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

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