The Eureka Stockade

Robert Rede becomes a Gold Commissioner.

May 16, 1854

Robert Rede becomes Ballarat’s resident Gold Commissioner.

Charles Hotham Airrival in victoria

Jun 22, 1854

Lt Governor Charles Hotham arrives in Victoria. He realises the colony is in mounting financial debt so he orders weekly licensing hunts in the attempt to increase the colonies’ income.

Murder

Oct 7, 1854

James Scobie, a miner, is murdered outside the Eureka Hotel.
James Bentley, the owner of the Eureka Hotel, was charged with Scobie's murder.

Bentley not guilty of Scobies death and released

Oct 12, 1854

Following a Coroner’s inquest into the death of Scobie, Bentley is released due to lack of evidence. Many diggers believe that the Magistrate, John Dewes is both a friend and a business partner of Bentley.

Eureka hotel burnt down

Oct 17, 1854

Angry miners meet on the site of Scobies death to discuss the next course of action on Bentley's acquittal. Some members of the meeting get carried away and end up starting a riot. As a result the Eureka hotel was burnt down.

Mining Licenses

Nov 30, 1854

Miners decided to burn their gold mining licenses the following day in a mass burning on Bakery Hill.

Final Clash

Dec 3, 1854

The final clash at the Eureka Stockade, between the miners and police / military occurred, early in the morning on Sunday December 3rd 1854.

Miner’s Trial

Jan 23, 1855

The miner’s trial takes place in Melbourne and all the miners were acquitted.

Miners are given rights to vote

Mar 27, 1855

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.

Governor Hotham dies in Melbourne

Dec 31, 1855