Historical information

Augustus Bostock was the 9th child of Robert & Rachael Bostock of Vaucluse Epping Forest, Van Diemen’s Land. He was only 4 years old when his mother died. He was inspired by his father to seek his fortune in the Western District of Victoria. He arrived around 1850. He married Margaret Aitkin in July 1865. Augustus owned several properties in the district and leased others. He sat on the court of Warrnambool, Mortlake or Hexham as required. He resided at Marramook in Hawkesdale and later moved to Vaucluse in Hopetoun Road Warrnambool, where he died in 1920 at the age of 87. He was involved in many aspects of life in the Western District, racing, cricket, and social activities to name a few. This diary shows the daily entries over a long period of time with activities ranging from fencing, visiting neighbours and weather details. It mentions many local people and many properties he visited.

Significance

Augustus Bostock along with a number of his brothers was one of the earliest pioneers in the Western District of Victoria. This diary sheds considerable light onto the life of Augustus and people of his era. There is a wealth of information on a range of topics relating to early life in Warrnambool and district.

Physical description

Maroon, blue, white and yellow patterned cardboard cover with black binding on spine. Pages written in black pen apart from entries for August and September which are written in blue ink.

Inscriptions & markings

Coomete 16th June 1873. C/N 2/- inside front cover.