Charles Morgan's Diary, 1840

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January

1st (Wednesday)

We are at Penmaen. My carts come over with Mr James' barley from Wimmel – sand and trees back. Rain last night, mild and pleasant day, inclined to rain but none. Walk only to the top of Cefn Bryn to look out for carts – they escape my notice and slip in in my absence. Called at David Morris about money I owe him for workmen etc. Engaged all evening in pasting prints on canvas for the children. In bed late.

2nd

Doubtful sort of day, windy showery but on the whole fine. Rode with Carree to Caswell, J Griffiths ploughing, got no money, leaves at Mich(aelmas?). Shall I buy him out, he offers. Must build somehow. Called at Kittle Hill, Mr Hancorne's on return. No one at home about at Cillibion, by Park Mill home. We intend going home tomorrow.

3rd

Turns out a thorough wet day after 11.00, the morning being very dubious. I ride home, however, because work is to be begun at Stafell Haegr, new window, floor etc. Called at Penralt. Arrange matters for work tomorrow etc and to come home. Return to Penmaen and dine at 5.00, very misty over hill, could hardly trace my road, get wet. Evening spent in nothings. Wrote to William this evening, late, about expenses for tithe law sent round by Penrice and screw(?) on the small farmers, a nefarious business.

4th

Return home from Penmaen. Car and one horse to ride, bag and baggage by Pennyhitch. Inquire there about potatoes. Dine early and ride after to Stafell Haegr etc. Floor laid, dull at home after our holidays at Penmaen. Enter daily accounts, arrears etc.

Sunday. Evening duty at Llanrhidian, Mr Meredith. An ill spent day, I do not read anything, why? Cold evening, frosty night.

6th

Very sharp frost and beautiful day. Breakfast early, shave by candlelight and off in car, Carree and WR, for Swansea to attend meeting of Turnpike Trust, just in time only. Mr Evans of B qualifies too. Shopping all day, tea service at Mrs Jones bought. Call on Mrs Munday and take a chop there. Her sister Mrs Dunstan? there. Return home about 9.30. Cold east frosty wind. Richard Jones brought a cod fish etc this morning, bought there to be deducted from tithes. Read in evening beginning of Frost's trial.

7th

Sharp frost and most beautiful mild day. Busy this morning at accounts, Carree and children start off early to village. I go by Cadennith, lime and earth carried out. Call at Crickton, ditto Penralt. RH carried lime and earth. Dollin at quarry, Penralt, order fresh work tomorrow on the road, Park yr Rhedin. Meet Carree at old Mrs Harry's, call at the Taylor's and go to Stafell Haegr. Hear of the birth and concealment of a child at Cil Ivor, go there, make enquiries, a search. Find nothing. Causes great excitement. Mrs Jones of Bryngwas calls at Caie Forgan, repairs wanted. RH comes up this evening to make out tithe book for next week.

8th

Rise early, sharp frost, most beautiful cloudless day and calm. Many things to arrange, carpenters and sawyers and work done and pig sty fern yard. The infant destroyed(?) at Cil Ivor is found, not buried. Read till 1.00 reports of Newport riots. Sir F Pollock's objections informality, clock maker calls, Mrs George Gordon calls, help at pig stye. Carree with Mrs Gordon goes to Cil Ivor. I cross by Cadennith and over Crickton Hill and to Cil Ivor, dine at 4.00. Inquest to be tomorrow. Feed and physic horses in evening. Sent Tom to Penmaen with notes for Walters of Swansea, received papers from Fred and letters from Norfolk and WM. Read London paper and letters all evening. Egg flip supper and to bed at 11.00.

9th

Milder weather, frost inclined to leave us. Summoned at breakfast to attend an inquest of a new born child, supposed murdered at Cil Ivor, verdict found dead, surgeon's evidence not sufficient to prove murder against the mother, left over to 3.30. Before inquest walked to the marsh to see man at work on the road, J Harry. Met Mr Thomas George there, gave order for potatoes. Coroner C Collins and Mr Attwood, Mr Bevan and Mr Perry dine with us after. Rev. Mr Collins goes to tithe dinner at Penrice, they leave us early, cause of a grand party at Mr Vivian's this evening. Chaise and horses engaged there. Carree walked this morning to Walterston to meet Mr & Mrs J. Nip takes care of C Teddy on a stone by mamma's order and faithful to his trust, a new trait of character.

10th

Rise early, Carree thinks herself not very well, fear a cold from yesterday. Takes rhubarb etc in bed. C Teddy and I breakfast alone. Small pig cut 22lbs only, send a quarter to Mr Ball and write another to Penmaen and a small cod of Richard Jones. Walked to Stafell Haegr by Crickton and Penralt. Called at the mill, WR there with 3WB for the pigs. Lime and earth carried out at Stafell Haegr, ground too soft. Stop it and make culvert between meadows, spoke to W Thomas about culvert in his field. Receive messages, Mr Morgan of Loughor is going to dine with us, haste back. See Dollin digging gravel, Park yr Rhedin Hill and return over fields. Mr Morgan dines with us and leaves for Penmaen in evening. Read Newport trials this evening. Fish offered by several persons to day, cod etc a salmon this evening by R Jones, do not take it, have over much. Enter accounts etc. Frost seems inclined to leave, thaws, barometer high and rising, frost will return.

11th

Up early as usual, begin to paper the east room upstairs. Go to Stafell Haegr, cart with Llewellyn, carting stones, lime etc. Dig up oak tree in Dix garden, attempt to raise it on the cart, several volunteer hands fail to do it. Return to dinner and paper again in evening. Took from upper gate by road a paper threatening fire in consequence of lawsuit expenses.

Sunday. Rather threatening day but cold and no rain of any consequence. Morning service, Carree and I go. Mr Meredith not gone to see his sister ill, poor congregation. Dine at 2 on goose. Call in evening to see Tucker. Read Cambrian in evening, Frost found guilty of high treason at Monmouth for Newport riots. An ill spent Sunday. Ann has Rosy to ride to Cheriton today to see her friends.

13th

A fine day again contrary to expectation, glass falling. Ride early and feed horses etc. Paper room again till 12.00 nearly. Walk with RH by engagement to Bryngwas by Welsh Moor Road, Park yr Rhedin etc. Take dogs, try for a hare, no find. Many things wanted at Bryngwas, carpenter, mason etc. Home dark, much wanted to be done on the road, over Welsh Moor etc. Paper room again in the evening till past 11.00. Wet evening, expect wet tomorrow. Mr & Mrs James expected from Penmaen tomorrow to spend a week with us, disappoint us tomorrow evening though luggage is sent over to day.

14th

A fine day again after rain in early part of the night. Finish papering east room upstairs. RH helps WR kill two pigs. Smith the clock maker calls about the mended clock, it has stopped!! Wants money, borrow of Eliza 3/- for him. I walk to Crickton to see ploughing, Reese at dinner. Then by Dollin digging gravel etc. Dine at 2, pig's head, and walk after to Stafell Haegr. Thomas has built up the piers for sho… and the drains are all done by Jone etc. Back by moonlight to tea. Disappointed that Mr & Mrs James refuse or decline coming to see us for a week as engaged. I shall be disappointed of his company tomorrow at Penclawdd. Write accounts etc in arrear and read Frost's trial Newport, guilty treason. Receive papers and letters by Sarah.

15th

Tithe day at Penclawdd, no one to help me. Carree accompanies me in the car by the marsh road, most terribly bad. Select some spruce at 8/- a hundred 100 each and 4 arborvito at 2/- each. Payments pretty good indeed, no one to assist at the grog table makes the meeting dull. Leave about 9.00, go to Brynhir and take supper … for tea, that was done. Return home by the Turnpike Road, a long dull ride and cold. Not home till past 12.00 quite tired. Dull threatening morning, some wet towards evening. Cold clear at night, inclined to showers.

16th

Tithe day at the village. Morning taken up in cutting up 2 pigs, RH helps and weighing them and sending part to Reynoldston and preparing myself for tithe meeting. Payments much better than expected. Mr & Mrs James come over and dine and return back. Nothing particular occurs save a man offered mats told falsehood of having sold some to Mr James, confronted them and kicked the man of the premises. Returned home between 9.00 and 10.00, all safe with Mr Nicholls. Quite knocked up and glad to have tea and get to bed. Fine day.

17th

Wet morning, beautiful brisk day. About home all day. Phil Long calls about poor rates, settled. R Harry calls this evening about money for Mrs Gordon. Fill up the sink in Upper Field. Sharp frosty night in the early night, full and beautiful moonlight. Count over my money late at night and pack it up for Swansea tomorrow, fully intending to go. Susan wants to go and does go in car.

18th

A most thorough driving wet stormy day, wind S-SW. WR and Susan and 2 geese go to Swansea. I am prevented going though horse is saddled ready. Quite put out by this change in weather. Change my dress and order odds and ends of work, winnowing, cleaning stables etc and mill. Read Frost's trial. Sit upstairs in nursery. Read Cambrian this evening.

20th

Sunday. Stormy sort of morning, evening duty. Receive late bran mash for horses. Go to church, Mr Berrington proxy for Mr Meredith. Dine late, finished reading accounts of Newport riots, Frost condemned for treason and read an article about ministers etc in quarterly, excellent. Baby J Mabbott not well, teeth coming. Ill spent day, intend going to Swansea tomorrow, do not, obliged to send for coals.

Monday. Most stormy morning, early. wind and rain abates, is a fine day till 3.00. Then gentle rain and high wind towards night again.. Mr Mrs Cherry come from Penmaen to stay a week. C Reese sent for coal to Penclawdd works and gates 4/-. Only walk to Crickton Hill, Llewellyn carts stones there. Replace glass broke in parlour, first effort of the kind. Measure oats 18 ½ wins in barn and B of B. 2 ton of potatoes arrive from Penrice Castle, put in barn. Read papers in evening. Divulge secrets of having received a threatening letter about tithes yesterday.

21st

Violent storm of wind, hurricane, much damage done. The day taken up with several men in staying its damage. Roofs blowing off, a new pane of glass in parlour window blown out and smashed, substitute wood, this secured. Lead and tiles begin to fly, all hands called to stop it. Partially succeed by wood, ropes, straw and stones. Dr Davies called, Gibbs daughter called, he must be hard pressed to send her on such an errand on such a day. Read papers, Queen's speech and opening of parliament etc. this evening. Wind still high but abating.

22nd

A gale of wind again this morning for short time and one heavy stormy shower midday. In consequence of the storm yesterday and the devastation in ricks at Wimmel; send to bring them home, 2 mows brought to Crickton, one W Tucker's. Start to walk with Mr J, his shoe pinches, so ends the journey. Walk to top of Crickton Hill, Dollin digging gravel. Return home and take gun to try to kill a crow for wheat field, Walk to Oldwalls forge, see wheel ironed. Cross the field for crow, gun misses. Talk to RH about sheep, dine at 3.00, wind has moderated, promises to be finer tomorrow. Make out my accounts and fill up diary etc. No post arrives in Gower, suppose no London mail crossed passage yesterday.

23rd

Bad weather, resolved not to go with Mr James to Swansea about the presentation to this living. Wind southwest, driving, thick heavy misty rain, wind high too. 3 pigs killed by RH and WR. Do walk in misty rain as far as Crickton only and for a wonder am ready for dinner before the time. Carpenter up a bar shutter with a wretched saw etc and send same to Stafell Haegr by Hannah. Read paper in evening, Chartist capture near Spitalfields, London, no resistance. … receive letter from Horsted Keynes, Fred about to leave the place. Hear of Ted about to leave Norfolk, now intend going to Swansea tomorrow for Mr J to get instituted to the living by Dr Hewson.

24th

Most stormy wet day, again prevented going to Swansea with Mr James. Not out of the house and yard all day. Mr J does contrive to walk to the village. I carpenter a little with W David, bar rails, gravel screen, bolt in nursery etc. 3 pigs weighed, 2 for Swansea tomorrow. Nothing occurs except discussions about how we to get to Swansea tomorrow, quot hominus quot femino lot sententio and more. Write to Edmund this evening. Glass falling again, no great promise of tomorrow.

25th

Fineish morning about 8.00 and generally all day till dark. Vivid lightning, I hear this morning early!!! Start early in car for Swansea with Mr J who is inducted to the living off Llanrhidian and returns alone in fly to Llanrhidian. I alone in car. Rev. Mr Davies of R at tea at Caie Forgan. Some hail storms, generally a fine day. At home about dark when rain begins again. Time at Swansea taken up in paying bills. Call on Mr Jeffreys about rent charge to Mrs Popkins on Caie Forgan and Haynes bankruptcy for George, adjust things amicably.

27th

Sunday. Wettish, morning and evening duty. Mr James read in as vicar of Llanrhidian. An eventful day, new vicar. Mr Collins fails to get a deputy at Nicholaston. Violent thunder and storms and Mrs Batcock twice to church!! and many strangers. We all lunch at Penralt. I walked to Stafell Haegr.

Monday. Rise early, receive letters from Edmund, Mrs Jones and Williams(?) gardener. Settle accounts with Francis Thomas. Mr and Mrs Evans stay dinner, go home late. Mark ground for new plantation Lower Field. Did walk to Crickton field, some talk this evening about school and money from society London etc. At accounts in the evening when all are gone to bed.

28th

Mr & Mrs James leave us today for Penmaen, about home all day. Doors etc sent to Stafell Haegr for Dix factory. Driving misty morning, fine day, most stormy at night. Wind and rain quite alarming. 10 sheep of RH earmarked and painted on head. Colts put in Crickton field. Walk to Crickton, Reese thatching the barn. At accounts and writing letters to Swansea all the evening. Planted 4 trees by wall entrance to the yard, much planting required and many trees ready to plant.

29th

A beautiful day, sudden heavy rain at 3 till dark, then fine night. Carree rides Moselle, I walked to Reynoldston. Call on the trio, families, Miss Bristow dead. Begin making hedge for plantation in Lower Field, four men. Cow brought from Penmaen. Read Quarterly, Captain Fitzroy, voyage in Beagle around the world and South America, very interesting. Accounts in the evening. Children got out today first time for last 10 days. Carree sends letter to Charlotte, … letters to Swansea. Miss Lucy Davies rode Moselle from Mr Perry's .. the post etc and put me in bodily fear, Moselle knowing she had no rider.

30th

Mr Meredith, half years stipend, £5.

Rise early, feed horses as usual. Read Quarterly Review, Printer's Devil, account of Messrs Clowes' establishment very interesting. Draw turnips in pit, prune trees, cut my wrist, fortunately not seriously though deep and long. Robert Harry kills Mr James cow at Caie Forgan, turns out well. We dine early, 2.00, for sake of children. Walk after to Crickton, see C Reese at plough etc, help a little at the plantation hedge Lower Field in the evening. New plan adopted. Feed my horses again and rabbits and again read Quarterly in the evening and accounts etc. Cold east wind all day and strong. Glass falls again, wind changing and wet evening.

31st

After a very wet night a very showery day. Showers heavy but not long. Men do contrive to work out. About home all day. RH cuts up beef, Mr James cow and distributes ditto. One hind quarter left at Caie Forgan. Had intended going to Penmaen post and David Morris to pay, too showery. Plant a few apple trees in pit, prune a few trees, begin to make mound by pond, 3 men. Plantation hedge going on too. Morgan Jenkins here late this evening, church rate etc. Read Quarterly, political regeneration.

February

1st (Saturday)

Rise early and feed my horses etc etc. Sends C Reese for coal, new pit of Sir J Morris. Set men to work at pond and help a little. Ride Moselle to Penmaen about the beef. Call at Long Oaks about the bill given for tithe not endorsed, not at home. Paid Morris by his son, he not at home. Return to dinner, delighted to get a pleasant ride on Moselle again, not ridden for 12 months. Read newspaper in the evening etc, receive letter from Edmund. Roberts dishonest, dismissed. Fire in the nursery. Ann in bed all day, sore throat and in low spirits. Are we to send for the doctor in pitch dark, I say no, stay till morning. Called on Tucker today, better. Broth send him. Wet morning, most unpromising. Wind easterly, holds up work all today.

3rd

Sunday. Evening duty, Mr Meredith. We dine early, Carree rides Moselle to church. Ann ill, sore throat. Her mother comes up to see her, is better something. Read Quarterly, Gladstone on church and state. Poor weather, dull damp and windy, what they call coarse.

Monday. Wet morning, fine day. Up early, feed my horses late. Men work at pond in garden. Morning to dinner taken up by J Grant and RH calling about accounts. Howel John's Llanellan cattle, complicated business. Hear that Bryngwas barn wall has fallen, no lime to mend. Philip Long of Newton calls again for poor rates, paid him for the 15th inst. Frost's trial and imprisonment of Middlesex sheriff's.

4th

Very wet morning, inclined to rain all day. Wind at every point of compass. Winnow in barn with the north wind, walk in evening with Carree to Mrs Nicholls for receipt for sausages. Polly Powell expected at Penmaen. Generally about home all day. Winnow wheat, remove old hot beds garden, take up Jerusalem artichokes, wash and clean horses. All evening at WR's accounts, wind now again southerly, glass rising. Carree is writing to Cathe in London.

5th

A wet morning breaks off, cold windy and unpleasant. Walk after breakfast Crickton, Reese at plough. Some men set to finish drain etc and others work. Drive Carree and C Teddy to Penmaen over hill by Nicholaston. Very windy and cold. Dine by invite and return before tea by Pennyhitch. Pitch dark before reaching home over trackless common, by Broad Pool. C Teddy left at Penmaen, Polly Powell expected but not arrived. Took tea at home upstairs, desk and papers put there, read and go tired early to bed. Captain T Lewis called this morning about voyage to Carmarthen and cargo of slates back. Wrote to Roberts on the subject.

6th

Rainy night and wet morning. Clears off but not a pleasant day mildish. About home all day, planting lilac etc with W Jone and Tom Dollin on mound north of pond garden. Ground terribly wet for planting but it must be done. Trees long heeled. Mr Ball calls to borrow a horse to ride to his brother's, lend him Pedro, he returns to tea. and stays the night a prisoner from wet, an unexpected return of rain. His visit prevents my doing in accounts what I intended, clean picture frame. When shall we get to expect anything like a cessation of rain.

7th

After wet night a driving misty morning and all day till evening. Sun breaks out, wind rises and is high as night draws on. Mr Ball leaves after breakfast. Remodelled sitting room and bring to view new pictures etc. All the men engaged in cleansing the stable, whitewash and chloride of lime. Send Tom to Penmaen, the clock maker had previously been sent from there. No further tidings of Polly Powell.

8th

Stormy morning, some heavy hail stones. In car with WR to Swansea, fine cold day. Storms again after return home. No dinner, cold home by 9.00. Mrs Calvert Jones dead, funeral to take place today. Shopping and errands all day. Saw Howell John and fixed to settle accounts with him on Wednesday next.

10th

Sunday. Morning duty, go alone, stay sacrament, Mr Meredith. Thrushes sing beautiful. Walk to Stafell Haegr around the field with W Thomas, mason, arrange for stones by W Jones' garden I hope, keep dinner waiting 2.30. Eliza rides Pedro to Penmaen. Susan failed. Walk with Carree to Penralt, rain comes. Read newspaper, Sunday ill spent, dreadful wet night again.

Monday. Rise early and out before men are at work. Doctor Moselle colt ill and feed horses etc and mark ground for digging plantation. Set down to read paper, many interruptions. Get out, plant a few elms and dig. Walked to Cadennith meadow, lime and earth spread. Cut some willows and prune quick in garden. Dine at 2. Susan rides to Penmaen and brings C Teddy home, there since Wednesday. Interview of the children worth seeing. Gibbs here, we fail to let off the cannon in celebration of the Queen's marriage. Lucy Philip called about accounts, she is going to live at Mr Voss's. Enter accounts and diary in evening, bids fair for fine.

11th

The Queen to be married yesterday. Rise early, it appears fine, one hard shower and then a fine and dry and mild day. About home all day, W Thomas, the mason, throws arch over horse entrance to yard, busy selecting stones for it. Plant a few bulbous roots, prune a few elms and plant and plant (sic) Scotch and spruce firs in new plantation Lower Field. Samuel Philip called for permission to use Crickton barn. No one else called and no one asked for money. Children have been very good and Carree very busy, chair covers. Wind gets up and glass goes down this evening. Key of my room lost yesterday, most mysteriously. Scale the window today and find another key to suit inside.

12th

Wet morning very, like to be a soaking day, clears off, is fine except showery. Cold brisk wind. Do not feed horses till after breakfast. Plant rock weeds on new arch, entrance to yard. Plant Jerusalem artichokes, help at new plantation, make hot bed, plant a few willow sticks. Beggar with bad arm, coal pit accident, 6d. Walked to Crickton this evening, C Reese been at jobs in stables etc. Carree begins a letter to Anne, Uckfield. No intercourse with Penmaen today. Was to have gone to Howell John's but thought it would be a wet day.

13th

Rise very early and out to see when men come in a-morning, no cause to complain. Send Pedro to forge by Llewellyn, being engaged to be at Penllwyn Robert to settle accounts with Howell John. Am ready to start and I Grant comes to go through the accounts instead. HJ being engaged to Llanelli. Mr Thomas Gordon called early with some vessel accounts and Howell John's bill. Dine early and walk with Carree to Penralt and I to the marsh to see about the road. J Harry at work. A dinner at public house for culm payments, find Carree at Mrs Grants and return home to tea. Mr George Gordon calls as above. WR went with corn again to Penmaen. Bevan called for him, home by 7.00. I feed my horses after tea, late accounts and read newspaper.

14th

Wet morning as usual but a fine day. Plant a few trees and stick in the willows in plantation. I Grant calls about Howell John's accounts, an evening's occupation, get through it. RH calls up about the … send a few commissions by him to Swansea, ox lips wanted and a deal plank to be had home.

15th

A very wet morning, driving mist all day till quite evening. In the house all morning, add up my tithe book and read the conclusion of the speeches on wanting confidence in ministry motion, Sir J Y. Remove prop of new archyard gate in evening. Read papers again in the evening and neglect my accounts etc. No intelligence from Swansea tonight. R Harry's horse taken ill tomorrow.

17th

Sunday. Evening duty, Mr Meredith sermon on the arch. Carree rides Moselle down, C Teddy, does not behave well. Evening spent in reading accounts of the Queen's marriage etc. Mild and misty, gets cold towards evening.

Monday. A dry day at last, wind easterly. Evening very cold. Am up very early, feed horses etc, prune trees and make a quick set hedge in new fashion in garden. Break it down, cut and plant willows after breakfast in plantation etc. Dine early and ride with Carree to Penmaen. Meet Mrs J on the hill, she returns. Tea there, Mr J not very well. Mrs Jones calls. Portraits of Albert and Queen. School talked of and national grants etc. Return home by 10.00 by Pennyhitch.

18th

A very cold day, wind east and dull. Glass very high and rising or should expect rain. Ride Moselle to marsh to inspect the road, 5 men at work. Then over Welsh Moor, road horrible. Call on J Davies for gutter stones etc. Called this morning at RH's, his mare very ill. Cause him to bleed her again, she dies, night. Dine early and plant elms etc in the evening. Mrs Tall calls with salmon and Carree paid 4/6, Davies wife of W called about lawsuit. Send the colts to the 4 Acres for a few days by Llewellyn. Enter accounts in the evening. Carree discusses merits of new cut shirt and begins a night one, on trial.

19th

Rise very early, very cold. Wind easterly but no frost. Shave after breakfast, engaged before getting mason to work. Busy all day planting larch and willow sticks etc, 2 arbor vitae etc. Carree rides and takes baby to Penmaen after dinner, Sarah came over. Charles Teddy very fractious indeed, quite disagreeable. Mason here finishing top of yard wall. W Tucker returns to garden after long absence. Mrs Nicholls called just as Carree had gone. Some talk of tithes lawsuit. Mr Gordon called this evening with Reese, captain, settled some accounts about the vessels.

20th

A very sharp frost, dull east wind. Breakfast at 8.00. Am governor-general, Carree at Penmaen. Order out manure and see it begun. Walk to marsh to see how the road goes on. Evans of Prisk called about use of his horses and carts. Call on Mary Thomas about refuse, stones in her garden for road. See RH in village fencing, called on Batcock and George Jones about culvert, marsh road. Went to Penralt expecting C Teddy there, just gone, return home. Busy gardening with Tucker, plant 2 arbor vitae, a few laurel, … hydrangea. Have more earth carted to garden and wheeled for mound. W David came today to begin small gate for yard. Am taken quite ill after my day's work, vomit and obliged to go to bed. Cause - great coldness and horrid pease pudding made by Eliza, not as it ought to be.

21st

Another severe frost. Carts and horses in full requisition. Rise pretty well again and am about starting with C Teddy to Penmaen. Write journal and day book which I was unable to do last night from illness. Give my directions about work. Breakfast before 9.00, walk to Penmaen leading Moselle, C Teddy riding and walking and being carried by turns. What a little man for his age! Arrive at Penmaen, find Carree is ridden home for me, she returns with Susan, I fully intended to return home this evening but took fright at the cold and stop at Penmaen. Read papers all evening. Letters received of Mrs Collins death Clapham, Mrs Starling's illness serious. It is woefully cold indeed! Mr Perry called to see Mr J, not very well.

22nd

Slept with little Jackie beside Carree, he by no means a sleeping partner. Tis wilfully cold again, severe frost. Eliza goes to Swansea on Rosy, goose, eggs, butter. I ride home from Penmaen, men very busy dressing pasture. Rare frost. I ride to Stafell Haegr and marsh, order ponies from 4 Acres to Crickton. Men at work on marsh road, do not keep good hours. Delay at dinner and the pipes, fire preferable to east wind. Out all day till dusk, get my few lambs to shelter, weather too severe!! Enter day accounts, read Cambrian and enter journal. Dine 6.30, tea early. Sit in my bedroom, fire will hardly warm one. RH calls in late, brings deal plank. Settle Swansea accounts with Eliza, my fingers tingle while I write close by a fire.

24th

Sunday. Am alone at Caie Forgan, severe frost. Breakfast and make some arrangements for tomorrow and start to walk by wood to Penmaen. Evening duty there, text ‘Go forward', very good but too long. First lamb at Penmaen today.

Monday. Frost continues, sharp beautiful sun and wind. Read Herald paper, question of privilege of Commons House becoming a serious matter. Mrs J has heard bad accounts of Mrs Starling. Mr Evans calls. We walk home by the wood leaving poor Johnny alone at Penmaen. C Teddy walks and carries home his bundle like a man. All workmen at Stafell Haegr. Read a little of Quarterly Review. Quite off hinges all day from extreme cold.

25th

Washing day. Very cold morning, day more temperate. Frost inclined to go, mild and gentle thaw. Wind still easterly, thermometer and barometer rising, the latter at set fair!! Most extraordinary! Washing day, amuse C Teddy by looking over prints, much against my wish. Muffle up and walk out by Park yr Rhedin, J Jones carting gravel, cart breaks down. Give him government papers for church wardens about poor laws. Thence to the marsh road, men get on slowly, upwards of one hour there. Then to Stafell Haegr, carts all there, stones carried for drain to factory through W Thomas's field and 2 trees carted up. Lime and earth carted out, cuts in very much. Tom Dix sent down to inform me Mr & Mrs Perry have called and wait dinner. Resolved si pos to see the tree in-cut. 6 men's work, tis done all right. Hurry home, dinner began. Mr & Mrs P leave before tea time, Cold journey for the child. Carree works at embroidery, time noticed only by its loss. Frost seems departing.

26th

Still frosty but less severe, wind strong and easterly. Feed my own horses and wear my German coat as overcoat. Plant large oak tree in front garden and aspen. Busy all day cutting into front and make with Tucker new flower border. About the house all day. Baby brought over from Penmaen by Margaret and Sarah. Mrs Starling better, Mr J better. Receive letter from WM about money, George about to pay over etc. Write an hurried answer by return. Explain W Jones accounts in evening. Have no more to pay him. C Reese's wife called this morning for money, gave none.

27th

Most beautiful day, mild frost. Barometer set fair. With Tucker in morning early, gardening potato, onion sets, shallots etc garlic. I walked on marsh road, Richard Gordon accompanies me from village. Bar Jones removing stony rubbish in Mrs Thomas's garden. Evans, Prisk, carting, marsh road improving, was as far as Aberlogy, thence to Stafell Haegr carting off. Send Llewellyn to cut rush, half day. Trees to plant and burn carted out. Meet Carree and Johnny at Mrs Thomas's, consultation with W Thomas, tailor about conducting waste water to Stafell Haegr. drain necessary. Dine after 3.00 and make rock work with Tucker in garden till dark. Small gate of yard put up. Consult William David about gate entrance garden. Feed horses after tea. Change my rabbits cubs, 7 young ones, to barn. Beautiful mild frosty night.

28th

Up early to feed horses and see carts off to marsh for rush. Attend to William David carpenter etc. Breakfast at 8.00 although Carree complains of not being well. Garden a little and ride to marsh to see about the road. Return to dine at 2.00. Mrs William Collins calls and dines. I was on the Park yr Rhedin road, Jos Jones carts slow work, it won't do. Morgan Jenkins complains that men idle time. Several persons call in evening, David Bowen about cart, G Jenkins about poor law paper, W David if wanted tomorrow. We talk of things abroad, Waterloo etc. Mr Collins leaves about 10.00.

29th

Beautiful day tho' morning not promising, dull and cold and frosty. Wind long in the east and dry. I am off early to Swansea, summoned on a special jury to view property Duke of Beaufort versus several drafts. Ignorant of the hour in … a cavalcade of us are jaunted down to Pontardulais, a country of no interest but a beautiful day. Mr Hope agent of Duke, Mr Mansfield under sheriff, Price the woodman all there. Mr Moggeridge, Mr Illtid Thomas, Captain Morgan, my party, Mr Leach and others all of the party. Mr Moggeridge in search of a boundary mark falling into leach pond the only amusing incident of the day. We had a pleasant party at dinner at the Macworth at 5.00. Not home till one in the morning. Quite done up.

March

2nd

Sunday. I am far from well after the fatigue and excitement of yesterday, obliged to sleep on the sofa. Send all servants to church and Carree and I only remain at home; cook our last goose. I walked to sheep field, tis very cold. Read Cambrian and a little scriptural essay. Am very sleepy all day, an ill spent day.

Monday. Am up early, very cold and very beautiful. Work all deranged. Coal wanted and Tucker wants corn from Wimmel and a messenger sent to Penmaen. I ride Moselle by Crickton to marsh to see road work and pay money as above. Return to dine at 2.00. Get fire furze cut and a few loads of earth to improve front after return from coal. Poor Johnny gets many falls and several severe blows on the head. Received 2 letters from WM and EM. No ill news from Penmaen, Carree not over well.

3rd

Continuance of fine dry weather, frost and sun. We go to Swansea in car, Carree, self and WR. Start at 12. Morning fully occupied in arrangements for the week. J Lewis calls, captain of vessel, with slates from Carmarthen to be landed tomorrow or next day. Write a host of notes to engage carts. Late at Swansea in consequence, Swansea assizes. Sleep at the Castle all the week. Send Richards home directly with deal plank for doors to garden entrance. Mr Samuel Davies and Mr F Price dined at Castle in evening.

4th

At Swansea assizes. Slept there, Castle. The same kind of weather, dry, cold and sunny. No likelihood of rain. About the courts nearly all day, most suffocating hot in court. Took tea and played cards, Pounce, Commerce. This evening at Miss Lucas's, the Collins all there and Dr Lucas.

5th

Swansea assizes; continuance of the same dry cold and sunny weather. Made a few calls this morning, Mr Neave, poor law commissioner, etc at Cambrian. Carree dines at Mrs Mundays. I ditto very late and very tired.

6th

All day in court from after breakfast till 10.00. Have no dinner and supper only at Mrs Murcott. Carree dined there. The Duke of Beaufort ejectment case came on about the Goppa Mountain, judge sat at 10.30. A poor case, I thought, made out.

7th

Again in court, business finished about 4.00. Called into the special jury box and discharged as a … for a twelve month in case of Duke of Beaufort … Davies and Parrott, this latter case the jury considered verdict for 4 hours, verdict at last for Duke!! Carree and I am not home till past 12.00, a whole week occupied in courts specially summoned. Did nothing, no expenses in consequence!!! Very hard, no time to execute commissions and glad to get home. Poor Valiant horse 3 times in Swansea this week.

9th

Sunday. Still same beautiful weather. Idle and tired after a week of hard work at Swansea having nothing there to do. I ride to Penmaen, evening duty, dined there and home to tea. Good sermon on the deceit of concealing sins.

Monday. Up early and ride early to marsh road by Park Rhedin after breakfast. Road in slow progress to improvement. Ride Moselle, dine at 2, about home and farm all evening. RH calls this evening to borrow plough tomorrow, can ill do it - am busy with arrear of day work and accounts all the evening. Quite hot day today, country burnt up.

10th

Rise at 6.30, prune elms and feed horses, rabbits etc. About home all day. Plant a few large larch etc willow etc, last mow of oats taken in at Caie Forgan. WR brews, Carree far from well, the old family complaint. Children not well with colds. Carree and C Teddy do get out. After dinner I walked to Prisk etc to see road mending. Meet Mr Pearce, talk about Cheriton living and Jos Jones carting gravel. Return home by Crickton Hill and over wheat field intended to be rolled tomorrow. Prune quicks and trees again this evening and feed rabbits and horses. Dilemma about barm, lucky to get it at Mrs Nicholls. Beautiful night. Write a short letter to Henry, not sent.

11th

Dull day, cold but not frosty. Quiet and pleasant weather for season. About home till 11.00 fussing about something, plant willow etc. Ride Pedro to Oxwich, Mr Berrington's sale. Buy few things, there till 9 at night. Return thro Penrice garden with the Collins. Accident at Llandeilo Bridge mentioned, Lady and daughter killed and horse gig etc. Not home till 11 night, horse faint and weak. J Lewis the captain has called, left sample of Henry's barley and a letter received from him. Gig at Penclawdd.

12th

Dull quiet day, less cold. How beautifully this frost came on and seems inclined to be off again. Rise early, mare Brown casts her foal. Read Cambrian. Mr James rides over from Penmaen. I ride to marsh road and return to dinner 10.00. Walk after to Prisk Road, this is in a state of improvement too. Cart more earth to garden etc. Mr Nicholls calls with Ann, they have taken tea. Leave after dark and take nothing. Some inclination to rain today. Glass falls a little, rain not far off.

13th

About home all day. Rise early, Carree breakfasts in bed, usual routine of feeding animals, distribute workmen. Walk to Crickton, W Jone at drain, C Reese at plough. Call at Mr Long's of Newton, his horses look well. Talk of roads and expense of them. Return and work in garden. Mrs Nicholls sends to borrow salary (sic) etc, we dine early. Windy and cold and dry. Sheep are very troublesome, garden full of them. Tucker plants peas and beans, hot bed and I 50 grains of barley, French. Widened road with stones in evening and prepare to send to Swansea, a troublesome business. Morgan Jenkins calls this evening, guardian.

14th

Captain Lewis's wife calls for freight money, do not pay. Ride Moselle to Crickton, drain making by Wernhalog to marsh, road making, to Stafell Haegr, drain making, W Thomas's field, more stones wanted and stones for drain for the tailors garden. Speak to Samuel Phillips and Francis Thomas about stone cart. Home to dine and garden. After, plant cabbage and privet etc. Spotty jumps all my hedges and walks through the garden. Settle accounts with WR. Home before dark from Swansea, dry and seasonable but rain wanted.

16th

Sunday. Evening duty, Mr James resumes office, Mr Meredith has done. Text ‘I Have a Message', Judges. Read the Cambrian. Carree very unwell and cold. Some rain. Mr J wet, did duty at Ilston sacrament there. Mr Batcock and others at church, very unusual. Mr J dines with us and leaves early. I am most provokingly sleepy and do nothing. Go to bed early. Servants late, q: they have people in the house late? Wind west.

Monday. Slept miserably last night, rather awake till 3.00, rise at 7, not over well. Carree unwell and breakfasts in bed. Write a long report to Mr Neave, poor law commissioner, Ditto to Henry about barley, dispatch Tom in haste for post late, in time. Dine early, black sow killed. Ride to marsh, Crickton and Stafell Haegr, to see road draining and mason at work at drain. Mr Lambert expected at Penmaen ill from Norfolk. Read a Herald this evening. Lord Cantalupe returned for Lewes, Conservative. Cold day, wind back to east again, a little … about water tonight.

17th

Rise before 7.00, send Llewellyn to Penclawdd for coal. About home all day, garden, remove a few poor roses. Widen road and build up stones, rock work. Assisted by C Teddy!! and his spade and barrow. Sawyer came to work. Carree over poorly but walks to Crickton, children and all, ploughing and draining going on. Return by the road and pick flowers. Dine early, cut and plant willows in the evening. Pig cut up, sausages to be made. Carry too unwell to attend to them and goes to bed very early. Most beautiful hot day after frosty night. Rain much wanted, no prospect of any and all my new planted trees dying. Glass rising again since Sunday!!

18th

Dull cold morning, beautiful after midday. Rise early and arrange work and breakfast early and ride Moselle to Stafell Haegr. Thomas and T Richard quarry some beautiful surface stones for drain in wood. Francis Thomas carts ditto and talk to Bar Jones about the drain for waste water, a difficulty about consent!! Ride to marsh road to see road and give directions. Road progresses slowly but tidily. Look in at Crickton on return, drain, ploughing etc. Dine at 2.30, cut and plant a few sticks of willow in evening and prune trees in plantation north of orchard. Sent WR for 1 cart of gravel, Nep kills a black lamb of George Gordon's. Spread and roll gravel. A busy well spent day. Many things attended to. Neddy calls with a humane petition 1/6 and give him an old shooting coat. Enter my daily accounts etc.

19th

Rise earlier than usual, put a handle to hoe, feed horses and rabbits and select ash for making hurdles etc. Hunt up seed for Tucker to begin sowing as carrots, parsnips, onion, lettuce, radish, spinach. Intended to sow vetches, seed so bad could not. Must return it, very vexed. Assist David Wms to split ash, ponies anointed for mange. Mr & Mrs James arrive unexpected and dine. Receive letter from Henry, forebodes Chancery suit and account of slates etc. We all walk, Carree and C Teddy! by Crickton to Penralt. Mr J and I to Stafell Haegr, mason at drain and stiles. RH gives me invoice of slates as per J Lewis, captain. Speak to George Gordon on return about lamb killed etc and gravel, Jos Jones. Large stones brought up from Stafell Haegr, lower regions cleaned out, beautiful day.

20th

Rise at 6.00, usual routine of horses and rabbits and finish nailing a new hurdle before breakfast. Ride Moselle after to gravel pit, Park yr Rhedin, and my cart sent to clean slopes there etc. Ride by Wernhalog to the marsh to overlook repairs and to Llanellen Hill for stones for culvert, marsh. Then to Stafell Haegr, mason has pitched the new stone stile too low, must raise it, lucky I went to look at it. Dine at 2.30. Neglect sending to Penmaen post day. Busy all evening gravelling and widening road and plant a few willow sticks plantation. Make ginger wine with Carree at night. Cold dry day, 6 horses at work on cart, 3 harrow, 2 plough. No seed sown at Crickton yet.

21st

Sharp frost, rise early. RH disappoints me in returning vetches, bad seed. Dispatched Tom in tears on Star to Swansea. He returned safe, his first voyage. About home all day, Tucker absent. Keep about garden to prevent fowls tearing up seed sown in garden. I plant a few willows etc and water a few things, everything dying of drought and cold. Days hot, nights cold. Nep bites off part of the cows ear. Go to Crickton in the evening to see progress of drain. Detect Miss Batcock tearing my hedges to pieces there. Drink tea upstairs this evening, read paper. RH appears after we are in bed.

23rd

Sunday. Cold dry day, a little rain tonight. Morning duty, Mr James, ‘Slumbering in Religion'. Susan and Eliza go to Penmaen in evening. Tis an all spent day with me, I read papers, am tired and sleepy though not in bed till past 11.

Monday. Mr Meredith Stipend in full £3.8.0. Ride early to marsh road going to the Howell John's, meet him and return by marsh, he surveyor of road. Road miserable, cuts up to Llanellen. Speak to Davies about wheat, roads, stones, brush wood etc. J Davies also, about quarry, culvert etc. Thence to Leason to meet Howell John about ash timber. Dine at 2.30, Mr Meredith called about stipend etc, dines and is going to Penmaen. Sow peas this evening, plant gooseberry and currant cuttings. Very cold north wind, am quite tired this evening, hard day's work. Rose at 6. Mason repairing slates etc. Wrote to Penmaen.

24th

Sharp frost, very cold day, some snow falls. Sale at Mr Davies, Sanctuary. Rise early and walk round Crickton and give directions about work etc. Mr Pearce calls just as I am starting for the sale, takes luncheon and rides with me. Am there all day. RH buys a few sundries for me and winnow fan. Plenty to eat and drink there, am not home till dark. Return and overtake Hopkin, Wimmel and Davies of Llanellen. Everybody at the sale. Buy 2 scythe cradles of J Collins. Mr James buys 2 cows. Am very tired on my return home and go to bed early. Carree has been very unwell all day.

25th

Rise early, Mr Collins sends for laths for alterations at Oxwich, send 400, 4 bundles. RH calls as to sale of yesterday, write notes for Oxwich and Sanctuary sale. Have no horse for myself so walk by Crickton, ploughing and harrowing. To village and meet W David at Leason Wood about ash timber, pick out, see my little red pocket book. Return tired and dine and out again to work in garden, plant 200 small Scotch firs, half dead, and alter front border. Very cold. Received tithes of Jones of Leason this evening and enter 2 days accounts. C Teddy very unwell.

26th

Very sharp frost, rise early. Garden, prune gooseberries, change my rabbits to different huts, water a few trees. Send for lop wood at Leason Wood by marsh. Ride Pedro to marsh road and up by Llanellen. See Mr Davies ploughing side hill for oats. 2 men quarry on top stones for Welsh Moor Road. Give directions about road at east end, culvert etc. J Davies there. Home by Park yr Rhedin, Mr J dines with us, letter from Edmund going to Devonshire to meet my mother. Wants to sell his stock, cows, barley etc. I walked to Crickton, drain done and give directions about tomorrow etc. Inclined to snow.

27th

Not up so early as usual but usual routine before breakfast. After breakfast plant larch in pit nursery and water and plant birch by the roadside with W Jone. Dine at 2.00 and finish planting birch by side of road. Send Llewellyn home early and to take sheep to marsh; lambs and sheep most troublesome. I walked to Crickton, men finish new entrance to meadow, C Reese begins ploughing up potato piece by the house. Horses knocking up I fear. Ann walks to Penmaen, letter from my mother who is going to south Devon, house let in town. Arrange about Swansea tomorrow, dog cart to get mended, shaft broken. Enter accounts and write to Edmund.

28th

Rise early, dry as usual. Off to Swansea to buy oats etc in dog cart. Shaft broken, patch it up to get it mended with makeshift cart harness, a precious set out. Drop on Mr & Mrs Collins at Ilston turn, meet Morgan the surveyor and speak to him about the road to Llanmadock etc. Arrived safe in Swansea to return how I can. Arrange with Mr Jones of Llytherid and return in his car, my horse helping his, heavy load. I walk from Swansea to Fairwood Corner, from Llytherid home. Called in at Mr Nicholls 9.00. W Collins was about purchasing a horse at Swansea. Asked me to look at it, did not advise either way. Oats very dear and very poor.

30th

Sunday. Slight indicators of rain, passes off. I ride to Penmaen Church, morning, Rev. Mr Lambert there, does no part of duty invalid. Dined there and return with Mr J to Llanrhidian church, all the Nicholls family there and Mr Evans who takes tea with us. Ill spent evening, show Mr Evans the fast path by Prisk etc.

Monday. Rise early, breakfast early. Ride early, Pedro, by blacksmith to Welsh Moor. Mr Davies of Llanellen carting flag stones etc by his wood to marsh. Give orders about road tomorrow by Crickton. Home in a hurry but no Mr Vospert, no Morgan surveyor call as promised. Work in garden all evening, transplant peas and larch and oak. W Jone in garden, Tucker ill. Carree and I have a quiet quarrel about hours, attention etc. Alter my plans for tomorrow, very tired this evening but enter my accounts from yesterday morning. Carree and children walk to the village today. Mrs Nicholls expected, does not come.

31st

At last rain falls again, March nearly over with little wind, almost no rain. Some really beneficial showers in the morning early, damp misty and raining nearly all day, sun towards evening. About home all day. Very busy, had intended going to West Cross sale, Mr Gapes, but decided to begin sowing oats and make horse useful, 2 ploughs and harrow at work all day. Busy about garden all day, plant many things long heeled and half dead, laurel etc. Very busy day and most delightful. Dine early and walked to Crickton sowing field etc and over the farm etc. Cut willows north of garden in the evening etc. Read Cambrian and enter accounts last thing. Go to bed early, fine night. Cockles sent by C Teddy to Carree - 3dadvise

April

1st (Wednesday)

Dull, mild, foggy morning; dry fog and sun all day, some little rain after dusk. Rise early, feed horses etc. and ride Pedro before breakfast to the Welsh Moor. W Thomas, mason making dry culvert at east end and men raising the road, give the best directions I can. Garden a little and we all start in car for Penmaen at 11.00, dine and spend day there. Home by pitch dark in gentle rain. Rev. Mr Lambert at Penmaen for his health from Norfolk, said to be consumption. Enter accounts on return home, Carree seals letter for Ted.

2nd

 Rise and breakfast early and ride Pedro for Swansea, Turnpike Trust meeting at 11.00. Go by Welsh Moor to inspect culvert at east end by Bryngwas, Three Crosses etc. [1] Most beautiful mild day. Propose at the meeting that the branch road to Llanmadock be repaired by the trust, not in form, must give notice the next meeting. Mr Moggridge promises to second me. Go through accounts of the meeting with Mr Thomas Thomas. Dine at 4.00 with Mrs Munday, I am unable to attend Mr Lockhart's sale, wanting single harness and single gun, both good. WR there with car for oats and get home again about 9.00. Ride with Mr Collins, too tired on return home to do any work so go to bed.

3rd

Wind up northerly again and glass rising, fair beautiful day. Rise early and walk over Crickton before breakfast, breakfast at 8.30. Work in garden and about home all day after and am going again to Crickton with Carree and C Teddy. Sow (first sowing) myself mangold wurzel, plant a few willows and odds and ends about the garden, laburnum, polyanthus etc etc, most disheartening them dying wanting water.

4th

Rise early and finish a letter to my mother. No servant up and no light to seal my letter by at 7.00. Send it to Swansea by Eliza Dix with another for Maria V. Walked to Crickton, breakfast early and ride Pedro to Welsh Moor road, culvert etc all in shape. To Crickton again, pond cleaned out. Send Pedro to plough in evening with Tom, about home all evening, water, plant willows. Work with Tucker and neat up lawn and plant on top of wall. Settle accounts with W Jone, long job. Into accounts etc without a fire.

6th

Sunday. Rise early and breakfast before 8.00. Read Cambrian. Morning service, Mr Lambert serves Penmaen. I ride with Mr J to the chapel, very warm. Dine at Bryn Hir. Joint action - Pay one Reese, an old man, for repairs of the chancel roof after storm during the 7th. Return over commons and home by 9.00.

Monday. Rainy morning, fine cold day, not up so early as usual. Poor Johnny very sick all day. I walk over Crickton ploughing for oats and pond cleaning. Return home and plant more willows, Jos Jones called this morning for road work. Mr & Mrs James dine with us and Mr Lambert. We and Carree walked to top of Cilivor hill, windy and cold there. Return and dine. Mr Thomas Gordon calls for money for Gibbs, rent of Crickton, Mrs Gibbs ill - dying. Sharp hail shower this evening. Enter accounts this evening, that's all; consider I have done nothing today but acting the agreeable.

7th

Large flakes of snow 10 minutes at 7.00. Showery in places, very cold, busy about trifles, garden with WT. Start in car with Carree for Miss Tottenham's sale. Miserably cold and dull sale. Stopped to be finished in Swansea on future date. Buy a few things. Home by 7. That horrid Batcock surprised by Carree in possession of the house, Susan in the sulks, ergo, lucky I did not see him, I am unhinged in consequence. Bevan rode over this morning for commissions for mangle at Miss Tottenham's, bought privately for £8 10 0. Read Morning Herald this evening, long severe articles on the Duke of Sussex and his wife? Lady Cecilia Underwood, beggars made a Duchess, God save us.

8th

Key found by Jone, lost last hay harvest.

Mary Thomas who calls this evening for money for stones had upon the road by W Evans from her garden. Bar Jones was 14 days clearing, she says 68 tons in all. Frosty morning, ice, rise early, feed horses etc and show mason work wanted at Crickton Meadow and walk over Crickton. Order Colt in harrows etc. Carree unwell again, do not send to post tho' I ought to write to Edmund. Very busy all day, fence by road haggard and plant and water willows, stakes by haggard. Ride to Welsh Moor road, Mr Davies of Llan-[2] there, very cold and windy. Enter 2 days accounts and diary this evening. Carree very poorly.

9th

Again a fine dry [too dry] day. Rise early, breakfast early, finish sowing oats. W Jones rights hedge - water course Stafell Haegr. Cart sent there, Tom Richard. I ride down after breakfast, Pedro shies a donkey near Horrod, falls and hurts my legs severely, luckily no fracture. Go to Penralt and apply vinegar and on to Stafell Haegr and again to Crickton and then to road near Prisk, Welsh Moor and home. Mrs James here, leaves as I arrive, no letters for me. Laid upon sofa all the evening, creep out with a stick, very painful, Tucker potato setting. Read January 7th number of quarterly, last number not yet received. Enter accounts etc.

10th

Dry, dull, warm, calm. Not up early after a bad night in pain with my leg after yesterday's fall. Dress myself with difficulty. Mary Thomas called for elder wine and money, have the former only. Hobble out in garden and work all day with Tucker and Carree. Remodel the front border. Children and Tommy employed too. In evening cripple over to Crickton and back again. Sea fog comes over. Old Mr Batcock calls this evening about trespass, long conversation about his son Robert, part friendly. RH called about receipt. Sent by WR for Llewellyn, coal paid.

11th

Dull foggy damp morning. Dull, dry day, am not up early, my leg still painful and unmanageable. Breakfast before 8.00. WR goes to Swansea for dog cart from Burchill's, mended, and takes eggs to sale, old mare. I hobble to see men on the road by Prisk by Cillibion fields, Park yr Rhedin. Mr James calls, does not dine here tomorrow. but dines here today. Hot bed made for a large frame. I am busy all evening cutting and planting willow, a job I wish ended, tedious and laborious. I have cut every willow I could spare. Inclination to rain this evening. Read W Collins marriage (?) in the Cambrian etc etc. Receive quarterly review.

13th

Sunday. Fine rain in night at last, a beautiful mild damp rainy day. Evening duty, Mr James. I only walk down, few at church, a hint from the pulpit!!! Mr J takes nothing here, I read papers, quarterly etc, ill spent day. Spoke to Thomas Thomas about bill of Howell John.

Monday. Most beautiful warm spring day. Ride Pedro to Stafell Haegr, fair day. Children sent to fair, set work at Crickton, sow clover over meadows etc. Plant quicks, work with Carree in garden. RH brought up the children.

14th

Rise very early, nobody here but W Jone, cause Club meeting last night, quarrelling. Intended to have sown seeds in hot bed. Planting alder and larch and fir etc. Takes up all day with W Jone. Tucker plants quicks. Carree and all the maids and children busy weeding and neating up garden. Planting etc. I work hard all day. Mr James and Mr Lambert call via Penclawdd, lend quarterly. Am working till dark. Thomas Thomas, Oldwalls, calls; pays over bills account of Mr Howell John. Write them out and give him a receipt. Talk about roads and distances. Carree not been well all day but works, quite tired tonight.

15th

Most beautiful hot day. Rise by 6.00, feed my horses, plant remainder willows plantation and various things before breakfast. Breakfast early, read quarterly, ride Pedro to Crickton, lead Valiant. C Reese winnowing. Arrange work, mistake about Star mare for Carree, Penmaen, rectified. Drive Star first and last time in dog cart by Ilston, nobody home. By Lunnon etc to Penmaen, dined there. Carree and C Teddy past 9.00. C Teddy awake like a brave boy. Receive letter from my mother at Bath. Invitation there and from Mr Spurrell about barley, Carmarthen. Mr Lambert at Penmaen. Mr Reese no curate for the chapel. Send letter to Tenby.

16th

Another most beautiful day, summer. Not away from the house and garden all day, most busy. Rise early and work late. Breakfast early, mend sofa etc. Plan work and superintend all. Breakfast alone. C Teddy tired with yesterday, sleeps late. Sow seed, chili potato. Plant more potatoes, cabbage, plant pinks etc sow peas, left many things and dine at last. After dinner occupied improving the front, fresh soil brought in, turf. Rose bed altered, give the men tea and work till dark and after moon is up. Water strawberries to make fit to weed and enter 2 days accounts of labour etc. Money etc etc, glad to get to bed before 11.00.

17th

Beautiful brisk dry east wind. Evening duty, small congregation, all horses and cattle in the garden on our return. Do but little damage owing to dry. An ill spent day. Read quarterly and nothing better though best of all days, Good Friday. Mr Lambert leaves Penmaen to return to Norfolk this evening. The evening taken up writing commissions and to Swansea etc.

18th

A letter sent to Carmarthen, Spurrell. WR goes to Swansea, not to sell, buys oats, Strick, barley, David Walters etc. Home in good time. Went early to Crickton, set Tom Phillips to fence lane. Busy in garden all day with Carree and men in front garden making alterations and improvements. Plant up periwinkle etc and out quite late in garden watering. Evans of Prisk calls for money for road. Must pay next week. Mr J comes over to a funeral of a child of Wernhalog this evening. A sharp hoar frost tomorrow morning.

20th

Sunday. Fine, dry but colder. Morning duty, sacrament. Mr and Mrs J come over and spend the day. I laid on the sofa all day with a pain in my knee owing to my fall with Pedro and being out late last night, great difficulty to get upstairs to bed. Mr Pearce did duty at Penmaen.

Monday. Not up very early, breakfast at 8.00. My leg fortunately much better. Carree, 2 maids, 2 children take dog cart and Star to Port Eynon, call at Reynoldston. Miss Perry not home till dark. I ride Moselle to Crickton, busy work going on there clearing cooch etc etc and ride round and to hunt up Doll and colt, fail to see them. Dine early alone. Mr J calls, going to appoint church wardens. Am busy all day, else in garden. Sow borecole and grass seed front of house. Had it levelled to shape this morning, plant cutting of pink. W Webb calls for money about road. Howell John promised to call but does not. More things planted on top of wall, plants few willow and poplar, anxious about Carree etc. Sow sunflower in frame.

21st

Rise early and arrange work. Send for potatoes to Fairwood Lodge, furniture home. Ride Pedro after breakfast to Crickton, sow more barley, cooch burnt. Mr Pearce goes to call at Ilston, spoke to him by Crickton. Home to garden, sow mangold wurzel. Plant out dahlias, plant a few oats. A schoolmaster calls from Llanarthney to try Llanrhidian, sounds me, give him dinner. Two gypsy knife grinders call, umbrella etc. mended. Brew by Llewellyn 3 WM Samuel Phillips. Tucker hears bad news of his daughter dying. Cooler day, threatens rain.

22nd

Rise by 7.00. Beautiful fog last night. None of the servant maids out of bed at 7.30!!! Am disgusted. Feed horses and rabbits, write to my mother at Bath, Carree to Catherine, London, no news from Tenby. I ride to Penmaen, they gone to Ilston. I call at Long Oaks, see Mr V only about bill not honoured. Return to dinner, seek Doll and colt, no find. Sent to Bryn Hir for cucumber plants by W Jone, do not ride to Crickton. Mix earth and sow a few flower seeds this evening, evening with Carree. Howell John and I Grant call this evening. Former endorses bills, his sale account to me for £102.12 0. Fog comes on again this evening.

23rd

Wet foggy morning does a deal of good, dull pleasant warm day. Rise at 7, not from home all day. Send WR to Penmaen for hay, cut some quick hedges, earth some peas, sow sunflower seeds, walk with Carree and children to Crickton, get barberry plant there. Plant it at home: Tom Philip. Mr Vospert calls about tithes, bill received for dishonoured - promises to pay Saturday, will he? C Teddy very troublesome and calls himself good. Teach him his lesson. Read Islington murder, one Gould acquitted. About quite late after tea till dark gardening, move ribbon grass. Most mild night, enjoy a supper.

24th

Rise very early. Moles at work close by the door, try to catch them, fail. Garden peas cover strawberries with manure. Sow peas and kidney beans with WT. Dine very early, sea kale from Bryn Hir. After dinner take car, I and Carree rides Moselle for Penmaen, I to top of hill of choice stones for the garden (sic). C Teddy goes to, Mr & Mrs J join us on the hill, return home by 6.00, perfect summer. Tea in the garden. Place a few stones. Water till dark, peas and new planted trees. Swansea commissions take up the evening, quite tired

25th

Go early to Swansea, Carree and all the children and nurse Susan to rig out the children. Hats, shoes etc, borrow Mrs Nicholls car. Very hot going, cold returning in dark. Send W Richards with cart and 2 horses, also for barley and oats etc.

27th

Monday. Rise early, splendid day again. Finish sowing barley, ride Moselle to Crickton and over the farm to Penralt about barley, see RH and Richard Gordon ploughing by Oldwalls. Return by Crickton and home. Met Mr Perry going to village. After dinner ride with Carree on little Rosy to Penmaen, received letters, Edmund and Spurrell, answer them. Mr Evans of B at Penmaen about Pastoral Aid Society, takes my letters to Morgan of Parkmill who goes to town tomorrow. Home before dark, enter some accounts etc. Must send for coals tomorrow

28th

Rise early and out early to stables etc. Ride Moselle early to Crickton and see what work is doing etc and return. Garden, sow cauliflower and celery and asters in hot bed. Prussian Blue Peas. Make compost for flower bed etc etc. Mr Pearce and Mr & Mrs J dine here by invitation at 2.00. Walk part of way on the common with them home. Nothing happens, so ends the day.

29th

Rise early, foggy morning clears off, very hot day. Am disinclined to work, day ill spent I fancy. Write a hasty letter to my mother to say we shall not be able to see her at Bath, cause of Edmund. Write about carpet to James, Swansea. Read Cambrian, Carree rides after dinner alone to Penmaen. I and C Teddy walk to Crickton. How full of wanton mischief has he been today. Sow flower seeds in evening with Carree, late, am very tired.

30th

I rise early, splendid day, very hot. Resolved to garden and sow seeds etc, flowers. Receive intelligence that my ponies are in pound in Landimore for trespass[3]. Read part of Cambrian and sow seeds etc in hot bed. Dine early. Had send cart on, unknowing trespass, for stones to fence, Crickton lane the cause of mischief. Ride then after dinner, shafts of cart broke, sent to forge to repair. Take tea in garden, most delightful weather. Garden in evening. Stone edging by road. Water etc. W David carpenter calls about a bill, some difficulty about it, he is to be here tomorrow to repair the cart. Have pickled mackerel supper and tired go to bed. I sow seed in hot bed early this morning before breakfast and after.

May

1st (Friday)

I sow seed in hot bed early this morning before breakfast, and after. Rise early, ride later road by Welsh Moor west end, Webb at work there. First rode to Crickton to see about work and then rode to Crickton Upper Meadow, return home, garden a little. Bridal visit to Oxwich with Carree, think we shall like the bride. Mr Sam Davies called and Mr Higgs etc. Mrs and Mr Collins and Miss Lucas there. Ride by sands to Penmaen and dine there by appointment at 3.00. Send Carree's pony home by Tom, I walk. Carree rides Moselle. Write notes for Swansea, send basket back and clothes to Mrs Crole and Mrs Bond, Castle borrowed last week sent by some chance person. RH does not go to Swansea. Edward James arrives from Swaffham.

2nd

Am not up so early as usual, tired yesterday. Garden, plant quicks with WT in places wanted renewing etc and left heeled. Idly inclined, not all well. Ride to Crickton, little doing. Cooch picking, should be potato setting, Upper Field. Repicked stones and rooted, too hard to stop it and cart in the evening, garden late fagged with heat of sun all day. Edward James called this morning, does not dine.

Sunday. Still fine, change of moon. Rain wanted. Mr James and Edward ride over, morning duty, latter read prayers, former preaches. Full attendance. Mr & Mrs Nicholls and family call after church, Ted returning to duty at Penmaen. Mr James dines with us, Susan rides his mare to Penmaen and back again. Walk late with Carree on common to Cillibion field, more grass than I thought.

4th

Rise at 5.00, ride to Crickton before breakfast, find horses, rabbits etc. Carree rides to Penmaen after breakfast, Ted returning with her and dines here and tries a colt, perhaps to buy. Received letters; Edmund and my mother at Bath, shall go there. I again ride to Crickton and again with Ted third time. Sowed with Tucker this morning, peas and kidney beans, received present of a cucumber from Samuel Philip, Llanelly by Mrs H Harry and her daughter. Several times broken in upon today, do not do many things I meant. Have seed unsown. Ted goes with me to Welsh Moor road, men going before time. J Austin mare hurt. In evening into accounts and arrears of entries. Tired indeed.

5th

Rise at 6.00, same weather continues, hot and dry, but glass falling a little. Ride to Crickton, potato setting, 2nd day. Fags about trifles as unnecessary among a set of apes without heads. Spend day at Penmaen and children sent with Susan and Tom on new saddle cradle on young Rosy to Penmaen. Carree after rides Moselle and I walk. Nothing happens. Ted cuts ivy of porch. Borrow a horse, return to Walterston Corner, Bevan comes. Garden, of course, torn to pieces by fowls on our return. These horrid careless servants!! If they even think, tis of lace to their caps.

6th

Walk after breakfast to Crickton, potato setting. Return and write to Tenby and to Bath, mean to go there. Morgan the surveyor calls, alteration of Park Mill stopped again, he is going to Llanmadock. Takes my letters to Swansea and prevents my riding to Penmaen. Dine early and ride to see the road on Welsh Moor and thence to Crickton and Penralt to learn if RH kills. Rain begins, return and sow seed and wall flower etc on slope north of cow stall and sow clover etc on old turnip beds. Forgot to plant my ivy from Penmaen. Wet evening for about 3 hours. I get wet, delighted to see rain at last, everything looks refreshed. Very tired, have fire in evening, wind changing from east to west.

7th

Rain a little this morning, hurrah. Doubtful weather for my ride to Swansea, trustee meeting. Start early and return before 6.00. Beautiful mild weather after 12.00, delightful ride home. Rode in with Mr T Morgan and Mr Berrington overtook us. Servants and expenses all unpaid, failed in the object of my mission to get the road to Llanmadock turnpike, no money. Delighted to find Moselle can carry me so well, useless for long time. Garden neated, lawns mown. Get no supper, servants all out, discovered great waste of bread in kitchen cupboards. Scold servants.

8th

Not up so early as usual, pleasant morning after rain in night. Plant quicks and ivy with W Tucker who receives of me this evening for ducks, his daughter ill, in half crowns 10/-Ride by appointment to meet Mr Gordon and Geo. Thomas, Stembridge road. Gallop back to be in time for dinner, Penmaen party dine with us. Walk to Crickton in evening about Ted lodging there and go to potato field. Glass continues falling.

9th

Swansea fair, doubtful morning, no rain. Dull and not hot, seasonable nice weather. Ride Moselle to Swansea and there about 12.00. Meet Edward James, colts and ponies sell well. A few errands to execute, funny dinner at 6 Bells. Mrs Jones, confined lately, very ill. Ride home to Fairwood with Ted, sell my two horses dog cheap and out of condition.

Sunday. Coldish unpleasant day. Evening duty, Mr James. Notice given about sacrament, Mr J against monthly sacrament. Mr Lloyd from gallery contra, consent. Mrs Nicholls takes tea with us and Mr J. Am, dull and stupid all day.

11th

Dull dry and cool, last day of potato setting in the field. Finished there some days before beginning last year and watch the result. Mr Gordon calls early, shows Mr Gibbs claim to Crickton under will of Beynon and vested in children youngest now 16 yrs. He shows me some wild ducks, a long shot, kill one. Then walked to Crickton and home in evening, ride to Welsh Moor road and Ted rides to village, his colt pony meets him returning and we ride home by Crickton. Ted copies parish registers and sleeps at our house and home tomorrow after dinner. I into some accounts, too much talk to do anything effectively.

12th

Rise up at 5.30, dull cool morning, clean pond, haggard and plant willow. Sarah Tall calls that my pony has killed her colt, colt lost not killed. Ride to look for it and to Cillibion to see my accounts. About home remainder of day, bottle beer, 21 bottles. Tap beer, barrel spoiled, careless servants. Edward James rides out colt. I kill a couple of mallard, double shot. Mrs Bevan of Port Eynon calls and dines here. Jack covers Mr George Gordon's pony. Sow peas with Tucker in outer garden and sow Hungarian turnips. Mr Nicholls borrowed cart, Mr Lloyd borrows car for tomorrow. R Harry calls this evening, give draft for £12. George Dix calls and pays rent £6. A miscellaneous fagging day, dubious weather.

13th

Am up at 6.00, dull cool morning, do not as usual go out but sit down to accounts to make out Webb's road accounts, Margaret Thomas calls early for taxes, as above and for advice about a will of Bevan's. Llanmorlais etc, clear case in his favour. Fuss about the garden and ride at 11.00 for Penmaen with Carree, dine there and return with Ted. He has a funeral, mistake tis at the chapel. I again ride to Crickton and give instruction about work etc and then to Welsh Moor road and Llanellan. Settle about work to be done and cross over to Cillibion about taxes. Mr & Mrs Nicholls not at home, Llythrid. Tea late and feed rabbits with children. RH calls with things from Swansea, gowns, bonnets etc. Settle about things to be done, begin packing about 10.00.

14th

Packing up till 12.00 and up again at one this morning to start at 2.00a.m. for Swansea packet to Bath. Mild pleasant morning, early, becomes quiet cold day in the channel. Adopt the new plan at sea, go at once to the cabin and lie down for a wonder. Eat a good breakfast with care and am not ill. Come on deck by the Holmes and land at Bristol 3.30, tea there at Mrs Harwell's and to Bath by 8.00a.m. and to bed before my mother returns from a party.

15th

At Bath, 9 Queen Square. Not inclined to rise early as at home, stroll out shopping etc with my mother and Carree and make arrangements for living in Bath for a little while. Write to Penmaen of our arrival here etc in the evening. Take tea with Mrs Grants at 17 Catherine Place, one of the Miss Scroggs from Stanstead there, it rains as we return home. Ladies get a fly and I get a somersault over the handles of a sedan as I run downhill to avoid shower. Fortunately not hurt, the accident therefore considered a good joke. This showery weather I hope extends to Gower where it is much wanted.

16th

Walk early to go to the market, new potatoes, peas not plentiful. New French asparagus, do not altogether think the Bath market very forward. Read a Times paper, go to library to subscribe. Mrs Scroggs calls by appointment at 1.00. Take a walk, shop in South Parade, Western Railway, shelter from rain and shops leads to extravagance in evening. Theatre, Jack Shippard, Jack, Mrs Keely well got up. Yates acted in the after piece, very good in ‘Am I to blame'.

Sunday. Quite cold day and very dull. Morning service with my mother at Abbey Church. Mr Broderick ‘Behold he prayeth'. Good sermon on prayer, no good monuments of consequence, many not bad. Neat church, good organ, again at 3 to church. with Carree, some new church, poor congregation. Contentment. Clergyman resembled Fred. Walked in park before dinner, very cold.

18th

Read Oliver Twist after being at the reading rooms and reading papers a short time. Mrs Scroggs and niece call in, we go shopping in Milsom Street. At home all the evening. Read Oliver Twist and do not do many things I ought to do and many things intended. A letter recieved from Edmund, his coming to Bath postponed to the 30th of the month, I am disappointed. Omitted on Saturday last, gold ring for Carree at Payne's, 14/- because wedding ring to large.

19th

Very cold indeed, dull and not rainy. My mother hears from Biddlesden. Mr & Mrs Mabbot. Stroll out shopping, enquiries for commission, gowns, bonnets, caps etc. Disagreeable work. Dine early 8.00. Go with Carree to horticultural show, almost too late. The admission in morning was 2/6!! a head. One prize geranium – the Sylph, very fine. Monstrous cold. Evening spent at a party, the Misses Hole's in Queen's square. Lose my money at whist. What gossips they are at Bath about a Mrs Campbell having an heir!!

20th

More pleasant this morning and a beautiful day. Intended to have written home etc, do not write. Read more of Oliver Twist, go with my mother early after breakfast to the Reading room. Read papers till 3.00 to my surprise! My mother went home earlier, an Eton boy named Montague drowned in the rain. Stanley's motion of Irish registration adjourned and quits on penny postage etc. Carree and my mother gone out, expect to meet them on Lion Hill. Go there, call on Mr Rd Edwards, not at home. Loiter about, contemplate Bath. No Carree, no mother and got scolded at dinner for want of gallantry etc. My mother spends the evening at card assembly. We drank tea at Mrs Scrogg's 17 Catherine Place. A quiet evening, no money lost at cards, play at squillets with the young Scroggs.

21st

A very nice day, dry and breeze of wind. At home reading Oliver Twist and Times paper. A long dissertation with Carree and my mother about altering a bonnet. I walked to Lion Hill. Call on Mr Edwards and hunt out Mrs Dean's and stroll back by the park. Great variety of shrubs and trees, very prettily laid out. Spend evening at a pleasant party at Mrs Francis cards. Whist win, Carree plays Canterbury Commerce and wins too!!! Wonderful. Wrote to Ted, Gower, and in going to evening party went with Carree by Post Office put in 3 letters, stamped covers.

22nd

Finish 2nd vol of Oliver Twist. Mr Edwards calls, Carree and I walk with him to Beechen Hill after lunch, view of Bath very fine indeed. Railway proceedings extraordinary. Return and shop. Library papers, 3 appoint Ministers on Lord Stanley's motion, registration in Ireland. In the evening at a small party cards at Mrs Blencowe's, Prince's Buildings. Carree left at home by herself, no carder, and was very unwell last night. My mother received a letter from London, Cathe and William. Alfred threatens still a Chancery Suit, he tries to make himself disagreeable and hateful to all who are near him, he is simply most selfish. A most pleasant day.

23rd

A less pleasant day again, dull and more cold but tolerably pleasant. At home a long morning, read nothing, meditate letter writing. Write none. Into accounts and collect pencil memoranda from pocket book and clean pocket book etc. Add up my monthly accounts etc. One Mrs Kerr calls, acquainted with Swansea, poor Captain Hickey is just dead. My mother gone to library, walk out with Carree, make calls - Mr Hall and Mrs Francis. Miss meeting my mother and go shopping as usual; at home this evening and write letters. Carree and my mother at the piano.

25th

Sunday. Dull and wet evening, very mild. Beautiful country weather. Twice at church, morning at the Abbey - Mr Broderick, evening Octagon - Mr Gardiner.

Monday. At home all morning till just before dinner. Finish letter to Fred, his first letter to Turville, Bucks, and write long to WM about school Llanrhidian and affairs generally. Received one from Gower, all well, and from Mr M, Bristol, about Great Western. Run to Post Office to Collins library to see Cambrian and back to dinner. Read stories of Theodore Hook, practice and precepts, very good. Write to Ted in evening and are to go to party at Colonel Huddleston's. New potatoes for dinner not good. Wet morning, fine evening, wind mild.

26th

Very stormy morning, wind and rain. Damp misty dull day, fine, late evening. Read Theodore Hook, practice and precepts. Carree nets. Engage places for theatre this evening. Go to College reading room with Carree. I call on Miss Scroggs, had asked us to tea, but we go to play. Dine at 3.00. Majority of 3 against ministers on Lord Stanley's Motion Irish registration. Miss Scroggs junior takes tea here, we go to play. The Seven Cloths, Van Amburgh's Lions etc. Henry found at the lodgings on our return from the play, in way from London to Wales. Receive letter from Edmund about a cow for sale.

27th

Beautiful day. Sally out early with Henry to park to try to sell Edmund's cow. Referred to Mrs Owen, Queens Parade, no-go. Return home and all sally out together, leave cards on Colonel Huddleston etc and read papers. Carree and I dine of Mr Edwards, 3 Lion Row, Lion Hill and take walk after to see view of Bath from Beacon Hill, very fine. The eldest Miss Edwards very pretty. Dark black hair. Home by 11, my mother and Henry go to card assembly at 12. Henry answers Edmund's letter for me about cow etc. Miss Scroggs has ordered to see Great Western on Monday next with party. She has made arrangements to go, we have ours to make.

28th

A beautiful day, Henry at Bath, Mrs and Miss Scroggs called early. We all sally out together, shopping and idling. An horticultural show at Lydney Gardens Parade, Pulteney Street and lose the elders when buying a burlesque letter envelope. Henry meets Mr Lloyd of Wales. Reading room etc. No party this evening, Henry too late for the Era coach to Bristol this evening at 9.00 by 5 minutes, so returns to Queens Square. Receive letter from Gower, answer required. Write and go to Post Office late, 11 or 12.00. My mother on tenterhooks in consequence, without cause. W Jone has broken front step at Caie Forgan.

29th

Another very nice day indeed. Miss Scroggs calls early about arranging to see the Great Western on Monday next. We are to start at 6.00 for lamp lightens hall. See Henry off by two horse coach to Bristol at 12.00 for Monmouth etc and then meet my mother at Mrs Scroggs on the same subject. Thence to the market with her and walk in the park with her and Carree and Victoria Garden Nursery. Feed the swans. Lounge about, go to the dairy in Park. Go to the library, dine at 5.30 and spend evening at a card party at Mrs Blencowe's, get horrid partner by ill luck, one Mrs Jones, and lose of course.

30th

Another beautiful morning, Edmund and family expected up by packet tonight, arrived about 8 or half-past. Go out with my mother to the market etc, intended fully to have made a call, do not and spend the day at the Park Gardens and loitering in park, music etc. Called at the library with Carree and in evening read part of 3rd vol of Oliver Twist and on look out for Edmund and family. They arrive tired and ill. Receive note from till(?) that a parcel is sent as ordered.

Sunday. Abbey church, we all go. Difficulty to get seats but do. Extremely hot, walk in park and to Lion Hill. Call on Mr Edwards, Mrs E better. Loiter about the park, some walk out after dinner, I do not. Mrs Scrogg's and niece call this morning to make final arrangement for tomorrow, Great Western, to be off at 6.00. To bed rather early.

June

1st (Monday)

Another splendid day, extremely hot. Rise early; at Mrs Scroggs at 6.00, breakfast at Gloster Hotel, Clifton, arrive late at the Great Western, just time enough. Striking scene, black breaking white sugar, view all, extremely good-natured and civil. Saloon handsome, decoration elegant, seemed comfortable. No gratuities given. Party are self and Carree, Edmund, mother, Mrs Scroggs and Miss F Scroggs and Miss Wilkinson. Dine at Gloster (Hotel?), odd dinner nothing according to order. 2 dishes of mutton chops [veal ordered], soles not salmon as ordered, two gooseberry pies! New York chairs very comfortable, one going to Heathfield. Home by 6.00, tea, then to Lydney Gardens. Beautiful fireworks. Would's comic songs, Bolero family, extraordinary feats of strength and agility and attitude. Tableau vivant. Smoking in garden a horrid nuisance. All at 2/6 or 10/- for family of 5. Illumination not numerous but tasty. Home by 12.00.

2nd

Wet morning clears off, quite cold. Finish letter to George and send it. Dine at 3.00. An evening party. Went out after dinner with Edmund. See mowing machine, very dear. £7. Long conversation at a curriers in Walcott Street with Edmund about an elephant's skin he has. Party in evening at home 9 Queens Square. Play a round game and one whist, lose 1st win 2nd.

3rd

Cold morning, brisk wind, dust very troublesome. Walk out with Edmund early to the cattle market, he wants to sell a cow. No cattle there. Talk with the farmer, hint for iron pens for sheep and pigs. Return and go with his carriage to Bathhampton to drive it back for him, they spend day there. We 3, mother, Carree and self, call at Mrs Scroggs. Take a long walk, Carree and Miss S, Pulteney Street etc, London Road etc. In evening walk with Edmond to see Dredge's Bridge suspension, new principle. Home by side of river, finish a letter of Carree's home and go to post at 11.30. Question in time or not? My mother goes to the card rooms. Edmund sends also by me 2 letters to the post. Receive invitations from Mrs R Penrice for next week.

4th

Dull and pleasant, very hot after midday. Omitted to write today till I have half forgotten all about it further than walking out and calling with Carree on Miss Kerr, a very pleasant lady. Part… in St James's square. Good prints of Straye's after old masters. She knows Swansea people and neighbourhood. The evening was spent at tea at Mrs Scrogg's 17 Castle Place. Play ecartes, lose, wax spilt on the drawing of Prince Albert by Mary S, great dilemma etc.

5th

A gentle rain all day. Teach little Edmund to net, not out of the house all morning, what have I been doing. Netting, reading Humphrey's Clock, spend evening at Mrs Blencowes, cards lose. Carree does not go. Edmund writes letters and goes late to post when I return. Memorandum with Edmund about a carriage body sent from Tenby to Swansea by Mr Paxley's vessel, agrees to sell it for £1.5 0. I agreed to give more if worth more, say £1.10. Shafts excellent, should have … Question if rabbits sent.

6th

A beautiful day, out early with Edmund, call on Mrs Powell and walk through the market etc. Walk a party to Beechen Hill. Edmund and Lizzie, Miss Scroggs, Miss Powell, little E, Carree and self. Lodging, hunting, Fox Hill for an adventure over hedges and ditches etc. Out late past 12.00 to the post for Swansea.

Sunday. Again a beautiful day, wind brisk. Abbey Church, sermon on Ascension Day. Walk in the park, all of us. Spend evening at Mrs Edwards, Lion Hill, with Carree. Mrs E for the first time and Mr Armstrong. Moonlight home.

8th

A beautiful day, ripe from a frolic, all of us. Out early with Edmund, arrange for party for excursion by water, Whit Monday!!! of all days. Party Mrs and Miss Scroggs, Edmund and Lizzie, little Ted, mother, Carree and self. Two boats over limit loaded, 200 each likely to get upset. What is to be done? Start on a wild goose ramble, party divide old from young, tea set at a garden in a wood, pay forfeit and hunt up the elders at a pastry cook's. Doubt and hesitation, home or not the question. Make a lucky cast, find a pleasant garden, one Davies of Whitcombe, scene of Tom Fielding Squires Westerns. Beautiful. Ivy church, tea gardens most sequestered near Prior Park. Water Cress beds, Miss S home late. Fatiguing walk in quest of pleasure. How could my mother go through it, glad to see her home safe again less tired than some others. Cleveland walk very pretty and altogether spend a laughable delay, 1,000 disappointed of the boating on the canal.

9th

All morning at home at accounts etc preparatory to leaving tomorrow. Walk out ladies one way, gents another. Elephant's skin at Bond currier's shop. Miss meeting ladies in Milsom Street. Edmund at a tailors there, blues wanted. Call at library, no ladies. In evening we are at a card party at a Madame de Bock's, I lose dreadfully. Edmund and Lizzie dine out. A very pleasant day.

10th

Busy packing up. All called at Mrs Scroggs 17 Catherine Place, Bath, to take leave. Mrs S unfortunately not well. Inquire about coaches etc, secure places etc. Dine early. Finish packing, pay bills and off to Bristol, arrived safe. 8.00. Left my mother, Edmund, Lizzie and children at Bath under a promise to see us again at Bristol and spend day at Clifton or (sic) etc. Tea and to bed and unpacking etc.

11th

A beautiful day but not so fine as yesterday, threatens thunder. In Park Street, Bristol, unpack etc. The 2 Misses Morgan's call from Kingsdown and Mr & Mrs Gibson call, a tie on time, we do nothing. Evening spent by calling on Mrs Craven Ord and taking tea there. Inquire about Edmund's trunk at packet office etc and wrote to Bath. See Haytor's picture of the coronation, Mr Davies private shop, portraits are interesting.

12th

Threatening morning, very close, cloudy. Read papers at the Institution. Busy day here and gay, review of the Gloucestershire cavalry, yeomanry by Colonel Townsend. Heavy rain as part of them go up Park Street, poor drowned rats. Evening turns out fine for the Duke of Beaufort. Walk with Carree and call at parade on the Miss Ords. Beautiful girls, Lizzie and Mary. Leave Carree and take Lewis Ord with me to the review on Durdham Down, a pretty sight. Yeomanry in good training and party of young ladies to tea, pretty sight. Contrast to old maids of Bath. Singing etc, very pleasant agreeable evening.

13th

Carree and I are very late of a morning. Sally out with Carree after breakfast to the market to hunt Whitchurch people about wool for Mr James, find nobody. Thomas Street and Temple Street, fancy rabbits etc. Ride home etc. In the evening walked on Clifton Down etc late with Mr M, very beautiful. Inquired about straw for Edmund.

Sunday. Fine rain slight shower. Carree and I at St. Augustine's Church, Mr Milner, sermon on the Trinity, ‘The Grace of Our Lord' etc. Dine early, walk to call in Kingsdown. Tea there, meaning to go to church but sadly agree to go to a Quakers meeting. Most irritating silence more than half hour, get sleepy, one speaker calling an election there etc no prayers, simultaneous movement to go, who gives the signal? Home to grog and bed.

15th

Breakfast late, fine day. Enquire at packet office for Edmund's trunk. See Rees, the captain of Star. Hunt for a Tenby vessel – none in. Straw will not be taken down channel lower than Cardiff. Expecting Edmund might drive over from Bath but no, received note to that effect. Shop with Carree but little done. Dine early to call on Mr Gibson, blind asylum, with Mr Morgan. Just at time of practising music, stay there 2 hours, buy baskets and take a great interest in the place. Call on Mr Gibson late, meet a Mr Newman there, a very clever man, he is about leaving Bristol. Grass mowing fair, good crop Carreed on Thursday.

16th

A very nice day, hay making weather. Hay Carreed Bristol Park, windy evening, rain night. Old Mr Morgan calls early, borrowed £12, disappointed in obtaining admission to Mr Miles pictures. Mr Lynck very civil, showed every room etc. Go shopping with Carree to Clare Street, nothing done. Evening tea party Kingsdown, have a fly there and back. Mr Gibson etc there, some disappointments, Margaret Ord comes home this evening from London.

17th

Receive note of invite to dinner for Redland by J Ord. Enter accounts and journal and out early with Carree to shop. Meet Mr Morgan there then call at Mrs Bryce's school and then to dinner at Mrs Craven Ord. Too late, half over. A Mr Lurges there. All the family of Ords and Morgan's and Gibson's there in evening, music and nonsense. Sharp shower coming home. Sent 6/6, sixpenny gifts for school at Llanrhidian, list of names and amount paid on back of bill of Bucknells.

18th

Strong windy day, inclined to rain but proves fine. Breakfast late. Edmund driving over my mother and Lizzie from Bath, go to bazaar and all drive over to Blaize Castle, Mr Harford. Beautiful walk through woods, tower, old woman's bed at the top, how comfortable. Blind asylum, call on Ords and Mrs Hikes, Miller's garden. Temple Street in evening. Take leave of my mother and Lizzie on Bath Road. Horse rather restive. Shop on return home, tea and accounts.

19th

Wet quiet morning, receive letter from Bath, safe return of my mother etc.

For the next few days there are no diary entries but the accounts show that Charles and Carree returned to Swansea on the Bristol packet on 20th June.

23rd (Tuesday)

Mr W M Morgan of Park Street, Bristol, arrives at Penmaen.

24th

W Tucker … yesterday in distress about his daughter ... I go with Ted to Swansea to fetch home rabbits sent from Tenby. Hear from Jones postmen that Mr Morgan arrived at Penmaen last night.

There are no more entries for June.

July

1st

(Wednesday) A thorough wet driving mist. Place stair carpet, fix brass hooks etc. Order stall washed with chloride of lime, not done etc. Make wire cover for a rabbit coop in my room, Ted helps. At accounts in evening with Ted. Carree writes to Mrs Montague, Swaffham. Mr Gordon calls about tithe, Cilivor. Can't agree with RH. Ted has a funeral this evening from Reynoldston.

2nd

A driving wet day after 10.00. Swansea fair, send nothing. Great many from Gower gone. Swansea trust meeting, nothing done, their attendance adjourned to Tuesday. Get wet through, leave town about 4, walk a considerable way and ride in the car. Home about 8 clock, dine and go to bed about 9, being too late to change my address.

3rd

Ted off on Rosette to Penclawdd to administer sacrament. Busy in morning, finish place rods stair carpet. RH calls about my lambs and calves. Bleeds Valiant, mends child barrow. I weed in garden, Mr and Miss Perry call, lunch and we dine 2.30. Evening walked to Prisk road and to Crickton to see what work is doing. Carree, Ted and children take tea at Mrs Nicholls, walk late and meet them after finishing wire for a rabbit coop. Very tired in the evening and do nothing. Rose at 5.30 this morning and read a newspaper etc before breakfast. A most violent windy day, west and north, no rain. Rose 5.00 this morning, hear from Penmaen by Sarah, Mr WFM went up by packet, I write a note to Mr James about Parsey.

4th

Rise early and enter some accounts before breakfast. All go to Stafell Haegr soon after. 2 children on young Rosy, Hannah's house shut up. Ted takes Susan on the marsh etc, pick up windfall apples. Dix and carpenter making a loom. Meditations about Ted residing at Stafell Haegr. Eagles and curious stones. Rob Harry at Penralt and Captain Reese, difficulty about culm. Talk about fire coals etc. Return by Crickton etc. Begin to make a rabbit coop in evening. Johnny falls from sofa and cuts his head. Evening ill spent about nothing. Wind stormy and wet, unfavourable for corn. Dispute about Mr Morgan's Bristol letter. Morning warm, midday hot, flies troublesome. Evening windy, mist and rain most unlooked for and most unpleasant.

6th

Sunday. showery a.m., fineish day. Ted rides early to Penmaen and Oxwich. We gather and shell peas and dine early. Ted does evening duty Llanrhidian and again goes back to Penmaen till Tuesday. Read nothing all day, ill spent day.

Monday. Most stormy day, wind and showery squalls. About home all morning till after 4.00 making a rabbits coop in barn. Mr Eaton of Farm calls about culm by ‘Nancy'[4], write a note for him. In evening walk to see road by Park Rhedin. Spoke to mother Jenkins about moving some earth by his gate and walk round by Crickton, arrange work for tomorrow. Home and plant few primroses in rocks etc. Tired in the evening.

7th

Steady stormy wind all day, no rain, no sun. About home all day in slipper shoes. Carpenter up and finish rabbit coop in barn. Read Cambrian before breakfast, etc. Rise at 6.00. Carree bad toothache. Gather peas etc and instruct Tucker about the garden and Jone and Richards about levelling haggard etc. Stones sent for to the village. Mr & Mrs J come over and dine, ducks and green peas. Ted also. Received letter from my mother at Exeter. Stay short there, going to Teignmouth. Tucker neats up a little and begins placing edging stones near garden entrance gate. Late in evening place a few fancy stones etc and into accounts in the evening.

8th

Rise at 6.00, dispute about lime. C Reese brings a car to Caie Forgan, measure it. Agnes Williams calls about hay grass, see it and agree to buy, poor crop. Call at Penralt. RH absent, want to see him about lime etc. Ted walks by Park Mill and dines at Penmaen. In evening I walk to see roads, that by Gowers Load at last under repair, hurrah! Return by Park yr Rhedin. In the evening George Jones comes to Caie Forgan with children. First lesson in church singing entered upon. Pupils - Hannah Thomas, two George Jones's sons and Albean Philip[5]. This occupies the rest of the evening. Very cold.

9th

Rise at 6.00, promise of better weather but still very cold. Gather peas at 12.00 and want a great coat. Alter Hancorne's rabbit coop. About home all day. Mrs Jones of Bryngwas calls about complaints, gates, thatch etc. RH calls, a calf killed this evening. Work in garden, light fires for cooch etc. Break 3 pronged fork. Tucker sows more turnips by pit orchard. Mason here, stones entrance for… placed and begin to pitch kitchen court. Ted walks round by Oldwalls, Wibley etc. Play at cricket without wickets; the first effort in Gower. Very cold on common. Enter accounts etc late tonight.

10th

Rise less early than usual, had promised to meet RH at Stafell Haegr about lambs by 7.00, there 7.45. Settle to kill 2. Gather peas and work in garden, shell peas with children on green etc. Dine early, liver etc. Ride with Carree to Penmaen in evening. Ted walks. Very cold returning home. RH kills another calf, do not see it or him. Tea at Penmaen and fruit in garden. Bevan sent over for veal, mistake leg for neck. Write to my mother in answer to Exeter on return home late tonight, sent by WR tomorrow. Ted sees veal weighed for me. Bed at 12.

11th

A beggar been in Exeter treadmill, make him work garden 3d

Rise early, see calf started for Swansea by car and give last orders for commissions. Weed flower garden with Carree and children. Beggar calls, set him to work. Overlook work in garden. Weigh and take account of veal for Reynoldston etc. Llewellyn sent with it on young Rosy, sent uselessly to Penmaen to exchange leg for neck. Dine on calve's head. Ride Moselle after dinner, call on Mrs Nicholls about veal. She loses her leg and takes shoulder. By Black Lane to see road work, Gowers load and Park yr Rhedyn. Tom Philip absent, no one at work here save D Morgan and no one at Prisk road at all. By Crickton, see only boy spreading lime. Home again, feed rabbits etc and work late in garden by hydrangea, wheel earth and place fancy stones. Very cold evening after a very pleasant day at last. Ted was off early this morning to Penmaen and to Swansea, did not see him.

Sunday. Again fine but cold. Mr J sen. does duty. Sacrament full attendance. Receive letter about Hopkins rent, most annoying. Eliza breaks a window and eats up a ham intended to be cold. Singing school in the evening. Ted calls from Penclawdd church, attends singing. Read papers all the evening, ill spent day.

13th

A heavy shower of rain and hail last evening after a fine day but cold ushers in Monday. A beautiful morning, cold sunny. Am going to Park Mill, road meeting there, bridge. Beautiful morning and promise fine day. Up early and enter accounts of two days. Write to Mr Jeffreys in answer about Mrs Popkins and to William in haste enclosing bill to sign. Ride with Carree and R Harry, walk to Walterston tithing, send note to Voss by him, see him again at Penmaen. Attend turnpike meeting committee at Park Mill, new bridge. Present, Thomas E Thomas, Mr J Lucas and Penrice. Take a cold dinner with them at Park Place, wonderful event. How Penrice swears! Nothing done, Penrice objects. Return to Penmaen at 4.00, very cold returning home. One heavy shower at 1.00.

14th

Rise at 6.00 and walk beforebreakfast to hay field, upper field, and on to Crickton. C Reese earthing potatoes, W Jone spreads lime. No great zest for breakfast. Garden after with children, last of strawberries. Have all wool taken out, moths in it. Beer for field attended to, gather currants with Carree for jelly. W Tucker - peas, beans etc. Dine early, bacon, calves heart etc. Ride after by Black Lane to see road Gelli Groes. Tom Philip etc and by Park Rhedin road home. Tea early, attend rabbits etc. Hay field with children etc and stroll about all the garden with Carree late and dig in lime by beehives etc. Beautiful summer day inclined to rain this evening, only drops heat? Glass rising. Accounts in evening, Miss Carpenter for Cambrian late tonight alarms us.

15th

Saint Swithin. Beautiful brisk day, very busy. Begin hay making, upper and lower fields. Do not take full interest in it and not inclined to work. Ride to see road improved by water course Wernhalog. Men at work there and after inspect road on marsh, greatly improved by what is done. Return by Crickton. Arrange for rush tomorrow. Dine early and attend to hay fields. Tucker plants celery and cardoons[6]. Mr James and Edward ride over and then call on Miss Perry, bring apples and blackcurrants. Ted returns to attend singing school and returns to Penmaen. Boys and girls muster strong to sing. I am out late all the while in garden. Ayrshire heifer shows signs of calfing but does not. Poor promise of weather tomorrow, nothing paid today.

16th

Wet morning breaks off after 11.00 and a very fine evening, few hands attend to hay. Carpenter a little, rake etc. Help Carree about red currants - jelly pots, mark and tie up. Gather peas for veal stew. Hay field, sow in field, only 3 hands. Walk after early dinner to Penralt, want calf killed tomorrow, gather few mushrooms. Return by Prisk, want and get rate book. Buy creeping plants antirrinum, see road … speak to Gordon and Mr Long about bridge, Wernhalog lane. Plant fox gloves and wall plants etc, attend rabbits and dig late in garden. Better promise of tomorrow nous verrons, Mary Ann Ord arrives at Penmaen from Bristol.

17th

Rise at 3.00, cow calves and go to bed again. Up again at 7, threatening rain blows off and is dry after 5.00, wet misty evening. Penrice fair, RH calls, sell him a calf at £2 0 0, arrange hay work etc. Ride Moselle to Penrice fair, meet Mr J and Ted, nothing done. Spend in cakes and gingerbread 6d. Home and dine at 2.00. All evening work hard about hay, carry. First day of carrying. Stopped by drizzly rain. Brewing, trouble to get barm, succeed at Reynoldston.

18th

Very wet driving morning, prevented driving to Swansea with Carree, deferred till Monday. We are dressed ready to go, day too hazardous but clears off too late. Dull and foggy without rain all day after 11.00. Hear C Teddy his lesson and fuss about the house. Collect newspapers and magazines etc and make bundles to put away and escape the children. See what goes on in garden, work a little, rake lime in, weed groundsel, feed rabbits. Ayrshire cow Flora swollen with ‘blast' as they call it in Gower. Ted rides over and dines, cold dinner. Drive over to Penmaen in the evening and tea there. Mary Ann Ord there. Return in Mrs J's new Irish of Miss Tottenham, heavy and rough. Mild and dull. No accidents, no news.

Sunday. Evening duty, wet day, only out of house to go to church. Read quarterly, Ted does duty, large funeral interrupts service - David Bennett of Penclawdd. Very heavy rain during service. Walk alone in evening to Mr Nicholls, Hancorne there and Mrs Thorn. Mr Nicholls bad toothache, they have a fire. Interrupt some courtships on my return, q Cillibion Green? Avoid it. Ann, in state, denies my seeing anybody there, prove the fact.

20th

Monday, after rainy night again. A wet day, prevented going to Swansea again with Carree. Mary Ann Ord rides over to breakfast, etc. Stephens calls about tithes. RH calls about tithes and accounts, settle a meat account and pay him for Mrs Gordon's rent, 4 acres. See his account. Shell peas, ducks for dinner. Write to Mrs Jeffreys attorney and send by Tom, Sarah returning to Penmaen. Help Carree gather blackcurrants and Miss Ord. Tea and walk to Crickton, see crops and see C Reese and give orders about work wanted, lime etc. Fencing etc. RH has called at Caie Forgan and meets me in Turnpike Lane, buy his calf and arrange about tithes in Llytheridd tomorrow etc. Give orders to WR on return about thorns for fencing and ties and for Swansea tomorrow. Enter accounts etc and write notes for Mr Jones for Llytheridd.

21st

We go Swansea at last. Mr James's new Irish, carriage of Miss Tottenham, heavy draft for one horse, poor Valiant. Carree, Mary Ann Ord, C Teddy and self. Tis very wet in Swansea after one. Fine at home. I carry hay, how lucky, call on Jeffreys as to rent of Mrs Popkin. Tell him he acts ungentlemanly, pay him. Lunch at Castle, cheese and goose for C Teddy. Home to tea. etc, cold.

22nd

Fine day till heavy showers in evening. Send WR Richards to carry hay at Penmaen. Gather peas, tap beer etc and ride with Mary Ann Ord to Stafell Haegr hay field etc. Tucker most the Lawn. Ted came from Penmaen to breakfast and returned. Not at singing school this evening. Ride again to hay field Crickton, look at wheat and meadow below and caught in rain there. Late in the garden making strawberry bed. Very tired and go to bed.

23rd

Saml Phillip malster, by his servant maid sent with a note of distress £2 0 0.

Rise early, doubtful dull day, no rain. Busy in garden, Tucker sent for stones, village. Walk with Carree and Miss Ord to Mrs Nicholls, Mrs Botefields, meet there too Mr James! He dines with us, had been at Park Mill and Lunnon. Colonel Cameron calls at Cillibion. In evening write to Stafell Haegr etc hay field etc. Arrangements for tomorrow are doomed to be defeated by rain. Plant strawberries till dark this evening. Balance my money this evening but too tired to enter all my accounts etc.

24th

Tired and rise late to a thorough wet day. Wind south, hay all out but cocked, scarcely out of house all day. Read a London paper, brandy and tithe preserves. Make a pigeon coop, place it. Ted calls over this evening, letter from William, Turville, rain wanted!! He signs my money bill and returns it. Send it to Swansea by WR and Ann tomorrow. Carree writes to Mr M, Bristol, I a few lines too. Go late to bed, all gone but me and I tired.

25th

WR and Ann go to Swansea, 15lb butter, corn and iron home. Promises fine, hesitate about hay, nothing done, wet comes on. Mary Ann Ord to return to Penmaen today. Gather vegetables and feed rabbits etc. Instruct Tucker what I want in garden. Plant a few things and rock work with C Teddy in front. Dine early, rain comes on. Ride in evening with Miss M A Ord to Penmaen, escape rain. Tea there and lead pony back. Gather few plants of broccoli, fence in garden and plant them on my return home in dark. Mr Vosper calls at Penmaen, speak to him in garden about money he owes. Fair promises, nothing done. Car home in good time from Swansea, much rain.

Sunday. Wet again prevents Carree going to church. C Teddy ill, fever from cold, very ill last night. Mr J sen does duty morning, the Nicholls family all at church except Mrs N and Carree takes them home. In evening walk with Carree to Mrs N, Hancorne and Mr Strick chemist there. Do not stop tea, return to the singing school, full attendance. Moselle and her colt about the back garden all last night, done much damage.

27th

A dry day and warm till past 3.00 then very cold and misty rain at night fall. Ride Moselle early after breakfast to all the hay fields, Stafell Haegr etc. Great delay in getting out, sent Llewellyn early to Bryng(was) and drive carriage in evening to tea at Penmaen. Mrs Terry, two daughters and Mr Symons there. Ramble on Mr Jones burrows in evening. Gets misty, gather black currants in garden to take home, receive also a basket of currants. Very dark on return home over common. Lucky day in hay crops, very scanty.

28th

Time taken up in getting pony for C Teddy. Peas for dinner etc. Take C Teddy on horseback to Crickton haggard. Hay carrying, then gather mushrooms in upper field and home to dinner. Ride Moselle after to Stafell Haegr. Borrowed a horse of Mr Nicholls and get in one small field at Penralt. Evening spent at tea, Mrs Terry and two daughters and Mr Symons after dark. See them with Ted part of the way home by Lodge to the Cwms. What walking for ladies!!!

29th

Very hot beautiful summer's day, almost the only one in July. Gets cold, very cold towards evening and sun sets badly but barometer high. Mrs Batcock's horses and colt caught in my wheat, done considerable damage, pound them and write her a note. Release them on promises but they are [or others] in again in the evening. Help Tucker place stones by roadside in garden and plant a few flowers. Old Mr Evans of Brynhir calls with petition from Upper Division for endowment of the chapel. He dines with us, read to him post of WM's last letter to show the subject had been thought of. In evening walk with Ted by wheat field and to the hay field. Return by Crickton and meet Batcock and son and see them drive horses from wheat; angry and speak my mind to them and threaten an action if fences are not stopped. Singing school thinly attended in the evening. They improve indeed. Walk late in garden, knats (sic) and small flies very troublesome, no good. Crabs for supper.

30th

Dull foggy wet cold morning, what changeable weather! In garden sow cabbage before breakfast on beds that failed before. Weed and collect celery plants from carrot beds etc. Clears off however at intervals and is altogether a tolerable fine evening. Busy about the garden all morning. Walk with Ted before dinner to call at Cillibion. Ask Mr N and friends to spend evening with us. Mr Botefield expected, they all come, Mr & Mrs N, Mr & Mrs B, Mrs Thorn and Mrs Fisher. Drove my colts from Mr Lloyd's field. In the evening strolled with Ted to inspect road by Park yr Rhedin and passed by gravel pit. Meet WR returning and send mushrooms home by him. Again in evening walked to show Mr Botefield my wheat, he pronounced it the best he had seen and calculated between 4 and 5 quarter to acre. Wet had damaged it, he explained to me of the yellows and sweet stink like rotten fish. Home by Crickton turnip field, singing in evening and poor supper, hot sewin, no fowls, altogether a pleasant evening. C Teddy taken very ill and obliged to go to sleep, very ill all day. A fever and violent perspiration at night, feel uneasy about him, he won't take physic. Asked Mr N about his tithes, he pleads for bad year his inability to give more.

31st

A most beautiful day, busy about hay. Carree takes Valiant and the carriage to Penmaen. Ted drives and children go. C Teddy better. After this I received notice to tithe in 2 places, want to carry my hay. Send and borrow horse and car of Mr N. Ride to Penralt etc and return home. Mary Ann Ord calls to take leave. Miss Edwards and Jane Marcon coming on Tuesday next, she has to return to Penmaen. Dine alone, Mrs Evans of Ship calls about money and advice about her husband in gaol, Cardiff, for contempt. Again ride to Penralt, see RH about tithes and meet and arrange about hay to carry. Spend evening at Cillibion, same party as last night. Late back myself, Mr N's horse and cart and celery plants for Mr Hancorne. Mrs N gives an excellent and uninvited supper. Seems splendid settled weather, not in bed till the 1.00.

August

1st (Saturday)

Ann Lewis sent to Swansea on Rosy with butter. Forgets the Cambrian, brings home nearly £1. Not up early of course, most splendid day again. Miss Ord leaves Penmaen at 6 to return to Bristol. Mr James calls upon us in consequence before we are up. We breakfast late and stroll about garden and onto common and in middle of Broad Pool, dry. Mr J is on foot, return home and see about hay. Ride to Crickton, hay field late. Garden, destroy first crop of peas. Weed and feed rabbits etc. Rabbit dinner and dine early. Again ride to hay field and help a little at rick. Garden in the evening and stroll to enjoy the cool, quite late. Quite tired at night. Enter accounts etc on Sunday morning.

Sunday. Splendid day again, Ted goes early to Penmaen, evening duty here. Stroll in garden and write diary. Stroll after church to Stafell Haegr. Children meet us on hill, lounge home, extremely hot. Intended going early to Llanellem tomorrow, do not, up too late. Read quarterly review in course of day in the shade.

3rd

Most splendid day indeed!!! Finish hay making and carrying. Carry to Crickton and home, all done, huzza, but crops very slight!!! Ride early before breakfast, to collect haymakers, to hay field again after breakfast and again after dinner. Draw beer, gather and pick peas. Forget to write to WM, petition of the Upper Division about Chapel, was so taken up about my hay. Ted left this morning for Penmaen, no communication with Penmaen. A messenger expected, nobody comes. Too tired in the evening to do anything in the house. Buy 3 lobsters, Carrie paid. RH calls this evening about tithes and promises lime end of this week.

4th

Again a most splendid hot day!!! Summer in reality at last. Am not out of the garden all day but help W Tucker alter a walk and make rock work by side entrance wall. One Lewis calls about money for mares covered last season. Send to Penmaen for heifer and shut her up to tame her, quite wild. Stroll with Carrie upfield late, no hats or bonnets, so hot, so calm. Glass falls, Murphy quite wrong. So hot we can hardly bear clothes on. Night hot too, beautiful for cut corn. Receive letter from Mr M Bristol.

5th

Warmer brisk east wind. Drive Carrie over to Penmaen to dine and meet Mr Edwards and Miss Jane Marcon from Swaffham, just arrived on visit. Wrote and sent letter to WM, petition about Chapel to be endowed etc. Return home in evening, very warm indeed. Most beautiful weather.

6th

Intensely hot, drive Tom Dix to Swansea, go before board of guardians, pompous Dr Hewson in the chair. Went round by Penmaen for car, no turnpike meeting. Swansea regatta, no amusement. Overtook Mr Perry. Turtle live at the Castle, destined for soup. Put up at Rutland, home to tea, dinner.

7th
Again early to Penmaen with the children, pick nick on the sands. A large party from Swansea, carriages and riders, going to Penrice Castle, quite a scene. Bathe Valiant, hard day for him, home late. Sultry at night even.

8th

Eliza on Rosy to Swansea with butter, all sold to Mrs Bond, Castle. Home very early. Rose early and wrote about turtle there, no answer. Wrote to RH about corn etc. Walk over Crickton etc and return. Penmaen dines with us, all except Mr J, has gout. Miss Edwards and Miss Marcon take tea with us late and so does Mr Davies of Reynoldston who calls on Cil Ivor Hill. Nip catches a leveret. Difficulty about the harness to send them home. Very hot indeed.

Sunday. Morning duty and sacrament etc etc. Not out till past 2.00. Ted galloped off to the chapel, sine driver and goes back to Penmaen. Read quarterly and lounge listlessly about, faint with heat. Stroll only to Green Pits to see what stones etc.

10th

Call alone at Ilston, meet Mr W Collins, Mrs WC and her sister Miss Wood, she goes on to Swansea. I dine at 2.30 and again ride in evening to Crickton and Penralt about lime, begin to thatch hay. Calves turned out to exercise and taken in this evening again. A much cooler day than usual.

11th

Mr Vosper calls this morning and pays last year's tithe, £15.15. 0. I walked to Crickton, liming begun. Return and plant broccoli and feed rabbits etc. Drive Carree to dine at Brynhir. Dr Howells, Ilston party and Oxwich, Miss Wood and Ted, great profusion, champagne and claret, what nonsense. Get home early about 11.00. House at home smells miserably and makes me absolutely ill.

12th

Walk before breakfast to Crickton and see RH at Penralt. Meet him in his turnip field, arrange about lime, he to carry lime to Stafell Haegr this evening. Alter work. C Reese to carry rush this evening to Caie Forgan. Write notes to Penmaen and send back the carriage. C Teddy goes and returns on Valiant. Busy all day about calf shed in the lower field, gather beans etc. Am not at all well. The ladies from Penmaen take tea with us, late and unexpected, we have done. Ted meets the church warden at the church on business. Fine cold light evening. Weather much changed.

13th

Rise at 7 and seek paper for price of slate, sell some today to one Thomas Philip. Out in garden etc after breakfast to Crickton and look round the farm and garden. Make roof of calf house, lower field. Garden by moonlight, plant strawberries by bee-hive, take-up cauliflowers and stroll round the gravel walks with Carrie. Quite late discuss a dinner party. Enjoy a supper and my bed.

14th

Much colder and showery in morning, fuss about in garden etc. Turn calves out in Lower Field. Shed finished except thatch. Catch in colt for fair tomorrow and send to shoe him for fair tomorrow. Ted comes over just in time and helps. After early dinner walk with Ted, take gun, walking stick, see Joseph Jones ill and deranged and call at Prisk and Park yr Rhedin, go to Penralt and home to tea by Newton and Crickton etc.

15th

Rise early and start Llewellyn with black pony for sale. About home morning, go to Crickton to speak to women about work. Turnips just finished. Drive all the family in evening to tea at Mrs Perry's. Call at the Ball's, return agricultural numbers and call on Rev. Mr Davies, Dr Davies is returned from Paris. Have the honour of a bowl from distance. Home in good time.

Sunday. Cold windy day, evening duty. I am not in church, at home alone. First day of children singing. Read Cambrian and spend day ill, Ted pestered by G Gordon and Bar Jones about notices in gallery, illegal. Notes of invitation sent to Penmaen. Walk with Ted who rides and round by road to Cillibion. Mrs N left church, Kitty unwell. Very stormy.

17th

A dreadful night, wind and rain and stormy day of wind, workable. Slept badly, rise early to see what mischief is done and walk to Crickton. RH calls, go into lime accounts and pay £5, entered tomorrow. Arrange work and again go to Crickton, pick apples, windfalls, and home to dinner in kitchen. Ted calls, do not see him. Work in garden, wheel in earth. Plant cabbage of Mr Perry's, feed horses and rabbits etc. After tea, plant strawberries. Serve apple pies and hear singers, get on famous. Enter accounts etc in the evening. Moved window this morning, intended for parlour, to dairy. Most windy.

18th

Still very windy, calms towards evening. Rise at 7, sort shallots. Arrange work, lime and earth spread, upper field. Feed rabbits, gather peas, ride to Crickton, Penralt and Stafell Haegr. RH to cart lime to Stafell Haegr this evening, I to cart gravel. Speak to Dix about Tom and wool, again at Crickton and gravel pit. Mr James calls and dines with us, plain dinner. All well at Penmaen. Help at the gravel road and pick stones to pitch with. Wheel in some fresh earth to raise by entrance. Commissions for Swansea, dinner on Thursday next. WR to be off very early, off at 6.00.

19th

Rise at 6.00, gather and shell peas for soup tomorrow, before breakfast garden again. Go to village on foot, Carrie and Teddy on Moselle to get plums and apples at Bar Jones and Nanny David's. Very muddy and very faintly hot. Home to dine on duck. Met in village Mr Davies, Llanellen and Mrs Davies, Friddoe. Attend to rabbits etc etc. Help Tucker wheel in earth to entrance. Penmaen party are coming. Ride to Crickton, busy at lime Newton Field, all hands. Penmaen party do not stay tea. Miss Jane Marcon stays with us for a few days. Am out late feeding rabbits, gathering peas and looking after everything. WR Richards not home till 10.00, delayed in Swansea by commissions. Mistakes about meat as usual, no accidents. Very tired this evening, do nothing but talk and go to bed late. No bad promise of tomorrow.

20th

A grand dinner party at home. Mr & Mrs Collins, Jones (?) and wife and Miss Wood, Mr & Mrs James, Miss Edwards and Miss Marcon and Ted. Busy all morning preparing table to be lengthened. W David carpenter helps. Lose key of my wine, in a dilemma, retap it. Ride to village to seek lost key, no find. Everything goes off very well, soup excellent. Party stayed late on account of late moon. Two rubbers played, not in bed till 2.00.

21st

Awoke at 4.00, poor Jane Jones ill and wants spirits, premature labour. Try to sleep again, get up and am about by 6.00. Walk to Crickton etc. Mary Richards calls early for money, pay her on account and to get change for £5. Busy myself in garden, dine at 5.00 and ride with Ted and Jane Marcon to Wibley after lunch, Jane … in riding, get on famously. Dine at 5.00, look after rabbits in evening and walk about with gun, shoot at a mole on the front green. Nail up ivy this morning on garden wall etc. Very tired this evening and glad to get to bed.

22nd

Cloudy morning, dusky, brisk fine day. Ted here about 12.00, garden and walk to Crickton in morning early. Sent notes by Mary Thomas of … along to Swansea and gather mushrooms with C Teddy, Crickton. Enter accounts etc at midday, a most unusual time for me. Drive this evening Carrie, Jane Marcon and children to Llanelen by Park yr Rhedin and home by Black Lane to tea. Evening gets cold after a very hot day. Mr Davies not at home, presents of 2 cups to children. Headache in evening and go to bed early.

Sunday. Rise at 5.00, and walk to Cillibion field, turn colts out, stroll about common, Broad Pool etc. Meet Batcock senior, chance of a legacy. Ted comes to breakfast, children sing in church. Beautiful day, Jane Marcon and I ride to chapel with Ted by marsh and home by Black Lane. Lunch at Brynhir, Mrs E at Ferryside. Dine and tea in scrambling way at home late. Ill spent day, bed early.

24th

Rise at 5.30, at Crickton by 6.00 and surprise men, see nobody by 7.00. Return, feed rabbits etc and breakfast. RH calls about tithes, walk to Mr Lloyd and through his corn and agree for his tithes with RH. Moselle sent to forge, arrange work, fuss about something all morning. Ted and Jane ride and I, Carrie and Teddy drive to Manselfold to eat white pot (?) and see a sheep. Ram soup, plum pudding etc. Home and dine again. Children come to sing this evening, strong muster. Carrie and Jane played duets this evening. I am very tired and do nothing.

25th

Rise by 7.00, copy poor rate book as guide for a road rate etc. All in confusion all day, dull doubtful threatening day. Engaged to meet picnic party at Arthur's Stone, order directions to tithe wheat at Pengavenny, 33 stooks. Very inconvenient but send. Good wain load, home by 7.00. Out of sorts, do not know what to be at. Cloudy, dull etc, at last see Penmaen party on top of hill, start and join them in an old stone pit. Misty rainy evening sends us home again after a pleasant day. Harness broke half way up the hill, mend it with ribbons and get string by Evans, Prisk. Carrie and Jane go to Penmaen, I return and children. Enter accounts in evening. Man from Penclawdd called in regard to a school.

26th

Rise at 5.30 and ride to Crickton and arrange work. Wait for men coming to work, call at Newton and have some talk with Mr Long about pulpit, pews etc alteration and appropriation. Breakfast with children and without wife, again after ride to Stafell Haegr with Llewellyn to wean colts, Moselle's and Rosy junior's. Mrs Batcock and her brother at ‘The Dolphin'[7] door, return by Penralt. See RH about lime, begin to cut wheat. Go and feed rabbits, arrange about garden work etc. Mr Pearce calls and goes with me to Penmaen. Children go, all dined there. Bathe with Ted. Arrange with Johnny to cut fern on Jones Burrows. At Penmaen at 2.00, dine at 4.00. Home with Mr N top of hill, Penrice road over Cefn Bryn in dark and home by 10.30, took the dogs. School at Penclawdd, agree to send 4 children at -/3 a week each and Mr J 3 and Ted 2 children.

27th

Foggy, dry dull curious day. Sun and air and damp serves for reaping in Cadennith. Rise up early, breakfast earlyish and alone. Settle about dinner. Walk to Crickton and set hands to reap wheat. Doubtful, result proves right. Return, gather and shell seed peas. Dine alone on goose and peas, for shame, again go to wheat field. Ted rides over and dines alone and goes to common, Cil Ivor and back to tea. Go to the village for hands about corn tomorrow if fine. Talk to Robin about colts, gathered a few flower seeds in evening. Plant in rock work, help hang gates, feed rabbits, read Cambrian, into accounts etc. Clean-up and oil my guns and pipe carnations.

28th

Rise at 6 again, a misty day, worse than yesterday. Read 3rd volume of Humphries Clock. Plant in rock work, daisies etc and carnation pipeings of Mrs Harry Snr., very muddy. Walk to Crickton and arrange work, no harvesting. Lunch and ride Moselle to Penmaen, dine at 4.00. In the evening call with Carree and Miss Marcon and Ted on Mrs Jones. Home in dark by Long Oaks etc at 10.00 and write commissions for Swansea. Dry evening, promise good for tomorrow. Very warm night.

29th

Foggy morning again, beautiful day, about home all day uncertain what work to do. Venture on reaping wheat after 12.00, proves right. Difficulty to get hands, ride to village and to Stafell Haegr, succeed with some. Carree and children return home from Penmaen and at some time all the Collins call upon us. Give them seed etc. Spent much time in wheat field and form stooks. Lucky to get any work done.

Sunday. Evening duty Ted, Mr J at Chapel. Very hot beautiful day, less oppressive than yesterday. Miss Edwards rides over and goes to church. Show her the beauties of Llanrhidian; really very picturesque, however dirty. They return before dark to Penmaen.

31st

Rise before 6.00. Threatening thunder showers, proves a fine day indeed. Fearful, ride to village before breakfast and secure hands for corn. A most busy day, bind all my oats and reap wheat. Carrie and children all to field after breakfast. Gather mushrooms with C Teddy. See about beer for harvesters, no joke. No intercourse with Penmaen, too busy. Not from home more than to the harvest field. A delightful prospect in a good field of wheat. This written on Thursday after what prevented my entering it at the time, fatigue perhaps and … forgetfulness.

September

1st (Tuesday)

A very beautiful harvest day. No clouds but glass falling. Take advantage of the sun and carry oats Copton Field, first sending to the hill for a load of fern. Mr James calls early, letter from Fred and Dr Howell to dine yesterday. Walk with him to Crickton to see crops, he surprised. Mr Pearce calls and meets us there, both dine, very inconvenient. Washing day, more inconvenience. Mr T Balls (sic) calls in evening and takes tea, tea in the garden and supper again over Crickton and out late in the haygard, 3 oat mows made. RH calls up about tithes, tithing tomorrow at Mrs Morgan's etc. Nothing done in way of accounts all day, no time. Mr Ball stays late to supper. Washing day.

2nd

Rise at 5.30, lowery weather. Get ricks secured, very heavy rain before 7.00, tolerable fine day after till dusk. Write answer to Dr Howell, read Humphries Clock, gather peas and shell them and gather peas for seed. Feed rabbits etc. Ted comes over and dines. C Reese sent to Prisk for fir tops, walk with Ted, he to village, I to Newton Field. Call on Jane Jones. Cross turnips to see Reese fencing. Tea early. Earth up cabbage. Singing school. Wet, Ted rides home. Enter arrears of accounts and diary, very tired.

3rd

Rise up early, 7.00. Ride after breakfast to Crickton and intended seeing RH about tithes in Upper Division. J Grant calls with wedding cake of Howell John and says RH is gone tything again. Arrange about work, carry wheat and rush, fern raked and barley bound. Help unload in the barn and gather peas for seed. Feed rabbits. Earthed brocolli before breakfast. Buy crockery this evening. Stormy wild day and showery but does not stop work. Present of a hare from Cillibion. Sell slates 13 score to one Philip. Enter accounts in the evening and shelled peas. Much rain in the night.

4th

Do not rise early and not out before breakfast. After a wet night no harvest work. Set to also to carry fern. C Reese and Tom Richardson. Walked to Crickton, W Jone lime and earth with Tom P. Can't find Moselle, hunt for her till past 12.00, intended riding to Penmaen post etc. Call on Mrs Nicholls, one Mr Grose has taken the farm. Ted and Jane Marcon call and dine again, go to Cillibion with Ted, Mr W Strick calls there. Catch Doll and her colt at Mr Lloyd's and send them to Stafell Haegr. Feed rabbits etc. Miss M leaves before tea. After tea I sow in garden, after potatoes, Lapland Kale as experiment to see how late it maybe sown. Receive note from Thomas, upholsterer, for money, ditto Samuel Phillips, ditto. Answer the former that I can't comply tomorrow.

5th

Out before 6.00 and ride Moselle to Crickton and village. Send horses tomorrow for rush and arrange work and collect hands to bind corn. Talk with F Thomas in village and Samuel Phillip, M. Breakfast, gather peas and get potatoes, feed rabbits and chickens and new hatch and a hen discovered smothered in fern. Plant 100 cabbage in garden. Cut carrot tops for horses and feed them etc. Inclination to headache. Tom sent to Penmaen with butter, 2 letters sent to Swansea somehow. Miss Dowell and Mrs Thomas, Swansea. Short of hands, load wheat in field Cadennith. Finish reaping wheat. Barley binding etc, a very busy day indeed. Delayed by damp morning without air, damp again at sunset and a slight shower. Finish fourth number of Humphries Clock. Enter accounts etc, tired by 11.00. Glass rising, promises fine.

7th

Sunday. Very fine day indeed, Sacrament Sunday. Both Mr J and Ted do duty, the latter also at Chapel. Talk with RH on return about tithes, Mother Morgan carries without agreeing or giving notice of tithes. Dine on trout, a present of Willis of Mill[8]. Drive to Penmaen in the evening over hill. C Teddy is left there, we are home about 10. Cloudy night.

Monday. Rise at 5, wet morning, go to bed again and up late. Proves a beautiful day. Sent Tom early to Penmaen with 6 ½ lbs of Bristol cheese, rabbits and cucumber and for C Teddy to meet us at Penrice stables. We drive car to Oxwich and call on the Collins. Old Mr & Mrs C there and Miss Lucas and Miss Wood etc. Baby with us, see nothing of C Teddy, Penmaen party gone to Bacon Hole. Walk to Crickton this evening late and see about work. Receive letter from Edmund, Plymouth going to Jersey, wants answer, no time before 10th.

8th

Dull threatening cold day, windy. Penmaen party, 5 in all, dine with us at 4.00 on hare. Mr James and Miss Marcon ride over early, I am getting peas. Am persuaded to go coursing on the hill, miserably cold, find nothing. Go to Crickton at 1.00 and arrange work for evening, send to Pengavenny for tithe barley, Mr Griffiths very civil and accommodating about his tithes. Rather a disagreeable evening for our party to go home. Boz stops all night, we go to bed early.

9th

Am not up early, foggy wet morning. Write a letter to George at Biddlesden, expecting him in Wales. Tom sent to Penmaen post after dinner in time. W Jone sent to marsh all day for rush. In evening walk to Crickton, gather mushrooms. Geese trespassing into fields. Not much work done today. Stubble raked, lime and earth turned. RH calls this evening to know if I want a saddle etc. Singing school, attend. Wet driving evening. Have a fire upstairs all day in bedroom.

10th

Beautiful day, breakfast at 7.30. Ride Moselle immediately to see about work to Crickton etc. Rush brought up and send for fern. Ride to Pengavenny about tithes, thank him for his accommodation yesterday and let him tithe his own corn today, ride to white shells and see Llewellyn at rush, order Stafell Haegr locked up, no thoroughfare. Return and dine and again ride to the hill about fern, bring load home with hay and 11lb of sugar from Reynoldston, Carrie paid. Feed rabbits etc and picked elder berries in the evening. Supper - cheese and cucumber. Hannah Thomas helps pick berries. Threatening evening, glass up, no rain. Beautiful harvest weather.

11th

Rise early and walk to Crickton, no dine. Begin to carry corn early, see a covey of birds, what a wonder! and a hare, tried to get a course, fail. Find it tho'. After breakfast load wheat, after dinner load barley, Ted helps too! Walked with Carree to Crickton, 4 times am I to Crickton today, Nep kills a sheep, beat him most cruelly, Moor Mills, Ted's fault. Hunts in turnips and potatoes for hare, finds no kill. Promised George Williams -/6, sent home, sheep. Commissions for Swansea in the evening.

12th

Very busy carrying corn all day. Time taken up much at Crickton, early and late. Cart does not arrive as early as expected by more than 1 hour. Richards, a drunken brute and risked the life of my child C Teddy I afterwards discover. Mr Nicholls drove home and sent Richards to the ditch, untackled the mare, the most spirited creature about my premises. J Brown … and walked instanter to Cillibion and learnt particulars. The culprit has come safe home by Lucas (butcher), go to bed disgusted with Gower people and half only determined how to act and yet act differently. My birthday too!!

14th

Sunday. Evening duty Ted. Carrie at church, nothing particular occurs.

Monday. A wet morning after wet night blows off, proves no day for harvest. Expected Ted to ride with me as agreed, does not come; about home gardening etc all day. WR had a draft on Saturday for £12, received some. Balance on his return deficiency to make balance debited to W Richards £1 11 10. Q, how accounted for?

15th

Brisk doubtful day after showery stormy night. Ride with Ted to pay Howell John wedding visit, alterations in household affairs for the better. Call also on Mr Hancorne, Kittle Hill. Particulars of Richards drinking etc. Home by Penmaen, late dinner with Ted there and tea. Get wet through by Long Oaks, returning home in dark.

16th

A most stormy night; thunder, lightning, rain and stormy day succeeds. Does not prevent work. Clear out the barn and remove the rabbits over cart shed and begin to thrash a little. Dine on cod fish, do not go to Swansea as intended. Walk to Crickton in evening. Four men turn lime and earth, Newton. Drive in the cows myself, feed my rabbits. Old Batcock calls for an old hat, beaten out of his house by his sons. Ted and Jane Marcon call this evening, singing school. RH killed 2 sheep this morning for the harvest home; 1 hind quarter, 6lb, sent to Penmaen. Bevan sent over from Penmaen for meat and fish, sent a fowl. Receive a letter from Biddlesden, can't read it. Have a fire all day.

17th

Harvest home supper. Harvest actually finished late this evening, a very busy day carrying and tithing. Spend much time at Crickton, early and late. Help load barley, 2 or 3 mows, a hand wanted preparing supper in barn. Sup in barn at 7.00, Miss Edwards and Miss Marcon visitors from Penmaen. Everything goes off well in barn etc., dancing and punch in the evening. Ladies return home to Penmaen between 12 and 1.00, very cold. All ends well.

18th

George Edwards, Leason, calls early this morning about a grass field, Newton, to let £2 price. Promise answer. Go to Crickton, look at the grass etc, see RH's reap of wheat, discover my lost donkey. Drive it in with C Reese, it knows the premises. Ride home, meet Ted. Mrs Richard Edwards dead. Penmaen visitors leave suddenly tomorrow. I am enlisted and horse to get them there, drive Carrie in dog cart to Penmaen this evening. Endeavoured to keep a secret from Carrie, useless we find afterwards, she guessed immediately but said nothing. ‘Tis beautiful weather.

19th

Slept at Penmaen, drive Miss Edwards and Miss Emma with Ted to meet ‘Palmerston' steamer at 11.00, plenty of time, beautiful day but cold. Called on Mrs Wilkins. Returned to Penmaen, sleep there and settle accounts in the evening. Cold all day.

Sunday. Again a fine day. Ted rides young Rosy to morning church Llanrhidian and serves Penmaen in the evening. Mr J Serves the chapel in evening. Very early dinner and return home in the dog cart with Carree by Walterston Corner to tea. Children well and glad to see us. Go to bed early. First day of children singing at Penmaen, Johnny W does not get purchaser for boat.

21st

Monday. Dull stormy looking morning turns out a wet day after 11.00. Men get wet through after fern on the hill. Carrie breakfasts early in bed. Glass falling, walk to Crickton after breakfast. Draw peas for seed, get wet, pick some to get dry again with C Teddy by kitchen. Tied down preserves, bottle wine, prepared to make damson cheese, preserve Siberian crab, plums etc. Feed rabbits, food getting scarce. No intercourse with Penmaen. Put brandy and bring down elder wine. Mary Richards calls for money, none to give her. Wet stormy night again, fire all day. It proves a fearfully stormy night till day break.

22nd

After a most wintry wet night - could not sleep for rain and wind - thinking of my horses. Do not rise early. Tis a fine day and horses are all well and no work for them. Garden, collect seed peas and plant broccoli weed etc. Ted calls and dines and we go to Crickton, he rides, I walk. He goes back to P to tea. I make roost ladder for chickens and enter accounts in the evening. Enjoy a fire as rain again beats against windows threatening another bad night.

23rd

A rainy night again succeeded by a heavy showery day from S and SW. Glass stationary. Up by 7.00, clean up some seed peas and L Kale. Make and fix weather board to entrance gate as a breakwind. Winter cow calves unexpectedly in field, walk to Crickton after dinner, very showery. Thrashing in barn, hedge making to protect turnips. Mr Dodds sows wheat Aberloggy. Get wet through nearly in garden gathering food for rabbits. Rain falls as from a water pot suddenly. No intercourse with Penmaen post. Singing in evening, nine children have cake.

24th

Rise early and walk to Green Pits, full of water again, long-time dry, and then to Crickton. Draw off water from potato field, etc and find wet prevents my beginning to draw out lime and earth, Newton Field. Alter ideas of work; cart stones Stafell Haegr and coals from Penclawdd by Llewellyn. Lawn is mown today. Ted calls, we walk together to Mr Nicholls' haggard etc. Dine at 2.00. Ted goes to the village, I am not very well all day, headache and feeble. Henry Williams from Abercothy brings money on George's account, £20. Write to Mrs Jones about pigs, cheese etc. Work in garden. Enter accounts etc in evening, quite unwell.

25th

Rise early, most beautiful today. Ride Moselle and breakfast at Penmaen. Write to George, Biddlesden, that I received £20 of Henry Williams of Pant y Glein and about wine etc. Read London paper and ride with Mr J and Ted to Herberts Houses sale; Jane Griffiths gives up the farm. Mr J buys a cow , I a cart plough, harrow, ladder, harness and hay. Hancorne auctioneer, things sold pretty well. Home by Park Mill to Penmaen at 7.00. Tea and dinner together there and home in dark by Nicholaston and over hill to turnpike by 10.30. Beautiful dark and stars, new moon.

26th

Dull gloomy morning turns to misty wet day. Men obliged to leave work. Horses out in good time in the morning. Rise at 7.00, put up a coffee mill. Sharpen a saw, feed rabbits, neglected in my absence of late; 4 half grown dead. Llewellyn helps me clean them out. Walk to Crickton in the mist and see what has been done, get wet, see nobody. Carpenter again in the evening. Bevan comes over from Penmaen, brings laver and oysters left at Penmaen by J Griffiths, Caswell. Send cod fish back etc. plagued with a toothache more or less all day, very troublesome this evening. Bids fair to be a fine day tomorrow.

It is fine, Sunday, am confined to the house all day with toothache and otherwise unwell. Neither I nor Carrie at church, George Harry married at Chapel early. Ted does duty there and at church in evening. Dines here and tea, home in the evening. Sunset very badly indeed.

28th

Not well enough to sit up late last night, went to bed early and left the maids courting as usual Sunday nights. Sleep very little, dreadful stormy wet night, the common a pool of water, driving wet all day. Am not out of the house, tooth better than yesterday. Carpenter the weatherboard for garden gate. Tie down preserves, clean golden cress seed. W Thomas, mason, calls with fish, talk to him about fireplaces etc. J Harry calls about road accounts, enter his account of stones brought to road etc. Am very weak and tired all day, fit for nothing. Sleep myself better on the sofa. Enter a few accounts last thing.

29th

A fine brisk day, luckily. Mr & Mrs James come over from Penmaen for a few days. Mrs J on little Rosy. Fussing about odds and ends all morning before going to Cillibion sale where I am all day. Cattle sell well, horses irregularly. A good deal of conversation with J Griffiths etc, about Herberts Houses, a questionable road there. No regular meal all day and home to tea and oyster soup about 7.00. Only bought ponies. RH and Hopkin of Wimmel call in the evening and have supper. Pigs still very dear. Was at Crickton and ordered a goose killed. Receive letter that bill to Voss £100 not paid.

30th

Again a fine day, up early and walk to Crickton. Can contrive to cart lime and earth again. Gather mushrooms, Crickton Hill. Exchange cubs of rabbits etc. Again at Cillibion sale, corn sold. Misty evening, Hancorne begins his sale too late. Buy hay on speculation, crops of grass short, do not buy enough of corn I think. Bedding slack, oats lumped together and sold at per rick to Mr Grose, new tenant. Home before 6.00 with Mr J. Evening singers come up, parlour practice. Nothing done this evening but talk over sale etc. Carree writes to nurse. Ted goes to Penmaen query? … Tom Phillips wife at Mr Nicholls sale.

October

1st Thursday

Most beautiful day, 3rd day of Mr Nicholls sale. I am obliged to go to Swansea, bank business, trustee business and plants. Do not leave Cillibion till nearly 12.00 talking with Mr Lucas etc. Met Rev. Mr Berrington on Killay Hill. Attend turnpike trustees meeting, bank about a bill of £100 due. Went shopping etc. Home again by 5.00 and attended Mr Nicholls sale, bought wool, harness etc and walked home with Ted and Mr J late. Had tea and cold beef at Mrs Nicholls and again tea at home and glad to get to bed after making out my days accounts etc.

2nd

Again a beautiful day, was at Crickton this morning and walked round with Mr Long to see where horses have trespassed, do not find out. Order geese killed etc, fuss about home and again spend the greater part of day at Mr Nicholls sale. Walked there with Carree and Mr and Mrs J, bid from parlour window. Have no regular dinner, do not go home till quite late, beds selling etc. All over the house with EKJ[9] till quite late. Glad to get home after Ted bought his gun, tired. Take supper and go to bed. Deferred commissions to Swansea till morning, Colonel Cameron dropped in to tea at Mrs Nicholls quite late, going to Loughor tonight, wish him luck in no accident.

3rd

Again beautiful, up at 6.30, write errands for Swansea and see the car off by 8.00 and off again after breakfast with Mr J to Cillibion. Pay Williams on road for helping catch pony and Nep killing sheep -1/-. An unpleasant day looking after all sorts of purchases, lumber and furniture and corn. Dine at 3.00, the rest have all dined. The only comfortable dinner this week, my wedding day! The bustle of the day not over till dark, the return from Swansea, late 8.00, looking after corn and all sorts of things etc. Such confusion etc till 7.00. Glad the bustle is somewhat over, sorry Mr Nicholls is gone, great loss to us indeed.

5th

Sunday. Beautiful day, sacrament. Carree does not go to church, Ted rides to the chapel on Moselle and returns and sleeps at Caie Forgan. What have I done all day!

Monday. Still beautiful weather, rise early and at Crickton before breakfast. Ted tried to shoot ducks, no-go. Walked to Cillibion with Ted, expect to meet Mr N, do not. Wheat mow of ---‘s bad. After dinner Ted rides Moselle to Penmaen, I write to Frank about mother, letter sent. Again walk to Cillibion, see Mr N and arrange about wheat ricks, 7 of them, and walk by fields to Long Oaks. Call at Vospers, not at home. Tea at Penmaen, read a paper and ride Moselle home. Mr & Mrs Perry I find calling on my return. They sup and tea and leave after 11.00. Receive letter from William and Cathe and Henry.

6th

Quite a white frost, a splendid day, hot. Rise at 6.00, breakfast early, Carree in bed. Old mare kicks, won't go for corn to Cillibion. Sent her to lime and earth and get … Walk to Crickton and help out lime and earth, very hot sun. Return and work in garden, harvest peas and beans and weed for rabbits. Attend to wheat, wants fresh harvesting. Ted arrives from Llanmadock and dines. Cow breaks stable door, mend it and have all rubbish from Cillibion, boards etc, put out of the way in dry. Send carts to Crickton by C Reese for change of food.

7th

Again most splendid day and a most busy one, carting out lime and earth for wheat. Rise at 6.00 and breakfast early and arrange work and walk to Crickton and help out lime and earth. Quite summer, Carree and children come to me, gather blackberries and enjoy them with apples at dinner. Bacon and beans for dinner, the last beans and peas tomorrow. Glazier J Edwards repairs all the windows. RH meets me in the field, wants to settle some accounts, fix tomorrow. Reese taking up his potatoes, Mr & Mrs J and Ted over in the evening, meeting at church - thanksgiving for harvests; a very good sermon, 6.00. Mr Pearce there, return to supper. Accident in lane, Dodd's carts no room. Cold night.

8th

Still splendid weather, Glass high and rising. Rise at 7.00 and out to Crickton before breakfast. See a Woodcock in Allen's field, have no gun, try for it after breakfast, no find. Kill a teal and a brace of cartridges, 2 shots only. Meet Mr James and Mr Long at Newton, beat turnips. Call at Maria Allen's school and examined children in reading. Arrange books in case of Mr Nicholls, feed rabbits etc, tything at Gellyhir, WR gone there. Again walk to Crickton to arrange work for tomorrow, wheat field etc. At accounts with RH, arrear of tithes etc. Clock to be settled etc. Carree writes to Mrs Griffith, Cadoxton. Boucher brings up 4 herrings; produce of share in net. Bevan from Penmaen in cart takes corn and fowls, Betty Williams calls about a sheep.

9th

Rise at 7.00, see about work at home and search out box of accounts for R Harry who comes up at 9.00. A clock, £7, of one David Williams, sale to secure arrear of tithes £5.17. 4 and sign a receipt for arrear of tithes of David John, Wimblood, to be paid by one of Roger John. Write to Henry and leave same with Carree's to Mrs Griffiths of Cadoxton at Penrice Castle stables and ride on to Stouthall to pay Miss Tottenham as above. Return home by Crickton, spreading lime and earth and harrowing past 5.00. Was there also before dinner 12.00. Cool easterly wind but a very fine day. Enter accounts etc in the evening, meant to write to William, do not. Pencil pattern cap for Caroline.

10th

Rise early, see car off to Swansea, Eliza and Llewellyn, butter and geese. Walk to Crickton, lead back old mare Bet. Work in Garden, potatoes drawn, begin sow wheat Newton Field. Most beautiful weather … land quite dry. Fussing about all day, wheat thrashed and winnowed for seed, wheat Carreed from drying ground. Potatoes one load Carreed. Settle Swansea accounts with Eliza in the evening and read Mr Wrangell's Polar Expedition in the Quarterly aloud, very interesting.

Sunday. Beautiful weather continues, evening duty. Read Quarterly Review, Thomas Carlyle essay On The Times. Go alone to church by Crickton and Newton Lane to see wheat field sown. Mr & Mrs Dr Davies in church, call with Ted on old Tall - ill and another old woman. Latter as sharp as a needle. Singing in the evening, school as usual Ted leaves about 9. Sarah from Penmaen here, walks home late in evening etc.

12th

Most beautiful moonlight morning, take an early ride. Rise at 3.00, Carree unwell, all the house got up. Send for coals, Mary Thomas as nurse and ride Moselle for Mr Perry, most beautiful morning and on to Penmaen. Breakfast at 9.00 and return with Mrs James. Mr Perry walks over. Another breakfast, in suspense as to Carree, she is bled. Fuss about various things and quite unhinged. Walk with Mr Perry to wheat field and to village. Call on Francis Thomas about apple's and hay …. at Penclawdd from Cilivor. Work in garden to keep alive, sell slates. Ruth Griffith calls with cheese. Feed horses, turn out colts, again to Crickton and take dogs with Ted. I ride, look for hare, no find. Hunt for Ribston Pippin at W Tall's and take up potatoes in pit with C Teddy, etc. A long day, seems like two, hours unknown. Get sleepy, no progress in important affairs. Enter accounts again at 9.00.

13th

Slept on the sofa, Mrs J and Mr Perry took beds. Birth of a daughter this morning 9.00; all well, all right. Rise at 7.00 tired with yesterday and anxiety of coming events. Walk to Crickton, Reese finishing ploughing and going to sale, order goose killed. Breakfast alone, announcement by Susan of birth of daughter, am glad. Ride to Penmaen with glad tidings. Mr J and Ted return with me. Mr Perry leaves at 12.00, I ride again to Crickton, Llewellyn rolling wheat. About home all day doing nothing; read quarterly, Prince George on music etc. Children - boys sent to Penmaen in cart, heifer to be brought back. Read in evening and into accounts. Bed at 11.00.

14th

Rise before 6.00 and sally out to see what work is to be done on Crickton farm and at what time men come to work, late at 6.30. Settle work and down to the village before they are half up to secure hands for potatoes and set to work. Put Jone and Phillip to the wheat to open water courses etc. Ted comes over afoot and accompanies Mrs J to village to make calls. I am very busy writing to Bristol, Park Street, to Fred at Turville and to Mrs Mabbot. Again go hastily to Crickton and accompany Ted to Penmaen, dined there by appointment to meet children. Behind time, very tired and take bed there with Johnny, a most restless bedfellow. Have a very uncomfortable bed and miserable companion in it. Sent my letters.

15th

Breakfast rather early and ride from Penmaen home with Ted. Cool morning and drive Valliant to Swansea for nurse with E K James. Called on Mrs Mundy, Dr Howell, Mrs W Collins etc. Shopped and left again about 5.00. Ted walked to Penmaen from finger post, Fairwood. Am tired enough on my return and go to bed early.

16th

Still day, less hot. Rise early and breakfast by 8.00. Spend greater part of day Crickton potato field, some 18 hands at work, no joke. Shoot an old crow at home to scare rooks from wheat sown. No intercourse with Penmaen. Had gun in hand, a most unusual thing, nearly all day. Margaret comes over from Penmaen, do not see her. Receive a letter in morning from Mr Grose from Voss and Company that £150 is placed to my account from Frank's money borrowed for a Ga…

17th

Rise at 7, dispatch Llewellyn with Valliant to Mr Perry's with 3 w oats and 4 chairs. Feed rabbits and breakfast early. Take gun and walk to Crickton potato field, no shot all day. Cold northerly wind, threatening heavy clouds. One misty shower clears off again but very cold busy work the last few days gathering in potatoes, 18 or 20 hands at work. Ted walks over and dines. Miss partridges in turnips. Mr Perry calls to see his patient for last time. Glass on the rise again, send a goose to Swansea by 3 for Mrs Wilkins and note to RH. Susan this evening rides to Penmaen and does not return, takes a goose to Mrs J. Again in evening walked to Crickton with Ted who goes to see the sick in village and takes tea and walks home again in dark. We sit up in Carree's room. Enter day accounts etc etc.

19th

Sunday. Dull threatening cold and glass falling but still it holds dry. Morning duty, and Mr J Snr does duty. Good sermon and good congregation. Mr Grose, sister and aunt there. Ride, after dinner on goose and rice pudding, to Penmaen again to church and to see the children staying there - both well. Home again to tea just before dark fearing rain but tis dry again till tomorrow night except showers while in church this evening. Read Cambrian this evening after the advice of 2 sermons!!!

Monday. Sleep poorly and rise early and surprised to find it not raining, tis a fine brisk cold day again. Busy about potatoes, mason alters kitchen chimney, go away to potato field and remain till dinner instead of as intended writing letters. Cold dinner, no fire to cook by, Mr Davies of Mumbles sends about nurse, write to him, answer Mr Bird on same subject and write to Mr Moggridge about my nuisance in Orange Street. Receive letter from Park Street and my mother, Selbourne, no time to answer them. Ted over, goes to Wibley and takes my letters for post. Again I go to Crickton and take gun, no find. W Tucker this morning, stall. Help him get in potatoes, Ted's Norfolks, before breakfast in garden. Put into old bee hives. Only enter diary etc this evening.

20th

Dry still, glass rising again! What beautiful weather, cooling and seasonable. Rise at 7, gather up mangold leaves for cows etc, feed rabbits etc. Again inconvenienced by no kitchen fire. Mason finishes today. After breakfast take gun and walk to potato field, ploughing there and carrying finished today. By midday former, latter tonight. Dine with Carree upstairs, first dinner! Read Quarterly and settle with mason about drain from kitchen court, begin it. Begin this evening letter to my mother, Selbourne.

21st

Most beautiful hot day, finish letter before breakfast. Rose early, potatoes taken up by Tucker, Ted's Norfolks. Collect weeds for rabbits etc. Walked to Crickton with gun to kill crows. No shot. See what work is doing etc, potato haulms Carreed off to lane. Work in garden, south wall remodelled, rout out, put new earth and plant a few things sent from Mrs Ord. Ted calls and goes after dinner to village. Were to ride together to Penmaen. I ride alone there, Mr J takes up his potatoes by church, excellent crop. Ted's birthday, bonfire. Mr & Mrs Jones come to tea to celebrate it. Sale at Oxwich Castle, postman very late, sent my letter to Selbourne. Supper, fresh herrings etc. Ride home in dark, no matter if dry, not home till 11.30. Very tired. Carree etc fast asleep.

22nd

Cows changed to last bit of grass purchased. There has been a slight shower, wind northerly, still fine day. Rise early and to Crickton - all over farm before breakfast. Finish up furrows of sown wheat and fence round etc, oxen difficult to keep from turnips. Horses to harrow potatoes and carry stones. Mason makes drain of kitchen court. Plant with Tucker and new earth border south wall. Take in glass frame. Mr Collins Snr going to Townsend sale, Mr & Mrs Davies of Reynoldston, call to inquire after Caroline. Mrs J here all day, Mr J calls in evening and both go back. Ted ill after supper last night. Walk again over Crickton this evening and arrange for tomorrow and change cows. Kill rat, bolted from my rabbits in barn, well done Nep. Now I am well tired, no interval from work all day. Carree going on well. Williams blacksmith sends in an account. W Thomas, mason asks settlement of long unsettled account. No great deal due to him.

23rd

Am not up so early as usual, rather lowering day and some slight showers and misty rain during the day. Prepare a rabbit skin for drying before breakfast. Walk with gun and dogs to Crickton, find a hare on common near Crickton turnips, do not shoot. Missy catches it, hang it Crickton barn, see who was at lime and earth and call on Mr P Long about water course Stoneyford. Mean to begin it tomorrow. No water there. See RH at Penralt, order fore quarter mutton and want bit of beef to salt, he kills. Talk of Gwynn's sale and John's Wimblood. Return by Crickton home. Weed for rabbits in garden, Ted calls and dines etc. Letter from Charlotte, feed rabbits and ponies with corn, manger taken to Upper Field. Consultation and fussing about Swansea. Idea of Susan going tomorrow, q. will it rain? Enter accounts up all evening.

24th

Not up early, tired slept badly, wet night. Susan off to Swansea at 9.00 on Rosy. Cool windy day. I venture to pronounce it will not rain, nor does it to after sunset then little. Write to RH about hurdles. Walk after breakfast to Stoneyford, water course cleared up Mr Long's field. Return and send Tucker to lime and earth, picked up potatoes on potato field, feed and change my rabbits, one set weaned, 6 of them. Work in garden, shaped slope and plant some strawberries. Forgot to order dinner. Tom sent to Penmaen with clothes for children. No one over from Penmaen. Dine at 3 and again to Stoneyford, see water course finished. Batcock's horse dies, send for some for dogs and cart it to common for him, one load. Cart of lime from RH by W Jone, feed horses and rabbits again in evening. Susan home about 7.00 all safe. ….. cut and sort them. Enter daily accounts last thing. Wind moderate, glass rises.

26th

Sunday. Beautiful day, ride and breakfast at Penmaen by 8.00. Children there both well, Morning duty, excellent sermon on back sliding. Dined there, Mr J does duty at Nicholaston, I return to evening duty Llanrhidian. Ted gives a good sermon on ‘Blest are they that hear the word and keep it.'

Monday. Hoar frost, fine day, misty at 3.00 and wet evening and night. Walked to Crickton to see who was at work etc and enquire about George Gordon and colts put in pound at Landimore. Drive nurse in car to Penmaen and bring back children, all Penmaen dine on hare at Caie Forgan. Meet Mrs and Miss Lucas riding on the hill, pick up stones, dine at 3. Wrote at Penmaen to Mrs Jones, Pilton M, Carmarthen as to pew church etc, Carree receives letter from Miss Dowell, Devon. Am very dull and tired all the evening, our party leaves early in the dark and in the wet. A miserable ride indeed. Read some of Nieburh life in Quarterly etc.

27th

Rise at 7.00, to my surprise a fine morning. Glass falling and low. Read Quarterly, Webb calls about balance of accounts, road work. Llewellyn sent early for coal. Ride Moselle to Crickton, Stoneyford Meadow and over common to Hillend, Stoppers Mill about millstone. Call on Mr Beynon as to land near Caswell, asks £700. Call also on Mr Jenkins about the road Manselfold, shows me millstone, home by 1.30 dine before 3.00. Showers in the course of the day. Read Quarterly, life of Romilly etc this evening. Am only about the yard and garden this evening. Feed rabbits etc and am out of humour with WR for his obstinate stupidity about oats, damp from Cillibion, neglected in the barn; he is a fool! Without a head. Read all the evening and enter accounts etc from Sunday evening.

28th

Not a pleasant day, cold black frosty morning. Sea roars to the west, rise at 7, gather cold frosty mangold wurzel leaves and feed cows. Walk to Crickton to arrange work, begin again to sow wheat. Breakfast and read Romilly in Quarterly, very interesting. Garden after breakfast, prepared to make beds for strawberries south border and gather weeds for rabbits. Tap beer, spoiled by carelessness, am angry and sorry for nurse who likes good beer. Walk again to Crickton wheat field after 4.00. Heavy rain comes on, return and feed rabbits etc. Bevan sent over from Penmaen, no letters. All well. Cap for Carree. Finish Quarterly in evening. Johnny very amusing and interesting, Missy grows, fear much rain coming.

29th

Not up so early as usual, doubtful day. Favourable for work, not without rain in morning. Begin to make rock work in garden at Collins corner. Beautiful stones for the purpose. One very large one requires contrivance, rollers etc. Build up with Tucker in evening, walk to Crickton. Reese sowing wheat. T Richards and T Phillip making hedge. Thunder westward. This morning had wheat winnowed, 7 Wns Cadennith. 1 sent to Crickton to sow, 1 Mary Richards has tomorrow. Turn winnowing flap in barn myself in the evening. Write letters to George and Mrs Mabbot, others required but no time now. Diary and daily accounts delayed till tomorrow. Sit upstairs in Carree's room, glad to get to bed before 11.00.

30th

Rise at 7, no bad promise of the day, it does come to rain in showers tho'. Mason comes up, send him to begin work at Stafell Haegr shed. Again go on with rock work in garden with W Tucker. Good outside stones for the purpose. Ted comes over and dines on goose. Send Richards to Willis of the mill for old millstone and ride to village and Stafell Haegr. Called at Crickton, order geese. Wheat sowing going on etc Stafell Haegr building or alteration begun. Make measures and plans, called on W David carpenter about doors and windows; not at home. Called at Penralt, RH absent at 3XXX[10] fair, brisk. Pigs very dear. Enter accounts etc. Write letters and arrange for Swansea tomorrow. Nurse Mrs Harry's to have us to go to Mr Samuel Davis of the Grange.

31st

Not inclined to rise early after a very wet night. Breaks off but is an awful day. Such lightning and such artillery of thunder I never heard. I felt quite terrified, it was awful 3 times. Nurse left us for Mr Davies, Grange, short stay only. Breakfast at 8.00, nurse off at 9.00. C Reese and Eliza go, geese and butter sent. Walked to Crickton in rain, have stables purified with lime. Examine wheat fields, fortunately finished. Persuade Mr George Jones, ill, not to go to market. Shelter from rain at Penrice. Settle about water drain for Dix through W Thomas, field . Nep kills his sheep close to us, agreed to buy it etc. Go to Stafell Haegr, no one at work. Caught in thunder and lightning and hail on road home. felt quite alarmed and ran home half wet through. The evening clears, trim grass in garden, clean up yard, all hands. Cows are tied up tonight first time. Give corn to ponies etc. Children washed this evening, grand operation. Car returns from Swansea very late.

November

1st Sunday

Very wet, alone at church. Sacrament, do not stay. Ted does not dine, wet ride to chapel. Read Cambrian and a sermon of Burders.

Monday. Showery early, very fine and a shower etc. Write to Edmund, Tenby, and ask him here. Sell calf and sheep to RH, 8 of them at 10/-. Sent Tom to Penmaen on donkey, ride to village with Ted, I to Stafell Haegr, he wants an extract from register for Mrs McMechan. Dinner over on my return, dine alone. I again ride to Llanellen about road accounts, Davies out, nothing done. A funnily spent day, nothing regular done but barn work. A gate post fixed west of shed. At accounts in evening, asked to ride and dine at Penmaen to meet Mr Evans and Rees, do not go.

3rd

A very mild pleasant dry day again. Help winnow 7 WW Cadennith before breakfast. Plant Bristol raspberry with Tucker. Ride to Crickton, Reese ploughing lay. Ride to Stafell Haegr, hunt quarries for long stones. Send message to Mr Thomas Gordon about timber for chimney. Dine veal and oyster sauce and Rev. William and Mrs Collins and Miss Wood call. Invite to dine on Thursday. Mr & Mrs J call, subject Caswell and land sold there. Work in garden, plant strawberries, a few. Feed ponies etc. Accounts in the evening. Oyster of a Port Eynon woman, 100 out of shell to pickle.

4th

Very wet morning, were to have started early for Penmaen to breakfast. Stopped at 10.00, a fine day and ride with Mr J to Herberts Houses to see Grove's place on sale. J Hancorne and Mr Collins sale. Mr & Mrs Nicholls in Devon, see nobody. Meet Mr Gwynne, his sister died. Floods out, soon subside, dine at Penmaen. Rain comes on again, thought to sleep there, clears off and I ride home by 11.00.

5th

Thought fully to go to Swansea, prepared and stopped by incessant rain. Go to Stafell Haegr etc and take accounts of goings-on etc. Drive to Penmaen and go with Ted to dine at Oxwich. Mr Collins and Mr Pearce there, most fortunate in weather. Play whist and win 1/- at golden -/3. Most beautiful moonlight, home by 1.30, take my own horse out and sup her up etc and then find WR not gone to bed. Not sorry to get to bed. Morning quite wet again.

6th

A wet morning and boisterous easterly wind, very, to south and west. Fine midday, a hurricane with thunder, lightning, rain towards evening. Walk to Penralt and Stafell Haegr, get back without wet. Ted comes from Penmaen, receive note from Penmaen to call at Stembridge about land at Herberts Houses, Beynon's. Tempest prevents. Ride to George Gordon about trespass and take copy of note. Horses trespass on Crickton by Horrod. Reese tries to let off water from turnips etc. Am not out after dinner. Sent to Swansea tomorrow, commissions etc.

7th

Rise 7.30, wet night, very showery day. Start C Reese with commissions for Swansea. Ted slept here, start with him after breakfast to Stembridge and agree with Mr Beynon for purchase of land near Caswell for £700. Get partially wet through, dine at 3.00, no work going on except barn and yard cleaned up. Wean Doll's colt. Trespass on Crickton considerably annoying. About home all the evening, feed colts etc. Read Bombasts Furioso and arrange papers. Settle with Tom Davy of Crickton, long-standing account, Sale money, tithes etc.

9th

Sunday. Fine morning, evening duty. C Teddy rides donkey to church, storm returning. Finished Cambrian. Poor Mrs Williams Cambrian Office died. Ted takes tea etc.

Monday. No promise of much fine weather, stay in house and arrange papers etc in Mrs Nicholls glass case. Book and enter accounts etc and arrange bills. Mrs Jones of Bryngwas calls and pays half year's rent and complains of many things wanted etc. Receive letter from Edmund, to come here today. Send to meet him uselessly, too late to send to Swansea as he wishes. New arrangement of pigs. Road at Stafell Haegr begins to be impassible. Walk to Crickton late, take serious account of market. Cattle now tied up, Edmund arrives and occupies the evening. Accounts of Roberts abominable, one Captain Gilbert had taken Allt y Gog, no promise of much good from that by Edmund's accounts. Not in bed much before 12.00.

10th

Rise at 7.00 for coals to vessel, 2 days work. Have yard cleaned up for coals coming. Strawberries etc planted from Biddlesden by Edmund. Take guns and walked to Stafell Haegr, fancy I have lost my powder horn. Edmund kills a hare and pheasant and I miss. Dine at 6.00, Hungarian turnip. RH calls to pay money, no time, wait another time. Evening spent in preparing for tomorrow. A fine day except two heavy showers.

11th

Breakfast early, Edmund returns to Swansea 7 and C Teddy go(es) with him, his horse and my cart sent in early, really a fine day, all day shopping. Edmund go(es) on to Myrthyr (sic) and Cheltenham. Call on Mrs Evans, Goat street, unwell. Auction at Mrs Jones china shop, Dr Howell, Mrs Munday etc. Dine at Castle, return 5.00, home by 7.30. C Teddy sleeps halfway, all safe, begins to rain by Llytherid, how lucky. Find Ted at Caie Forgan.

12th

A showery day, mild, some showers. Ride early to Stafell Haegr, road making and building going on. Return and work on the garden. Drive out Carree, an airing first time, towards Llytherid and back. No rain luckily, again work in garden before and after dinner. At accounts all the evening, no intercourse with Penmaen. Glass begins to fall again, most awfully low by tomorrow morning and heavy rains.

13th

Penclawdd beggars, one after another, 4 of them, 4 ½ d

Thorough wet, glass woefully low and falling, much rain. Notice many Penclawdd beggars called soleing. Much better for them to be at home and dry. In slippers and dressing gown all day, except ¼ hour in evening to the barn and stables. At account books, pestered by annual beggars. Wind shifts from east to west, glass begins to rise and so does wind. Write to cousin Frank in the evening to acknowledge 150 received at bank, this should have been done before.

14th

A fine day again, glass rising. Grove mole catcher calls, kills a mole on the green, give him an order to kill all moles on land I hold. Ride early to Crickton and to Manselfold about the road and give notice to several to clean gripes etc. Find Mr & Mrs J and Ted at Caie Forgan on my return, talk about Herberts Lodge etc. Child to be christened tomorrow. Read Economic Magazine and work in garden and field colts etc in the evening. Hear C Teddy read after tea, he wants to read on preposterous! Enter accounts etc and read in evening. Calm starlight night.

16th

Sunday. A curious foggy morning after a sharp white frost and ice then a fine day. Wet and stormy again after snow set. Drive Carree to church, Mr & Mrs J and Ted there. Daughter “Emma Jane” christened, fee 5/- to J Jenkins clerk. Mr WM Morgan, Bristol, sponsor by proxy. Mrs James the only sponsor present. Johnny goes to church and does not behave well.

Monday. A most stormy night, every room in the house wet. Rain abated, wind all day. Write to my aunt Woodward on son WW's marriage. Servants all up late this morning. Dine early and ride to Reynoldston to ask Mr Perry to dine and vaccinate daughter on Wednesday next and ride over hill to Penmaen and return to tea. Receive letter from my mother, cousin Mary Ann declining sponsorship and note about roads for Thursday next. A boisterous sort of ride over hill. Wrecks all over the country, coast most calamitous.

17th

Mild dull calm morning turns to rain again all day after breakfast. About home all morning, disconcerting weather. Work in my own room at rabbit skin etc and hunt over papers and dine early. Walk to Crickton in evening, get wet. Sent Tom Philip, Rosy and car and get home his potatoes. Mr Thomas Gordon called this morning about a pauper and order of removal from Penclawdd, a Cilivor boy, broken leg, regards Boucher etc a doubtful case. Think to appeal. Go through W Thomas [mason] account this evening with him etc.

18th

Wreck of City of Bristol steamer, Rossily Down this evening, about 6.00.

Rise early, mild and pleasantly cold. Sea roaring tremendously at Penmaen, shifts westward and then comes on falling weather for the rest of the day. Snow, rain, sleet, wind east. About home attending to mason and finding work for a host of men. Ted comes over, a letter for J Austen of Maddoxhill, we deliver it, death of his grandchild. Call at Joseph Jones, miserable fellow, and walked to village (roads in a horrid state) to attend a meeting on subject of appeal, see yesterday, nothing done. Parties do not arrive. Meet Mr Perry, disappointed of our dinner party by wet. Geese again on wheat field. Call on Maria Allen, not home. Cross wheat to Crickton and give orders to C Rees. Dine at 4.30, hare. Expect Mr Perry, no arrival. Mr G Gordon, P Morris of W and Mr Davies of Sanctuary call this evening on subject of appeal. Wreck of steamer, City of Bristol, this evening at 6.30.

19th

Fine day but extremely cold wind, strong from east and northeast and from north, towards night frost. Start early with Ted in dog cart to Swansea to attend special meeting of trustees of road as to tolls and Park Mill hill. Everything left in statu quo. Home about 6.00, very tired. Mr J Lucas sends for slate, 1,100 had, money paid £1.13 0.

20th

Wreck of City at Bristol steamer. Sale of pigs etc to day. What a scene to be sure. Mr Holland, for Wrecked Sailors Society on the sands of Llangennith. Rev. S Phillips 2/6. Breakfast early and ride to Llangennith Sands with Ted, there all day. 7 drowned men found; out of 28 souls on board 2 only survived. Inquest by C Collins, see all the men in the church, the coast strewn with wreck for a mile. Pigs dead by hundreds, cattle half buried in sand. Mr & Mrs James to dine with us today, he gone home before we return. A very sharp frost this morning, fine day but cold enough. Queen has a daughter.

21st

C Reese, Swansea, 6 pig skins to be tanned. Rise early to see Reese off, most stormy wet morning and since 2.00 am. House deluged with wet through windows, wind due west. Distribute pig meat, plenty of customers. Take gun and go coursing with Ted, kill 2 hares, do not shoot. Kill 2 rabbits, send one to Batcock. Fix a pig skin to a board to cure it and fix a rabbit skin ditto. Read Cambrian in evening, very boisterous west wind last night and rain, heavy rain this morning. Windy and stormy all day, not rain. Expect more disasters at sea.

23rd

Sunday. A dry cold dull day, evening duty Ted. Dine early and, for a wonder, in time for church. Read newspapers this morning before time at church and wait at Francis Thomas's. Mr Thomas Gordon comes in, talk of the wreck as of course. Susan and Ann sit in singing gallery first time. Ted comes up to tea and takes hare home in basket at night. I am very sleepy this evening. Lock of door to kitchen broken, can't open it, obliged to sit upstairs.

Monday. Another dry dull day, cool as yesterday. Lose the day in an odd manner, tis one before I thought it 11.00. Write a short note to George about the wreck and visit to Gower, wants day fixed, ride with Carree to call at Reynoldston, Mrs Davies, and ride to Burry to register Emma Jane and learn on return home from Ted that the Queen has a daughter.

24th

About home all morning, bothered by tax gatherers. Prevented going to Crickton. Garden a little, air children on the donkey up the field etc. Ride after dinner to Penmaen to say sale of wreck on Llangennith Sands is to be tomorrow. Ted returns with me and sleeps here. Very calm, damp, warm day and dull. Glass high and rising.

25th

Beautiful today from morning till night. Rise early and start early with Ted to Llangennith Sands. Send men and carts there. Sale of wreck timber of City of Bristol steamer. Pay for beer for men etc 1/8. A most troublesome day, Ted and I home about 6.00 in dark, carts home very late, all safe. Feed the men who had no dinner. They are all to be off early in the morning. Carree finishes my letter to Fred and sends it by Tom. Sarah comes over from Penmaen with dogs, Tip and Boz, and send back on Rosy.

26th

A very beautiful day but cold, wind east. Carts off again very early, they occupied by breaking up and sorting wreck timber brought up yesterday. Collecting from it copper nails and lead etc and spikes etc. A work of trouble and break tools about it. At one, attend a parish vestry about the of removal of one William Edwards from Upper to Lower Division, agree to appeal and signed book accordingly. Dine at 3 on hare etc. Carts home very late again, all safe. Give supper to men and Robert Harry comes up and his boy. Tomorrow morning C Reese for beer at Llangennith, carting wreck today and tomorrow -2/-, give ditto to W Robin as watchman and allowing me to cart to his haggard for safety from the sands – 2/6

27th

Rise early, can just see to shave by light. Beautiful rising sun and cold east wind. Ride with Ted and breakfast at Penmaen and Mr James rides with us through Woodgate, how beautiful, and Bakinstone to Caswell to make some arrangements with Grove as to rent of the 2 farms, HerbertsHouses, and Grove appoint to meet Monday at Penmaen. Mr J goes to Merton, offered by Hugh Watkin 100 for his bargain of land. We call at Mr Nicholls at Bishopston, glad to see them. Dine at 4.00 at Penmaen and ride home in dark at 9.00. Took greyhound with us. Philip Grove carpenter called at Penmaen this evening about a road by his house. Receive letter from George and one from Uckfield. Read accounts of wreck of City of Bristol and accouchment of the Queen in Bristol paper.

28th

Rise early again, and for fourth and last time send to Llangennith for wreck timber. Occupied all day in breaking up wreck timber, driving out nails and packing it away with Philip and Tucker. Carts home this evening about 7.00, all safe. I am really thankful. Prepare a rabbit skin in the evening and enter accounts. Beautiful bright but pleasant weather.

30th

Sunday. Frosty morning, wettish, morning duty Ted. Caroline walked down first time. Ted does duty at Cheriton in evening. More of the wrecked bodies found. Am very sleepy and tired all day, why? Walk to Crickton to see Reese and order ploughing tomorrow if fine to sow wheat. Read paper in evening. Wind gets up at night, bad sign.

Monday. Wet and blowing, very misty, not rain. Men all come to work, wind moderate, not cold. Begin new tithe book. Ted comes over to break open iron chest, Thomas Thomas, Oldwalls, helps. Ted rides with me to Penmaen to meet there W Grove and J Griffiths about farm Herberts Houses. Dine at P and evening spent in settling rent and accounts. Weather bound, rain comes on, thick fog and very dark. Sleep there. Mrs Jones of P rides over to call and dines at Caie Forgan. Read papers in evening, dreadful accounts of wrecks and missing ships.

December

1st Tuesday

Slept at Penmaen, foggy morning, fine mild day. Ted rides over with me to Llanrhidian. Carree rides with me to Stafell Haegr, building going on. Ted joins us home again and dines. Returned home by Stoneyford. Called at Mr Long's and at Maria Allen's. Bevan was over with the cart for the grindstone etc. Men busy about garden work … etc. Get on with new tithe book in the evening.

2nd

A beautiful day again, cold towards evening, wind northerly. Walk early out with Carree and the children by road to turnpike. Ted rides over, brings a letter from Bristol and a Bristol paper. Return and dine and ride in evening to Llanellen about stones for Stafell Haegr, men quarrying there. Return by marsh and write to Stafell Haegr to speak to mason about tomorrow and home by Crickton. Miss to see Reese. Enter accounts and get on with tithe book in the evening.

3rd

Sharp frost, easterly wind, beautiful day. Went for Swansea in dog cart alone. At Swansea before 12.00 at the hall on the turnpike meeting till 3.00, full attendance of bidders gates not lett. Hurry through my commissions, can't attend about land for sale near Caswell. Home again past 7.00, tired.

4th

Am not up early, settled Henry Webb's account for road work £4 left unpaid. Ride to Crickton, little field finished out in wheat today, Reese and W Jone sowing there. Return and ride with Carree to Penmaen. Ted comes over, found a hare sitting. Have an excellent course from Broad Pool to Friddoe, no catch, a good gallop. Dine at Penmaen, pig killed 8 ½ score, bred end March, 7 months old. Home by about dark, read Humphreys Clock this evening and enter accounts. Most mild beautiful evening, dull, glass high.

5th

Fine dry healthy weather, sow wheat in potato field, Crickton. Ride Moselle to Crickton and Stafell Haegr, building and marsh, rush cutting. All the evening at Caie Forgan. Read Humphreys Clock aloud in evening, Ted goes from Penmaen to Swansea.

Sunday. Glass falling, wind rising, evening duty, Ted comes over to inspect Sunday school, much to find fault about. Children taken to Methodist Chapel!! Ted dines here and sleep at night. Returned home with Miss Grove. Read one of Burder's sermons and some of Humphries Clock.

7th

Monday still dry, unexpectedly sow wheat again, wet at night. Ted slept here, I rise very early and find men coming very late, take in mows at Caie Forgan, wheat, and Crickton, oats. Walked before breakfast to Crickton, read paper after. Give orders about work. Very cold wind. Go coursing with Ted, find Soho in Mr Lloyd's field, good course, run aground drain, no catch. Dine on goose and ride to Crickton and Stafell Haegr after dinner, Ted goes home. Read aloud in evening. Settled with Thomas auctioneer the wreck account.(£9).

8th

What am I about all this morning? Hunting up timber to serve for Stafell Haegr. Enter arrear of diary and accounts. Hurry to Stafell Haegr to alter mason work on account of timber not suiting being short. Meet mason in the village. Return, write to Penmaen and dine. Meet Mr & Mrs Nicholls, some chance of his having Park; I hope he may. Mr Hancorne expected, does not arrive. I am home late past 11.00. Lucky in weather.

9th

Lewis, a messenger from George, comes early this morning. George coming to day, arrives about 4.00. Write an answer in doubt if he comes without. Write to Edmund, London, his cloth come. Write to Durdham nursery for Edmund. Mrs James calls, dine at 6.00. I walked to Crickton, look at the wheat etc. Meet RH there, is going to kill beef, Shall take some. Return and garden by yard wall. Mr Gordon calls about pauper boy and case of appeal. Talk about the vessel and write to the captain for coals. Talk with George in the evening. Heavy rain again. Two road men call, P Matthew and J Charles, for money. Write to Jenkins of Manselfold to advance money to them.

10th

Cold windy east dull day, but dry. Walk after breakfast with George to Stafell Haegr. Find a hare and have a good course Crickton Hill. Run her to drain, no catch. Some time at Stafell Haegr, carpenter at work placing joists return by Penralt, RH killed a cow; shall take some. Go to Crickton turnip field, see the farm etc. Show all my livestock, pigs, rabbits etc. Garden little to south Wall. Dine at 5, Ted here. Nothing done all the evening but idle talk.

11th

Cold dry fine day. Wind east. George returns to Abercothi after breakfast. I and C Teddy go with him to Cillibion, call on Mr Grose about shooting. Write to Dr Howell about poor woman for Llanegwad. Order wheat cleaned by Heugate for market. Penrice fair, get there by 2.00. Fair over, something done for wonder. Return and ride to Crickton. Ted walks over, do not stay. RH calls in evening and cuts up beef, his cow. Take hind quarter, pretty good. Weight 5 score all but 2 pound at… Richard Gordon called for rock powder, has 2lb to pay for it. We dine at 4.00. Commissions for Swansea the engagement of this evening. Bids fair for frost tonight.

12th

Sharp frost, car off early to Swansea with wheat and butter and geese. Wheat not sold, slow market. Rise early and walk before breakfast to Crickton and arrange work. Dig in the garden trench ground, house mangold wurzel. Alter a walk, begin at last. Jone carts in earth to front. Place some of it and make more rock work till dark until I am quite tired. No fire downstairs, in consequence do nothing up for want of books and paper. See the children washed and ought to do the same but do not.

14th

Sunday. Cold day but not a sharp frost. Rise late for morning duty, sacrament, go alone. Go to Stafell Haegr after, return by Penralt. Hopkin there, dine at 2. Read Cambrian. Singing school in evening, large attendance.

Monday. Severe frost, Webb offers salmon, do not take it. Stephen calls about reed to sell. Talk of going to Reynoldston, Mr Perry calls and vaccinated Emma Jane from Mary Richard's child, W Thomas child there too, give them 2d. Walk to Crickton, clean up the lane by Reese and Llewellyn. No gun or could have killed golden plovers. Return and garden, alter walk by wall, C Teddy helps with barrow. Make him keep in good exercise. Miss Grose calls this evening, first call. Tom sent to Penmaen, receive letter from Dr Howell, Mr James not very well. Receive lots of papers. Reading the evening and enter accounts etc. Club night in the village, not much work done today.

15th

A very sharp frost again and one heavy snowfall, else fine day. Get out before breakfast, and order work. Send a letter by W Jone (his father died last night) to Swansea for George, Abercothi, as to the infirmary, there is a vacancy. Settle accounts with Heugate to the present day. Ride to Ilston, the gutter out, Mr Jones of Bison calls too. I ride thence to Penmaen, dine there. Ted dines at my house, miserable riding over the common, obliged to lead pony. Ted stays tea and goes home afoot in the dark. Rule more of tithe book.

16th

Sharp frost again, very. Walk to Crickton before breakfast, arrange work. Horses to be roughshod to go to the marsh. Lane to be cleaned up etc. Take dahlias up with Tucker and pick axe, hope not injured. Webb calls for money, distrained for rent. Write a note to W Jones, Bank, his landlord. Give Webb money. Tucker finishes mangold wurzel. Thought to go shooting snipe, do not. Model here, tunes piano. Garden with C Teddy and Johnny, and raise rock work by hollies. Sarah comes from Penmaen late, returns after 3.00. Dine on beef heart. Walk again to Crickton in the evening. Met Cox, keeper, tells me Mr Talbot's cook wants to buy Spot mare! Not for sale yet. See cattle tied up, Reese late home with rush, lead Valliant home. Enter accounts and get tithe book ready. Little rain this evening and milder.

17th

Cold but less sharp frost comes on to falling weather in the evening and clears off again at night. Glass falling, meant to have gone on the marsh after some snipes etc. Prepare my gun and am rallying forth. Order earth carted to garden and begin to garden. Rev. Mr Davies and son Maurice call with skates and gun. Punch and go out shooting with him. Kill 2 pheasants out of 3 near Friddoe on the common. No snipes, no hares. Get wet coming home. Ted dines with us and sleeps after the burial of old Jone Bather House, aged 84. Write notices for tithe audit.

18th

Very sharp frost again. Wind back again to the northeast. Ted returns after breakfast to Penmaen. I take my gun after 11.00 towards Stafell Haegr and try springs about the marsh. Am not hot about shooting, call at Crickton and order barley winnowed. Call at Penralt and order sheep's heads for soup for poor people etc. Give notice about tithe dinner at Francis Thomas. C Reese is cutting rush. No sport shooting. At 3.00 attend a meeting, case of appeal pauper between Upper and Lower division. There till 6.00. Return home to dinner and tea, Mr Grose accompanies me and comes for first time to the house. Talks of his own tithes and offers £30 only, enter accounts etc. Commissions for Swansea by RH.

19th

Very sharp dull frost, no wind, about garden all day. Move earth in front garden with WT and children. Set 2 men to dig earth on common. Horses roughshod, only work in the evening, brake little cart. Iron scraper broken too by Ann. Spread new earth on clover in front of house. C Reese went for coals from Penclawdd and took notice of tithe dinner for 6th January. Also an answer from Vestry yesterday as to pauper ordered removed and appealed against. No fire in parlour today, sit in nursery

21st

Sunday. Cold rather windy but not frosty. Glass rising, very dull. Evening duty, Ted comes over in good time and dines. Carree also walks to church, full congregation. Ted sleeps at Caie Forgan. A Sunday spent indifferently.

Monday. Rise early, very dull day, glass rising. Cold but not a frost. Walk before breakfast to Crickton and order C Reese to Leason Wood for timber etc. Tucker makes hot bed about home. Trying to track vermin till 12.00, take my gun and walk by Crickton across country to Llwynybwch, kill a partridge. Flew and towered long way off. Find 2 woodcocks, no shot. Call at Manselfold, take account of the road work paid by old Mr Jenkins, try to find him a hare. Return by Wibley castle, Leason Wood, Marsh Meadow, Stafell Haegr, village. One hour behind time at home, dine alone. Mr Perry at Caie Forgan has dined, he returns home at 7.00. Am very tired in the evening, bad batch of bread, flour good, Eliza's obstinacy.

22nd

Sharp cold day, brisk wind. Rise early and out before daylight. Awoke by noisy churn, men at work in decent time. Get horses out in good time to Leason Wood and rush, take gun early after breakfast by Crickton, Penralt village to inquire as to Christmas market and tell some poor people they will have soup on Thursday by calling for it. Go to Leason Wood and help timber loaded, finished. Shoot a crow and miss a snipe. Return and dine at 2.00. Mr Balls (sic) calls to pay pork debt. Am not at home, unsettled. George Gibbs sends for a hatch, wreck timber, send it. WR all day at forge, cart shaft broken. Mary Richard calls for money, none to get.

23rd

Cold sharp windy morning, more quiet after midday: evening. Rise early and walk to Crickton before breakfast and arrange about work. Work in garden by primrose hill, earth carted in by oak tree. Rush carted in marsh. Ted rides over, brings letter from Edmund about larch trees. Ted dines, goes to Leason and returns home. Read paper in evening. Enter accounts and arrange for Swansea tomorrow, market - geese, butter, eggs to sell.

24th

C Reese and wife go to Swansea, Christmas market. Mistake, it was yesterday; sold geese, butter, eggs. Mr & Mrs J come to spend Christmas with us. The Collins party (not old Mr C) make a morning call. Stroll round with Ted and Mr J, they with guns, no sport. Beat Mr Lloyd's wood, no find. Idle talk all the evening, all the party sup with us. Ted in parlour turn up bed. We all agree tis very cold.

25th

Beautiful mild frost, glass very high. Mr J walks over to Penmaen and returns to dinner. Ted does duty here a.m. and walks to Nicholaston and helps at 6.00 evening duty at Llanrhidian. Mr J gives us a very good sermon on the subject of Our Saviour's Nativity etc. Return home in the dark, glad to get tea. Nothing done in evening.

26th

Mild, dull frost. Rise early and walked to Crickton before breakfast. Settle accounts of market with C Reese. Rise before daylight, go to Crickton before breakfast. Do not shave, Ted has the razor. Work in garden. Walk with Mr James to Cillibion. I am taking in corn, call on Miss Grose. See skating on Broad Pool. About home all day again. Go to Crickton as to corn to winnow etc. Wander about the common with Ted and Mr J for game, they with guns. I garden and planted box etc. Ted goes home to Penmaen. Nothing done in evening but idle talk as Christmas amusement.

28th

Sunday. Mild frost, glass begins to fall, very high! Evening duty, Ted at Penmaen, Mr J does duty. Read a Morning Herald. Dine after church. Very dark at church. Talk with RH and George Gordon about the appeal case. Feel confident but shall try to have it compromised.

Monday. Less Frost, dull foggy day but cold. Mr & Mrs J return early to Penmaen, he gun, she horse. I ride to Brynhir by Black Lane etc, miserable riding on ice, as to the appeal case - wish to get it referred as better than a journey to Cardiff, the Upper Division sure of their case, we have confidence in our witness! Miss to see old Mr Evans the church warden, write a note at his house to refer it. Mrs Evans of Ship not at home, perhaps should be obliged to alter tithe day. Blue Anchor, Jenkins to rough shoe my pony[11]. Dined at Brynhir, they neither very well. Home by 4.30, at account books all the evening.

29th

Rise early, work in garden, arrange work, Cillibion hay to be fenced. Engaged with J Grant, Howell John's accounts. Copy road rate book. Measure timber from Leason Wood, received a communication by W Eaton, Farm, as to the appeal case. Open war declared. Walk to the village in consequence. See RH, Mr Grose, Vosper etc, J Bevan and Mr T Gordon. In evening again see Phil Morris and Mr Thomas Gordon and Edward Rees and settle accounts about the vessel, a poor business indeed!! A most busy troublesome day all day long.

30th

Sharp frost again, most beautiful day till dark then rain, wet night. Rise early and ride Moselle to Swansea to stay proceedings of appeal against order of removal of pauper WR Edwards from Upper to Lower Division, succeed. Meet old Mr Evans of Upper (Division) instructing his attorney to proceed at Jackson Prices into necessity of references, they agree. Spoke to Dr Howell about case of infirmary … for George, Abercothi. Ride round by Grange and dine with Mr Samuel Davies, first call after Mrs D's confinement. Have a wet and dark ride home to Penmaen and sleep there.

31st

At Penmaen, doubtful sort of day but fine. Ride over to Caie Forgan having seen Mr Morris, overseer as to the pauper at Penmaen. Ted rode over in the morning, I not ready having letters to write in consequence of Carree misdirecting a parcel, 2 geese to my mother. Mr James sends it from Park Mill brewer. Read Cambrian and ride to Caie Forgan. Ted's marriage … a hoax man does not come. Busy about work men and bottled beer, small quantity left, 13 bottles only, how is this? Very busy and haste to Reynoldston together, engaged to dine with Mr Perry. Meet nobody. Mr Lloyd and others disappoint, a superfluous dinner in consequence. Mr Rev. D and son, Maurice, in evening. Wine and tea usher in New Year and return to Penmaen at 2.00 in the morning, beautiful mild night.

Thus ends a beautiful year, every season good, good seed time in spring, ditto autumn, good hay and corn harvest and beautiful frost now lately for all work but masons', memorabilis annis.

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