Geo. (George) Lansell - ''a few facts''. Five handwritten pages written by A Richardson, VP of Bendigo Branch, Royal Historical Society. Some reference to Fortuna. Photostat copy of this documentA. Richardsonperson, individual, george lansell, the quartz king, william lansell, george lansell, thomas lansell, geo lansell.

Slide. Mr. George Lansell. The Quartz King, taken from 'Bendigo and Vicinity' .mine, gold, mr. george lansell., bendigo mines-jack hattam collection.

George Lansell was born in Kent, England, on August 24, 1823. Inspired by his brother Wootton's reports of opportunities, George and his brother William arrived in Port Adelaide in 1853 and moved to Bendigo to seek fortune in gold mining. Lansell initially lost all his savings twice investing in gold mining. His fortunes changed in the early 1860s after successful investments in the Advance and Cinderella mines, laying the foundation for his wealth. He acquired the property Fortuna in 1871. He Married Bedelia Javis, an Irish immigrant, in 1872; she died eight years later at age 38. Despite being the area's most successful mine owner, Lansell faced hostility from miners and left for Britain in 1880 after a threatening incident. He returned to Bendigo after a petition from thousands of residents, contributing significantly to the city's revival. He donated much of his fortune to charities, public buildings, and monuments, including the Rosalind Park Cascades. He died on March 20, 1906, at age 82. His death marked the end of Bendigo's golden era; the goldfields' output declined sharply within a decade.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Quartz King's uneasy reign" - The Herald Sun Sunday Nov 02 1997- Author Adrian Tame This item contains the following: 11217.8a Black and White Photo of George Lansell 11217.8b Part of page 15 - Quartz King's uneasy reignnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, stan budds, george lansell

This document proposes the creation of a documentary about George Lansell, known as the "Quartz King" of Bendigo, highlighting his significant impact on the region's goldfields and community. Suggests strong support for a film documenting George Lansell's life, backed by local council, historical society, and parliamentary representatives. Recommends submitting the idea to organizations like Film Australia. Lansell was a prominent mining magnate with private ownership of multiple mines and investments in Australia and abroad. He was known for his immense wealth, generosity, and contributions to Bendigo's prosperity. His mansion, Fortuna, was one of the most lavish in the colony. The Big 180 mine, owned by Lansell, was the deepest in the Southern Hemisphere by 1895 and yielded significant gold output. Lansell and his partners extracted an estimated three million pounds worth of gold from the Big 180. Lansell was celebrated for his philanthropy, supporting public institutions, charities, and miners in need. Upon his death in 1906, he left shares in his mines to employees and set up a trust fund for widows and orphans of Bendigo miners. The document emphasizes the rich historical material available for a documentary, drawing from local archives and historical accounts.Fortuna Article - "Long lives the king" Bendigo Miner 13 Sept 2007 by Max Thomson This item contains the following: 11217.32a Colour Photo of Mining Man Statue: the "Quartz King, Geoge Lansell 11217.32b Part of Page 10 - Article "Long lives the king"non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, quartz king, big 180 mine

Brooch: Enclosed in envelope : circular brooch made of different types of marble ? Written on envelope: great, great, great grandmother. Susan Budds ( nee Lansell ) believed to be quartz stones as George ( Susan's brother ) was the quartz king.personal effects, fortuna, family history, fortuna, lansell, bendigo

'Quartz King' George Lansell bought the modes two story Fortuna Villa in 1871 and began rebuilding with the zeal he had used to make himself Australia's richest man.Bendigo Advertiser half page story entitled 'Fortuna Villa Celebrations' with two photos, one of Fortuna and its former owner George Lansell.bendigo, fortuna, george lansell

Framed colour print of Fortuna Villa showing part of the building and lake, framed in a cream wooden and glass frame, markings read ' ''Fortuna'' Former home of the late Mr George Lansell, known as the Quartz King. This picturesque residence is now occupied by the RRSE Cartographic Unit'place, building, fortuna, fortuna, fortuna villa

Black and white photograph of George Lansell's bedroom at Fortuna villa. History of object: George Lansell 'The Quartz King', Fortuna Villa, Chum Street, Bendigo. Ornate furnishings of a bedroom of period showing half of room. Ornate wardrobe and mirror on marble topped table next to marble fireplace. W Ninnisplace, residential

Black and white photograph of hallway decorated with many paintings, statures, chairs, etc. Decorated ceiling. History of object: James Lerk 2000 'Quartz King George Lansell's portrait hangs over the marble overmantle of the fire place in the foyer of 'Fortuna Villa'The bronze incense urns are now in the Bendigo Art Gallery collection'. Photographed for Bendigo Advertiser 11.1.2001W Ninnisbuildings, residential, fortuna villa

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

This petition was a formal request signed by 2,626 citizens of Bendigo urging George Lansell, a local mining entrepreneur known as the "Quartz King" to return from London to help revitalise the local gold mining industry. By 1887, Bendigo's economy had declined. The petition was organised with a belief Lansell’s expertise and leadership were essential to "restore the good times" to the city.Leather bound, gold embossing on borders of cover and inside folder. Front text in gold print: 'presented to George Lansell Esq by the residents of Bendigo June 1887' Inside: illuminated address to George Lansell, London, imploring him to return to Bendigo ' Your long absence from Bendigo is keenly felt ..' Address written in black calligraphy surrounded by water colour flowers.person, individual, george lansell esq., lansell, george, fortuna, illuminated address

Black and white photograph of Drawing Room ? Fortuna Villa, Home of the Lansell family, Chum Street, Bendigo. History of object: George Lansell - Quartz King, Bendigo. Photographed for Bendigo Advertiser 11.1.2000. Did Edith Lansell have some say in decoration and furnishing of this room? Note over stuffed chairs. Heavy drapes and lace curtains at windows mirrored back of statue alcove. All typical of period.W Ninnisbuildings, residential, fortuna villa

The article outlines the launch of the Fortuna program's new computer mapping project at the Army Topographic Support Establishment (ATSE). Workforce ExpansionATSE will increase its staff from 135 to 150, adding 15 new jobs as a result of the project. The project, named Parare, is valued between $8 million and $10 million.Its goal is to position ATSE as a leading defence mapping organization in Australia and internationally.The initiative addresses outdated hardware, enabling the production and distribution of digital defence data across Australia.Project TimelineTenders for the project are set to close soon, indicating the project is in its early procurement phase. The historic Fortuna property is undergoing a $1.5 million refurbishment to restore the main building and outbuildings to their original 1870s grandeur. Over 40 workers spent at least two months on the project, which includes new carpets, painting, lighting, rewiring, and rehabilitation of a former stone crushing area. Fortuna Villa was built by George Lansell, a prominent figure in Bendigo's gold mining history, and designed by architects W. C. Vahland and William Beebe. The property has served as home to the Army Survey Regiment for 54 years and was recently taken over by the Army Topographic Support Establishment (ATSE). The fully restored three-level building will open to the public on March 16, with guided tours every Sunday for $8 per person, including devonshire teas in the hall. ATSE will move its production and administrative staff into the villa after renovations, with printing operations at the rehabilitated stone crushing site. State-of-the-art computer equipment will be installed in the building. 20 beer bottles from the 1940s were found in a ceiling.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Villa fit for a Quartz King" - Bendigo Advertiser Sat Mar 08 1997 - Author Ashok Verma This item contains the following: 11217.1a Couloured photo of Brad Murray fixing a light shade as part of the retoration work 11217.1b Part of page 2 - Fortuna Program Maps out new jobs 11217.1c Part of page 2 - Fortuna Program Maps out new jobsnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, army tropographic support establishment

Fortuna is a historically significant mansion in Bendigo, once home to the Lansell family from 1871 to 1935. George Lansell, Wendy's ancestor, was a prominent goldmine owner known as "the quartz king of Bendigo. Wendy Caldwell, aged 50 and a business owner in Melbourne, was inspired by her visit to Fortuna to organize a major family reunion. She planned and brought together 250 relatives for the event. The reunion began with tours of Fortuna, celebrating the family's historical legacy and connection to the site.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Family Fortuna Sparks Reunion" - The Herald Sun Sunday Nov 02 1997- Author Adrian Tame This item contains the following: 11217.7a Black and White Photo of George Lansell's sister's grandson, Stan Budds, 95, with some of his relatives, Picture by Phil Weymouth 11217.7b Part of page 15 - Family Fortuna Sparks Reunionnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, stan budds, wendy caldwell

Fortuna Villa is associated with the 180 Mine on the New Chum Reef. Historically ‘Fortuna’ is significant for the record it provides from 1855 to 1871 of Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates and from 1871 to 1935 of the Lansell family, George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. The photo album depict the ornamental lake, garden, Roman bath and Pompeii fountain, all features of the house. Bound blue cloth family photo album. Nineteen brown card 'pages' each with photograph adhered to both sides. Total of thirty eight black and white photographs depicting interior and exterior of Fortuna as well as the Lansell family, friends and pets. Photographs of FORTUNA Bendigofortuna villa

''Memories of the late Mrs Lucy Hill'' A series apparently published over the pseudonym of ''Joch'' in the Bendigo Advertiser (ca. 1973) with a variety of article Headings e.g. Bendigo Mining Fields; The Quartz King - and Quartz Crystal; The last cab home; Court Highlight. These are obviously drafts prior to publication. Mention in attached page (News Letter) that Mr and Mrs Hill published in the Bendigo Advertiser in a column titled ''In the Spotlight''. Attached page also is a short 'biography' of Mrs Hill (nee Lucy Robotham), wife of Mr W T Hill titled ''Success of Bendigo Poetess'' (may be extract from Bendigo Advertiser??)person, individual, lucy hill, journalist, advertiser, aunt evelyn, the centenary song, gravel hill state school, in the spot light, an unexpected achievement, bendigo.

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

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

Nearly 300 descendants of the Lansell family gathered in Bendigo for a reunion, organized after months of planning and outreach led by Wendy Caldwell. The event included a formal dinner attended by 250 family members and a large barbecue at Fortuna, the family's historic home. George Lansell, known as the "quartz king of Bendigo," was a leading goldmine owner who settled in Bendigo during the gold rush and established the family home at Fortuna in 1871. The Lansell family lived at Fortuna until 1935, and the property served as a central location for the reunion. George Lansell was recognized for his generosity and business success, notably providing financial support for Bendigo landmarks such as the Alexandra Fountain and Rosalind Park Cascades. He also donated the pendant that is part of the mayoral chain.Family Legacy. The reunion allowed family members, including the oldest attendee Stanley Budds (grandson of George's sister), to reconnect and celebrate their shared heritage.Fortuna Restoration Article - "Lansell Family Reunion" - The Bendigo Advertiser Monday Nov 03 1997- Author Susan Turpie This item contains the following: 11217.9a Black and White Photo of 95 year old Stanley Budds, grandson of George Lansell's sister Susan Budds (nee Lansell) was the oldest family member to attend the weekend reunion 11217.9b Part of page 3 - Lansell Family Reunionnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, stan budds, george lansell

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

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