The Eureka Flag

In December 1854 the gold miners of Ballarat rose up in a courageous revolt against draconian laws and the undemocratic government of the day, seeking an end to the oppressive miner's licence system and the right for all men to vote in elections. While the miners were overthrown by the troopers on the day, the "lower orders" rapidly won many of their key demands. Universal male suffrage was granted some decades before it was achieved in Britain.
The flag remains a symbol of protest and rebellion in Australia and is flown over the Trades Hall building in Melbourne, home to the union movement. 
At the Eureka rebellion the flag was torn down by Trooper John King. Thirty miners were killed along with six troopers and police. After handing out small pieces to visiting dignitaries over subsequent years, John King held the flag in his family for another forty years, finally lending it to the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery in 1895, where it remained in obscurity until the 1940's. It has now been painstakingly restored. However, some 31% of the original specimen is missing. In 2006 it was listed by the National Trust as an object of state heritage significence.
I have added a couple of extras showing the repair work that has been carried out.  The flag is displayed in very low light and no flashes were permitted so this is the best I could do.
Having spent two weeks in this amazing rural city we realize there is so much early history to be discovered.  The inner residential area still boasts hundreds of grand homes and opulent administrative buildings - evidence of the impact of gold on the growth of Victoria.  It is said that without Ballarat there might never have been a flourishing Melbourne.  
Home tomorrow  Can't wait!