BHS CollectionPhotocopy 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

Four hand written pages and typed copy, titled The Victoria Hill - Special Features. Notes mention the Victoria Hill, the deepest workings on the field,the first mine on the field to 2,000 and 3,000 feet in depth, Ballerstedt's Open-Cut, Rae;s Open-Cut, Wittscheibe's Jeweller's Shop, the Adventure, the richest cross-section of the whole of the Bendigo Goldfield, the first mine to pay dividends from ore mined below 1,000 feet to 1,500 feet from the surface, the tallest poppet legs on the field, Lazarus Mine, Barnet Lazarus, Mt Alvernia Hospital, Central Red White & Blue. Notes prepared by Albert Richardson.document, gold, victoria hill, victoria hill, victoria hill - special features, john neill macartney, the argus, the australasian, bendigo goldfields registry, victoria reef quartz mine, the deepest workings on the field, the first mine on the field to reach 2, 000 and 3, 000 feet in depth, lansell's 'big 180' mine, hot water, george lansell, theodore ballerstedt, fortuna, ballerstedt's open-cut, rae's open-cut, wittscheibe's jeweller's shop, adventure, advance, cinderella, the private pioneer coy, new chum & victoria mine, a h q survey regiment, tallest poppet legs, lazarus mine, barnet lazarus, mt alvernia hospital, central redwhite and blue, hudson's, burrowes & sterry, b c v 8 television station, swan hill's channel 11

Theodore Ballerstedt originally purchased the Fortuna site from the Crown in 1857. The firstimprovements at Fortuna were undertaken by the Ballerstedt family and consisted of a small mill and house. At the peak of the mining era (c.1860s) Fortuna was central to the deep alluvial gold mining operations of Bendigo. In 1871 Theodore Ballerstedt sold the house, mine and associated works to George Lansell 'The Quartz King'. During his time at Fortuna, Lansell owned 13 mines and directed a further 73 in Bendigo. The primary building on the site is the Fortuna Villa. With the wealth Lansell generated from gold mining he funded the continuous expansion of the Villa and surrounding grounds. The Villa is built in a number of architectural styles, namely Victorian Italianate and Victorian Free Classical, with Federation influences. The surrounding landscape featured up to seven decorative lakes in the early 1870s, including one larger lake which still remains today. The former lakes were originally used as disposal points for tailings produced in the gold processing activities at the site. Heritage investigations note that the uniqueness of Fortuna lies in the mixture of architectural styles of the Villa. The relationship between mining and domestic areas and the. close proximity of the two is considered rare to Australian domestic building of that time.Fortuna - Photos (Photo-copies) of Furnished Rooms This item contains the following 12 documents: 11217.76a Black and White photo of the Gymnasium, a man standing between the horizontal bars and another behind sitting on the exercise bench 11217.76b Black and White photo of a living room with chairs and small table 11217.76c Black and White photo of the conservatory with pot plants 11217.76d Black and White photo of a music room with piano, chairs and a coffee table 11217.76e Black and White photo of a bedroom with sofa, chair and iron framed bed 11217.76f Black and White photo of the games room complete with Billiard Table 11217.76g Black and White photo of the living room, the walls adorned with painting and photographs 11217.76h Black and White photo of the family bedroom, with a child's bed and a large four-poseter with curtains 11217.76i Black and White photo of possibly the function or ballroom 11217.76j Black and White photo of a small room or elcove for quiet conversations 11217.76k Black and White photo of the staircase and statue 11217.76l Black and White photo of the conservatorynon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, fortuna furnishings

Theodore Ballerstedt originally purchased the Fortuna site from the Crown in 1857. The firstimprovements at Fortuna were undertaken by the Ballerstedt family and consisted of a small mill and house. At the peak of the mining era (c.1860s) Fortuna was central to the deep alluvial gold mining operations of Bendigo. In 1871 Theodore Ballerstedt sold the house, mine and associated works to George Lansell 'The Quartz King'. During his time at Fortuna, Lansell owned 13 mines and directed a further 73 in Bendigo. Edith was George Lansell’s second wife. His first wife Bedelia was once George’s maid who later fell in love with him. However Bedelia could not handle the wealth, dignitaries or the pressure of George’s success and turned to the bottle which lead to her untimely death. Lansell's first marriage to Bedelia Mary Mulganney was troubled, marked by her alcoholism and early death, with her will contested by Lansell despite its modest value. Bedelia's death was lonely, with her death registered by an undertaker's assistant rather than family. Edith Lansell (née Bassford)Edith, from a respectable but financially struggling family, became Lansell's housekeeper and later his wife. Their relationship began before marriage, with Edith giving birth to their son shortly after their wedding. Lansell was significantly older than Edith, and their union was met with mixed reactions from family and the public. Edith was a strong woman, who raised six children and managed George’s affairs with great success after his death. Fortuna - Death Certificate of Edith Lansell This item contains the following documents: 11217.85a Part of Photo copy of The Death Certificate of Edith Lansell is from the State of Victoria. Edith, a widow lived in Inglewood Road, City of Bendigo. She died on March 12th 1934. She had lived for 46 years in Victoria. 11217.85b Part of Photo copy of The Death Certificate of Edith Lansell is from the State of Victoria. Edith, a widow lived in Inglewood Road, City of Bendigo. She died on March 12th 1934. She had lived for 46 years in Victoria.non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, edith lansell, edith bassford

Theodore Ballerstedt originally purchased the Fortuna site from the Crown in 1857. The firstimprovements at Fortuna were undertaken by the Ballerstedt family and consisted of a small mill and house. At the peak of the mining era (c.1860s) Fortuna was central to the deep alluvial gold mining operations of Bendigo. In 1871 Theodore Ballerstedt sold the house, mine and associated works to George Lansell 'The Quartz King'. During his time at Fortuna, Lansell owned 13 mines and directed a further 73 in Bendigo. Fortuna was occupied by the Department of Defence from 1942 and was compulsorily acquired for Army use in 1957. Since that time Fortuna has been occupied by the Army and other various Defence organisations. During Defence's ownership, additional buildings were constructed and existing buildings were modified for re-use. In 1992 Defence purchased the adjoining undeveloped property, commonly known as the Bush Block. This parcel of land adjoins the main Fortuna landholding. It is approximately 0.8 hectares in size and is predominately covered in vegetation regrowth. Heritage investigations note that the uniqueness of Fortuna lies in the mixture of architectural styles of the Villa. The relationship between mining and domestic areas and the. close proximity of the two is considered rare to Australian domestic building of that time. The primary building on the site is the Fortuna Villa. With the wealth Lansell generated from gold mining he funded the continuous expansion of the Villa and surrounding grounds. The Villa is built in a number of architectural styles, namely Victorian Italianate and Victorian Free Classical, with Federation influences. The surrounding landscape featured up to seven decorative lakes in the early 1870s, including one larger lake which still remains today. The former lakes were originally used as disposal points for tailings produced in the gold processing activities at the site. Heritage investigations note that the uniqueness of Fortuna lies in the mixture of architectural styles of the Villa. The relationship between mining and domestic areas and the. close proximity of the two is considered rare to Australian domestic building of that time.Fortuna - Drawing Presented to Brian McLachlon This item contains the following documents: 11217.77a Six copies Black and White drawing by Jason Nickson (cleaner) presented to Brian McLachlon on his transfer to the USA. Drawing shows Brian on a motor bike being farewelled by the Fortuna Villa (holding a baby named DIGO) and welcomed by the Statue of Liberty and the US flagnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, jason nickson fortuna cleaner, brian mclochlon fortuna

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations and extensions to the building and it remained in the Lansell family until 1935. Plan for construction of Fortuna Villa, Sandhurst Title: Garden Front, Fortuna Villa, Sandhurst for G. Lansell Esq. Dated: 3rd July 1871 Coloured plan and elevation Condition: water damage and paper tearsfortuna villa, george lansell, c & t ballerstedt, building plans

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations and extensions to the building. It remained in the Lansell family until 1935Plan for the alteration and additions to Fortuna Villaa, the private residence of George Lansell Plan shows southern, eastern & western elevations, floor and roof plan for the additions to the residence Coloured hand drawn construction plan Plan is undated plan has severe damage on LHS and bottom of the sheetfortuna villa, george lansell, building plans, c & t ballerstedt

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations extensions to the building and remained in the Lansell family until 1935Plan for the addition and necessary modifications of a staircase to Fortuna Villa, the residence of George Lansell Esq. Coloured plan Plan is damaged missing several sections on the LHS of the plan and has water damage in lower LH cornerfortuna villa, lansell, stair case

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations extensions to the building and remained in the Lansell family until 1935Plan for the addition of a four level staircase to the Garden Elevation of Fortuna Villa for George Lansell Esq. Plan shows: * Four levels of the staircase cobstructiob - Ground, Principal, First & Second levels of the staircase tower, with viewing walk at the second level * Entrance & garden elevations section showing exterior of the four level additionfortuna villa, george lansell, c & t ballerstedt, building plans

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations and extensions to the building and it remained in the Lansell family until 1935.Plan for four level staircase tower to the Garden Elevation of Fortuna Villa, Sandhurst for George Lansell Esq. Plan details: * Plan shows ground, First, second and third floor plans for the staircase construction * First and second floor house plans and location of staircase addition * Front and Garden elevations with staircase addition Plan coloured and damaged on LHS, also with water damagebendigo fortuna villa, george lansell, building plans, c & t ballerstedt

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations extensions to the building and remained in the Lansell family until 1935plan for new entrance vestibule to Fortuna Villa for George Lansell Esq. coloured plan detailing new entrance vestibule and open recess across the verandah, and entry steps RHS of page damaged/ tornfortuna villa, geo.lansell esq., building plan, c & t ballerstedt

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations extensions to the building and remained in the Lansell family until 1935Plan shows front and side elevations only for the addition of a two storey lacework verandah to Fortuna Villa for George Lansell Esq. Black ink hand drawn plan for verandah elevations Plan badly damaged with water damage, flocking, tears and a hole in the paper plan. Hand drawn additions to the plan with pencilbendigo fortuna villa, george lansell

Four pages typewritten history of Fortuna Villa from Mr. Ballerstedt purchasing the mine and land from the Wittscheibe Brothers to the subsequent sale to George Lansell and the various developments.place, fortuna, fortuna villa

The Victoria Quartz Gold Mine was situated on Victoria Hill, Ironbark, (1877 - 1913). At the turn of the century, this was the site of one of the premier mines on the Bendigo goldfield. In 1908, it boasted the world's deepest shaft - 4,478 feet (1,365 metres). The shaft reached a depth of 4,613 feet (1,406 metres) in 1910. In 1857 eight small claims in this area had been merged to form the Victoria Reef Quartz Mining Co. Another merger in 1877 led to the formation of the Victoria Quartz Co. For the next three decades, the mine produced consistent profits. In 1910, water burst into the claim, flooding the shaft and halting operations. The company baled water for six months then handed the mine over to the tributers who worked the upper levels for the share of the profits. The mine closed in 1913, having produced over 48,000 ounces of gold and paid dividends of £99,600. (Source, Goldfield Guide https://www.goldfieldsguide.com.au/explore-location/400/victoria-hill-mining-reserve/) Victorian Heritage Register information on mine: Statement of Significance Last updated on - July 14, 2005 The story of quartz mining on Victoria Hill lies at the heart of Bendigo's historical status as the world's richest and deepest reefing field. Gold was discovered on Victoria Hill in 1854, and by early 1855 claims had been taken up over its entire extent. Shafts were first worked by windlass, whip or whim, and primitive crushing batteries were in operation. By 1861, Victoria Hill had yielded at least 1,200,000oz in gold. One of the early claims on Victoria Hill was owned by Prussian immigrants, Christopher Ballerstedt and his son Theodore. In 1854, they bought a claim on the hill for £80, to which they subsequently added other claims, and from the quartz veins (called spurs), worked both by shafts and a large open cut, obtained gold worth nearly £200,000. Christopher Ballerstedt was dubbed 'Father of the Hill' and has been credited as the first to debunk the theory at that time prevalent on the Bendigo field, that the gold content of reefs would diminish at depth. As his shafts plunged below the 200-foot level, the quartz remained rich in gold. His success inspired others, and so led the way to Bendigo's later status as the world's deepest and richest goldfield. The Ballerstedt's built Bendigo's grandest mansion, Fortuna. Theodore continued to work Victoria Hill after his father's death, but in 1871, convinced that his claim was exhausted, he sold both mine and mansion to George Lansell for £60,000. Lansell's mine on Victoria Hill was called the 180, and operated under his ownership until his death in 1906. The mine supplied the initial wealth that made Lansell Bendigo's 'Quartz King'. George Lansell was such a force in Bendigo's mining history that his death was cited as one of the reasons for the decline of Bendigo as a quartz mining centre, The Victoria Hill Quartz Gold Mines are of historical, archaeological and scientific importance to the State of Victoria. The Victoria Hill Quartz Gold Mines are historically significant as the symbolic heart of Bendigo's famous goldfield. The mines are linked to nineteenth-century individuals (Christopher Ballerstedt and George Lansell) who played prominent roles in the evolution of Bendigo. Both men's fortunes and their influence on Bendigo, originated from mining operations carried out on the hill. The Victoria Hill Quartz Gold Mines are historically and scientifically important as characteristic examples of an important form of gold mining. Gold mining sites are of crucial importance for the pivotal role they have played since 1851 in the development of Victoria. As well as being a significant producer of Victoria's nineteenth century wealth, quartz mining, with its intensive reliance on machinery, played an important role in the development of Victorian manufacturing industry. The Victoria Hill Quartz Gold Mines are important as a manifestation of this aspect of gold mining. The Victoria Hill Quartz Gold Mines are scientifically important, as they contain relics span nearly sixty years of mining (1854 to 1913), documenting the richest and most significant years of Bendigo's world-famous quartz mining industry. Enhancing the significance of the place are relics from the Victoria Quartz Company operations, ncluding, at 4,870 feet, the world's deepest nineteenth-century gold mining shaft. As a postscript to the chronology of gold mining is the surviving crushing machinery (formerly part of the Bendigo Crushing Works) which was erected near the foundations of Lansell's 180 mine in 1932, to crush quartz for nearby mines. The place has a potential to yield artefacts and evidence which will be able to provide significant information about the technological history of gold mining. [Source: Victorian Heritage Register] Hermes Number 8506 https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/index.php/places/8506/download-report Hand drawn plan of the bottom section of the Victoria Quartz Gold Mine. Mine shaft shown from 2706 feet to 5200 (potential) feet shown, with annotation regarding geological features and gold obtained from different level crushings. Blue border sticker on outside of plan: '13 BC 23 Victoria Quartz Trans-Section'. Plan is not dated. The Victoria Quartz plan is part of the Margaret Roberts Collection.victoria hill quartz gold mine, victoria hill

Despite a report suggesting otherwise, tours of the historic Fortuna house in Bendigo will not cease when the Army Topographic Support Establishment (ATSE) takes over from the Army Survey Regiment. Both Army representatives and ATSE management confirm that public access and tours will remain unchanged. A mistaken news story led to a surge in tour attendance, with numbers tripling as people rushed to visit before the supposed closure. Recent tours have seen up to 70 visitors, including interstate travelers and descendants of the Lansell family. Fortuna is a 140-year-old house with deep ties to Bendigo's history.Originally owned by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt (1855–1871), it is most famously associated with the Lansell family, particularly George Lansell, a prominent gold mine owner known as the "Quartz King." The Army initiated tours 20 years ago to connect with the local community and showcase the building and the regiment's work.The tours provide an opportunity for the public to interact with soldiers and learn about their activities. After the death of George Lansell's wife, a symbolic procession with an empty coffin protested poor mine ventilation and miners' health conditions, highlighting social issues of the time.The document shares anecdotes from tours, such as Lansell's purchase of goats from local children, illustrating his character and the community's relationship with him. The homestead includes notable features like a grand entrance hall, glassroom, main staircase, Pompeii fountain, and a Roman bath.The house is known for its eclectic Victorian architecture, with many styles incorporated based on Lansell's preferences. Guided tours cover the complete history of Fortuna Villa and the Lansell family, lasting about three and a half hours on Sundays.Bookings are available by phone.Recent Military UpdatesThe Army will remain at the Fortuna site, though the military side will move out and soldiers will be reassigned or enter the workforce.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Fortuna Opens its Doors" - Bendigo Advertiser Sat Mar 30 1996 - Author Nicole Ferrie This item contains the following: 11217.2a Black and White Photo of one of the tour guides - Lance Cpl Richard Arman in the Fortuna Gardens 11217.2b Black and White Photo of one of the tour guides - Lance Cpl Richard Arman on the balcony 11217.2c Part of page 2 - Fortuna Open its Doors 11217.2d Part of page 2 - Fortuna Open its Doorsnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, army tropographic support establishment

Germans were the third largest ethnic group on the Bendigo goldfields in the mid-19th century, numbering 2,000–3,000 by 1860. Many were experienced miners from the Harz mountains and led the development of quartz mining at Sandhurst. Christopher Ballerstedt, a German miner, established a successful quartz mining operation and built Fortuna Villa, later sold to George Lansell. Other notable German names include Wittscheibe, Koch, Killian, Ketterer, Roeder, and Mueller, who contributed to mining and local society. German architects, especially William Vahland, played a major role in shaping Bendigo’s architecture, including work on Fortuna Villa. Germans contributed to Bendigo’s cultural life, with several daughters of German-born residents achieving international fame as opera singers. The community was active in commerce, wine production, trades, and professions (e.g., priests, chemists, mayors). Despite some families anglicizing their names during World War I, many German surnames remain prominent in Bendigo. The document advocates for greater recognition of German pioneers, suggesting Fortuna Villa as a venue for a museum or display to celebrate their legacy, inspired by the example of the Chinese Museum in Bendigo. The author urges the community to preserve and showcase the stories, artifacts, and memorabilia of all Bendigo’s pioneers, emphasizing the importance of remembering the city’s immigrant past. Beverley Carter is the author of the document and is introduced as a retired secondary school teacher, part-time journalist, reviewer, and editor. She is a member of Bendigo's Lansell family and is currently writing a comprehensive history of her family, covering their European and English origins and their role in Bendigo's development. Carter's 'Fortuna Glimpses' series focuses on the life of mining magnate George Lansell and his home, Fortuna Articles - "Time to Honour Pioneers" May 01 2009 The Bendigo Advertiser by Bevely Carter, picture by Julian Prowd This item contains the following: 11217.39a Colour Photo of Fortuna. 11217.39b Part of Page 17 - "Time to Honour Pioneers"non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, beverley carter

Defence Site Fortuna is a 7.5-hectare property located on the northern side of Chum Street at Golden Square, Bendigo, Victoria. The main building is Fortuna Villa, with additional structures including two accommodation buildings, a former mess building, storage buildings, and a parade ground. The property is owned by the Department of Defence. It was most recently used by the Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation (DIGO), which relocated in October 2008.The site is now surplus to Defence requirements, and investigations into its heritage and environmental values are underway to inform future disposal plans. Fortuna was historically significant in Bendigo's deep alluvial gold mining operations.The site was purchased from the Crown in 1857 by Theodore Ballerstedt and his father, Christopher, who arrived in Bendigo in 1853 from California.Fortuna - Informatiopn Tourist Brochures This item contains the following documents: 11217.57a Four page colour brochure "Introducing the Defense Sire Fortuna - Centre pages contain a map of the site with prominant features. Also parts of the back page describe " What is Happening at Fortuna"; significant values of the site and determination of disposal from the Defence Department. 11217.57b Four copies of A4 size coloured brochure, two-sided, tri-fold produced by the Villa Fortuna action Group 11217.57c A4 size coloured brochure, two-sided, tri-fold produced by the Bendigo Tourism Inc. Advertises two hour conductd and group tours 11217.57d Two copies of one page brochure advertiing guided toursnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, ballerstadt

Fortuna Villa was initially commenced as a modest single storey home in 1861 next to the 180 Mine by Theodore Ballerstedt, who sold the mine and house to George Lansell in 1869. Lansell already owned the adjacent Fortuna Mine, and through deeper mining techniques greatly expanded the mine's operation, his personal wealth, and the house and grounds. Lansell was soon known as the 'Quartz King', Australia's first gold mining millionaire and credited as the driving force behind much of Bendigo's prosperity. He continuously added to and expanded the villa, decorating it extravagantly with the finest of artworks and materials, into a sprawling mansion with extensive landscaped grounds, to create a house and grounds of a size and grandeur with few rivals in Australia. After his death in 1907, his second wife Edith carried on with improvements, creating a house and grounds developed over 50 years. The attached mine also contributes to its significance, being one of the richest mines in Bendigo, and at one stage probably the deepest gold mine in the world at 3176 feet. The 1875 crushing works are attached directly to the mansion, and the mine's tailings and settling ponds (turned into ornamental lakes) represent a direct link between George Lansell's wealth and its source. Fortuna was compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth in 1942 as the Cartographic Headquarters of the Australian Survey Corps during World War II, and many ancillary structures were added while preserving the main house and ornamental grounds. Victorian Heritage Database Report https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/68334/download-reportMinutes of Army Survey Regiment Unit Historical Fund, Fortuna Villa (28 Aug 1991 - 25 Nov 1992) 28 August 1991 - cost of construction of base of the fountain, and letter to Bendigo Art Gallery to follow-up loan of the "Venus" statue for display in the RM's office and resurfacing of marble baths in the CO and adjutant's offices. Single undated page from Unit Historical Fund Committee in 1991. 11 Nov 1992 - discussion of Christmas tours and a plaque for hallway. 25 Nov 1992 - lights for the Company's office, and a discussion of five tasks for next year. Lansell's Fortuna flyer for tour.fortuna villa, minutes

Fortuna Villa was initially commenced as a modest single storey home in 1861 next to the 180 Mine by Theodore Ballerstedt, who sold the mine and house to George Lansell in 1869. Lansell already owned the adjacent Fortuna Mine, and through deeper mining techniques greatly expanded the mine's operation, his personal wealth, and the house and grounds. Lansell was soon known as the 'Quartz King', Australia's first gold mining millionaire and credited as the driving force behind much of Bendigo's prosperity. He continuously added to and expanded the villa, decorating it extravagantly with the finest of artworks and materials, into a sprawling mansion with extensive landscaped grounds, to create a house and grounds of a size and grandeur with few rivals in Australia. After his death in 1907, his second wife Edith carried on with improvements, creating a house and grounds developed over 50 years. The attached mine also contributes to its significance, being one of the richest mines in Bendigo, and at one stage probably the deepest gold mine in the world at 3176 feet. The 1875 crushing works are attached directly to the mansion, and the mine's tailings and settling ponds (turned into ornamental lakes) represent a direct link between George Lansell's wealth and its source. Fortuna was compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth in 1942 as the Cartographic Headquarters of the Australian Survey Corps during World War II, and many ancillary structures were added while preserving the main house and ornamental grounds. Victorian Heritage Database Report https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/68334/download-reportMinutes of the Fortuna Historical Committee held 24 August 1994 (hand written minutes over four sheets, referenced Vol 9 Fol 3) including four pages of stakeholder feedback tabled at the meetingfortuna, historical unit

Fortuna Villa was initially commenced as a modest single storey home in 1861 next to the 180 Mine by Theodore Ballerstedt, who sold the mine and house to George Lansell in 1869. Lansell already owned the adjacent Fortuna Mine, and through deeper mining techniques greatly expanded the mine's operation, his personal wealth, and the house and grounds. Lansell was soon known as the 'Quartz King', Australia's first gold mining millionaire and credited as the driving force behind much of Bendigo's prosperity. He continuously added to and expanded the villa, decorating it extravagantly with the finest of artworks and materials, into a sprawling mansion with extensive landscaped grounds, to create a house and grounds of a size and grandeur with few rivals in Australia. After his death in 1907, his second wife Edith carried on with improvements, creating a house and grounds developed over 50 years. The attached mine also contributes to its significance, being one of the richest mines in Bendigo, and at one stage probably the deepest gold mine in the world at 3176 feet. The 1875 crushing works are attached directly to the mansion, and the mine's tailings and settling ponds (turned into ornamental lakes) represent a direct link between George Lansell's wealth and its source. Fortuna was compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth in 1942 as the Cartographic Headquarters of the Australian Survey Corps during World War II, and many ancillary structures were added while preserving the main house and ornamental grounds. Victorian Heritage Database Report https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/68334/download-reportConservation report for the Pompeii Fountain & Adjacent Structures at "Fortuna" Chum Street, Golden Square, Victoria. Prepared for Fortuna Historical Committee. March 1996.Halina Eckersley, Architect & Conservation Planner, Kewpompeii fountain, greenhouse, fortuna lake, gardens

Fortuna Villa was initially commenced as a modest single storey home in 1861 next to the 180 Mine by Theodore Ballerstedt, who sold the mine and house to George Lansell in 1869. Lansell already owned the adjacent Fortuna Mine, and through deeper mining techniques greatly expanded the mine's operation, his personal wealth, and the house and grounds. Lansell was soon known as the 'Quartz King', Australia's first gold mining millionaire and credited as the driving force behind much of Bendigo's prosperity. He continuously added to and expanded the villa, decorating it extravagantly with the finest of artworks and materials, into a sprawling mansion with extensive landscaped grounds, to create a house and grounds of a size and grandeur with few rivals in Australia. After his death in 1907, his second wife Edith carried on with improvements, creating a house and grounds developed over 50 years. The attached mine also contributes to its significance, being one of the richest mines in Bendigo, and at one stage probably the deepest gold mine in the world at 3176 feet. The 1875 crushing works are attached directly to the mansion, and the mine's tailings and settling ponds (turned into ornamental lakes) represent a direct link between George Lansell's wealth and its source. Fortuna was compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth in 1942 as the Cartographic Headquarters of the Australian Survey Corps during World War II, and many ancillary structures were added while preserving the main house and ornamental grounds. Victorian Heritage Database Report https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/68334/download-reportPreliminary report of Structural assessment of Building 16 Fortuna Complex, Chum Street, Bendigo. Four page preliminary report finding the building is structurally safe as at Wed 19 December 2007 with three recommendations. Prepared for DIGO by Structural Engineers - Terry Stevens Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd.fortuna, structural assessment

Fortuna Villa was initially commenced as a modest single storey home in 1861 next to the 180 Mine by Theodore Ballerstedt, who sold the mine and house to George Lansell in 1869. Lansell already owned the adjacent Fortuna Mine, and through deeper mining techniques greatly expanded the mine's operation, his personal wealth, and the house and grounds. Lansell was soon known as the 'Quartz King', Australia's first gold mining millionaire and credited as the driving force behind much of Bendigo's prosperity. He continuously added to and expanded the villa, decorating it extravagantly with the finest of artworks and materials, into a sprawling mansion with extensive landscaped grounds, to create a house and grounds of a size and grandeur with few rivals in Australia. After his death in 1907, his second wife Edith carried on with improvements, creating a house and grounds developed over 50 years. The attached mine also contributes to its significance, being one of the richest mines in Bendigo, and at one stage probably the deepest gold mine in the world at 3176 feet. The 1875 crushing works are attached directly to the mansion, and the mine's tailings and settling ponds (turned into ornamental lakes) represent a direct link between George Lansell's wealth and its source. Fortuna was compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth in 1942 as the Cartographic Headquarters of the Australian Survey Corps during World War II, and many ancillary structures were added while preserving the main house and ornamental grounds. Victorian Heritage Database Report https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/68334/download-reportTicket for Fortuna Villa Tour conducted by the Army Survey Regiment and the National Trust. 31/12/1985. Black printing on yellow card.fortuna villa, tour

Fortuna Villa was initially commenced as a modest single storey home in 1861 next to the 180 Mine by Theodore Ballerstedt, who sold the mine and house to George Lansell in 1869. Lansell already owned the adjacent Fortuna Mine, and through deeper mining techniques greatly expanded the mine's operation, his personal wealth, and the house and grounds. Lansell was soon known as the 'Quartz King', Australia's first gold mining millionaire and credited as the driving force behind much of Bendigo's prosperity. He continuously added to and expanded the villa, decorating it extravagantly with the finest of artworks and materials, into a sprawling mansion with extensive landscaped grounds, to create a house and grounds of a size and grandeur with few rivals in Australia. After his death in 1907, his second wife Edith carried on with improvements, creating a house and grounds developed over 50 years. The attached mine also contributes to its significance, being one of the richest mines in Bendigo, and at one stage probably the deepest gold mine in the world at 3176 feet. The 1875 crushing works are attached directly to the mansion, and the mine's tailings and settling ponds (turned into ornamental lakes) represent a direct link between George Lansell's wealth and its source. Fortuna was compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth in 1942 as the Cartographic Headquarters of the Australian Survey Corps during World War II, and many ancillary structures were added while preserving the main house and ornamental grounds. Victorian Heritage Database Report https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/68334/download-reportProposal for the formation of a Fortuna Commission to ensure the preservation of Fortuna Villa. Written by Daryl McClure. May 2012fortuna villa, preservation, daryl mcclure

Coloured tri-fold brochure titled Fortuna Villa. There are several coloured photos of the Villa and garden, a short history, information on the Villa Fortuna Action Group and their ideas for its future use. There is also a printed membership form. A small location map is included.bendigo, clubs, fortuna villa, christopher ballerstedt, theodore ballerstedt, 180 mine, george lansell, edith lansell, william beebe, vahland, getzschmann, emil maumann, commonwealth department of defence, the fortuna villa action group, city of greater bendigo, julian prowd, geoff hocking, bart-n-print