A presentation on Francis Augustus Hare - Under Siege

The Chiltern court house committee continue their series of presentations on historic events.

It's an opportune time for Susan Hare to explore the life of her great great grand uncle, Superintendent Francis Augustus Hare, the Victorian Police Officer who led the pursuit of the Kelly Gang as it is the anniversary of the Stringybark Creek shoot-out on the 26th October 1878.

Susan tells her story and her interest in history which led to her book "Under Siege", which examines the Kelly saga and the life and times of those days through Frances Hare's eyes. It blends biography, social history and historical narrative revealing insight into the early life of colonial Victoria. Enjoy afternoon tea where you can further talk to Susan and others interested in the story.

Books available for sale

The Chiltern court house is a wonderful historic building which is an appropriate venue as the warrant for the arrest of Dan Kelly for horse stealing, was issued in this courthouse in April 1878 which led Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick going to the Kelly home at Greta to arrest Dan. Known as the 'Fitzpatrick Affair', leading to the police shootings at Stringybark Creek. The Kelly boys were now declared 'outlaws' with 500 pound reward on their heads, the siege at Glenrowan and the eventual hanging of Ned Kelly on the 11th November 1880.