“Under Siege” Francis Augustus Hare – The Man Who Caught Ned Kelly. Presentation by Susan Hare

Sunday 25th October at 2pm at the Chiltern Court House
We continue our series of presentations on historic events.
Presentation by Susan Hare, author of “Under Siege”
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 us 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 Francis 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 talk to Susan and other interested participants.
Books will be available for sale.
Entry will be by donation, with proceeds supporting the court house. Bookings required for catering purposes… Lois 0457262358 or hotson@westnet.com.au
The Chiltern court house is the ideal location for this event as it was here that the warrant for the arrest of Dan Kelly was issued on the 5th April 1878 leading to the series of events of Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick going to the Kelly home at Greta which became known as “The Fitzpatrick Affair, ” the police shootout at Stringybark Creek, The siege at Glenrowan and the hanging of Ned Kelly on 11th November 1880.

The Chiltern historic court house is now a wonderful preserved building constructed in 1864 to a standard Public Works Department plan. It remains intact and also retains its original courtroom furniture of Magistrates bench, clerk of courts desk, prisoner dock, press box and witness box. Officially closed on 1st January 1983, not having been visited by a magistrate since 1972.