Book a snapshot of Bendigo past

A PROMINENT local publisher is coinciding half a century of work with a book on Bendigo as it existed under its original name.

Sandhurst: A Peep into the Past 1851 – 1891 details the history, character, business, and industry of the region prior to the city’s name changing to Bendigo in mid-1891.

Released by historian and archivist Ken Arnold through his Crown Castleton Publishers business, he said the work is a snapshot of Bendigo in its previous incarnation.

“It’s a collection of photographs from that period along with histories and maps of the institutions, schools, churches,” he said.

“It conserves the history of that 40-year period and it’s also been done as a commemoration or celebration of my 50 years since I realised my first book.”

Handsewn with cleat and gold foil on maroon and using embossed archival paper for the interior, the book is being limited to 200 copies, with a further 100 to be made available depending on interest.

The book mainly covers the contemporaneous developments from around Beech Street, Golden Square towards Lake Weeroona, and around Ironbark and into Flora Hill.

A labour of love for Arnold and ongoing for about 25 years, he said he’s excited to see the response to what he considers to be his masterwork.

“It’s by far my best book,” he said.

Historic tome: Sandhurst: A Peep into the Past 1851 – 1891 charts Bendigo’s history when it was known as Sandhurst, and includes photos of landmarks like Alexandra Fountain, circa 1888, taken by J. E. Andrew. Photos: SUPPLIED

“I think the people of Bendigo will be very proud and I’m quite confident it’ll stack up among the best of the best for history books in Australia.”

Sandhurst: A Peep into the Past 1851 – 1891 will be launched at Bendigo Library on Saturday 7 December from 11am.

As well as Arnold, who’ll be available for signings, presentations will be made by City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf and Lamp Church Bendigo minister Reverend Len Cutting.

Arnold estimated the book’s retail cost would reach $250.

“The cover on its own is about $60 each to print,” he said.

“The price will concern most people, but because of the quality of the paper and stuff like that, it’s been a costly exercise but I want it to be my best.”

Though a free event, booking is required and can be done so by visiting bit.ly/3OgHAd6.

The book will be available at 359 High Street, Golden Square following the launch, via appointment by contacting Arnold on 0422 564 852.

Arnold also predicted it will be available at the Bendigo Library.