Q is for the Quartz King, George Lansell.

George Lansell (1803-1906) came to Bendigo, from Kent, England, during the gold rush.

He invested in a couple of small Quartz mines, which were a disaster. Eventually, after increasing his knowledge about Quartz mining, his mine had great success. Over the next few years, he brought more mines, with continued success and became known as The Quartz King

By the 1870s George Lansell was a very wealthy man. As Lansell’s wealth increased, he bacame a very generous philanthropist, creating a fund to help widows and orphaned children of Bendigo miners, who were struggling with no welfare available at the time.

In the late 1880’s,the gold having been depleted in Bendigo, Lansell returned to London with the intention of living out his days there. He returned to Bendigo, after receiving a petition from the townspeople that he come back and help to revive the declining mining industry.

He was again successful and became more wealthy, building his home, a villa named Fortuna, a huge mansion, with over 40 rooms such as was never before seen in Bendigo. He furnished it with furniture from all over the world. The property boasted lakes, walk and a lavish garden of imported plants. Villa Fortuna still stands very proudly today.

George Lansell died on 18 March 1906, when flags flew at half mast and his name was mentioned in all church services. The city went into mourning when hearing of his death. The statue above was erected after his death in honour of all he did for Bendigo.