WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL
"NED CONEY"
WEBSITE
In memory of the infamous Aussie bushranging cone whose reign of terror spanned a score and four years. Modeling himself on the "grandfather" of all bushrangers, Ned's life of crime crossed five States and Territories. Although loved as an underdog by most Australians, Ned however, finally met his match in the form of Trooper Shamus O'Rourke of the Cone Outlaw Prevention Squad (C.O.P.S.) who spent many arduous years following his trail of havoc throughout the rugged Australian bush and outback. "All adventures must finally come to an end" R.I.P. NED CONEY 1854 - 1888 |
A BRIEF HISTORY Born in the Axedale bush during the great goldrush of 1854 to poor but honest parents, Ned was eldest of seven brothers:- Ned, Red, Ted, Ed, Jed, Ced and Bruce. Ned, as any young diligent cone would, excelled in his education. Primarily undertaken at home at the foot of his mother, Martha Coney, whilst she toiled endlessly for many wearying hours making damper in their wattle and bark hut. Ned and his brothers learnt at a very young age what hard work meant, as their father, Arthur, laboured long hours in his never ending search for the lucky vein of gold which would put an end to their family's destitution. Ned had a great dream of becoming a lawyer one day. A dream that was never to become realized. The morning of the 6th of July 1864 marked the turning point in young Ned's life. Barely a man was he when the life of an outlaw was forced upon him. He sought refuge in the vast unexplored Australian bush after he nearly struck and slightly embarrassed an official of the Government who was insisting that their hut be torn down to make way for the new multi-directional Cobb and Co express route through the Great Dividing Range. Soon he had taken to the life of a common criminal. Horse theft, looting, robbery under arms, bootlegging, name calling, making fun of officials of the law and generally making a nuisance of himself being hallmarks of his trade. His name became feared in households across the country, primarily because a lot of illiterate people couldn’t spell it, but also because legends grew out of his many notorious deeds. It was not long before mothers used the name of "Ned Coney" to frighten their children to bed at night, such was it feared! Ned is perhaps most infamous for his unique homemade steel plate armour which he wore at all times. Not only did it provide protection against any police constable who may have been trigger happy, but it also protected him against what was perhaps a bigger threat in the Australian bush - the dreaded blowfly. (It is also a little known fact that the special one piece steel plate armor weighed so much that Ned could not lift it off his head.) Unfortunately, Ned's greatest asset, (His armour) proved to be his undoing. Caught out in a terrible thunderstorm, Ned started to rust. It was at this time that Trooper O'Rourke made his appearance. Armed with an extremely strong magnet, Ned was unable to make a break for it. O'Rourke soon had his cone! At trial he was soon found guilty of dozens of trumped up charges and sentenced to the gallows. Long may he be gone now, but the spirit and memory of Ned Coney lives on to this day in the heart of all young aspiring cones of the Australian bush. |
Photo of Ned taken at Glenrowan homestead by Thomas A. Hausenhooff 1875 "Armed and Dangerous"
Original Wanted poster souvenired from the Sandhurst Post Office wall - circa 1868 |
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Early Photo (Left) of Ned posing for the camera outside of his first bush "humpie" Ned would take to raiding farms and towns from his humble dwelling up in the mountain country of Central Victoria. As can be seen from this rare photo, the bush surrounding his perfect hideaway was nearly impenetrable by other cones, even on foot. Ned could make his escape long before anyone could be within cooee of his camp. |
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GREAT LINKS TO CHECK OUT |
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e-mail your questions and comments to the Official Ned Coney fan club |
WEBPAGE DESIGN AND LAYOUT BY Mr Mac.
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