Historical information

Mrs. Speechley worked as a maid at Fortuna, Bendigo's grandest home, for eight years starting just after leaving school. The estate was renowned for its size (40 rooms) and beautiful gardens.

The household employed a staff of seven, including two German maids who served the family for 50 years. Workdays were long, starting at 7:30 am and ending after 10 pm, with only brief afternoon breaks. Duties included serving afternoon tea to guests, often from Bendigo's leading families, and maintaining the entire house even though only two Lansell family members lived there.

Despite the decline of the gold baron era, the Lansells maintained a lavish lifestyle, hosting elite guests such as Lords Stradbroke, Stonehaven, and Sommers.The family owned several of Bendigo's finest homes and frequently entertained high-profile visitors, including governors and relatives from England.

Staff enjoyed simple pleasures like boating on the lake and relaxing in the gardens when the family was away.Mrs. Speechley recalls specific incidents, such as serving while Lord Stonehaven was in residence and working at other Lansell properties like Dendra and Lansellstowe.Mrs. Speechley's memories provide a unique glimpse into the domestic service and social life of one of Bendigo's most prominent families during the 1920s, preserving a romanticized view of a bygone era.

The Lansell family maintained high standards at Fortuna mansion, especially during visits from governors, with special preparations such as new curtains, linens, and engraved silverware.Mrs. Lansell preferred to shop in Melbourne rather than Bendigo due to her high social status and discomfort with local attention.

The document shares a lighthearted story about a governor misplacing his bathing suit and retrieving it himself. Mrs. Speechley, a former staff member, recalls her experiences working for the Lansell family, including her brief departure and return after Mrs. Lansell's advice.

After the Army took over the mansion in the early 1940s, the elegant furnishings and gardens were lost, which Mrs. Speechley describes as a shame.

Physical description

Fortuna Restoration Article - "Gold and Governors" - Bendigo Advertiser Sat 23 Sept 1995- Author Mathew O'Sullivan

This item contains the following:

11217.2a Black and White Photo of Myrtle Speechley displaying a picture of herself as a young maid at Fortuna

11217.3b Part of page 23 - Gold and Governors

11217.3c Part of page 23 - Gold and Governors

Publication type

non-fiction