Eureka stockade

By afurjanic
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    Gold rush

    Gold is discovered at Buninyong and at Golden Point, Ballarat. The Colony of Victoria has insufficient funds and no organization to cope with a goldrush. Governor La Trobe introduces the Gold Licence system.
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    Start of rebellion

    Unrest builds on the various goldfields with protest meetings held in Bendigo and Castlemaine.Bendigo’s Red Ribbon Movement is active on the Goldfields andMiner’s wear a red ribbon to demonstrate their opposition to a non payment of the Licence fee.

  • Eureka rebellion

    The Licence fee is reduced to 2 pounds for 3 months. The reduction is well received on the goldfields and reduces some of the tension between the diggers and the authorities.
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    Increase of tax

    The Licence fee is increased to 4 pounds for 6 months and 8 pounds for 12. diggers are finding the Licence fee expensive and unfair, particularly to those not finding gold. They are unhappy with the treatment received from the police and government authorities who they believe are corrupt. Other diggers wish to purchase land for farming if they can’t find gold, as well as wanting the right to vote at elections. (“No taxation without representation”)Only landowners can voteat this time

  • Increase licence income to 1 per week

    Lt Governor Sir Charles Hotham arrives in Victoria. Hotham faces mounting financial debt. He orders weekly Licence hunts in an attempt to increase the Colony’s income.

  • Increase licence to 2 times a week

    Gov Hotham orders twice weekly Licence hunts to further increase revenue.

  • Fire

    A meeting of up to 10,000 diggers is held near the Eureka Hotel to protest against Bentley’s acquittal. The meeting results in the burning of the Hotel. The police and military cannot settle the crowd and Commissioner Rede is pelted with eggs.

  • Arrest over fire

    Andrew McIntyre and Thomas Fletcher are arrested for the burning of the Eureka Hotel. A third suspect, Westerby is later arrested. A meeting of diggers on Bakery Hill agrees to pay bail for McIntyre and Fletcher.

  • Jail

    James Bentley, Thomas Farrell and William Hence are convicted of the manslaughter of James Scobie. The miners Westerby, Fletcher and McIntyre are convicted and sentenced to jail terms for the burning of the Eureka Hotel.

  • Monster Meeting

    A monster meeting is held on Bakery Hill attended by more than 10.000 diggers. The deputation of diggers report on the outcome of their meeting with Governor Hotham. The Flag of the Southern Cross is flown for the first time. A number of diggers burn their Licences.

  • Licence inspection

    A Licence hunt occurs in the morning at the order of Commissioner Rede. The diggers refuse to show their Licences and pelt the troopers with rocks as they enter the diggings. Rede reads the Riot Act and troops fire a volley over the diggers heads. Approximately six diggers are arrested and taken to the Government Camp.

  • Show democratic values

    In the afternoon work is suspended on the Eureka Lead. Another meeting is held on Bakery Hill and Peter Lalor becomes leader of the diggers and calls for volunteers. Hundreds of volunteers swear an oath to defend their rights and liberties under the Flag of the Southern Cross. A number of diggers move to the Eureka Lead and erect a barricade.

  • More troops

    Arrival of 1200 more volunteer s to help with the rebellion

  • Fight

    At dawn the Stockade is attacked and a brief battle follows. Twenty two diggers and seven military are officially listed as being killed. Many others are wounded. Approximately 120 diggers are arrested and marched to the Government Camp.

  • Meeting at cathedral

    A group of 13 prisoners is charged with treason.A meeting of approximately 6000 Melbourne residents congregate around St.Paul’s Cathedral to condemn the actions taken by the Government and the administrators in Ballarat.

  • Government turn down offer

    The members of the Gold Fields Commission meet with Governor Hotham and recommend that the Gold Licence be dis-continued. The government turn down offer.

  • Gold field workers are given rights

    A royal Commission is established to investigate the miner's grievances. It leads to improvements in conditions on the Goldfields. The cost of the Licence is reduced and the miners are given rights to vote.

  • Election

    Peter Lalor and John Basson Hummfray are elected to the Legislative Council.