Fly a Rebel Flag

black dog books’ award-winning history series The Drum uses first-person accounts and non-fiction to bring history roaring to life.

'We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties!'

The diggers' oath, 30 November 1854

The diggers were fed up. Ever since the gold rushes began, the police had hounded them, forcing them to show their licenses like common criminals. At last the diggers of Ballarat made a stand. They would pay no more licence fees. They took up arms, built a stockade, and swore to defend themselves against the authorities.

When government troops stormed the Eureka stockade the battle lasted just twenty minutes, but it changed Australia forever.

Was this a blow for democracy? Was it a glorious rebellion? Or just a bloody massacre? You decide.

About The Author

Robyn used to think history was boring until, working on an archaeological dig in Melbourne, she discovered history under her fingernails. She dug up a husband there, too. Now they live with their daughter in a country town with too many cafes. Robyn thinks 'housework' is a dirty word; her hobby is collecting dust.