The Diggers Ten Commandments

The Diggers Ten Commandments is an anonymous, rare document circulated in the Victorian goldfields between 1851 and 1860. This valuable piece of Victorian history captures Australia’s 'fair go for all' philosophy.

Composed in a light-hearted style by an unknown Ballarat digger, the six-page handwritten document sets down the largely unwritten rules of conduct for diggers working on the goldfields.

The Library's purchase of the document is a vital addition to the story of 19th-century goldmining, and helps safeguard the rich history of Victoria.

'This valuable piece of Victorian history captures Australia’s "fair go for all" philosophy'