The early 1870’s marked the beginnings of emigration for this branch of the Clutterbuck family. John William Hobbs Clutterbuck, the eldest son of Thomas and Elizabeth Hobbs Clutterbuck, left Gloucestershire in 1872 and travelled to Australia, where he eventually settled in the Melbourne area. Four years later, his brother, Frederick Francis Clutterbuck, also migrated to Australia. Whether or not Thomas Hobbs Clutterbuck knew of this, or had been in contact with the family at all in the 10 years leading up to this time, is unknown but in 1879, at 29 years of age and single, Thomas also landed in Melbourne, where he met up with his two brothers.
In the late 1870‘s and early 80‘s, Melbourne experienced a thriving period of development, largely due to the wealth and prosperity accrued from wool and the Gold Rush years. Due to a labour shortage, wages in Melbourne were pushed up to be the highest in the world at the time, making it a very attractive place to settle.
Queens Warf Spencer St Station
The city attracted architects, engineers, town planners and other professionals from all walks of life who helped to mould it into one of the ‘great cities’ of the world. With its growing reputation of ‘modern grandeur’ and sophistication, Melbourne became a highly respected tourist destination that even rivaled cities like London, New York and Chicago. In just a decade, the city doubled in size.
Custom House in Flinders St Swanston St