Historical information

Georg Lansell's brother Wootton Lansell's was Born in Margate, Kent, England, son of a grocer and tallow chandler.Worked as a seaman, with a mariner's certificate issued in 1844, he Arrived in Australia in 1850, initially working as a mounted trooper in Adelaide before moving to Bendigo in 1852 during the gold rush.

After some success in gold prospecting, Lansell became a carpenter and then opened a butcher's store in View Point, Bendigo. He Invited his brothers George and William to join him; together they expanded into soap, candle, and tallow businesses. The partnership dissolved after three years, with Wootton turning to farming on 500 acres at Leichardt, while George became known as Bendigo's 'Gold King.

Wotton Married Helen Hall in 1854 in Adelaide; they had one son (Thomas George William) and three daughters. Wootton invested in mining and was involved in several mining directorates. Around 1879, Wootton built a substantial brick and stone house (Myrtle Villa) with eight main rooms, which remains in the family.

The house is notable for its original features, such as sand-colored tile-patterned wallpaper and a four-poster bed where nine of his ten grandchildren were born. The garden is sustained by a permanent spring and retains much of its original character. The house is still occupied by his descendants, notably his twin granddaughters Alice Lansell and Neva (Mrs. D. W. Jenkins).

The family has preserved the home's historical character, with careful updates and retention of original furnishings and heirlooms. The Lansell name is closely associated with Bendigo's early gold-mining history and development. Myrtle Villa stands as a testament to the family's enduring presence and influence in the region.

Physical description

Lansell Articles - Wotton Lansell - Myrtle House Bendigo

This item contains the following document:

11217.67a Colour photo 7.5 x 10 inches of four poster bed at "Myrtle House", Bendigo. The photo is of the elegant four-poster bed in which nine of Wotton Lansell's grandchildren - the family of his son Thomas William, were born. On the rear of the photo is written in ink. "Main bedroom, Myrtle Villa c 1982; a gift to Wotton and Helen Lansell from Edith Lansell."

Publication type

non-fiction