Charles Morgan's Diary, 1837

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January

1st

Sunday. Morning service at Llanrhidian, do not go. Dine early and walk over to Reynoldstone by half past 2 o'clock. Intending to go to church but find service half an hour earlier, am too late and do not go in. Bad beginning of the New Year. Waited til service over at Tom Davy's and call on Mr Davies (clerk) drink tea there, talk of Poor Law Union and laments that Gower was not a separate union. Mrs Davies much better and getting fat. Walk home in dark, not cold. David meets me with the pony but I prefer walking - am very cold in bed and do not sleep.

2nd

Write a hasty letter to my mother about turkey sent, take my gun and walk to post, no snipes, post late. Paid W Jone shoemaker Monday 8s. Call on Davies, Surgeon, see her. He at Swansea again to post. Eat bread and cheese, Mrs Morris there, pig killed. Mrs Williams calls, her mare ill, some time. Give her best advice I can, think it is stone colic, not too long, should not be surprised to lose one of my own as she will hers. Died soon after but mine lived till May 25th. Miss Lucas at post. Shoot over Mr Gordon's land, his son meets me. Call on Mr Gordon, bread and cheese and good ale, wants me to settle tithe, to call a meeting. Dine at five. RH here about Blaenkedy. Guy called this morning, arrange about thatching, mat done. Ride at 8 to Mr Nicholls, read and return paper. Took to Llytherid. Settled to take pigs and carry seed tomorrow. Much milder, frost going.

3rd

Mild frost seems going, much out of the ground. WR again off early to Blaenkedy with reed from Llytherydd and from there receive 6 pigs. Make temporary stye in cart shed, that for Blaenkedy finished. W David comes to saw for ditto. Three men cut fire furze, get in turnips and jobs. Obliged to borrow shaft harness and a car. Margaret ill. Washing going on, all confusion. Dine early, woodcock, and walk to Penralt. William's mare very ill. Mr Murray there. Physics and bleeds, pay him £1.6.0. Arrange to be off early tomorrow to Blaenkedy, mat for roof. Return and Mr Henry Lucas junior calls for his aunt Miss Tottenham. Pay him £7.0.2 and write a note with hope will arrive safe. This evening colder. Some say ‘twill freeze again.

4th

Cold thaw. Up and about before breakfast. RH late with horses for waggon, going to Blaenkedy with mat, reed, boards etc for the house. Good load. Set three men to work, fire furze, ditch and ride off to Blaenkedy by Welsh Moor, marsh etc. Paid I Griffiths, ash for hollies, put up at Ship, lunch and make present of a carving knife and fork. Call at Captain Gunthorpe, he ill, she complains of RH in my absence, part friends. By works to Blaenkedy house … see it covered, boards put safe and mark red trees for repairs, gates etc. See waggon of oats off, good load up the hill. Return by Penclawdd. No change for £5 to be had. In dark by Cil Ivor. Waggon safe in Barn. Dine at 6.00 and … tired. Cold all day and likely for change of weather. Margaret is better today.

5th

Colder, south wind, about home all day. Set two men at work and see them do it. Carry fern, three loads. Plant few sets in hedge. Mr George called at breakfast time, pay quit rents. Talk of tithe bill, Mr Talbot inclined to leave to commissioner and wait to see others act. Plenty of time … Ask for refusal of Stafell Haegr. J Phillips equable. Pay Eli Williams for 100 reed Blaencedi. Cold dinner, fowl. Two men call for money for culm, know nothing, pay nothing. At pitch dark go to attend a road meeting I had called, overseers only there. Factions call in neighbours and pass accounts and direct arrears collected. Mare unwell, washed with soap and water. Wind gets up a little, I return home in the rain, the ground this morning in a most beautiful order after frost and dry thaw.

6th

Stormy night, wet, morning, the old cock crows and it clears off, fine day. Ride Moselle by Llytherydd to Howel John's, not at home. Want cheese, call at Brynhir for a ladder, no one at home. See Guy at Blaenkedy, order spars. He wants too much done. By Penclawdd works, met Howel J at The Ship, he to get me cheese tomorrow. Some talk with Mrs Evans about GHE, corresponds with Captain Gunthorpe, has … laver and writes to Jenkins. Much said about my misunderstanding with Rev. Jones, explain that literally and his disregard for me and family. Order small cart wheels of Howel J. Home by the marsh, rode fast. Met J Austin at Aberloggy gate, stopped and had some talk. Has been working at Llangyfelach for Mr Dods. By village and see Tall about thatching Blaenkedy etc. By Penralt and see RH about oats expected by Henry Long. Tired to dinner. Mr Collins Junior called, pig meat arrived from Ilston.

7th

Fine day indeed, after rain in night, did not sleep much for wind and rain. Up early, write notes to Mr Gwyn and Henry. Dispatched David on Rosie by St Ishmael for a bridle and for another to Abercothi and with note to Henry about Penmaen sequestration etc. At home all day. Carts in from common and plant willow, laurels etc. W Jone and D Bowen. Molested nobody and nobody troubles me today. Expected in coals, luckily does not arrive, I have plenty now. See and hear nothing of RH. Arrange accounts, all money right. Not a day but I pay something in this retired spot!! Have been troubled lately with stiff pain in the right elbow, question gout? Better this evening after spade work or elbow grease. Tis beautiful weather!!! And a new moon last night.

9th

Yesterday, evening duty Llanrhidian. Rode by agreement to Mr Holland Cwm Ivy by Reynoldston, Stemridge etc to top of Llanmadock Hill, beautiful day. Met Mr Pearce, invite him to dine, date not named and pony lost t shoe. Too late for dinner, dine alone, dark and inclined to rain. Sleep at Cwm Ivy, conversation turned on the vessel lately saved when stranded on the Whiteford Burrows, timber laden and roguery of crew etc. Sharp frost Sunday morning. This morning, Mr H off early to Swansea. Pony sent early to be shod, dilatory. Breakfast, ride with young H to see wreck of timber, and log house. Rabbit catching Cheriton bridge. Mrs Clarke, Prospect House, and nails … take new road back to Stembridge, call at Post, nothing arrived. Call at Jones and see my burnt boots!! Infamous neglect. Go to Knelston to get debt of barley, year old, of Mrs Wilson. Fail, new promises. Again at Post, receive long letter from Carree, paid postman Christmas boy, gravel pits. Dine at two. Men all at Club, no work. Mice eat my corn, plan to save it. Mr Hancorne calls, takes tea. Dark windy night. Lewis, Butcher called for a gun, had it.

10th

Stormy morning, no men at work, at home all day. Enter up… for day work and arrange tithe book for audit on the 18th instant and write out a lot of blank receipts. No calls on me for money by anyone except the beggar; pay nothing. David returned this evening from Carmarthen, sent him after two bridles, got neither, only the bit belonging to one, taken by Mr Gwyn.

11th

A beautiful day. Only one man comes to work, some ill. W Richards after fern, a job I wish done. Jones Wildad takes in his barley, D Bowen begins digging pond to make a mound east corner of garden. Again no calls on me for money. Sharp frost this morning and this evening. Mr Nicholls calls with his greyhound, go out on the common, can't find, get one course, don't kill. He had killed one singly with Rocket who broke his leg last year and I set it, shank of fore leg. Rent two fields of him, near Stoneyford, not three. David has a bad cold, can scarcely speak. Give him pills and advice. Finish my tithe book, wind gets up.

12th

Stormy morning, wind and rain the … of a white frost. No work done. Receive a letter by Tucker from Roberts, a month on road. Settled Tucker's accounts, day and job work, estimated £2 19 0. All with RH. Take account of tithes agreed. Let water into the great pit on common. Coals arrived by Hezekiah Long, not landed. Rain more less all day and windy. Settle accounts with David, balance my accounts in hand and paid. Coals out again, sitting by miserable wood fires.

13th

Rainy morning till past 12.00. Wind southwest. Coals landed by Hezekiah Long, take half with Mr Nicholls, three carts. RH, self and Philip Long make 2 ton only. Make David clean stables and mend the standing, kicked through, too slight. Dine early and walked to the marsh and see the vessel, horrid mess on marsh. Went over Cilifor top. Saw D Bowen spread lime and earth in 4 acres. Mr Gordon of Landimore came down, wants to stop a trespass footpath, promise to assist him, return home, send a horses head home by RH from marsh. Let Llewellyn Philip have some coals and Tanner a basket full. Gave man with petition for loss of horse at Oxwich, 2/-. No Mrs Wilson called to pay barley.

14th

A beautiful day and cold frosty. Troubled to get commissions executed at Swansea. Verbal message for half a pound of tea by Batcock and some notes sent by W Davies wife, Lucas etc for salt etc. Coal all brought up this morning, one cart. RH and WR. Let fatting geese out to wash, lose them, find them. Dine early and ride to Penrice about mare. In three minds about going to Penmaen, do not go, very cold wind north. Try all evening to make payments and account of work tally, cannot quite. Luggage arrives late from E James at Swansea, no message whether coming over tonight or not. Think he will though near 11.00, good moon and frosty.

16th

Yesterday beautiful day, sharp frost. Chapel Sunday. E James arrives to dinner, go in evening, very cold to church. Mr Phillips preaches, a very tame attempt extempore. Mrs J delighted to see Edward J. Settle about work with RH for tomorrow, go to Stavell, all in bed seven all!!!!

Monday, doubtful morning, cold thaw. Rain (snow trifle) but still to carry out compost on clover West Field, carts in a little, two carts. Walk with Ted to get Tucker to help. Call at Mr Nicholls, carry a tin, mistake - belongs to Carree, sent to Bristol. Rain holds off, dull foggy night and cold. Tired in evening, send David with ill mare to Penrice, invite Mr Pearce dine tomorrow, Mr Davis declines.

17th

Pay Mr Collins by Mr Pearce for quarter of pig - bacon at 8 1/2. Dull day, very muggy, warm. Home all day, cart earth to garden. Little cart breaks down, expected as much. Plant another larch. RH after coals. Busy about odds and ends for my dinner. Sent by Mr Pearce to invite Mr Collins to dine, comes. Son engaged Swansea. Report Nathan to be married to Mary Jones, Collins thinks with me Mr Dods will give a dowry. Mr Dods a horrid sneak in my opinion. Mrs Richards taken ill. Dinner gone off very well, Mr Collins very pleasant, Mr Pearce sleeps here, fond of late hours. Bed 1.30. He been shooting, lodge, dog, horse etc. Wrote to Carree, long letter today and yesterday.

18th

Up at usual hour, dull again. Set men at work. Tithe day Penclawdd. Bevan of Cefn Draw calls, Bill £3 assizes, do not pay it. Mr Lloyd to sell oats, buy and settle accounts of last year, send David to Penrice with ill mare. Seen nothing more of Evans, he dines and pays nothing. Send letter to Carree. At 12 go to Penclawdd. J Hancorne and friend Mr Pritchard there. Mr Benjamin Jones and his brother to pay for slates. Good muster for tithes and payments good. Captain Gunthorpe and RH at high words about trespass at Blaenkedy, seed barley, notes about tithes etc etc. Howel John and the Captain do not to meet I hear. Mild and favourable weather, dull, no rain. Drop my money in bag on marsh coming home, strap gave way owing to sowing buckle on loosely at Penclawdd, a trick, no ill consequence. RH tells me he and Jones have had. words about a belly band (?) bought by Mr Gwyn for him at Blaenkedy, it was not told to all. Order him not to send it.

19th

Count out and arrange my money this morning with Ted James, fault on right side, make out too much by £2. Set men at work and prepare for another collection today, go down late, no one there. Walk to Stafell Haegr with Ted and arrange for all sheep to be driven in tomorrow to find strays not sold. Another good haul, payments very good indeed and all went off smooth except J Bevans not keeping to his word about Cwm with Captain Gunthorpe and me, agreement was for £2.10 0, neither pays it, tis a juggle. Get angry because he is drunk and tell him he may leave room and I it won't receive anything. Walk home with Mr Nicholls and Mr Jones, Bevan's of Prisk etc. Home in good time, very tired and glad to get to bed. Henry arrived when business was half over today and did but little in assisting. Tickets for dinner a good plan to get payers to the scratch, by the time I got to bed I was quite ill. These two days are no joke, to do all the work.

20th

Off hinges today and not myself. Up in good time, out and about. Henry off after breakfast for Abercothy on Grey. Jeffreys of Ddoll pays his tithe, funny fellow and complains tis this high. Would not yesterday to make disturbance by complaints, promised him fair play. David Bowen calls for settlement, accounts not correct. Seek RH, meet on Marsh Meadow carrying rush, settle it at Penralt. J Grant on marsh shooting with Ted, no snipes. Settle with RH for pigs, Williams Oldwalls etc. Grant kills a water rail and gives it me. Count out tithe money in evening, fault on right side make out too much, some mistake, can't find it out. Do not send to post, David at Penllwynrobert to get a wheel for small cart broken down and cheese 66lbs. Begin to collect in sheep on marsh this evening, foretell change of weather, sea heard westward.

21st

Wet morning, breakfast early, going to marsh and Stafell Haegr to see after bought sheep and find strays. Send up trees, elms etc, from Stafell Haegr to Caie Forgan by WR. All over the marsh and getting sheep also to Leason fold, find there several (?) strays in all collect 19, being one more than purchased for me, some of which I know our straying on Cefn Bryn etc. Get very wet and dirty, tis a horrid marsh about Leason entrance. Talk to RH about taking all the land and employing him etc. He agreeable, will consider terms, not much said. Ted not out of the house. Very tired having worn my heavy great coat all day long. Go over all my tithe collection accounts and cannot make things tally being £20 on right side above receipts and expenses. Wash my feet after expedition on marsh and in bed at 12.00. Wind gets up and a very wet night but hear nothing of it. Common all water in the morning.

23rd

Sunday, very wet and stormy morning. Arrangements about church at Penmaen given up. Wind highish but rain clears about twelve. Cock crows long before, a true sign, though rain lessens tis not fine. We are not at church (evening duty), intend having prayers in evening but servants go out. Home late and wet in evening and do not.

Monday. Pouring rain, drains cannot carry off water, flows through the house. Adding up and settling tithe book all day. Wildad weighs straw and sells me part at 1/- a cwt, asked 16. Ted and I walk to Mr Nicholls to get Cambrian, fail, stop and take tea. Ale excellent. Jos Jones and his sheep stealing hay etc. Walk home in wet. Wrote a little in letter of Ted's to Jane. Same sent today.

24th

Up early, dull doubtful morning, fine day, cold. Wind shifting round from south to north. Mr Cherry G … come to breakfast and brings his greyhounds. He and Mr Nicholls walk, Ted and I ride. Poor sport, dull diversion, on Welsh Moor etc. Few hares, find only 4, chop 2. Coursing only to be followed afoot in small enclosures. Home by 3, tired and dissatisfied and cold. Sleepy and read Wiltshire paper. Arrange for potatoes etc to Swansea and commissions home, David to go. Mark Thomas at work here, goes further into the country tonight.

25th

Wet morning and little snowy. Ostler obliged to go to Swansea, ride with Ted. Send David with potatoes and grocery bag, pay to the bank £284.14. 6. Too late to meet the bill for 200, pay Beynon bill £40, pay Mr James draper, dine with Dr Howells. Ted dines at Bowen's. Tea at Beynon's, pay Sanguinetti, receive money for potatoes, order grocery. Great deal of illness. No letters, galloped after Gower mail, no letters on Fairwood. Come home late, 11.00. Sheep in turnips. Lucky in our ride, rain keeps off. Sup and very tired.

26th

Some snow on the hills, Cefn (Bryn) etc. Heavy rain early, floods. Home at work, send for Bowen to help kill pig. At home all day balancing tithe book. Ted takes gun. Dine early and walk to Mr Lloyd and settled his account for tithe, beef, assizes, oats etc. Put a lock on a bin, difficult, nice fit. J Grant comes up to see Ted and bring in a bill. Settle Maria Allen's for school, all evening at tithe book and accounts. Rain again this evening, God bless us.

27th

Wildad Jones for 8 cwt straw, 8/-. Beautiful day, cold wind, easterly. Plant few trees and willows and secure large elms against wind. Cut fern rick as a wall and thatch furze and fern. Pack 7 cwt potatoes for Swansea, Wildad's father fetches straw. Takes in his rick with Jeffreys, last mow. Have not seen RH some time. W Tucker ill some time. Ted takes gun and walks to post. Receive letter from William about payment of £200 bill. I drew, paid. I am … it should not have gone up. Mortality in London great with influenza. Attend to commissions for Swansea and write to William, David to go.

28th

Dull morning, sharp black frost. Pig cut up. Set W Jone to the hedge by Pwll y Brag, common. Plant a few elms by hedge leading to the building from road with Llewellyn. Plant a few poplars with Ted in garden. About home all day. Ted takes out the gun, kills a lark. Question if in the act of singing. Amuse ourselves after dinner at chaff cutter. Both very tired this evening. David home from Swansea by 6.00.

Sunday. Dull cold morning, black frost. Walk to Penmaen Church over hill, called at Walter Tucker's, better. Call at J Williams, order oysters, buy apple trees. Dine on goose at Jones of P. £3 for the cart. Glam lane devoured with moles. Mr Dods at church, looking like a sinister sneak. George Jones daughters in the vicarage pew. The eldest they say about being married before Lady Day to a clergyman. Jones says Pugh the sequestrator is about calling for account of Berrington. Tall at Jones's. After dark, call at Richard Watkins, take cup of hot, he gave an opinion that Nathan and Berrington always had a good understanding with each other, think he's right, and think Nathan's conduct contemptible and agree that the Ball family are very ill used. Over the hill and turnpike by Crickton in dark.

Monday. A little snow on ground, most indifferent day. Wet misty rainy dull and cold wind, north east. At home all day mending gun, twice to Cillibion. Cambrian paper, RH here about Blaencedi House, more reed wanted. Carpenter must go up to mend floors. Hear E is coming down on visit to -? Evans of B saw him in London and brought letters for G of Penclawdd. Parcel for Bowen of Pwllfroga etc, what mischief can he be brewing now? Jane has a son. Harry writes by carpenter David to settle accounts this evening.

31st

A fine day, settle accounts in full of mason and carpenters Caie Vorgan, to David David carpenter, David Evans interpreter and witness. This done resolve to ride to Blaenkedy. Call on Mr Evans of B (rynhir). Bridal visit, she antique and shrivelled. Cake and wine. Evans more than usual civil, gives me some Scotch Firs. Now to Blaenkedy to see what needs done and what to be done. Go to the chapel, chancel must be repaired. Roof open, bad condition. Call at Ship for Mrs Evans account, not ready, her mother ill. Think to buy some laurels etc. Call on Captain Gunthorpe with my accounts against him, knows nothing, she ill, he well again. Home by Crofte, call on Thomas, mason, there about chancel, will do it, his opinion all roof for must be new. Call at Penralt, RH not there, to give orders about Blaenkedy. Dine at 7.00. RH calls in evening and will try to do needful tomorrow. Ted very sleepy.,

February

1st (Wednesday)

2 Penclawdd cockle beggar women 6d.

Set 2 men at work and begin planting young ash from Stafell Haegr, top of orchard, north of new barn. Ride out coursing on common with Hancorne's dogs, kill one and nearly getting thrown, pony bolts and nearly falls crossing turnpike road. Try Pengwern Common, find, do not kill. Call at Mr Nicholls, he is better, see him. Dine at 5.00. Got long shot at wild ducks with large shot near the house, do not kill. In evening J Grant calls in, tea and after examine and compare Mr Hancorne's account of sale with J Grant's, pretty correct. Up to 1.00 in morning. Servants gone to bed and can't get any supper, wet late in evening. Intended calling at post, do not.

2nd

In bed at 1 up at 8. Sun rises red, cloudy dull day. Again out coursing, try all Cefn Hill, find nothing. Cold and miserable. J Grant there, return and lunch. Johnny Williams calls with 16 apple trees (plant them) for 8. William Richards taken ill, the prevalent complaint. Rain comes on at 3.00 quietly, wet evening. Tired and sleepy in the evening after cold … Pay £10 in silver to young Robert Hancorne for his father in part expenses of our sale, he wanting it going soon to Herefordshire. In evening arrange for money expended out of tithe receipts.

3rd

RH here ‘fore breakfast, more boards wanted at Blaenkedy, reed etc. Walk to Penralt, buy half of J Grant's pig weighed with head, 3 score 11lb. at 4 1/2. Agree with Mrs Harry for old cheese press 10/- and the willow head to plant. Buy some limestone of Tall to mend gateway at Caie Forgan, pay for culm and reed there. Dinner forgotten, dine cold meat. Betty Williams brings oysters and current bun. Nobody has seen black cat for several days, fear she is lost. WR better. Cut hole through hedge near Pwllybrag for water. Send oysters to Mrs Nicholls by W Jone. Cold dull day, dry fog. Settle my accounts etc in the evening.

4th

David at Swansea with 7 cwt potatoes. I am not well, chilly and queer, creep into the fire, not out of house all day. Llewellyn tries to preserve me a goat's head, does not understand it and I cannot instruct him. Make out arrears of tithes and make calculations of dinner expenses. Cold windy day. No tidings of the black cat, somebody, but who? has destroyed her and have - , too unwell in evening to do anything and go to bed early.

5th

Sunday. In bed all day, very unwell, influenza? Attended all day by Ted. Miserable day, cold and misty. Very ill towards night, take lots of Sal. Vol. Perspire profusely, starve myself.

Monday. Up lateish, much better after a poor night. Very windy cold day, sun dull. Frank Thomas calls, pay him. Guy calls about Blaenkedy, can't get workmen there to lay the floor. I sent cart there today. Received a threatening and legal and fighting letter from Rev. Thomas Jones, answer it. Receive immediately after a letter from Carree chiding my long tarry here, must try to leave. All been ill there in Norfolk notwithstanding the grand soil. Wind very high this evening. Settle accounts with David.

7th

A fine day, not up till 12 o'clock, still unwell. Ted complains, up late too. Washing day. One Rees from Lewes, the painter Carmarthen, calls for balance of bill for £41.16. 0., pay £20 on account, not having seen bill before. Write to him, shall write again. RH says sheep must come in for tide and lambs. WR better, does a little. I not out of house all day, more trees brought up by David from Stafell Haegr. Windy all day, not promising for tomorrow. Begin writing to Carree this evening.

8th

Thorough wet day, regular rain morning, misty evening. Birds begin singing. Till 12 write to Carree. Send David to post and Penrice. Miss Morris bill. Walk round clover field, glad to get out though. Look for snares, fancying black cat is caught in one. Set WR to strengthen the stable stalls. Ted laid out with toothache. Hare for dinner, kept a month, still tough but very good. Add up and compare Hancorne's and J Grant's sale books. Did not tally by one and one. Wind rises little this evening.

9th

Dull misty morning, fine day. Wet after dark and windy, bad prospect. Copy arrears of tithe for RH. Calls for nails from Blaenkedy, has them. Guy to go to Blaenkedy House tomorrow. Examine sale book to see arrears of securities, nearly 510, mostly safe. Ted still complaining. Go alone to Cillibion, Mr Lloydd for a few thorns, Mr Nicholls to inquire, still very ill. Gave her small Tunbridge pin cushion. Began a culvert, corner of garden in evening. Enter up all day work. Paid no money to anyone, quite an event.

10th

Fineish morning, killed two pigs. I see Llewellyn and W Jone plant ash bed and stop a gap in Batcock's hedge. At 1 rain comes on, a thorough wet evening towards dusk. Wind boisterous. Settled long account with Llewellyn and pay him in full to end of January 7th £2. 8. 6. Enter this all properly. Arrange for Swansea, potatoes just got ready in time, something that Walters wanted, wrote to Henry. Odd setting sun but anticipate not bad day tomorrow. Mrs Nicholls sends for tea. Mr N seriously ill.

11th

Thorough wet morning after rain all night. Country flooded. Try to kill couple ducks on pool front of house, fail and am ashamed. Off hinges. Pay Mrs Tucker. Hear Dr Howell is at Cillibion, send to take lunch, gone. Wet has come into the best room by of the chimney and done much damage. Very boisterous all day indeed but not rain all day. Weigh pig, nearly a score heavier than last. Ted and I walked to village, call on Mrs Harris, pretty. Sam Phillips about security for sale money. See Tall, thatcher, about Blaenkedy etc. Mrs Harry, J Grant and Betty Harry, mother ill. David home about 8. Miserable day for him. Sort bills and destroyed duplicates this evening. Heavy showers and driving wind this evening, very cold too.

13th

Yesterday, Chapel Sunday. Beautiful day. Have prayers at home, dine early and walk in evening to Mr Nicholls, Mr and Mrs Hancorne there. Mr Nicholls very ill. Some talk with Hancorne about the sale and securities, particularly Howell John's; must be done. Rain in evening, stay tea. Dr Davies comes late afoot. Bleeds again. Not home till after twelve.

Monday. Doubtful dull morning. Bar Jones comes to work, breaks off but some very heavy showers. Cut gripes [1] in land back of house to drain it. Plant few gooseberries and currants and raspberries with Ted. RH sends hay to Swansea and borrows coals. WR carts stones to gateway. Plant several elm and poplar trees by road and west of building, will afford shelter in time if they grow. Settle David's market accounts and receive the money. Ted receives letter from Jane, all well. Write and call on Mrs Batcock, sheep trespass, and Wilson for payment barley.

14th

Beautiful day, quite warm. Ted gives a false alarm of thieves in the house long before light, get up and go to bed again. Late breakfast in consequence. Ted unwell and breakfasts in bed. Several men at work draining etc. Among them all day. W Tucker back, been very ill. RH carts stones for me to gateway and Cillibion. I set a begger to work and soon discharge him. Take in last mow, finish thatching ferns. Mr Nicholls better. I am out late at Cillibion. RH carting stones for a stile there. Find Ted ill and gone to bed. [2]

15th

Dull morning, poor day, cold evening, driving mist. About home all day. David Thomas begins walls at gate by road. W Jone and W Tucker finish pond in garden to make a mound for protection. Mr Nicholls, I hear, does not improve, am very sorry. Ted Ill, pain in face, breakfasts in bed. Better in course of day. I plant a few things, laurels etc east corner garden. Get wet looking after David Thomas. J Grant calls up and takes tea, pay him for half a pig. Ted by (?). I made a mistake in paying 5/- too much. Windy evening, nobody called at the post.

16th

Dull morning and wettish. Ted up to breakfast to surprise me. I am out amongst the men after breakfast, set them to fresh work. Chance the weather, send David and cart to Stafell Haegr for potatoes and trees. Ride Moselle ditto. Lop the willow for sake of the shoots to set. Order Llewellyn to dig up apples and gooseberries. Hannah unwell. Ride to Penllwyn Robert, Mrs Howel John dangerously ill. Dr Howell and Mr Rowland came in fly, hopeless case from neglect and relapse of influenza. Am there 2 hours. Do little I intended. Do not go as intended going to Penclawdd, see Mrs Evans at Howell John's, all in low spirits. Wheel ready. Introduced to Mr Rowlands. Left my dogs at Penllwyn Robert, ride over a hare crossing Welsh Moor. Call at Mr Nicholls, he better. Black cat restored, found at Llanrhidian!!! See 8th instant. Wet evening and very windy.

17th

Beautiful day. About home all day planting trees and building walls. David Thomas building wall and gateway, road. Send David to Brynhir for Scotch Firs, planted them and planted apple trees culled from Stafell Haegr. A busy day and tired. Ted rides to post, brings letters from Carree, all well. David brings a wheel from Penllwyn Robert. RH calls in evening for money, cattle bought of Taylor. Gain draft for £37, half Howel John's. Hear Mrs Howel John not better. Mr Nicholls improving. Settle David's account, long-standing and write commissions for Swansea with potatoes. [3]

18th

Doubtful day, gloomy dull and becomes windy at 3. Thorough wet evening, heavy rain. About home all day. Plant elm etc from Stafell Haegr north of house, Tucker and Ted. I get wet through and then make myself comfortable for evening. D Thomas at wall, unwell, goes home. Called at Mrs Nicholls, he better. WR penning against sheep, the plague of ones before in garden and everywhere, ditches and hedges useless. Sent David to market, potatoes. In evening Paid W Jone for labour and enter on WR's and wife's account for being at Caie Forgan since April 23rd and since Christmas last to October. Rain clears off after dark and a splendid, more than ordinarily brilliant and cloudless moon with a most extraordinary and beautiful contrast - question of Aurora Borealis? A blood red stream varying and flittering from northeast to southwest, most conspicuous. Not close to, but near, the Zenith. Between 8.00 and 9.00, before 10.00 all gone. More than usually cold.

20th

Sunday. What weather did the heavens foretell last night? We rise to a wet morning and a hurricane wind and rain comes on till 12.00 and abates at 1.00. Wind south west, wet drives through wall and windows in all directions, no getting to church. Read Cambrian to lessen melancholy. Rain continues to sunset. Am not out of house. Mrs Batcock calls to release her sheep.

Monday. Up before sunrise, very cold. Workmen late, David Thomas finishes wall, gateway. About home all day, begin willow fence for the rick yard against orchard. Ted works. J Hancorne calls and pays £5. 9. 0. rent of J Griffiths. Mr Nicholls better. Mrs Harries going to sell off, lets her house and land to RH. Call at Mr Nicholls, talk with J Hancorne half-an-hour. Ted kills a hare on common with Rocket. Receive a letter from William about money, Chapel, tithes, Colonel Cameron etc. All well, been a fine drying day. Wind west and high in evening. Settle accounts with David and balance my money.

21st

Very stormy in night, wind and rain and they say thunder. Fine day, cold strong wind. About home all day, twice at Cillibion close. D Thomas making a stile. A hare for dinner, excellent. Mr Nicholls getting on well. Ted does not go to Park Mill. Hear Mrs Evans mother is dead, also Mrs Howell John. RH calls in evening, Settle some accounts. Says GHE has written to mother Morgan. Enter all my payments, very windy this evening.

22nd

Fine day, wind brisk, very cold. About home all day. Levelling ground north of rickyard, preparing planting, in evening plant 40 gooseberries and currants. First lamb at Cillibion field, black one also of Mrs Batcock's there. Call at Mr Lloyd for stone for David, Thomas, blacksmith for a spring for door. Speak to glazier Edwards about his meadows. Wrote to William and a note to Mrs W Knelston for money. Ted rides in evening to Park Mill etc. Home late, a couple rabbits 1/2. Read Lewes Agricultural Journal in evening. Evening does not appear to promise bad for tomorrow. I pray it may be fine.

23rd

A thorough wet driving rain. High wind, stormy night, a terrible throw back in work. Read a little Universal History. Cock crowing all morning. Clears off at 12.00. Dine and walked to village, call on Mrs Harries, leaving place for Black Pill. Mr Davies, Mrs Gordon. Sale tomorrow, think to buy a cow and some chairs etc. Go to Stafell Haegr, Llewellyn and wife ill. More trees to move there still. Call at Penralt, order mutton of Lucas. Catch and send a sheep to Caie Forgan, alter the pigs. Settle and enter various accounts. Very windy and stormy.

24th

Very cold morning, brisk wind, no damage done by wind last night. Get on little with rickyard fence. Hancorne calls with greyhounds, walk out on moor. Phil Long joins, no go, one steals off on fallow. Ted pursues sport alone and kills one near Cillibion, dogs eat it. Mrs Harries' sale. Buy a cow, very dear, and other things. There all day, Mr Holland there. Buy two stacks oats of Mr Thomas Gordon. Dine at 5.00, very tired. Mrs Batcock calls about her father's will etc. Expect Mrs Hancorne up to take a cup, does not come.

25th

A lively morning, dark clouds from north and driving storm of hail, then beautiful day indeed. All day at improvements north of building, instead of going to Swansea as I intended. Planned to take advantage of a fine day. Plant and have ground levelled. Receive letter from Neath, Mrs Powell dead, a blessing to her family. Walk to Cillibion with Ted, Mr Nicholls better. Mrs Wilson sends £1 for barley. Mrs Batcock borrow a w. [4] of wheat. Ted works like a Trojan, finish carting lime and earth, ditch to carry off water common and cart up things from Mrs Harries sale.

27th

Sunday. A very sharp frost seems likely to last. Morning duty. Beautiful day, few at church, sacrament, do not stay. None of Rev. T Jones' family there. Walk to Stafell Haegr with RH and Ted. Llanelli reflected in calm water, beautiful. In evening go to Cillibion, tea there. Mr Nicholls recovering down in parlour. Mr and Mrs Hancorne there, Gwyn clerk calls in short time and off, has done duty at Bishopstone. Evening rain again!!!

Monday. Very mild and dull, wet, morning, day not wet. Am planting laurels and willow and poplars. Cutting all day with David, no rain at work. Physic a pig, read paper and send to Mr Nicholls. Ted walks to post, nothing there but Miss Morris. Enter my payments and arrange for Swansea tomorrow, most relaxing day.

28th

Ride with Ted to Swansea assizes. Walk from Cross Inn, send ponies home. First setting men to work, out before breakfast, pay Williams road man for a goats head gate 1/3. Call at Bank and b. Call at Charles Collins, recovering. Leave articles for stamp agreement with Guy from Blaenkedy. In court nearly all day, very crowded. See Alfred in evening. Tom Powell dines with us at Castle, just lost his wife. Call on Alfred late, in conversation about property, executorship etc. Agree to meet him at Abercothi about the mill lands, up till 1.00. Fine weather but cold. Coleridge judge.

March

1st (Wednesday)

Breakfast at 8, very cold day. Shave out and hair cut 1/-. In court greater part of day, nothing particular. Write hasty letter to Carree that I must go to Carmarthen and defer journey to Norfolk - Mrs Powell's death of Neath etc. Have no dinner, meant to dine at home late, not home till 11.00, very cold, tired. Bill at Castle, bed, breakfast, three dinners £1.13 6. David brings in potatoes and ponies, can't get into court. Buy in evening bullocks horns with Alfred, a fine pair and he a polished pair, 4/-. Ted and I do not meet easily and leave late, dark night, overtake John of Lunnon. Very cold riding, not home till eleven. Supper, poached eggs and bacon.

2nd

Rise at 7.30. Sharp frost, out and set things going. Carry manure on clover, plant. Sow a few vetches, seed of orchard! and carry out manure for potatoes etc. Cart stones off etc, finish ash beds and level ground about pit. Dine on a tough old rabbit. Walked to Cillibion. Settle David's account of potatoes etc. Enter all my accounts etc etc. Fear change of weather.

3rd

Thought of going to Swansea, much to do at home, do not go. Planting all day and arranging work etc. Carpenter here, W David fencing Batcock's hedge next garden. I am out till dark. Lilacs brought from Mr Davies Reynoldstone, old fellows chop their heads off and plant them. In evening finish first volume of Family Library, Universal History etc. Ted killed a wigeon. No money called for. Bury a pig, died. Beautiful weather, wind north and coldish.

4th

Begin setting potatoes, kidneys, immediately after breakfast. Walk to Stafell Haegr with Tucker, dig up junipers etc. Very hot there indeed. Ted takes a gun to the marsh, nothing. See RH at Penralt on return homea shift dinner, bacon and eggs. Beer all gone too. W Tucker hangs a …. gets stupid with pint at F Thomas's. Give him bread and cheese. Plant the best trees this evening. Find it cold and give in at 5.30 o'clock. Beautiful weather indeed. Cold evening, wind north. Nothing paid or received.

6th

Sunday. Dull morning and cold. Breakfast in good time and walk with Ted to Reynoldstone Church. Call on Mr Davis, very few at church. Dine early and send all household to evening church, village. In evening walk to Cillibion field, sheep out in mother Jenkins land, tear my coat. Read two Parkinson's sermons in evening and in bed very early.

Monday. Breakfast by seven, very mild. Call servants up, none moving. Tucker not seen today, question, ill? Call at Cillibion for paper, Mr Nicholls improving fast, wants reductions in tithes of £2. Get door spring from blacksmiths, put it up. Sow nuts, filbert, broom, garden etc, gooseberries etc in pots. About home all day, shift for a dinner. Ted home by 8.30, no news. Dark, cloudy evening. No money paid, read Cambrian.

7th

Delightful day, and about home all day. Walked to Cillibion, see women at work stone picking. Ted joins me on return from Mr Nicholls, left Cambrian. Walk to Tucker's, he ill, better. He with gun kills a hare. Tucker shows me oak timber bought, question - how to get home. Persuade Tucker to half a day's work. Sow ash and holly and plant few trees. Cat brought from Mr Nicholls, wild, takes to drain. Walk to Penralt, Mrs Harry very ill. J Grant comes up in evening, give Sal. Vol.. Very tired in the evening, mare Scope down in clover, lifted up a cow, she'll die.

8th

Sharp frost, up and out by 7.30. Set 2 men draining at Cillibion. Remove iron hurdles from garden and fence in the whole of orchard. Burn potato helms. At forge for mole trap; same set. Plant remainder of elms and sycamore, astonished at the number I have nearly done planting now, some thousands of things set. Walk again to Cillibion drain going on well. David at post, at Penrice Murray's, no hopes of mare. Ivy sent to Rev. Mr Davies plant periwinkle at gateway top of wall. Receive a letter from Carree, all well. And ditto Ted from Jane dittol. Wind gets up this evening, foretell change of weather.

9th

Sharp Frost and wet morning, clears off. Begin ploughing Upper Caie Forgan. Burnt potato helms there yesterday. About home all day. Am twice at Cillibion fields to see draining. Cut blackthorns for ditto. Put gateway in order after the mason. Read Universal History in evening. Planted few trees with Ted and ivy round dead ash tree and placed rough stones as seats.

10th

Dull cold morning, Cherry Gordon kills a hare out on common. Am at breakfast, go out and speak to him about oats etc. Am twice Cillibion drain, once before breakfast,. Women not come, too late. Richards begins ploughing field rented of Mr Nicholls, Stoneyford. Walk there with Ted, called in at Joseph Allen's to ask questions about it, call at Tom Davies, not at home. Mr Collins calls, wants to sell pork. Take none because going to kill some. Just buried children! of Jones Rossily. Very cold day, some rain, one very heavy shower, south west. Send pony to forge, met RH who says he is not to receive any money for me through servant at Fairy Hill. He calls for money and I pay him as above. Took tea at Cherry Gordon's. Mr Phillips called in.

11th

Snow on all distant hills, fall of hail early this morning. Cold but beautiful day. Ride to Swansea, overtake RH and W Anthony, rode with them. Met Mr Pugh on the road, had some conversation about Penmaen, sequestration and Berrington. He says he refuses to pay more, question some understanding. Wrote hurried letter to Jane about Margaret going up, called several times on Charles Collins for agreement of Blaenkedy, could not get it. Noone at office. Drew at bank £20 and received book but little money. Took letter of introduction to Captain Hickey. Received with great kindness. Rode fast home to dine at 6.00. Rain at 9.30 o'clock. Balance my accounts and read the Cambrian. Not at all tired after my ride.

13th

Sunday. Raw cold day, snow on hills and now snowing. Ted and I ride to Ilston Church. Mrs C not very well. A mad dog shot at (by) Ted, kills it after church in ride to Bison [5]. Dine at Hancorne's by engagement. Good dinner, drink too much and very ill. Sleep all night there, Ted goes home. Sharp Frost, very! Ill and breakfast at 11.00. Walk round the farm. Stay early dinner, drink very little, metheglin very good. Start for home at 5.00, spoil my coat by unlucky accident yesterday. Mistake my road, trespass and called back at Kittle, gallop off and break a hedge, find myself at Park Mill instead of Penmaen, trespass again and ride up Cwm to Cillibion, to tea. Mr Beynon of Stemridge calls and pays money, tithe.

14th

Another sharp frost, rise early very tired, up late last night writing and arranging Margaret's journey to Swaffham. Brew - Tucker and Llewellyn make dam on common for convenience of water cask, am there all day. Mr Price and Howells come in with notice of manorial rights, land at Cillibion. Civil and promise me trees from Cwm Wood, birch. Feed my horses with grain, ill mare fond of them, write journal. Settle accounts with David etc and mean (?) to bed early.

15th

Very sharp frost indeed. About home all morning, cart manure to clover and stones off. Dine on beef steak and oyster sauce! After, walk to Penralt. RH at Blaenkedy. Call on W David, working at late Mr Harris's house, about timber to be got home from Walterston, perhaps to be done tomorrow. By Stafell Haegr, no trespass for wonder. Below hill to Wibley, tea there, return on top. Called at Bowens, old man very ill. Dr Howel called to see Mrs Jones. Spoke to him on the road. Again call? at Penralt. RH not returned. Very tired, glad to get home. Met David going to village and Batcock. Receive letter from Carree. Have beef cut up. Received 18/- of Mr Gordon of W for nails had by Mrs Clarke. Receive a letter from Carree, fortnight old.

16th

Sharp frost again, very dull and quiet all day. Carry timber from Walterston, a day's work long dreaded. No sufficient tackle, horses unfit. Two journeys, heavy loads, no accident to speak of. Delighted tis over and thank God all safe. A few odds and ends still left for tomorrow. Home exact by 6.00 and sup, all hands, six of them. Ted and self helped. Intend to make a roller of part. This our day's work and a good one too, gave a little boy - ˝ penny.

17th

Another dull day and cold. Rise at 6.30, out by 7 and plant a few remnants of bay etc before breakfast with Tucker. Send cart for remainder of timber, Walterston, and get a few hollies, plants ditto. Plant number of ash, bring sheep to Upper Field. Turnips, all …. Plant potatoes again. J Bevan of L does not call about tithes. Pay D Bowen and a petition for a cow. Bothered to death with Batcock's [6] sheep, call there. Hard at work all day. Long talk this evening with RH about management of tithe payment etc. J Grant calls, Willis calls.

18th

Another dull day and cold. Send twice to Park Mill for 200 trees, birch and mountain ash, present of Mr Price from Clyne wood. Ted takes gun to marsh, does nothing there. Willis calls for interest on Stafell Haegr, pay £9 due to Michaelmas last. All day planting, till 6.00. David takes colt Pedro in hand, colt's bit. Tucker really worked hard, planting. Last day of employing women who never come til 8.30 o'clock and off at five and ˝ past. Wind begins to whistle a little at front window, question if first symptoms of change of weather?

20th

Sunday. Fine day, very cold. Evening duty. Captain Gunthorpe at Church, Mr Jones a very long sermon, voice as calm as usual, fancies himself ill. Tells his hearers it may perhaps be last discourse from him. Walk to Stafell Haegr and home, an idle day. Read few chapters Isaiah, have a bad cold. Intend going early tomorrow to Abercothi, take with me gold £2 10 0, silver 8/6 ˝

Monday. Left Caie Forgan at 7, sharp frost. Breakfast at Loughor at Mr B Jones. Introduced to wife, he walks with me over bridge etc I lunch at Port d, I am late for Carmarthen assizes and go to Carmarthen. Alfred there, Henry there. Sleep at Abercothi, assizes not interesting. Inquired about Penmaen sequestration yesterday at Mr Val. (.)avis no information. Mr R Berrington been there.

21st

Ride to Carmarthen assizes with Henry, nothing particular going on. Miss to see Alfred. Ride home with Henry and dine at 9.00.

22nd

Assizes at Carmarthen end. Ride with Henry, he to slate quarry, I to Carmarthen. Again. inquire about sequestration, no information. RDB not been again. Join Henry at quarry. Anstey there. Poor Jack with broken leg and blind. See Robert Roberts stock. Lunch there and dine late. Not pleasant weather, cold cloudy and dull.

23rd

Snow white world, regular winter. Consultation about Ynyswen bridge. Met masons and carpenters there. Present bridge dangerous, stone piers, bridge … calculated at £160. Tea at Mr Griffiths Alt y Ferin, before dine. See some of Mr Griffiths papers, who says Alfred has particulars of sale of Ynyswen, bill etc etc. Home late to dinner after tea and swill of grog, horrid work. Jacky Daniel returned from Gower.

24th

Spend Good Friday very badly. More snow and very cold. Ride to Henry's farm, Coed Sathebren [7]. Dine at four, Robert there, more calculations about Ynyswen bridge. Yesterday Mr Richard of Llandeilo called about dinner time, was merry and talkative. He is brother of Mrs Griffiths of Allt y Ferin. His father tenant of Abercothi estate. Turned out many years ago, no friendly feeling in regard to present agents etc. A pleasant man in his way.

25th

Again at Carmarthen with Henry. Make further enquiries of sequestration, no information. RDB not been there. Henry's vessel in the river not up, see the captain (Jones). Mr Davies of Lochgwyn [8] has been served with notice to quit. In evening at a meeting at Llanegwad, they there shy and reserved. Mr Griffiths there. Henry tardy at Carmarthen, I ride home by myself, we dine late.

27th

Sunday. A snow storm prevents our being in time for chapel at Mr Green's. Go, I am introduced after, going into the house. He pleasant, she not. The daughters not present. See the new parish bridge and home again.

Monday. Return to Gower. Leave Abercothi at 11.30. Jones, joiner, meets us at Salutation to pay bill of £3.10. Remonstrate and pay in full £1 8 0. Call at Mr Nicholls Llandilo Rhynys. The clerk there. New road from bridge, what Pembrokeshire gentleman rode with me at Mansell arms, horses etc, hounds and Mansel Phillips. Very hot mild day, ride fast for time lunch at Pontardulais. Lady Lucy Foley. A snow storm, Penllergaer. Very cold. Dine at Mrs Mundy's 8.00. Buy Henry Mundys horse, sleep. Henry Mundy taken ill.

28th

Rise unwell, bad cold etc. Henry Mundy still unwell, see him. Mrs Stanyforth and Veranda and Fox of lunatic asylum. Leave at 12, lead Moselle to Swansea. Meet David, execute my commissions, home by 6.00. Wet evening, very tired and unwell.

29th

Better but not well. Ted has kept things together in my absence. See what has been done, what doing. Walk to Cillibion. About with men digging and setting potatoes, set some pink eyes. Cold day, some rainy tendency in evening, make out my weeks account. Aurora Borealis very brilliant tonight, called Ted up from bed to look at it, some red, some bright light break of day and at times shooting up in high and slender pyramids to the mid heavens.

30th

Very hard frost this morning and thick ice after Aurora Borealis. About home all day, finish ploughing Upper Field Caie Forgan. Finish carting stuff over clover ditto. No letter received from Bristol, means good news of Jane who is ill. Ted walked to Park Mill and to Penmaen, not home till night. No news of Penmaen or Berrington's proceedings. J Grant calls here, news that Rev. T Jones wished to resign the living, but Bishop would not accept it. Humbug and nonsense. That he is going to have a curate, Nathan!

31st

Again a sharp frost, beautiful day. Ted rides to Swansea. Henry maybe there to go by packet. Write to him, not there, letter sent by post, London. Ted gets no news of Penmaen. Sees Berrington, denies knowledge of a bond, gives up his sequestration. Going by mail to Carmarthen he says for that, to pass his accounts though minus £40. About home all day. Went to Prisk to tell their daughter I do not want a servant yet. Had said something about taking her if -. Did not see J Grant as expected. Ted home late, pig killed today. Kept three months, reaches prime cost at 5 Ľ lb. Write notes for Swansea tomorrow, not in bed till one. Pack parcel for Dr Howell, quarter of pig and laver for collection, London, 47 Guildford Street.

May

1st

Monday. Finish packing and start at 11 o'clock from Park St meaning to sleep at Burford. bait Sodbury, passed Duke of Beauforts. Dine at Tetbury, a pretty town, pass Cirencester in dark and sleep at by Bibury. Ride with a farmer there, renting under Lord Sherbourne, a dissatisfied man but clever, his name Hilliard. Bill here, including servants, 8/6. I arrived about 10.00 dock, no moon, gates today 9d.

2nd

Leave Bibury at 9 o'clock, beautiful stream in garden and bath under dairy of the inn. Pass Sir Beth Codringtons Wichwood Forest and Burford. Hopcrofts Holt dinner. Gates today very numerous. Through Fritwell, Charlbury, Aston, Croughton and Brackley to Biddlesden, arrived at 8.00. Two fine days. Today very hot and obliged to ride in a great coat. Lichfield and F Parsons with George, cut the latter, his children well grown boys.

3rd

Up at 7 and about to see alterations etc. Not been at Biddlesden for 5 or 6 years. Find things wonderfully grown, Lichfield goes home. Hunt for my lost spur, can't find it. Call at Green's Lamb, find in a fever it is killed. Parsons leaves in evening, we drive to Mr Roundell's, she very ill. MrPalmer called in, took tea there and home by 8.00. Dined early. Miss Mansell here too. Poor old Ellen quite a cripple with rheumatics.

4th

I am up early, see the new pigs styes etc and round about. Everything having a sort of melancholy interest, when I reflect on the past and present time. Walk with George round Braggins Farm to see his Welsh hedges and plantations. By Whitfield wood in the morning, we rowed about the water to Trims pond to see the new dairy at the house. Gibbs there quite a cripple though young, injured by a journey to Wales. Lichfield dines here again, we drink Conservatives. Sir F Burdett and Sir J Chetwode. Dr Canston called, did not see him.

5th

Get up as usual but am very ill, had too much port yesterday. Eat nothing all day but broth and slops. Get better and amuse myself cutting out some of the shrubberies, plantations too crowded. George and Lichfield dine at Mr Loraine Smith's.

6th

George and Lichfield go to Buckingham. Home to dine, early. The latter walks home with him to Lichfield. Give old Marlow 1/-. I do not think George treats the labourers well, he exacts too much and has no feeling for them. I did intend riding to call on the Littlehales and Causton but go fishing in the brook and catch two dishes, Jack etc. Have read several articles in the quarterlies, Northampton Herald a good paper.

8th

Sunday. Write to my mother that I come up tomorrow, send it by a Jones who is curate here, morning duty. Walk with George on the Syresham side, find a pheasant's nest. Bishop there and suspected poachers. Whitlock etc. Arranged to be off tomorrow.

Monday. Leave Biddlesden at 9.10 am at Buckingham in 35 minutes, not sure of the coach. A mare of mine, not driven before that I know, but believe yes. In London by 5.30 Berner Street. Passed under the Bristol Railway at Handwell, great works there indeed. Now I have seen both ends and wish it success.

9th

Arranged to be with William early, he comes instead to Berners Street. All day at accounts and write two letters to Carree and to Ted James in Gower. Have received one here from each. Not out of the house all day. Miss Rudd on a visit here. A wet day or nearly. Now we have had plenty of rain, some fell awhile at Biddlesden and Ted tells me of plenty in Wales. Expense of luggage from Bristol enormous - 9/6

10th

Some wet, tis cold. Called on Mrs Jervis. Engaged all day with William and Henry in Berners Street with accounts on … accounts. Nomination for Westminster election, Sir F Burnett, having resigned "very nettled and stung by pismires" and again offering himself. Mr Leader his opponent on radical interest. Walked to Covent Garden with Henry and round by Bond Street to Andres about an old bill sent in. In evening at home, read Times and account of the Reposters of Parliament. My mother and Miss Rudd at a party. Mrs Cowells. Wood, boot maker, called in this evening.

11th

Dull morning, Westminster election today. At home till 4 at accounts with William and Henry. Write a hasty letter to Carree to defer leaving London till Monday. Walk to Covent Garden. Sir F Burdett elected by 580 out 6,000 polled. Walk to Strand through St. James's park, home again by 7.30. No dinner, at accounts again with William in evening.

12th

Wet morning. Balance these accounts. At accounts with William till 3.00. Sign accounts as to receipts of general money to end of 1836. At 3.30 in omnibus to Lincolns Inn receive rents of Mr Hudson and by him of Mr Mabrett for chambers to L D last. Exhibition, opening of National Gallery, better rooms than Somerset House, pictures middling. Hurry, time short. Dined before 6.00, evening wet, not out again. Do not see Henry who promised about accounts.

13th

Wet day, a little at accounts with William this morning who goes with my mother etc to horticultural show. 12.00 Miss Patch calls, Mrs Jervis ditto. Receive letter from Carree, go shopping with Miss P. Call at Bedford Square, leave card, call and see F Fielding, lunch and go to water colour exhibition. Very good. Inquire at Hooper's and Co. Sackville St no.11 as to … of ground, Cillibion price £16 enormous. First asked £20. Get my hair cut Bur (lington) Arcade. Called to see Henry, not at home, has not kept promise to see me. Go to Laycocks Bookseller Holborne to see … ….. Marlborough. I shall write to banker. Home dine 6.30. Much said this evening on accounts. William and self write to Henry to meet us tomorrow.

15th

Sunday. Most dark dismal yellow morning. Breakfast at 10, make out my accounts. Dinner, go to church, call on Fales Fielding. Long talk with him, FF and Copley, called on the Patch James and Mrs P, detained 2 hours by a thunderstorm, lightning, hail etc. Home at 4. Pack up in part before dinner, engaged this evening with William and Henry at accounts etc. Henry signs what he has had and we agree and sign that in future William only shall draw at bank on joint account. Pack up and not in bed till 2.00.

Monday. Rise at 4.30 o'clock, at Golden Cross by 5.45, and off to Swaffham. Coach first gone, extremely cold day and dull. Breakfast at Epping. Dine at Swaffham 6.00. Cold, high wind and sleet and rain; all the way from Newmarket to Swaffham on the box, most miserable.

16th

Glad to be again with my wife, my little Carree and delighted with baby. Should not have recognised him as the same child I saw at a month old. [9] He has an expressive countenance and my hope is he will turn out what he appears to be if taken care of. Walk out with Carree and pay some bills entered as tomorrow. Call on Mrs Marcon and Miss Edwards, latter not at home. Met her in the street. Walk with Jane Marcon in the evening to hear nightingales, tis extremely cold and bids to be a sharp frost and is so. Discovered that £20 sent from Swansea in December is entered wrongly in name of Walters and Company.

17th

Very warm day, threatening thunder. Shoes to baby, his first pair, 1/6. Unpack and arrange all my etc's, play with baby. Walk out with Carree, call on the Chancellor, all the ladies at home. Long talk, glad to see old Chancellor Young so well. Take baby out, an airing in evening and carriage on Hall Road. Falls asleep and have to carry on. Very idle and tired in the evening from pressure of weather etc and do nothing. Ivory ring for baby's teeth, 1/-.

18th

Very cold dull day, much wind and rain in morning. Begin to set my diary and accounts straight. Interrupted by Carree reading old letters and writing numerous, write a postscript to Mr Starling (Kent) to thank for presents. Mr Thomas Dalton calls, spick and span. Call with Carree and Mrs J on Miss Hammond, not at home. Shop, buy a scrap book. Receive a present from Mrs Hacon of celery and asparagus in return for potatoes from Wales. Mr Gage called in evening. Walked with Mr James on Hall Road in evening, called at Mr Pecks and in evening entered journal and accounts etc.

19th

Dull morning, still cold, some sun. Balance my current expenses with cash in hand and look over papers. After 12 take baby and carriage and with Carree call on Mrs Day and Mrs Marcon. Carree will go on top of her house. Buy a mug, order shoes for Carree after dinner I and Mr J take wine with Mr Hacon!! Lest we offend by refusal. I walk in evening with Carree and Jane Marcon, by accident go over Union Poor House, Mr Rose and family there, very neat and comfortable. Tea late and begin reading a book on management of children.

20th

Again dull and cold. Read the Cambrian and intend writing to Ted and Jane, do so but letters not sent. At home all morning, go out late and order lamb for Mrs James. Mr Montague called. I called on Mr Tom Dalton. Baby vaccinated when we are at dinner, cries piteously. Took a new, a long walk over fields with Carree by Miss Hammonds round to Castle Acre Road. Nothing spent!!

22nd

Sunday. Very cold … no sun. Morning and evening duty and lecture. Walk with Carree and Jane Marcon. Mr Pillans (?) calls and J Marcon. We are … baby. Post a letter for Jane 9.00.

Monday. Extremely cold and windy. Morning, wet. Write to Ted and hear from him. Shop and make calls with Carree on Mr Montague, Bloom, Pillans, Wilson. Baby not well. Look for bonnet, try various shops for silk, fail.

23rd

Much milder day. Read a little, settle long washing bill with Carree. Buy silk with Carree for bonnet. Jane Marcon joins us, go to Mrs Goodrich to make ditto. Mend Mrs Marcon's piano with Mrs James. Meet baby in the lane looking very pretty with grandpapa … and twins. Carree and I after dinner engage Mr Bloom to read prayers for Mr J tomorrow and walk with Jane Marcon to Lynn Road. Take tea at Mrs Marcon's. Finish a letter to Ted late and take to post and call for Carree and home by 10.00. Read John Bull in part.

24th

Mild pleasant day like May. Finish John Bull. With Mrs J for prayers, no congregation. Mr Bloom freed in consequence. Finish Mrs Marcon's piano. Shop with Mrs J. Mr Yarrington at Sterne's. Jane Marcon, self and Carree take walk to Palmer's for fowls, none there. Building a granary of squared clay roof tiles, first spread with reed and then mortar, very neat. Jane Marcon dines with us, pot luck. Much time occupied all day playing with Toots, his carriage given up, he too young. At 9.00 walk to hear nightingales, none singing. Write this and put down my accounts, mild evening. Began reading Mammon.

25th

Mild dull day. Read Oastler's funny speech at Huddersfield election. Walk into town with Mr J, no fish at Allen's. Call on Mr Gage, call on Hacon about a room. Examine history and find Blucher was on field of Waterloo, see his plans. … and cut asparagus, a present. Hasten home. Mrs Drymore and cousins Days there and Rev. Mr Langton. Mr Dowell and Miss Young call. I call on Chancellor with latter. Take a walk with Carree by Captain Falkner's and in evening call at washerwoman' s. Mrs Marcon calls in evening to invite us to dine on Monday. Read Mammon and finish a small book on education.

26th

Beautiful weather, fully intended going to Mr Hacon's to begin papers of accounts sent by portmanteau. J Marcon calls and drives me to Cley, [10] Mr Buckworth's, to shoot rooks with an air gun, first essay, kill. 1 ˝ dozen, in all, five dozen. Back by 6.00. Mr Richard Edwards arrives per coach from Bath. I dine late and alone on chops. In evening go out with Carree to Alexander's shop to buy ribbons. Am tempted to buy two silk pocket handkerchiefs and afterwards walk round by Miss Hammond by some bye lane. In evening read Mammon. Paid no money.

27th

Beautiful day again. Read Mammon. Out early to Mr Hacon for his gun, not safe. Beautiful gun. Engage Matthew's mule and car for evening. Call with J Marcon on his mother, introduced to Mr R Edwards gentleman. Call on J and Hy Dugmore and invited to dine there on Tuesday, all the party. Call on Mr W Dalton's. Carree at Chancellor's, singing. Again into town with Carree for lemons. Wait dinner 1 hour, 3 instead of 2 o'clock. J Marcon dines here. Drive together to Cley, shoot rooks, meet Carree and Mr J on return at Goold's. Carree drives home. Mr Walpole has called here. Tea at 9.00, very tired and glad to get to bed at 11.00.

29th

Sunday. Summer weather. Twice at church and evening lecture, very good lecture on Creed, "Maker of Heaven and Earth". A little shower in evening, walked with Carree by Union Road as far as Palmer's, back by the foot road.

Monday. Dull and cooler. Toots not very well, ninth day after vaccination, takes well. Plant a few pinks in Miss Hammond's. Ball and scaramouch for baby 6d. Read a Brighton paper and Mammon. Shop etc with Carree and Miss Marcon, call on the Mrs Pillans with baby and on Mr Gage each with ladies. Dine at Mrs Marcon's, large party. Lose at cards, ladies come in evening.

30th

Read Mammon and Observer paper. Good speech of Sir Burdett on church rates, legal etc. Thunder showers. Detained at Haines with Mr James. Buy an umbrella and scissors. Toots wants much nursing, not over well. Dine at 5.00 at Mr Dugmore's, pleasant party.

31st

Beautiful day after rain yesterday. Three papers arrived from Mr Gregory for Mr James, Welsh and Cornwall. No letters. Begin reading Mammon. Ladies call to go to the Union or Hundred house, go and see them fed. Walk en masse through the streets, formidable party. Good display of shells for sale on Market Hill. At Mr Hacon' s break open my portmanteau, try his air gun. Major Boxhall and a Peworth gentleman. Late at Mr W Dalton' s, a party to play coits and a dejeuner. Tea early at home, walk after with Carree and gather wild flowers. Are all invited today to dine at Mr Clarke's on Friday.

June

1st [Thursday]

Cold dull day. At home all morning, finish Mammon, intended going to my room, engaged at Mr Hacon's and begin papers of Gower etc. Are to dine early, at 2.00, are to go to Mr Walpoles at 1.00. Mr Edwards calls and prevents. Call at Mr Walpoles after dinner so all my resolutions are frustrated. Mrs Walpole's brother in London. Mr Mitchell of the dragoons seriously hurt by fall from gig at Hyde Park Corner, life in danger. See his fine children and our little boy introduced to his children. Two daughters, pretty and bouncing baby. Carree and I walk with baby up Lynn Street. At Miss Edwards in the evening.

2nd

Pens and paper at Kemble's 2/5

Another very cold dull day. Mr Dymett [?] (Henry) initiates me in the art of preserving birds, skins and puts up a blackcap or Norfolk Nightingale in nearly an hour and half. Shows me his beautiful collection of eggs and insects. Mr R Edwards calls there, call with him on Mrs Marcon. Mr Campbell calls and takes back Mr Edwards. Dine at four at farmer Clark's. Mr and Mrs Jowet of Halfield Super near East Grinstead there and Mr and Mrs Clarke his brothers from near Cambridge. Prayers extemporary in the evening and expounding a chapter, something new for Mr James. Home before 10.00, very cold.

3rd

Matches at door 1d. A beautiful day but cold north wind. Out early and market with Carree. Call at Mrs Marcon's and set musical clock. Call at Mr Clarke's to take papers. Conservative dinner and Welsh preaching and home again. Read John Bull. Mrs James hears from Mr Harris as to Berrington and Mr Jenkins and Dodds. Called at bank and drew £10. Paid Carree for servants, paid by Carree Margaret £1 Susan £1. Read Cambrian, invited to Mr Blooms on Monday. Mr James invited to Mr Langton's Monday. Some talk this evening about Mr Walker of Northampton with Mr J. Mrs Marcon and Jane and Miss E came this evening. Take long walk with Jane and Carree and gather wild flowers. Buy things at Davy hairdresser this evening, not paid for. Balance accounts for money. This evening very cold.

5th

Sunday. Beautiful day but very cold wind. Sacrament sermon in evening. Lecture on the Creed, our belief in the Saviour, the prophecies compared to a lock, their fulfilment in Jesus Christ compared to the wards of a king, a happy hit. Ladies took leaf of Miss Edwards, we walked with Miss Hammond. In evening glad to sit by fire.

Monday. A summer's day, warm. Breakfast at 8. Sally out with Mr James to see Miss E off by coach to Scotland. At Mrs Marcon's at breakfast time, recover. Ted lost umbrella at Lacks. Spend morning at Hacon's, sorting Gower papers. Buy wafers etc with Carree. At 1.30 to see Miss Hammond's plovers, stuffed birds. Stroll in lawn. Mr Richard Edwards not well. Dine with Carree at Mr Blooms. Just escaped a thunderstorm. Mr James goes on visit to Mr Langton, Mrs J dines at Mrs Marcon's. We not home till 12 night.

6th

Beautiful morning. Mr Richard Edwards leaves Swaffham. A cream cheese (Cambridge) 1/-. Play with baby as usual, read Observer, enter all above. Mr James returns before 12.00. No letter from Gower, long expected. Sort papers at Mr Hacon's. Sent for to see Mr Henry Dugmore who calls with Miss F day. The former going to Switzerland. Mr, Mrs Wilson and son Frederick Wilson called. Mrs Marcon and John and Henry Day call in the evening. Mr Clarke's party called too.

Sweet oil at Finch's - 4d - oil paper to impress leaves and took some impressions off into Carree' s scrap book. Much fuss and note passing about Mrs Days party tomorrow, we previously engaged with Miss Rose's daughters at home in evening. Called there to make other arrangements, fail, Mr Rose out. All day very cold. I called on the Days, Mrs Dugmore, Carree baby etc there.

7th

Very cold and dull and windy all day. A fussy morning arranging a party in morning for tulip show and everybody in a fuss about Mrs Day' s party this evening and our plan with Miss Rose etc at home, tis unfortunate but the exclusives ought to notice these young ladies, tis cruel not to do it! Jane Marcon calls early. Again call on Mrs Day, Mr James orders more physic, one hopes to put off the Rose party. Call on Mrs Marcon, joke [?] Mr James and physic at 12, borrow Mr Davies donkey, Carree, Jane Marcon, Carree, Mrs J and Jane Marcon. See Mr Parsons tulips, good collection. Dine at 3, shop with Carree in town. Our own evening party, singing in evening, no cards. Very cold all day.

8th

Yesterday's entry should be this day [Wednesday], see yesterday. Mistake in entering on Tuesday.

9th

Dull cloudy morning, much warmer. Take off impressions of leaves into Carree's scrap book. A couple of hours at Hacon's sorting papers till 3.00. Carree calls with baby, go home together. Finished first volume of Latrobe's North America. Rain in evening at 6.00 prevents my playing coits with Jane Marcon. Mr Walpole called in morning and gives out the church is shut up on Sunday next, been cleaned and damp. His brother Mr Mitchell getting better in London after fall from gig. Nothing spent, not in town all day.

10th

South wind, cloudy and some rain this morning, in town early. Market day, go over Alexander's bill. Give Carree before going out £1. Crock (and basin) for baby to wash in 1/-. Meet Mr Dugmore, Mr Walpole. Called at Mrs Marcon's. Do not go to work at Hacon's fully intended. Thought of going to Magistrates meeting. Mr Campbell of Wisbech loses a son. Report false, generally credited, of the King's death. The bell tolled. Consternation about mourning. Play at Quoits at Marcon's in the evening. Matthew Wilson and Henry Day there. Tea at Mrs Marcon's and play cards against Carree who holds prodigious cards and beats me. Arrange about church for tomorrow. Church shut up.

12th

Sunday. Church been cleaned, no service. King William IV alive again, been ill, got better. Walk baby out, beautiful morning, brisk wind. Read Latrobe's America. Church at Union House at 2.30 o'clock. Dine at four. Air baby with Carree, towards Pecks in evening. Mrs Marcon and Mr Gage call at tea-time. Read a sermon on conversion of St. Paul. Bed early. Calm, beautiful evening after heavy rain.

Monday. Delightful morning. Read Latrobe's America in morning in bed. At papers for two hours at Hacons. Call with all our party on Mrs Wilson, her American birds! Now to Mr and Mrs Pyke's and home. Take impression of leaves in evening. Mr Gage calls in, talk about Edward and orders, union curacy, title, Bishop etc.

13th

Warm muggy day, most growing, most delightful. Out early after reading Observer paper, dreadful explosion of steamer at Hull. Inquest etc. King better. Trade likely to revive, climax of distress, thought over. Met Mr J Dugmore at Finches, wanted to see him about going to Castle Acre, deferred till another day. Called at Mrs Marcons, Jane would have gone with us. Day broken, take impressions of leaves to Carree's book. Call with ladies at Mrs Pillan's, leave cards. Idle about, dine at 3.00. Read provincial papers, evening party at Mr William Dalton's [11], his brother Samuel there. Carree plays cards with the dons and trumps, partner's ace. Letter sent to Tom Powell.

14th

Dark dull morning, very warm after heavy rain in night. Carree tries baby to sleep in her bedroom, very troublesome, got no sleep. Not well in morning, breakfasts alone. Read Latrobe's America volume II. At papers at Hacon's 3 hours. Carree and baby call there, go home together. Write to Ted because we have not heard from him. Play at cricket with J Marcon, Mr Wilson etc in evening. Carree there, beautiful day. Mrs Marcon and Jane drop in at tea-time, also Mr Gage. Settled to have a fly for Hallboro'tomorrow. Baby for this week has had his baths in evening and also in morning.

15th

A letter from Ted, repaid Carree 1/1. Repaid Mrs James Post Office Christmas boy 1/- . At home till 2.30 o'clock, conning over Ted's letter, impressing leaves, make out my accounts and lunch at 2.30. Fly to Cressingham with Mr and Mrs J and Carree and Mr Gage. Furze,may and broom most beautiful in bloom. Leave Mrs J and G at Mr Halls Cressingham, call at school Mr Dobbinson (?)of building new house, busy preparing for wedding tomorrow. Carree goes to see Mr Coldwell's church. Mr Gage and Mrs Marcon dine with us. John and Jane in evening. Walk with John by Union in evening. Porter Joshua going to leave. Show Jane how to impress leaves in the evening. Beautiful summer weather indeed.

16th

Fully intended writing to William today in regard to Cillibion and Duke of Beaufort's claim of land. The beauty of day and over excitement of marriage of Miss Agnes Young and Knivett Wilson, all of Swaffham alive, prevents me. Impress a peony and pansy flower. Get a lettuce at Vince's, meet Jane Marcon, call on Mrs Walpole, very good natured, with a nosegay of flowers. Met Mr Hall 3rd, who calls on Mr James afterward about his son and orders. Draw baby in a band box, highly amused. Mrs Wilson's party on marriage of son Knivett very agreeable, quadrilles, everybody there. Home by 1.00, it began raining.

17th

Beautiful summer weather for a week. Go early to Mr Hacon's to attack papers to comply with William' s letter, interrupted and do little. Air gun produced. J Marcon calls there, Carree and baby, accordion music produced, magnifying glass etc. Kill a sparrow. Fully intended writing to William and to Gower. Nothing but interruptions this evening. The twins call, furniture of all metamorphosed. Rev. Mr Wilson and Herbert Wilson called and Mr Gage. Lecture to him given up, tomorrow. Lecture read over by the author. Bad headache all evening. Baby weighed by Carree this week, grown 10lb, weighs 17lb.

19th

Sunday. Mr Edward Wilson does duty for Mr James morning and evening. Wrote to William about Gower and accounts in answer to his letter, no post yesterday. Wrote also to Edward in Gower in answer to his by the Birmingham post - letter. In evening walked with Carree and baby by Union Fields. Clarence, HRH and Mrs Warre's home. Baby highly pleased at starting, brought home asleep. Some rain today.

Monday. Went to Mr Hacon's early to papers. Carree called at two and with Mrs J went to pay marriage visit at Chancellor's. Large party there, chocolate. Called at Miss Dalton's, out. Miss Harvey and pink thorns. An outdoor tea party at Mrs Pillan's in evening, very pleasant, singing and cards. Sang Jubilate. Home by 11.00. Received Mr Rose's bill.

20th

Opened Mr Rose's bill this morning. Up early, finish Latrobe's America. Read Observer, King ill, no hopes [12]. Mr Edward Wilson leaves Swaffham. Mr Rose called, Mr James out. Mrs Clarke has her first child, a daughter. .. A short time out at papers at Hacon's. Very hot day, practised a song, Jubilate, for this evening. Wrote a postscript to Frederick. Jane Marcon took to the post. Carree and I dine at Mrs Days, very pleasant party, Mr H Walpole, Mrs W in evening, Mr and Mrs Hall, Mrs Allen, H Dugmore, Tyson Byng. No cards, singing in evening. Home by 11.00, some rain in evening. All Mrs Day' s boys come home this evening.

21st

3 papers arrived, read Welshman. At Mr Hacon's and papers till 3.00. A tuner there, look at church steeple with telescope, beautiful work. Carree calls, dine at 3, then call on the Days. Practise two songs. Call on Mrs Marcon see all her boys and her large kitchen. Call on the Misses Mose [?] walk in a Vince's garden for shade and to catch wrinkles [?]. Home to tea. Mrs J at Mr Hacon's all the evening. Major Boxall there. Read another paper and look into Mayo's Philosophy of Living. Bed early, very hot weather indeed. Aired baby this morning in Mr Pillan's field, gang of children weeding Lucerne, very picturesque.

22nd

Letter from Ted about chapel and P Evans. Beautiful hot weather, morning air baby along Mr Pillan's field. Crepe for the King's (death) William IV. At Mr Hacon's till dinner time at Gower papers. Mr Hall of Cressingham and Mr Walpole called before dinner with the welcome news that Ted is accepted on the title given by Mr Hall and has now only to be examined may he pass!! Many of the Marcon family called this evening, put me out as to writing to Ted in answer to letter above, however I did write it full and explicitly and walk out with Carree to the post and to Alexander's. Read a letter in evening, borrowed paper, Standard, at vicarage, accounts of death of King. [13]

23rd

Out early with Carree and baby. Return papers to the vicarage. Sheep shearing, Mr Clarke's etc. See the little baby and baby Toots appears a monster by side. At Hacon's, lost much time on the subject of timber measuring. Farmer Palmer calls, dine at 2. Miss Dalton and Miss Harvey call. Air Toots again in Mr Pillan's field alone. Read Philosophy of Living and provincial papers. Parcel received from Bristol, long letters from Jane and good accounts. Letter written to Ted by Carree about curacy. Mrs Marcon calls. Walked to post, see Mrs Lacks Brobdinagian young child, too fat to thrive well I think. Long walk with Mrs Marcon, Lynn Street etc and round by Mr Tom Dalton's. Beautiful weather indeed.

24th

Up by 7.00 and dressed, read Cambrian and Philosophy of Living. All household earlier than usual. A mysterious marriage this morning, all a secret. At Mr Hacon's all day before and after dinner, making out receipts of Gower cash. Mrs Wilson and Herbert call in late in the evening, sat some time. Toots produced etc etc. Carree went shopping with Mrs J to get trimmings for bonnet, mourning for King William IV. Very hot day.

26th

Sunday. Much less hot in the evening after a very hot day and Church suffocating. Sermon in morning -death of the King. Lecture in the evening as usual, proclamation read. In evening took long walk, Carree, Mrs Marcon, twins and Frank by Captain Falkner's etc. Gather for first time trifolium incarnatum [14].

Monday. Cool, day, some people say cold. Late in evening really very cool. Hay making begins about Swaffham. At papers at Hacon's in morning, slow progress, Howell John's account. Called away by Mrs J, Mrs Sylvia [?] suspected of thieving, officers in the lodgings, she taken up. Toots highly indignant at sight of officers. Walk with Carree and see clover cut, delightful smell. Men have only 2/6 an acre and no beer. Jane Marcon calls, attend a botanical lecture in evening. Mr Carr took tea again and sang at Mrs Days. Home late cold.

27th

Tuesday, yesterday Carree went with Mr J to Cressingham to call on Mr Hall about title for Ted. Toots meet their return and rides home. Much colder today, Miss Kate Marcon calls here very early about lecture changed to 1.00. Hillboro' tomorrow, decline going to lecture, go after. Castle Acre tomorrow with Mr J Dugmore. Botanical lecture (Mr Carr) 2nd at 1.00, arrange about party to Hillboro' tomorrow. Castle Acre put off again. Idle interrupted day. Mrs Marcon calls about renting Mr Yarrington's house. Mr and Mrs Clarke call this evening, late. Very cold this evening, wrote and sent letter to Alfred, discussion about right meaning of Lord's prayer "thy will be done in Earth as in heaven".

28th

Again not at Hacon's at papers. Read Philosophy of Living, Mayo. Miss Jane Marcon calls about visit to Hillboro' tea. Mr Carr's third and last lecture on botany, arrange party for this evening, how to go, time etc. Dine at 3.30. Start in fly with Mrs Marcon, Mrs Wilson, Jane Marcon and Jenny Day. Pleasant party, tea on green. See new house, New London Road. Walk to mill and round Mr Caldwell' s new pond or mill dam. Collect flowers, singing in evening, no supper! Home by 11.00. Cold for time of year. Mr Pillans cuts his grass: front of cottage.

29th

Beautiful day again. Hay making front of cottage, Mr Pillans there before breakfast,. Read a Brighton paper, take impression of baby's foot and hand to Carree's album, difficult. Loitering in Mr Pillan's hay field. Bad method of making hay. Carree rides the white pony, baby rides too and delights in it. Read on the green (and nurse baby) Mayo's Philosophy of Living. Carree in evening calls on old Mrs Marcon, I pay for Fly to Hillboro', pop at Finches 2d. Call at Mrs Dais, MissD ill, Miss Hogg there instead? Calling on Mrs Montague with baby, they gone to Harboro'. Mrs Marcon calls in evening, Frank has tea here, twins with baby, evening thus all spoilt.

30th

Beautiful morning, wind rises and gets colder at midday and evening. Mr Pillans in hayfield. Baby rides again, air him to Captain Falkner's hay field. At Mr Hacon's and papers all morning till 3.00. Treat servants to Mons: Testot conjurer. Carree and Jane Marcon ride to Necton, Colonel Mason's. Read Cambrian and join them at turnpike with Mr James. Evening cold. A little music in evening. Servants all alive on return with the conjuring wonders of Mons: Testot. Evening quite cold.

July

1st (Friday)

Jane Marcon sends Necton [15] flowers to Carree. Took off some leaves to Carree's book. At Mr Hacon's all morning and made some accounts tally. Miss F.day and Miss Hogg call on Carree. Baby asleep. They call me on return and meet Toots on Camping Ground. Again at papers in evening. Walked to town in evening with Mr J, very cold. Took razors to be ground and returned Mr Mayo's Philosophy to library. Had peas for the first time, new potatoes on market very small, very poor season.

3rd

Sunday. Pleasant day. Sacrament, self and Carree. Chancellor helps officiate. Sermon in evening "His burden is light". Lecture in evening. Present of salmon and lobster from Mr Colman. Mrs Marcon, Jane and Mr Gage called in evening. Carree and I went to see Miss Hammond's flowers, only strolled in hay field in evening.

Monday. Breakfast early, Mr James 3/4 of an hour before coach ready for Norwich. Going to visit Mr Wilson at Topcroft. Surprise Mrs Marcon at breakfast. From 10 to 1 at papers, Hacon's. Make calls with Carree and Mrs J at Mr Walpole, Mrs Day, Chancellor's and Morse, late at dinner. Take off a great many leaves for Carree this evening. Again all walk to town Mrs Marcon's and Gowan's bill, am very tired. Home at 10. Mrs Sylvys (a thief) returned home, rather uncomfortable. Epsom salts. Supper pickled salmon.

4th

Monday a pleasant day, hot and threatens thunder. Tuesday. Breakfast at 9.00. Read a batch of papers, Observer etc. Copy a song for Carree Miss A Dolignon and Miss Dowell call. Take off leaves, nurse baby. Quarter sessions, and write journal. Give Miss A Dolignon elm leaf. Monsieur Testot conjurer tomorrow. Delayed going to sessions till after dinner and then discover they have adjourned early. Mrs Marcon says the gang of thieves are being tried, dreadful shrieks of women. Did not attend to papers Hacon's today.

5th

Breakfast soon. Ted arrives this evening, wet evening. CEM [16] shows teeth first time, great rejoicing. I am in court, Sir William Folkes chairman, not bad, quick. Such scenes of squalling women, agony. Committed Rumball and Tuck, thieves. A merciful jury, not guilty too often. A pleasant party to Mons. Testot conjurer this evening, am fool enough to go to top of church tower for one trick … there of course, a bungle. Had tea at the Chancellor's. Mr Pike also on tower. Home by 11.00, some rain, not much this evening. Very mild night after hot day. Library, Taylor of Ongar's Theory of Another Life.

6th

Fine shower this morning. Ted late at breakfast after his journey. Go together to Hacon's, meet him and get idle by walking in his garden and eating bread, cheese and drinking porter lunch. Accidentally hear tis anniversary of cattle show, go with Ted. Few but pretty cattle and some beautiful sheep and capital shearing. Old Cohe there anything than gentlemanly looking. Home, day broken and press some leaves till dinner, ditto after. In the evening at a party at Mrs Day's singing and dancing. Mrs Marcon's … …

7th

Beautiful weather, am late at breakfast, Ted laughs. Go together to Hacon's, I begin to analyse Howell John's account. Some fancy that Mr James returns this evening, Mrs J walks on Norwich Road to meet coach, no go. How was it Carree and I did not go too, I quite forget what we did that evening unless it was Mr and Mrs Walpole called about Ted and I took off some leaves and gave to Mrs W.

8th

Went in good time to Mr Hacon's, analysed Howell John's account and discover, I think, a mistake, credit given for £75 twice over. In the evening Sophy and C Day call, walk by Union Fields and Palmers Farm, botanising and back by Green Lane and Mrs Warre's. Miss C Day loses her bag, SD can't clamber styles, a pleasant evening. Tea late. Mr James returns from Yarmouth. Baby has first ride in a coach and discovers teeth, early party of this week. Mr James narrates his adventures.

10th

Sunday. Fine day, cool, much colder of late. Sermon, morning, on procrastination. Lecture not so good as usual, meagre. Called with Carree on Mrs Clarke and baby. In evening took long walk by Edwards Plantation to common with Miss Dowell, Marcon J and Ted. Paid Mrs James, razor, 1d.

Monday. Rise at six, fine morning, write arrears of journal and balance accounts. At Mr Hacon's all day analysing Howell John's account, find mistakes. Baby goes to Mrs Walpole's, Mrs Day calls on us. Called with Carree on Mr Thomas Dalton. See his neat garden and have flowers. Take impressions of leaves, the three Misses Morse called in evening, read Theory of Life etc.

11th

At Mr Hacon's all morning and complete Mr Howell John's account, discover he is overpaid a good deal. In evening in Mr Montague' s hay field, all family there, he loads etc. Mr Pike there. Go to order strawberries at Stratton' s and Vinces's gardens. Eat some. Home to tea. Mr Thomas Dalton called this evening. Mrs Marcon and twins. Carree been writing to Jane, I write a little, letter not sent. Evenings generally cold.

12th

Carree receives letter from Clare. At Hacon's till 2.00. Go through Gower accounts with Ted to balance his account, a morning's work. He studies at Hacon's too, dine at 2, Nominally. Baby rides with Mr Mrs J to hall in mute chair. An early evening party at Mr Montague's garden, fowls, ducks, arbours etc. Cards in evening, win 5/6. Some singing in another room. Supper - strawberries etc. Cool for outdoors parties. Mr J at home to write lecture.

13th

Rise by 6.30, read Theory of Life. Mr Pillan's hay rick heats over much. Nurse baby. Go to Mr Hacon's at 10.30, do a good deal of work at Mr Hacon's today. Walked into town, all open in the evening. Met Mr Gage in the lime avenue, Mr and Mrs Pike also. Mr James foretells thunderstorm tonight, no-go. However it has rained heavily elsewhere according to J Marcon who has been to Fakenham.

14th

In the habit of rising something earlier, do a good deal at Mr Hacon's today in making out the accounts of RH's marketing etc. Mr Wells dined here today, a clergyman taking pupils near Cambridge, a clever man. The Wilson Party all return from Yarmouth, the new married couple. No bells rung. A very pleasant evening, warm, all stroll to town and see Mr Wells off. A very little rain today, St Swithin tomorrow, foretells rain.

15th

Some heavy showers today, old St Swithin's rain. Margaret ill all day and Carree complaining, ill too. Carree and I call late on the new Mr and Mrs Wilson to invite them to a tent party on Tuesday, all the connections there, a family rite. Obliged to nurse baby a good deal more than usual. Nurse wanted for other work. Various opinions about Tuesday.

17th

Sunday. Sermon in evening. Lecture, inaudible thunderstorm. Read a good deal of Taylor's Theory of Future Life.

Monday. Rise at 6.00, finished Taylor of Ongar, Theory of Future Life. Return book to library before breakfast, and got other books, Comb and Pickwick, an idle day. Preparing for tomorrow evening party, tent pitched and beer, strawberries, cream etc etc. Lunch, ladies etc at Mr Gage' s at 2.00. Capital Cambridge ale indeed. Wet evening. Gowans blank music 1/6. Hair cut 1/- fruit 1/1. Mr Langford calls.

18th

Pleasant morning, SWW thunderstorms come on, very severe thunderstorms. Various errands to town for party this evening with Ted. Jane Marcon comes, flowers presents. Idle day, sultry, faint and tired. Thorough wet evening. Call everywhere with Ted to put off the party till tomorrow. Mrs Marcon and Jane here, weather horrid. Baby very unwell all day or else some thoughts of christening him tomorrow.

19th

A beautiful morning. Baby better and in spirits, have him early to bed with us for change of air. Wrote some arrears of journal. Busy with Ted preparing all things in tent for the party today. Arrivals between 12 and 1.00, 63 or 4 present. Everything very agreeable, everybody pleased. All over by 4.30. A cricket meeting at Mr Day's at six, 8 of a side with young boys. Play till dark. Tea there and glees in the evening. Parliament prorogued on Monday …. persons. Election writs down, nomination at Swaffham on Saturday week. One shower this evening, mild and pleasant all day.

20th

Rise tired, fatigued with yesterday. Intended to have worked hard at House of Industry. Hacon's today. Carree makes me write to Jane and to my mother, in consequence at home all day. Mrs Marcon taken ill. Walk with Ted by Vinces and home by Union House. Dine early, 2.30. Funeral this evening and a party at Mrs Marcon's this evening. Beautiful day, some few little showers. Archery, cricket, tea in garden. Very cold north wind. Plenty of beautiful strawberries. Carree catches cold singing in evening.

21st

Swaffham fair. Out early to see cattle etc, nothing good but sheep. Mr Pike and J Markham join, look at horses, ponies etc. Return to Hacon's. Carree calls and out again, go to Mrs Marcon' s, idle at window. Mrs Marcon well again. Mrs Brereton, a character, amuses us. Read Physiology this evening and copy first waltz for Carree to her new pocket music book. But was at Hacon's copying off this evening a balance account made out of all horses and oxen. Entered in Book A to show what money I have to account for in Gower.

22nd

At Mr Hacon's all morning making out accounts Book A. In the evening early at a party Mr William Dalton's. Archery, quoits, leap bar, racing etc. A good supper and very pleasant and large party. Very mild delightful evening, Chancellor there.

24th

Sunday. Fine morning, with several heavy showers and thunder during day. Sermon in morning, Mr Bushell read prayers. Mrs Wilson's brother in L (ondon) knows Harry Morgan. Miss evening prayers, go to lecture, same as last Sunday. Walk home with some of Montague's with us. Jane and FM call, take a walk on Hale Road. Corn looks beautifully.

Monday. Beautiful weather. At Hacon' s till 10.00, make calls with Carree and Mrs J on Miss Dalton, Ellen Day and the Wilson's, leave cards. Call on Mr Pike and Chancellor, not there, a large party. Mrs Wilson and selves, baby there. Ted took a walk. F Marcon there. Dine at 3, intend going to Hacon's again. Mr Walpole called, prevented a long visit. Read Comb' s Physiology, cricket ground with Ted, Mr Buckworth there practising. Jane Marcon wants us to tea. Mrs J rather cross with Carree about gowns, declined tea, read Physiology in evening aloud. Wrote to I Jones, Carmarthen, election can't vote.

25th

 Most beautiful morning, all up early. Breakfast at eight, … at Hacon's before 9.00. A party at Mrs Days at 6.00. Archery and cricket, I play at latter, a very pleasant tea and fruit in garden after, under plane tree. Dance in evening. Elections throughout country very exciting, Lynn and Norwich decided Conservative. Beautiful hot day.

26th

Little tired with yesterday. At Hacon' s in morning making out accounts of cattle bought, sold etc in Gower. Very difficult to make all tally satisfactorily. Dejeuner a la fourchette at Mr Thomas Dalton' s at 2.00 under walnut tree, very pretty scene indeed, all the Daltons gentleman. Have a cricket match at Mr Day's field in evening. Mr James Wilson, Canadian, beats one side with his own bat. Get very tired, strained my left leg, racing finished evening. Glad to get home to tea and bed. A very beautiful hot day.

27th

Very tired and up late after the exertion of yesterday. At Hacon' s and papers all morning. Miss Marcon dines with us and Miss Dowell and Miss Montague come in evening and also Mrs Marcon. Singing in evening, I sang The Sea etc. Walked round town with Mr J after taking Miss Montague home. Mr and Mrs Montague came to look over this house (Silvys) some idea of buying it. Very hot indeed.

28th

Up very early morning and read Comb's Physiology. Intended fully going to my papers at Hacon's but Carree wishes me to copy music "She Wore a Wreath of Roses" which took me all morning till one, then return it to vicarage for Miss Dolignon. Call at various shops to call in bills and make calls on Mrs Pike. In sad dilemma about Susan [17], baby's nurse, she cries terribly at the idea of separation, can I keep her, I late. Shop in the evening, ribbons etc, favours made for tomorrow.

29th

Very wet in early morning, clears off with some showers. Very cloudy and high wind all day. All Swaffham alive, County election, West Norfolk, Sir William Folkes and Sir Jacob Astley the old member whig. Mr Bagg, Mr Chate new candidates, Conservative. No good speeches on nomination. Mr Gurden and Mr P… as good as any and spirited, show of hands in favour of Conservatives. Poll demanded, joined procession of those on Lynn Road with Mr Pike, Ted and Gerald Montague. Lunched at Mr Pike's, Mrs Wilson's and Mrs Marcon's, no dinner, tea early. Read some of Comb's Physiology but little, nothing but politics the order of the day, all Conservative in this place of respectable classes. Strolled with Carree, footpath by Union. Strolled with Ted in evening ….. town, all very quiet considering. Most stormy day, both weather and politics. Print of coach coloured passing bridge full gallop 2/-.

31st

Sunday. Wet morning, fine day, wind still high, dies away. Mr James and Mrs J go to Castle Acre. Mr Bloom does duty here, charity sermon for national schools. 1/6. Miss Hanson very ill, cholera. Sir Charles Clark here, very good sermon. Mr and Mrs J return. Lecture in the evening on that part of Creed …. conception. Mr Gage called late.

Monday. A beautiful morning. At Mr Hacon's all morning analysing the accounts of sheep. Thunder and heavy rain all evening after 4.00. Finished Comb' s Physiology, an excellent book.

August

1st (Tuesday)

Dubious day, is fine after a morning shower. Election West Norfolk begins, in town early, all alive. Dine late, that is 4.30; in everybody's house. Call on the Clarke's with Carree and Ted. Conservatives good prospect. Took hurried sketch of church. Conservatives Bagge and Chute, ahead of Whigs Sir William Folkes Sir James Astley. Nothing done or doing but election. All good humour, no fighting.

2nd

Extremely wet morning, heavy rain. At Mr Hacon's when rain ceases a little. Dine at 2.00. Election again after poll closes at 4.00. Various polling places. The return from Thetford last to the committee. Everybody anxious but the blue and green whigs, high sheriff on Saturday declares Mr Chute's majority 39 only, [18] Bagge safe. Mr Chute at last declared 61 ahead of Sir William Folkes, hurrah! Pink and purple for ever. Walter Marcon by coach from Eton. Conservatives in Bucks!! Wine at Mrs Marcon and tea. Town all confusion, everybody off hinges, everybody talking to everybody else. Home about nine, bed early.

3rd

Up early, copy Galloppe for Carree at Hacon's till 1.30. Write to my mother, she leaves London Thursday next. Met Carree at Mrs Marcon's , met baby on Camping Land, carry him through church yard. Shop at … At Mr Hacon's again this evening, finish calculation about sheep. In town later with Carree and Ted, Gowan's shop, Mr B Taylor there, letter from Berner's Street.

4th

Very warm morning. Members chaired today, all the town alive. All day with Carree at Mrs Marcon's. See the new members, Bagge and Chute, chaired. A triumphant day for them, a most pitiless thunderstorm disperses all the processions just as they enter the town, Lynn Road. Chairing after and a beautiful evening. Dine at Mrs Marcon's. Public dinner of 200 at the assembly rooms. Go to the orchestra to hear the speeches after dinner. Mr Campbell, Mr Uttley Brown, Colonel Mason (chair), Captain Loftus, chief speakers. A most enthusiastic meeting. Tea at Mrs Marcon's and home at 10. Baby learns to say ‘Hurrah'!! His first word!!!

5th

Receive at bank £30 sent by my mother from London. Out with Mr James early to make an affidavit at Sewell's re Berrington. Then to the bank, market etc. Met Mr Day and Gage. Politics etc. Am not at Hacon's all day. Obliged to make calls with Carree …. at Mr Hacon's and papers in evening. Mr and Mrs Walpole called at the cottage, something said about tea there. Cricket in evening in Mr Day's Field. Young Mr Wright there, good player.

7th

Sunday. Morning no sermon, sacrament. Evening sermon and lecture. Call on Miss Hammond with Carree. PPC. She is better. Mrs Marcon, Jane, John, Frank and twins call. Very cold wind, north all day. Some rain. Mr Gage calls late. Cold evening indeed.

Monday. Begin packing. Mr Walpole calls: tea there this evening. Make calls with Carree, Mr W Dalton, Rose Dugmore, TD and Mrs Day. Pay bills. This leave-taking horrid work. Beautiful day. All take tea at Mr and Mrs Walpole's. Very cold, had a glass of very rose wine, Persian Shirez? He read some good original manuscript verses and parodies etc. Book called ‘Parlour Book for a Little Montague' 4/6

8th

Beautiful day but cold north wind. At home packing. Mrs Wilson and Agnes G call, invite this evening there. Pack up and call after dinner with Carree on Mr Clarke farmer. On go Chancellor to see the Dolignons, called on us at Mrs Wilson's. A pleasant party this evening. Report 2 Conservatives for East Norfolk 1st day following. Home late, played at whist, won 2/-. [19]

9th

Hacon, a room ten weeks - £2 - 12 - 0

Read paper, Mr Darby in for a success. (?) Go to church, see first time old Mrs Marcon. Baby christened. Call on Chancellor, Montague, shop with baby alone early this morning. Carree's new gown, home late. Mrs Marcon etc and Mr Gage. Tea here this evening. All this very inconvenient for packing, pack late and Carree will set up, not in bed till past 1.00. Beautiful day. Baby not very well tonight, very well all day.

10th

Dull fine seasonable morning, dull and warm all day. Rise before 7, finish packing all in bustle. Pay bills to Mrs James and settle some accounts. Receive a letter by Ted from Hancorne about Gower accounts. Election etc. Leave Swaffham at 9.00. Alas! The number of friends we have there!! For what!!? Gower!!!!! No dinner, the baby good traveller. At Charing Cross by 9.30. John there to meet us, …. to Berners Street…. Uncle Mabbott there, a surprise and agreeable. Tired and to bed 11.30.

11th

What a difference in London air, thick, foggy morning. Breakfast at 9. The baby well all night. Settle my accounts, receive letter from Jane. Carree writes an answer. Arrange places for leaving town etc. Uncle M out on bus after lunch. All go to the zoological gardens. 1/2 nuts. Giraffes in beautiful order, one of 4 has died of an accident. Carree and I feel the heat excessive in London. Henry dined at 18. I have talk about Howell John's account £75 credited 1831, not accounted for? Some music in evening. Some conversation with Uncle Mabbott about his money, question if not overpaid in 1835. Receive of my mother for baby, from Aunt Cobbold, £5.

12th

UncleMabbott leaves about 11.00 for Uckfield. Shop with Carree and my mother who gives baby a frock in Pantheon Bazaar. There a long morning. My mother plays cards in evening at Mrs Jervis. Carree and I shop again, Regent Street and Burlington Arcade. Home late and tired. Bed early. Find London extremely hot and only want morning things, very cheap. Order shoes at Wood's, very dear, very strong £1-1-0.

14th

Sunday. Morning duty, All Souls. Mr and Mrs Valance there. Spoke to Mr Ellington, call with Carree in Bedford Square and Mrs Wyn. New cab to Birmingham rail road and meet baby at Coliseum. Mr Smith dines, ill treated about new house. I am very tired, sleep.

Monday. Off early with Carree to City, adhesive plaster. Interview with Mr Harris Furnivals Inn re Berrington. Receive Law Life dividend £8. Difficulty to get places for Bristol, defer the day, obliged. From top of the house see three balloons hovering at once. 2 Mr Green's 1 Mrs Graham.

15th

Very hot day, very busy packing. Out after lunch with Carree and mother, buy bed stuff. Call on Mrs Nodes and Mrs Collotts, J Patch, Mr Smith in evening. Intended getting a second-hand saddle. Called at Fielding's, several there. Saw F & T, F & W Thomas … etc. Home to tea, pack again. Called at Mrs Jervis first thing in morning to show baby. Arranged with Gurnell as to luggage.

16th

All morning packing. Dine 1.30, Henry called. Gurnell takes luggage and Susan. Fly to White Horse by 3.15. Coach crushed (?) 6 inside. Mr Dodds one of them, odd coincidence. Charged ˝ fare for baby. Dreadfully hot. Full moon, most pleasant weather for night travelling, not in Bristol till 9.30 in morning. Charged for luggage, a blow up in the office imposed on to the amount of 22 shillings; avoid the coach in future.

17th

Arrived at Bristol after a night's travelling by the new company coach from 3.30 Piccadilly till 9.30. 19 hours horrid work, cheap coach, bad fare; imposed on for Toots and luggage £1-2-6. Disgusted! Abominable! Sent Margaret yesterday, luggage extra 7/-!!! Jane is arrived from Weston, her boy very fat and very brown. Wash and breakfast. Out with Mrs M, pay for luggage etc. Dine at 4, tired and out of sorts. Drop asleep in evening, bed in evening early. Do not see fireworks at zoologicals, intend seeing Western steamer tomorrow at 8 towed out to go to London to be rigged etc. Sleep too sound and lose the sight, am sorry. Very heavy storm this evening.

18th

Up too late to see Western steamer leave harbour and towed down river. Baby slept in our room, kept us awake. Read Cambrian, out with Jane and Carree. Buy paper to paper rooms. Go to other shops in Coll. Green for ribbons, tapes etc for Carree and Jane. Mr Morgan and Martha called from Kingsdown in evening. Mr Hicks called and took tea. Mr Watson dined here. An intended pupil.

19th

Took baby an evening myself early, Susan ill, takes little physic. Carree receives a letter from Lizzie, Alfred informs me he has put me in Chancery amicably. Read Bristol. Mirror. Carree out of sorts, Susan illish, physic. Baby not well. Walk towards Durdham with J & C, call on Mrs R Ord. Mrs G Hughes, Meridien place. Mr Price expected to tea, comes. I low and disgusted all day. Very warm. Inquire in evening about coaches, packets, Pickfords etc.

21st

Sunday. Hot day, church Kingsdown. Call at Mr Morgan's after. Church again in evening at 6. Over draw bridge. Baby not well, in morning, cries better, better as day advances.

Monday. Up early and deliver letter Mrs Comacho (?) Clifton. Walk on down etc before breakfast, shop after. Call on Mrs Hurle, Coll. Green, on Miss Morgan and read papers at the Institution. No news. In the evening a party singing etc. Mary Ord, who lost her leg, very pretty. Miss Hughes and her moustached brother and Mary Ord. Wrote to Gower, sent it by servant.

22nd

Wet morning, wet, day. Packing and writing a letter joint to Swaffham. Read Cambrian. Advocates for ballot because Lord Adare is in! Mortified spleen. Mr Worsley dines here and goes by packet tomorrow.

Out with Mr M in evening, Read papers, shop as above (this follows a list of bought items). Inquire about packet fare, servants' pay, child luggage etc. Very warm and home to tea. Mr Stephens sees an immense horse shown for -/6, Yorkshire bred, 20 hands high.

23rd

Up early, finish packing. Wet morning, disagreeable day. Leave Jane, return to Gower. Mr Bruce, married a Miss Cameron, on board; an original but strong Conservative. A miserable day, rough sea, very ill, passengers very kind. Carree and baby ill! In Swansea by nine, left at 11.00a.m. Mistake: no carts for luggage. Very unwell, hunt the town, no fly, all engaged. Castle full, tea at Packet Inn, horrid tobacco, chased home by 1.00, in bed at 2. Baby does wonders.

24th. Dull morning, Wind easterly, clears off. Cold fine evening. Barley all abroad at Caie Vorgan. Everything grows well but not so well as if I had been here. Rise at 7, looking round at everything all day. Crops and plantations made in spring. Busy unpacking too. Baby in good spirits all day but very unwell at bedtime. Crying long and piteously, has taken cold I think. I hope no worse, I fear he will be delicate, bless his little endearing ways. Sow lettuce.

25th

I am bankrupt having only a bad crown and -/10 in copper!!!! About home all morning, beautiful day, wind and sun. Binding barley, carry some. Gardening. Ride with Carree to Stafell Haegr over marsh, the other road stopped by Richard Gordon. Robin of Llangennech [20] called about the sale money begging till next Saturday week, lost by his purchases he says. Wrote in evening to Henry, Swansea packet office for hat bag, Cambrian office and Carree wrote to Jane. Threatens wet again. Barley all secure in mows. Baby better today, Mrs Nicholls called.

26th

Up at 6.30, dull morning, warm. Send letters somehow to Swansea. Garden. Aurora Borealis tonight, very early, very cold. Most curious day, foggy and suddenly bursts to heavy rain and suddenly ceases and fine afternoon. RH calls, thinks to go to Blaenkedy etc, defer till Monday. Howel John in Devonshire. Clear up garden etc of long grass, thistle etc. Barley raked. Make rubbish bed, baby in good spirits again. Walk with Carree, baby and all the dogs towards Prisk and round by Cross Field. Garden a little to see that Tucker works a little. Tea at 6, talk projects of garden and house, write in the evening. Doll sent to Stonyford Meadow this morning. Star should be to Stafell Haegr.

28th

Sunday. Chapel duty, servants sent to Reynoldstone. Go to church evening at 6. Mr Phillips. Very cold. Called at Penralt going, very warm. Beautiful day, evening very cold. What a burlesque of devotion is Llanrhidian church!!

Monday. Up early, breakfast early, day appointed farther end of the parish. RH late, ride Toots out a little waiting. Malt brought, collect tithes at Gellyhir, can't agree, tenant going. Can't agree at Cwmawr. Ride to Blaenkedy, called at Brynhir, mutton there, hear Howel of Alltygog is dead. By Penclawdd home, get wet. Dine at 6 instead of 3.00. Very tired, unused to riding. Baby not well, Mr Davies sent for, comes.

29th

Wet day, washing day. Clean up rick yard a little, thrash barley. Rout out some cupboards and set a few things in order in house. Geese brought up by Llewellyn. Read a little and nurse baby, he being far from well though a little better.

30th

Rise always before 7, beautiful morning. Send men to mow …. Cillibion. Dine early and ride with Carree to post, no one there. Called at Mr Davies surgeon about baby. Mr Collins overtakes us returning home. Ride together to Llythrid, wet comes on. Talk of election chiefly, warm work, get wet through. Read in evening, baby seems better and bed early. Horribly annoying (sic) by barking of dogs, Tip etc, get up and swear with the whip and has its effect.

31st

Up before 6 …. in kitchen, smoke. Very wet morning. Barley in mows not carried unfortunately. Very showery all day, thunder.

Petition, D Bowen, money borrowed of Mrs Richards: 2/6

Betty W calls with fish. Dine early, call on Mr Lloyd, ditto Mr Nicholls, get wet again. Baby better, his bedroom altered. Read Saturday magazine aloud. Ironing day. Write journal last thing, bad ink, bad pen.

September

1st

Unfavourable morning, fine day, hay making Cillibion. Cows do not keep it down. RH rides there about Rees tithes, order it collected. Send for Nelly Grant to help at hay. Heavy rain comes on in evening. Nobody sent to post, nothing there however as appeared after. Baby far from well, won't eat, pale, fractious etc. Garden a little.

2nd

Bids fair to be fine and is a very fine day. I ride to Swansea, disappointed, no money can I touch at bank. Calls on me and no assets. Called on George Harry about sale money. Mr Drew - Howell John in Devonshire. Executed my errands, butchers, bakers, drapers, grocers etc. Sent letter of Mr James to Mrs Cairns Edwards - found a trunk of mine from Henry at Castle Inn. Galloped home by 5.00 and Carreed my barley from Upper Field till 9.00. Am greatly rejoiced.

Receive of George Harry by payment of Star mare bought at sale - Morriston £8-5-0

4th

Sunday. wet morning, barley … not at church, no service till 6.00. Mr Jones gone to Caernarfon. Prayers at home. Called with Carree and baby Mrs Nicholls. Send servants to church in evening, wrote to Fred.

Monday. Always up at 6.00. Rick secured, hay Carreed and mixed with tithe hay. Tidy rick. Ride to post with Carree, see Doll on return doing well. Send Cambrian to Tenby and letter to Fred. Read paper and finished Fred's letter.

5th

Wet morning, very warm, very fine day. Brew 2 wins malt of Sam Philip. After dinner ride in car over Cefn Bryn with Carree and baby, take stones and heath on return for garden. Read aloud in evening. Gardened a little. Llewellyn brings up apples, pears etc. Make shelves to hang cheeses with David, weigh them etc. Hen (black) hatches in hedge, 9 strong chickens.

6th

Up at 6, fine morning, fine day, threatening. Two cars, tything wheat Wernfrood. Home by dinner time.

William Roberts brings wheat from Llangennech 3 wins. £1-4-0

Sort my papers, garden, sow wheat 18 grains 6 inches apart and plant cuttings of pinks and sage and plant some heath. Receive letter from Jane. Wrote to Bristol packet for hat box. Tucker begins cut fern. Carree receives a letter from Jane, her boy not well. My lost hat box in Park Street. Wet at night and wet all night more or less.

7th

Dull driving misty day. Plant a few laurels out. Set David job to clean fern yard. Carree begins letter to my mother Tenby. Walk alone by Cillibion to Park y Rhedyn about stile. Jenkins promises to get it done. I get wet through. Hannah and Llewellyn weeding turnips. Enter up my accounts for August in the evening. Gathered flowers for Carree to show I can muster some.

8th

Beautiful day, up at 6.00. Teal on Broad Pool, get my gun, fail to kill one, some 30 there. Walk with David all over the hill, can't find them again. Tired to breakfast. Evan John of Cwmmawr calls about tithes, determined not to abate RH's valuation, he offers 5/- more making £5-5-0 RH says £5-5-0. I think he ought to have them. We shall collect. Ride with Carree by Leason to post. Met Lucas on the Hill, saddle mutton. Baby meets us on return. Turn Edwards cows from my field. Garden among strawberries. Hay thatched, tithe wheat put up. Ride again to Penralt and R Gordon about Stafell Haegr road. RH about tithe tomorrow. Write to my mother.

9th

Fine morning, up before 6.00. See David off with car and RH tything to Cwmmawr. Send letter to Jane by Mrs D Thomas. Forgot Cambrian. Puzzled about work for horses, want harness in part, borrow some and car of RH and carry fern two cars. Some unfortunate heavy showers and proves a wet evening. Tithes agreed for £5-10-0 and coal brought home. Busy myself in garden picking onions, planting strawberries. Plums brought by an old woman, Cil Ivor, 1 ˝ d a pint, pay in part 2 ˝ d. Carree intends to repay. Driving rain and heavy wind this evening. Baby quite well and hearty some few days past.

11th

Sunday. Wettish morning, dull day, but not wet. Were not at church. Mr Pearce does duty, at 5.30, too dark and dirty and too cold in church to venture. Read morning service at home to servants. Take baby to Penralt and on the hill in evening. RH's house shut up. Sow 18 grains of wheat again.

Monday. Dull morning at 6, heavy clouds but dry and windy. Batcock calls for help to carry his wheat, send him a cart, horse and man. They are caught in drenching wet, everything put out. Clean out the cart shed and set things in order. RH calls and we go to accounts about the sale morning, and in evening select a sheep to kill (ram). Evening is fine, occupied at forge and in barn. In evening went through some accounts of things in my absence and entered in book A. Letter sent to my mother at Tenby. Kill 2 teals.

12th

A fineish morning. Up at 5.30, on horseback ˝ past six, ride to Fern Hill, order raking. Now to Stafell Haegr and Penralt, engaged rakers and RH's car and horse. See F Thomas about his building at Stafell Haegr. D Thomas about repairs and elder berries. Breakfast at 9. Walk to Fern Hill with Carree, baby part of way. Take all dogs, plums bought. Fussing about to keep things alive. My birthday. Tap new beer. Kill a sheep this evening. Baking going on, Carree writing to Swaffham. Very stormy wet evening and night.

13th

Wet stormy morning. David obliged to go to Swansea for goods, portmanteau etc. Not a very bad day. Carree writes to Swaffham, I add a little. Saddle my own pony and ride to post. Rev. Mr Davis there. Colonel Cameron and 3 carriages go to Stouthall for the lunatic Tottenham. David went late. Home late. Candles broke as usual. I am very cross and go to bed after reading Sat (urday) Magazine. Richards at mill 4WB. Sheep brought in this evening.

14th

Fine brisk cold morning. Attack fern again, not vigourously. Llewellyn on marsh rush. See to the goods brought home yesterday and sheep cut up. Notice to tithe Mary Phillips, nobody to send. Ride down myself by Penralt, RH not there. Bar Jones had done it. D Thomas building for F Thomas. Order Llewellyn up to Caie Forgan after dinner for fern. Speak to Sam Philip about pitching yard after dinner. Walk on common with Carree and baby, cold, and all dogs. Carree busy all day preserving plums. How have I spent the day, unpack a trunk and about everything and nothing. Very heavy showers tonight and cold all day. Hail.

15th

Beautiful day, ride to Caswell with Carree. Call at Hancorne's. He at a sale at Norton. Took tea and ham there returning. He came home just before we left, some talk about the sale morning. Return home by 8 by Ilston, went by Penmaen. Promises for poor weather at sunset. Very warm and pleasant.

16th

Very wet. Men jobbing about and cart out dung for vetches in evening. Carree pickling onions. Very warm day. Sent to post by George Jones, get Cambrian in evening for a wonder, very tired, read it.

Sunday. Dull dry fog. Mr Collins does duty at 5.00 and takes tea here after and leaves for home at 7.30. Very warm. Cornelius Gordon tells me 40 trees (ash) were cut in church yard about 20 years ago, measuring 2 ft diameter. It was a fine rookery. Mr Collins remembers them when he was curate before Mr Jones came. Who had the money?

18th

Driving rain. Write to my Aunt Cobbold to thank for £5 received of my mother from her, present to baby and receive one from Fred and one from mother, Tenby. Llewellyn finds the geese and hunts for a sheep. Fineish after 3.00. Carree exchanges baby's room and we give up your ours for his. Disagreeable change. Some plums' Carree paid the principal part to Francis? David sent late to post, so very wet!!!

19th

A wet morning again. Washing day, clears and is fair. Men set at odd jobs, I don't know what to be at. In the evening manure ground for a little vetches. Either this or last night I and Carree am up late with Susan making plum cheese. Begin drawing this evening on board, my sketch of Swaffham from Mrs Marcon's. Thomas the tailor comes to work, 1/6 per day and keep.

20th

A beautiful day, wind brisk and easterly. Write to Henry about Bright's colt at Abercothi and the sale money here. Ride to the post myself with the young greyhounds. Nothing at the post. Very busy carrying fern. Troublesome day, washing drying. Elder berries picked by old Mrs Tanner either today or yesterday with Margaret's sister from Penmaen who brought my hat box home, it was yesterday for then we had fish for dinner. Rode Valliant before breakfast to the village to seek hands for fern and David at forge. Horses want shoes. Called at Mrs Nicholls with Carree. Sam Philip begins pitching road to stables, it does not promise fair for fern tomorrow but it proves fine yet very dull.

21st

A Monmouth man, Owen, calls with flannel. Carree buys some. Fine day, dry very dull, wind easterly. Up at 6.00 as usual. Garden, celery, sow 12 grains of wheat, an experiment. Gather seed, beans, lettuce and sow vetches. In a thousand fusses about elder wine, tithes, fern etc. Mr Collins marries a couple and sends us a cucumber. Fail seeing him to give his glove. See colts at 4 acres and tythes Mary Bowen's barley, Wenfrood, about 70 sheaves, poor stuff. See to the tithe at Coity Meadow, make arrangements to carry all home. Dine at 2 and then ride to sale at Long Oaks. Buy 2 stacks of oats, part set off for tithes, Sam Davies there, something as to election and Mr Talbot who loses ground in the Co (unty). Send David to Scurlage for sugar, too dear. Thomas the tailor finishes today 2/6 and for David coat made 2/6. RH calls about bill for clover seed.

22nd

Beautiful day. Up at 6.00. Ducks on Broad Pool, get a shot, too far away owing to David, kill none. Carree up to in good time, breakfast 8.30. Walk out with baby and grey hounds. Meet a one leg beggar, chimney sweeper, petition 1/-. About home all day till dinner putting up tithe hay, Coity. David Thomas here, Sam Philip pitching, all to be attended to. Dine early and ride too Long Oak sale, nearly over. Carree rode to post, nothing. I rode to from Long Oaks and missed her. Garden and make Tucker clean path to the house. Walk out late with Carree and con over intended walls and imagined approaches to the house. Carree wrote to Mrs Mabbot and commissions for Swansea, elder wine. RH going to town.

23rd

Beautiful weather. Letter sent by RH to Uckfield. Rise before 6, breakfast alone. Meet WT and George Harry to buy oak saplings at Walterstone, Daniel Davies and on to Long Oaks to meet WR to load oats. Back and walk with Carree and babe to village and on again by wood to Leason as to Rees's sale. Such rubbish!! Passed off as important sale!!! Find it very hot. About home all the evening. Elder wine made late, sugar home by RH late from Swansea. Kitchen crammed with smoke. Hind quarter of lamb and shoulder of mutton brought home from Swansea.

25th

Sunday. Beautiful day, wind northeast. Cold. Chapel Sunday, duty here at 5.30, not Mr Collins but Mr Lloyd. Dine very early and go with Carree to Reynoldstone Church, too late, I go alone to Llanrhidian on Moselle. David from home from 1.00 to 10.00, been at the public house, am disgusted with him and resolve to pack him off; the cows run riot and Star mare leaps the hedge and off to Stafell Haegr. Anthony applies for place.

Monday. Again beautiful, read Cambrian and ride to post after arranging work, one car for R, carts helping Mr Nicholls. Receive letter from Alfred about horse, answer it at post, can take it in. Mrs Edwards there, walk back with her. RH brings home corn from Long Oaks to Penralt. Home all evening. Mrs Harry dines here and RH to see baby. A stray sheep found, burn couch in garden. Wind brisk for some days. Called with Carree on Mrs Batcock.

26th

Again fine, calmer and colder. In an uncertainty how to dispose of time. Carree wants to ride to Brynhir, Rosy wanted for the cart to Walterston or for tithe, consequently? Not used at all. I fully meant calling on Howel John about sale money as Carree does not ride. I will not, do not. Robert Hancorne calls about sale money. Write note to his father and begin writing circulars for sale money. Send to Walterston for oak saplings. Makeshift. Timber Carreed, return late. D Thomas begins wall between house and tank. David sent late for tithe B: toT Thomas Wernfrood. RH kills second sheep. Rain. Rob Williams wife calls about sale money to defer payment, loss of boat, true. With Carree in evening to leave notes for R Hancorne at Mr Nicholls. Baby takes tea at Penralt, very good boy.

27th

Day much cooler, still fine dry and beautiful. Leason sale, John Rees'. Ride early to post, not arrived - if any letter to be sent - Walterston is one and returned to post!!! We are carting wood from Walterston. Ride to Rees's sale, things sell high. Mr Lucas there, speak to many about the sale money and order payment. Discover notice was sent to tithes at Gellyhir to RH who forgot to inform me. Ride home and dispatch David. The man Carrees in Ilston instead. Mr Jones of P pays sale money £3-6-1. Mr Pearce dines with me. Mr Nicholls takes tea. Mary returns from her sister's wedding, brings fish and is taken ill in the evening. Play whist in the evening. All bustle, Mr Samuel Davies expected at sale, does not come, meant him to dine here. Baby particularly well and happy, dances in the evening. Mr Gordon of B (lack)pill tells me David hunts Moselle and races on turnpike.

28th

Much cooler morning, cold. Up before 6. 32 teal on Broad Pool. Sally out with gun. An old woman disturbs them and stares unconscious of her mischief. Weigh some potatoes and calculate produce of piece in rick yard at 1 ˝ win per row. One winch 2 ˝ cwt at about 14 cwt weight. Dispatched carts for tithe B and O to Gellihir. Not finished till 8.00. Mr Price, Duke of Beaufort agent, calls to give notice to pay rent Cillibion, go out coursing with him and Snell. 2 hares killed. Ride to post, Miss Carree going there. Receive letter from Swaffham. 2 hares killed. Ride to post, Miss Carree going there. Receive letter from Swaffham. Ted ordained on Monday, Norfolk, about home all the evening. Tithe barley made up. Call at forge about iron grating, no one there. Mr Davis of R was coursing, had a gun. Alan Maltster (?) calls to defer payment of sale money, make no promises. RH cuts up sheep for me.

29th

Fish, Betty Williams daughter - 1/6

Beautiful weather. Margaret goes home ill with W Richards who carts home oats from Long Oaks bought at sale. Carree and I walked to post with all the dogs, nothing sent. Receive brace of birds and note and land rail from Mr Pearce, nothing by post. Help W Tucker make house for bees to be sent from Llytherid. Attend to Sam Philip pitching by barn door. Walk alone to see D Thomas building stile for Morgan Jenkins next my field. going to Prisk. Called to borrow market cart of Mr Nicholls for tomorrow.

30th

Wet morning, unpromising day. Are going to Swansea, put it off, Carree not very well, toothache. It breaks off and we go later, baby, nurse and all. Dine at the Castle Inn, bill 12/5. Call on Miss Lucas, met Mrs Collins, met Mrs Symonds. Home late in dark. Baby behaved very well all day. Some rain. Jones of Llytherid passed us coming home.

October

2nd

Sunday. Wet night, wet this morning. Dine early. Church at 2.30, ride down with Carree to hear Mr J. Susan and David have ridden to Penmaen to inquire of Margaret, still ill. We called at Penralt before and after church, a heavy shower. Read Cambrian, unusual on Sunday. Thomas sent beef.

Monday. About home all day. Up very early between 5 and 6. Rush from marsh, gate posts put up. Ride to post, Cambrian sent, nothing received. Thomas's beef sent back. Webb called with fish. I call at Mr Nicholls, want beer, none good. Augurs set at blacksmith's. Have all dogs out. Make out my accounts this evening and think to be at Colonel Elrington's sale tomorrow.

3rd

Margaret's sister Marie supplies her place with us, the former home ill.

Fully intended riding early to Baglan, Colonel Elrington selling off and leaving Wales. Sale began yesterday. Some rain in night, very threatening, dubious day. Up very early, call servants to wash baby in our room before 6 and bids defiance to further sleep. Prepare to go, doubt and resolve to stay at home. Scarcely out of the house. A very wet day, some rain especially soaking. Read a little, set men at work, some go home Ľ day. Clear out lumber room with David to make room for apples. Carpenter and trim up holly stick. Cattle obliged to leave Upper Field. Baby full of antics and much time taken up with him. Susan washing. Very mild all day. Am faint and tired. Carree begins writing to Ted.

4th

Fine mild day indeed, about home till 12. Dress and ride coursing, a match, two celebrated dogs. Missed meeting them all on Pengwern or Fairwood Common. Call on Rees Hopkins about sale money near Killay. Return and find the party close at home. Such a set, no hares found, not a course. A large party at Mr Nicholls. Mr Ball dines with us. David, all sorts of errands for beer and porter. Mutual borrowing and lending with us and Cillibion.

5th

Petition - Griffith Long - lost cow 2s.

About home all morning, in evening ride with Carree to Ilston. Very cloudy dull day and threatening. Persuaded to stay tea and prevented returning by heavy rain till very late and pitch dark. Met Mr Hancorne returning home too. Most fortunately escaped rain, that is but little yet home safe though nag has a shoe loose. Very heavy rain and thunder after 12.00. Hear Mr Henry Lucas is dangerously ill, thrown from his big gig Monday night returning from Stouthall [21]. In bed late.

6th

A cart of coals Penclawdd, 4s.

Up not so early as usual, quick dispatch, cart for coal first thing. Saw rafters for shed myself. Not from home all day. Pleasant weather, mild and brisk. Carree finishes letter to Ted. I write little in it and enter my accounts. Three days journal. Nothing at post today. Receive a present of a hare from Mr Nicholls.

7th

About home all day, letter sent to Ted by F Thomas sister. We are out of bread. Colour view of Swaffham Church a little. Send to Mr Collins, Ilston, return cloak, send seeds and receive plants. D Thomas slates a shed. Report that Mr Henry Lucas is dead. Read Saturday's magazine. Very mild still day. Hills Close trees. Told Thomas I expect wet tomorrow.

Sunday. Church at 10.00. Breakfast too late to go. Driving Mist, intended going to Penmaen, weather adverse. Beautiful after 12.00. Walked twice to Cillibion and see cows with baby. Margaret returned from house on Rosy with Susan. Read prayers and chapters in evening.

9th

W Lewis and David sent to Swansea Fair, the former with two horses of Henry's, sold latter with two colts of mine not sold. I ride after, poor fair, little done. Fine brisk pleasant day. Met Dr Howel by Cillibion, Jones's child ill, overtook Mr Phillips going. Met Mr Lucas and asked after his brother Henry, little better, still in danger. Met at fair Holland, Sam Davies, Hancorne, Rolands etc. Home by 5.00. Entered some commissions, disappointed not to meet Henry at Swansea. Letters by post … and enclosing £5.

10th

Rise before 6.00, at Penralt about lime before breakfast. Arrange for lime tomorrow. RH and Phil Long there, Evan Lewis returns home. Tucker returns to work. Wernhalog sale. Carree and I ride to Brynhir, Evans head tied up in a flannel petticoat, samples of butter and tea. Paid David Owen of G for his brother' s car £6, Eaton of Farm passed and read the receipt (?) and pay (?) the money, morning, ergo witness (?). Home by marsh, two hours behind dinner time. Mr Gwynn of Landimore was to have called and pay money for sale. Wrote to Henry by Evan Lewis. Wernhalog sale not over as we returned home. Sowed 12 grains of wheat for men sowing up. Mr Gwynn of Landimore did not come as promised.

11th

Rise at 6.00, work men not arrived till ˝ after. Take level of yard for fall of water and breakfast 8.30. About home all day and Carree out and about too in garden dress and Gloster Boots. Resolved to alter front steps and set about it with David Thomas. Ned of Penclawdd calls with baskets. - buy price 3s. Give him an old hat. Carree paid, repay her. All sorts of jobs about the yard removing the rubbish, building wall gardening (?) hot bed, seeds gathered, beans, radish, leeks. Lime covered, one cart, 10 loads from Robert Harry, just outside of gate. He calls this evening about oats bought at Wernhalog and heifer at Daniel Davy £5. Discover loss of key of gate, 4 Acres, nobody seen it. Bright and Pedro sent to 4 Acres this evening. Fine day, dry and cool.

12th

Up at 6.00, superintend David Thomas putting up front steps. Send after to to Wernhalog, 2 car loads. Ride in car, Carree, Susan, baby, David and all of dogs to Penmaen by Walterston and Nicholaston, call at Watkins. Walk on the burrows and dig plants and home by a beautiful moonlight by … or before. Baby slept there and back. Discover by moonlight that Thomas the Mason has mistaken his measurements in placing steps at front door.

13th

Up before 6.00, did not sleep well. Correct D Thomas mistake in the steps, pulled down and replaced. Tis finished today and done well. Garden: a beautiful day indeed. Plant things procured yesterday Penmaen and cabbage. After dinner go with Carree to post, nothing there, only Moselle between us. Call on Rev. Mr Davies. Home at 6.00 getting cold wind easterly by N. A beautiful eclipse this evening, total, of moon. Commissions for Swansea and write note to Morris wheelwright, cannot pay him.

14th

David and Mrs Richards go to Swansea, take pot of butter, 55lb to Mr Walters, price to be 10d. Write various notes, commissions etc. Mr Gwyn of L sends early a boy with £10, send him a receipt. About home all day improving front of house. Walk out by moonlight, meet in field car returning, things unpacked. Received Cambrian, no letters. Things all safe for once.

16th

Sunday. A very fine day, evening duty. Lounge about after breakfast with Carree and child. Prayers at home. Dine very early, goose. Walked to church with Carree, call at Penralt, Captain G at church. Singing abominable. Went alone to Stafell Haegr, deal of grass remaining. Met Carree and baby on Penralt Hill. Home to tea and bed.

Monday. About home all day trying to improve front of house. Neglect sending to the post. Carree works hard since this began. A dull day after a long series of most beautiful weather. Change seems to be commencing as predicted by the ducks quacking for several days past. Sent 4 pairs of shoes to Jones to be mended. I work from day light to dark daily.

A fiddler beggar.

17th

Not so fine a day, some showers and colder and no sun. Up before 6. Ride to post before breakfast with all the dogs, nothing there. Look at potatoes, Stoneyford, on return. About home all day after David Thomas lays flags to brewhouse. R Jones calls this evening to borrow cart for lime to Nicholaston tomorrow. Some rain this evening. Jane Jones comes to make baby's pelisse.

18th

Barm - Lower Public House - 3d

Three loaves, Mary Thomas. 1/6

Fish - Austin Aberloggy 10d

Rise at 6.30. Wet dull morning clears off and is a fine day. Jones of Llythryd brings an abele tree, plant it in front. Carts take lime for him to Nicholaston, sand. Walk with Carree to village. Barm at the lower house. Bread at Mary Thomas, she ill, and David sent to post with papers. About home all day afternoon. Mr Lloyd calls to ask for help in fire coal tomorrow, wish to help him, cannot, engaged in lime. Can and do help him tomorrow.

19th

Up at 7. Sow peas before breakfast. Tucker plants again early cabbage. All day improving front of house, making road up. Mild, dull day. Mr Nicholls sends present of another hare. Unpack a basket of wine and beer. Baby has had restless nights, today a tooth shown itself and he is better. Endeavoured to read but and too tired. Cut out soles of shoes for baby. Roll vetches up green. Jacky Daniel comes over being out of work with bad hand.

20th

Pickled oysters, 200, 2/6

RH rents of Mill Land £9-9-0

About home all day working in front and looking after labourers, yard wall gets on, risen 1 yd high. Jacky Daniel here, has bad hand. RH called this evening, pay him as above. Two carts of lime, one morning, one evening, 20 loads. Some not half burnt. David sent late to post, nothing there. Carree writes commissions to Swansea by RH. Most beautiful day. Work without my coat, make out Samuel Phillips accounts this evening.

21st

Most beautiful night last and splendid again this morning, summer all day. I am up by sunrise. Baby of … Walk up field before breakfast, spoke of Robin of L to get … to J Bevan of L about money due. About home all day turfing and planning wall. All the colts break out of 4 Acres Meadow and galloped up to Caie Vorgan. Send them and all horses to Stafell Haegr in evening. A strange looking man on the common who does not beg but looked beggarly.

23rd

Sunday, Chapel Sunday. Colder dull doubtful day, some little rain. Dine very early. Carree cannot go to Reynoldston Church, I go. Servants sent to hear Mr Phillips in the evening. Home very late, called at Mr Nicholls, she unwell ….

Monday. By appointment ride to Blaenkedy and the chapel, measure work done there. Thatching and tiling with RH, received at Wernfrood of Richard Jones sale morning £6-5-5. Get wet through, a thorough driving rain after 2.00. Get a good lunch of herrings at Mrs Evans, Ship. Evans of B very ill. Call on Captain Gunthorpe, house repairing fill in. Richards fetched coal from Penclawdd. Harvest and birthday supper this evening, a fiddler and a dance. Henry comes with Lewis unexpected just in time. Up till 12.00, punch. Sleep all, fiddler in barn paid 1/6. Carree unfortunately very unwell.

24th

Not up till 7.30. Wet quiet morning, see the fiddler off, says rats are in barn. Henry here, shoots at Mr Nicholls alone, Mr N not well, brings home hare, rabbit, woodcock, partridge. I at Mrs E's sale all day. Take dinner lunch at Rev. Mr Davis. Miss Ball and Captain Gunthorpe there. Dine at 6.00. Fine day, wind brisk, very cold. Mrs Wilson of Knelston at last pays balance of barley sold February 1836. Received 12/6 Carree too unwell to accompany me to the sale, very unfortunate.

25th

Servants at Mrs E's sale 2s.

Henry leaves this morning for Vale of Towy about 11.00 after looking around the place and tallying his account of our auction sale with my accounts - correct. Again I am at Mrs Edwards sale all day, Carree comes about 2.00. Sale over very late, cold windy day. Take tea with Carree at Mrs Davies the clergyman, ride home in the dark, fortunately fine. Too tired to do anything this evening. Received a letter from William to transfer money at Voss's to my account and to send some to Edmund and the rest to London. Dropped the letter by some accident and had the luck to find it again restored. Begin rick of hay and to cut chaff.

26th

Brisk morning, threatening day. Up early and with some bustle contrive to breakfast at 8.00. Dispatched car and ride to Reynoldston to secure things at sale. RH comes after with a car after some confusion about tubs and barrels. Mrs Lucas etc get home by 2.00, dinner. Poor Toots taken suddenly unwell just before and very ill all evening. Packing and unpacking day gone. Want supper and discover pickled oysters spoilt and pickled fish. Boiler in garden spoilt by being filled with soot and spoilt. Washing. Servants careless and indifferent, quite disgusted. Much driving mist today and rain tonight.

27th

A thorough wet morning. Servants all late and idle, nothing done before 8.00, fire scarcely lighted. Toots better fortunately. About home all day. WR in barn and seeks lost sheep, Black Ground. Cart with David, stones from the common for wall of yard. Send him to post, nothing but bill from Sanguinetti. Tucker plants cabbage from Mrs Nicholls and covers lime on common. Time much occupied with baby who is far from well, teething, and swelled behind the year.

28th

Intend riding to Swansea by appointment. Weather terrible. Make David drive me in the car, plenty of straw and do not get wet. Full of business and commissions, cannot get through half of it. Put up at Rutland Arms. RH do not see him at Swansea. He called at Caie Forgan yesterday and took goose and hare to send to Bristol and was to send me wheat 6W at 7/4 W. Receive of him hind quarter of mutton. Home about 8.00. Get money at bank transmitted to my account and sent 200 to London and wrote to Edmund about money.

30th

Sunday. Evening duty, not at church anywhere. Weather very bad and fever in the village. Servants go to church. Evening less rain and walked to Cillibion field alone and look round the fences and state of wet. Sent to Llewellyn to go to Blaenkedy and Chapel to cart rubbish and stone and slate. Not at home, message left. Read a little of Bible in evening, prayers, day not well spent.

Monday. Wet driving morning. Scarcely out of house. Change rooms to below. Margaret gives notice to leave, cause unhappy. Morgan of Park calls for money for Tucker. Confab on past circumstances. Pay Bowen taxes and Edwards blacksmith in full. Too wet to send Cambrian to post, most driving rain!! Make private accounts balance this morning.

31st

Windy stormy day after a very boisterous night. No one at work. At home in house all morning. Receive letter from Edmund requiring chaff cutter, unkind cut and also demanding immediate payment of 350 to Hoares. Much put out and resolve in haste to quit Gower to get rid of further responsibility in money matters here. Go into EKJ's accounts of money received and paid in May and June last. Walked after dinner with Carree to Mrs Nicholls who is well again. Very wintry and blowing on return. Mr Robert Hancorne of London at Cillibion. Toots not well but better, though little inclined to eat; very ill tonight. Made books to keep accounts in forge.

November

1st (Wednesday)

A boisterous morning after a worse night. The common a flood. Write to Mr Voss to transmit £250 for Edmund to Hoares and send him Cambrian. Intended also to write, want time and not made up mind how to express myself in answer to his not over polite letter. Set down to accounts, review Ted's account in April, May and June for me in Gower. In evening receive a note from Hancorne by son Robert asking payment of balance of sale accounts, pay by draft £3.17 1. Also requires some allowance for letters written, Mr H should have called, knew I wished to see him. Excuse, bad weather, mean to write to him. In the evening I do very little. I am annoyed and tired and fall asleep. Prayers and to bed early. Promises another bad night, have the cows to shelter first time this evening. It proved a terrible night.

2nd

Llewellyn in the kitchen Caie Forgan £1

A most boisterous stormy morning after worse night. This morning severe storms of hail, whitens ground and lies some time. Thunder too!!! Llewellyn calls with apples and pears, 1 ˝ hundred. Give key of 4 Acres and order Colts to Stafell Haegr. With many interruptions at accounts, chiefly Ted's in May and June, arranging same and booking them. Not out of the yard all day. Weather improves this evening and wind subsides. In evening cut out curtains for east parlour where we now sit. Carree hems ditto. Toots much better and sadly wants his hat, muffed to up takes a little turn in yard but not half satisfied.

3rd

Fine morning, still and cool and fine day. Prepared to alter cows stall. About home all morning, and balance and enter some accounts of Ted's kept in my absence and entering now at end of September, see end of this book. Dine early and ride with Carree to post, send nothing, received ditto. Buy barm at Tom Davies's and get his bill receipted (?). Weather promises to improve again. Baby far from well particularly about bedtime but seems better. Young Mr Collins calls in our absence. Wrote to William and Edmund about money matters and some few errands for Swansea. Hear W Anthony is dead!!!!

4th

Assist this morning to remove part of cow stall to the open shed. Cows first tied up there tonight. 2 letters and errands to Swansea by Mrs Harry. Carree and self busy about curtains, get iron rods etc made at forge. Go and superintend. Call on Mr Lloyd about taxes paid by EKJ sat some time there. Ordered a window for chapel, Upper Division. Busy this evening putting up curtains, succeed wonderfully. Received Cambrian. Quiet weather.

Sunday. Poor Anthony buried this morning, morning duty. Am not at church, send servants. Dull doubtful day, dine early and ride to Reynoldstone with Carree. Wait some time there. Sermon 7 candle sticks. A cat in church, a former Sunday a lamb came to the altar. Called on Rev. Mr Davies on return. Have prayers etc in the evening. Ruth breaks a front window.

6th

Mrs Harries at Mrs Gordon's Black Pill by Woodlands for cow and furniture at her sale December last £12-11-6

Dull misty morning, all day dull but fine and warm. Set-to to get potatoes up. Wrote to William about tithe meeting advertised, David went to post. I call on Mr Rollins Junior sat and hour. To Black Pill by crossroads near Miss Tottenham's. Met Snell the keeper, spoke about snares. Called on Captain Wheatley about sale money. Lord James Stewart the brother of Lord Bute. Some conversation of GHE, agreed a rogue. Called and paid as above and home by Sir J Morris's mill. Overtook Mr Lucas, rode to Cillibion. Mr Dodds there, wonderful going home. Dine 4.30. Baby remarkably good. Washing day.

7th

Dull damp morning. Rise at 6.30 and get out to see when men come. Walk over clover field upper to see where water must be let off. More snares found in the hedge. Get potatoes up at home. Go with WR to Stonyford, potatoes fit to come up. Dig ground at home for vetches, help myself to force on men. A Tenby beggar, old mason - 2d. A sheep brought up, a pig ordered to be killed, very small. Mild dull day, wind gets up this evening, full south. Window broken, very inconvenient. Washing and drying to day, nurse the baby and take him out. Carree loses dress ribbons wanted for Bocksa's concert.

8th

Drizzly morning but a working day, fine enough and mild. Kill a pig, 1 ˝ score. Sow vetches north east of orchard. Plant laurel raised at Caie Forgan. All the colts get up from the marsh. Star' s colt leaps the gate from the common. Brew very bad, malt from Samuel Philip. About home all day except calling at Cillibion about Bocksa's concert, all from home, called at Edwards for chapel window. Paid land tax Ishcoed tithe £1-2-0.

Send David with note to Mr Nicholls for car for concert arranged, not well. Mrs Lloyd, bees wax, takes tea. Engaged about papers all the evening and thinking of concert tomorrow.

9th

Bocksa's concert Swansea - 12s.

Sigs. Brizzi and Carrera, Miss Nunn and Mlle Milanollo on violin, eight years only. Driving misty morning, unsettled for work and prepare for Swansea this evening. Dine and tea very early. Mr Nicholls late from town. Borrow the car and start at five for Swansea Bocksa's concert. Hurry in just 2 hours, just in time. Miss Nunn good singer, like Brizzi, little Milanollo very good. Bocksa's surprising, room full. Met Samuel Davies and Mrs D, invited there on Tuesday next. Supper at the Castle and return home by 4.00. David falls asleep in the stable and neglected work, effect of quart of beer.

10th

We were very lucky in weather for Swansea yesterday, fine there and back. In bed very late after 4 in morning, no accidents, no adventures. Samuel David stupified with beer. Up and at breakfast again by 9.00, off hinges all day. Another drizzly morning. Dull dry fog all day, no workmen, sleepy and stupid all day. Tea very early. Enter my accounts and journal. Carree writes to Swaffham and I to George, a long delayed letter and a postscript to Ted, Swaffham.

11th

Beautiful day for November. Letters sent by George Jones's wife. WR early to Penclawdd for coals. WT begins get up potatoes in field job, 1 ˝ of Winchester. Look at him at Stoneyford in way to Stafell Haegr. Pay Jeffrey's daughter for elder berries 1s. Walk over all Stafell Haegr, see the colts, pick acorn's, gather haws at Caie Vorgan. Call at Penralt. RH getting in rush. Phil Long there, return home and dine. Sow again wheat in garden. 3 or 4 rows of b and mark it with a gooseberry cutting. Plant acorn's and look around for snares, none. Baby remarkably well today. Sow bites off a duck's head. Read Saturday's magazine.

13th

Sunday. Evening duty put off, Mr J ill. Mr Phillips at 6.00, no one informed. We were starting and learnt they called in consequence at Mr Nicholls, were going in morning, baby and all and met Mrs N and her baby coming up, soon return. Very fine but cold. Discover cow calving, get her home and calves immediately, this the occupation of all the evening.

Monday. Solving Day (ie) children beg bread and money, various groups, give 1/6.

Wet day, RH calls to collect taxes. Make out the account and settle a running account for lime etc. Learn Mrs Batcock has a sale tomorrow, kept very private, indebted to us too!!!. Wrote to Mr Nicholls about the calf, does not want it. Carree writing to Rev. Mrs Davies in mistake not sent. Make out my tithe book, ready to enter in it.

14th

Doubtful day, Very showery morning. Many hesitations about riding to Mumbles by appointment to Rev. Samuel Davies, go at last moment. Wet just before we arrived there. Carree would have given £5 not to have started and in five minutes after was delighted that we had, horses very comfortable. Two children, Samuel and Richard. Conversation on election, Pile meeting, Colonel Cameron, Penrice treachery etc.

In bed at 12.00.

In morning, Hancorne called, also Mr Nicholls, to go coursing. Sale at village of Batcock's, a trick. RH buys 3 cattle for me as part set off for sale long due.

15th

Up at 8 and out long before others are up. Beautiful morning and all day, great alterations making. Buy 2 round pretty baskets - 4d. Mr Davies makes Toots a present of a small one. Took cold dinner there after walking over the farm, Devonshire sheep very reasonable, farm in good order. Get some Jerusalem artichokes and promised some very large potatoes called Horses Legs. Return home by a Kittle Hill, very cold, sharp frost. Aurora Borealis, do not see it, find that Toots has caught a severe cold, the consequence of one night's absence. Had a regular day at potatoes, women plough etc. Mrs Davies of Reynoldsstone and Church unfortunately call in our absence, no bread.

16th

Fine day. Give old mother Hughgate 1d

Am at and about home all day, was up early to arrange about potatoes. Cart home and cart out manure to mix a compost. Am at Cillibion field, potatoes, at Stoneyford ditto.Women employed yesterday all desert except Hannah. A sheep course to kill got out of bounds. Carree caught cold yesterday and in bed late. Walked with Carree to village in evening. W David about baby's chair etc. Wife there only, American glass etc. Sat a little time at Penralt to inquire about a servant. Make out tithe book in evening for 1837.

17th

Most beautiful day. Kill a sheep. Resolved to take advantage of fine weather to go together to Swansea tomorrow. At home in house, writing and reading till dinner, make out tithe book for 1837. After dinner ride to post, call on the Balls and on Mr Rev. Davies, he out. Express regrets at our absence when she called on Wednesday, a mistake about a note sent to her about the concert, then to the post and galloped home very cold. Observer paper from Jane, London City feast. Amuse ourselves with its details in evening and prepare for tomorrow. RH calls, going to Swansea, give commissions and send sheep skin, intend being there also.

18th

What a change of weather, how unlucky, unforeseen. A rainy morning, we risk it and start late for Swansea, lucky no rain going there. Arrived at 1.30. Pay bills commissions and errands. No dinner, sup at home. Wet on return, clears off at Killay Hill. Mr and Miss Gordon overtake us, ride with them and Mrs M Jenkins, kills the dreary ride. RH brings things home. Much wet at Swansea, drizzly rain. No accidents, altogether fortunate in weather, see tomorrow. However, Carree caught bad cold and no wonder.

20th

Sunday. Chapel duty, wet day, very boisterous. No church for us, servants go to village in evening. Mr Collins does duty, could not call. Had prayers and a sermon this evening at 10 night. Discover house open and Robert Batcock at no good in the stall with Margaret, more of this tomorrow lucky discovery.

Monday. Carree very unwell, cold. Stormy day, send paper to Edmund, postman very late and waited there 1 hour. Mr Lucas and daughter there too. Receive letter, George in Wales, receive paper. Mr Morgan elected surgeon of house. Dine at one, saw Tucker working, rode again to Stafell Haegr. Turned colts on to lattermath, put pony up at F Thomas's! Spoke to Phillips about his bad malt. Tea at 5.00a.m., very tired in the evening, do nothing worth mentioning. Rainy day.

21st

About home in morning balancing accounts. Oysterman calls. Lodge sale, go at 12, call at J Edward glazier, Chapel window done. Call at blacksmith about gate hinges, Lucas of Leason there, now to the sale. Get bank book of sale through Hancorne. J and C Collins there, buy a pony for £3.10s to pay in … J Morris speaks about Penmaen rent,

Willing to give £50 per annum. Mr Holland dines with us, Mr Hancorne was to have gone through sale account with me. Writes word going home, can't attend. Ask the Mr Collins to lunch here, decline, not sorry, working day. Up late attending to the child, awake till past 11.00. Cold stormy sort of day, RH brings pony home.

22nd

A very dull dry foggy day and driving wind. At home all day, write to George Alltygog. Receive letter from William, tithe meeting, accounts etc. Paint a little sketch Swaffham. Toots surprises us by walking alone. Received note Mr Collins about tithe commutations Ilston. A curious case of Hydrophobia at Middlesex Hospital, a tailor. David Thomas cleans flue of boiler. Sent David to post.

23rd

A boisterous night and worse morning with heavy rain. Tithe meeting at Penclawdd, must go. Clears off just in time. Am punctual. Colonel Cameron and son and Penrice there, nothing done till 3.00. Make a first call on Mrs McMechan, apologise for Carree not calling as intended. Pleasant woman, neat cottage. The meeting voted informal and private, an offer made of £350 not clear of rates and taxes. The foundation of this valuation not given to me, a secret. Obtain a partial copy of their resolutions and make minutes of the meeting on back of it and hold out no prospect of its being accepted. Some desultory conversation followed. Brushed up Mr T Gordon about road Welsh Moor, he seconded the tithe resolution. Spoke to Howel John about paying sale money and to meet about accounts generally. Home by Marsh, call at Penralt for account book of 1835, obtain it. RH and Howel John made a £150 of the tithes. Home by 5.30, tea and oysters and commit my memorandums (?) to paper. R Gordon, Friday, brings up beef being half a heifer tongue and mort.

24th

Beautiful day till dusk then heavy and steady rain. Awfully dark over Llanelli, very mild. J Grant calls at breakfast time in above. At home all day, finish Lower Division of new tithe book, copy Mr Lloyd's Land tax assessment paper for the hamlets. Dine and go with Carree to Penralt, call on F Thomas about renting Stafell Haegr for WR. Mr Thomas Gordon on return from coursing with a hare has a desultory conversation about tithe and a proposal to agree for the separate divisions. Wet begins on our return home. Carree rode in evening. Go through the bank sale book to find out who are still in arrear. Make a list of defaulters and send to I G Hancorne Swansea. Commissions for Swansea by RH. Not in bed till 12. Nothing at post.

25th

Another beautiful morning, mild and sunny. Up by 8. Mr Lloyd called as to killing a steer, defer for a fortnight. Did not intend to have gone out all day, meaning to attend to accounts as to the tithes compromise but Carree beguiled me to stroll out with the child. Discover at gate all the colts but Bright's come up from Stafell Haegr, thinking some accident start off to ascertain. Go to potato field and send Llewellyn. View from Penralt Hill, all well and return to dine in evening. Call at blacksmith to see David at work about hinges for the gate etc and also at Mrs Nicholls to inquire for a servant and to request them to take a leg of mutton being over stocked with meat. Send it in the evening. Hear of several chances of servants. RH calls down in evening, on return from Swansea, brings Cambrian, no letters and brings Carree's bonnet from Castle Inn, clogs etc. No news. Some markets a little lower, potatoes cheap. Threatening frost, wind northerly, clouds over later and will be wet.

27th

Sunday. Evening duty, wet driving day, like last Sunday. Not out of house all day or any of the household. Morning prayers at home. Goose for servants dinner. Read Cambrian, opening of Parliament and read 10 chapters of Kings Solomon's Temple. Prayers again in evening. Wind and rain subside a little.

Monday. Up at 7.30, arrange work. Potato carrying. Strolling music - 3d. Set to at accounts. Mr Ball and son Timothy call. Sit some time, lunch. Morning broken up. Send Cambrian to post by them and do not send to post. David engaged carting potatoes. After dinner go with Carree to Mrs J Edwards about a servant, no chance; also to Mrs Lloyd's who is to inquire at Penrice tomorrow. David gets a course with puppies in Mr Lloyd's field. Idle and unsatisfactory day. In the evening fully occupied in accounts, wind gets up again.

28th

4lbs fish of Webb breakfast time 1s.

RH calls up about entering up the tithes for this year, inconvenient. Want to write to William before we begin. Howel John calls as promised, go through his account of sale money, timber and etcs. A day's work with a little canvassing over of the late tithe meeting. … George's notion that Penrice did more harm than good, quite correct, at tithe meeting and will do more. 2 sheep turned to the Upper Field to fat. Walk with Carree and RH to top of field after being prisoner all day. Inquire of RH about new servants. Copy of Howel John's book of tithe for 1828 in the evening. Fine day carrying potatoes, cold at night.

29th

Dressed by 8.00, beautiful day. All day at home and nearly in house going through Howel John's books of time for 1829, 30 and 31. Difficult to comprehend. D Thomas returns to work at wall. Mrs Lloyd calls to recommend a servant, seems likely to suit from Penrice. RH also sends one, relation of Thomas the tailor, a pretty little girl likely to do. Susan Glumpy. Carree rides alone to post, nothing to go or bring back. WR chance of house seems scarce, must manage somehow, promised chance of some alteration of new building at Stafell Haegr in spring. Am very tired this evening, at 10.00 night wind gets up in the south, what will tomorrow be? Wet?

30th

Dull misty morning, drizzly driving day. Margaret leaves our service this evening, Carree settled her accounts and paid the money.

Paid Grove for 20 moles caught about home at 2 ˝ d each 2/6

David Thomas for work replacing lead by Williams of Leason 1836 3/-

About home all day, a day differently spent from what I wished. Mason here, carpenter here, place is so unfinished can do nothing to advantage. Want yard closed, want gates hung to divide fields. So wet neither carpenter or mason can work to advantage. Leave off and set both jobs about the house, one to place mantelpiece, the other put shelves and mend floor in servants room. Time much occupied with both and sending Llewellyn after sand and coal borrowed Mrs Nicholls, write to Hancorne as to James Clark sale account, some mistake, and to send D Bowen to settle. Wind very high again this evening.

December

1st (Friday)

Beautiful day, hardly out of house all day. Writing to William, calculations of tithe for commutation. F Thomas putting up chimney piece, very troublesome, obliged to help. W David here. Send WR for sand. Am up before daylight. Forge engaged … send David with colts Stouthall and a bill of sale 1836. In evening go see WT potato field and arrange for tomorrow. RH calls this evening, pay him long bill. Disappointed in servant coming from Penrice. Baby very happy and noisy all day. Enter all accounts in evening and write to William. Carree writes to Jane.

2nd

Up by day break. D Thomas finishes black mantelpiece, help him. Finish a long letter to William as to income of tithe for commutation. Carree writes to Jane and gives explanation of binding Saturday magazine. Dine early and then I go to Swansea 1.45 to put the letters in post and see about sale money still unpaid. Met Hancorne at Cambrian office and again at C Collins. Long conversation about sale money, promises to see me on Monday. Execute few commissions, mail very late, tired of waiting and go off. Had long conversation with Frank Price survey … about Colonel Cameron and Duke of Beaufort lawsuit and GHE; no doubt the latter behaved ill. Put up at Jenkins Price' s. Home by 9.00, glad to get supper and tired enough. Gave Mr Drew his bill of sale for £23.12 0 to Mr Walters, Met William Allen and George William, wife, threatened both with law in default of payment. The former a sly fellow and I think in bad way, sent several notes by RH.

4th

Sunday. The go alone to church at 10. Only 10 people there, others flocking in to the end of sermon. Sacrament Sunday, do not stay. Walked to Stafell Haegr, plenty of keep for colts. RH comes. Jos. Clarke comes to see me about the sale money. Home to dine and go to Reynoldston Church with Carree. Stay tea at Rev. Mr Davies and have conversation about tithe commutation. Home late very cold. Wind east.

Monday. Beautiful day and ride with Carree to Oxwich, call on Mr Berrington's for first time. Ride through Oxwich village, inquire about servant, Carree gave 6d. Over a new country to Horton, beautiful ride although we lose ourselves. Near Bury get to Mr Thomas Gordon's farm, by Scurlage and home by Reynoldston. Call at post, letter from Edmund. May keep chaff cutter, Mrs Jenkins of RR calls to see baby and stays tea. Mr Hancorne and Mr Nicholls ditto. Go through the accounts of sale with Hancorne to tally payments, up till 12.00, very cold. Ann Lewis, new servant, came.

5th

Very sharp frost and my potatoes not half in. Am up by daylight, order pig killed and arrange work. Read Cambrian and join Mr Nicholls and Hancorne coursing, kill a hare and dogs eat it. Hancorne goes to a sale, I home to dine at 1o'clock and at home all remainder of day. Very dull and very cold, threatens snow in my opinion. In Norfolk I think they are deluged with snow. Carree making a baby's gown. Baby in high feather and very entertaining. I amuse him and he me. Take up the dahlias and discover moles and hares do infinite mischief in garden.

6th

RH sends up early for loan of horses and plough for wheat, can't possibly lend them, must carry potatoes, fear of weather. Do carry from Cillibion. Guy calls from Blaenkedy, mason there wants stone and rafters for dairy. Ride there in consequence and Carree accompanies. Cold east wind and dull. Call on Mrs McMeehan [22], Carree's first visit and gave Neddy, a boy, to hold horses 6d. Invite to Mrs McMeehan to see us Thursday. Carree rides to Brynhir and I to Blaenkedy and measure work to order rafters etc. Order same at Penclawdd of Griffith Thomas, stop at Mrs Evans, Ship, some little time. Fix tithe day and return to dine at 7 instead of 4.00. Tired in the evening and do little or nothing. Bed early, prayers for servants first but so cold can't get to sleep. Expect snow in morning. Heifer strayed away again.

7th

Very sharp frost. About home all day, drive cows to Cillibion and see potatoes got up, good crop. Return, garden a little, sift ashes over my peas. Carree busy preparing for tomorrow. Arranged to send Llewellyn to Blaenkedy with slate and Chapel window. Carry baby to Mrs Lloyd's to see if there is an ox killed there, no. Home to tea, David brings cattle up from 4 Acres. Enter my accounts etc in evening. Carree finishes baby's red frock, nearly. Llewellyn takes load of slates in evening to Blaenkedy and sleeps there.

8th

Very mild morning, dark and gloomy. Heavy snow ending in wet comes on. Prevents finishing potatoes Cillibion. About home all in a fuss on account of weather. Expecting Mrs McMeehan, her first visit to dinner and stay tonight, what's to be done. Prepare for her, she comes and all goes well except parlour smokes horribly, marble spoilt in placing up. Send pork to Reynoldston, received papers, account of fire at Tulsmore House. Letter from Swaffham and Jane; Mr Walker dead, Northampton. Talk over village politics to a very late hour. Change sleeping room and sleep with baby, an odd bedfellow!! Mrs Richards not very well. D Collin for applies for work, servant engaged from Oxwich.

9th

Very sharp frost and very fine day, about home all morning, show Mrs McMeehan these extraordinary premises. Read paper and play with baby. Dine at lunch in about 3.00. Mrs McMeehan returns, accompany her to end of village. I walk, Carree rides Moselle. Inquire about Stafell Haegr cottage, little prospect to obtain it, endeavour to find out if little Wernhalog may be had, can't harm, return and tea. Baby washed this evening. Llewellyn returns from Penclawdd with coal late after two days at Blaenkedy.

11th

Sunday. Called on Mr Nicholls with Carree and baby, met Mr & Mrs Hancorne who walk there. Dine early and to church in evening with Carree, sat some time at Penralt, arranged with I G [23] to go shortly to Worm's Head, Thursday, if no Cambrian. Read Mr James James appointment to living Cardiganshire. Read in the evening part of Kings and had prayers.

Monday fine day.

Penrice fair gloves 1/8

Holly to thrash 1/9

Cakes 9d

Mr Voss of Nicholaston called for character of Margaret Jones, delayed me. Lunch for dinner. Ride to post, get Cambrian and late to the fair. Had talk with Mr George about the tithe meeting, little done at fair, met Hancorne and settled with William Allen that money must be paid for auction sale, promises in fortnight. Rode home with Hancorne and Jones of Llytherid. Read the Cambrian in the evening.

12th

Penclawdd pony boy - 1d. Washing day, could not arrange to go to Swansea with Carree, thought to go round by Penclawdd. Hear Philip is going tomorrow. Ride with RH to Penclawdd and Blaenkedy, intended going to pay land tax at 3 Crosses, no time. Survey masons work at Blaenkedy, rafters for roof infamous, send them back and return to Penclawdd to order more. Select a piece of baulk 24 ft for the purpose with Griffith Thomas. Lunch at Mrs Evans who has hot apples for me. Home by marsh and dine at 5. RH here yesterday morning with Penrice gloves, says Penrice rode with him Saturday from Swansea and owned enough was not offered for tithes at the late meeting, did not know RH.

13th

Still beautiful weather and child in excellent health. About home all day, greyhound ill, distemper, physic her. Whitewash my apple trees, hares attack them. Ironing day. Put young horse in harness to cart. Take in old rick, no mice. Read some of Monastery. Receive 2 papers and a letter franked Dr de la Warre from Fred. Wood, boot maker, dead, am sorry. Disappointed in communication with Swansea.

14th

I am up by daylight. Hannah goes early to Swansea on Star on the union business. About home all day. I Grant was to have called to go shooting choughs, does not come. Place gate post for yard entrance, get the angles. Mr P Evans calls, a present of two woodcocks, make him dine. Cox the keeper calls with George Harries for payment of wood. Ask the former to kill a chough if he would. Evans gives me a pro and con account. Read The Monastery after his departure in evening. There was a shower, gets fine again.

15th

Quiet dry morning, stormy wet day. Engaged at Mrs McMeehan's to dine, first visit must go. Much deliberation, thought to send excuse, borrow Mrs Nicholls car and go late and take baby. Spend a pleasant evening and not home till 2.00. Marsh road very dangerous, very inconvenient to be out so late and obliged to send to Swansea tomorrow, no commissions ready. Lucky warm weather and rain holding off. Baby hears a donkey bray and shows fear. Bore his journey manfully.

16th

David off early to Swansea and no commissions given, I am bound to go. Heavy driving rain from southeast holds up at one. I start, clothe against rain and find it very hot and close in Swansea. Many commissions, spoke to FH at Gower Inn and home very tired. Slept on horseback. Sup at 9.00, very mild, no rain going or returning, most fortunate. Am glad get to bed.

18th

Sunday very wet, misty. No church till dark, do not go. Prayers at home. Regular duty to begin at Chapel by Mr Lloyd, paid by clerical fund.

Monday about home, winnow 13 W.O. Tucker begins to force sea kale and rhubarb and to make fence north of cow shed and take up mangold wurzel. Wind too high to take in mowing of B. Read Monastery in evening.

19th

Pleasant sort of dull morning, comes on damp and ends in thorough wet. Were about to begin paper, Mr Rev. Berrington returns my call in way to Carmarthenshire. Detained by wet, dines and sleeps here. Two men in barn: David and Richards jobs. I know not what. In house all the evening, do nothing but talk. Refused to lend Mrs Batcock cart, her son not behaved well. Tomorrow she sends up flour, 3 W of W, price 1-2-0.

20th

Another wet day and driving wind. Rev. Mr Berrington returned home and does not go to Carmarthenshire. At home all day, parlour smokes dreadfully. RH calls, enter up his agreements for tithes, Upper and Lower Divisions. Dine early. Butter knife mysteriously lost from Carree's work box, found afterwards [24]. Finish Monastery in the evening. Receive from Neath letter Mr Powell, Polly accepts invite. Mr Brough sends in his account by post. W David brings up his account. Has not got the accounts of measure of timber for chancel of chapel. More timber bought than used and some of it went after to Cil Ivor.

21st

15 herrings, Williams Leason 1/-

Beautiful day, fortunately up by day break. W Rees calls and plays his tithes, going to Illinois. Pay him back instead of dinner 1/3

Nurse baby after breakfast, carry to see cows at Cillibion before 1.00. Dress and start for Penclawdd tithe meeting. Mr Talbot, Colonel Cameron and Penrice, Thomas Thomas there and 20 others. £350 again offered with all charges. Have no authority to say anything, state so and no more, so nothing done. Meeting passed off quiet enough. Home by dark to dinner, had sent David to Swansea for letters, none received answer at Penclawdd. Am very tired in the evening. Silver butter knife not found but found some days after.

22nd

Begin papering upstairs room. Wettish day but people work. No tidings of butter knife, am helping Carree paper room all day, make poor beginning. In evening, write commissions for Swansea. RH kills another little pig, 28lb. Send tomorrow 3W of tithe B, Gellihir, to market. Write to William about tithe meeting, to Edmund in answer to his letter, to Tom Powell about Polly, and to bed late.

23rd

Help Carree to paper upstairs room, get on very well. After dinner at forge to get iron necessary to padlock door of cow stall to prevent night courtiers [25] and thieves. Lock it up for first time. Paper again till 10.00. Supper and to bed tired enough.

25th

Sunday. Driving Welsh mist. Not able to get to church or out of the house. Read Bible with Carree in the evening and have prayers at home.

Monday. Christmas Day. Breakfast early to go to church at Ilston. Call at Llytherid and discovered church is in the evening. Return, alter dinner, send David to post who injures Rosy in the flank seriously. Received note to pay rent Abercedi. Ride to church, Ilston, in evening and stay tea. See them dine, long talk with Mr Collins about tithes commutation. Ask them to dine January 1st, engaged. Miss Lucas there. Return home by 10.00 in drizzly rain and very dark.

26th

A pleasant mild day. Busy papering upstairs room, hope to finish. Rev. Mr Davies of R and son Morris call, glad to see them though great interruption. Show him over the follies of this place. I Grant called, settle to go chough shooting on Thursday. Dined on round of beef. Mr Davies declined staying. In evening very busy papering till very late and not in bed till 12.00.

27th

Mild doubtful morning, pleasant dull day. All morning in house papering, finish upstairs room. Samuel Phillips, farmer calls, settle accounts, sale and for malt. Mr William Collins called to invite to dinner at his aunt's Miss Lucas, January 1st 1838. Mrs Richards at wedding Frog Lane. David Thomas and son here at wall. W Richards begins drain for yard. Received tongue and heart sent … by Francis Thomas.

28th

Two rabbits near Worm's Head. 1/3

Pony is shod Llanmadock 1/-

Mr George for Mr Talbot quits. Beautiful day, by appointment I Grant takes breakfast and we go shooting below Llangennech [26]. He rides colt, shoes loose, great delay, no sport. I buy 2 rabbits. We have no right there. Want badly to get a chough for H Dugmore, Swaffham. Birds very wary, can't succeed. Man named Rees promises to gets me one and take to Swansea. Home by dark very tired, not used to a day's shooting. Eat no dinner but bread and cheese and beer at Frog Lane. I Grant here till 10.00. Send broth by him to Tom Philip.

29th

Not so favourable a day, fine morning, wet evening. Am writing to Swaffham, can't finish in time for post. Ride there myself and get wet through on return. Nothing there, met Mr Davies and called at his house, does not wish to take veal next week. Masons go home. Send for coals tomorrow by David. Carree repays Mrs Richards and pays David for coat 5s. Finish letter to Swaffham and doctor horses and dogs. Clear night.

Paid William Thomas, Crofty, poor rate £6.15 0 by draft on bank. Long talk about coal Penclawdd.

30th

Pig killed 12 score.

Ride to Swansea, nothing sent to sale. Overtake Eaton of Farm [27]. Mr Nicholls overtakes me on Fairwood. Both talk on tithe question, valuations of parish etc. Tom Gordon going to leave the parish he says, all joke. Missed to get my chough at Swansea. Met Mr J Davies. Accidentally learn Henry Munday is in town, how altered, been long ill. Ride home with Mr P Evans, get covered with mud, roads in horrid state. Overtake Mr Gwyn of L, promises to pay his sale money and that Mr Rice of Willixstone will also. Favourable weather to ride home after very heavy rain in Swansea. Insurrection in Canada. For Sunday see January 1st 1838.

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