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History & Heritage
A publication of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Bendigo & Region Branch April 2022
Top: Sampson’s Cottage, Golden Square, which is on the Victorian State Heritage Register.
Below: The rear of Sampson’s Cottage today, victim of neglect, Images: National Trust Bendigo Branch.
1
In this issue
page
2. Cover Story, Samson’s Cottage- another Victim of Neglect
3. Next Bendigo Branch meeting
3. Launch of a new Branch publication: History & Heritage
4. Join the National Trust – Advocate for Preservation! Support.! Explore! Enjoy!
4. The Australian Heritage Festival - Victoria
5. Letters to the editor
6. Two stories on Robert Alexander Love, Goldfields Architect. 1814-1876
9. Report of walk & talk around Ironbark
10. Draft Management Plan for Victoria Hill Reserve for Community Comment
11. A walk & talk session around Victoria Hill Diggings Reserve
12. A proposed new major attraction for Bendigo.
13. 150 years of tertiary education in Bendigo 2023
13. Volunteers needed during the Bendigo’s Writers Festival
Samson’s Cottage - another Victim of Neglect
Samson’s Cottage was constructed in stages
beginning in 1856. It is one of the few
remaining unaltered early stone miners’
cottages remaining on the Bendigo goldfield.
The property was listed as of State
Significance by both the National Trust and
Heritage Victoria in 2009, at the owner’s
request. Sadly, nothing at all was done to
maintain or repair it since, and it has fallen into
disrepair and partial collapse in the intervening
13 years. The images below document it’s
decline.
In 2012 the verandah and windows were intact.
While there is a long and arduous process to get a site listed for heritage protection which
can take years at both local and state levels, there appears to be no process in place where
the condition of the property is monitored and if found to be neglected an enforcement
regime that rectifies the situation in the early stages of neglect so the property is preserved
for future generations.
Samson’s Cottage needs urgent work to save it before it succumbs completely to years of
neglect. The following photos have been provided by the Bendigo Branch.
By 2022 all windows were smashed and the By 2022 the wall and roof of the rear section had
verandah was collapsing. collapsed.
2
The main living area in 2017 The main living area in 2022
Click here for more information:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Sampsons-Cottage-a-victim-of-
neglect-correct-1.pdf
Next branch meeting
Tuesday 26 April at 5.30pm at the Shamrock Hotel, Bendigo. Note the change of the normal
meeting day to Tuesday because of ANZAC Day.
Major topic: Response to Draft Plan- Victoria Hill Mining Reserve. What issues need to be in
the branch submission? Those attending can raise other issues of concern. Members &
supporters welcome.
Launch of a new publication: History & Heritage
Purpose
The Bendigo branch newsletter now called, History & Heritage (H&H) seeks to engage all
sections of the community to protect, conserve and embrace heritage and will publish
articles and comments monthly.
There is a growing belief that history & heritage is being neglected. Greater awareness is
needed for all of us to contribute to the discussion. There is an opportunity for all of us to
raise a concern, share an architectural beauty or a hidden gem simply by taking a
photograph and sending it to History & Heritage.
Contributions
The branch is seeking newsworthy and interesting and possibly controversial articles of
about 600 words accompanied by some photographs.
Longer articles can be accommodated but will have a link to the full article that will be on the
website. Contributors may start by sending a photograph with a caption and then others may
respond by providing further information which will start to build a story. Quotes and
photographs will need to be acknowledged where they came from.
Circulation
H&H is currently being circulated to over 400 people with an aim to increase circulation to
800 by the end of the year.
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H&H is produced electronically. To gain wider readership it is necessary for members,
readers or friends to pass it on to others. You may even be able to produce a printed copy
for those who do not have a computer.
Action
Everyone has a story that, when combined with others, provides a record of the social
history of our region and draw attention to the significance of local built heritage. To receive
H&H or contribute a story or photograph, send a message to nattrustbendigo@gmail.com .
To help increase circulation send it to your friends and family or sign up your organisation to
receive it. To join the editorial group, contact the branch President, Peter on 0447473674. To
be a regular correspondent or a photographer from Kyneton, Castlemaine, Maldon, Echuca
or other regional towns submit a proposal to nattrustbendigo@gmail.com
Deadline for May edition of History & Heritage. Monday May 9.
Click here to read previous editions https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/branches-vic/bendigo-
branch/
Join the National Trust – Advocate for Preservation! Support.! Explore! Enjoy!
A National Trust Membership is your ticket to the world, with over 1000 destinations to
explore. https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/membership-vic/ The National Trust of Australia
(Victoria) is the state’s largest community-based heritage advocacy organisation actively
working towards conserving and protecting our heritage for future generations to enjoy,
representing 30,000 members across Victoria.
As Victoria’s premier heritage and conservation organisation, the National Trust has an
interest in ensuring that the wide range of natural, cultural, social, and Indigenous heritage
values of the municipality are protected and respected, contributing to strong, vibrant and
prosperous communities.
The Australian Heritage Festival – Victoria
Monday 18 April and runs to Monday 2 May.
The festival is Australia’s largest annual community-
driven heritage festival comprised of events from
across the state organised by National Trust
properties and Branches, local historical societies,
community museums, local councils, Traditional
Owner groups, heritage enthusiasts and other
aligned organisations.
This year’s Australian Heritage Festival is an
opportunity to re-discover and explore our places,
The Tower Hill Natural History Visitor Centre
memories, and imaginations, to inspire ourselves was designed by Robin Boyd in 1962. It is
and all those around us. Join us in celebrating our currently managed by the Worn Gundidj
rich heritage, from the cultural Aboriginal Cooperative in partnership with
heritage of Victoria’s First Peoples, to Parks Victoria and features displays on the
geology, flora, fauna and human history of the
historic buildings and places, natural and cultural area.
landscapes, stories and oral histories, and the
objects and ‘things’ that spark our curiosity…
Browse the Australian Heritage Festival events here:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/explore/?keyword=&ahfdate-search=&ahf-
region=VIC®ion-lat=-35.5502959®ion-lng=138.620909&content=ahf_event
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Letters to the editor - some comments about recent activities.
Regarding History & Heritage content
I have just read the latest newsletter and thank everyone involved so much – you have
reawakened my interest in our local branch. I will need to reread a few items but was thrilled
with all the local updates and also those on the new CBC Heritage Advisory Committee. It
will take me time to digest some items and what or where I might be able to help with –
weeding in the church property? I look forward to the next meeting, Regards, Carol
Regarding Snap, Send, Solve – A Community Campaign
Interesting matter re demolition by neglect and Planning & Environment Act amendment. I
wasn't aware of it. As it turns out, I am currently dealing with a potential "demolition by
neglect" case in Kilmore, where Mitchell Shire Council has already issued a Demolition
Order. So, a timely reference.
Also, the Ravenswood Water Reserve. What is happening with this Reserve? Has a local
Committee of Mgt been appointed? I have continuing concerns about how DELWP is
managing or overseeing the Reserve, and not properly protecting its heritage values
etc. Regards, Norm.
Editor: There is a need for a couple of people to nominate for the committee. While DELWP
reinstated the roof on one of the stone buildings, the group of stone buildings are neglected.
Anyone interested to take up this issue? Contact History & Heritage.
The stone buildings on the Ravenswood Water Reserve. Images: Courtesy of Rhett Symonds
Regarding miner’s cottage
Belatedly I took these shots, a delightful miner's cottage which still can be saved with a will.
This is a good example of demolition by neglect. Once the cottage was unoccupied its
downhill run has just continued. It is so frustrating, the block that this property is on is wider
than the average, no 43 is a narrow block. Regards, James
No 45 Shamrock St
Golden Square.
Images: James Lerk
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Regarding: Feedback from council on Vahland Water Fountain
The Vahland Fountain Monument at the intersection of Vahland Place and Pall Mall was
unfortunately vandalised/damaged while being used as a skate board apparatus July/August
last year. The plastic covers and imagery on the old troughs had been forced loose, cracked
and water damaged and needed to be removed as they constituted a risk to public safety.
The monument was given a professional artefact clean and measured up for some "potential
anti-skate" fittings - though any work beyond the clean is not currently funded and will only
occur at the conclusion of the financial year if the renewal program and budget
allows. Otherwise, will unfortunately need to wait until the new financial year.
I am happy to continue to be your 'point of contact' to advise you on the repairs to the
troughs moving forward. All works will be carried out by accredited heritage and restoration
professionals. Kind Regards, Orrin Hogan, Coordinator Heritage Gardens and Amenity
Landscapes | City of Greater Bendigo
Regrading: the protection of Beebe’s House, Observatory & Surrounds.
At this stage the amendment is proposed to go to the April Council meeting. However, this
will be confirmed closer to the date and we will notify you and other submitters. The City is
not aware if the property has been sold or not. You may however be assured that the selling
of the property or otherwise, will have little to no effect on this planning scheme amendment
process.
The City is not in position to make arrangements for you as a submitter to the amendment to
visit the site at this stage given it is under private ownership. If you have any other questions,
please let me know. Regards Frank Casimir, Strategic Planner City of Greater Bendigo
Click here for documents relating to the property: CoGB Council Agenda, 20 April 2022
https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/About/Document-Library/council-meeting-agenda-
wednesday-april-20-2022-pdf
see page 169, 17.2. Planning Scheme Amendment C271gben – Applying a Heritage
Overlay to Part of 55 Condon Street, Kennington – Consideration of Submissions
Two stories on Robert Alexander Love. Goldfields Architect. 1814-1876
During January this year my wife Heather and I bought Loughmoe House in Bannerman St
with its listed mature Himalayan Cedar (cedrus deodara) see photo from upper hallway.
Initial inspection of just the four upper rooms with their beautiful arched windows and the
garden view left us in no doubt that the place had historical value. We have worked with
older houses before, but Loughmoe was clearly more than just a house.
As new chums in Bendigo we had no idea of why the house had been built in this spot, but a
little research on Bendigo's mining history told us we were living in what was by far the
richest gold strike in Victoria and the source of much of Melbourne's early wealth. We were
surrounded by gold bearing quartz reefs, and the strange layout of streets with clusters of
old houses with patches of unused space was a direct result of this history.
The Bannerman Street ridge southeast side would have overlooked these fabulously rich
activities, and it was here that some gentry speculators and managers chose to live and built
their abodes.
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Loughmoe House, 2022. Images: Peter Forward
William Purcell whose family owned Loughmoe
Castle in County Cork contracted fellow Irishman
architect Robert Alexander Love to build this
Australian Loughmoe from local stone, as used in
Ireland. (A local heating Co has measured the walls
as 60cm thick).
Loughmoe is built with the lower floor about 50%
below ground level, the upper floor being accessed
from street level. As a measure to reduce moisture
the lower level is provided with void space which
encircles the footing. This according to Adj Prof
Miles Lewis University of Melbourne is called an
'air-drain' and was the building technique for
basements at the time. Loughmoe's air-drain has
been covered over including air inlets points, and is
in need of clearing which we have been occupied in
doing ourselves.
Unfortunately, little maintenance has happened for
many years, rainwater is pouring over the beautiful
remaining verandah balustrade and floor. The main
roof gutter is badly leaking and water caused
cracking is evident in the main southwest wall.
Hence remediation to roof plumbing is our most
urgent concern.
Tim Hubbard former senior National Trust heritage architect has looked at some photos we
sent to him and he makes some interesting observations. Loughmoe House to my mind
reflects the very early divide between working people and the 'gentle' classes, of balcony
views of laborers with their dirt, smoke and noise. We hope our ownership of Loughmoe will
see some of its former grandeur and history restored for posterity.
Cheers, Peter & Heather Forward, new owners at Loughmoe House, Ironbark.
7
Love’s Labour Lost
Mike Butcher
Robert Love spent more time in Bendigo than in any other city after training as an architect.
St Paul’s Cathedral and the Anne Caudle Centre (the portico was added by Vahland and
Getzschmann) are his two largest surviving buildings here, but he once built a mansion in
Newport, Kentucky, that only came to light with the advent of on-line search engines. It was
both an impressive building and possibly explains why Love moved on to California and later
to Australia.
Love had arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio, from Philadelphia in 1946, reportedly in connection with
the new cemetery then being designed by the Scot, John Notman. 1 The commission for the
mansion came from Thomas Laurens Jones, whose father-in-law gave him the site as a
wedding present. It was to be located in Newport, Kentucky, opposite Cincinnati across the
Ohio River. The house was built in the ‘Italian Villa style’; supposedly patterned on a castle
the owners had seen in England. Described as ‘one of the largest and most expensive of its
day in the Cincinnati and northern Kentucky area…’ the initial estimate was $3,500, but the
costs blew out to more than twice that amount and led to a court case with an interesting trail
of evidence. 2
Love’s design made a break from the in-fashion Greek Revival mansions of the district and
he produced ‘an unforgettable image of highly articulated vertical units linked by the
spectacular (and costly) bracketed cornice and multiple galleries.’ With such wealthy and
influential patrons, Love could have become established in his profession, but the increasing
costs and uncertainty of who was responsible left nobody happy. It is possible that his
patrons were the least pleased,
and Love moved on. The
mansion was completed in 1853
and by 1854 the Love family had
made the journey to Vallejo in
California via the Panama
isthmus, a difficult and hazardous
crossing before the canal or
railway had been completed.
The ‘Jones Mansion’ was sold in
1889 and became the provincial
home of the Sisters of Divine
Providence of Kentucky, who re-
named it Mount St Martin. The
attached photos from that time,
with the Nuns and children
providing scale, show what an Mt St Martin from front. The elaborate timber cornice cost almost
a quarter of the total expenditure. Image supplied
impressively large building it
was. By 1975, Mount St Martin was home to just a few retired nuns and the site was sold for
re- development as shopping centre. An application was made to have it placed on the
National Register of Historic Places, but this was insufficient to prevent demolition in 1977,
when its loss was described as ‘one of Newport’s most strikingly aesthetic, historically
important, and architecturally significant antebellum landmarks.’ 3
The shopping centre was unsuccessful and has been abandoned. Love’s 1851 Bene Israel
Synagogue in Cincinnati lasted just three more years until demolished in 1979, leaving his
own grave in the Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, carrying a plaque with his name as the
sole physical reminder of his presence in that city.
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Far left: Robert Alexander Love
Goldfields Architect 1814-1876 by
Mike Butcher
Published by Bendigo: Holland House
2000
Left: Mt St Martin from rear with nuns
and children. Image supplied
Notes:
1 See Mike Butcher, Robert Alexander Love: Goldfields Architect 1814-1876 Bendigo National Trust, 2000.
2 National Register of Historic Places Inventory—Nomination Form 1975.
3 Janice Mueller, Mount St Martin, in: Paul A Tenkotte and James C Claypool, The Encyclopedia of Northern
Kentucky, 2009. Accessed on-line: http://cincinnati.com/enc/intro, p 635.
A Walk & Talk gathering around miners’ cottages in Ironbark
Over 50 attendees enjoyed a very entertaining afternoon with Dr Charles Fahey telling
stories of miners’ cottages in Ironbark and sharing information about the history of gold
mining in Bendigo.
Above: Dr Charles Fahey, told lively and
important stories about miners lives and
their cottages.
Left: Tour group enjoying learning about
the relationship between mines, miners
and the cottages remaining in Ironbark.
Side view of one of Dr Fahey’s
favourite miner’s cottages in
Ironbark. Images: Courtesy of
Bendigo Branch.
9
A handout provided by tour leader Dr Charles Fahey.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Ironbark-Walk.pdf
Editor’s note
The Ironbark Gully Friends Landcare group helped the branch organise the Walk last
Sunday and are a volunteer community group centred along Ironbark Gully. The group is
focused on revegetating the land along the proposed Ironbark Gully Public Open Space and
walking/cycling path and connecting the community in the area. For more information,
Carolyn Jones ironbarkgullyfriends@gmail.com
City Releases Draft Management Plan for Victoria Hill Reserve for Community Comment
The City of Greater Bendigo has developed a draft Management Plan for the historic Victoria
Hill Diggings Reserve located at 40-56 Marong Road, Ironbark which is now available for
comment on the City’s Let’s Talk website https://letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/victoria-hill
until Friday April 29, 2022. Victoria Hill Diggings Reserve is Crown Land and listed on the
Victorian Heritage Register and because of its historical, archaeological and scientific
heritage significance to the State of Victoria.
Victoria Hill Diggings
Reserve, Image supplied
The heritage listing covers the entire
reserve, including all above-ground
structures, granite and brick mining
machinery foundations, concrete
battery foundations and stamping
machinery, mullock heaps, open cut
and surface workings and all
archaeological deposits and artefacts.
The City of Greater Bendigo is the Land Administrator for the reserve and the Draft Victoria
Hill Management Plan sets out to:
1. Understand built and non-built assets (register, condition, etc)
2. Define current service levels for the reserve
3. Identify gaps and improvement in activities.
City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director Brian Westley said in addition to
setting out the day-to-day operations and maintenance levels for the reserve, the draft plan
has identified opportunities for improvement at the site relating to poor profile/visibility,
accessibility, vandalism, erosion and safety to increase usage and reduce risks. “Due to the
reserve’s historic usage, there can be movement in the mine shafts causing collapses or
sink holes and bollard and rail fencing has been installed in some areas to limit access to
steep areas and obvious mine shafts for public safety,” Mr Westley said. “Fencing could also
be extended to improve safety and make the site more secure.
While better entrance signage is another way of raising the reserve’s profile. “Due to the
steep grade of the site, there are erosion issues at the site due to overland water. However,
this is something that could be improved with better drainage and reprofiling. “Unfortunately,
the City’s ability to address these issues may be limited due to resources and the fact that
permits are required for any significant works occur at the site due to its heritage listing.
“Victoria Hill is a very significant historical reserve for Greater Bendigo and it’s important to
10have a plan to maintain it for the future. “The City would like to know what members of the
community think about the draft Management Plan and I encourage all interested residents
to visit the Let’s Talk website and provide their feedback by Friday April 29, 2022.”
About Victoria Hill Diggings Reserve.
Victoria Hill lies at the heart of Bendigo's historical status as the world's richest and deepest
gold field. The reserve features open cuts (Ballerstedt’s, Rae’s and Adventure & Advance),
buried deep mine shafts (including Lansell’s 180, 3361 feet deep; Victoria Quartz, 4613 feet
deep, and Great Central Victoria, 2385 feet deep), mining machinery (including 20-head of
stamps), machinery foundations (including engine beds at Lansell’s 180 mine), and mullock
heaps.
During its 97 years of operation, the Victoria Hill mine yielded about $8bn worth of gold in
today’s values and was the deepest mine in the world at 4,613 feet. The Victoria Hill mine
appeared on Australia’s first pound note printed in 1913.
Left: Vincent Kelly (1877–
1958) was the proprietor of a
successful commercial
photographic studio in
Bendigo during the first half of
the 20th century.
Below: Back of the One
Pound banknote, intaglio with
letterpress background, first
issued in September 1913.
Reserve Bank of Australia
Archives NP-003530
A Walk & Talk session around Victoria Hill Diggings Reserve
May Day Sunday 1 May 2pm
Special Guests: James Lerk, historian & author & a member of the first Victoria Hill Committee
in 1972 and Billy Allen, qualified mine geologist both having a passion for historical research
and preservation. An afternoon not to be missed. Meet at Richardson Reserve opposite the
Goldmines Hotel in Morang Road. No need to book, just come along.
11A proposed new major attraction for Bendigo
Briefing paper prepared by National Trust of Australia (Vic) Bendigo & Region Branch
for The Hon. Jacinta Allan MLA and The Hon. Maree Edwards MLA. 30 March 2022
Background:
It has been over three years since Bendigo TAFE decided that three of their most historical
buildings were excess to their needs and have now progressed to deciding that the buildings
will become a Community Precinct.
While the concept of a community precinct has not been defined, this paper outlines a vision
to gain the greatest benefit for TAFE, for Greater Bendigo and its citizens and for economic
development for all. The set of buildings is of great significance to the past, present and
future of cultural life in Bendigo. Since 1854 when the land was first set aside, throughout its
167-year history, the buildings simply known as ‘The School of Mines’ are ready for a new
phase as part of Bendigo’s future.
Bendigo School of Mines in need of a
plan for the future. Image: W.H.
Robinson Studio, Bendigo,1890,
courtesy of Museums Victoria.
Early Bendigo thrived by forward looking citizens engaging with science, engineering,
technology, chemistry, geology, art and design. By promoting education in these disciplines,
and by applying the knowledge, Bendigo became wealthy and influential. These disciplines,
still vital in today’s world, could play an important role in re-imagining the site as a major
attraction for Bendigo and visitors from around Australia. Importantly, these disciplines can
be seen through a number of contemporary themes, including climate science, innovation
and inventions, communication technology, housing and education in a city and region that
is world re-renowned for its architectural magnificence.
The vision:
The concept of a cultural ‘hub’ for the site has been locally discussed since it was known
TAFE no longer needed use of the site. Those informal and sporadic discussions nearly
always led to the concept of a cultural/ exhibition centre which engages with a wide range of
groups in the community including First Nations and multicultural communities. A central
principle discussed appeared to be the desire to feature attractions with obvious education
and entertainment values. By using this approach, the transformation of Bendigo into a
thriving city can be explored where locals will be able to recognise their own lives and
history. Also, with an expanded tourist market in mind, the vision will help create a facility
where visitors will be able to understand, reflect on and relate to the nature and rhythms of
life in Bendigo over the past 150 years.
12Magnificent buildings in the heart of the city, with a powerful educational history, do not often
become available. The site is on a scale that could provide a centre-piece in the reimagining
of Pall Mall.
Dr Paul Howard MacGillivray, President of the School of Mines and Bendigo Science Society
in 1875, said that a deeper understanding of the sciences and arts would ‘add pleasure,
sharpen the senses and brighten the intellect.’
In summary, the vision is for a new attraction with broad and diverse communities at its
heart, that presents and interprets technology, science and culture which is relevant to
everyday life. We welcome the opportunity to discuss this broad vision and how the Victorian
Government might assist with its development. The branch will meet with Jacinta & Maree
on 6 May 2022.
150 Years of Tertiary Education in Bendigo 2023
Public Meeting Wednesday 4 May, 2.30 pm - 4 pm
La Trobe Art Institute, 121 View Street Bendigo
Expressions of interest are invited for membership of a working party for the 150th
celebrations in 2023. You are most welcome to join representatives from La Trobe University
and the antecedent institutions, Bendigo TAFE, the City of Greater Bendigo, and Equity
Trustees as we work collectively to plan celebrations for this extremely significant milestone
in Bendigo's history. For further information contact:
Dr Penny Davies T: 0417530069 pk.davies@latrobe.edu.au
Your views are sought on the issues The branch
welcomes your ideas, contributions and photographs for
the newsletter which is published bimonthly. You can
keep up with the current advocacy issues at the Trust
Advocate blog at http://www.trustadvocate.org.au/
La Trobe University’s Dr Penny Davies and National Trust of Australia (Vic) Bendigo & Region
historian/author Geoff Hocking at the 140 Branch E nattrustbendigo@gmail.com P President,
years celebration for Bendigo TAFE
Peter Cox 0447473674 M C/- 57 Green St California
Gully VIC 3556.
Volunteers needed for book sale You are receiving this email because you are a member
during the Bendigo’s Writers Festival of the National Trust of Australia (Vic) or have asked us
14 & 15 May to send you the newsletter. If you no longer wish to
The branch is considering conducting receive these emails, please contact the Branch at
a book sale stall. It has a supply of nattrustbendigo@gmail.com with unsubscribe in the
books which it has published over the subject line.
years and is interested to hear from
authors of local history who might We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country
have a supply of their books they throughout Victoria and recognize the continuing
would like to sell. If you would like to connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay
get involved and volunteer some time respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures;
contact Peter on 0447473674. and to Elders past, present and future.
13You can also read
