The exhibition will provide a glimpse into the social history of Bendigo’s legal and justice system.
In the early days of the goldrush, Bendigo was relatively unregulated. The huge influx of diggers from many different backgrounds led to anxieties and suspicion – and a dramatic increase in crime. Police charges and court cases doubled after 1852. The earliest record of court proceedings in Bendigo was for theft. In mid 1852 William Virtue was charged for stealing a bag of sugar. Records show a minor fine of £2 for shooting at police, but in one month alone 106 men and women were fined £50 for sly grogging.
The Legal Eagles exhibition has an extended timeline into the early twentieth century thorough a substantial archive of material from several commercial law practices and broadens out into the business records of Mine Legal Managers.
The exhibition also highlights Bendigo’s significant former law courts building in Pall Mall. This building, such a key element in Bendigo history and heritage, is undergoing renewed interest regarding its future use and this exhibition intends to promote more community discussion about a satisfactory outcome for one of our architectural gems.
Opening Thursday 14 August 2025
Open days: Thursdays and Saturdays 11am – 2pm
Free entry
