Flyer for a Public Meeting organised by the Bendigo Historical Society Inc. titled 'Save Fortuna Villa'. Held at the Bendigo Town Hall Reception Room on Tuesday 2nd May 2006 at 7 pm.bendigo, clubs, save fortuna villa, bendigo town hall, bendigo historical society inc

Colour photograph: image shows float with people holding banners bearing names - John Hooper, Bedelia Lansell and Susan Budds. Float says 'Save Fortuna' and was part of the campaign to keep Fortuna Villa in public hands. Bendigo Easter Fair 2009.cottage, miners, fortuna, bendigo historical society

Originally designed in 1857 and extended to the further designs by Bendigo Architects Vahland and Getzschmann, Emil Mauermann and William Beebe the original two story house expanded over time as Lansell's fortune increased and the subsequent mansion was built adjacent to the New Chum Reef and mine from which most of his wealth was yielded. Fortuna remained in the Lansell family for twenty nine years after George died and was sold by auction for demolition in 1934 only to be saved to become a reception house. In 1942 the Army acquired a lease for wartime mapping and occupied the site until 2008. It is now in private hands with the surrounding land being divided for housing. George Lansell was commonly known as 'Australia's Quartz-King' and director of thirty-eight mines with some link with almost every mine in Bendigo.A4 size tour booklet outlining the history, use and architectural features of Fortuna Villa which was purchased by George Lansell in 1860. mayor william beebe, george lansell