Ballarat Victoria Australia

I am grateful for this link to DCG on Ghostlystaysuk. He found the link and posted it there.


Ballarat is the town I am trying to find those ghost stories about, regarding the tourist attraction Soveriegn Hill
Ballarat is a town that grew up around the Gold strike mining community.
It is also near where the 'Southern Cross' was first raised over Australia.


www.haunted.com.au/news/ballcourier01.html

That was an interesting read thanks Mags. Its interesting that both the ghosts were men of the cloth. Canon Mercer being of Protestant faith must have had a big shock when he died. Its interesting how when they sprinkled holy water around the home the disturbances went only to return in later years with new famlies etc.

As for Bishop Murray how interesting that he was seen in his full Bishops rig walking down the aisle of the church. This story is interesting as it not only involves ghosts of former men of the cloth but also being seen by other men of the cloth and parishioners who being Protestant would not belive in ghosts etc and then to openly talk about it. It must have given them food for thought.

Mel when I went to Ballarat for my 19th birthday, I was told there was at least three ghosts haunting Soveriegn hill. One was Lola Montez, you know the Irish woman who was the lover of King Ludwig of Bavaria and is mentioned in the Flashman books.

A bit of information about Ballarat, and Soveriegn Hill.


www.smallguide.com.au/vic4.html

Finally one of the stories I have been trying to track down.

Ballarat: Bailey's Mansion. The ghost of gold tycoon William Bailey is believed to haunt the historic mansion on the corner of Drummond and Mair streets.

Unfortunately there is not much about this haunting but here are a few others that are in Ballarat.

Melbourne fashion coutuirier Lil Wightman, had an accessory to her home that most others do not, a little girl holding a camellia has been seen there.

Former councillor for Ballarat and developer Walter Craig is believed to be the presences that haunts Lydiard Street's Craig Hotel.

A girl dressed in a white evening dress is said to the ghost of the 16 year old daughter of pianist Caroline Eliza Lewis, haunts Her Majesty's Theatre.

Thanks again Mags that interesting and it looks like a lovely place to visit not only is it a lovely setting but the history of the place etc. I guess it being an old gold town the life expectancy was not good there for all sorts of reasons no wonder it has so many ghosts.

Mel it was the first place I ever visited with costumed guides.
It was fascinating and we actually went in a stage coach!
There was pottor there throwing pots, and the pot I use as a sugar bowl I bought there.
It has lasted 33 years despite Norm's efforts and breaking bits off the rim.

I think anywhere with costumed guides adds to a place. One of the best ever places I have ever been to is Blist Hill Ironbridge its a fab place and not only are the guides in costume but in character as well. I went into the bakers and asked if they had any cakes he said Madam we only sell bread if its cakes your after please go to the confectioners I have also been to Beemish but imo Blist Hill is much better. I bet going on a stage coach was ace I would love to do that.

It's not as comfortable as you would think, those pioneers were very hardy.