Central Business District in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Madame Brussels

— Historic Little Lon —

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 3, 2026

1. Madame Brussels Marker

Inscription. (Source: State Library of Victoria, MS 15734)

Madame Brussels, aka Caroline Hodgson, was one of Melbourne's most notorious brothel keepers. She owned several brothels throughout Little Lon between 1871-1907, including a lavish establishment on Lonsdale Street. In 1907, brothels were outlawed following increasing pressure from moral reformers, and her businesses closed. Although she died in 1908, Madam Brussels is still remembered in this part of the city.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 37° 48.53′ S, 144° 58.267′ E. Marker is in Melbourne, Victoria. It is in the Central Business District. It is on Casselden Place 0.1 kilometers south of Little Lonsdale Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

in Australasia,

in the Pacific Ocean,

in South Pacific,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

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Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Saw Doctor (here, next to this marker); 17 Casselden Place (here, next to this marker); Bill Proudfoot (here, next to this marker); Sister Esther (here, next to this marker); Digging through Time (here, next to this marker); Ti Cum Ah Chung, 1903 (here, next to this marker); Little Lon People and Professions (a few steps from this marker); Grit, Grime and Noise (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.

Also see . . . Caroline Hodgson. Wikipedia

Caroline Hodgson (d. 11 July 1908), also known as Madame Brussels, was an Australian brothel madam. She owned a number of establishments in Melbourne's Little Lon district and became one of the city's most successful and best-known madams. Persistently targeted by police, she faced multiple trials under the colony's vagrancy laws. By 1907, all her brothels had closed.

Hodgson was born in Prussia and emigrated to Australia with her husband in 1871. The couple
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 3, 2026

2. Madame Brussels Marker with photo
separated soon after their arrival and she began to support herself by operating a boarding house. In 1874 she opened a brothel next door and soon expanded her business to multiple premises. She operated a number of establishments on Lonsdale Street, including an opulent gentleman's club that was frequented by many of the city's elites.

(Submitted on June 8, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Additional keywords. prostitution

Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 8, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.