''Notes on the Lansell Family by Ruth Hopkins''. This is a single typed page with (largely) information about the marriages of George Lansell. Reference to first wife (born Bedelia Mulganney); Edith Bassford; Wooton Lansell; Mrs Bassford. Makes interesting reading in view of Doc. #2829. Dates of marriages and deaths quoted.Ruth Hopkinsperson, individual, george lansell, george lansell, mrs bassford, bedellia mulganney, edith bassford, mrs g budd, annie, mr james northcott, mr wooton lansell and mr william lansell.

Ruth Hopkins has extensively researched Bendigo Cornish history and has published a book on the subject. Initially unsuccessful, Lansell later prospered by employing experienced Cornish consultants and miners. His return to Bendigo was driven more by public belief in his personal influence than by his mining expertise. He was involved in wage reduction efforts and allowed his mines to flood, causing widespread unemployment among miners and resentment. The story of a coffin being placed as a symbol of miners' animosity is discussed, with the author suggesting it reflected broader discontent, not just disputes over working conditions. Lansell's 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. The document reflects on the lasting impact of Lansell and the miners on Bendigo's history, suggesting that the tragedies and triumphs of these figures are embodied in the Fortuna estate. The author expresses gratitude for the preservation of Fortuna as a symbol of Bendigo's mining era, acknowledging both its glory and its tragedies.Fortuna Article - "The Lansell Saga" - The Weekender Saturday Oct 02 2009 This item contains the following: 11217.26a Colour Photo of Edith Lansell, the housekeeper who became mistress of the house, courtesy of the Bendigo Art Gallery. 11217.26b Part of page 22 - Article "The Lansell Saga"non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, edith lansell, edith bassford, bedelia mary mulganney

George Lansell was persuaded to begin investing in the newly forming mining companies of Bendigo, from 1855. His first investments failed, he lost money, and refocused on his original businesses. In 1865 George re-entered mining and with substantial investment was able to dictate the mining practices of his companies. His approach, of mining ever deeper than had been reached before, was so successful that he became known as the Quartz King of Bendigo. He soon became a millionaire. For a time, he may have been the richest man in the world. In 1871 Lansell purchased the Ballerstedt mines, equipment, machinery and mansion from the now deceased Christopher’s son, for 30,000 pounds. Although this was a large sum for the times, it demonstrated Lansell’s sound judgement: under his direction, the 180 Mine was extended down to over 3000 feet, becoming the deepest mine in the southern hemisphere at the time. By 1889, it was estimated that Ballerstadt and Lansell, over the time of the mine’s operation, had taken out at least a million pounds worth of gold from it. Mr. Lansell returned to England in about 1882 and took up his residence in Surrey, just across the river from London. There, when in his sixtieth year, he married Miss Edith Bassford, who was of English birth, but who was reared in Bendigo, where he first met her and her family. After a residence of seven years in Surrey Mr. Lansell and family returned to Bendigo, having been requested to do so by many leading citizens, who felt that it needed his presence and energy to keep mining in quartzopolis on the up grade. He was heartily welcomed by them on his return. Since then he has lived a quiet, uneventful life at his beautiful residence, "Fortuna." George Lansell travelled extensively, from the 1870’s, and extended his Fortuna Villa residence greatly, embellishing it as his fancy was inspired by his travels. Likewise it was filled with unusual items acquired on those travels. The surrounds did not miss out, being extensively landscaped and developed with features like ornamental lakes, a classical fountain, enclosed Roman style baths.Fortuna Articles - Photo of George Lansell's residence in England This item contains the following document: 11217.66a Black and white Photo Print of George Lansell's residence in England 10 x 8 inches, on rear of photo is written "George Lansell's Residence in England between 1881 and 1887 11217.66b Black and white Negative of George Lansell's residence in England 10 x 8 inches - Contact BHS for detailsnon-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. 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

Photograph - black and white. Photograph of Sir George Lansell, 1883 - 1959, elder son of George Lansell, the Bendigo Quartz and 2nd wife Harriet Edith (Bassford).person, individual, lansell family, sir george lansell (1883 - 1959)

Two page Summary of talk by Dr Charles Fahey at May meeting of the BHS, titled The Diary of Isaac Edward Dyason. Printed on white paper. An extra copy of page 1 printed on green paper. Dyason kept diaries from New Years Day 1858 until his death in 1915. Most survived with the exception of the years 1873-4 . In Lansell's absence he took over his business affairs and moved into Fortuna. He married and had four children, Emily, Amy, Clarence and Cecil. His youngest child didn't survive. The BHS has a digital copy of his diaries on USB, copied in Digital Donations.person, individual, edward dyason, edward dyason, dr charles fahey, bhs, isaac edward dyason, elizabeth dyason, john hare, sarah mary badcock, joses badcock, george lansell, charles thatcher, bedelia jarvis, harriet eastwood, edith bassford, emily dyason, amy dyason, clarence dyason, cecil dyason, harriet dyason, tommy bent, frank cusack

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

This document provides a detailed family history of Samuel Dobson and Frances Alice Bassford, tracing their origins, migration, and descendants from 19th-century England to Australia. The Dobson family traces back to Samuel Dobson, born around 1780 in Stepney, London, a scalemaker. William Dobson (b. 1809), son of Samuel, married Mary Ann Kitchen in 1833. They had twelve children, including Samuel Dobson (b. 1844), the main subject. The family lived in Stepney, London, during a period of significant social and industrial change. Samuel Dobson was born in 1844 in London, the sixth child of William and Mary Ann Dobson. He married Frances Alice Bassford in 1867. Frances was born in Tamworth, Staffordshire, in 1849, the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Bassford. Samuel and Frances, with their infant son, Samuel William, emigrated to Australia in 1868 aboard the clipper ship "Highflyer. "The voyage took 83 days, arriving in Melbourne in December 1868. They settled first in Melbourne, then moved to Bendigo during the gold mining boom. The Dobsons lived in Bendigo for about 15 years, where Samuel worked as a draughtsman and later in mining-related roles. Seven children were born in Bendigo, with three infants delivered stillborn. The family experienced both the excitement and challenges of the gold rush era. The family later moved to South Melbourne and then to Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, where more children were born. Frances’s sister, Edith Bassford, married George Lansell, a prominent mining magnate in Bendigo. Samuel Dobson was active in local cricket, playing against notable teams and figures. The Dobson family became well-established in Melbourne, with several members working for Buchanan and Brock Pty. Ltd., and participating in community and sporting activities. Samuel Dobson died in 1933 at age 89. Frances lived to 101, passing away in 1950, and was celebrated for her longevity and family contributions. The document includes family trees, photographs, and letters, illustrating the family’s growth and connections across generations. By Frances’s 100th birthday, the family included numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, highlighting a lasting legacy.Lansell Articles - A History of the Dobson Family - High Flyer to Port Phillip by William T Dobson, donated by Mrs H Smith of Ferny Creek Victoria This item contains the following documents which are photocopies of the originals: 11217.69a1 The journal contains 46 A4 pages of text, and several pages of photos along with the family tree and detailed family history of Samuel Dobson and Frances Alice Bassford 11217.69a2 A large family tree approx 3 x A3 sheets wide by W T Dobson in 1978 - Contact the BHS for details 11217.69b Black and white diamond wedding anniversay photo of Franes Alice aged 77 and Samuel aged 82. They were married on Feb 28th in 1927non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, samuel dobson, frances alice bassford, edith bassord, edith lansell

Edith was George Lansell’s second wife and she was born in Bendigo. Edith Lansell (née Bassford)Edith, from a respectable but financially struggling family, became Lansell's housekeeper and later his wife. Edith raised six children and managed George’s affairs with great success after his death.Oil painting on canvas of 8 cattle drinking by the lake with man and dog. Boat on lake. White birds, mountains in distance. Dated 1900. Gold embossed frame. Edith Lansell was the second wife of Bendigo mining magnate George Lansell.E.Lansell ( local identity )artwork, oil painting, cattle by lake

Mrs Edith Lansell (nee Bassford) from Bendigo, was the second wife of George Lansell, after his first wife, died in the late 1870s. Mr Lansell was a well respected a mine manager in Bendigo, making significant wealth and died in 1906. The first marriage didn't produce children, however his marriage to Edith resulted in six children from early 1880s, ensuring Lansell family heirs.Wooden box with plaque on the top ''Mrs. George Lansell''. Inside a large ornate black leather bound book with metal plaque ''In Memoriam''. On the first page a black and white oval photo of George Lansell, died Bendigo, March 19th 1906. The photo and words are surrounded by flowers. Next page a dedication to Mrs. George Lansell, Fortuna Villa, Bendigo April, 1906 with an eulogy from the representatives of the various companies in which Mr. Lansell was involved. The following three pages are full of cards from mining company with signatures of directors and managers. The Address states "Mrs George Lansell – “Fortuna Villa” Bendigo April 1906. Dear Madam, as representatives of the companies in which the late Mr Lansell took a special interest, being personally concerned in the management, we desire most respectfully but sincerely to express this sorrow felt at his death, not only by those now immediately constituting the management of the companies, but by the many hundreds of shareholders who reside all over this continent. Many of us have worked in cooperation with him for years and all are imbued with profound respect for the sound judgment, sagacity, strict impartiality and kindness of heart displayed by him. In all the varying fortunes through which his companies name here have passed, he was ever the same cheerful, enterprising hopeful man. Such success as has attended them is largely due to his association with the management and many who perchance did know him are now reaping the benefit of his courage and experience. His enterprises and judgment in presenting the operations of our mines and his tenacity of purpose in holding fast to ventures when disappointments were met and success was long delayed and seemed improbable have built up this district contributed largely to the wealth of many and found employment for thousands of workers for the past two generations. He has passed awa y in the fulness of years, but in passing he has left a name for enterprise and uprightness that will be as ensuring as the rocks themselves and he an example and incentive to generations yet to come. We tender our heartfelt sympathies to yourself and family in the great bereavement you have sustained and pray that God in his goodness may brighten your life with the devoted love of your family and bless you with many years of happiness and peace. On behalf of the companies named we subscribe ourselves. Yours most respectfully"person, individual, george lansell

Sir George Victor Lansell (1883-1959), businessman, politician and philanthropist, was born on 3 October 1883 in London, elder son of George Lansell, the Bendigo 'Quartz King', and his second wife Harriet Edith, née Bassford. George was educated at St Andrew's College, Bendigo, and Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. On 20 January 1910 at All Saints Pro-Cathedral, Bendigo, he married a skiing champion, Edith Florence Gwendoline Frew; they had three daughters. As a young man Lansell excelled in revolver shooting, boxing and swimming but his militia interests endured longest. First commissioned in the 8th Australian Infantry Regiment in 1904, he was a captain in 1909. In May 1916 he was commissioned captain in Bendigo's 38th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. Entering the front line in France on 1 December he was wounded two days later and invalided back to Australia next March for discharge in August. After the war he rose in 1923 to major commanding the 38th Battalion, Australian Military Forces. Lieutenant-Colonel in 1927, he retired as honorary colonel in 1942 after having organized the north-west Victorian group of the Volunteer Defence Corps early in World War II. Lansell's major contribution was his service to returned soldiers. He was president of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia for nearly thirty years. His work extended beyond grand gesture and he is remembered affectionately for his personal generosity to ex-servicemen and their dependants. Lansell was director of the powerful Sandhurst Trustees' Co., the Bendigo Mutual Permanent Land & Building Society and many other local companies. In 1926 he brought to Bendigo the overseas-based Hanro Knitting Mills (Hanro comes from the Swiss firm Handschin and Ronus which made high quality underwear and knitwear at Liestal, Switzerland) and the Australian Swiss Watch Co. Early in his business career he acquired the Bendigo Independent and amalgamated it with the Bendigo Advertiser in 1918. He had interests in the Riverine Herald, the Rochester Irrigator, the Stock and Station Journal and Central Victorian Broadcasters Ltd, and was a delegate to Empire press conferences in Canada (1920), England (1923) and Australia (1925).Lever arch folder containing Hanro black and white promotional photographs. 53 studio photographs of women's knitwear and lingerie 20.5cm x 25.2cm. 1 studio photograph of men's knitwear 19cm x 23.5cm. 2 x photo's 19cm x 23.3cm Photographer Reg Brock. 27 black and white photo's 15cm x 21cm of men's knitwear, womenswear and lingerie, were donated by Ann Peters.Reg Brock Studios Bendigo. Labels or stamps on back of photographs.business, retail, hanro promotional photographs, george victor lansell, bendigo hanro, ralph birrell collections