Gold was discovered on Victoria Hill in 1854 and by 1861, 1,200,000 ounces of gold had been extracted from the site. The first claim was bought for 80 pounds by Prussian immigrant Christopher Ballerstedt and his son Theodore. Christopher Ballerstedt was nicknamed the "Father of the Hill" and was the first to prove that gold reefs extended below the surface. His 200-foot plus mine shafts yielded quartz rich with gold, inspired other miners, and were instrumental in Bendigo becoming the world's deepest and richest goldfield. The site still features relics of nineteenth century mining including quartz crushing machinery and the foundations of George Lansell’s 180 mine. These features are characteristic of Bendigo’s mining history and represent two prominent nineteenth century miners, Christopher Ballerstedt and George Lansell, who held important roles in the development of Bendigo. Victoria Hill Quartz Gold Mines are registered as a site of significance. The site is of historical, archaeological and scientific importance to Victoria. The mines represent the symbolic heart of Bendigo’s gold mining history and the importance that mining played in wealth creation and the development of Victoria. The diggings reserve is accessed from the rear of Albert Richardson Reserve located at 40-56 Marong Road, Ironbark. The site has steep and unformed paths and is closed to the public at dusk. It is important to stay to the paths to avoid the diggings. Interpretive signs help visitors to appreciate the importance of the site and the remaining relics of Bendigo’s mining history.Victoria Hill Ironbark, Bendigo. Photos of the poppet head, sand heap, tailings, shafts and tunnels. Before development into a tourist attraction.history, bendigo, victoria hill, ironbark, diggings

Photo Negative enclosed in Air Mail envelope. Written on front of envelope: ' Gt Extended Hustlers in 1870's (negs). Crossed out text says: ' Lansells 222 etc, negative Lansell's Big 180, Also Ballerstedts open cut etc. Devonshire Valley, A. Richardson'. On back of envelope: Hustlers Mine Bendigo Courtesy Royal Historical Society Miss J. Parry Wills Street Bendigo.bendigo, gold mining, great extended hustlers gold mine

Joan O'Shea Collection. Victoria Hill Bendigo Gold Mining on the Richest Quartz Reef in Bendigo, from 1854 to 1916. Colour and Black and White Booklet 16 Pages. Includes Maps of the Victoria Hill Area, photographs of the remains of a twenty head crushing battery, burnt ground from quartz roasting, The Victoria Quartz Mine Photograph from Australian Mining Standard June 1899, The compressor beds and concrete foundations for the poppet legs all that remain today of the Victoria Quartz Mine deepest mine on Bendigo Goldfield 4613 feet or 1406.04 metres. Also included photograph of the view of Victoria Hill from The New Chum Hill in the 1870s. The Location of the 3 mines Ballerstedt's open cut, North Old Chum and Lansell's 180 are marked. A depiction of Rae's Open Cut gives an understanding of the primitive nature of early workings on the Goldfields. The Booklet also provides a brief history of Victoria Hill itself.Bendigo Trust Publication March 1972. Printed in Bendigo Cambridge Press.bendigo, mining, victoria hill

Three page handwritten document outlining the history of the Victoria Hill area. The open cuts on Victoria Hill; Lansell's Big 180 Mine, Victoria Quartz Mine; Wittscheibe's 'Jewellers Shop', Luffman and Sterry, Central Nell Gwynne and New Chum Hill are mentioned in the article. A description of the suitability of the Victoria Hill site as a potential mining museum is discussed as 'it is centrla to both the northern and southern ends of the main portion of the Bendigo and Eaglehawk mines'. William Rae built two fine residences on Happy Valley Road, and also set up a 30 head battery out of his gains from Victoria Hill.bendigo, mining, victoria hill

Document. 2 copies plus 4 loose sheets. 14 page typed document on the buildings and mines of Victoria Hill in the Gold Era. (10 pages document and 4 pages pictures). Document mentions 'Quartz Miners Arms' Hotel, Conrad Heinz - Bendigo Mayor 1894 and owned a butcher shop in Victoria Hill, British and American Hotel, Manchester Arms Hotel, Victoria Reef Gold Mining Company, Ironbark Mining Company, Hercules and Energetic Mining Company, William Rae, Gold Mines Hotel, David Chaplin Sterry, North Old Chum Mine, Ballerstedt's First Open-cut (J. C. T. Christopher Ballerstedt and Theodore Ballerstedt), Lansell's Big 180 Shaft (George Lansell), Victoria Quartz Mine, Mr E. J. Dunn (Chief Government Geologist). Pictures are- Victoria Hill from Rae's Open Cut, Looking North from Old Chum Hill to the Victoria Hill, Victoria Quartz on Victoria Hill, W. M. Rae's Crushing Works.cottage, miners, the rich victoria hill and its historical associations

Two hand written pages with year dates and what took place at that time. Dates range from 1852 to 1950's. 1950's - mining stopped in Long /G. 1926 - First Teachers training College established. Taylor Horsefields Engineering works - Horsefield a genius. Pioneered local production of compressed air driven roak-drills, specialized in rock bores and drills exported them throughout the world. Harvester - for f/ter in Harvest equipment. 1856 - Anglican School opened held church as well as school. Manchester Arms, Admiral Arms both has pretentious music halls attracted large crowds. 1862 - Ironbark, Long Gully sought annexation by the Municipality of Sandhurst. 1872 - Long Gully Fire Brigade was formed. Keen rivals. 1850 - recognised Chinese camp. ? Long Gully - due to the sinking deeper and the rewards generally richer, became the heart of 'Little Cornwall' - Cornish people. * Tent Church services held in 1862. Long Gully Mine opened April 1852. On the back of the first page is written - Mines - Reefs. mines mentioned are New Chum Hill, the New Chum and Victoria, The Victoria HIll Ironbark, The North Old Chum, Lansell's Big 180, Ballerstadt's Open-Cut, and the Victoria Quartz Mine.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - 1852 to 1950's, first teachers training college, taylor horsefields engineering works, anglican school, manchester arms, admiral arms, municipality of sandhurst, long gully fire brigade, chinese camp, little cornwell, long gully mine

Document.Copy of Williamstown Historical Society Newsletter No 17 (1977).On the second and third page of this Newsletter is an article entitled ''The guns of the 'Nelson''', written by Doug Mills, Castlemaine. The Warship NELSON underwent alterations in 1860, including cut down to two decks and lengthened, her armaments reduced to 72 guns. Two 7inch 68 pounder guns were added to her armament. In February 7 1867 she was officially given to the Colony of Victoria by the Imperial Government. At the time her Commander was Captain Charles B. Payne. The Warship reached Melbourne in 4th February 1868. Relics of the NELSON were auctioned at Williamstown Victoria Naval Depot, and her two anchors are preserved for public display at Williamstown. An active demand for a share of the guns from various towns in the State. Ballarat received four (4) guns, Bendigo and Castlemaine two (2) each, while one has been given to each of the following towns: - Ararat, Tarnagulla, Hamilton, Bacchus Marsh, Echuca and Geelong. Collection of Lansell related documents: a. Copy of photograph - Lansell's Big 180 Victoria Hill - early 1870s - New Chum Hill in background. B. Lansell Estate mines - compiled from the annual report of the Hon Minister of Mines for Victoria, 1906. A listing of the George Lansell Mining Company interests at the time of his death. These were, New Moon Co, N.L., Clarence, New Prince Of Wales Co. N.L., Virginia G. M. Co., Catherine Reef United Co N.L., Great Northern Co N.L., Williams United, McDuff Amalgamated Co, South Mungo Co, South Prince Of Wales Consolidated, Constellation Co. Golden Pyke Co, Johnson's Reef Extended Company, Golden Age Co., Princess Dagmar Co, New St Mungo Co, Johnson's Reef Co, North Johnson's Co, Collman and Tacchi Co, Confidence Extended Co, G. Lansell Sandhurst Mines, Pearl Co., Windmill Hill Co., United Hustlers and Redan, Koch's Pioneer Co., Hercules and Energetic Co., Lansell's Comet, Cornish United Co., Ironbark Co., Hustler's Reef Co., and No. 1 Lansell's 83, Carlisle Co., Great Extended Hustler's Co., Victoria Consolidated Co., Great Central Victoria Co., Victoria Quartz Co., Victory and Pandora , Lansell's Big 180, Tambour Major, New Chum and Victoria Co., Garden Gully United Co., G. Lansell, Lansell's 222, Lazarus Co., Sea Amalgamated Co., Hustler's Royal Reserve Co., Horwood and Burrowe's Co., New Chum Consolidated Co., G Lansell's Sheepshead, Gariboldi Co., Londonderry Co., Shamrock Co., Great Britain Co., Fortuna Hustler's Co., Eureka Extended Co., G. Lansell's G.V.L., New Red White and Blue Consolidated, Great Southern Co., Lansell's Concord Mines, True Blue Co., G. G. Consolidated Co., Extended Red White and Blue Co., Great Columbian, Sedgwick and New Birthday. Also, a listing: ''Among the biggest yields to ate (sic) (date?) in ozs or Pounds were''; New Moon.Co. N.L. 180,087 ounces, Clarence £303,932, Catherine Reef United N.L. £762,815, Great Northern Co Ltd £394,525, Johnson's Reef Co 277,320ounces, Windmill Hill Co. 113,842ounces, Hustler's Reef Co. And No.1 1,144,923ounces, Carlisle Co 307,835ounces, Great Extended Hustlers Co £1,038,125, Garden Gully United Co. £1,653,900, Great Southern 97,752ounces, New Chum Consolidated 89,526ounces. This part (b) has handwritten inscription ''compiled by J Sarvaas MCE(??) Certified Mining Surveyor; 22/8/06''; c. Copy of Deed dated Dec 1886 between George Lansell, Wooten Lansell and the Bank of New South Wales relating to a wall and windows and openings etc etc. (3 pages of legalese!!!!!). Also, a (related?) page copy of a Grant -by purchase to the Bank of New South Wales with a date of August 1855 on it ''Enrolled in the Office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court of the Colony of Victoria - signed by Acting Registrar.document, gold, mines

Photocopy of a newspaper article titled Discover Bendigo by James Lerk. Article is titled Lansell Erects Australia's Tallest Poppet Head.George Fauckner was responsible for erecting the tall poppet head at the 222 mine. Eight huge logs were used to make the four legs which morticed together. Blacksmiths made and riveted steel bands around the joints to secure them. Harkness Foundry manufactured the winding plant which was the largest in Bendigo at that time. An accompanying photograph illustrates the 222 Mine as it appeared in the 1890's.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - lansell erects australia's tallest popper head, george fauckner, ballerstedt's fortuna, 222 mine, 180 mine, fortuna crushing battery, harkness foundry, cleopatra's needle, fortuna

The remains of the 180 mine battery as painted by Alfred Perry in 1959. This is a watercolour and indian ink sketch on card. Yellow card attached with painting states: ' George Lansell Exhibit No 4. The remains of the 180 mine battery as painted by Alfred Perry in 1959. It was from the 180 that George Lansell laid the foundations of his fortune and indeed the fortunes of the district. With his capital behind the field mining flourished for nearly one hundred years and ensured employment for the many miners in the district.'Alfred Perryartwork, print, mining heritage, alfred perry, mining battery, 180 mine, victoria hill

4 page handwritten document, (copy) detailing some of the Mine Manager's reports for Princess Dagmar mine 1881 - 1914. Example: Reportof 8.3.1881, shaft 213, Mine Manager J. Ebboth. 'Discussed with Mr. Roberts re cheapest and bst method of supplying water to boiler, recommend a donkey engine. Mr. Lansell has one at the 180 which is not large enough for the big boiler and which is to be changed or sold for a larger one. This engine according to report costs 20 pounds. One of this kind will pump hot water which we require. Subject to your approval I have taken on John Roberts as engine driver. He comes to me as a steady man competent to drive engine and sharpen drills.'bendigo, mining, princess dagmar

Typed copy of notes on Fortuna. Notes include original builder, description of building, the 180 Gold Mine, Advance Mine. Two copies of page one.buildings, house, fortuna, fortuna, mr ballerstedt, 180 gold mine, wittscheibe brothers, mr george lansell, reidle's furniture store, wooton lansell, william lansell, miss edith bassford, duke of edinburgh, king george vi, duke of windsor, sir henry lock, marquis of normandy, earl of hopetoun, madam melba, advance mine, victoria reef, alfred e. wallis

Small typed document with some information on Fortuna -'Bendigo and Vicinity' - Fortuna. Mention of George Lansell, Theodore Ballerstedt.bendigo, house, fortuna villa, george lansell, theodore ballerstedt, 180 gold mine, fortuna, sir henry lock, the marquis of normanby, earl of hopetoun.

Bendigo Advertiser "The way we were" from 1999. Fortuna Villa: George Lansell pursued the deep reef mining industry and bought the rich 180 mine at Victoria Hill, after which he became known as the Quartz King. Within weeks of purchasing the mine he had recovered his outlay. After making so much money, he built Fortuna Villa, a resplendent building of two stories - six rooms on the ground floor and five on the second floor. Later the Lansell family enlarged the villa into three stories and furnished it suitable for any price, whereby it became an entertainment centre for notable visitors to Bendigo.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Copy of an article from the Bendigo Weekly 25/6/2000 titled The Mine Flooding Crisis - Bendigo's Deputation to Mines Minister McBride by James Lerk. The participants in the deputation were S H McGowan, J H Craig, G A Petrie, J G Stanfield, George Lansell Junior, H E Rowe, A Capper Moore, I E Dyason, S L Stirling, Senator McColl, J Sternberg, T Hicks and T Glass. It was hoped the Government would provide a pound for pound subsidy for the unwatering of the Victoria Quartz. Of the 11 mines, 5 were willing to contribute. The Minister thought dams would be ineffective. There is an accompanying photo of Minister Peter McBride.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - the mine flooding crisis - bendigo's deputation to mines minister mcbride, bendigo weekly 25/6/2000, james lerk, hon p mcbride, victoria quartz mine, s h mcgowan, bendigo mine owners association, j h craig, g a petrie, j g stanfield, george lansell junior, h e rowe, chamber of mines, a capper moore, i e dyason, d l stirling, senator mccoll, j sternberg, t hicks, t glass, new chum, lazarus, 180 mine, new chum consolidated, new chum railway mine, mr merrin, peter mcbride

Document. 8 page typed document titled 'Romance of the Goldfields'. (2 copies). 'Copy' is typed at the top of document. Mentions the gold rushes of Bendigo and Forest Creek. Mentions, Messrs. Gibson & Fenton, Mr Robert Ross Haverfield, Kennedy and Farrell, Asquith, Ben Hall, William and Walter Sandbach, Ron O'Donnell, Johnson, Bypass, Latham, Watson, Bell, Mr J B Watson, Mr George Lansell. Also mentions Gold Yields. Mentions Mines - Advance, Great Extended Hustlers, Garden Gully, New Chum, Victoria, Kent Mine, Golden Fleece, Richard Heales, Cornish United, Great Extended Hustlers, Tribute Company, Williams United, South New Moon, New Moon, Carlisle Group, Johnson's Reef, North Johnson's, Hercules and '180'. Envelope that this document was in is marked 'Notes re - Romance of Goldfields, Premier Companies, Sebastian Mining Leases, Resources of Bgo Goldfields, Sheepshead Line of Reef'.cottage, miners, romance of the goldfields, bendigo, forest creek

Composite Panoramic Black and White Photograph showing Fortuna Villa & surrounds with Lake in foregroundplace, building, residential, fortuna villa, mine, mining, fortuna, george lansell, christopher ballerstedt