On 18th September 1877 while being taken to the Benalla Courthouse opposite Edward ("Ned") Kelly evaded his police escort & entered this building, occupied by King-A bootmaker. A violent struggle ensued when Constable Fitzpatrick attempted to handcuff Kelly, aided by Sergeant Whelan & Constables Lonergan & O'Dea. William Magennis, a local J.P. & flour miller, successfully intervened, influencing Ned to surrender to police