Charles Morgan's Diary, 1838

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January

1st

Sunday: last day of 1837. Carree rides, I walk, to church by 10.00 - Sacrament Sunday. Neptune, our large puppy dog, comes in, great annoyance. Turn him out and tie him up at Penralt, breaks loose and in again, obliged to leave church. In consequence walk to Stafell Haegr and see after the Colts during sermon, an hour long. Return with Mrs Nicholls. Carree tries to teach servants to sing in evening.

Monday - beautiful beginning of New Year. Walk to village to attend meeting about a poor woman lunatic, all settled yesterday. Return home and ride with Carrie at 2.00, many difficulties to surmount, Rosy being injured, to Swansea. Lovely ride. Dine at Miss Lucas's just in time. Mrs and Mr Collins and son and Mrs Symonds. Pleasant evening, return at twelve, home by 2.30. Beautiful starlight. Carree very tired and nigh to faint before in bed. Toots up but well on return.

2nd

Rose at 9.00, tired with yesterday. Carree done up and not up till 11. Cold brisk dull morning, masons finish yard wall to the gate post, confused work to supply them with materials. WR and Tucker get clots for gateway between fields. Mrs Nicholls and Hancorne call, send them celery and receive present of two guinea pigs for Mr Toots from Robert Hancorne. Washing day!! Evening by 3.00, sets in quite wet in evening. Into accounts and arrange papers, new and old year. Glue broken dish. Not unwilling to get to bed early. Carrie begins writing to Clara, many letters to be set going.

3rd

Rise before daylight, not a servant up. Very showery morning, not a bad day. Write to Colonel Cameron and Talbot about tithe meeting tomorrow, shall not attend if no letter to day. Ride to post and send my letters. Received Times in which read death of Mrs Newton and poor Thales Fielding, very sorry indeed, my best friend, cannot resist tears. In evening, write to chairman of tithe meeting and send it by David to Jeffreys, Penralt. Barm 3d. Carrie not over well, writes to Clara. No getting clothes dried. Began to read ‘The Abbott'. Caught Susan with Batcock late at night.

4th

Most beautiful day. Tithe meeting at Penclawdd, do not attend, nothing to communicate. Cart a little earth and make other attempts with Tucker to improve front of house. Carry baby myself to Penralt. Want Robert Harry to kill a calf and two sheep. Return together and meet Mr Pearce, says he is coming to call and does so. About home all day except as above. Letter writing in the evening. Very large halo round moon in early part of evening.

5th

A bustling sort of day for Swansea tomorrow. Borrow winnowing machine of Mr Nicholls, winnow 6w ty 13 (and 12 home-grown sent to Swansea). Make little progress in improving road to house, stone and gravel. David Thomas places coping stones tank shed. Fine day but much cooler than yesterday. I am up by day break before breakfast, open passage for cart by taking up shrubs - scrubs. In evening busy writing commissions and reflecting on day and distant friends. Write to my mother.

6th

WR and wife and Susan off early to Swansea with calf, one sheep and half and 12

WB. Resolve myself to go to Swansea, start late. Call on Miss Lucas, met William Collins, pay him for a pony ‘Logick' £3.10. 0. Spoke to Captain Wheatly about sale money. Met Hancorne, Cherry Gordon about. Tithe meeting. Met Mrs Munday, Mrs Collins spoke to Mr Stroud about insurance. No choughs again. Calf sold for two guineas. Buy porter, whisky at Clarks. Great many things to get home, am home again by 6.00. Ride with old Jenkins of Manselfold, fine old fellow to get along.

8th

Sunday. Sharp frost, up late. Breakfast late, dine early. Church at 2. Mrs Jones there for a wonder. Sermon on death. Carrie sings psalms in evening, lessons to servants. Read Cambrian and to bed early.

Monday. Very sharp frost indeed. Up early to send parcel to London and write notes and letters. Scarcely from house all day. Finish letter to my mother, write to Henry and F Fielding. Send parcel, goose, turkey, ham by postman. Write to Sam Davis, propagation of Gospel. Enter accounts and arrange tithe books for Wednesday. Cannot keep warm by fire side and coal done. Club night and servants out very late. Carree to bed early.

9th

Very sharp frost again, not up very early being up till past 12 last night. W Richards, W Tucker and David coming home past 11.00 drunk from the Benefit Club. Horses and everything neglected. Go out and quell the disturbance and to avoid chance of the premises being burnt down. Richards very boisterously talkative and lets out today he is not able to get up and puts me out about work, prevents sending to Penclawdd. Want coal too. Commence, not soon enough, to carry out dressing on pasture Cillibion all day. See flock of G Plovers, take my gun, no shot. Snow storms, wintry day. Dine late, 4 and not 1. Neglect toad-in-the-hole, write to Colonel C for Tucker, D Bowen calls and pays some account of sale 1836. Thomas Stephens pays his tithes in the evening. Busy about books for tithe audit tomorrow.

10th

Neddy for a basket – 10d

Tithing day at Penclawdd and my book not quite ready. Push along and get through the day well, payments good. Called at Bryn Hir with Carrie and met her again at Mrs McMechan's. Took tea there and home, a beautiful moonlight, by 12.00 with David and RH. Roads iced, very dangerous riding. Mrs Richards leaves Caie Vorgan and goes to Leason.

11th

Count my money and prepare books and papers for second day tithing in village for the Lower Division, payments not bad - for payments made on my account part of tithe see Monday 22nd instant. Walked home in the evening with Mr Nicholls, beautiful evening. It is very remarkable that the nights are warmer and pleasanter than the days - frosty yet mild and …

12th

Glad to have a respite being confined and bothered for two days in collecting tithes. Enough to do to count the money and give receipts and prevent all kind of cheating. Put up my money and papers and look to men and work etc. going on. Making one day equal to one and a half. Mrs McMechan and Miss Williams dine here, miserable dinner, turkey spoiled - sent up with crop in. Disgusted with a new cook who knows nothing. Mrs Nicholls comes in evening, we play at cards. Returned home in evening with many a joke at our expense no doubt.

13th

I Grant sends up half a pig, about 7 score. Very cold indeed, do not go to Swansea. Send for Cambrian and post by Mrs Batcock who makes a mistake and buys me one, consequently I get 2, a 2nd post on Monday. Busy today in making out my tithe money and packing it up to carry to the bank. Seal it up and mean to take it on Monday. At intervals walk out to see how work carting out manure goes on and at intervals read ‘The Abbott'. Mr Talbot sends to ask me to shoot at Leastonwick, decline, no certificate. A great compliment on his part!!

15th

Sunday. Church at 10.00, very cold. Carree not ready in time, all hurry, go. Litany and other parts of service ommitted. Mrs Jones for once in church again. Out by 11.30, walk to Stafell Haegr. Baby dines at Penralt, met him there. Church again at 6 in evening, send servants. Carrie again gives singing lessons. I read the Cambrian, shame on me!!!

Monday. Very wintry day, east wind and snowy. After many doubts borrow Mrs Nicholls car and drive to Swansea, take my money, some commissions and make calls. Mrs Symonds - lunch there and tea at Castle, home late.

16th

A much pleasanter day though still frost, about home all day. Nothing particular occurs. By appointment we take tea at Mrs Nicholls and sup there, quite a grand supper!! Mr Talbot sends them a hare and, I hear, sends me a hare and pheasants, the first present of the kind. Received two letters last night, one from William, one Samuel Davies, went to the post.

17th

Hear Westlake decamped from Swansea yesterday, one rogue the less.

Still sharp frost, fully intended to sit down to my tithe books and set receipts and expenses straight. I Grant calls after breakfast and brings present of two snipe and want (s) powder and shot and promises me good snipe shooting if I go out, am tempted and do so. Firstly by the moor a few ducks and but few snipe. Go to the Marsh, kill three snipe, one dotrill (sic) and a teal. Get long shot at a chough, a wary bird. Never see one but think of Henry Dugmore. Dine at 4.00. Hopkin John being here with three W's of malt, one Greg Thomas called for rents for Miss Popkins, for what? To be paid on Saturday. Read papers in evening, Royal Exchanges burnt to the ground a week ago. Invited to the Collins tomorrow.

18th

Very cold indeed, wind in our teeth riding to Ilston. Fully intended making my journal and account books clear, in arrears since Wednesday last, but no, Carree must have new stair carpet put down, a morning's occupation til undress to start to Ilston, dined there at 5.00. Mr Higgs and son there, the latter from King's College, London. Conversation very general. Mr J Bevan's ironmonger Swansea … drink the good health Mr -- if you please etc amusing enough! Retire at 12.

19th

Another bitter cold day. Return home by 2.00. Mr Higgs and W Collins blackbird shooting. Carrie and I very cross that we gave nothing to the servants. Invite Mr William Collins to shoot and dine on Monday next. Lucas sends 4 score 16lb of beef. Two men in barn. No particular work else doing. Begin to read life of Sir T Lawrence. Send commissions for Swansea by Hannah to RH, write some accounts. Tis very cold wind, brisk. Rode to post, on return from Ilston, note from Colonel Cameron as to W Tucker.

20th

Extremely cold and sharp wind. In house all day reading life of Sir T Lawrence, very interesting. Thermometer in porch … at 28. Several jugs and bottles in bedrooms broken by frost ie ice. Baby has now just learnt to pronounce ‘mam-mar'. ‘Pappa' he long ago acquired. He has just taken to draw lines on the marble and windows first putting his finger in his mouth by way of luck. I should be delighted to make him … a Lawrence.

22nd

Sunday. Cold thaw, rain west - south east. Not at church or out of the house. Sunday Ill spent, read the lessons and life of Sir T Lawrence. Mr Pearce declines dinner here tomorrow.

Monday. Mild thaw, doubtful morning, some rain. Clears up mild. Mr W Collins does come as agreed to shoot and puts us out of doubt. Rev. J Davies does not come. Go shooting on marsh and home by Leason. Shoot nothing, see nothing but one woodcock. Come home to a good dinner by 6.00. Sent to ask Mr Collins, the father, to join us, did not come, a good dinner thrown away. Not in bed till 12.00. Some talk of rugby.

23rd

W Collins intends to go home, persuade him to shoot and stay till tomorrow. Go over common shooting ducks, got none and miss a hare. Discover sheep on turnips, great annoyance. Dine at six. Play dummy casino in evening. RH calls in evening about things sold at market. Settle the account as above. A mild day, regular thaw, wet and muddy. Frost again at night.

24th

A very sharp frost and cutting wind. W Collins shoots, we go by Welsh Moor, Pengwern etc. Kill a hare, see a solitary snipe. I order wheat at Llytherid Road. Receive several papers and bills by post. Very tired after three days shooting. Read a little of The Abbott in evening. Meant to have done many things but neglect them.

25th

White world - just, and some snow all day. WR off early to Cocket for coal. Fully intended giving Maria warning, do not because vexed that David broke my gun rod, cleaning gun. He hides himself at forge, at 4.00 goes to mill with three WW from Llytherid and not home till 11.00!!! Question, some wedding going on. Animals not fed or bedded down, colts out on common at night. Mend my ram rod and glue desk. Doll has met an injury, Llewellyn tells me. I not out of house. Robert Hancorne calls about letter received from Queen Anne about … . Write to Hancorne, do nothing this day that I intended. Up late, David not home. Not in bed till past 12.00. David home tired and all the horses etc to be bedded and fed. Help him, Richards having gone home and left all undone.

26th

Take advantage of this sharp frost and sally out with I Grant shooting on marsh. David left my gun wet having broke cleaning rod. Killed several snipe, duck and heron. Miss a woodcock. Called at Mr Gwyn, Landimore, first time. Had some good beer. Mr Tom Powell brings Polly from Neath, he dines and hastens home, will not take a bed. Brings us two pheasants and dried salmon and makes us promise to visit him. Mr Gordon of Wibley sends a goose, we buy to accommodate him. Write commissions for Swansea, send 7 cwt hay to the castle.

27th

David off early to Swansea with 7 cwt hay to Castle Inn and to bring home luggage from London. Take my gun about 1.00 in expectation of ducks on common. Meet I Grant, traverse all the common and find nothing. Home tired, no dinner. Tea and meat, Carrie and Polly having dined this morning. Read a London paper, subject Canada. Cook Marie Ace finds excuses for all her faults and in consequence give her notice to quit, she has not one good quality. In the evening read more of Sir Thomas Lawrence Life. David, to my surprise, brings home the luggage often inquired for, being six weeks in Swansea.

29th

Sunday. Cold dismal day. Read Cambrian. Church at 10, cannot get ready in time, not out of house all day. Write to Aunt Mabbott. Polly Powell walks in evening with Susan to village, caught in rain coming home. How often weather changes on Sunday. Maria Ace goes home and returns tomorrow. Gave beggar 1d.

Monday. Fine thaw, heavy shower, spring like day. Mild day, heavy shower in morning. Meant to set down to papers, finish letter to Uckfield. Wild ducks on clover, miss to get one. Ride with Polly Powell to post, she nearly meets an accident, saddle turns. Postman gone. Ride to Penrice Castle, leave letter and papers. Met Mr Ball on the hill, wants pork. Called on Rev. Mr Davis, children had scarlet fever, recovering. Home again, unpack luggage from London, settle David's account of Swansea on Saturday. Receive a letter from poor Fred Fielding on his brother's death.

30th

To Penclawdd beggar women - 6d

Great many wild ducks on pond, common near house. Can't get at them, don't try. Unpack chest of drawers arrived from London. Assist Walter Tucker to improve road etc to front of house. In evening read aloud some 100 pages of life of Sir Thomas Lawrence when on continent, very interesting. Though no frost yet very cold. Baby very good all day, very naughty at night, perhaps teething again.

31st

Surprised by a chough from Mr Pearce this morning, send it and write to Mr Henry Dugmore, Swaffham. My intended of avocation of tithe book interrupted in consequence. About home and house all day. Make new drain from the yard, sheep sent to Cillibion. Very cold dull thaw. Morgan Jenkins calls to pay balance of tithe. Francis Thomas calls with receipt of tithe spirits and settle accounts with him as above.

February

1st

Thursday. Dreadful accident at the mill. Mrs Dix drawn among the wheels and crushed to death. Set Tucker to lay tiles for yard drain. At 12 ride to Penclawdd, uncertain if adjourned tithe meeting is today or tomorrow, it is tomorrow. Writing in consequence to the chairman that the parties one-and-all agreed that offer made is inadequate £300 that they only differ whether to have it to commission or what offer they can venture to make consistent with not too great a sacrifice of property. On return, heard of the above accident. Dine at 5, heron. I Grant dines here, play at cards, not in bed till 1.00. Carree not very well at so late an hour. Cold day, Sharp frost tonight again. Met Mr Jones in Cil Ivor Lane who bowed and seemed desirous to speak. Returned his bow.

2nd

Sharp frost but suddenly determined to brew and kill a pig, small one. At home all day going through tithe book. Balancing rents, receipts and arrears and outgoings. Carree unwell in bed and takes physic. Cold and dull nearly all day, frost at night. Mr Lloyd calls, returns castor oil. Intend going to Swansea tomorrow.

3rd

Very windy day, some snow in morning. Carree not very well, we do not go to Swansea. About home all day before dinner and take my gun and strolled up the springs on moor for ducks, find only one teal. Fair shot, moissed it , disgustingly. Instructs W Tucker about the drain. Polly neglects to send her letter to Swansea and I neglect to set to my accounts owing to the noisy child. Read Sir Thomas Lawrence's life in evening, his letters from Rome very interesting.

Sunday. RH calls early with Cambrian and gives child citric acid called lemon. Dine at 4., walk out with Polly and child, Polly, Susan and child call at Mrs Richards and do not go to church. We there late at 2.00. Spoke to Mr Gordon about Dix family, found Polly at Penralt and walked home with the Nicholls. Had family prayers and lessons in evening. Polly not very well, tis very cold. Caught Batcock again snicking about after the women, gave him in good dubbing.

Mr Powell sent a man from Neath to inquire for his daughter Polly, talked Welsh and could not make anyone understand him. David out. Carree writes to Mr Powell.

Monday. Go in Mrs Nicholls car to Swansea early. Baby one of us, I ride and call on Henry Munday. Meet Carree and Mrs Wilkins, not home till 10 night. Day spent in shopping. Henry Munday very ill though better. Gabriel Powell dead, poisoned himself. Came home in car, made David ride.

6th

Very cold, windy and disagreeably dull. Thought to have gone shooting on marsh. Tired with yesterday, rather late in morning and do not go, having to give instruction to carpenter etc. About home all day busy about nothing. Spent a very unsatisfactory day, neither read or wrote. Polly shows us how to make lambs wool doyleys on a frame, very pretty work. 2 Misses Davies call on Polly. Help Carree to unravel silk, most unsatisfactory work when done because easily avoided with proper care. Sleet this evening and threatens deep snow.

7th

A general thaw and some rain, still cold, wind still easterly. Up something earlier, see to the smoking hams etc. Read ‘Abbot' in morning wishing to send books back to Mrs McMechan. Receive a letter from my mother, lost her friend MrsWow.. at 92 years old. David took post to Reynoldston. Mr Nicholls comes for his winnowing machine. Place large flat stones over drain from yard. Dine at 3. Evening enjoyed at accounts and diary. Baby very annoying and shows strong signs of fiery temper, much to do to correct him.

8th

Tempted to rise earlier now the frost is gone, comes on wet after horses are at work. Fine evening and out again. Set to at tithe book to ink over the pencil and enter up all connected with the receipt days. See to the work going on, did expect the Misses Davies to dine here, bad weather. Otherwise about tithe book all day. Heavy rain again at night. Go to bed at something an earlier hour, pasted some drawings on door panels.

9th

Up by 7.30, much rain in night, fine morning, wind up in north again. Receive a letter from D Rees in mitigation of censure about Llewellyn. About home all morning. Mr Berrington calls, send a note by him to Swansea Barron's. Ride late with Polly to post, very cold returning. Catch cold. Read paper in the evening and making out commissions for Swansea tomorrow. Not in bed till late. Send 9 cwt potatoes to market and order coals home etc.

10th

Frost returned again. Add up all columns of tithe book and read some Abbott. About house all day, manure spread. David home by 9 with coals. Baby a sad interruption to any general system of work.

12th

Sunday. At church by 10.00, very cold. Thin congregation. Call on Dix mill, give the church orphans 10/-. Dine early. Servants and baby go walking and out very late, alarmed and very angry. All came home safe, very cold, sharp frost. I called at old Mrs Harry's.

Monday. Very sharp frost, fine day. Take my gun, marsh. No ducks, shot at two wild swans, took no notice of gun. Old Mrs Williams' funeral from Port Eynon aged 95. Dine at 3. Elder wine. Harriet, Harry and Tanner, Mr and the Misses Davies of R spent evening here. Sharp frost again. Send paper to post, receive two papers and a letter from Uckfield, Mrs M.

13th

Very sharp frost, up by 8. Send condolatory letter to Mrs McMechan. Apply to by note for money, Howel John. Send note to Mr Pearce to thank for chough by Anne's father. About home all day. Neddy called as above. Making out accounts by tithe book. Enter up David's last Swansea account. Attend to Tucker and WR making yard drain at Cillibion. Llewellyn taking up turnips. Mrs Batcock calls for tiles, can't spare any. Mackworth Arms note application for chaise money in August £1 1 0.

14th

Dull windy frosty wintry day. Wind easterly, no letters received, one paper. About home all morning, balance columns of tithe book. Attend to Tucker levelling in front of house. Collect in turnips. Dine early and take tea at Rev. Mr Davies Reynoldston, his daughter Polly's school fellow. I walk, obliged to have car and plenty of straw for Carree and Polly. Most cold indeed and not out of wind in Mr Davies' new house. He obliged to go to Port Eynon to baptise. Music, harp and flute. Wind very high and cold. Returning home at night most miserable. Not to bed till past 12.00. Servants were left at home without candles.

15th

Snow again, again a white world. Boisterous wintry day, wind south east. Can settle down to nothing, look around and walk round to see if any mischief is done. Discover none. Soon after a hip of lead blown off cart shed. Ladders and men are all in request to replace it and prevent further mischief. Send for mason and ‘tis done. A day's work in all to borrow and return ladder to Cillibion. Polly unwell from her ride yesterday and in bed. Baby teething, Carree not very well. Wind so gusty one can scarce stand on one's feet. RH calls in evening with Union Poor Law papers. Read 2 volumes of Abbott aloud in evening.

16th

Bread at Mrs Thomas 1/-.

Up at 8.00, more snow, not more all winter as yet, most boisterous wintry day. Snow much drifted and not out of the house. Some slates off cart shed, lead safe as yet. Make Carree lead for pin cushion. Rain, snow, sleet, wind, frost all day. Carree ill with toothache, result of ride to Reynoldston 14th ins. Order potatoes prepared for Swansea tomorrow, no go, too wet, no consequence. If bad tomorrow, better not go. Read more of Abbott and in dread of tomorrow, effect of wind. Write Mrs Jones Mackworth by RH and Swansea commissions.

17th

Cold thaw, rain this morning. Have snow cleared from gutters etc. Discover loads driven under roof of house, day's work for David to clear it off. About home all day seeing to these things. At tithe book and finished reading ‘The Abbott'. Went to Cillibion field and turned 20 stray sheep from turnips. Few people gone to Swansea. Potatoes very dear on market, unlucky.

Sunday. Carree in bed, swelled face. Read life of Sir Thomas Lawrence. Church at 2.00 with Polly, dine after. Called at Penralt. Read Cambrian in the evening. A beautiful day but a thorough fox. Cold disagreeable day. Read Sir Thomas Lawrence, ride to Llythryd Cwms; auction ash poles, buy two lots. Dine, want bacon. Walk after Polly to Cillibion. Mrs Nicholls and two children to tea with us.

19th

Monday. Very little done today in my absence; I may say nothing. David absents himself all the evening, wait for him till 12.00 and lock him out. No doubt he's drinking. Preparations for washing tomorrow, orders for early riding will not be obliged so it proves.

20th

Dull day, no drying clothes. Called David to accounts, refused to say where he was last night. Gives me, after, a confused account but knows not when he came home, gave him warning. Washing day, out and about home all day. Enter payments and tithe book etc. Send for ash poles, see Tucker and Llewellyn at work. William Collins calls and routs us dining in kitchen. I am shamefully shabby, am asked to dine at Ilston tomorrow. Read Sir Thomas Lawrence and not well, all day. Rough cast, front of house, much fallen.

21st

Dull damp warm morning. Up and breakfast earlier, washing. Arrange late bills. Neddy – present, basket baby. About morning at papers, balancing tithe book and arrange all the papers in reference to the audit days. At 3 start for Ilston, dine there. Roads terrible, effects of frost. Mr Jones of Bison [1] to have dinner there, does not come. Mr Berrington, clerk, only there. Home at night, very dark roads dangerous, arrived safe. Much troubled with double sight, all objects doubled.

22nd

Not from home all day. Employed in and out of the house. Carree better of her swelled face. My sight still troubles me much; obliged to shut one eye, either one, to see objects clearly and cannot judge distances. Sort out ash polls and prepare some for use. Prepare a small hot bed. Read newspaper and arrange account books. Cold and windy, clothes dry pretty well. Call on Mrs Batcock in evening about her sheep, promises to stop them out, very civil, over much.

23rd

Dull weather, scarcely seen the sun all the month. Good deal of rain during day, very little work done. Prepare for Swansea potatoes. Polly and David ride to post a paper and Polly a letter. Surface drain, clover very wet. Adding up accounts all the evening, tithes and private accounts. Cold and cough disagreeable, take egg flip. Write commissions for Swansea. Washing and ironing nearly done.

24th

Wet morning and wet evening. The ground wet enough, snow nearly gone. All morning entered our private accounts. Little work done but jobs. Walk out in evening, i.e. after dinner, to Cillibion, no one there and no work done yesterday. All the sheep there in evening. Enter to the end of book accounts for this year.

Sunday. Morning service, sacrament. No one from this house there. Dreadfully dirty cold and wet. Prayers at home and lessons and prayers ditto in the evening.

26th

Unpleasant day, cart earth to make surface to pit in orchard. Rode on Moselle to the post, nothing but a paper. Read several evening mails. Called on Mr Davies surgeon, not at home. Eyesight very troublesome, see everything double but see clear with either eye. I Grant calls in evening, bill due from David. Make out my accounts and settled his Swansea account as above. Let Maria Ace know she must leave by Thursday.

27th

About home all morning, hear yesterday was an extraordinary high tide. Some sheep lost and Howell John loses timber, Penclawdd. W David carpenter put up cupboard doors, kitchen and nursery. Tis cold but weather seems improving. In evening, Carree, self and Polly P go to Mrs Nicholls, engagement. My eyesight much troubles me, have a supper and play casino.

28th

Wet morning, fine day, wet evening. Ann rides on Rosy to Swansea for a hat. Betty Williams calls with baskets, Neddy ditto, buy of both. Begin garden fence, north side. Ride to Penmaen, called on Daniel Davy for tithe, Johnny for apple trees etc., Mrs Jones 2 rabbits. Over hill full gallop to post, received paper, back by Stoneyford, caught in wet. Evening cold. George Gordon calls in evening about school and clerical aid papers and with a rabbit.

March

1st (Thursday)

Much wet in night until early morning. Beautiful day. Bees all alive, delightful change after severe frost. Busy about garden fence, north, with all hands. Johnny Williams comes over with apple trees and old net, make places for hens to lay in. Maria Ace (cook) paid off and leaves in the evening. Enjoy the day and work at the garden fence. Dinner very late, rabbit, spoilt. Greatly rejoiced at Maria's departure.

2nd

Maria Ace, that beautiful cook called ‘Beauty' gone home, joyful news. House looking clean again. What quantities of things broken and lost, the other two servants do all the work much more comfortably. Johnny Williams' daughter, raspberry plants, 6d. All day about home, garden, hedge etc. Spring like weather, a pleasure to be out, larks singing. Great change in one week. RH brings hind quarter of beef 9 or 10 score weight wanting a pound … … Read evening mail, slavery question and poor law repeal question.

3rd

Send David early to post, receive frank Mr Bagge from Henry Dugmore about chough. Ride to Swansea, a beautiful day. Overtake one Bowen of Llangennith, talk of choughs, rocks etc. Hear Penclawdd coal pit overflowed and did much damage on Tuesday. In court an hour, Mrs McMechan there, think Sir Coltman a poor judge; slow and not firm. Consult Mr Bird about my eyes, all every object double. Orders leeches and physic. Various commissions, Walters, Beynons, bank, chemists, bills to pay. Inquire about lodgings for the assizes. Met Tom Powell, Sam Davies etc and return home by 8.00. Miss Jenkins and Miss Holland ride like good ones, the roads in a horrid state since frost.

4th

Sunday. Wet morning and evening cold, dull day. At home all day applying leeches to my temple for my eyesight, otherwise well enough. Polly and the servants went to church, caught in wet, anything than a Sunday to me. Prayers in evening. A yearling lamb dead.

5th

Beautiful day till night, then rain again. About home all day. Sent David and W Tucker to Penrice for willows and ash. Home by dinner. 2 new men, W Jone and T Philip, come to work. One Mr G S Smith calls to inquire about Caswell, wishing to buy. Sam Philip brings 3 w malt. Crockery man calls, Carrie cheated by him. Work a little myself and find my eyesight very bad, do not find that leeches of yesterday have done any good; though I read better, all distant objects are double. Every day discloses fresh mischief of Beauty Ace. Send Morgan Jenkins my cart wheels to haul home timber. Sow cucumber and orange pips.

6th

Sow peas, runners and beans, hot bed. A March day, showery, windy, fine, cold. Thought to go to Swansea again, do not, no particular business and nothing particular at the assizes. A threatening day and am under rule and physic with Mr Bird. Do not find such alteration in my eyesight as to report progress. About home all day attending to spring works, planting willows in hedge, new made. My two fresh men deserted already. In evening begin a summary of debtor and … account on the sale book. Washing day over.

7th

Two Bristol beggars 2d. Repetition of yesterday, fine March day, work at garden hedge. Go with Carrie, Polly and baby to Mrs Nicholls. Want road to turnpike mended. Wish to send cart tomorrow to do so. Walk with children to his lamb field. Mr Nicholls away on farm. Attend to workmen, walked to Stonyford before tea, not fit to plough. Read evening mail. David went to post, paper only. First crop of mustard ready, hot bed. Cold brisk wind all day. Ironing and washing got through easily, much more comfortable without Mama Ace.

8th

A beautiful day, very busy raising a hedge north of garden and lowering ground east of barn. Unexpectedly a fly and two horses arrives, Jenkin Price sent by Mr T Powell. We are ordered to Swansea and Neath!! What is to be done? Polly must go, clothes in the wash. Determined at last to go to Swansea unprovided with baggage and to return home on Saturday. Arrive in Swansea about 8.00, meet Mr Thomas Powell, Cambrian hotel, Miss Jancey's on Burrows. He has had enough and insists on our going to Neath. We gain the day and don't go. Mr Thomas Powell as good a fellow as ever lived, talks so enigmatically I cannot comprehend him. More or less he is always so. In bed very late

9th

Up at usual hour and out to shop and get things ready to return home tomorrow. All day shop with Carrie. Pottery and linen, drapers and Mrs Jones, china shop. Dine at 3. Order stone at Jones to finish Mr Lee's porch at Caie Forgan. At home all evening about nothing save talking of domestic affairs etc.

10th

Read Cambrian for breakfast, a.m. in Swansea, all of us. Am up early and out before breakfast, shopping etc. WR and David in early with potatoes and hay about market and Morris wheelwright etc etc. All day shop with Carrie and dine at 2.00. Mr Thomas Powell up and makes our arrangements. 2 Miss Morgan's called in and take tea. Met Penrice and Colonel Cameron, few words about last tithe meeting and my note to chairman. Met Mr Evans of B [2] after ditto, repeated he not seen my note. Spoke to Colonel Cameron for W Tucker, his cottage. Home by 9.00. Poor Toots very good. Rain all way home.

12th

Sunday. Up too late for church at ten, do not go, all servants go. Carree and self at home, cook the dinner. Have evening service at home. Servants out after dinner till 10.00. J Harry calls this evening for some gin, wife unwell. Gave elder wine. Read Sir Thomas Lawrence and reports of Clerical Aid Society.

Monday. A beautiful day, not away from house and garden. Men and cart busy improving front of house, turfing etc. In evening draw plan for finishing entrance porch with square stones. Difficult because not built square though Mr Lee directed it and stood by. Clouds collect this evening on Llanmadock Hill, predict change of weather.

13th

A thorough change of weather, driving mist and heavy rain. Not a thorough wet day but foggy and dull and brisk wind. Am up before any of the servants and dressed by 6.30. A miscellaneous day, in barn, forge and mill. Am not very well today, stupid and heavy in the head. Read a paper contrary to Mr Bird's advice, my eyes affected by it. Very idle and could creep into the fire.

14th

Foggy wet day, driving mist as yesterday. Up early expecting David Thomas but does not come. Wrote in Carrie' s letter to Swaffham, attempt to be useful in garden, rain prevents. Send hay to Swansea, coal home. I Grant called in morning in my absence. Balance a three weeks account and got on with summary account of sale book to see who was in arrears. Baby very ill all the evening and cries piteously and has a mad night; carrot soup the cause.

15th

Sent W Richards to Swansea with 6 cwt of hay yesterday and coal back. A beautiful day indeed, David Thomas disappoints me in not coming to finish Mr Lee's porch, his wife ill. Go with the carts to Penralt. Baby and Polly to fetch quick plants and balsam from Mrs Harry's, a day's work to replant it. Carree joins us at Mrs Harry's having been neglected at home. Thomas Thomas carries alone what 4 men together fail to do and placed the tree in the cart. Busy in the evening planting the tree and heeling the quicks. Settled WR' s account as above. I Grant up at Caie Vorgan in the evening.

16th

Laver of Mrs Jones of Horrod 1/3

At home all day seeing to the making of hedge north of garden. Nothing particular occurs. A real March day; windy, rainy, cold and some sun. Carrie has a bad toothache. Toots, too, very fractious, teething, otherwise very well. Engaged about sale book in the evening.

17th

I am not at Swansea. Very cold all day and windy and frosty morning. David went to Swansea with 10 cwt white potatoes. Very busy with garden hedge, but much of it into shape, inside ready for sowing.

Sunday. Fine morning, comes on wet. Take baby to see the lambs, dine early and go with Carree to church. Rainy, wet evening. Borrow Harry Harry's cloak. Mrs Nicholls at church, miss to return home with her on the road. Watch by our gate and spoke about the road. Mr Nicholls overseer, arrange for tomorrow. In the evening, prayers and read discourse for Halsea lectures. All very tired in the evening, why?

19th

Monday. Dull doubtful morning but not bad day, wet again at 6.00. David Thomas comes at last to lay stones in porch. Thought to go to Stoat's sale of cabinet work, Swansea, do not. About home all day attending to mason, carpenter, gardener. Kill a pig. Road duty, pick stones off clover, unpack china. Baby plays football with bladder. Enter accounts.

20th

Washing day. Very strong windy day, ricks unthatched by it. Hay in danger of a Somerset [3]. About home all day. Carpentry; knock up a forcing frame for garden. 2 post days neglected, send David today, nothing. Few men at work. Clear the barn, thrash barley, WR at jobs soaking blackthorn for bush harrow. Tucker, garden and damming water, ditch garden. Very cold this evening indeed. Tucker transplant scarlet runners from hot bed, all died.

21st

Cold windy day, about home all morning except riding to post, send Cambrian. Receive a news and a letter from Mr Brough requiring money. Brush and roll Lower Field in evening. Took baby to see Star at work, much too cold for him. Walk with Carrie and Polly to Penralt. Mrs Grant well again. Polly collects primrose roots. Read paper in evening, an account of trial at Aylesbury, Adams for paricide, not guilty, the circumstances strong against him. Porch flagged today.

22nd

Fully intended riding to Ilston and Blaenkedy but so very cold, brisk wind from north. About home all day, busy improving front of house and planting a little. Engaged some time, order wheat. Everybody complaining of cold though good deal of sun. No adventures, work hard myself.

23rd

Snow and sharp frost. Not willing to get up this morning, feel tired, tis extremely cold and sharp north wind, men say colder than all the sharp winter. Wind is keen but sun is warm. Sow mustard and Indian corn, hot bed. Sow peas, walk with Carree to village. Call at Dix and Jane Harry to inquire about their health and circumstances. Polly gone to call on Mrs Davies, Reynoldstone. Home at night. Servants go in evening to see if Mrs Richards is ill, WR absent from work.

24th

Go late with Carrie in Mrs Nicholl' s car to Swansea. Snow, rain, sleet and very cold. Miserable cold ride, call on Mrs Munday, son still ill. No dinner. Tea at Castle. Full of commissions. James etc. Home by 11.00. Wet till 4 at intervals, fine evening. WR removes to W David's House, a bad move and scheme against the family.

25th

Sunday. Beautiful day, wind still cold. I am at morning service, Ilston. Mr William Collins rides back with me, calls at Mr Gordon's (Cherry) for a parcel. Takes a glass of wine here on return. Invited Mrs Collins and Miss Lucas to visit us and dine, all decline. Too cold, too far; nonsense, tis want of will. Shall not invite again.

Monday. Poor morning after wet night, fine day. About home all day, nothing particular done. Bed prepared for carrots, letter sent to Jane by W Collins. David too late at Ilston, went to Swansea!! Carried £5 for Jane. Walked to Penralt with Carree, Poll and Babs. Order wheat, flour out. Grey called this morning, wants work done at Blaenkedy and brings in bills.

27th

Cut sea kale. Carree this evening … new stuff for gown … Ride by appointment with Carrie and Polly to Penclawdd, my object being Blaenkedy, measure work of Blaenkedy [4]. Dine at 5, called at Mrs McMeechan's. Got flower plants, sent wheat and barley to mill.

28th

A glorious day, almost too hot, left off 2nd waistcoat and worked in garden till late in evening without my coat. Up early and set David Williams to work sawing gate post for yard. Rode to Penralt before 8.00 to see the tide foretold as exceeding high, not nearly so high as last. In garden and about home all day, set in order ground for flowers and plant a few things had of Mr Collins and Mrs McMeechan. Oppressed with heat and tired this evening.

29th

Most summer like day. Up early and ride to the post before breakfast. Received two letters, one from William, one Swaffham. Former requiring answer about Biddlesden and should have been received on Monday or yesterday but I neglected to send, horses and boy being busy. Expect and prepare for Mrs McMeehan and children who disappoint us, so dine alone. Very busy all day in garden, sowing, preparing ground. Plant apple trees, sow leek, onion, lettuce, spinach, beans and dwarf kidneys. RH calls in morning about little Dix, I offered to take him. Evening taken up looking at great fires, furze burning on the common. Very beautiful, cast shadows above a mile. Very mild this evening. David out all night.

30th

Another beautiful day, up early and out of sorts. David not at home last night, says he was at Grant's and slept in stable. Walk to Cillibion fields to see if sheep are all safe. Much troubled with them yesterday at home. Cut willows and see what work is required. About home all day, again. Neglect the post, unlucky [5]. Garden all day without my coat as yesterday. Carrie' s garden set in order a little. Mr Davies, relieving officer, calls about Dix' s boy. Looked through his books, gave porter etc. Neddy called with cockles and holly. Took no cockles. Carree writes to Mr Smith about Caswell. Commissions for Swansea and I must write in answer to William. Much colder tonight.

31st

Cool day, up early and at work, drain at Cillibion. Finish my letter to William, dine very early on oysters etc and write to Swansea. Met Mrs McMeechan, had long conversation with Hancorne about Caswell and Mr G Smith, a monied man. Took tea at Mr Rowland Richards. T Griffiths paid me for Caswell £6 on account. Home by ten. Road with Howel John and Mrs McMeechan, George Gordon joined after.

April

2nd (Monday) Sunday. Fine but very cold. east wind. Walk all to Cillibion, call on Mrs Nicholls, dine early. Evening church, go alone to Stafell Haegr, met Carree again at Penralt. David ill, bad foot, obliged to look after all cattle and horses myself, pretty state of things!!! Receive neglected letter from Swaffham.

Monday. Very sharp frost, ice all day. Ride by Cwms to Parkmill for laver for Swaffham. Called at Morgan's, too late for post at Park. Neglect Reynoldstone. Home. Expect Mrs McMechan, does not come, Garden all day after dinner, very cold.

Pedlar - can't deal, give him 1 ½ d

RH brought me my Swansea commissions this morning and young Dix orphan.

3rd

About home all morning improving garden etc etc. Very cold day, drying wind. Walk with Carree to see ploughing at Cillibion field. Sow flowers in hot bed, cold work. David in great pain with his foot, wants the doctor, ride over myself. Met Mr Ball, saw his garden, find Mr Davies at home. Take tea there, they lately returned from London. Surprised to find Edmund and Alfred and three horses on my return, they had written but post neglected. In bed very late.

4th

Received quarter of mutton by RH. About home all day. Edmund and Alfred here. Sent to Swansea by RH, had damson trees. Sat down to a comfortable dinner. Mr Davies calls this morning to see David. Send Edmund's man to the post, send Llewellyn again to Reynoldstone for leeches. Mr Davies home late. David Williams saws timber. Accounts and property subject of conversation; there was some difference of opinion. Tide is amicable, again in bed late, 2.00.

5th

Plant Damson, Medlar and May Duke Cherry [6], plants from Bristol. Edmund and Alfred help. All walk to Stafell Haegr, sheep trespass. Alfred takes a gun. Plant and transplant oaks, Edmund's man helps. Nothing particular occurs, dine at 5, late for us. Again accounts subject of dispute. Produce my books and everything is amicable tho' a little stormy.

6th

Wet morning, unpromising day. Visitors depart. Day not as bad, dull but not wet. RH applies for … for his brother as turnkey Swansea. Dull after visitors' departure. No fault found with improvements done, glad to get to bed early after irregular hours.

7th

A stormy day and heavy rain. Richards went to Swansea with potatoes and coal home. Assist to cut chaff, hands scarce. Get elder trees to plant in garden hedge and place them this evening. Planted several things in Carree's garden and hunted up odd things here and there for it. Grant took tea here.

9th

Sunday morning duty, prepared to go to church, do not. Must write to Bristol, disappointed about laver and Ted returns to Swaffham. Tuesday send Llewellyn to Swansea with letter and paper and note to Mr Smith, Sketty. An ill spent day, Carree not at church, Polly and servants are. Cook our own dinner!

Monday. Beautiful day, Singleton sale. Prevented going there, engaged with Mr Smith. George Stukely Smith. Dine with him on turkey, just look at the sale and ride through Singleton grounds, beautiful house, pretty place, on to Caswell. Met there Mr Hancorne and Miss Hill. Took tea at Bison. Home late by Park Mill and Lunnon. Mrs R [7] dies in child bed, son alive.

10th

First news in morning Mrs Richards, dead, child bed, boy living, sad gloom on all about the place. About house and garden all day. Plant several standard willows budding up fast. Busy about the garden hedge. Get up gate posts etc etc. Am a week in arrears of diary, not in accounts. Tis washing day, no drying. Brewing beer tunned.

11th

Fine day for drying clothes. Very busy about home all morning. Sow vetches myself and Lucerne in drill. Send cart to Cillibion field, to finish it up for sowing and seeding out. Carree joins me there and we walk to Mrs Nicholls to call on Mary Hill and Mr Pritchard there to. Stop tea and play cards, Speculation, not home till past 11, say 12.00. Extremely cold after a very hot morning. Mason from Blaenkedy called, sent 4 boards up by him for the dairy windows.

12th

Fine day but cold, up early. Men to make a short half day to attend on Mrs R's funeral to Cheriton. Mary Hill calls and dines here, ditto Kitty Nicholls. Plant myself some ash leaf kidney potatoes. Walk with Carree and Miss Hill to Cillibion, baby goes. Mr Strick and son at Mr Nicholls. Call at J E Edwards for picture glass. Sow flower seeds this evening, very cold work, all hands gone to the funeral. W Tucker brings a dormouse. Attend to the new brewed beer. Feed Tooty at dinner, Susan acts cook. A sad interrupted day.

13th

Sacrament Ilston, self and Carree. Ride on one horse with Carree to Ilston Church, Mr Simons there. Bring home a few flowers and plants. Mrs Collins accompanying part of way back. Dine at 4, order at 2.30. Send am to post, received 2 letters from Mr Powell, answer this evening and write sundry commissions for Swansea. Very cold day, wind north west.

14th

Llewellyn for Swansea, settled, thought to go to Swansea, gave it up, Cross Inn Fair. Luckily stay at home. No one about the place but Walter Tucker. Obliged to teach and assist him to work, cut chaff, feed the dogs etc. He has a soaking hard day of it and he late. Sent verbal message by RH to Swansea for flower (sic), luckily met him at gate. Grove calls about moles, he sets traps. Plant a few things long heated. Llewellyn home very late, disappointed in getting bonnets. Cold day but fine.

16th

Sunday evening duty, dine early and go. First news this morning surprises and grieves me, David Thomas (mason) is dead. Polly not at church, unwell, we call at Penralt, want RH to sow for me - if etc. Read aloud an Hulsean lecture this evening. Cold day.

Monday. Plovers eggs, young Tucker 6d

WR returns to work after his wife's death. Plough and intend sowing weather prevents. Very cold and heavy sleet showers. Busy all morning clearing parlour of rubbish. Shoes, seeds etc and place all in backroom with corn etc. Dine early and walk with Polly P to Cillibion. Wanted to send errand to Swansea, just too late. Drive sheep home from Cillibion to send to Stafell Haegr tomorrow. Send for hay and 3 WB to mill for pigs. Tis quite wintry, finish ‘Life of Sir Thomas Lawrence'.

17th

Extremely cold, wind north west and brisk. Tis winter again, rode to post by Friddo [8] and cold, hardly endure it. Rose early and set my work, fingers pinched with cold and went with cart etc and WR and A Jone to Stoneyford. Order drain and manure carried out. Rode on to post, nothing I learn tho' shut up. Called at Dr Davies, not at home. Ditto (i.e. ‘also called at') Rev. Davies. Carreed a note, stopped some time, talk of tithes etc gave him poplars. Home and garden and attend to stables etc and help W Tucker stick peas etc. Cold even by the fire this evening.

18th

Snow on the ground and most wintry cold and disagreeable, stormy etc. Young ducks hatched, 6 only!! Pig killed, moving papers to the backroom east. J Grant calls. Copies new survey, dines etc. Stay till eleven. Work in garden, order a piece of glass for a print at J Edwards. Grove comes round to look at his mole traps, caught 2. Nothing remarkable except tis remarkably cold and wintry. Polly rode Rosy alone to the post.

19th

Snow again on ground. Though cold northwest wind the day is pleasanter than yesterday. About home all day. Mr Collins calls, wants to buy grey horse. Do not want to sell, thinks this horrid place Caie Vorgan much improved and capable of being made pretty! A missionary meeting on the taxes (?). The Misses Davies come early to tea, the father comes in the evening. Chat about nothing, music etc. They leave late and tis very cold indeed. Ann at a wedding feast.

20th

Not so cold a day but still cold. North west wind and some little snow, about home all day. A day nothing remarkable. Read an old Cambrian, send pork to Reynoldston by Tucker and Miss Powell and two Virginia Dogwoods home. Receive payment in full from Rev. Davies and Mr Ball. Receive letter from Swaffham and James all in one, full of news, details of the school. Borrow Mr Nicholl's car for Swansea tomorrow and send my own or little cat for ditto to J Edwards. Write in the evening and complain of cold, feet like ice.

21st

Go rather early in Mrs N's car to Swansea. Polly returns home, meet her father at Swansea. Beautiful morning, soaking rain and pitch dark returning home. Arrived 10.00 in morning, borrow a lantern at Cross Inn. Took baby also to Swansea, great many commissions, time interrupted to accomplish them. Mr Powell disappointed in returning by boat, goes home by a fly. Baby nearly choked with a crust on our return.

23rd

Sunday. Another poor day, cold and showery, none of the house at Church. Mr Nicholls sent early for his car to bring his son ill from Swansea, I called in evening, son better. Am very tired and sleepy all day, in bed early. Read one Hulsean lecture. Up at 2 Monday morning, cow calves, no one hears.

Monday. Beautiful morning, very showery wet day. Work much interrupted. About home all day, mange in the stable. This and weather and grocery spilt from Swansea by RH and not being over well, half blind and desire to attend Herbert Jones sale tomorrow, put me out of sorts. Moles in the garden too, among flowers and leeks, and baby crying to go out. Ffatty (?) too dirty to walk and too heavy to carry. Intend to go to Swansea with Carree tomorrow.

24th

Rainy sort of day, but threatening to clear up. Dine early and start to Swansea for Herbert Jones' sale with Carree. Brisk rain before reaching Swansea, sent Richards afoot to bring horses and physic back for mange. Called on Mr Dawe for the purpose. Took tea at the Castle, send horses back, called with Carree on dress maker, rolls, and Mrs Lewis who declines going out as nurse. Cold but fine evening, were too late for the sale today.

25th

All morning at the sale after Carree got her gown, nice fit. Dined at the Miss Hill's (Miss Pritchard there). Lost two hours of the sale, in consequence sale over. Went on various errands about town, Arnott stove and took tea at Miss Hill's. Moses? Butill there, he gives a match (?) are to go to concert on Friday si pos.

26th

Again at sale all day till all over, no dinner, took tea at Miss Hill's again with eggs and bacon. Music, Miss Hill's place, piano, flageolet and guitar a little. Cold weather for season. Borrow a cloak home.

27th

Poor Carree unwell with head cold, breakfasts in bed. About early, Arnott stove alight, Fitt making one, Mr Francis there, called on Mr Bird and he on me about my eyes, double sight. Promises to write to Mr Lawrence, puzzled. Called on Mr Mundy, son Henry still very ill. Alderney cow promised in … at £5. All confusion, day …. baby ill, intend going home, fly at door, another note, baby better, flying ordered home till tomorrow. Go to the concert and sup at Mary Hill's. Concert very good. Mrs Aubrey …

28th

Fine morning, cold and brisk wind. Busy removing goods from Gloster (sic) Place and numberless errands before leaving Swansea. Called on Captain Turner, called on Mrs Webb.

30th

Sunday. Cold fine day. Church in evening, Mrs Jones ill, Dr Howell there yesterday. Captain G (unthorpe) at church. Carree not at church, met her at Penralt. Maid servants walk out, home very late. Read something on ornithology, nothing of Hulsean lecture.

Monday. J Edwards, blacksmith, on account £1

About and at home all day. Intended writing accounts for… engaged with many things, sow seed, plant quicks to save them, put springs to doors. Balance my accounts from Swansea. Cold and some rain. Doctor horses, sent Llewellyn after many errands. Pig cut up, 2 to take to Mr Ball, wrote to Mr Howell John about door, Blaenkedy.

May

1st (Tuesday)

J Edwards comes by appointment to mend windows, I find glass. Washing day and of course a wet day, heavy rain towards evening. Make a new place temporary for the pigs in fern yard, obliged to superintend. Plant a good many willows (i.e.) secure them. Young Thomas begins white washing the parlour, no great improvement. Whiting to be sent for by his mother tomorrow and she alters her mind or is ill. Walk to forge in morning, order iron rods to brace ladder. By chance send my notes to Swansea by the pedlar in the morning, this should be received in a day.

2nd

Close warm damp day and heavy rain and peals of distant thunder in evening. Was dreadfully out of sorts last night, this accounts for it. RH called to borrow coal. Went to forge (see yesterday) and on return found him again about tithes and one Jones and David Bowen, give the best advice I can. At same time about taxes, pay him. When shall I sow my little bit of barley on wet ground. It must be late if ever. My horses ill with mange and constant wet, ground never more wet in winter.

3rd

Rise at 7.00, dull morning, warm damp day. House in confusion, white washing ceilings and kitchen. Horrid work. Go through the sale book and tally it with bank account. Begin to paper parlour. Take baby ride on Mrs Nicholl's mare (saddle borrowed of Carree) to blacksmith. Plant two hollies. Have an irregular dinner on the tray, no room to sit down in. Baby very noisy and cross and I very touchy and out of sorts. Crows take young ducks, get gun ready, had a shot at one and made him fly faster. Want sadly to set down quiet, write for and to William, but every way I turn myself is confusion, and work making, washing week and whole house wants scouring. [9]

4th

Up at 7.00, fine morning, very wet day. Mild and quiet, most growing day. Heard cuckoo for the first time and swallows for 1st day plentiful. Made my sale account tally with the bank book. Unfortunate day, many hands at work … potatoes etc, men at work too. Wanted them yesterday, now over done labouring under effects of horrid whitewash. Not one room comfortable. … Carree paper (s), Susan cannot do it. Saw a scarce bird, hawfinch, fail to shoot it. A most splendid rainbow this evening over Penmaen and Cillibion, semi-circle. Write for Swansea and Swaffham, might go to bed, quite ill.

5th

Wake quite ill in night, very unwell. Take a little breakfast in bed, walk out in middle of day, very weak. Obliged to come to sofa, oppressed with heat. Take veal broth again, out in evening and stick some peas. W Richards home in good time from Swansea with wash stand from Thomas and several things, Herbert Jones sale.

7th

Sunday. Morning duty, go with Carree, 3 maid servants go to Reynoldston in evening, I know no good that I have done this day. Had prayers for servants in evening.

Monday. Write a hasty letter to William about the sale money, subscription to Clerical Aid Society and my inability from circumstances to attend to the accounts yet. David goes to post and consult… about his foot? Paying attention to seeds and planting and out till dark sowing Lucerne with W Tucker and sowed flower seeds for Carree a.m. Baby very fractious etc. Paper a little in parlour.

8th

Set-to in earnest to paper parlour. Finish our paper but not quite the room. Mrs Mcmechan comes unexpectedly to tea. and catches us in confusion. The rest of the evening spent in doing the polite. Most beautiful weather, take tea out of doors in front of house. Walk with Mrs McMechan to Cilivor commons, very late. Meet Dr Howell on visit to Mrs Jones, ill, second visit. Quite warm at midnight.

9th

Splendid weather, thorough summer. Up before 6.00 again. Fires left off. Finish sowing barley and begin ploughing for potatoes. Finish paper in parlour, ie skirting boards, before breakfast. After breakfast sow flower seeds very late. Write to Swaffham, Mr Mrs J (ames), expecting to return to Gower. Ride to post, Carree and I call on the Balls, dine at four. A dark chestnut stallion here, Mr Chambers, try Moselle and Rosy. Sow peas and kidney beans, leave 2 cows to pasture at night, 1st time. Full moon. Vegetation making wonderful progress.

10th

Much cooler, very fine. Wind changed and northerly last night. Put down entrance and stair carpet. Up early and work in garden. After breakfast to Cillibion, Mrs Nicholls, on Moselle with baby and David. Want butter and flower (sic). Invitation to tea. Mrs Nicholls only comes to meet the Balls, they arrive early, 4.00. Send David home with child and see how Llewellyn is clearing ditches of barley feed, Cillibion. Sow Lucerne. In evening doing the polite at tea and showing Mr Ball and the ladies the beauties of the garden and clover field. Hear Mr Hancorne has taken Kittle Hill Farm.

11th

Very fine day, want rain. Hot sun and drying wind. Breakfast early and take baby to Cillibion field to give directions about gutters in barley field. Sowed Lucerne before breakfast, with Tucker. Planted willow for arbour, transplanted flower bed with Carree, planted quicks with W Tucker till tea. R Harry called about cattle for fair tomorrow, all settled. Write notes for Portynon (sic), want lodging. Write invite to Brynhir by Carree. Lucas brings veal 10 ½ lbs. Out till dark planting willow with W Tucker. Write … commissions for Swansea.

12th

Swansea Fair, send 3 cattle bought of Batcock as security for money. One fell ill on road, nearly dying of wind, all's well, got home again.. About home all day, fully intended being at accounts, cannot settle down while things are unplanted; pick stones, garden with Tom, sow mustard, help Tucker plant quicks and chestnut, get physic for mangy horses. Walk with Carree to Cillibion to speak to Mrs Nicholls before journey to Devon. RH at Caie Vorgan on return. Read Cambrian and talk of cattle ill. Good fair, cows very dear.

14th

Sunday. Still very dry but rain approaching. Evening duty, dine first and arrive nearly in time. Old text, ‘Prepare to meet your God'. Daniel David at Church!!! Call on Mrs Harry on return at I Grants and RH's, order fish. In evening walk to Barley Field, met Williams, road man. Read lessons, morning and evening prayers.

Monday. Again all day about home improving front of house, David at Swansea for oranges etc, paid taxes as above, weeding. Mrs Nicholls makes cakes for us very kindly. Write to Mr Pearce. Fires again yesterday and today.

15th

A very busy day, dry, sunny and cold. Wind northerly some days. Hang drawings, arrange furniture. Turf garden and improve it. Grand preparations for dinner. Mr & Mrs Evans and Mrs McMechan dine here, managed pretty well, ride to Arthur's Stone in the evening. Day passes off pretty well, no accidents, no great mistakes.

16th

Hot day, signs of approaching rain, much wanted. Everything obliged to be watered daily, garden. Walk with Carree to Stoneyford, men carting there. Discover a Barberry Tree in a hedge. Collect water iris, orchis etc. Remove a few larch etc, settled disputed accounts with Hannah and RH. David sent late to post, nothing. Very tired this evening and to bed early. Carree has a very bad cough and cold. Mrs Nicholls ill and not able to go to Devonshire.

17th

Up and out before shaving for an air bath as usual: a la Dr Franklin. A Pembrokeshire man calls to hire for a servant, don't want one. Garden, remove flowers from very bad ground to a new border and transplant from hot bed with Carree, fully intended to have gone today and other (?) accounts. Send David to mill with wheat and barley. Dine on Rook pie, very late and work men much thrown out. Find a duck's nest, guard it, odd place. Walk with Carree to call on Mrs Nicholls, ill, better. Take parsley roots. Walk to barley field, horses trespass. 2 Halifax pedlars call, cotton etc, bought. Call at J Edwards about paint. He calls on me about mangle, again plant a few straggling flowers and cow cabbage. … plants. Warm day, cold wind, thundery. [10]

18th

Up at 7.00, very cold and cold all day. Sow a little more Lucerne with David before breakfast. Lay a line of turf with Tucker to make road to house. Paint a cucumber frame. Plant small sycamore with Tucker and do not do a hundred things I am desirous to do and as to some fully intended. Why do I not? I ought, letters to write, accounts to settle. Guy brings a few potatoes. Sam Davies' … very large, portends rain.

19th

Wet stormy day, rain most acceptable. Up very late, no watch, do not shave. Rees called early about taxes an arrear account of tithes etc. Make entries and balance accounts. Time flies, surprised by dinner and am not washed. Send by Rees, to Swansea, parcel to Tom Powell. Carree writes to Jane. Walk out a little in evening, call on Mrs Batcock, cows in clover trespass, destroy a ducks nest. David washes stables for mange. Baby very well. At accounts all evening, rain abated.

21st

Sunday. Fine growing day, heavy showers and warm. Pleasant evening, go alone to church evening duty and Carree bad cold. Sacrament and notice of missionary meeting, Tuesday and Wednesday. Go to Stafell Haegr in evening, call at Cillibion, Mrs Nicholls not yet gone to Devonshire. Wrote a little to Jane. Evening read to servants. RH brought 2 mackerel this evening, ducks nest X.

Monday. Beautiful day, felt obliged to sow seeds. I dine on fish. Went to Penralt, Rosy and Carree and baby pillion, began to set potatoes at Stonyford by dib. Heifer calves. Chambers chestnut horse, colts, Rosy and Bright covered. Buy nine chicks of Hannah. Bet about calf with Carree, 6d. Evening threatens rain and rain all night, most fortunately for washing.

22nd

Wet morning, plenty of water, washing day and cold sunny windy for drying, beautiful. At home all day, but little from the house. Up early, Chambers horse here all night. Rosy, Bright and young Rosy; Moselle fortnight ago. At accounts all day, enter day accounts paid as above, set Tucker to improve by yard wall and main path. Physic all horses, mangy.

23rd

Very cold day, dry and fine. Sow all remaining flower seeds mixed en masse on old dunghill. Wanting sadly to rid of all seeds to attend to papers. Lunch and ride with Carree to Ilston missionary meeting, leave ponies at Furzehill, … and walk down, not expected, find them at dinner. Mr Crowther, Henry Jones, Barrington, Jones of B and Mr and Miss …, Mr Collins quite the gentleman. To church, tea and home late. Very cold. This morning Howell Jones son called to tell me of the launch.

24th

Beautiful day and warmer again. Air … daily, generally cold. Sowed various seeds here and there yesterday and today sowed the remainder mixed together to get rid of them; vegetable marrow sown. Launch at Penclawdd, ride there at 4.00, tis named Gowerian, [11] ordered timber of Howell John for Blaenkedy shed. Walked to Mrs McMechan's in the evening, brought home some wall creeper, received a note by Guy, an invitation to Mr Collins yesterday. Warm and pleasant.

25th

Unwell, hoarse, sore throat and symptoms of bad cold. Work it off by exercise in the garden. Cold windy morning, fine day. Finish setting potatoes Stonyford, asparagus sown. Sow also fumatory, Tucker has cucumber plants; busy all day in garden, cart grass, finish field … potatoes. RH calls about lamb, take hind quarter. Weed quicks etc. Carree better, child very well – feeds his rabbit, Gui (nea) pig etc. Commissions for Swansea.

26th

Go to Swansea, send WR for spring car again, not done, am really angry. Call on Miss Tottenham for sale money, get nothing. Set off claimed wrongly, Fairwood really pretty. Call on Miss H… Misses Bird, Mrs Munday, Mr Henry Munday worse. Get through all commissions pretty well. Came home with Morgan Jenkins and wife. Hot in Swansea, cold elsewhere. Very tired when nome.

28th

Sunday. Very cold, windy day, evening duty, went with Carree to Stafell Haegr on Moselle in evening. Looked at barley field Cillibion, looking well. Psalms and chapters in evening and prayers. Very cold wind portends rain.

Monday. Wet morning, mild and quiet, most seasonable, clears up, fully intended self imprisonment to go to accounts, my last cow calves at 9.00. Send men to clean stables, whitewash and wash with chloride of lime. Send Tucker to sow last peas and beans, transplant a few flowers from bed. Plant some cuttings, privet, rosemary etc. Send cows to Cillibion field, go with Carree to Mr Nicholls, he to dine with us on Thursday. Wrote to Reynoldstone to sell veal and asked Mr Dr Davies to dine Thursday, comes. Very mild and damp.

29th

Rise at 6.30, David my servant at 7.30. Wet morning, dull day, workable. Some showers. Improve road to the house and plant out more larch with plenty of earth. Plough Haggard for potatoes. RH brings some seedling sycamore, I plant them. Pay David Williams. The little Nicholls take tea here, read Cambrian. Sort eggs and shells to the new cabinet!!! And make out labour accounts.

30th

Doubtful morning, beautiful day. WR sent for coal. Set Haggard with potatoes. About home all day, low with a headache, weed and transplant a little with Carree. Baby deserves many whippings for destroying flowers, breaking flower pots and all sorts of mischief. Receive note about Dix schooling from M Allen [12]. Take tea in garden and garden very late with Tucker forming road from house. Turf etc.

31st

Beautiful growing weather, busy about home, garden etc. All morning sow French golden radish, plants cabbage etc. Mr Nicholls and surgeon Davies dine here at 3.00. I sow today some swede turnip, first yet. Late, in my opinion, to be large. Walked in evening with Mr Davies to Turnpike Road, do not find myself at all well. Drank more port than I liked. White wine very out. Calf killed, weight 90 ¼ lbs.

June

1st (Friday)

Am very unwell, too free living yesterday and not very well before. Get up late and obliged to lay on sofa half day, dine at 3 and take Moselle with Carree and baby to Parkyrhedin and Prisk. Look for cowslips, none. Tried to deal for pigs, too dear. Plant a few larch in evening with Tucker. Veal sent to Reynoldstone.. RH and Sam Philip maltster at Caie Vorgan in evening. Side of veal goes to Swansea. Beautiful weather.

2nd

Ride Moselle to Swansea, receive at bank £15. Get wet through in starting, wait till it clears at Llitherid. No rain at Swansea all day. Execute my commissions and send home by RH. Home early myself. RH calls late in evening at Caie Vorgan with my commissions.

4th

Sunday. Evening duty, out of order. Mr Berrington does duty and gives a very good sermon. Mr Berrington dines with us. Wet evening and he takes a bed. Wet morning again.

Monday. Fine day, Mr Berrington goes home. Engage for Oxwich, Thursday. Wash stables for mange. Last crop of peas sown. About home all day. Ride to post by Penralt, stallion there was at Caie Forgan all night. Engage about slate Wednesday with RH.

5th

Carry earth to pit orchard for turnips. New servant, Lisa Williams, Cil Ivor, comes as dairy maid. Very fine day, no events, except burning remainder of furze rick in evening late. Very fine, Carree out late, very tired tonight.

6th

Slates sent to Blaenkedy by RH and WR. Deal and grate home. Still setting early potatoes. Sow mangold wurzel very late!!! And turnips. Sent David for spring cart to town, home late. Brew three w malt of Sam Phillips by Llewellyn.

7th

Very cold day. Go to Oxwich by appointment in spring car. Cold dinner by the lake and again dine with Mr Berrington, walk to Penrice gardens, much injured by severe winter. Beautiful lettuce, peas fit to gather, took spade and fork to botanise and forgot to bring things home!!! Beautiful moon light home. Home about 10.00.

Maria Allen – Dix's schooling -1/6

8th

Very cold. Send WR to quarry for wall west of house by cart shed. Dry weather. Finish pit orchard, sow turnips. About home all day. Out late watering strawberries etc. Rev. Mr Davies calls to inform me that Commissioner Johns called on him about tithe compromise, must be very accurate. Said large parishes receive less in proportion than small, that the rest of county are 3 and 4d less in pound, some as low as 1/6. Greatly obliged to Mr Davies for his kindness in calling in giving the news that something is moving.

9th

Susan and Ann ride to town, a promised jaunt. Home by 8.00. About home all day, sow swedes in drill, orchard, nurse Charles Teddy to Cillibion field. Cold windy day, dine on eels. Dog and cat scolded. No occurrences besides except it be strange cookery and odd method of waiting at table by new servant Eliza Williams, a regular Gowerian. Portends rain, very cold. Glad to enjoy kitchen fire in the evening.

11th

Sunday. Evening duty, very wet day. Go about to church. After dinner walk over Stafell Haegr, grass grows. Call at Penralt, Richard Gordon's. Call at Grants, talk of eggs, decline fish. Evening breaks off at sunset, some chance of fine tomorrow.

Monday. Showery day, one heavy storm. Warm growing weather. Transplant lettuce and mangold wurzels, dine on fish. Send 700 slates to Blaenkedy, no deal to be had back, shaft broke. Rode to post, letter from William. Poor Thomas dead. Sheep washed. Settle some accounts written with RH and Tom Phillips wife paid in full. David Bowen of Gellyhir calls about slang of tithe. Walk in field with Carree. Sheep in Lower Field dangerous neighbours. Servants gone to village, sup in kitchen.

12th

 Note on yesterday, con over RH's bill, and not at all satisfied with his charges for meat and price of selling for me. High and low!!!! Very!!! Wet, close, thundery day, little out of doors, make list of a arrear tithe for RH. More sheep washed. Write accounts and set men to mow flat and make road front of house. Sheep not quiet in field, fear them breaking to garden, night.

13th

About home all day. Beautiful, distant thunder showers. Take baby to see sheep washed and meet Carree returning from post. Baby rides home. RH and F Thomas called in evening, give former arrears of tithes list. Latter came to see place. In evening Rev. Mr Davies and family call and take tea. Tea very late, no bread baked and great omission … offered!!! David as usual out late. 16 sheep shorn and marked.

14th

Weather changed again, not so summer like a morning yet fine till 2.00. Rain comes in from southeast. Call with Carree on Mrs Nicholls, Mr Boatvilli or Botifield there. Just missed to obtain to Brannet ducks [13]. Thomas of Crofty here this morning, had slates, in all 900 at 3/-. Sell him 100 cabbage plants. Wet evening till 6.00. Improve front a little with W Tucker. Extraordinary, see 2 hares today!!! Walk on common, one walks through yard gate tonight.

15th

Were engaged to go to Rev. Mr Davies to tea to meet Mr Ball etc; wet prevents. Much misty rain all day, regular heavy wet. Sent David to post and with Mr Berrington's borrowed great coat. Carree receives 2 letters, Swaffham and Jane, former likely to return to Gower. Various questions to be answered by us. Jane not over well. A man calls from Miller's garden with a bill, pay nothing, no accounts sent. What have I done today? Helped Tucker in the evening to layout and improve road to home.

16th

Another precarious day. Little or no sun, warm and wet, most growing weather. Did not go to Swansea, received paper in evening by Tucker's wife, send for nothing from Swansea else. About home all day, not knowing what work men can do, till evening. … it holds up and cart in earth and plant more larch in evening. Very warm, take my tea sitting outside of window and am out late. Read Cambrian in evening. Read and settle W David's account. Plant a little celery out.

18th

Sunday. Morning duty, go with Carree, are before time! Very muddy, fine day, a fox. A duck hatches 9 in the hedge. David not up this morning till ¼ before 9 o'clock, saw him then unlock stable door, he must be off. Prayers and read to servants, bed early to rise early.

Monday. Am up early, very dull and warm. Mason comes. A most heavy rain prevents all work out of doors. Thomas places grate in parlour, obliged to help, wants contrivance, do not send to post. Am completely off hinges and want resolution. Hay making prevented, anxious to cut. Carree begins letter to Charlotte. Evening clears a little.

19th

About home all day. Tucker plants up mangold wurzels, cabbage etc. W Jone carts stones and lime because W Richards is ill. W Thomas, mason, building wall west. Heavy rain of yesterday kills my young ducks. Find another brood half dead. Send for a holly to Parkyrhedin, plant it in evening. One Edwards calls for groom fees for Protector, Doll two years. £1 and 15 and a groom, do not pay. Doll not foaled. RH calls about Bowens Leason tithes and says his return is not correct, £2 difference between them. No good promise of weather for tomorrow or would cut my clover. Walk to Cillibion field, full of thistles, horrid.

20th

Another damp morning, comes on wet!!!!! And men go home. Fine weather for grass but not for hay! Or I intended to have cut clover. Wet has prevented sending to post today and also Monday, meant to have ridden to Penmaen, and not out of the house making out labour account. Llewellyn recovers a sheep and lamb at Penrice. Mrs Grant calls with fish and 3 cabbage. Chestnut stallion here. Nothing to do. Tithe wheat collected winnowed yesterday, Thomas Thomas etc.

21st

Very windy day. WR ill, a little rain. Plant 2 hollies. Go with Carree to bathe child at Penmaen and get rabbits. What a day to fix on. Home late, plenty of glow worms portend fine weather. Had no idea so many glow worms were on the commons. R Harry called about tithes, going to make survey of Upper D (ivision).

22nd

7 ducks of J Williams, Leason, 6d, one stolen the following morning not far from the gate. Extremely windy, does much mischief but tis fine, no rain but a peculiarly watery atmosphere. Resolved to cut clover tomorrow in spite of opinions of oi polloi. About home all day. Mrs Nicholls called with Mr Hancorne.

23rd

Am not at Swansea, cut my clover, first in this country. Beautiful day, all anxiety about its harvest, without much fear. Cambrian by Mr Nicholls.

Sunday. Evening duty, Carree not very well, go alone. Mrs Nicholls and Mr Hancorne take tea with us, Mr Nicholls has a bad foot. Very fine day indeed.

25th

Up at 5.00, finish mowing and hay making all day. Set a black hen in the stall with eggs from Mrs Nicholls. Cart breaks down, Carreed stones. Rev. Mr and Mrs Collins and Miss Pritchard call, visit 2 hours, prevents my going to dine at Mr Nicholls. Sheep shearing. Send him a bottle of brandy, returned again this evening, intend going myself but am very tired.

26th

Beggar, Ungate of Leason 2d. Hay carried in Upper Field, busy all day among the hay. Heavy clouds this evening, portends rain. Carry all in consequence, not done till 9.00, a hard day's work. Tea on the green to all haymakers and plenty of beer. Glad to get to bed. Secure a rick but little rain after all.

27th

A holyday (sic) at Penmaen. Mrs Nicholls car with family and party, Mrs Nicholls, 3 children, Mr Hancorne, Carree, self, Charles Teddy, Susan and David. 3 dogs and 3 ponies. Provisions, taken by Mrs N, eaten at Mrs Jones. Mr Jones brewing. Pay him for calf's head 2/-, rabbits 2/-, changed a sovereign. Bathed and made David Bowen bathe the the horses and dogs. Gathered plants. The curate recovering. Spend a very pleasant day, caught 2 brannets, dead by next morning. Walked greater part there and all way back. Home late. Beautiful day, tho' unpredicted rain when in hay field yesterday.

28th

Coronation of Queen. About home all morning, ride with Carree to post, take tea at Mr. Surgeon Davies. Met Mr Ball Junior on common, lost his mare. Seek her on marsh. Engage ourselves to Mr Ball's tomorrow. Mr Davies has improved his garden by rock work. Mr Lucas gives beer and tea to his tenants. Mr Dean's fish pond. Home by 9.00, cool enough. Towy finds a hare, miss to get a course. David kills 2 rabbits.

29th

Still beautiful weather, another calf killed by RH. About home all morning, RH explains about the story of leeks and Batcock etc. Engaged to tea at the Balls to be there early, go late to prepare: a most unexpected call from Mrs McMechan who accompanies us. I call at Pennyhitch about a mangle, Mrs Edwards, agree for £5.10. 0 credit. Rev. Mr Mrs Davies at Mr Balls, spend a pleasant evening, called at Mr Surgeon Davies for Carree's parasol and showed Mrs McMechan Reynoldstone village. Home very late and very cold. Mrs McMechan … declines to take a bed at our house and rides solo to Penclawdd.

30th

Send early this morning spring car to Swansea. WR and Eliza with calf for market, potatoes and butter. Return early by 6.00. Settled Edward's account before breakfast. I am fussing about home all morning, no, all day. Tucker plants out cabbage, thins turnips in pit. Place the new swarm of bees. Go to the potato field, Stonyford, W Jone and Llewellyn at work there. Ride late to village to see Dix, wet about Stafell Haegr, fail to see him. Get hands to work for Monday, weed thistles and earth potatoes. Called twice for sale account at George Jones, not at home, when shall I get that money. Set the bantam hen in the stables. Went to Batcocks this morning with baby to borrow eggs, get none. Get half pint of barm. A very dull day, easterly wind. Some rain all day or nearly so. Mr Lloyd calls for a Bennett, and helps cover rick.

July

2nd

Sunday. Beautiful day, doubtful morning. Morning duty, at church in good time. Carree goes, Mr Nicholls there, Mr Mrs Jones of P. Spend day at Caie Forgan disappointed of meat, make shift for dinner, depend on Cillibion. Top of Cil Ivor Hill. Call Parkyredin, adventure of calf. Race to top of Cefn Bryn. Read evening service to servants. Brisk east wind.

Monday. Borrow coal, Morgan Jenkins. Get sand and lime. Tucker not here. Blacksmith emigrates. Walk to Cillibion field, woman at thistles. Send Miss Ball Rosy. Carry Toots to potato field. Evans of B calls, invite for Thursday. Mr T Ball takes tea, kill a wild duck by strategem. First young duck killed tame. Swansea Fair, wool, send nothing. Met Mr Holland, fair not dull. Water garden until 10.00. At George Jones, pay sale account.

3rd

By appointment meet Dix at Stafell Haegr to consult about factory mill, then speak to carpenter, quarry man etc. Dix in a dilemma about rent. Mr William Collins calling on my return, do not in consequence go on Wibley. Transplant a few flowers with Carree and water garden till 10.00 at night. Mangle arrives this evening. Finished papering parlour this morning, obliged to send for a new piece wanting one strip only.

4th

Up at ½ past 5, assist J Edwards to place it. Order cows not turned out, too hot. At thistles about garden hedge. Mullet dinner and salad. Resolve to take tea at Manselfold. Walk from there to Willis's mill, buy stuff for wash brew, am very fond of it. Home by 9.00, and very tired. 2 very hot days portending heavy rain.

5th

Crockery at the door, 1/4. Dubious morning, fine day. Hunt for dog chain, find it luckily. Women not at Cillibion, weeds all up. Call at Mr Lloyd, his sheep trespass. Crockery women there at 1. Get ready to start and ride with Carree to Brynhir by Bryngwas, large party. Carree has a narrow escape of the gate, Rosy shied. A very good dinner and party pleasant. Late in the evening Mr Jones addresses me in regard to the chapel enlargement proposed. Object to any alteration that would incur expense because repaired last year. Some little warm discussion in consequence and declined to make a proposition on the subject to 8 parties beyond stating a case but expressed a willingness to do anything for public accommodation. Mr Mrs Collins & and Miss Pritchard , Gunthorpe, Jones, Mrs McMechan, ourselves. Home at 2.00!!

6th

Up late, some little rain has fallen. Slight showers in day. Get the colts in, one injured in the shoulder. Ride to potato field and Penralt about Batcock about glass. Dine at 2, wild duck. Garden, pay at forge and call on Mr Nicholls. Borecole plants etc, can't have his car tomorrow. Calf killed by RH. Water some parts of garden. Music, harp and fiddle in evening, entered journal and settle as to parts of calf sold for RH to cut up early tomorrow. Promise of wet tomorrow.

7th

Called at Mrs Nicholls for turnip seed and broccoli sent there by Kitty. I go to Swansea, doubtful sort of day, some showers but am lucky. Little rain going, none returning. Hear poor Henry Mundy rather worse than better. Spoke to Hancorne about Miss Tottenham and money affairs, no set off. Presented with two pigeons at the Castle. Fail to see Howell John, write to Captain Wheatley and George Harry for money. Get my commissions home by RH who sells calf skin for me. Mrs McMechan overtook me in street late, some conversation about last night at Brynhir, and alterations at Chapel, thinks I did right not to acquiescence readily and home by 7.00. Much hay out near Swansea, all untouched.

9th

Sunday. Not a pleasant day, dine early but obliged to ride to church late. Carree not well enough to go, Mrs Nicholls calls with Kitty and and Ann for … Drove home the cows myself. Mrs Collins sent to inquire about Carree and for veal.

Monday. About home all day, no sun today, misty morning, went twice to potato field, begin to set plan in order for tomorrow, making a sort of clearing what's done. Sent David to Ilston early with veal and also to Oxwich, then turnips. Turnips sown on failed carrot bed on Saturday. Weeding garden the order of the day. Hannah brings up geese to fatten, will they fatten?

10th

Dull morning as to sun, wind brisk. A busy day, mowing and weeding garden. Mr William Collins and Mr Berrington dine here. Mrs Collins and Mrs Pritchard come in evening, undaunted by little rain in the evening. Mr Nicholls sends present of a hare. Mrs McMechan sends a sewin from Penclawdd. Dine at 3. Carree very extravagant, an excellent dinner for a party of 8 instead of 4. Have tench, ducks and peas, lamb etc. Mrs Collins in alarm of rain in the evening. An unfortunate evening and Mr Collins has all his hay about since Friday, he not here. A little singing in evening, lend great coats, cloaks, bonnets etc for them to go home.

11th

A thorough wet morning after 10.00. Misty and dull all night and this morning early. Richard Tucker in garden. this morning when digging for broccoli. A misty morning and thorough driving wet day, but little from the house. Write to Barrett about Chambers, he wanting further terms. Balancing weekly accounts, entered journal and write accounts of meat to Reynoldstone. Was a little while gardening in evening but got wet. Carree writing to Swaffham, the black cat plays. More windy weather. Mr Collins servants return my great coat, send W Collins three volumes of Reb: of Ancient Poetry.

12th

Damp dull day, some heavy thick rain am. Most growing weather. No one at my potatoes. Hoe my own turnips and work like a labourer all day. Robert Hancorne calls wanting celery plants, none to spare, very backward. Tucker sows Penton cabbage seed and plants out broccoli, weeds Lucerne. Wash wheat for mill. J Grant calls, put 4 eels into the ditch, some trout brought up, gave him an old shooting jacket, sun set better but no great promise fine weather.

13th

Wettish morning turns out fine day. Very warm thundery looking towards evening. Broad Pool crowded with cattle all day, about home all morning. Send cards to Cefn Bryn for stone after dinner. Ride myself to post, take note of meat to Mr Ball, met him on Cefn Bryn. Beautiful sight of vessels and sea very dark, light beyond in Devonshire. Called on Rev. Mr Davies, chat over ale about sheep killed by dogs, no remedy if dog (not) killed till 2nd offence. Receive a Norfolk paper, meet Toots on return, ride him home. Busy in the evening about Swansea commissions, Susan to go if the weather permits. Hen hatches in stable. Read Norwich paper, coronation, first Swaffham.

14th

A wet night and a thorough wet stormy day, wind southeast. No errands to Swansea, Susan cannot go. Doctor colts. Go to my papers, many interruptions. Of all things in the world Mrs Jones sends Carree a basket of currants, what humiliation!! Discover porter, cider burst, move its place, bottle remainder of Elder wine. Very tired all day, sleep after dinner most drowsily, fully intended going to Stafell Haegr, Dix's factory, weather prevents. In morning was as far as potato field Stonyford, earthing not quite done. A day lost to all work except winnowing the last of barley, Upper Field. David not home at 11.00, gave him warning for taking Moselle from the stables.

16th

Sacrament Sunday. Only 15 in church, service began, Mrs Nicholls there, neither stop, go with RH to Stafell Haegr. Get Cambrian at Penralt, Richard Gordon there. Am early and spend evening at tea, finish it!! At Mrs Nicholls! Susan and Ann gone to Llanmadock, nurse baby ourselves. Servants home late and caught in heavy shower.

(Monday) Beautiful day, brisk wind. Promise of better weather. Send currants into Swansea, home in good time. About home all day. In evening, took strawberries to Mrs Nicholls, intend to meet car and ride baby home, missed the car. Cold evening and Susan comes to meet us returning. Road to the post, took dogs and killed a hare my return.

17th

Fine morning, brisk and cool, comes on to wet in the evening before 6.00. W Thomas, mason, begins wall of entrance with rough stones. Sow turnips among the birch trees. RH takes 3. cattle to Penrice fair and wonderful! Sells them. I ride there late. On return from fair missed a duck and pick up a young chick dead, cause a mystery. RH calls on his return. Settle account of fair, save my young pigeon. RH loses his pony, no mischief luckily. Brew 3 w malt, Entrance gate way began, assist mason, fancy work.

18th

Send cart to Caie Forgan for stones. About home all morning, dine and ride to Stafell Haegr. RH goes with me, consult Dix about his wants in alterations. Loom at work, shed well adapted for purpose. RH agrees the converted purpose of building is good. He goes tything.Find Mrs McMechan on my return. Took pony from Bather House to Richard Gordon's straight, too hazardous to repeat. The 2 Mr Davies of Reynoldstone at arbitration at village, expecting umpire Mr Evans, disappoints, gone to Llanelli. They spend the evening with us, music and rational enjoyment, cool evening after a fine warm day.

19th

David off by 6.00 to Penralt for stones!! Rise up before 6.00, meet Thomas the Mason and Dixon at Stafell Haegr before breakfast. Take levels of fall of water, 8 ½ ft below shoot, 7 ½ above on waste land. Walk on marsh to see what further fall can be heard, 3 ft. Ride home, got change for £5 at Samuel Phillips. Pay poor rate as above on return [14]. Go to forge after consulting mason about hinge for entrance gate, call on Mr Lloyd - hay making, to ask about his colts etc strangled, look at my own barley, good crop. Morris Davies calls, dines and takes tea and pays me a veal account. Feed all the animals, assist mason at my original entrance. Made W Tucker sow turnip on vetch bed, lower point. A very busy fatiguing day, threatening rain. Brisk wind all day and dull. Seaweed does not indicate rain.

20th

A busy day, fine weather. First hay rick secured, i.e. thatched. Send to the Bryn for one cart of stones. About home all morning, engaged about trifles not as I ought about accounts. All go in the evening to tea with Rev. Mr Davies, the Balls all there. Wind. northerly, very cold and very cold returning home late, not in bed till one. Very wrong to keep baby out so late! Ordered working horses on the common for the first night, cows wanting grass at Cillibion.

21st

Do not go to Swansea, sent no errands they are being too late yesterday. Mow Lower Field, poor crop grazed late. Mix hay and fern, fern mown for the purpose. About home all day. Sow turnips myself, end of orchard, last sowing. Give men beer, myself present helps make hay all in cocks tonight. Assisted gateway, masons work for entrance. Cold for the season.

23rd

Sunday. Evening duty, dine early. Carree and I at church, Captain G, Mr Mrs N, …. there, Carree returns on Moselle. Mr Mrs N and Jones of L at gate on return, declined to come down. Servants this evening walk to Arthur's Stone. Begin writing to Berners Street to send by Ann tomorrow.

… Carree who sent Ann to Swansea on errands, leg lamb, neck, veal Jenkins. Carry hay in Lower Field. Heavy lowering day, threatens rain but does not. Cows and colts returned on aftermath. J Grant helps in lieu of his wife and takes tea, tired with day's work. Settle H Harry's accounts of day work. Night very cold, receive a letter from Ted, Swaffham. Up late to preserve fruit, poor stuff from Swansea.

24th

Write to Penclawdd for purpose of going to Blaenkedy to see what done, what wants doing. Mason not there, W Thomas, mason at Crofty gave him instruction. Called on Mrs McMechan. Called also at Brynhir, Mr Mrs Lloyd. Took wine and fruit. Home again by Marsh and through wood to Parkyredin. Home by 6.30. Missed to see Howell John, saw his son at Penclawdd and his team on the marsh. Could not learn where he was, 2 journeys to Cefn Bryn for stones, am very tired this evening. Pick currant bushes with Carree, very cold.

25th

A beautiful day, grass cut and hay making at 4 acres. Hen began to sit in cow stall in turnips trough. Lapland Kale and cabbage seed sown among birch trees. Betty Williams sends blackcurrants. Help Carree gather fruit, very cold wind. Send Ann to post and with car for Mr Mrs D of R who take tea here. Hot supper and up late. Some music. Morris D and his sister here, Mrs Davies takes a new cheese of 8lbs 6 oz at -/4. Send them back in car by Tucker, returns home at 1.00. Not quite so cold tonight

26th

Wet morning after 9.00, wind changed from north to south west. Seaward not damp. Cover Rick with WT, how fares my hay at the 4 acres? Was about to ride when rain began. A yearling donkey or Neddy of Jane Harry, Fairy Hill, 10/6. WR and David mow what remains of 4 acres, come up wet through. It turns out a fine evening after 3.00. I am all day glueing and mending chest of drawers and canvassed … same …Pick blackcurrants, some boiled down this evening. Made out. daily accounts and arrear of journal. In bed late, child not very well … him that with fig and rhubarb - difficult. Was at forge for curtain irons.

27th

Wind brisk all day, threatens rain but is fine. Mason finishes a pier of entrance wall. 1 carter sand, 2 culm, Mr Lloyd, 2 for hay for self, 4 acres. Ride to Penralt about lime etc, see RH killing sheep and calves. Ride to 4 acres, bustle about hay makers, resolved to carry some. Return to Penralt. Home for ropes and back to Penralt, order 1 gallon of beer and send ropes to hay field. Dine at 3. Neglect the post. Late about the hay rick. Wind brisk and threatens rain again. Secure rick, read Cambrian, commissions few for Swansea by RH.

28th

Fine morning, some heavy showers delay hay carry after dinner. Do not go to Swansea, attend mason who finishes fancy rock entrance. Walk with Carree to see stile at Cillibion altered. Help at hay rick a little. Carree at work all day in the house. Nothing happens, very cold at night.

Sunday. Morning duty but I ride to Ilston Church. William Collins at Nash Edwards. Fine day Mrs Collins called late this evening and her son William. Susan and Ann got Reynolsdtone Church, who saw them home? And who was a back entrance very late, left keys in all the doors and who .. them out. David home at 11.00 after sleeping to dinner time. Pretty times indeed! Very cold.

30th

Unexpectedly a beautiful morning. Many things indicate wet between 11 and 12. It rains hard, partially at the rick not in hay field. Took out my gun, plovers shy. Called at Mr Nicholls, want screw of …. walked to Tucker's to inquire why absent, pains in legs, comes for half day. I make a pigeon house. Get wet in covering Rick. Hay at 4 acres finished. Tea early and walk with Carree and baby after fern loading on common. Baby rides her home. Weed some Lucerne and sows some grass and clover seed in front of the house. Send Cambrian. Have prayers and enter day book and this account, tis less cold at night.

31st

A beautiful day, all hands to earth potatoes Stonyford. Busied in a way I ought not having trust accounts to make out and send in. RH calls with Stephens of T to see about tithe. Can't agree. Busy myself in the garden, gather peas, find pigs etc. Send WR with cart to help hay for our rage. Ride to the post, receive 2 letters, one Polly to inquire of Nathan's advertisement and the other announcing Jane's confinement again. Called on Mr Ball, received the butcher account, he at hay. Call on Rev. Davies, take tea. Mrs Davies of S there. Reynoldstone tithe commission confirmed. The Dr also carrying hay. Home before 9.00, where's David? Ann gone to the village. Write to Mr Thomas Powell.

August

1st (Wednesday)

Began mowing at Stafell Haegr, dull doubtful morning, thundery appearance, thorough wet driving day after 10.00. All day in the house, writing to Swaffham, Tom Powell and Jane. Rode to post, wet there and back. Change clothes. Tucker only to look after pony, sift ashes etc. Make paper kite for baby, prepare for brewing, Eliza at mill with the last of my barley. Some promise of better weather tomorrow.

2nd

Wet again, clears off, prepare for brewing. Help at brewing, new hand Eliza at the work. … after dinner to village, walk, Mr Davies at arbitration - sheep killing, umpire Mr Evans. First fault, no redress, dog killed. Mr Surgeon goes with me to Stafell Haegr, Dix had applied to him for mill at Reynoldston, now fixed at Stafell Haegr. They declined to come up to tea, we all call at J Grant's, cartridge peas. Saw RH at Penralt. Home alone, hoteish (sic), no tea. Sup on bread, cheese and lettuce. Enjoy it much. Have some idea of a finer day tomorrow. Engage hay making accordingly.

3rd

Begin high busy about hay at Stafell Haegr. The evening disappoints me, thorough wet. Hay all abroad, no help in Gower phrase. David mowing, do not go or send to the post, ill managed being Friday. Busy about everything at home. No regular person about home, brewing to be attended to, pigs, planting garden, cabbage, celery etc. A joint letter to Frederick. Commissions for Swansea tomorrow. Discover at 11.30 all doors open wide to cellar, dairy, astounding negligence of ignorant stupidity for I harbour no idea of fraud though often over reached. Scold Eliza in earnest, tomorrow morning Susan's fault.

4th

I do not rise so early as I wish or used to do. Send cart to Swansea for Mrs Harris the horse take baby in it to Cillibion and walk him home. Met Mr Jenkins and gave baby ride on Rosy, lime cart. Cold dinner, beautiful salad, never fond of them before. Take lime of George Jones, 3 carts, carry gravel, sand rush. Ride after dinner to Stafell Haegr, begin alterations at Stafell Haegr W Thomas there. Rode on marsh to Llewellyn, order 1 load of rush up. Some heavy showers in the evening part. Many things grow more now than in summer. Full moon tomorrow foretells better weather. Mrs Harry's arriving in good time by the car. Paper directed to Tenby brought back again!! No incidents.

6th

Sunday. Evening duty, read Cambrian and go alone to church. Two maids and nurse there. Prayers in the evening at home, less rain today but heavy showers, I think there is promise of better weather tomorrow.

Monday. It does not rain today, wind high. Up early, promise of better weather but appearances not very good. Before breakfast, enter up day accounts and make-up W Jone's the same. Ride to Stafell Haegr and marsh, collect hay makers, for half day. Call at factory, no mason there. Go to a marsh, cart upset by bad driving [David] and over load. No accident to horse fortunately. Dine at 2.00 and again ride to Leason. Call at Lucas, no meeting. Tops of trees, ash, left by RH, question gone. Tea at Webley, receive arrears of tithes 30/- no change to pay for goods. High tide. Sheep all up, curious specimen of stone given to me. See RH … about tithe of Wibley. Home about 9.00, receive a letter from my mother. Nurse sent in car with Ann and baby.

7th

Awoke at 4.30 by Carree ill, rise between 5 and 6, send for the doctor. Child born by 8.00, a surprising event. Richard sent to Leason for wood, coal out. All day till dinner time spent in nursing, Dr Davies and flying a paper kite! Rode in evening to Cillibion to bring Charles Teddy Home. He spent the day there and behaved like a man. Called at forge about hinges and agreed for tithes 5/-. Very tired this evening, slept on sofa and glad to get to bed, new room and bad bed. Very windy day, an unpromising morning, some rain.

8th

Fine morning, and windy and beautiful day. Carry hay from Stafell Haegr. Write 4 letters, the news of yesterday, errands to Swansea and send David Mr Gordon of Cilivor views this place CM and surprised. Help at the rick, gathered and shelled beans, dine early, ride in car to Stafell Haegr, load a car, return, help at rick. Help level ground of ditto. Mr Davies surgeon, here this evening. Beautiful evening, ricks left open. Mrs Nicholls calls this morning, out of coals, most inconvenient.

9th

Thought to have finished hay at Stafell Haegr, 2 loads before breakfast. Heavy rain comes along, a thorough damper. Men go home, send WR for coals, quite out. Garden stuff, rout out peas, tie and trim the road to house, nail fence. With WR. evening in field to protect a few poplars. Converse in evening with Carree and review my day with regret. Read 2 London papers, no news. A strange incident of death of a cat by Glanders from a horse.

10th

Another driving mist all day. My hay suffering at Stafell Haegr. Resolve to sit down to accounts, begin. Hannah interrupts, mason wants me at Stafell Haegr. Ordered dinner and go. Set Tucker to drain yard at home, order dinner. Ride to Stafell Haegr, oak and pear cut down for factory mill, pond commenced. Return and go to accounts, copy some papers for Wm. Read Locke on Education. New child cries terribly. Talk with Carree, Eliza's stupidity about flour. Dilemma about Swansea tomorrow. Mr Davies surgeon calls this evening, promise still of more rain.

11th

I go to Swansea and David goes away. (David Evans paid off £3 3 9) Up early, walk before breakfast to Mr Nicholls with errands to Swansea and to borrow money till fair day. Do not borrow, go myself to town, receive letter from Jane, called Charles Collins about Dix lease, commissions home by RH and from home by Mr Nicholls. Called at Miss Hill's and Miss Lucas. Met William Collins. Markets very high. Howell John promises to pay money at launch next spring. Talk with Jane Morris about Penmaen, Warm muggy Day.

13th

Sunday. Misty morning, wet day and warm, growing weather. David departs. Morning duty sacrament. Mr Davies of Llanegwad and son at church, send a note to Robert Roberts tomorrow about David Evans. David at Leason. Hay in deplorable state at Stafell Haegr.

Monday. Beautiful day, busy about hay Stafell Haegr. Rise very early, get breakfast and see hay finished tonight, all gave place to this. History of J Smith the pedlar, from himself, interesting and serious. What a place this to settle at, at last gave him 2d. Am much about the rick and less anxious to see it done. David a lost hand, at it till dark. Promise of fair tomorrow. Miss Davies called, did not see her.

14th

Beautiful day, up early, breakfast early. Hen hatches in cows stall, Somerset of chicks. Not hurt, most curious, all live. Richardson … large rick, put up curtains for Carree, three sets and neat front of house expecting visitors. Mrs Davies of R calls, a present of a handsome pinny for Charles Teddy. Dine early and ride to Stafell Haegr, all horses there making preparations for mill, no mason. Elm felled, haul boughs etc. Call at Richard Gordon's about lime. Promises to supply me till kiln is lighted. RH not at Penralt, at hay. Called at Caie Vorgan this morning. Eaton of Walterston will not agree. Tis fine day but cat plays, corns ache etc, sad predictions of more wet.

15th

Swansea fair, do not go or send, proves a stock fair, little done. Some tithe collected Wernfrood. Hay thatched, Carree going on uncommonly well. Eaton's wife of Walterston calls this morning about tithe, must collect. At last agree it shall not exceed the rent £10 for his farm. Fine day

16th

Smart shower this morning. Sow some early cabbage in the garden. Tucker about at his own hay, who ought to do it. About home all morning, teach Hannah to weed and thin turnips. Ride to Stafell Haegr in the evening and take orders from mason for Swansea. A fine day but begin to predict rain. Obliged to garden for myself, gather and rout out peas and gather beans. Llewellyn and Richards home late this evening with two good cars of clover, George Thomas.

17th

About home all morning gardening, accounts etc. In evening ride to Oldwalls, the pony shod and walk to Stafell Haegr through wood. Return by Penralt and again at Oldwalls and home again. Fineish day but thick rain is not far off. Write to my Aunt Woodward and commissions for Swansea, quite a business.

18th

Up and breakfast early, car going to Swansea. WR, Susan, Hannah finish commissions. Take baby to Mrs Nicholls and car. Take iron to forge and call there again. Explain about hinges for yard gate. Dine cold mutton. Ride to Stafell Haegr. Hunt the moor with Llewellyn for a … ram, no find. Tucker for ½ day plants celery, much time occupied with the child today. Car home in good time. Foretell rain soon. How have I spent this evening to do nothing? Dull day,

20th

Sunday. Evening duty, write to Penmaen, morning duty. Dull morning, fine evening. Rain at Penmaen prevents going to church. Dined there, veal. Walk to see rectory from the road, nothing looks very bad. See the curate starting for Rhossili, walk with Jones on his B.. Home to tea. Met Betty with fish in morning and J and D Morris on moor this evening. Mrs Hancorne calls in evening to see Carree, am very tired. Read prayers in the evening and bed early.

Monday. Dull morning, doubtful day, very windy and heavy rain after sunset. New moon this morning, ride to Stafell Haegr, call at Penralt, go to Leason about timber. Lucas shows it, gives apples. Try to get walnuts at Williams mason, ride to post, letter from Jane. Mr Davies clerk there. Spoke to Jones postman who wants to sell oats at Nicholaston. Home to dinner. Wind gets very strong and with it heavy rain. Read 2 London papers, entered journal etc. Nelly Harry here.

21st

Go after breakfast in cart and baby with me to Stafell Haegr for a large elm to be removed for mill wheel, a difficult job, will it grow at Caie Forgan? A day's work to replant it. Wind very high and adverse. My eye long oddly affecting begins to swell without pain or without reason as far as I know.

22nd

A most windy wet day after stormy night. Am laid up with a swelled eye, up late. Not out of house all day, write to Mrs James, Swaffham, RH calls. Settle some accounts of meat etc, weather prevents sending to post. Receive one from Edmund, another son. All day entering my accounts with RH. Some promise of fairer day tomorrow. Read Cambrian. Eyesight very troublesome, very windy, enjoy a fire.

23rd

Awoke at 5.30 by George Gordon violently rapping at the door in the hope to accuse my dogs of sheep killing. I was ill yesterday and depended on and ordered Ann to shut dogs up last night, she did not. Gordon triumphs to find them loose. Get up and find the dogs quite dry and clean, tis a wet morning and has rained in the night, proof of innocence. After breakfast walk to Stafell Haegr, what was done yesterday and doing today. Gave directions on the marsh with Bar Jones caught in a shower. Return by Penralt and talk to RH at the kiln. Tithe not all let out in Upper Division, his kiln lighted today. Talk about dogs and sheep killed, Philip Morris says my dogs were on the common in fern. I hardly believe him, they were dry. Home by potato field, Stoneyford. Dress and dine. Read Locke on Education, ought to go to accounts. Only out of the house a little again to the turnips. Wind abates but tis very cold, very tired in the evening. Take special care to see dogs secured. In evening the sun shines, wind northerly and better prospects of weather tomorrow.

24th

Up early, fine day, hear dogs of Friddoe and Wernhalog are detected killing sheep. Settled down to my accounts. Enter on expenditure. Mr & Mrs Evans call and interrupt me, bring strawberry plants. Lunch and dine a business of 3 hours. Settle to order mowing for 2nd crop tomorrow. Moselle doctored. Walk to Stafell Haegr 5.00. Call at Penralt, order mutton hind quarter of RH. Morgan Jenkins begins cutting barley. Secure haymakers for Monday. See progress of work at Stafell Haegr etc and return to tea at 7.00. Think of commissions for Swansea by RH. Quiet night and have good hopes of weather for hay. Some barley ready to cut and am anxious to beat fern. Mr George carting much!!

25th

Up early wet, do not mow as pretended. About home all day in the house, not very well. Wood cut, shallots sorted out. Steps pulled down. Llewellyn took commissions for Swansea to Llanrhidian, who took them? Fatigued about nothing in evening. Ann's mother called to see her.

27th

Sunday. Receive letter from Henry, Swansea by Howell John, coming to breakfast. Order pony to meet him. Hurry one off by WR who goes to Swansea, Henry comes to late dinner. Morning service, do not go, waiting for Henry. Stroll with Teddy child to Cillibion, expect Henry. Home and walked to Tucker's, find his wife asleep in a furze bush! Thought her dead, inquest. Henry here at dinner. Mrs Nicholls sends a dove

Monday. No one at post, foggy day, fine evening mowing 2nd crop. Up at 5.00. Gather peas and prepare dinner. Walk with Henry to Stafell Haegr tithe hay under the hill with William Jone and load the cart, hay like dung. Fatigued with heat,. Henry leaves in the evening for Swansea, send horse to Black Boy, W Tall brings back same.

28th

A shower in morning after breakfast. Most beautiful day, ride Moselle and lead Star to Stafell Haegr. Ride on marsh, cutting Rush Meadow. Give order about lime and tithe Wernfrood. Ride back quick and make hay, 2nd crop clover all evening till late. J Grant candidate for relieving officer, write letter to Charles Collins recommending. Enter accounts and day book in arrear yesterday. Henry here. Sow winter lettuce by WT. Cold dinner, washing day, Carree walked out to field. Hot day.

Reaping and barley cutting begins in earnest in general.

29th

Rise early, anxious about 2nd crop of clover. Most lowering doubtful morning. Some misty rain, wind north west, breaks of etc. beautiful day. Hay making in earnest and carry some. Ride to Nicholaston to see and meet postman. Dogs and hare top of hill, no catch. Dawdle on to post, receive a second letter Mondays post, George and Clara, former Alltygog, latter new curacy, answer former at Mr Ball's. Agree with postman Jones of oats, 6 acres at £19, dear I think. Long confab with Rev. Mr Davies, Mr Thomas Llandeilo Talybont dead. Jones here will soon follow. To dinner after the named hour and make and carry hay. Arrange about lime and work for tomorrow. Out till late, cold evening.

30th

Beautiful wind as yesterday, north west. Clover hay finished today. Carree, nurse and both toots ride Star, wasp and spring car to Penmaen. I bathed, arrange with Johnny Williams to cut tomorrow. Get 3 rabbits 1/4. Met Rev. Mr Collins on top of hill, return with the Mrs Jeffreys by 4.00, dine and see hay finished. Arrange about oats for tomorrow and other work, lime, rush etc. Walked to Cillibion for the cows and look at barley, some ready to cut. Beautiful season, very cold. Mr Davies surgeon called this morning and saw me off. Harvesting general all at once a week back, all grumbling.

31st

A beggar, a shipwrecked mariner 6d

About home all morning, rush loaded by women to finish Stafell Haegr hay rick. One load of new rush from marsh by WR. A little barley cut to feed fowls. Walk up to Cillibion field, with Carree and carry sheaves home. Was at Penralt, Thomas Davy, Crickton there about calf, ill, to be killed. Go with RH to look at Crickton farm to be let, some idea to take it, tis very handy to Caie Vorgan. Tis beautiful weather, even hot. Vegetation stronger than all summer.

September

1st (Saturday)

I ride to Swansea in the spring car. Pick up the pedlar Smith and give him ride to town. Put several of sale defaulters in hands of Mr C Collins, no cash at bank. Captain Wheatley has not paid!! Though promised. Swansea alive with shows and bazaar, home by 8.00. Lost my supper - dog stole a roasted rabbit. Substitute cheese and toast.

3rd

Sunday. Evening duty, Carree at church. WR sets a hen in manger stall, another set on same manger tomorrow. Walked and Carree rode with baby to Mr Nicholls before church. Arrange for hands about tomorrow. Spoke to Mr Gordon about Crickton.

Monday. Dubious morning, fine day. Harvest hands very dilatory; ride to village before breakfast to hasten them. Borrow Mr Nicholls' wagon and carry Nicholaston. Ride over after breakfast to Nicholaston. Ride to Stafell Haegr in evening with Carree, kill hare on return. Harris, horse breaker, comes to handle colts. Saw Rowland Jones in oat field. Tells me 2 letters at post, one Swaffham. I have no time to call, get them tomorrow. Time fixed for Mr James return end of October. Write to Mrs Jones of N about Edward and Nathan.

4th

Another fine day, up at 6. Busy carrying oats from the Nicholaston wagon and borrowed send RH's car. … Newton Francis Thomas. Harris shoes colts and gets letters at Post Office, one Swaffham, one Poll Powell. About home all day, assist to mow up oats. Eliza brews, Ann cooks, Susan does nothing! I get vegetables for dinner and get stung on the lip, what by? In the evening write a copy of Edward James's letter to Mrs Jones of N about Nathan. Fully occupied all day, went with nurses and children to cow field and look at barley.

5th

Very heavy rain at breakfast time, rick covered just in time. Fine day and finish oats Nicholaston. Tithe George Thomas wheat. Slight grain, one cart and 2 car loads, 37 stooks and 1 sheaf. Dine at 3, called 2.00. Get potatoes and all garden stuff myself. RH calls going to tithe in Upper Division. Walk with Charles Teddy to Cillibion to send Llewellyn tithe there, he has gone. Cart got fast in narrow road Leason, prevents carrying all, unluckily tomorrow wet. Ride to Penclawdd, 2nd launch there. Call on Mrs McMechan, tea there. Vessel went off very prettily, had talk with Howel John, mason, carpenter and Guy about Blaenkedy. Materials not there to finish with. Home before 11.00 with RH, not in bed till 12.00. Very high tide.

6th

Dull morning, Very showery day. Send for coals. Managed to get home remainder of tithe wheat Leason. Send colts to 4 acres by Llewellyn. Ride before dinner to Stafell Haegr. Overtake Harris horse breaker. Heavy shower. No one at work Stav but carpenter. Ask F Thomas to assist with stones tomorrow, says he will. Ride home, call at Penralt, order mutton. See Tucker cutting fern common by Lloyd's field. Read Cambrian, Evening Mail, Scientific meeting Newcastle, Literary … the exiled Jacobite and his dog. Am extremely sleepy this evening, how is this? Not promising weather, cold and wet.

7th

Breakfast at 8, dull morning, fine till one. Thunder shower and cold dismal evening. Not from home all day. Sent Tucker to the hill for further cutting. Dogs find a hare, Moor Mills, no catch. Mr Nicholls out coursing. Without my coat all morning, want two in the evening. Just secure oats in time with Llewellyn, Richards at Penclawdd for balk of deal, intended going to Stafell Haegr, hear no one there but carpenter, do not go. Nurse and two children go to Cillibion, Kitty and Ann call here. Robert Hancorne of Cillibion from London, Mrs Beer very ill there. Receive letter, expect Mr S Smith on a visit. Arrange about Swansea, with Harris the Jockey. Will Mr Smith be here tomorrow?

8th

Doubtful morning, very fine day. Helped Tucker before breakfast to set his scythe in expectation of Mr Smith, Mortimer street. Samuel Jones, Harris, the groom's aide de camp goes to Swansea, plays me a trick, rides to Reynoldston and goes to town at one!!! Takes a few commissions to RH. About garden all morning amusing Charles Teddy, maids busy preparing for Mr Smith. Lunch at one meaning to dine late. Ride to Stafell Haegr, only carpenter there. Call at Penralt, no one there. Help make wheat mow, tithe of George Thomas 11 sheaves, 18 score. Go and tie with WR. Baby at Cillibion and Carree home, ½ a car. Place it in barn. No Mr Smith come at 8.00 this evening, how is this?

10th

Sunday. Morning duty, no one at church. Breakfast too late, servants idle, prayers at home. Dine late, Carree and self go to Reynoldston Church. Called on Miss Ball, her father in Warwickshire. Surprise to meet Henry and Mr Smith meeting us on our return, spend a pleasant evening. Very dull and cool today.

Monday. Most beautiful day, devoted to pleasure and making the agreeable to Mr Smith. Drive George's market cart to Penrice Castle, show the gardens and return by the lake and home by Nicholaston and the hill. Met Mr Talbot at the Castle, sent on a card. Dine after 6.00. Barley cut today Cillibion. De (s)sert figs, biscuits, plums.

11th

Another most beautiful day devoted like yesterday to pleasure. Strolled about home to the cornfield etc. Mr Henry Jones of Loughor and Mr Baxter call, subject Pastoral Aid Society and Upper Division of this parish and soliciting subscriptions, pledge nothing but concerned in the necessity of a resident cleric. Drive to Arthur's Stone, met Mr Thomas Gordon and Mr Gibson Crickton farm, agreed to take it to be allowed first year £5 or … they call at Caie Vorgan and take a glass. Mr Smith accepts office of sponsor for 2nd boy and behaves most liberally to nurse.

12th

Less fine, threatening to change. Mr Smith and Henry return to Carmarthenshire. Receive of Henry £8 on George's account. Accompany them with baby as far as Llytherid. Met Mr Voghert there. Rent of his farm raised as much as £300 per annum about £15/- (sic) an acre, 176 acres. Llytherid at same rent, acreage less. Walk home with Charles Teddy, Miss mamma at Mrs Nicholls. Barley land mowed this evening, half the field. Very tired this evening and do nothing.

13th

Fineish day again, no rain in night. First day fern carrying. I ride to Stafell Haegr, mason and carpenter at work. Lead and hair wanted. Carree writes several letters, we walked to see Crickton house, mow a few oats and send boards etc to Stafell Haegr. Rain this evening about 7.00.

14th

Mr Gordon registrar - a gratuity for calling to register John Mabbot 2/6 - my second son, his grandmother is his grand mama Morgan. Mr Francis Smith 27 Mortimer Street London, Rev. J James of Penmaen, Godfathers. A wet warm morning, foggy and warm all day. Rout out odd corners of the house, number of rooms, remove a bit. Tap a cask, write to Charles Collins with a plan for lease of Dix's factory Stafell Haegr. Walk to J Austen's Welsh Moor to get arrears of tithe and see Peg's colt he purchased, not at home. Do nothing, seen nothing. Rush comes up on my return. Send Jockey to the post, letter from Mr James about leaving Swaffham. Carree writes to Jane Marcon. How should I manage about Swansea tomorrow? Bad weather, inconvenient, things wanted.

15th

A wet morning, I start in misty dull wet for Swansea in spring car. Fail to see Howell John who is in Swansea. Called 3 times. Took subscription to Charles Collins for Dix lease, Stafell Haegr. Day turns out very fine, not home till 8.00. Called on the Misses Turner's, intended to meet car at the gate. Richards mistook and went on to St. Helens.

17th

Sunday evening duty, called at Mr Nicholls, Mrs Breer very ill, returned too late to go to church. Dine after church time. Fine day, very hot. We walk in evening to Tucker's about work for tomorrow in garden. Prayers in the evening. Aurora Borealis.

Monday. Another fine hot day, rise early going to Swansea again. Arrange about barley etc. Nurse to leave us, borrow Mrs Nicholls car for Swansea. Start at 11.00, do a few errands, dine and go to play, Mr Grainger's benefit, Wild Oats. No! And Gamester's Life. Mrs McMechan calls, how unlucky!!!

18th

Still dry but very cold, no sun all morning, fine evening. Busy with commissions, home by 6.00 to dinner and tea very tired. Nurse (Mrs Harries ) accompanies us to Cross Inn and Carree takes charge of the little baby. Am a bankrupt, no money to pay last gate on return home. Tithe barley at George Thomas's 13 score.

19th

Fine morning, again. Carry barley, out before breakfast. Get garden stuff for dinner, dine early. In barley field before with baby. Elder berries old Mrs Tanner 1/6. Ride Pedro colt to the post. Tucker cutting fern on the hill, see him, find 3 hares without looking, kill 2 of them, very small. Invite Miss Ball to dine tomorrow, not at home. Get wet through on the hill. Clears off again, Met Rev. Mr Davies, in trouble about a letter from one George Jones surveyor Swansea. Receive 3 papers and a franked letter from my aunt Woodward. Carree makes damson cheese.

20th

Beautiful morning and day, hot. Wet at night, prepared garden stuff for dinner and ride Pedro colt to Stafell Haegr. Take account of work done arrange for tomorrow. Borrow horse of F Thomas and hire Tom Philip. Home to dine at 3.00. Miss Ball and brother dine with us. Elder wine and damsons, cooking today very fussy. A little music in the evening. Charles Teddy full of life and dance. Send a lantern to Mr Ball, night dark and threatening. They are overtaken by rain. I am very tired.

21st

Awoke very early by Charles Teddy who now sleeps in our room, a most beautiful morning after heavy rain in night. Breakfast alone. Ride [with Carree on little Rosy colt]!! & Harris breaker and baby to Stafell Haegr. All hands there and Tom Philip. Tis very hot and I am very tired! Why? Quite off hinges and headaches. Ride after dinner to the hill, fern carrying, to the forge at the farm about Cillibion forge and my iron there, to the post, nothing there. Call on Mr Ball and bring home lantern. Quite ill this evening. Northern lights and vivid. RH calls about Swansea tomorrow; Carree sends commissions. I am glad to get to bed.

22nd

I do not go to Swansea tho' wanting to see Howell John etc. Send commissions by RH who called at Caie Forgan last evening. Hind quarter of mutton of him. I am up early, dull doubtful morning. Help Carree. Cillibion before breakfast. Finish by dinner time and carry fern in evening. Finish a crop of peas. Work in garden, tie down pickles, preserves etc. No bees (?) of mine. Flush a land rail on common. Get gun and miss it, takes a long flight, lose it. Find a hare, no catch. A little wet this evening. Sit upstairs this evening and read aloud Locke on Education. Carree works.

24th

Sunday. Morning church, I go alone on Moselle. Call at Penralt, hear little Tall left. RH some time runaway. Morning duty curtailed of litany etc why? Heavy shower comes on, detained after Church at Penralt. Read Cambrian, letter from Jane that her to son is very ill. At home all evening though it clears off. Read Psalms and lessons etc in the evening.

Monday. Thorough wet day, not from the house. Occupied about some seeds, preserves, pickles etc. The chest of draws removed to my room from parlour. Harris horse breaker goes to the post, t a Norwich paper only. No letter from Jane, better hopes! Ted ordained priest!! By Bishop of Norwich. Have a fire upstairs, read papers and to bed early.

25th

And most beautiful morning and fine all day. A breakfast in good time about starting for Stafell Haegr. Llewellyn brings rush and wants slates or nails for Stafell Haegr. Send them, ride there myself after gathering peas. Call at Batcocks about his mill, accounts all right. Take account of work at Stafell Haegr, underpinning wall requires great care. Call at Eagles … return. He agrees to work tomorrow. Order 1 gal beer. Reload rush for William, slipped on turnpike. Ruth Griffiths at Caie Forgan, pays Carree on account for Caswell. Send cart to hill for fern. Cannot descry Tucker with glass and send after WR. Ride there myself, lend a hand. Tucker bad hand, difficult for mobile with treble, settle to go to Swansea tomorrow. Cart wheel to mend and coal home. Carree writes to Lizzie.

26th

A most beautiful day. WR off early for Swansea and coals. Tucker works in garden, Long (?) on hill for fern. Fuss about the garden till 12.00. See that animals are fed, remove a hen and chickens over cart shed. Carree rides to Reynoldston and I walk. The new pony not about, where gone, to Swansea I find. A letter from poor Jane, her eldest son dead!! Brain fever. Call on Rev. Mr Davies. Caught a hare on the hill, saw Mr Talbot on return and returning over hill from shooting. Discover today a hen sitting in the gardens, will she hatch, tis very late and where? Receive a notice from Colonel Cameron, general to pay rent half-year to bank Swansea, Prior's Meadow.

27th

Most beautiful day, hot. Rise at 6.00, about stables till breakfast. Harris colt breaker leaves. Intended to have ridden with Carree, do not because tis funeral of Jane's child. Tucker distrained on in distress, in consequence gets me to aid him as above. [15] A litter of pigs, 7, unexpectedly only separated last night luckily. Fern carrying, ride to Mrs Nicholls, take Charles Teddy. Carree and Susan walk and take baby. Mrs Nicholls very busy harvesting. Settle with blacksmith and carry home my iron from forge. Write condolatory to poor Jane in the evening.

28th

Up early and ride to Stafell Haegr before breakfast. Confirmation at Llandewi. Susan and Ann our 2 servants confirmed, in consequence Carree and self not from home. Most beautiful day, nurse children! What an occupation!! Dine late, ride to the post with Carree on her new pony. Have a good single-handed course on the plot of common, get into a bog, no catch. Lose Towy and Nip, dine late. All the world at Llandewi except ourselves.

29th

Dull day, ride to Swansea in a duck shooting jacket, overtake Jones of Llytherid. Called on Henry Mundy, find him better in looks. Buy a cow and 2 horses. In Swansea by 12, met Colonel Cameron at bank. Money distrained on Tucker refunded. Receive of Howell John at the Castle £10. Ride part of the way back with Curtis of Lunnon, seems a sensible man. Everybody seemed to be in Swansea. Proves a fine day, warm and pleasant. Things sent home by RH. Too tired to do anything in the evening. Predict fine again tomorrow.

(30th)

Sunday evening duty, Carree begins a school today, 2 pupils! Dine early, walk to go to church to Stafell Haegr, call at Sam Phillips ill. Read lessons and prayers in evening. A Sunday not well spent. Mr & Mrs Clarke in church.

October

1st (Monday)

Monday. Most beautiful day, surprised by Mr Charles Andrews calling early to lunch, expected him later to dine. Walk with him and Snell over Welsh Moor and Pengwern, no sport. Return over Cillibion. Mr Nicholls carrying wheat. RH called this morning about Gellihir tithes. Llewellyn brought rubbish tithes from Wernfrood. Dine at 4 and ride after to Stafell Haegr late. Send servants to Park y Rhedyn late this evening for 2 geese for harvest dinner on Wednesday, very long-time gone. Carree begins a letter to Ted. Receive a hare and snipe from Mr Andrew's. Met J Grant shooting on Forest.

2nd

Dull morning, beautiful day, Wind north east. Fern carrying finished today, two ricks made without wet and no wet in hay making, very lucky for a wet summer. Gather ripe beans, cut brussels sprouts before breakfast, 2 geese from Park Rhedin at forge. WR with little Rosy shod. Walk thence to Stafell Haegr, work going on. Return to OW [16]. Cold dinner, washing day. Ride with Carree to Oxwich, call on Mr Berrington, early to tea there. Beautiful moon rising. Mr Talbot's yacht comes in. Home by 7.30. RH here at supper, been tithing at Gellyhir to be home tomorrow. Arrange work accordingly. Some time spent in talking with RH, into my accounts and day work and go to bed. Beautiful night, God be praised. Hear Mr Meredith is curate in Upper Division.

3rd

About home all morning. Take an early dinner, ride to the post by Stoneyford, potato field, etc. Received letters from Henry about tithes, Rev. J James about luggage sent. Call at Mr Davies for red cabbage ditto. Mr Ball to ask to tea. Sunday. Requests me to take mutton. Harvest dinner this evening, alias supper, very late. Cook behind hand, guests behind hand. Beer fresh tapped, sour not bunged down. Make punch, many expected not there, not sent to, that is message not delivered.

4th

Most beautiful weather still, ride early to Stafell Haegr through wood and by trespass to Oldwalls. Go to Llanmadock, Mr Pearce at home, engaged to dine at Ilston. Mr William Collins and Jones in … call at Caie Forgan to defer it till tomorrow, just miss them. Ride with Carree to Penmaen, get measure of grates at rectory of P. Take tea at Mr Jones. Home by 8.00, beautiful moonlight night, not very cold. Little Rosy Carrees Carree beautifully, an excellent walker.

5th

Garden and fussing about all morning to dine early, intend going to post after. Dine too late and send 2 maids and children, they returned very late and alarm Carree. I dine at Ilston, Mrs Hobbs, Mr Neville all, Mrs William Collins and Bessie, Mr Jones of Bison called at Llitherid going to inquire of Mr Jones been in N London, ill. Father gone up, I think him not in danger. Read the letter, no particular conversation at Ilston, tithe not mentioned. Not home till 11.30, night cold but beautiful. Mr Mrs Collins etc drive to Arthur's Stone.

6th

Up early and write commissions for Swansea. WR not off till 9.00, sent letters to Ted. About home all morning, dine early and ride to Stafell Haegr. Work goes on but not fast. Order at F Thomas 2 quarts of beer to be sent there. Home again, tea early. Very sleepy, have a fire up stairs. Ride late in evening. WR home late, brings Mr James' goods. RH brings beer and wine, a bottle broke. Snipe supper. Beautiful night, cats play, why? It was a beautiful fog this morning. In bed by 11.00 after writing diary accounts etc.

8th

Sunday. Evening duty, Mr Berrington does duty, Mr Jones absent. Congregation disturbed by a child Dolling [17] falling into mill pond, drowned, screams dreadful. Long sermon. After church as last chance galloped to Mr D surgeon, back again in half hour, too late, spark gone. Mr Ball in church. All dine at Caie Vorgan after church, a gloomy day, in consequence Mr Berrington takes a bed.

Monday. Start after breakfast to ride with Carree to Penclawdd. Call on the woman who lost a child, very ill. Mr Berrington leaves us in village. Take early dinner at Mrs McMechan. Pay her boy holding horses 2d, he was not obedient. Called at Brynhir, Mr E not at home, calling on the new clergyman at Captain Gunthorpes. Home by dark, short way over Pengwern, all safe. Counter order dinner. Dull weather has commenced but very tranquil and mild enough, even hot for a fortnight but the evenings get cold. These calls are a good job over. Called at Llytherid, Mrs Jones son better.

9th

Ride to post before breakfast, inquest on Dolling child, Charles Collins coroner. Late, ride to village early, jury waiting. Ride to Stafell Haegr, men called on jury absent. Give orders to Llewellyn, walk on marsh with him, orders about road etc rush. Return, no coroner, dine at 4.00, interrupted by arrival of Mr Collins and his friend Mr Withycombe, they dine with us, poor dinner indeed!! Send by him letter to for Bristol and draft lease of Dix, they returned early but very dark, go to bed early. Servants up late. 2nd child, John Mabbot, vaccinated by Mr Davies tomorrow.

10th

George Gorton called about poor rate. Rise before 6.00, a little disposed to rain. Go to the field for the cows, no servant up. Find all the doors open. Kill a land rail in garden at breakfast time. Ride after breakfast to Park Rhedyn for car. Richard Gordon there, arrange for lime in lower kiln. Called at Penralt, Grant turned publican, meet RH by upper mill pond. Austin called with fish, buy some 1/-. Llewellyn cuts rush. Hurry dinner and WR gets up 2 load rush. In evening gather peas, beans, feed pigs with cabbage myself. Get rick yard cleaned up by evening, Philip. Very tired in the evening and cannot write till late. Beds changed about this morning. Carree discovers Susan with Aristotle's Philosophy, delicate reading for a young woman. Master Charles shows strong passion today, must be curbed.

11th

Fine morning, threatens rain a little. Wind rises a little and blows hard in course of day after many days of perfect calm. Winnow barley and send 3 w b (arley) to mill for pigs. Road duty doing today, two carts. Mr Gordon surveyor. Ride with Carree and take Toots to Reynoldston. Wind and dust unpleasant. Dine at 3, called on Rev. Mr Davies, rains a little after 5.00 and prevented going to Stafell Haegr. Tucker furze cutting for fires. Send 3 w b (arley) tithe George Thomas to mill for pigs by Llewellyn this evening. Little done today, write journal and accounts this evening. Wind stormy tonight, till now this Equinox has had no wind.

12th

Very cold and very showery from the north. Early after breakfast start for Stafell Haegr afoot. Roads repairing at Cross Lane and marsh. Tom Davy spreading, talk to him about Crickton. Met Mr Thomas Gordon at the kiln, loading rubbish for the roads. RH killing sheep and going to Swansea. Learn of him casually that Allen has a sale today, return instantly and ride to Pengwern. Sale stopped for distress, but delayed 2 hours, proceeds. Buy oats and barley dear to secure a debt £6 6 0, a debt of 2 years. Many there are on the same errand. Mr Collins claiming tithes etc. Starved with cold and glad to get home. Not warm all evening. Dined late, land rail. Tired in evening but up late writing to J Marcon, Swaffham and make parcel for Swansea by RH. Sent WR late to the post, nothing there.

13th

Up by 7.00, send Ann with parcel, letters, commissions for Swansea to gate who sends it by someone of Landimore. Arrange with WR about the call bought yesterday to be got home. Cold day, not much of showers, weather like March. Walk with Carree to Cillibion. Mr N in Devon; Mr Penrice's adopted heir at Cillibion by appointment to meet Mr Cameron who does not keep his engagement, he is an Etonian and seems gentlemanly. We return home on Hugh's cart. Dine and ride Little Rosy to Stafell Haegr. Call on people ill in the village. Go to the Marsh Road with Tom Philip. Tailor at Stafell Haegr about work doing there, one hour advances slowly. Tis very cold. Sit upstairs by fire and find it cold. Read Locke on Education this morning and this evening.

15th

Sunday. Morning duty, Mr Berrington. Go alone to church, few there. Stormy heavy rain comes on. Call at Penralt, no letters by RH. Dine. Read Cambrian. A Sunday ill spent. Carree has her school this evening, few there.

Monday. Dressed by 7.00, intend going to Stafell Haegr, do not. Llewellyn up for horses, servants up late. Put up a pig to fatten in teak shed. Mend a trough with WR, arrange about work. Breakfast, amuse Charles Teddy with the Saturday Magazine. Ride to Stafell Haegr by Oldwalls, pony shod there. Met RH at Stafell Haegr, walk on marsh to see road, talk and kiln and quarry etc. Go to the post, 2 papers only, Rev. Mr Davies there. Send a note to William Collins, dine at 2.30. About home all evening feeding things etc, garden etc. Stormy dull and cold wintry, am told the distant hills were snow capped on Saturday. Read a paper and delay many things I ought to do. Begin to cut hay for cows, one cow shut up, will calf in a month.

16th

Dull damp unpleasant morning, ends very windy, rainy day. In the house and about it all day. Edward [Lucas] calls with pink (?) buy 11d owe him in all 1/2, no silver. Mend Charles Teddy's barrow, new leg. Clean some garden seeds and gather remainder of cucumber, take in the frame, all done. Mend saddle room lock, pack clocks, nails, handles for Stafell Haegr. Carree rearranges drawers etc. Enter up day accounts. Amuse Charles Teddy, feed chickens etc. A most unpleasant day, cannot get doors shut. Washing day, cold dinner. Neddy called for payment of baskets, send note to Mrs Evans to pay 1/6.

17th

A fine day, Lodge sale. Walk to Lodge sale, buy a mow of wheat. Met Mr J Lucas, spoke to him about sale account. Balance due. Mr Davies of Sntry (Sanctuary?) pays £1.19 Thom Dix, poor rate of 1/6 per week to 23rd September. The 2 Mr Davies of Reynolds ton come here late and walk home with me and take tea. The surgeon takes vaccine matter from babies arm and vaccinates Hannah's Child. Talk about puzzle of 15. 3 in row 15 ways, bridges, telegraph's etc. A dispute about corn, a mow of oats with young George and Mr Hancorne, ill-judged of the latter.

18th

Crickton sale, wet day and windy, everything's sell (sic) enormously. Mr Holland, 2 Mr Ball's … come home and dine with us and we go again. Sale closing. Dung sells for £4 16, I take it. Mr Thomas Ball takes tea. Singing in evening, his brother returned again from Reynoldston and each return to their own home. Jack Henry's blind pony sent here this evening from the quarry by one Lewis.

19th

Beautiful day, up late. Lewis leaves forge quarry Carmarthen. Plant laurel cutting, take up potatoes as the produce of offsets from the stalks above ground. Planted on 4 ft square produced 30lb. Ride to Stafell Haegr, called at Crickton on return. Mr Gibbs Mr Gordon and Mr Rees there, vessel to be sold. Home to dinner, Miss Ball here, hasten to marsh at 3.00. Bevan's vessel on sale, buy it with Mr Gordon for £22 5 0. Extensive repairs wanted. Send all the portable tackle home on 2 ponies. Miss leaves for home. Bad drizzly evening and wind gets up again. Tom Davy of Crickton wants me, presses me, to buy his geese at price sold at the sale 4/- e (ach)!, no, positively no, enormous. At Swansea tomorrow: Edward Griffiths.

20th

Doubtful morning, fine day. Go to Swansea in spring car with WR from home for Stafell Haegr, grocery etc. New plough, home by D of Friddoe, full of errands, called only at Mr Charles Collins about money due from George Harry. Met nobody in street but Mr S Davies. Not home till 9.00, quite dark.

22nd

Evening duty by Mr Berrington who gives a very good sermon and dines with us after and goes home with a lantern round his waist. Carree at church.

Monday. Walk over Crickton to drive cattle out, only Joe Jones' colt trespassing. On to Stafell Haegr afoot. Wall for head of pond begun. Charles Rees called about Crickton. Ann goes to post, letter announces Mr Mrs J return to Penmaen on Thursday. Carree ill all morning in bed. Called at Cillibion about W Jone as tenant for Crickton. Mr N not home from Devon. Mr H there. Grant calls for money in the evening, pay as above (5s.). Look over sale book etc for arrear of payments, he makes a list upwards of £7 for RH. Applies for tithe dinner, decline. In bed at 11, a dull day but not unpleasant.

23rd

Doubtful dull morning, holds up all day and comes on wet about 6.00. Very wet evening, about home all morning. Get a few peas, beans etc. Dig out crocus etc. Dine early on pigeon. Ride to Stafell Haegr, carting to the marsh from mill pond, dreadful work, stop it. Called at several places in village about barm, hops etc. Mr Rowland Pritchard receives his rents, declines to call to tea. Arrange bills, papers etc in the evening.

24th

Delay going to Stafell Haegr till evening. Rev. Mr & Mrs Collins called, day gone in civility. Dine late, carting in from common all day to improve garden in front of the barn. Mean to have up trees from Stafell Haegr this evening. I ride late to the post, no letter, a newspaper, and back to Cillibion. Call on Mr Nicholls, just returned from Devon to inquire characters of two persons applying for Crickton. Find them at tea, take a cup.

25th

Fully intended riding to Blaenkedy. A lowering morning comes on wet and then a stormy day. Expect Mr Mrs J back to Gower, everything in preparation. Up late till 12 in suspense, no arrival. WR sleeps in best bedroom to be ready if they come,. The wind has been in a favourable direction but very stormy. Will they come? I help Tucker plant 2 elms over by entrance gate, garden. Home by dark, all safe. Have been off hinges all day for regular work. Carree complains and forebodes. Brewing going on.

26th

Fine morning, fine day. Carree not very well, take an early ride with Carree by Crickton and ultimately to Cartersford gate. Pony lost a shoe, blacksmith gone to Clyne, we hope to meet Mr Mrs James, disappointed. Met Mrs H after seeing Llytherid house, says steamers are disabled. I again ride to Oldwalls, engaged Charles Rees for Crickton and then to Stafell Haegr and home and plant another elm. Dine at 6.00. Most unusual for us. Carree very low spirited, why? Write last thing commissions for Swansea by whom? Send them in morning by Llewellyn to forward by somebody from the gate.

No: Mr Mrs James arrived, all conjecture.

27th

Awake at 2.00 in morning, Mr Mrs James actually arrive at this unseasonable hour, take tea and go to bed again. Arise in the morning to see thorough wet day after a few hours tolerably fine before 11.00. Waste all the day at the fire talking with Mr Mrs James about Swaffham etc. Tired in the evening and glad to get to bed again.

Sunday. All go in the evening to church in spring car except Mrs James. Mr Jones returned from drinking water does duty, a christening detained Mr Jones and prevents the 2 Js coming in contact. Return home to dine. No parcels by RH from Swansea, only papers.

29th

Mr James rides over to Penmaen and sees Nathan and his wife. I ride to Brynafel sale, wait there are all day to see Scotch cattle sold. A false sale, attracted to sell old spavined horse. Receive of Mr Griffiths for Herbert Houses £18 6 0 and of J Collins for veal 4/6. Several heavy showers during sale. Ride home with Mr Thomas and Mr Holland,. Nothing done in evening but talk of the adventures of the day. A tremendous hurricane last night, windows likely to come in, much damage done in places. A little lead only moved at Caie Forgan. Richards and RH home late from Swansea, the former drunk and annoys me disgustingly, collar him and throw him on dunghill and tie up horses myself.

30th

A calm pleasant day, not engaged for want of plan. Three Crosses fair and sale at C Collins, Killay. Go to neither, intend riding to Stafell Haegr. Do not, dinner hour interferes. Read Cambrian, lose best of day. Walk all at 1 towards Park Rhedin. Gather blackberries, dine. Plant yellow willow tree by entrance pillar, carts in some earth. Derry spent by Llewellyn at forge. Gather seeds, peas, runners etc. In the evening. look over some new Saturday magazines and read letters of Ted's.

31st

A very beautiful day. Fully intended riding to Stafell Haegr but it is voted to ride to Penmaen. Muster ponies and all ride, Carree and self, Mrs and Mr James, over CefnBryn. Called at Mr Jones, take bread and cheese and walk on the Burrows. Home to dine at 4.00. Find it quite cold and clouded on our return, so bright and beautiful in going there!!. Wet and stormy again after dark. W Tucker sent to post with a letter for the Bishop and brings back a letter from Mrs James. Also takes 3 pair of shoes to be mended for me to W Jones.

November

1st (Thursday)

Stormy morning again and some heavy showers threatening a wet day but it breaks off. Plant an elm tree east end of cart shed by yard gate. One Grove calls about beef, Fairy Hill. After 1.00 I ride to Stafell Haegr on marsh, Bar Jones digging clay. Let out my colts from 4 acres and drive them to Caie Forgan. Dix tells me he has ordered the castings for wheel at Llandore; young Walters, he said, having lost the order. Talked to RH at Gordon's kiln about WR drinking on Monday, last at Llytherid. Questions about the finishing pond at Stafell Haegr, how far will wall be wanted? Tis cold wind north west, bids fair to be fine tomorrow.

2nd

The carpenter is up picking out wood for cogs for Stafell Haegr. Winnow 1 of 13 land mows of oats from Nicholaston. Made 18 winnows. I half killed by the falling door prop in the barn, stunned and senseless. Ill all the evening. Doctors sent for, no material injury fortunately beyond my arm not broken. Mr Davies comes over this evening, brings a lotion. A new medical man called me soon after it happened. I was struck on back of the head, fortunately thick and not broken in consequence. RH here this evening and had orders about Swansea.

3rd

Fully intended going to Stafell Haegr, all prepared, wet comes on etc, prevents me. In the house all day ruminating on yesterday. RH calls very late tonight with castings from Landore for Stafell Haegr. One gallon of whisky paid for Mr James. Wet day, sat upstairs and read Listener on consistency.

Sunday. Again a wet morning, none of us go to church. Mr James read prayers at home. Expect Mr & Mrs Jones of P, do not come. Less rain this evening.

5th

Monday. Fine morning, comes wet again. No beef for Mr Phillips. Edwards calls about the kiln. Mr Gordon appointed to meet him and settle about repairs, comes late. (Foundry, Mill Brook, Landore - £4 2 8). Dr Davies calls, RH calls about arrear of tithes going a circuit in Upper Division. Write various notes in consequence. Ride at 1 with Mr J to Stafell Haegr, all men have deserted to dig potatoes. Send for more iron by Samuel Philip tomorrow. Return by Crickton house, look at my potatoes.. … barley taken in. Dine at 4, fish bought by Carree. Write to Tom Powell. A dripping sort of day, not exactly wet nor drizzly.

6th

Beautiful, … of mist, thin fog, thin sun, thin clouds, thin rain, thin wind. Rise earlier than usual and up before breakfast, to stables and barn. Rooms not prepared. The young horse breaker offers himself as a servant, know better than to take him at all events but want none. Order fern in fern yard thatched and cut smooth. Take Charles Teddy out early in Upper Field. Mr J tries for course by Park Rhedin. Try again on common and join the ladies on the turnpike. No hares. Receive a newspaper by Mr Nicholl's boy at Broad Pool. Gather seeds. Tap beer, lunch and ride to Stafell Haegr. Weather bound there at 2.00 till 4. Carpenters hooping shaft of wheel. Hoop flies. No one at work besides. Late home to dine, get wettish but fish and pheasants are very good. Stormy evening. Carree is writing to my mother.

7th

Rise at 7.00, out and about before breakfast. Windy morning, stormy windy day but little rain. Fully intended going to Stafell Haegr by the marsh. Carree determined to go to Cillibion, go with her and so prevented doing anything I have thought of, time not conveniently divided. Dine at 3.00. Pack oak poles on beams in the stable. Send WR late for the old planks of the vessel this day ript open to be repaired. Mr Gordon there, ought to have met him. So passed a thoroughly useless day to my shame and sorrow. Mr Nicholls shot a fine woodcock, weighed 13 oz.

8th

Rainy night. Rise at 7.00, fine day, no sun, no rain. Ride early with Mr James bound for Blaenkedy. Go alone to Stafell Haegr, nobody there. W David was there am and tools left. Look at the lighter, Edwards at work on her, says she turns out well. Caleb Thomas and Mr Thomas Gordon gone to look for timber. Call on Rev. Meredith at Captain Gunthorpe at home. His physiognomy something like Nathan's but better. Lunched at The Ship, Mr J met to Mrs McMechan at Ship. Called at coal works, saw mason Thomas and Clark. Went to Blaenkedy, nothing done in masons work for a long time. Mr Guy not there. Call on old Mr Evans, not at home. Call at Brynhir, sit some time. Home by the commons. Met Howell John, at Gellygroes, promises money on Saturday. Crossed Welsh Moor to Cillibion Lane and home by 4.00, dinner.

9th

Again up early. Carree very unwell all day in bed, severe cold. Nip and Towy lost!! Near Cillibion yesterday. What can become of them? Ride to Cillibion to inquire, no intelligence. Mr J rides Moselle to post, I walk with Mrs J to Penralt and Stafell Haegr, only one carpenter there. W Jone carts clay. Home to dine at 3. Cross fields to Crickton etc. J Edwards, glazier, goes to roof of house to examine leaks. Work disgraceful. Mends windows, half day. Showery evening again. Could not meet Mr Gordon at the vessel by message from W Jone. Fine night.

10th

I ride to Swansea. Heavy rain in morning at 8.00, beautiful day afterwards. Went to meet Howell John, did not see him though by appointment. Called on Henry Mundy. Return to Swansea. Write again to Captain Wheatley about money of 1836 … shame. Rode new mare of Henry Mundy, brown, a stumbler. Rode part of way with Tom Davy and back part of way with Williams of Oldwalls. Home by 6.00. Corn rising, wheat 35/- a bushel, barley 6/-. Sent vetches home by Mr Jenkins, barrel of books of Mr James by RH, basket by Gordon Cilivor. All the distant hills covered with snow.

12th

Sunday. Wet morning, evening duty, go alone, servants go too. Mr Meredith does duty, extremely monotonous and no energy. Spoke to several men about work at Stafell Haegr and to mason about roof of church, much damage. Walk back with Mr and Mrs G of Castle and Mr Jenkins. Very cold and unpleasant, bids fair for fine.

Monday. Frost and beautiful day. Ladies and Mr J ride to post and Penmaen. Mr Gordon of L called about the boat, meet him again on marsh, nothing done. I ride to Stafell Haegr, take cart down, send large stones up by Evan Phillips. Philip Morris throws them out. Meet Mr G at the boat, only Edwards there. Call for RH, not at home, find Richard Gordon and engage about stones to be quarried for tomorrow. Then home and find it very cold. See potatoes drawn, Mr Nicholls calls about poor rates - no money, promised this week. Read Cambrian in evening. Souling day.

13th

Rise early, another beautiful day. Very sharp frost in morning. Ice ¼ inch thick. Walk with Mr J to potato field, and then to Stafell Haegr, call at I Grants, meet ladies on return home and walk to top of Cilivor Hill. Souling day again. Garden for the cows, horses all turned out today, none used. RH called and paid me Philip Bevan's tithe. Enter my accounts and journal in arrears from Saturday. Washing day.

14th

Another beautiful day. Busy about potatoes Stoneyford, 3 loads carted home. Mrs Nicholls calls. I work in garden. … earth brought in few days since. Mr James to post, letter to my mother. Ladies walk on common, find a hare, runs to drain. Dine at 3 and out after in dusk to see no foul play with hare. Bids for another frost. Begin to rule tithe book for New Year.

15th

Dull, gloomy, doubtful morning, dull and dry all day, wind easterly. Go early on Moselle to boat, marsh. Mr Gordon and Gibbs not there as appointed. Wait an hour, return, both, long after appointed time. Again at the vessel, progress reported favourable. Go to potato field, on my return, disappointed in coursing with Mr Nicholls, Mr J out, no sport. W Thomas comes to borrow small cart. Book of Killarney steamer sent here. Evening gone with settling and talking with Hopkin John.

16th

Dull again but very mild. Up early, give corn to horses before breakfast generally. Read Spolasto's account of the Killarney wreck, very confused. Walk to Mrs Nicholls with Mrs J then to the potato field, Stoneyford. Resolve to sow vetches tomorrow, burn potato tops and give order to plough etc. WR sent to the vessel to remove mast. Carpenter wanted there and Mr Gordon. Receive 2 woodcocks from Mr Pearce, sent IG for them. Carree and Mrs James write letters this evening to Jane etc to be sent by Mr Nicholls in the morning.

17th

Rise early to take letters to Cillibion, meet Thomas of Hill End, send them by him. Feed horses corn, fastened down a package for Mrs James in barn. Wind gets up a little. Begin to winnow barley. Go myself to help fill water sack!!!! Take dogs, find a hare, Miss kills it. Single-handed, good course. Half killed myself running. Mr J with me. Return home, join ladies to walk. Obliged to send Richards to mill, very inconvenient. Walk to potato field with ladies, ploughing for vetches, must be sown tonight. Give Llewellyn orders about horses, harrows etc. Mistake about seed. We all call at Crickton and home by the road. I garden, dine early, out after dinner. Take up the roots, collect greens for the cows and small pigs etc attended to. Richards absent at mill. Upper part of vetch field is sown tonight most fortunately. A day for adventures, very tired at night, unable to do anything. New moon today.

19th

Sunday. Quite wet, none in the house can go to church. Mr James reads morning service at home. Read papers and cannot get out of the house all day. Carree reads a sermon and prayers in the evening.

Monday. Again confined to the house all day, most deplorably wet. I was lucky in sowing damp ground with vetches on Saturday. My potatoes not yet all up. Nothing but barn and inside work can be done today. Attend to accounts, kill a first goose. Read papers with other frivolous pastime. Give Richards 18 stable candles.

20th

Up early as usual, out a little to stables etc, read story of Peggy Lun in Listener, Miss Tay. Out to order work and worker little in rubbish tank shed. Set Rees to fence rick yard. J Hancorne calls on Mr James, dines here. Off early, dine early but drizzle prevents me going out after dinner. Invite Mr Nicholls to dine tomorrow, accepts. Begin to rule my tithe book this evening.

21st

Very cold easterly wind. Take out my gun with Towy and Nip, walk by Park Rhedin, Leason Wick etc. to marsh to see the vessel. Griffiths at work, one Bennett thinking to work on it, also appoint him to meet Mr Gordon and Gibbs tomorrow. I cross the marsh to Stafell Haegr, W David at work and tells me he has been all the week, so says Dix. Call at Penralt, RH quarrying. Call at potato field, speak to Tom Davy about barn. Tear my coat. Call at Batcock's about wheat, she at Swansea. Mr & Mrs Nicholls dine with us at 4.00, pleasant evening.

22nd

Dull pleasant day, rise always early, feed my horses etc. Send Rees to plough Stoneyford. WR finishes cart potatoes. I walk to Pwll y Brag, 3ww of Mrs Batcock, across fields to potato field, thence to Penralt. Sale going on there, Rees auctioneer there, poor muster. Long conversation with Davies of Welsh Moor about his farm, agent George and Mr Talbot but get no money, arrear of tithe. Has 29 acres sent £24 poor land and obliged to repair. Hezekiah Long pays 2/6 hay at Gowers Load. Mr Gordon and Gibbs come there, we go together to the vessel. Agree for wages at 3 shillings and quarter of beer per day. No mason at Stafell Haegr, do not go there. Home by 4, ladies and Mr J home late from walk on Hill. Tucker takes up mangold, W and dahlias.

23rd

Busy early to get Hannah to winnow barley; the calf barn of Cillibion all cleaned. 3 ww of Mrs Batcock sent to mill. Arrange work, send Llewellyn to cart stones Stafell Haegr. WR finishes sow oats Stoneyford, Rees at gaps (?) Crickton. W Tucker loses half a soveraign !! Walk with Carree to Reynoldston, she on Moselle. Dr Davies sale. Buy wheat and some tins and tub, table and chairs, all common. Very cold east wind. Lunch and dine on some very good cold beef at Mr Ball's. Carree called at Mrs Davies clerk, home by dark. Towy found 2 hares. Met Tucker going home. Tired in evening and rule a little only of tithe book. Write to George, receive letter from my mother and part of Williams asking for accounts etc.

24th

Rise at 7.30, not a servant moving from bed. WR absent in potatoes. Walk before breakfast to Cillibion, send a letter to George by Willicot. Feed all the horses myself and order work. Walk with Mr J to Stafell Haegr. Call at Grant's on return. Dine at 3.00 on hare. Another elm planted just west of house. Jones shoemaker the son call from Reynoldston with shoes for Dix. RH calls at 9 with Swansea commissions. Very cold all day.

26th

Sunday. Duty at 6.00. Mr Meredith Jones thought dead. Mr J read prayers at home, school children attend. Ann gone to see her mother. We all walked to Penralt. Church there with servants, servants and all dine on goose, our first. An ill spent day reading papers and magazines. Very windy North East, rains hard, tonight but not long. First calf today, heifer again.

Monday. Cold windy day and dull. About home all day, up early, give oats to my horses. Take hay to ponies afield. Make book for blacksmith, send several horses to forge. Sale things from Davies Reynoldsston, helped Tucker at mangold wurzel, get garden stuff for dinner. Griffith's daughter of Highway calls to see Mr J, tears of affection. Samuel Philip brings 3 w malt and haws. Rule tithe book this evening when I ought to be attending to William's letter about accounts.

27th

A thorough wet stormy day after breakfast time. All confined to the house, brewing going on. 3 w malt of Samuel Philip, finish ruling tithe book. Go over roof of house inside to see where wet comes in. Parlour and bedroom in a flood, how is this to be remedied? Mr James writes to Jane. Tried to shoot a duck before dinner, fail to get near enough. Mr James begins to write a diary since his return to Gower. David Bowen calls in evening about sale accounts and pays 10/- more on account. Wind and storm abate this evening. Write in evening letter of condolence to William Woodward on his father's death.

28th

Rise before tis light. Another driving day as yesterday. All plans deranged and cannot even send to the post, 2 days post next. Get on with tithing book for 1838. Wet drips through the parlour ceiling like a colander. RH kills a cow and calls up in evening about it. Water down ditches like a river. J Grant ill, sends up for fern about the barn etc at intervals to look after … Tucker rubs out garden seeds, one bag, and hangs them up. Wind very high tonight, changed from east to west.

29th

A dreadful night, thunder, lightning, rain, hail and wind. Windy day but showery. I walk to Stafell Haegr. RH has cut up his beef. Take half of it, 953lb forequarter etc send WR for elm timber, Morris and Tom Philip each front quarter. Lloyd's daughter married to Davies of Friddoe. Return home and find Mr Meredith and Pearce making a call and at lunch, join them. Tucker absent, get up celery and send some to Jane. Grant ill in bed. RH cuts up my beef and pays me 4 pounds on account of tithe of Llitherid. Dine at 3. Robert Williams and wife of Cheriton called about sale money, 1836, long conversation. Ends in offered to pay te10/- a fortnight. Send nails and iron to Stafell Haegr by WR. Finish tithe book. Began new rick of hay, Upper Field of clover. Small rick from lower ditto gone.

30th

Up by 8.00, better prospect of weather. Tucker absent, question ill? Gather cabbage for cow and bottle 2 dozen beer before breakfast. Fresh beer working. Immediately after breakfast go to Stafell Haegr, hay and stone cart and clay, no one to help at clay. Hire Morris half day, pipe and floodgates too low. Obliged to alter them, this work will never be done, cannot get stones quarried by RH and Richard Gordon Thomas Stephens. George Harry calls and promises to pay sale money tomorrow. Cat kills a pigeon. Receive a frank from Swaffham, 4 correspondents to Carree. Preparation for Swansea with Carree tomorrow.

December

1st (Saturday)

Rose early to breakfast at 8.00 in the kitchen fully intending to be in Swansea with Carree, dull and doubtful and thoroughly wet indeed after 1.00 with strong wind from south and southwest. Margaret Williams returns to Swansea on Valiant. Mr James sends note to Nathan by WR. I send cart for stone to Stafell Haegr and C Reese to quarry and walk to Stafell Haegr. Stay there late, 10.00. Give direction about floodgates etc. Call at Grants and walk in heavy rain and wind by marsh to see if anyone is at work at the vessel: no. Call at Wernhalog, see Richard Griffiths boatman at Cilivor. Return home in teeth of wind and rain by Park y Rhedin. Wet to the skin. Order colts to be housed tonight. Get some excellent warm soup to prevent getting chill. Wet all the evening. Charles Teddy a very good boy. Beer at F Thomas 1½d.

2nd

Sunday. Morning duty, off early, car for Carree and servants. I and Mr J walk. Servants no breakfast. No clerk there, comes about half duty, sacrament. Mr Gordon's speaks about sale of wreck tomorrow. May be called a fine day, coldish.

Monday. Fine day, cold and windy rather with one heavy shower which wet me through near Pilton. Ride Pedro early to Rossily, sale of wreck (Sisters) by T Thomas. Buy boat, sails, chains, rudder etc. Most difficult plan to get things off. Settle with Mr Holland at Llangenith after dark and come home with Mr Gordon of L and Mr Gibbs very civil, buys several things for me and helps to get them off on his horse etc. Not home till late, tea and dinner.

4th

Fine day but cold, ride with Carree to Stafell Haegr and marsh, boat, she on Pedro. Met Griffith the boatman near Wernhalog, home that way. Mr & Mrs J call on Mrs Nicholls etc. RH calls this evening and we enter up tithe book for this year. Har Harry and George H's wife call about sale money, she says paid to the bank on Saturday.

5th

Sheep brought in this morning, two selected for killing. RH called to see them. Carree and I ride to Ilston, find Mr Collins very unwell with a strange and violent pain in his right arm. Betty Davis sent for. Call at Mrs Nicholls about car and Swansea on return. No rain today. Cloudy and cold in the evening, read papers and trial of writ Davies v Lilly of Waddon. Sent 6 W B bought at Allen's to mill for pigs by Llewellyn.

6th

Rise very early, fine mild dull morning. Shave in dark nearly. No one in stables before I am down. Let out horses myself. Finished making ladder with Rees. Carry in corn from Lodge sale. Set hammer for breaking stones. The boat lifted from the cart etc. Mr & Mrs J, Carree etc walk to Park y Rhedyn. I join and we after walk round Broad Pool and home. Begin to make road in garden. Break stones and break the hammer. Send 400 and more nails to Stafell Haegr by Llewellyn's boy. Enter accounts, journal etc, nothing spent. One Lewis calls about straw of Crickton. Send steelyard.

7th

Very mild day and fine, I walk to Stafell Haegr and return by Newton and Crickton and all from home on my return. Carree and Mrs J ride to post, letter from Lizzy. Break stones on the road to house. Mr and Miss Ball take tea here, glad to see them but very inconvenient. Want to write by parcel to London, goose and ducks and ham to pack. Write notes out and send the parcel by WR to RH. Not in bed till late. Mr Ball borrows a lantern. I ought to be up early tomorrow, how preposterous to ask to breakfast at 10 miles distance in such season in such place.

8th

Sharp frost, rise early and early breakfast. Ought to breakfast with Captain Wheatley, Woodlands. He owing money, distance to far, road too bad. Call at Ilston. Mr Collins better and ride by Kittle, great improvement there. The Captain out, never see him. Left a note at Rutland for him. Am all day shopping with Carree. Call at Charles Collins! George Harry has paid his money at last. Others are also settled. Charles Teddy reads all the finger plates on the doors. Leave Swansea late, 5.30. No dinner, coldish ride home. I on old mare, Carree in car. Home to tea very tired. Bids fair for sharp frost

10th

Sunday. Evening duty, Mr Meredith. I ride with Mr J to Ilston, does duty for Mr Collins. Good sermon on Advent. Dine at 5.00, heart. Very tired and heavy and several servants unwell. Mrs J and Carree were at church. Very cold, bids for sharp frost.

Monday. Very foggy morning, fine day enough. Walk to Stafell Haegr, work drawing to a close. Cannot get stones quarried regularly. Dine at 2.00, go with Carree after to return Mr Nicholls car and borrow waggon for tomorrow and ladder. Carree rides on Star in dark. Settle Saturday's accounts etc and make daily entries etc. Some slight effect of frost this morning, not much.

11th

Most beautiful mild day, Penrice fair, prices high for cattle and many sold. Buy a pig of Mrs Jones Horrod. Ride Henry Mundy's old mare Betsy. Rose very early, Richards goes for coal, Mr Nicholls waggon. W David sawing here. W Thomas, mason mending slates etc. Mrs Batcock stifles 3 of her pigs going to the fair. Long confab with many at fair. Howard John, George Gwynn of TE, Holland and Murray etc. Mr & Mrs J walk over the hill towards Penmaen, Carree where? Mr and Mrs Evans of B called, no one at home.

12th

Not so fine a day, a water day or rainbow; no rain however in the morning but fine enough, very mild, some little rain. Misty at times. Rise very early, not a drop of water about the house, can't shave. Go to stables in dark before anyone comes to work. Engaged all morning in trifles and arrangements about timber for Stafell Haegr. Work for the day. Corn winnowed and sending to mill. Bleed Star colt, very ill. Mrs J goes to post, receive letter from George. Walk to Stafell Haegr, met Mr Gordon on return in village. Call at Tall's to quarry stones tomorrow. Penrice pig of Jones of Horrod arrives. Pig gets loose tonight, much difficulty to get it in and to associate with others. Out of dinner to nurse sick colt again with gruel, will it live? A most fussy day and little done.

13th

Beautiful mild day, rise before daylight, little Star colt a little better. Drench and nurse it. Plant some poplars by south wall of yard. C Reese fences at Crickton. I walk over Crickton and give some directions and turn out stray cattle, Ball saddler here today yesterday and day before. Fine evening, Enter accounts, feed horses morning and night with corn. No occurrences. Write part of a letter to Fred.

14th

Rise early, very mild and quiet. Beautiful but dull day. Discover Star colt has worms, study to doctor her, difficulty to … a ball. Go by Park Rhedin through wood to see the vessel, meet Mr Gordon there. Then across marsh to Stafell Haegr, works drawing to a close. Talk to Tall at the quarry, meet timber by Howard John arriving. Order quart of beer at J Grant's. Passed by Crickton to see C Reese beginning ploughing, mare and horse go well together. Home late for early dinner. Thomas the mason calls about work at Blaenkedy. Write note to Guy about a man to attend mason, give physic to colt again this evening. Read paper and accounts, journal etc. Write commissions for Swansea by Susan tomorrow.

15th

Frosty, dry again, dull. Do not go to Swansea, Susan sent to Swansea on Star. Breakfast in good time and Susan really off not late and home again in good time. Again walked to Stafell Haegr to prevent mistakes about timber sent yesterday, all right, measure 32 ft long by 15ft square, do not go to the boat as I intended. Dine early and hang up the boat in shed this evening. Little done all day. Carree reads the newspaper after a long letter from Jane.

Sunday. Less frosty, fine day, cold. Breakfast early, morning duty, I to village. Mr J and Carree ride to Ilston, Mr Collins ill. I walked to Cillibion with Mr & Mrs N and Jones of L. Count my sheep. Goose and cockle pie for dinner. Carree and Mr J an hour behind time. Nurse sick colt etc. Mrs J reads a sermon in evening, discuss meaning of Lord's prayer, Thy will etc as in heaven, refer to Churchill.

17th

Dull gloomy cold day but not very frosty. There is a cry that snow is coming. Kill my black pig today. Again I walked to Stafell Haegr, pond nearly done. Carpenters in saw pit, call at saw pit by lower mill for boat, look at fall of land to see if water may be conveyed to Stafell Haegr. Measure walls for Tall's supply of stones. Talk to RH and Richard Gordon at quarry about stones and lime. Home again by Crickton after calling at Penralt. Pig killed. Plant a few small laurels by south wall. Knives for killing pigs discovered all lost. How is this? Very cold. Pigs very oddly affected inside full of water bladders. Very little work done. Barley sent to mill, 3 w tithe Gellihir.

18th

Cold, dry and pleasant for the season. Wind easterly, good omen of the new moon. Early yesterday morning find the sick colt I think something better. Pig not cut up, two new pigs shut up to feed. Walk to Stafell Haegr again today with Carree, Mrs J and Charles Teddy, pond actually done. Mrs J never there before. Buy buns at Mary Thomas. Dine early, find greyhound Missy sacking the hens nest, flog her. Tucker makes a drain across entrance gate. RH's boy Tall calls to know if beef is wanted and to beg a plough for wheat sowing. Fine, starry, cold night.

19th

Ride before breakfast to see the vessel and inquire if it any timber wanted from upper mill pit. Very cold, wind easterly. Rev. Thomas Jones carriage at his door!! Return by village, request I Grant to write notice that remnants of wood are primed with powder to check stealing. Horses sent to plough for RH. Carree and Mrs J ride to post etc, William long and Australian paper curious. Go coursing afoot with Mr J, kill a rabbit in Lloyd's field, all we found. Pig cut up.

20th

Rise early, beautiful morning and very fine day after, some tolerable hard rain in night. Factory begins to work by water. Walk early with Mr James to Stafell Haegr, send 23lb of wool (sack included) to season the new wheel, good supply of water and looks quite respectable but there is a strong leakage, the wheel goes beautifully. Sent by Llewellyn 500 slates to the church, 200 slates to Stafell Haegr. Some few trees up. Return by Cil Ivor yard etc to Park y Rhedin, Mr Jenkins at Llanelli, lose our dogs and come home. 4 sheep sent to Penralt to kill the remainder. 16 sent to Crickton hill. Puzzle about my accounts and make out £10 to Ann.

21st

Write to George at Allt y Gog, invite him over here. Thought of going to vessel, very cold, do not go. Plant a few poor trees from Stafell Haegr, cart in all day earth from common and nearly finish outside of road by pillar of entrance. No occurrences, not out from garden all day. Enter my day book. Sarah goes to post, two letters from Mr J, Mr and Mrs Ball expected home to Reynoldston. Wind easterly, rising strong towards night. Rainy night. Mrs Nicholls writes about car, can't lend, offered to carry her.

22nd

Rise early, receive note from Mrs Nicholls very early going in her own car. Beautiful day like spring. In spring car with WR to Swansea. Take up David Morris on Fairwood Common, overtake Mr & Mrs N in the car. Set Morris down near market. Call on Captain Wheatley and at last get the sale money, £38 for October 1836. Hear George Harry's goods are assized. Mr Bond gives me two Morell (?) pigeons. Wait for Richards, been drinking as usual. Mr Walters detects a man servant robbing him, mild returns. Overtake Mr Gordon, not home till 9.00. Supper and very tired, brown mare goes beautifully.

24th

Sunday. Heavy rain in night, how lucky yesterday. Should be evening duty, all ready, messenger sent, no duty, vicar ill!! I walked Crickton and talk with C Reese. Dine on cold goose, very good. A sermon read aloud, prayers in the evening. Dull and mild day and quiet, rain after one all today but I walk to Stafell Haegr. Pond leaks. Great pressure of work over there, called at mill about barley. Horses sent for timber to Prisk and boards to the mill. Not home till late. Mr James rides to Park Mill, mail cart broken to pieces on common.

25th

Most beautiful Christmas Day! Sun and crisp wind northerly. Start with Carree and two maids in spring car for Ilston Church, mistake, evening duty not morning. Return and no church all day. Miss Lucas and Mr W Collins at Ilston, call and have a note for Mr Hancorne at Cillibion on return. Mr and Mrs Nicholls at Bison. Mr Pearce dines with us at 5.00 and makes himself pleasant, he sings. Bright night and sharp frost at night. Changes to falling weather by morning. Not in bed till 12.30 o'clock. Annoyed by the greyhound barking in night, get out twice to rate it.

26th

Dull curious atmosphere this morning, rain comes on at 10.00, wind increases to a thorough wet day till past dark. At home all day at accounts, private. Discover Star colt is inclined to mange. No one can be sent to post. Barn work, moving dung, killed geese ducks and a rat!! At accounts again in evening, give out 9 stable candles. Mr J writes to Mr Dodds.

27th

Beautiful day. Penmaen sale, Nathan's. Mr J rides over. Rise early, breakfast early, physic Star colt, mange? And feed all horses with oats. Send C Rees to plough again! Tucker and Jone thrash wheat. Winnowed 2 WW for mill by WR with 3 WB purchased of Mr Nicholls. Cart in earth to continue hedge front gate below fields. Walk to Crickton, see Reese at plough. Expect Mr Gordon and Mr Gibbs there. They come late to Caie Forgan after our dinner. Give them glass of gin and water. Pay Mr Gordon's balance of his expenses at Swansea subpoena. Mr Gibbs promises to send oysters from Port Eynon. Mr J too late for dinner, called at Ilston, detained magisterial business, cut throat at Reynoldston. A little talk this evening about Mr James visit to Penmaen, an interview with Nathan, the pompous ass.

28th

A most beautiful day. Set Jone at work, Mr James rides to post. Carree, self and children start in cart to call on Mrs Ball. Carree frightened of the old mare and goes only to top of hill, all out of temper and Carree and the rest of us jump into the mud at Green Pits, are bad – Mr J and self call on the Balls, they dine we lunched there. The old people are returned. Meet Caleb Thomas on the road coming for money. He rents his mill at Mr Ball's. Do not mean to put the old mare in car again, shafts not long enough. Carree and children walk home. Receive letter from Edmund and one from Clara and Bill from clerk. Write errands for Swansea, WR to go.

29th

Rise early, wet morning, driving mist. Counter order WR for Swansea and write fresh errands for Swansea, send them by Mary Thomas for RH. Chough sent to stuff. At home all morning, read a long inquest of Mr Millie murdered at Newcastle. Mr Bolam, his partner, clerk, suspected, very mysterious. Men all here, little or nothing done. Wet subsides little towards evening but with little promise of tomorrow. Go to accounts in evening and tithe book.

Sunday. Another driving mist. Borrow Mr Nicholls car for Morris for Ilston. Mr J, Carree and self, sacrament. Miss Lucas and W Collins there, latter read the lessons very well. Dine at 3 on goose and pass the evening in quiet and sleepiness. Bed early, candles scarce.

31st

About home all day. Cat kills a pigeon, order her killed as her desert, done. Gibbs of Port Eynon sends oysters. Two fowls killed this morning. Enter up all my arrears of tithe and balance them from last year's book to this year's. Send C Reese for coals. RH and Richard Gordon called about stone quarries and lime and general accounts. Sarah sent to post. Receive a letter from William and send cheese to Mr Ball and receive vinegar. Employ evening in writing blank receipts for tithes. Read further account of Bolam's murder at Newcastle.

Tomorrow January 1st.

Not having procured my new book. Rise early, too early to see to shave properly but do shave. Good promise of New Year. It was intended last night to christen John Ammoo as Charles Teddy calls John Mabbot his brother but weather prevents and I am not sorry Having plenty to do to prepare for tomorrow. Cold and windy and rain at 8.00. Promise of wet day but it clears off. No rain but dull and cold wind all day. Set Jone to begin plantation fence in lower field and Tucker to drain at entrance to garden. Order winnowing and send WR to mill this evening. Make out my tithe book complete and write blank receipts etc and arrange all papers for tomorrow.

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