The Old Melbourne Gaol was built in the mid 1800's. Between 1842 and its closure in 1929, 133 hangings took place. The most infamous hanging was that of famous bush-ranger Ned Kelly. He is probably the most famous bush-ranger in history, most recognisable for his bushy beard, and his bullet proof armor he wore during his infamous last stand with police. The gaol closed in in 1924 and was decommissioned in 1929. The exercise yard at the gaol had during it's years been used as a cemetery for the deceased. In 1929, the bodies were removed and transferred to pentridge prison (where they were not discovered until 2008), but not before people raided the cemetery to collect bones which they believed to be Kelly's. Kelly's skull was removed from his coffin and whilst other bones have been identified and returned to his family, the location of his skull is still unknown. It was initially returned to authorities only to be stolen again from the gaol museum. It was A replica of his armor and death mask sits in the Old Melbourne Gaol to this day.
