Hamilton Academy book launch

AT the front entrance of the former Hamilton Academy on Collins Street, Hamilton, are descendants of the highly acclaimed school’s principal, James Begg, and of former students, who travelled from across Victoria for the launch of a book about the school and its principal on Thursday. (From left) descendant of former students, Alison Burgess; James Begg’s great granddaughter Virginia Kilborn and grandson Phillip Kilborn; author, Neil MacLean; James Begg’s great granddaughter Elizabeth Hamilton; and Hamilton History Centre, president, Ian Black, who also wrote the foreword. Photo: GLENN GUY.

By Lizzie Hallam

August 02, 2023 | 3:00 PM

DESCENDANTS of students, and of the former principal, James Begg, were among guests at the release of a recently written historical account of the acclaimed Hamilton Academy, a school that operated between 1870 and 1900.

Several copies of the book, ‘James Begg’s Hamilton Academy’ were sold prior to its launch by Southern Grampians Shire Council mayor, David Robertson, at the Hamilton History Centre on Thursday morning.