, on hostage - Thomas Curnow - planned how to raise the alarm and alert the police.
The 'house of sport' would soon turn into a living hell when the siege began.
'Don't fire. The place is full of women and children; stop firing!' [Anonymous]
Full house at the Inn.
The Kelly Gang forced men to tear up the railway track and them escorted the to the Inn. Even Constable Bracken was bailed up.
Women and children were held at the stationmaster's house … and later joined their menfolk. More than 60 people were crammed inside the small Inn; about 40 were still there when the battle began.
The Gang occupied two hotel rooms. Their armour was a disturbing final touch to their preparations for fighting the police.
With nerved frayed from lack of sleep, they watched the plan come apart.
Why hadn't the train arrived?
Where were the police?
Had they fallen into a trap?
[Floor plan of the Inn.]
No surrender!
It was hot work shooting at the police. Joe Byrne stopped to grab a drink at the bar, but was shot in the groin and fatally wounded.
Three hostages were caught in the crossfire and die: George Metcalf, Martin Cherry, and sweet, young Jack Jones.
'We remained there expecting every minute to be shot until about half past nine in the morning.'
[James Reardon, who was trapped with wife Margaret and their eight children.]
Eventually, the hostages were released, but the siege continued with regular exchanges of gunfire.
Finally, the police decided on a last decisive act. At 2:50pm, the Inn was set alight to flush out the last of the gang.
'All eyes were now fixed on the silent building … still no sign of life.'
[The Argus, 29 June 1880]
Address: Siege Street, Glenrowan, Vic, 3675, Australia
Visited: 2021, Monday, 31 December, 2018