Charles Morgan's Diary, 1841

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Most beautiful tranquil frosty weather ushers in the New Year, has continued some time. Weather in England has been very severe frost and snow. We have not had snow in Gower yet.

January

1st(Friday)

Ushered in the New Year at Mr Perry's and left him with Ted at 1 a.m. for Penmaen, not in bed till past 2. Most beautiful starlight tranquil might. Penmaen all day. Wettish, read papers and write blank receipts for tithes, Ted helps me. Walk together to Park Mill. Try to dispose of boat by lottery. Return by foot path, new line of road. Henry Williams there. Call on Mrs Jones going to Swansea tomorrow, errands by her. Mr Perry called and lunched going to Swansea, Bath and London; got a holyday (sic) for a fortnight. In evening write more blank receipts.

2nd

Fine day again; ride early with Ted to Caie Forgan, he to village, I home, call at Crickton. Ted taken in, no marriage, man Bowen in custody. I enter accounts etc, see what doing, what done, etc. Ted kills a duck, return to Penmaen at 6.00. Evening spent in nothing, forgot my papers. Write answer to Ilston invite. Very high wind at night from north west, Hear nothing of it.

Sunday. Penmaen, boisterous day, morning duty. Excellent sermon on Time; reflect on last year, take warning and amend. Walk to the sands alone, fine sea. Find nothing, tide in. Return by Burrows; wind excessive, cold and disagreeable. Dine at 3.00, Mr & Mrs Jones spend evening. Ted morning duty at Llanrhidian and evening, Nicholaston. Snows this evening, ground white for the first time.

4th

Snow on the ground, else fine, some sleet. Penmaen, Mr J not well, do not see him. I go home to prepare for tithe audit. Ted goes to Swansea, meet him going to Penmaen. Very bad riding, snow and frost. Prepare tithe book, write for RH gone to Swansea. Walk to Crickton, give orders for tomorrow. George Gibbs calls, rent put off till Thursday. Write again in the evening and read Cambrian. Bed at 12.00, very cold indeed, at home.

5th

Beautiful morning, sharp frost again, order work. Carpenter here, then to writing tithe book. RH comes, enter his agreements, go with him to Cillibion haggard. To Cadennith alone, 6 WW winnowed, Crickton of Cillibion, very bad, unfit for market. Forget I am engaged for Ilston, get ready, receive note to put off. Walk to Crickton. Tom Stephens calls about tithes, refer to the meeting. W David gives me an account, get things together for Penmaen, very sharp frost, return to Penmaen.

6th

Tithe day at Penclawdd, Upper Division. Ride with Ted by Ilston, Poundfold etc. He has a funeral at the chapel from Penclawdd, comes late to dinner. Most splendid ride home, light as day, cold and calm. RH walked, bad riding. J Griffith accompanies us to Gelli-on ford.

7th

Tithe day at the village, Lower Division, morning occupied in preparing. Walk by Crickton and looked into the barn. Am late at the meeting, nobody there however. Ted went shooting snipes. Llewellyn is carting stones to W Thomas field. Tailor for drain, dangerous work side of hill. We are late at the meeting. Mr Gross there, nothing to pay. Am suffocated with tobacco. Hear of wreck of the Mountaineer, Menai Straits. Quite ill before I get to bed, 2 days hard work. Try to read Humphries Clock.

8th

Read last number of Humphries Clock. Busy at accounts, tithes and put money away. Mr Jones of Llythrid calls in arrear of tithes, pays on account again, statement of arrears made etc, running accounts pro and con. Return to Penmaen with Ted by road and over hill to Nicholaston. Glad to get again into tranquillity again after 2 days turmoil and wrangling.

9th

At Penmaen, a cold thaw. Walk with Mr J to Kittle Hill, see Mrs H. He is better, gone to town. Mrs J rides out and loses a reticule. John prevented by getting wind of it. New road at Park Mill, … begun on… at last. See J Griffiths of highway first time at Molly's.

Sunday. Evening duty, dine at 5.00. Changeable by weather, read Quarterly, Scotch Church, veto business, sad state of things. Ted has evening duty at Llanrhidian and returns to us at Penmaen dinner.

11th

Not cold, snow again on the ground. Meant to have gone to Caswell, snow hinders. Thought to have gone home but shoot with Ted, lots of woodcocks, wild. Miss one, kill none. Read Quarterly, Lord Dudley and ward.

12th

Beautiful day, ride home, enter accounts. Buy fish at Penmaen, Webb - salmon to send to Bristol. Pig killed yesterday, cut up to day. 9 score 4lb. Return to dine at Penmaen.

13th

At Penmaen, disappointed in sending parcel by postmen for Bristol. He rides, roads a glass of ice, mail can't go, now what's to be done. Think to go to Swansea tomorrow, no. Read newspapers, thaws and freezes again.

14th

Intended going home, in suspense. Sharp frost again, roads a mass of ice. WR brings car late and snow begins. Had given it up and walked with Mr J and Ted to the new road. Dig up some dwarf holly and ground this evening more deep with snow than before. Send WR home with my pony and kept Valliant and car for tomorrow.

15th

Return home, favourable morning. Wind rises and gets cold evening. Wind east. Heavy load home, roads difficult. At home by 2.00. Walk to Crickton with Ted and to village and Stafell Haegr, Dix wife raving. Return in dark, danger on hill by mill pond. Snow again turns to rain in the night and general thaw. House in a sad plight in morning. Ensure parcel to Bristol by RH, sent WR with it. Valliant let loose from mill by ? Found him at the gate.

16th

Most miserable day, luckily not obliged to go to Swansea, confined to the house. Make popgun and carpenter. Flog Tom Dix stealing apples. The walls of the house in a flood and everything sweats again. Count money, enter accounts, high wind evening. Will my parcel go? Will the packet start, ill-fated parcel. I am in bed late.

Sunday. Sacrament, Ted and I go alone to Bevan, sent over early with a note and a letter for William as to chapel. Write to Mr J. Read Cambrian and dine at 5.00 etc mild day.

18th

Very foggy day, some showers. About home all day, put lid to a nail box before breakfast. Evan Francis, Griffith Thomas, D Beynon, J Corbyn, J Kneath of the Gate[1] all call about Bryngwas sale bills and write to Mr C Collins. George Gibbs calls and meet Samuel Gibbs near Crickton. Talk of malt and oysters. Walked to Crickton, hedging and potato carrying home. Ted begins collection at Stafell Haegr for clothing club. Dine at 2.30 and walk to Tucker's with Fred. Take Miss to exercise, no find. W David places shelves under the stairs, help, has tea. Anne wants her wages settled and raised. Begin to enter arrears of diary and accounts in consequence of not getting this book till yesterday.

19th

Mr and Mrs J ride over and ride back again. Fine, cold and windy, thaw. Carree rides out, intended going to Stafell Haegr, go only to Penralt. Ted and I walk, return by Crickton, Dine early. I get out after dinner intending to plant a few things, begin, prevented by a heavy shower of snow and driven in again. Enter arrear of accounts this evening in consequence of not getting this book till Sunday last by Robert Harry from Swansea.

20th

Very sharp frost, ground white with snow. Rise early and all the house. Prevented starting early for Swansea by W Thomas, tailor, calling for work, some time to arrange for him. W Jones of Bank too calls for poor rate. Drive to Swansea with Ted, place money in Voss Bank £223. Shop etc and home about 7.30. Very cold. Aurora Borealis, bright and brilliant. No snow near Swansea.

21st

Sharp frost, beautiful day. Ted goes shooting to Llwyn y Bwch, meets Mr Phillips and Mr Davies there, nothing killed. I walked to Crickton, meet Francis Thomas coming to settle accounts tithe dinner, order him to come tomorrow. Return, Carree intended going out to Stafell Haegr, alters her mind. I work in garden and on the common carting in earth, cut down poplars for intended alteration to the east. Dine at 2.00. Mr & Mrs Gross take tea this evening after dinner. Enter arrears of accounts and diary from Tuesday.

22nd

Francis Thomas calls, settled his tithe dinner account as above, (£5.7.0). Some talk about mills assigned over by Howell John. Hear there is a distress put in at Llytherid, his tithes are in arrear!! What's to be done, walk out with Ted and dogs, he goes home to Penmaen, Tom sent there. I walked to Crickton and to Penralt. Talk with RH about arrear of tithe, Howell J, Richard Jones etc. Get plants from quarry. Return to dine, news from Bristol, Mrs Hughes breaks her arm, parcels sent arrive after time, very spoiled. W David alters cellar. I make hammers for stone breaking. Help W David made box to send to Fred. Pack laver for Fred. Enter accounts etc, arrange for Swansea. Write to Fred and hunt for bill of Miss Burgage, old account. Wet and windy this evening, dull damp day.

23rd

Read Quarterly, American Orators. Ride with Carree by Crickton etc to Stafell Haegr to see Dix's wife etc, much better, rational now. Order road to quarry, Upper Mill dam. Return, plant sedum on wall, spread mole heaps in garden. Read Quarterly and enter accounts etc. Fine day but colder.

Sunday. Fine morning, some heavy snow showers, ground again white, vanishes by degrees. Read Cambrian, dine early. Ted comes from Nicholaston, dines too. We have evening duty, Carree and CT ride down, cold thaw. Notice given about the pauper Edwards meeting for Ted takes extracts of register for Samuel Eaton and sleeps here. We have oyster supper. Prospect of frost again. Some idea of going to Carmarthenshire, Ted going to Lampeter, his uncle dead.

25th

Sharp frost again, returns to cold thaw and wind rises westerly. All morning occupied indoors. RH calls, enter into accounts with him. Note to Abercothi, Mrs Jones and to Mr Evans, Penclawdd. Troublesome business, complicated accounts with RH occupies till 2.00, then dine, no appetite. Ride with Carree to Stafell Haegr, see the mason to return to work tomorrow, return by Crickton. Take Reese account of Swansea and received balance. Read Quarterly in evening and enter accounts. Inclined to rain.

26th

Not up very early. Dull damp misty day. Read Quarterly, medical report. Ride towards Stafell Haegr as to the road to the quarry. Some prospect of the road being Carried through to George Jones. Call at Eagles as to quarry at Penralt, as to road work etc, consult W David as to future works Stafell Haegr, nails, rabbit skins and alum. Ted comes from Penmaen late in evening and sleeps; ready for tomorrow. Read a paper, enter accounts etc.

27th

I and Ted start off in dog cart for Abercothi by Loughor, Llanon etc; lose our way and lose time. Late at Abercothi, unexpected at 8.00. Fine weather, roads very spongy, frost broken up. Make inquiry how Ted is to get onto Cardigan tomorrow, no success.

Carree. Foggy morning, fine day, husband off for a week. Mrs J rides over to Caie Forgan, Mr Perry called, wishes for two hams at 16 pr lb. WT's wife called, his leg very bad, give Eliza a warning to leave in June. P Morris of W called about the meeting, wishes us to let Mr Gordon know that Mr M could not attend ditto with Ann Lewis made servant for year ending December 4th last.

28th

Another fine mild day, no conveyance across to Lampeter for Ted, drive him to Carmarthen. Ted sleeps at 6 Bells and hires gig for Lampeter tomorrow. I returned back and pick up Henry Williams of the quarry, full of beer, he has a letter from George … it me 100 “ I beg your pardon Sir” and very incoherent. Set him down by White Well, call at Robert Davies, White Lion, and fix tomorrow to enter on accounts with him. Dined at Carmarthen and wrote to Carree at 6 Bells. Enter on my own Gower Road accounts in the evening.

Carree. Lovely morning, sun gone after 12.00 but nice day, ride Moselle to Stafell Haegr, Rosy bled, left Susan and children at Penralt. Llewellyn has Carried things down to Stafell Haegr, both mason and carpenter at work there. Dix's wife does not improve, she ran out and caught hold of Moselle's mane, talked wild, husband took her in. Called for children Penralt. Dine at 3.00, pig's feet. Children pick primroses, intend going to Penmaen tomorrow if well.

29th

Ride Valliant, call on the 2 Mr Bridges, see the farm and lunch there and go to Robert Roberts. Sit at accounts with him some 2 hours and no progress. Tis on Edmund's account he makes his full claim and I engage to meet again a referee on Monday. Ride to the quarry about larch trees etc, see quarry, write when there to Edmund and sent to Carmarthen post. Dine at 7.00 and go through C Reese Gower labour account in the evening.

Carree. Am awoke by chimney sweeping, quantity of soot, thick fog; I shall lose my ride. Children well and noisy, cock crowing, mist disappearing. Must prepare for ride, fog at 12.00. Ride Rosie to Penmaen, very frisky, get late there, too late for dinner. Found old Batcock there as to an Ivorite club. Home to tea, good news from Mrs Hughes also a letter from W Morgan, Bristol, all well. Gave Susan £2.10. 0. Tomorrow mild foggy day, wet evening, foggy night. Give Tucker's wife for him physic, know nothing of work Friday, must ask. Buy crabs of WT mason. Expect a letter by RH from husband.

30th

Damp foggy day and some rain. Enter on some of my accounts. I walk to junction of rivers Towy and Cothi, see George's stock and farm, nice land. Ride to Ynyswen bridge, now converted to foot bridge, preparations for rebuilding and abandoning. Take a sketch of it, very picturesque. Tis a drizzly rain and return home. Receive my own letter sent to Carree and write again. Further mistake again, it is sent by mail to Gloucester instead of Carmarthen.

Sunday. Mild nice day, ride fly and to Mr Green's Chapel at Lochwyn etc. Mr Bridges, Captain Gilbert etc there. Speak to Mr Green Junr about rabbits, call on Mr Davies at Llanegwad and at Mr Jones Lochwyn on return and sit there some time. Dine at 3 and spend evening at Mr B. Introduced to Captain Gilbert, much talk about the estate, offer of Mr Green's junior to take charge of it, engaging for the rents. Cold return home, wind east, 11.00. Return of frost.

Carree says – foggy, “no letter” disappointed indeed. Rain prevents going to church. W Richards rides Moselle to Landimore to see her far (farriered/father?). Ann went home, Susan fails to get Rosy to Tucker's. Mild evening, singers come.

February

1st (Monday)

Frost, wind east, strong. Was very ill in the night, why? Some talk with Mrs Jones as to Robert drinking etc. Order horse again for Carmarthen, fine day, and to meet Robert again at accounts. One J Williams, an auctioneer's clerk, there - no vouchers produced. Nothing done to forward business. Go to Carmarthen 6 Bells. Receive note from Ted, wants me to meet him Wednesday morning. Called on Phillips, timber merchant, for Edmund, see clerk. Called at Lewis, painters, received letters. Write to Carree. Snow storm on return at Abergwili, clears off again. Dine at 6.00, tired and cold. Very sharp frost again. Some talk today with Mrs J as to people in this valley, no dependence on any one below gentlemen.

Carree. Cold frost, wind east. 2 pigs killed, too cold for a ride, sent Tom to Stafell Haegr to tell them to come here or wait till Edward[2] returning. Women come and pay morning Clothing Club before 2.00. Thomas Thomas, Oldwalls, called to offer beef, my father's cow, bespeak hind quarter. Children very good.

2nd

Very sharp frost and very cold room this at Abercothi. Would turn a mill. Look through some of my day accounts about stones to pay for at Stafell Haegr. Walk out and take holyday. Cross the Cothi on Valliant, call on Mr Nicholls, Llandeilo Rhynys bridge, take foot path by Towy to Allt y Gog, call and introduce myself to Mrs and Miss Gilbert and niece, he from home, returns as I am about leaving. Miss G a very nice young woman, they have come here from Brittany. 2 Mr Bridgers call too, am shown the house, nicely done up. Return with the Mr Bridgers to Nant Caredin (Nant Garedig), call on Jane Jones near Cothi Bridge, an invalid, as to the Infirmary house - very clean and very small. Make some calculation of stones had in Gower for Stafell Haegr in the evening.

Carree. Bright cold frost, children out after breakfast. Bought fish of Webb. Dinner badly cooked, disagrees. Children very good. Jone came for coal, wife very ill. He agitated, physic. Mary Richards wants something for her mother ill. Pig cut up.

3rd.

Severe Frost, drive early to Carmarthen to meet Ted and see children consecrated. New bishop Thirlwall preached an incomprehensible sermon. Singing execrable, crowded congregation. All the clergy present far and near, meet many at the 6 Bells. Too cold to see yard consecrated. Call on Mrs Jones, late of Gower, living respectably and clean. Received letters from Edmund and George, answer the former at the 6 Bells and write home again to defer return over tomorrow. Met and spoke to Mrs Howell at the church. Drive Ted home very late and very cold, windy.

Carree. The coldest day yet, shall I see the travellers tonight? Susan makes pork pies. WR to Penmaen after dinner, no letters from husband, one from Charlotte. All well, laver arrived and liked. Mrs Hughes better. Everything prepared for them, return waited till 11.00, no arrival, intense cold.

4th

Bitter cold east wind and frost, take a gun, find everything but powder. Called at Lochwyn, meet Williams fishermen – shan't be 15 moments going to Salutation, see a few snipes, kill nothing. Go by Twyn, larch there were too grassy to …, call at Mr Nicholls at Dulais Bridge, both sons at home. Old man breaking up lunch there,… dinner. She very dirty and snuffy. William N goes to funeral, Lewis N comes with us to Llanegwad. Called at …ions, good ale! Home and dine, starved with cold and dread tomorrow's journey. Begin to fear being snow bound, our journey does prove a very bad one, horse lame, wind piercing, home very late.

Carree. Very cold, high wind east, water frozen in bedroom. Ann Rees brings eggs, 24, wings and large feathers. A man called about a wedding. Two hams sent by WR to Mr Perry weight 22lbs. A beggar passed, while I dined, on common; found he had begged at kitchen door. I was quite unhappy at the idea that he went away disregarded. Children all well. Fear not to see the travellers. Now 8.00, will try to think all well.

5th

Bitter cold windy day. Wind east and north. Ted and I return from Abercothy in dog cart. Send Valliant on to Cross in Hand inn. Had a brute of a mare to that point, slow as a tortoise. Congratulate ourselves on getting Valliant again. Find him dead lame in a short distance, cut in the foot and obliged to walk every step of the way, what a journey. Benighted on Loughor Common and lose our way, not home until 9.00, 11 hours travelling 30 miles. How extremely cold on Fairwood Common. Glad to arrive safe on any terms, do not catch cold!!! Write 2 letters, one to Dr Howell, one to Mrs Jones Abercothi as to Jane Jones, a patient for the infirmary, to be sent tomorrow.

6th

Ann off for Swansea with butter, so cold we can hardly stand it. Ted off early to a marriage at Chapel, do not see him. About home all morning in house talking etc with Carree as to time during our separation. Get out and heel larch etc with Llewellyn brought yesterday. Take a walk to see how things are going on; go to Crickton. Hares are berling apple trees. Tar them. Ted returns to Penmaen, do not see him.

Sunday. Evening duty, read Cambrian, Mr Tennant's proposal of suspension bridges, Swansea, Briton Ferry and passage over Severn to Bristol, grand plan. Very few in church, so cold. Receive my letter back by RH sent to Cothi, very unlucky. Call on several sick people with Ted, much illness about. Dine late, Carree and Ted attend singers in evening. I am tired, why. Glad to get to bed. Snow again after sunset and freezes as it falls.

8th

All the earth glazed over with ice and very sharp frost still. Ted off early to Penmaen to shoot. Send letter by him for post to Abercothi as to infirmary. Meat cut up, beef of Thomas Thomas, Mr James's cow. Walk out to see who was at work and road etc, forge Oldwalls, attended to … carpenter as to work at Stafell Haegr. Walk there, call on people ill, some better. Dine at 2.30 and again to the village, vestry as to the pauper William Edwards and church rate, the former a long business about nothing, half inclined all to go to law, propose a reference to Mr Collins and a jury of ratepayers of the parish. A club night is held too, rather stormy we hear. Saunter home late, coffee. Mild, change of weather near I think.

9th

Beautiful morning, glass rising again and not low. Walk to Llytherid sale, a respectable company there. Saw a wounded sheep in my field, why there, order it killed and the owner found somehow. Spoke to Mr Collins as to reference of a case of pauper. Walk by Cwms to Park Mill and Penmaen, large trees new planted in Cwms cut and killed, see a man hide a bill hook as he passed me, a boy with him[3]. Slow progress in new road. Meet Mr Pearce at Penmaen, dine there. Home late with Mr N, very dark, fall once, very dangerous. Mr N will not take a bed and goes on to Llanmadock, I wish him a pleasant journey. Tis not very cold but not pleasant. I am glad to go to bed.

10th

Misty doubtful day, seems changing. Can't do the work I wanted. In the house all day, write to William, long letter as to the chapel and send George Beynon's deeds, purchase of Herbert Lodge. Want to borrow the money. Mrs James no power to buy land. Ted comes over and sleeps here. Rain comes on in evening before dark. Enter into accounts, arrear of diary etc, when absent in Carmarthenshire. Am writing all the evening, weather seems quite changed.

11th

A thorough wet day after breakfast. Rise earlier than usual in the severe frost. Just before it rains sally out with Ted to Oldwalls etc by Crickton. Ted pays Thomas Thomas for beef to Penmaen. Order p(ai)r door hinges at forge Oldwalls for Stafell Haegr. Call at Bowens, church warden, see books etc. By Leason to Stafell Haegr, contemplate road from Leason to Stafell Haegr. See mason about new building, fix tomorrow to measure it. Call at W Jones, wife ill. Tom Richard's ill. Call at Mrs Batcock, long talk about clubs. Declined to join in either Ivorites or Druids, opposition. Dine at 2.30, nearly out through change. Mrs Tucker calls, advise her to see Mr Perry for husband scald leg, decline giving anything to tamper with it and advise her pay money for Jone at Llytherid. George Gordon calls in evening as to pauper William Edwards, has seen Eaton Samuel, declines our proposal. He may do as he pleases. Let us see the result of their vestry, if any. Read Britannia paper etc. Poor Johnny very unwell, fever or teething. Sheep have been in garden and eaten all my turnips.

12th

Wettish morning, in barn before breakfast. Walk with Ted to Stafell Haegr etc, measure masons work there with J Williams, Leason, etc. Called at Crickton and arranged work. Reese's wife confined, a daughter. Called on several sick people, meditated improvements in the church, looked at registers. Evan Bevan of Stafell Haegr married 19th December 1833. Bible in very bad order. Went to top of the tower for the first time. Dogs Miss and Nep with us. Returned by Horrod and Newton. Gave orders about both for poor. Dined early, pruned a few trees, Samuel Philip called with malt bill, surely not right. Carpenter comes up about orders for the glass tomorrow. Butter, eggs and fowls going. Read gardening magazine, evening. Enter accounts and orders for Swansea. Hear that Howell John's son at Swansea is dead, a fortnight ago attended a funeral at Chapel, caught cold and his death.

13th

Very wet day, much warmer but wind south east. C Reese alone sent to Swansea, butter, eggs and fowls. Rain too heavy to send Eliza who had been ordered last night to go. Arrange paper of last year etc. Ted leaves before dinner, it clears up a little. Hunt the barn and kill a score mice. Much damage done the wheat. Set mole traps on the green. C Reese home late and settle his accounts and give the money to Carree. Fineish evening but showery again tonight.

Sunday. Very wet morning, damp, unpleasant, wet day. Morning duty, Ted goes to church without calling, I only walk down. Floods of water, very thin congregation. Dine early, read part of Bishop Watson's apology for the Bible in answer to Tom Paine. Cha Teddy suffers with bad earache. None of children quite well. Fine night till early morning, rain.

15th

Very wet day, south and easterly. Much dangerous illness about the village, do not go to Stafell Haegr as promised to receive Clothing Club money. Report that Hannah is ill there, fever. Ted has a miserable day to attend the funeral of Howell John's son from Swansea, poor fellow! Much lamented, very sudden fever. No communication with Penmaen or post. Arrange bills and letters etc all morning, am not further than yard all day. Floods of water, drain choked. Read number of Humphries Clock, poor little Nell and the old man both dead. Some beautiful pathetic passages. Dickens is not second to Scott! He is equal in expression if not in thought. Hear a cry on common tonight, Carree's discovery, Mrs Morris's servant lost in fog returning from mill. Send WR with light to render assistance. Our children are something better. Very damp this evening but no rain. 16th

The death of Tom Richard's announced this morning, poor fellow, neglected all think. Wet again, soft and thick all day nearly. In house all morning. Read quarterly, polling of ministers, Mahmot Ali tobacconist. Mrs James and Ted call. Mrs J returns, Mr Perry called same time. Depression pervades us for death of poor Tom Richards (typhus) my workman. There was a burial too yesterday of poor William John. Much regrets. Received letters to pay bills - Mr Thrick, oats, Mr Biddulph, culm. In evening Ted and I ride to a meeting in the village. War declared, foolish business, inevitable, cause the obstinacy of the Welsh Upper Division. Something said about the church, pulpit and box, great disagreement. Many against church rate. Mr Thomas Gordon very drunk, very simple, inconsistent, angry and querrulous. Against alterations called innovations. Home late, oyster supper and get to bed 12.00. Glass rising. Weighed hay with Ted and WR in stables.

17th

Beggars, 2 Spanish soldiers. Not a wet day, not a dry one, bad washing weather, a dab. Send cart for ash poles, Park Mill, borrow Mr Jones waggon. Try to shoot a teal, long shot, only wound, no find. Begin gardening a little, sow peas - hot bed, plant narcissi. Set Harry to dig in plantation, larch wanted. Planting out, Jones shoemaker calls. Finish Quarterly, I write a draft as above to Mr Strick and to Mr Voss. Wind rising, unpromising this evening for tomorrow, cut and dress sea kale.

18th

Funeral of Tom Richards, much lamented. We dine early to accommodate Ted who goes off without Eliza, late as usual, to the funeral, not out till after dinner. Rake the green a little, prevented by rain again. Do not feel over well. In the evening, thick mist. Ted and I ride to village, arbitration of benefit club affairs. Mr Grose and Morgan Jenkins and David Williams the others. Late business, home at 11. Very wet and dark. Oyster supper, scalloped in such a way peculiar, Eliza's. Glad to get to bed.

19th

A beautiful morning, larks singing, comes on thick sea fog, clears again. Rather frosty morning. Walk before breakfast to Crickton to arrange work. Send for coal. Children go in car to Penmaen to stay. Ted, Carree and self ride Little Rosy, too frisky for Carree, she changes to Jane. I call at Mr George's, Nicholaston Hall, as to Wernhalog bridge. Dine at Penmaen, return over hill, home before 6.00. Read Britannia paper. Morgan Jenkins calls. Write to notes for him, to one Rees and one Davies, interest of £20 on bill due 1834. Now for commissions to Swansea. Receive letters and papers, school and children from .W.

20th

Rise early to see WR off to Swansea, a good deal of rain this morning, early, is a fine day after, very. Send a cask of wine, Marsala, to Castle Hotel, Swansea for George at Abercothi; his cart to call there on Monday, according to Mrs Jones's letter. Potatoes also sent. Busy carting in earth for planting. Filled ditch by new entrance to Lower Field. Dine early and ride with Carree to Stafell Haegr. See the new building for cottage and the pine end of old house fallen down. Dix's wife very ill. Write a note in evening for Perry to see her tomorrow, Tom to go over first thing. Read a paper in evening and write commissions for Swansea.

Sunday. Evening duty, fine day. Dine early in kitchen, poor pie, cats have eaten cold meat. Carree rides to church, Ted gives a famous scolding sermon. Hear children repeat catechism to Ted, very good. Read the Cambrian in morning. Ill spent day, no events.

22nd

Monday. Beautiful, rise early, hoar frost, hard. At Crickton before breakfast, first barley mow taken in. Arrange work, look over papers relating to school with Ted, write to WM long letter as to Stafell Haegr, pine end fallen etc. Walk with Ted to join Society of Felons Prosecution, entrance fee 7/6 subscription 2/6. Borrow the money of George Beynon, he in arrear of tithes, I could not get change. Much talk about the road from Stafell Haegr to Leason. Tom George, Mr Dunn, Thomas Gordon, Mr Holland, etc there.. Carree rides to Stafell Haegr alone, return with her, I am very ill when I ride home. Obliged to go to bed and am really ill. Mrs Batcock's greens and pudding have poisoned me. An Ivorite Club opened at Llanrhidian Village and at Penclawdd today.

23rd

Dull day but fine, recovered again but not very well. Ted goes back to Penmaen. George Gordon called early as to the club affair and arbitration. Secretary etc summoned before magistrate. Barn cleared out, mice holes stopped, two more mows brought from Cillibion, wheat. Ride with Carree to Ilston, see Mrs C and Mrs Popkin. Ride round by Penmaen, Morgan, surveyor, at new road, slow progress. Meet Mr Collins and Miss Popkin near J Morris. Children very glad to see us at Penmaen, they are looking very well. Charles Teddy improved indeed. Home by dark, no dinner. Meat at tea. Mrs Guy calls, pays part of rent to Michaelmas last, £25 now in arrear to that time.

24th

Rise early, dull day, rain last night. Walked to Crickton, arrange work, busy all day to make out W James accounts of labour since March last. Mr Perry and Ted dine here. Have no time to attend about school papers or write any letters for post. Spend a pleasant evening, Ted and EKJ dine, dark night, the latter sleeps here.

25th

Coldish and fine, ride with Carree and Ted to Stafell Haegr, early consultation with mason as to chimney and alterations etc. Alter dinner garden a little in front. Men begin gardening in earnest. W Tucker returned, plant potatoes and potato onions. After 5.00 ride to a vestry at Penlan near Penclawdd as to pauper removal, object gained, a reference to Mr Collins etc. I am not expected there, meeting goes off agreeably. Some rain, dark but dry ride home, road on marsh execrable, not home until 12, in bed at 1.00!!!!!

26th

Very cold, windy day, wind north west. Man from Tycock (sic) calls, late Walter Rees's mistake about barley from Swansea, buy it of him as part of tithes, in arrear. Vessel of coals announced, what's to be done, who is to unload, when what take etc. Ride little Rosy to village to learn facts, write and offer some to Mr Grose, he takes, meet Captain Reese in the village. Pig cut up and weighed, 17 score nearly. Ride with Carree to Penmaen, dine at 3. Charles Teddy very unwell indeed. J Jones of Hunts calls in, Mrs J of Kilvrough dead. Home again to tea, moonlight very windy and very cold, glad to get home and get to bed. What are we to do about Charles Teddy?

27th

Beautiful cold dry day after a hailstorm. Busy day indeed about coal from marsh. 2 carts make 4 turns each. Men to do again on Monday. Planting trees all day. Remove some elms and plant larches and same to the front. Good news of Charles Teddy, better. Ted comes over in the evening and sleeps. Bottle a dozen of beer by candlelight. A busy day, am tired.

Sunday. Morning duty sacrament, very full attendance. Fine morning, wet after 2.00. Early dinner and read Dr Watson's apology for the Bible.

March

1st (Monday)

Fine day again. Llangyfelach Fair, do not go. Intended to have called on various persons as to the arbitration business, do not in consequence of the cooper coming to work on the coal not all Carried down. Busy about home, replace a gate post west of cart shed. Dine early and walk with Ted and old Williams of Common to the village church.

2nd

A thorough wet day, quite unexpected!!!! All arrangements for today thoroughly thwarted. About the house all day, mend a bowl, study to answer school papers with Ted. Send to the mill, weed corn to mill and back; 14lb short weigh returned. 8 more than ordinary allowance in 6 Winchesters. Order brewing tomorrow, study The Art in Domestic Economy. All men in the barn, Tucker washes bottles. Bad prospect for tomorrow, glass falls. Ted has a funeral at Chapel and goes home to Penmaen. Study brewing and go to bed.

3rd

Fine day, cold. Rise early, out before breakfast. Ash poles placed in stables. Brewing, Mr Nicholls malt to be something excellent. Attend the mashing and nothing more; called off for various purposes to take no more interest in it, tis all left to the chance of WR. Send all hands to Cillibion for Ted, oat rick, and for hay. Move heap of stones and make drain through hedge west of stables. J Charles a chance customer, a road man, comes up, set him to help. Drive Carree to Penmaen for Charlie, dine there. Mr J and Ted gone to Swansea. I am going tomorrow. Children not well by any means. Bring Charlie home. Ride to Manselfold about the road in young Jenkins and settle what men are to do. Called to see RH, not at home. Late home, tea by myself, alarmed by Charlie having a motion and protruding his bowels. Send him over to Mr Perry by Eliza on Rosie Junior. Powders sent back, the bark?

4th

Beautiful till 1.00 then wet again!!!!!! Wished much to have gone to Swansea to hear the case of the Duke of Beaufort v Gough. Wilde the Solicitor … and Sir Follett engaged. Do not go, the cause Charlie was ill that night. Mr Perry calls this morning, he is better and apparently pretty well. Busy myself carting in and making drain west of stables preparing for plantation to break wind. Old Mr Evans calls, returns my book of Waterston as to the pauper case of William Edwards. Mr & Mrs James call and dine there etc. Ted gone again to Swansea to have a wet ride home. Bottle wine, 1 ½ dozen, not corks enough. Cellar inner door put up. Edward Reese calls, settled with him about the coal had on Saturday. 76 cribs[4]

5th

Dull damp morning, thorough wet after 9.00. Have given orders about carts to cart in earth, all prevented by driving wet day. In the house all day. Read Dr Dauberry, lectures on manures. Bottle Marsala wine and empty the cask. Find much more in it than I expected. Give orders for Swansea tomorrow, counter order. Butter turnip tasted, RH calls up, send commissions to Swansea by him and paper to call a vestry and a draft for David Rees. Write long letter to WM as to school etc with rough place and map, not in bed till past 12.00.

6th

Beautiful morning and all day till 4.00 then misty rain again. About home in the morning. Hair cut by Carree barbourously. Cart in to improve hedge for planting west of stables. Ted comes over. Receive 2 letters by him. We ride to Stafell Haegr. Llewellyn moved to the new house, no window placed, the old house under process of ablution. See Bar Jone about drain over Thomas the Taylor's meadow. Return and dine at 2.00, again help at the hedge and again ride to Stafell Haegr to meet Tom Philip and George Dix to strike a level for new drain. Misty rain comes on. Some work arranged for Monday, some men to the road and some to the drain. Tucker to Reynoldston to get plants of Rev. Mr Davies. Write in the evening.

8th

Sunday. Carree not very well. Read Cambrian, evening duty, dine early. Foggy and fine. Ted sleeps here, ill spent day, do nothing, read nothing.

Monday. Rise early and ride early to Penmaen. Thick and picturesque fog all day. Ride with Mr J senior to Caswell, call at Kittle Hill as to the fire and call on Mr Nicholls. Mr Hancorne there, lunch there. Dine at Penmaen, not home till past 9.00. Beautiful warm night. Tired with my day and nothing much done. Sam(?) Grove all work of hedges postponed till fall of year.

9th

Busy all day planting lilac etc. Mrs J calls for early, short visit. Ted sows peas Stafell Haegr. He and Carree ride to Reynoldston, Carree returns alone. Dine very early, after tea go to a vestry. Ride to see the road towards Manselfold. Meet young Jenkins at forge, no one at work on the road and return. J Harry on the road near Penralt. Kept late at the meeting, full attendance, nothing done. Meeting irregular, improperly called. Send answer to Upper Division that former meeting is not revoked. Not home till past 11.00, all in bed. Agree for a plough at Edwards, Oldwalls, at £2 6 0 to be ready in 10 days.

10th

Beautiful weather again, summer. Rise early, prune forest trees etc. Enter accounts etc after breakfast. Write to the bank to Mr C Collins. Carree rides alone to Penmaen. C Teddy rides donkey and don't like it. I prune some trees, no men at work, all dispersed on the road etc. Gravel carted for the road. Ride after dinner to see the road Welsh Moor etc. J Davies of Welsh Moor shows me paper of William Williams, a dispute with his brother, money matters. C Reese ploughing Llytherid. Hollies home not very good ones, plant a few. Ted comes over, go through W Davies carpenter accounts this evening.

11th

Beautiful morning again and all day. Sow haws fitted in haggard last year in pit. Tucker and Llewellyn ride after breakfast to see road work and begin to form road by Manselfold. Cart work also going on from Park y Rhedyn top to the Swansea road. Meet Ted and Carree and children Stafell Haegr. A wedding there today, W Evans and Jones of Bank daughter. Miss Lucas Davis comes, brought presents of seed and variegated ivy, she will not dine. In the evening plant my primrose, lilac, holly etc and prune some trees. All planted now that is drawn but the larch. Robert Harry calls up in the evening about culm. Edward Rees does not keep his word but does the money, received money from more than one to fetch a cargo the same tide. Write a note to him by RH, culm must be had.

12th

Beautiful weather. Busy in Garden, sow ash in morning. Ride with Carree and EKJ by Park y Rhedin to Howell John's about timber and accounts, to Bryngwas about repairs and call at Brynhir. Mrs Evans much better, the baby remarkably plain. Mr Collins and Miss Wood also call, stroll in garden etc. Return home late before tea, cold thick fog comes on after a very hot day. I not prepared for late hours, feel cold. Take something warm and go to bed. Nothing arranged as to Swansea tomorrow.

13th.

Saturday, rise early, a most dense fog. Decide to go to Swansea in common car. Fog goes off, day splendid, have the honour of a bow from the ladies of Stouthall. Enter Swansea by Cole's Garden. Market rising a little, oats high. Dine together with Rev. Samuel Davis Castle hotel and Mr Thomas. Home between 9 and 10.00, quite warm. Wrote to Abercothi as to Jane Jones infirmary. Carree not very well, Ted at Caie Forgan. WR bought iron for gate hinges, two pieces hoof iron and only two winchesters of vetches.

Sunday. Still beautiful, morning duty. Carree does not go. Very full congregation. Wedding party come in, return with Mr and Miss Grose and Jones of Llytherid. Dine early, stroll about and read 2 more chapters of the apology for the Bible, Dr W, Bishop of Llandaff.

15th

Still summer. Rise early and plant my purchases of holly etc – Croles Gardens. Garden trimmed up a little. Miss Wood calls, ride with her to Stafell Haegr, Mansellfold and Wibley. Dine at 5.00. Ted begins alterations at Stafell Haegr. Evening taken up with settling accounts as to Swansea and settle some accounts with Ted as per paper signed EKJ. Wheat sowing again, ditto tomorrow finished after potatoes.

Blethyn school at Penclawdd half-year £1.6.0

16th

Who's there? Awoke in the dead of night or early morning. Ted softly stole into my bedroom and alarmed us. He alarmed at idea of house breakers which was WR returning drunk from a friendly club. We get up and search the house and lock the doors again and as it proves lock the drunkard out again. He is in bed all day like a besotted brute. I rise early again and work in the garden, plant willows west side of mound. Carree, Ted and Teddy walked to Stafell Haegr. I ride down and bring them up. Begin to sow carrots etc, drop it, wind too high. Begin sow vetches and rye this evening. A busy day. Put out horses prevented ploughing wanted at Stafell Haegr drain. Ground in excellent order. C Teddy shows symptoms of rash. Had a course returning from Crickton. Read Barnaby Rudge this evening. Wind and rain come on.

17th

Threatening morning, a shower, fine day, very windy. Out and about before and after breakfast. Cut sea kale again and take to Penmaen. Drive Carree in dog cart to Penmaen over hill by Nicholaston, too windy for the Beacon. Meet Mr Pearce, dine early. Sad accident at Park Mill Hill, blasting rock, man nearly if not killed. We are home again to tea and bring Johnny with us, long a stranger to us at Penmaen. Tis cold and windy, quite unwell tonight, have caught a bad cold. Go early to bed and have a bad night. Charles Teddy covered with a rash as if stung with nettles, q if the measles.

18th

Far from well after a bad night. Have a bad cold but get out as usual, work must be done. Plant willows on mound etc, neat up border by pond. Morgan Jenkins and one Williams, brother of road man, call about a will or agreement, no stamp or witness, illegal. Ted has a marriage again and returns home. I ride after dinner to Stafell Haegr, drain going on through W Thomas tailor's field. Work in garden front again with W Tucker after riding by Crickton to see who is at work. Amuse the children before candlelight. Make two days entries and go early to bed. Take spirit of nitre, bad cold..

19th

Breakfast in bed, bad cold. Changed my winter clothing too early. The first part of this month very warm and quiet, now stormy and colder. Get out before 11.00, in and about the house all day. Read a paper, head like mud, thick as mustard. Dine early, cold beef. Tom sent to Penmaen, no letters. Dig a little in garden orchard pit a little in the evening with WT. A funeral over Cefn Bryn this evening of one Bevan; very picturesque. Stormy sort of day, some sharp showers, very windy and not pleasant. Young Gibbs calls this evening in payment of rent of Crickton by draft. Commissions for Swansea the occupation of this evening.

20th

Fine early, wet at 8 to 9, fine day, wet at sunset. C Reese and Eliza at Swansea, butter, eggs, fowls; vetches home. Walked to Crickton to see who is at work and at what. Busy all day transplanting some elms from the garden to rock yard etc. Mrs James and Ted make a morning call. Improve hedge by haggard next road. Car home late, received a letter from William calling for accounts and that Alfred has begun legal proceedings. Unhappy himself, he hates to see anyone otherwise.

Sunday. Weather not settled tho' not a bad day. Ground very wet. Evening duty, dine early. Carree rides to church and sings in the gallery to teach Simeon's song “Lord now lettest…” etc. Ill spent day, read only the Cambrian!!! Tired and out of sorts all day and vexed as to William's letter etc. Very wet night again.

22nd

Monday. Tolerable fine day, some showers. Sarah comes over early from Penmaen, Firmity and present from Bristol etc. Ted and I ride early to Crickton and Stafell Haegr drain, he sells oats. Now by Wibley to Manselfold to see road and home to dine at 2.00. Mrs Nicholls servant calls, send back some flower roots, plant larch with the dib etc. Ponies all in garden this morning, lovers left gate open last night. A busy day to cart thorns from Llytherid. Talking about journey to Swansea tomorrow, do nothing all evening but enter two days accounts.

23rd

Dull morning, fine day enough and luckily. Carree and I drive Brown in Mr Perry's gig to Swansea. Ted rides Moselle, get there by 11.00. Day devoted to shopping, no calls. Ted attends Mrs Murcotts sale, little purchased. I call on Mr Collins and received money on account of Bryngwas sale, £12. A short time at Mrs Murcott's sale, buy nothing. Home about 8.00. Brown mare went beautifully.

24th

Not up very early, poor Johnny very ill in night, disturbed us, better now. About home all day. Pack up seeds for Mrs Davies of R, send them by Mr Perry's gig returned. Walked after breakfast to Crickton to learn distribution of labour etc. Mr W Collins sends seed, write him a note in answer. Mr and Mrs James dine here. Firmity and mothering cake etc Ted goes to Penmaen in the evening afoot. About with men at work by road west of haggard. Now ready to plant quicks. Enter accounts etc in evening. Balance money from Swansea etc etc.

25th

Dull doubtful day, little rain of any consequence but some. Ploughing for oats. No spring corn sown yet by me. Ride to Stafell Haegr with Carree early. Trespass of sheep a great nuisance at Stafell Haegr, how to keep them out is the question? Return by Crickton, ploughing the Furzey Land for oats. Mr Pearce called early in his way to Swansea, board of guardians, dines here on his return at 5.00. Am about home all day, carpenter here as to work at Stafell Haegr house. Planting quicks by haggard etc, begin to sow mangold wurzel in pit. Evening occupied with Mr Pearce.

26th

Broom woman, 6 brooms, 1/-

Doubtful morning, comes on wet and again clears off, damp warm day. Out before breakfast about seeds etc. After breakfast at accounts, C Reese's. Clean up the remaining bits of lawn by pond of willows and level the ground with W Tucker. Dine early. Give out seed, peas etc, mustard, beet etc. Tom sent to Penmaen, takes peas. I ride by Crickton to village, see Eagles about stones for drain, Dix's. Ride on to Manselfold by Penralt. Spoke to RH, Phil Long there. Met the mason at Manselfold. Late home for tea. Write a note for WT to Mr Gordon, the Druid, etc. Commissions for Swansea and accounts in the evening.

27th

C Reese off to Swansea, 12 W B and I suspect Carrees his own potatoes. Send notes to Swansea, forgotten things, masons here and mangold. I walk before breakfast to Cillibion, fields full of sheep. Ride early to Crickton, lose a shoe and walk to Stafell Haegr drain going on etc, more hands wanted. Meet Captain Reese by church, culm come in. Engage to unload it and arrange accounts. A most lively day indeed; being beautiful sow lots of carrots, parsnips, onion, mangold wurzel and celery and garden with Carree a little. A sudden thought - make sweet briar hedge. Tucker works late. I ought to attend to Williams accounts of this place, indeed I must leave other things unattended to Ted here this evening.

29th

Sunday. Very foggy and rainy all day. Sacrament. Carree at church. Singing in evening, children improve fast. Nothing happens but a wedding in the morning.

Monday, again a dull day. RH here early; parcel carnations, Mr Strick to Carree. Pays me tithes of Voilart.

30th

Ride to Stafell Haegr, cutting old apple trees down and carpenter there, intended to have written to William and Edmund. Too wet to send to post. Mr and Mrs James expected to come here to spend a day or two, prevented by weather. Carree, C Teddy and EKJ at Stafell Haegr, get wet returning. Change our things and confined to the house. Making out my road accounts, return to be made on Saturday. A vestry called for Thursday, at road accounts all evening. Doubtful unpleasant cold windy day, torrent of rain again after dark. Plant out the remainder of sweet briar's, Mr Strick's plants etc. Tucker levels the last bit of the east lawn. Calf unwell, Crickton. Write a hurried note to William. Mrs Batcock borrows car to go there. I walk to Crickton before dinner, calf doing well. An unexpected dinner party; Mr Pearce, Mr and Mrs J, Ted, two Mr Collins here to tea. In evening book club talked of. A very bad wet and windy night. Mr Dunn of Leason has 300 slates.

31st

Cold stormy sort of morning, not wet. All go to Stafell Haegr. Mrs J and Carree on young Rosy and Moselle, were all to go together, all go at different times. Ted goes to Penmaen. W Jone and J Harry, cutting up apple and pear trees, orchard. Call on Eliza Dix, very ill. Busy myself in garden till dinner, dine at 2.00. Busy in the Lower Field preparing to shutter up to mow. Too tired to do anything this evening except enter accounts.

April

1st (Thursday)

Rise early and work in garden. Fine morning, wet drizzly day, quite unexpected. Instead being busy about road. Account for this evening not prepared yet. Mr Dr Davies calls, his first visit since being on continent. Unfortunate for me having accounts to pass this evening. Dine early, busy making out the road accounts, balancing it and entering it in the parish road book. At 6.00 go to the parish meeting, drizzly wet. Mr James buries David Williams wife, Oldwalls. Ted has a funeral at the chapel, meets me at the meeting, accounts passed amicably and reappointed surveyor. Home about 10.00, glad to have supper.

2nd

Rise early and work in garden and thrashed Tom for idleness yesterday. Hard work indeed. Work in garden a little and amuse the children wheeling plaster fallen from the house to the road. On the lookout for Mr Collins chas (chaise?). Ride to Cillibion field. J Harry making hedge. Sent him after card (?) wood Park. All day at Cil Ivor, Mr C Collins getting up evidence for a trumpery appeal case of pauper William Edwards. Mr C Collins comes and dines with us and Mr T ball. Mr & Mrs J return home by moonlight. All passes off pleasantly. Mr J an excellent companion at the dinner table. Enter accounts etc etc in the evening after festivities and enter road account for tomorrow.

3rd

Rise early, sow grass seed on the lawn, the last place now unfinished. Settle work etc and start with Ted for Swansea, he on his new grey, purchased of Ben John, Lunnon; travel very well. I on Moselle. Mr and Mrs Collins overtake us, he wants to sell me his tumble down horse. Swansea full of our parish; all full of the lawsuit of appeal at Cowbridge, foolish business. Home again by 6.00. Beautiful ride there and back, smart shower in Swansea, glass very low. Passed road account, neglected to take my book before the magistrates, must go again tomorrow week, great nuisance. Ted paid part of the expenses not settled yet.

5th

Sunday. Thorough wet. Evening duty. Clergy make … of duties. Mr B Penmaen, EKJ Llanmadock, Mr J here. Read a stupid Cambrian, hear a good long sermon and spend a bad day.

Monday. Doubtful sort of morning, glass will not rise [change], sow grass seeds before breakfast, and set Heugate work, lawn field. Enter accounts this morning, prepare for Cowbridge sessions, monstrous nuisance. At home all morning, accounts, write to Edmund and locksmith Swansea, garden gate, sent Tom to Penmaen, WR to Reynoldston about a return chaise etc. Dine early and ride to Crickton over farm to see wheat, very poor indeed. Get a course, run aground. Hot evening after a rainy morning. Lawn mown first time. Receive letter from William and Henry, George … his lawsuit against Robert Roberts. Am looking out for the return fly for Swansea.

6th

Slept in Swansea, Mackworth Arms and start quarter before 7, Cymrw Coach for Cowbridge sessions, appeal case, W Edwards pauper. Host of Llanrhidian witnesses, some left behind. At Cowbridge by 10.00, fine land about Cowbridge. At town hall all day, Marquess of Bute speaks, subject - rural police for the county, lost by majority not questioning large attendance of magistrates. Mr Talbot, Dr Nicholl, Dillwyn etc etc etc. The question of precedence of barristers at the sessions lost by a majority of 2, only 54 votes, attorneys are still the advocates. Dance attendance as a witness about court in Llanrhidian appeal case till 9.00. Quite sick of waiting. Lower Division gain triumphantly, not in bed till 12.00. Some difficulty in getting a bed. Sleep in double bedded room with Mr Ball. Carree hears from my mother, long letter.

7th

Fine morning. Get up about 9.00 and taken faint and ill, very ill all day, can do nothing. Eat nothing, no meat all day till tea at Swansea. Leave Cowbridge about 3.00, great scramble for places, cold and inclined to rain. At Swansea about 7.30. Long may Opposition coaches run better, Bristol and Swansea, cheap and quick. Mr & Mrs Perry come by the other coach. Call on them at the Bush and come home in their fly. Sad squeeze, four and two children. Mr Ball rides my pony to Cillibion. By this time I am pretty well again, recounting adventures to Ted and Carree, glad to get to bed.

8th

Return from Cowbridge, slept at home. Rise in bad time, pretty well again. Read Barnaby Rudge, go round to see what's doing etc. Am angry that seed barley is thrashed, not leased, having oats. Pig has … young ones etc. Ride with Ted to village and Stafell Haegr. Llewellyn home, get certificate of George Harry's perjury, married 1834 not 1833. Go to Manselfold to inspect road. Call at Penralt on return about lime. Sowing begins at Crickton, write to Mr Collins as to George Harry. Dine at 2.00. Bevan sent from Penmaen with potatoes, takes side of pork back. Amuse children after dinner by burning rubbish, a bonfire. Garden a little, neglected sending to Mr Perry, Reynoldston, as promised. Enter my 3 days arrears of accounts etc. this evening. A busy sort of a day and I am not at all well as I ought to be.

9th

Good Friday. Fine brisk cool dry day, dull. Evening duty, few present, times are not well understood; some thinking morning, some late evening. The day disturbed by a cow calving and pig having a litter, very savage, kills and tramples on them, doubtful to save any. Singing in the parlour in the evening. Jones daughter faints; send WR this morning to Reynoldston to Mr Perry's for medicine, get none. Ted sleeps here.

10th

Wet again, how unexpected, glass high!! Sowing again retarded and ploughing stopped. Rise early and sent to Swansea note to RH for bread. Begin Quarterly, Mary Queen of Scots. Rain ceases a little and send my men to outdoor work. Walked to Crickton and arrange work there. Misty wet. Turnips nearly done, wheat looking miserable. Sow some mustard seed etc. Weigh hay, walk to Cillibion fields, fence made up. Gibbs sends over to look at barley seed, again walk to Crickton to see what done. Ted rides over to Penmaen and returns again. Shoots at ducks and misses. Mr Perry called and dined. Enter daily accounts etc and read quarterly.

12th

Sunday. Fine brisk day, morning duty. In the evening take children to Mr Lloyd, Cillibion. Missy kills a hare on our return to my great annoyance. Am extremely tired this evening, why?

Monday. Dry cold lowering day, rise early and walk in garden and ride to Crickton to order work before breakfast. Carree talks of riding to Reynoldston. George Gibbs sends for barley. Tom sent to Penmaen for barm etc. Work in garden with Carree and C Teddy, sow seeds etc, plant strawberries, send flowers to Mrs Bevan, Port Eynon. Ride with Carree after dinner to Manselfold to see about road. Cart of coal broke down, a hint to repair them. Shoot a hawk in a curious way, having killed one of my chickens and could not get her off it, made up as a trophy. Some conversation with George Gordon at Cross Lane as to tithes of Cilivor in arrear. Enter accounts in the evening.

13th

Damp rainy morning, muddy ride to Swansea, no rain. Called at C Collins and Wilkins, new shop, locksmith. Return by Penmaen, Miss Holland there, Carree has not ridden over. I am too late for dinner, dine alone and return with Ted loaded with hops. Am brewing and forgotten them. Home to tea, too tired to work.

14th

Another drizzly day, roads one sheet of mud. Ride to Cross Inn with Ted, overtake Mr Lucas and ride with him. I first rode in the morning to Crickton to arrange about the fair etc. Met many cattle all sold, a very bad plan forestalling a regular fair. Cross Inn fair a most brisk one, sold oxen well. Adjourn to C Collins farm, Killay, a gin party. Agricultural Association formed, met at plough Mr Grose and David Owen. I called on old Mr Gordon, late of Blackpill, adjourned like mad caps to Kittle Hill and home late by Park Mill and Lunnon.

15th

Fine day again after a wet night, no end of rain. Are engaged to dine at Swansea with Mr C Collins but do not feel well and am afraid of his jovial party. Write an excuse and send Tom on young Rosy, he to buy a hat, brings it home under his arm!! Ted and I walked to Stafell Haegr by Crickton and Park yr Rhedin. Carpenter at work about old houses. Dine at 2, rabbit. Ted goes back to Penmaen. Work with Carree in flower garden by wall. Engaged in evening with Mr Gordon Senior as to tithes and other accounts, also W David carpenter on account he wanting nails etc for Stafell Haegr. Enter daily accounts of work for 3 days in arrear, am quite done up.

16th

Heavy rain this morning in showers, fine after 10.00. Read an article in quarterly, Dr Henry's St Helena etc. Ride by appointment to Bryngwas, one Beynon thatching there. Sell my calf, call at Howell John's about gates for Bryngwas, order two of Grant and back by 2.00. Graft some apples with WT, my first essay. George Beynon of Stembridge calls as to money of Herbert's Grove and pays tithes, takes tea with us. Puzzled as to how to arrange for Swansea, Susan wants to go, counterorder all market commissions, butter eggs etc.

17th

Rise early, wet morning, fine day. C Reese and Susan go to Swansea, 15 W barley, tithes Hillend, and grocery home etc and grate for Stafell Haegr from Edmund etc. I see the cart off and go to Crickton to order work etc. Ted comes over. I had forgotten to send for the grate. All walked to Cillibion field and see the colt of Spotty. Mrs Batcock goes late to Swansea, send by her for grate and get it, how lucky! Work in garden with Carree etc and finish rock work by large stone placed for a horse block etc. Difficult task. Henry comes in evening, quite unexpected. His letter comes, as usual, after him. Carree alarmed at his unexpected arrival. I am reading quarterly, French Revolution!! Murders etc.

19th

Sunday. Henry here, evening duty. Fine day, nothing happens. Much said by Henry as to Abercothi, George etc.

Monday. Rise early, fine day. Do not go to Crickton or to Stafell Haegr, see about work at home, mangold wurzel etc. Henry drives us to Oxwich, call on Mrs W Collins. Lose my cape in some extraordinary way. Ted rides back for it on Moselle, no find. Suspect some gypsies in Pennyhitch. Search their tents, no find. Dine at 5, a hare and cod fish. Ted has funeral at chapel, Neddy's wife, long dropsical. Nothing done in evening. Put out about loss of my favourite cape, 10 years old!!!

20th

Rise at 6 and out to see how things are going on. Walk with Henry over Crickton, wheat deplorable. I am sowing oats. Mr James, senior and junior, call. Conversation about Caswell money for buying. Sow a few flower seeds with Carree, mangold wurzel sown in garden. Henry drives us over to Penmaen, return at 9.00 by the road. Ted and Henry rode to Stafell Haegr. George Dix very ill, his wife long ill and not better. Threatening day, no rain. Moon change, bad hour.

21st

Rise early and out Crickton before breakfast and order work etc. Write a long letter to William about the wastes and commons etc, enclosure etc and money for Caswell. Start too late in Henry's carriage for Port Eynon, take the children. Mrs Bevan from home, all but Lucas there, ill. Go with Henry to see the minerals at Salt House. Return to a late dinner, very cold northeast wind. Tired in the evening over the rough roads.

22nd

Fine day, very cold north east wind and brisk. Rise early and pay poor rate Upper Division. A mow of oats taken in at Caie Forgan. Order about work at Crickton etc before breakfast, clearing out barn of straw etc. Henry drives us to Swansea to shop etc and meet Mr James [not there!!] Pro pudor. Dinner at Castle. Home to tea in good time. Meet young Holland of ? at Castle, queer cove. Richard drowned 6 geese by stupidity. Children delighted with paper lights.

23rd
Sharp white frost, fine day, promises change. Begin potato setting, busy day, borrow Henry's horse, stallion. After breakfast walk with Henry to Crickton potato setting etc. Return and sow seeds, flowers, with Carree. Dine early and ride with Henry to Manselfold. He goes to Mr Gordon, Llwynybwch, I to Stafell Haegr, meet Carree and children and settle about Swansea tomorrow. Sent to Penmaen, they send here in evening. Mr Gwyn of Townsend called as to his account, wants further delay. Write a note for him.

24th

Carree unwell all day in bed. I mean to sow flower seeds, get prepared, windy and cold. First walk to Crickton, busy setting potatoes. Irregular in work, want looking after, return, wet comes on. Mortice a lock on inner cellar door. Walk with Henry again to Crickton in evening to see what goes on. All gone and walk to Cillibion fields to see colts. Car home in good time and settle market accounts.

26th

Sunday. Sacrament, thin attendance. Wet stormy morning and disagreeable day.

Monday. Dull foggy damp morning, clears off cold and windy and rise early, Henry off at 7 on Moselle to meet coach at Loughor, goes on to Llanelli Custom House, Gilberts importation of wine etc. We are engaged to dine at Penmaen, I am in house about Reese's accounts etc. Henry returns late 2 o'clock, we were to have been early at Penmaen. A messenger from Abercothi on our return, long packet of letters for Henry, Gibbert, George, Lewis and Dick Rees etc of great consequence. I had letter from William as to money for purchase of Herbert's Grove, satisfactory. Go to bed late to rise early, much milder this evening.

27th

Another express messenger from Carmarthen to Henry, Lewis painter under execution. Rise early, breakfast early. I am out before breakfast to Cadennith. Henry off after breakfast, full of Carmarthen troubles of accounts. I am far from well today, weak as a rat. Bull calf turned out, Ayrshire. Walk to Stafell Haegr, meet Mr Davies of Llanellen. Mrs J and Carree etc ride to Stafell Haegr. Much illness, Dix very ill. Dine early, Mr J a funeral at Ilston. Walk with Ted to Jos Jones etc. Logic, pony, has a foal, nearly lost in wet ditch. Return by Park y Rhedin, plant strawberry etc this evening. George Gibbs calls for barley, work late in garden this evening, very languid, everybody complaining.

28th

See, hear, cuckoo first time. Swallows about some time. Most sultry oppressive day, thunder and lightning in evening. Rise early oppressed with fatigue and walk to Crickton and arrange all work. Return and lie on sofa after sundry orders and counterorders of work etc at home. Work at Stafell Haegr very inconvenient. Sow few flower seeds, ride with Carree to call on Mrs Perry, meet Ted, goes with us. Dine at 2. Sow seeds again, quite done up with fatigue and illness, all over pain. Mr Davies of R calls, christening at Llanellen, he and Ted go, call here on return, Ted sleeps here. I fatigued with all over pain. Lightning this evening.

29th

Slept miserably in pain all over. Breakfast in bed, down by 10.00. Something better today. Mr James calls early and returns. Devote the day to sowing flower seeds and peas. Ride after dinner to Crickton and to see colts at Cillibion fields and again sow flower seeds with Carree quite late. Read a gardeners magazine and Britannica papers. Am better today but far from well. Quite summer. Bed early after gruel. Carree plays Harmonious Blacksmith.

30th

I am pretty well again, not up early. Beautiful summer weather but too dry for my garden. No matter, good for other things. Determined to sow the last flower seeds with Carree and set about it. Make a new flower border, patty pan in front. Ted rides over, letter from Edmund going by steam to Tenby today. May come here answer him tonight. Mr J not very well, Ted says. Carree and (I) ride this evening and meet Mrs J at Park Mill, her mare been down, not before I expected. Mr Pearce calls at Penmaen, going to Devon on Monday. I bring over some ivy, all the ivy shared at Penmaen by a Devon gardener. Home late and write to Edmund. Morgan of Park Mill very ill, dying?

Water cresses, Betty, Horod farm, 7½d.

May

1st (Saturday)

Not up early, settle work before breakfast. Walk after to Crickton over all the farm, wheat deplorable indeed after great trouble and expense. Tis very hot, detect C Teddy stealing my best pansy to his garden, chide him. Cut first cabbage today and have bacon only!!! Am off hinges all day, plant some ivy from Penmaen in nursery. Rabbits and fowls killed. Take Moselle junior to Cillibion field with Carree and see the colts, a black hen set, ducks hatched. Shroud up some overgrown shrubbery. Car home in good time, corn rising. Read Quarterly on Russia, not political. Good character of Nicholas. Quite summer.

3rd

Sunday. Weather changed, cold and disposed to rain. Slight rain. Evening duty. Read Cambrian and read Quarterly, Miss Grose takes tea here, her brother gone home to bring a wife. We walk to Cillibion quite late, garden improved, pretty playground for the children made in front.

Monday. Very cold morning, walk to Crickton, settle work and settle market account. Cold dull day. Carree sets old parlour in order, sweep up all my seeds and sow remainder of mixed flower seeds. Ted spends day at Stafell Haegr garden, sowing. Dine early with Ted and ride to see road Manselfold and to Mr Beynons of Stembridge; tea there. Meet his brother of Liverpool and take his account of his sisters entitled to legacies from Herberts Lodge. Bully calf lost this evening, found again, Cilivor. Guernsey cow to bull first time.

4th

Cold dull windy day after rain in night. Write a hasty note to William, London, by Mr Beynon as to parties to Herberts Grove purchase. Carree turns sitting rooms inside out, re-adoption of unfinished parlour. Sort newspapers to keep. Ride to Cadennith [Ted to Stafell Haegr], begin to prepare to sow barley very late. Ride to Park y Rhedyn, no one on the road. Dine early. In evening walk to glazier, Cillibion, want windows put, Ann broke one this morning. Ted had long confab with Morgan Jenkins as to the marriage at Wibley. We return by Cadennith again. Ted sends his glass etc by Hannah to Stafell Haegr. Write a note to Edmund for Swansea from village as to landing at the Holms.

5th

Rise early, far from well, am twice to Cillibion field with Llewellyn before breakfast for black colt to be shod etc for fair. Lawn mowing finished. Walk to Cadennith to see barley sowing begin. Read Quarterly, Education in France. Hang curtains for Carree, abominable business. Ted comes over and with Carree go to Stafell Haegr. I and Teddy go twice to Cadennith, beer etc, Crickton barn etc, return and work in garden and again about curtains. Receive letter from Henry, Abercothi. Wind very high at times tonight.

6th

Fine day after rain in night. Off early with Ted to Penmaen, too late for breakfast. Mr J accompanies us to Leet Court, Bishopstone. Strong parties, dine at 3.00. Ted obliged to leave for a funeral at Chapel. Tis talked of as the last court, copy holds to be enfranchised. Lord J Russell said to be coming to Penrice Castle. Tea at Mr Nicholls, not home before 10.00 to Caie Forgan, quite tired and far from well. Expect Edmund and Captain Brett, do not come put off by letter tomorrow for a week at least. Sleep all out of our bed, most inconveniently.

7th

Rain again in night and morning, fine afternoon. Am quite unwell, weak as a rat. Finish Quarterly, boundary question, monstrous uninteresting. Ride to Stafell Haegr with Carree and Ted. Dine at 3.00, Ted comes over from Penmaen. Mr & Mrs J ride over evening, take tea. Ship and boat sent to C Teddy by Gibbs, swim it on Green Pits. Very far from well all day. Beautiful evening, Mr Lloyd borrow steel yards. Charlie took flowers to Miss Grose.

8th

Swansea fair, wet day. Llewellyn sent with my black Doll colt and Ted's Sam Slick, sold for £6.10. 0 and £7. I ride there very fast, being late, overtake Mr D junior, Penllwyn Robert, on good pony, mangy. Overtake Ted at gate, Swansea, have but few commissions to execute. Swansea in a horrid mess of mud. Dine at 6 Bells Write a note to Dr Howell as to infirmary for Jane. Home fast to tea at 6.00, tea over, tea alone. Little work done today, too wet, backward seed time. Read some of new number of Barnaby Rudge this evening.

10th

Sunday. Wettish and fineish midday only. Morning duty. Old Jenkins the clerk taken ill. Mrs Grose the bride in church in crepe. Ted has 2 christenings and does evening duty at Llanmadock and takes tea at Holland's, gets wet and goes to Penmaen.

Monday. Dull wind and cold, no rain. Glass rising. Ride before dinner to Crickton and order work and to Manselfold about the road and to Stafell Haegr. Meet Ted there and return by Penralt. See RH who tells me Vosper has sold his sheep now for the tithes. Walk with Carree to Mr Lloyd. C Teddy with us, seed and pigs. In evening enter accounts from Saturday morning and Ted copies registers for visitation. Windy sort of evening and cold. Am far from well, stomach quite out of order.

11th

Heavy rain and wind about breakfast time. Clears off and is a fine day. Finished reading Dr Dauberry's lectures on agriculture. I am far from well, all rheumatism and troubled with a boil. Ted rides somewhere and returns to Penmaen. I trim up with long hook some of the hedges. No appetite for dinner, boiled pork. Stroll in evening to Crickton, ploughing again for barley. Am quite tired and weak all evening. China affairs, probability of further war there. Cannot sit up and obliged to go to bed early and take water gruel, all rheumatism.

12th

Most beautiful day. Breakfast in bed, far from well, better tho' than last night. Sit down to my tithe book, write to Vosper and receive on account £5. In evening walk with children to Crickton, clover seed sown Cadennith. Barley sowing, Crickton turnip field, rolling oats. Tom sent to Penmaen in evening, singing children come to tea and cakes and practice etc. I am far from well, all rheumatism.

13th

Beautifully hot, barley sowing not finished. Jos Gwynn of Townsend calls early, I not up, as to writing to Mr Collins, not to put him to more legal expense. Am better this morning and all day. Understand all work going on before breakfast. In slippers and dressing gown all morning till dinner. Sit down to tithe book. Mr & Mrs J call to dinner, we all call at the Grose's after bridal visit. Mr Curtis of Lunnon there. Am not at Crickton all day. Spotted mare covered today by Jack first time and tomorrow morning.

14th

Far from well all day, full of pains, can settle to nothing. Read Giles account of Swan River. Walk with Teddy to Crickton and settle about Swansea tomorrow etc. WR goes to mill, stroll about the garden listlessy. Dine early. Write to Stafell Haegr to know the wants of tomorrow. Ted comes over from Penmaen, letters, the Miss Ords cannot come to Gower. Rubbish burning in the garden, C Teddy most industriously. Write commissions for Swansea etc.

15th

Quite listless all day. Beautiful fine weather, send barley, potatoes, eggs and butter to Swansea. C Reese and Eliza. Market slack, no sale for potatoes. Ted goes to Penmaen, Mr J to Swansea!!!!! for a little politics? Read Britannia paper, dine early, tough fowl!! Ride to Crickton and Prisk. Jos Jones has been working, gone this evening. Walk with Carree to cow field to Cillibion to meet the car. Car home just as we return. Cambrian paper, question, are the ministers these wicked double faced raters, in or out, no hopes they are yet hanged I suppose.

17th

Sunday. Evening duty, dine early, no appetite. Far from well all church. time. C Teddy there. Return alone with Teddy. Carree visits the sick. Am quite ill this evening, obliged to lie on the sofa and go to bed. Dull day, cool and forebodes change of weather. Pass a wretched night, full of horrid dreams, shipwrecks etc.

Monday. Quite ill, send for Mr Perry, surgeon. Wet stormy day. Am bled, kept low and in bed all day, most miserable.

18th

Ill in bed, fine day. Passed a most miserable painful night, something easier to day.

19th

Ill in bed. Most miserable stormy wet day. Send to meet Edmund and Captain Brett at Pontardulais. They ride their own ponies, arrive at 5 to dinner. See Edmund up in my room.

20th

Ill in bed, have changed my room. Shave a four days beard and wash myself in bed. Much more comfortable.

21st

Ill still, get up about midday, am very weak. Introduced to Captain Brett, like him. He is off very early in the morning for Bristol. Send for Robert Harry, lend my car and arrange for his luggage to Swansea before 7.00 tomorrow. Thorough wet evening again, fine till midday. Plans altered, Edmund stays till Monday.

22nd

Edmund here, I am a prisoner to the house all day, ill, better. Edmund rides to the top of Cefn Bryn in evening and gets wet.

24th

Sunday. Sacrament at home with Edmund. Writing to my Aunt Mabbott and he writing letters. Ted does duty at Llanmadock. Dine early and ride to tea at Penmaen. Home early, beautiful day, long talk late at night with Edmund about Turville etc and arrange to send early to Swansea, luggage.

Monday. Most beautiful, muster about the gypsies, they go vol. Ride early with Carree to Stafell Haegr, nearly ready. Mr Nicholls calls, we all out. Edmund off early to Swansea and Bristol. At Park y Rhedin about road. P Matthew and J Charles to go to Wibley and break pr ton. Mrs Jenkins very ill. Dine at 2.00, hunt for Guinea hen's nest and find it. Mr & Mrs J ride over in evening and back again. Ted goes too. I ride to Crickton, potato setting and burning cooch. Tea in garden. Mr Perry calls, orders tonics. Very weary this evening, can do nothing. Go to bed rather early.

25th

Thomas Stephens calls for land tax, no change, can't pay. Enter arrear of accounts and am going to Penmaen. Ride alone to Penmaen, Mr J gone to Kittle. See my last colt from Mr Nicholls pony. Bathe with Ted at the Great Tor. Swim Moselle and Ted's horse. Dine at 2.00. Beautiful large sewin. Carree rides over in the evening unexpectedly. We ride home late, very warm. Present from Gibbs of Overton of a very large crab, 8 ½ lbs and some oysters. Last cow, Ayrshire, calves. Tired and glad to go to bed, all the better for my bathe.

26th

Ride with Mr Grose to Cillibion field and sell Daisy cow £10 and agree for tithes £35 same as Mr Nicholls. Ride to Crickton and see who there potato setting. Home and pack up and ride with Carree and drive children all to Penmaen to stay. Dine there and to sands in evening, bathe all the children. Very languid and tired all day, cannot keep awake all the evening. As weak as a rat, am taking tonics from Mr Perry. Write a postscript in Mrs James letter to Park Street as to Kent and the …

27th

Rise tired at Penmaen and ride to Caie Forgan with Mr J. Early call at Mr George's, he to be at Llanrhidian as to land for school. Meeting him returning on common. Ladies spend day on the sands, we join them at 2.00 and dine there. I bathe 2nd time this season. Threatens a storm, thunder and lightning and rain at night. Some things forgotten on the sands. Quarterly Review lost by the tide. Bring children up tired on horseback, Johnny asleep. I am sleepy and tired this evening.

28th

At Penmaen, beautiful weather after rain and thunder and lightning in night. Read Morning Herald, do not bathe. Ride with Carree by the Tower and Cox's to Oxwich. Call on Rev. William Collins, old Mr & Mrs C there and Miss Lucas. Do not see the child, ill. Return by the sands, dine at 4.00. Ann comes over with things from Caie Forgan. Ted comes over and returns to Caie Forgan. Children tea at Mrs Jones etc.

29th

Still beautiful weather, much cooler air. At Penmaen. Ted over early, go together with Carree and children to sands. We bathe, strong ground sea. Mr & Mrs J come after, bathing does me much good. Bathe young Rosy in the pill. Dine at 2 and ride over to Caie Forgan with Ted. Go to Crickton, get account of work etc. Tea at Caie Forgan. Enter accounts etc and return to Penmaen. C Reese at Swansea with barley.

31st

Sunday. Penmaen evening duty. Mr James has duty in morning at Nicholaston and sacrament. I bathe before dinner, dine early. Beautiful weather.

Monday. Write to my mother and ride with Mr J at 10.00 to Hoppers Mill etc fishing. George Thomas at the Western Mill is clearing the mill dam. Get some trout and dine there. His daughter married to one Jenkins of Ragged Ranter who takes the mill. We are at home by 5.00 and surprise them with the load of fish. Tired with our day's work. Find Ted at Penmaen. Beautiful weather. Read paper in evening, parliament very interesting, Sir R Peel, motion, want of confidence in ministry. Hear from Cathe and William a few lines.

June

1st (Tuesday)

Mr & Mrs J, Carree and I ride to the Grange, Mr Samuel D in London. Mrs D in Swansea. Ride to the Mumbles and lunch. Return home by Caswell etc. Call on Mrs Nicholls, do not dismount. Meet Mr N on top of Bishopstone Hill. Home to dine before 5.00. Finish newspapers. Do not bathe today or yesterday or tomorrow.

2nd

Much cooler today, misty rain. Do not bathe. Receive letter from Fred and Clara, anemones etc sent. Walk with Mr J, call on Mr Voss and Dick Watkins. Dine early. Ride home in evening, go to Crickton, get account of work etc. Ted gone to a funeral, difficulty about tea. Enter accounts in evening, walk to Cillibion field. Meet Morgan Jenkins, a meeting this evening about Tom Dix, boy pauper. I can't go, am bound for Swansea tomorrow.

3rd

Slept at Caie Forgan, thought to drive Tom to Swansea. Receive message from meeting of last night. Ride to Swansea and back to Penmaen. Only speak to Mr Davies, relieving officer, as to Tom then attendance at trustee meeting. Mr Grove and Mr O G Williams and myself only. Few commissions, at Penmaen by 5.30. Beautiful fresh bright day.

4th

Still fine, very. Read Parliamentary debate as to confidence in Ministry, motion Sir R Peel. Bathe with Ted and go to Leatherhole. Mr Perry bathes first time in sea and gets into difficulty, tide coming in. Meet Mrs J on burrows, see Carree and Mrs J on the sands, expect fun in seeing them bathe, not know them. Mrs J on the sands too. Mr & Mrs Perry and George dine at Penmaen etc.

5th

Off early for home with Carree to see Stafell Haegr etc. Mr & Mrs J join us, dine at Caie Forgan. Barn, account of work etc. Dine at 2. Enter accounts, inclination to a wet evening, some rain. Ladies and Mr J go home again, I and Ted later. Eliza home in good time from Swansea.

7th

Sunday. Beautiful but cold, at Penmaen. Sacrament, Trinity excellent sermon on. Mr J has evening duty at Nicholaston, pack up. Read Aunt Susan, very good little book. Early dinner, ride home in evening, children and all, WR came over. Census taken tomorrow. Monday. Census taken. Up very early. Sleep badly, Ted also. Take barm tea, send WR to Penmaen for luggage etc. Rabbit to Mr Jones alive, hops and oats sent. Ted goes with Thomas Gordon, his circuit as enumerator of population. Ride with Carree to see who is on the road, see nobody. Go also to Oldwalls and not to Manselfold as intended. Call at the kiln and return by Crickton. Begin mowing. Weed in gardens, resow swede turnips. Crops in garden all miserable failures. Phil Morris calls in evening about census. Enter accounts etc in the evening.

8th

Cold north wind, very dry. Make clover hay. Ted goes early to Stafell Haegr. I read Britannia paper, Sir R Peel's censure on ministers [want of confidence] Carried by majority of one. Walk with Carree and C Teddy to Crickton hay field, dine at 2. Ride to Park y Rhedin to see road men. Kill a rat with Nep this morning in yard. Kill a hare ditto this evening in garden. Attend the parish meeting at 7.00 as to Tom Dix and the poor houses Cilivor. Home at 10.00.

9th

Dry and cold, wind north, sunny. Meet Mr Cor. Gordon by appointment at Park y Rhedin as to road into his field Crickton Top. Ride over Crickton Farm, hay making etc. Then to Mr Grose's as to a boy to supplant Tom Dix. Home by 12.00, Tom and Mr & Mrs J come over to dine from Penmaen. Ride with Ted to gather peas at Stafell Haegr. Spring dinner, lamb and pigeons, new potatoes and peas!!!! Luckily Mr Evans of Brynhir drops in by accident just in time to sport off the peas and stays to spend a pleasant evening, break up early, talk about the new schools intended Upper and Lower. New servant boy, James Dimond[5], with his father called to make some arrangements. Agree to take him to rid myself of Tom Dix whom Mr Grose will take. Tie up hollyhocks in the evening late.

10th

Beautiful day, carry clover hay Crickton, one acre, first crop. Rain wanted much. Want sadly to make out and send accounts to William but something always takes off my attention and engages my time and makes my conscience ill at ease. Weed and garden and trim hedges, find rabbits. Dine at 2, ride with Carree to Crickton hay, to Park y Rhedin, road men, to Penralt. Old Mrs Lucas of Leason dead. See George Jones about road on Crickton top, bring children home on horses from Penralt. Tea and walk to see Morgan Jenkins about carts and rode to Cilivor field etc, water a few things in garden and plant out a few China asters quite late.

11th

Busy, interrupted, miscellaneous day. Before breakfast walk to Crickton top about road, no one there. Read Worcester Conservative meeting. Mr Gordon and Edward Reese called; settle vessel account, not very satisfactory, now repairing at Penclawdd too. Phil Matthew and J Charles call about road accounts. No money to pay. Abraham Ball a pauper wants work. Mr Gordon advises his being set on the road at job, do so. A second time on Crickton Top, all hands at work. George Gordon there etc. Meet Ted and C Teddy going to Stafell Haegr. Go over Crickton with R Harry and Hopkin of Wimmel. Read some deeds and wills over for him and advise him. All confusion about dinner, Carree has dined. Sawyers here. Gravel carted in. Carted thistles with Ted etc, tea in garden. Walk with Carree to Mr Lloyd about Swansea tomorrow, enter accounts in evening.

12th

Very dry, wind north. Up early, walked to Crickton Hill, try to get cart for gravel, fail. Send letter to Fred by Mrs Jenkins. Engaged to meet thatcher at Bryngwas, Monday. Ride by appointment to Penmaen to bathe etc, bathe with Ted. Carry buck rabbit over to Mr Jones, he in bed, don't see him. Dine at Penmaen and home to tea. Bring back samphire. New servant at Penmaen, a perfect lout, cleaning carriage. Made discovery that cats or ? had taken to kill my rabbits. Send WR a gun, no go. Received deeds of Herberts Lodge from WM, London. Read Lord Stanley etc, adjourned debate on want of confidence in ministers. Out late with Carree. Eliza Dix dies this evening, long ill.

Sunday. Still dry, rain much wanted. Read debates, want of confidence. Evening duty, Dine early. Ted walks over, “To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain”, sermon. Walk back with Mr and Mrs Grose, road all dust. Read papers, Cambrian etc, politically interesting, ministers and their minority of one. Singing school, Carree attends, stroll out. Teddy quite ridiculous in his monkey dress, hands under his tail.

14th

Still dry and dusty. Ride early to Bryngwas, meet thatcher, Phil Beynon, measure his work, pay him as per a bill for south side £2.2.3. and settle accounts with Mrs Jones. Dine at Penmaen at 3.00. Meet Miss Tottenham and Miss Lucas, Carree rode alone to Penmaen. Ted took over children early. We all come home together, very cold evening, rain threatening, none comes. Have a fire upstairs, very cold. Enter accounts tomorrow evening.

15th

Rise early, still dry, rain much wanted.. Ride after breakfast with Ted, young Rosy, to see roads Wibley and Manselfold etc. Gather peas Stafell Haegr, dine at 3.00. Garden, weed etc. New boy Dimond comes, old boy Tom Dix is to go to Mr Grose's, his sister Eliza Dix buried today. Gravel carted to the roads here, take gun in expectation of shooting cat, no go. Ted after gets a shot, she has killed many of my rabbits, death warrant issued. Prospect of rain again all gone.

16th

Rise early, Tom goes off to Cillibion, Mr Grose's. Ted returns to Penmaen after breakfast. Ride young Rosy to Crickton Hill to arrange work carting gravel to Caie Forgan. In full force today with 4 carts. Road passable now to the kiln about lime, see RH and arrange for 2 days more pay. Home by Crickton, ride Moselle to Penmaen, bathe with Ted. Call on Mrs Jones, return to dine on a hare at 3.00 and again ride to Crickton Hill and see the road, as lowered, opened. Send to F Thomas for 3 quarts beer because carts stay late and do good work. All Carried to Caie Vorgan roads. Home to tea and out late with gun to try to kill the wild cat, see her too far. Enter journal and day book.

17th

Not up so early as usual, not out before breakfast. Paper behind shutters in best room, tedious business. Gather a dish of 20 strawberries or so to eat with cream to amuse grown-up and growing children. Very nice. An excellent green goose for dinner. New boy Jim Dimond sent to Penmaen for barm. Hay prevents them coming to dine. Weed garden. Walk with Carree to Crickton, she returns alone. I go to Penralt, arrange about lime etc, walk over Crickton Farm. Carree makes a mattress of long wool. Jones of the Bank called this morning as to reed for Bryngwas. Tell him to send 300. Edward Reese brings 6 young brannets[6] or St. George's ducks, try to raise them. Rain at bedtime 11.00. Glorious change indeed. Rain, fine tomorrow.[7]

18th

Read Britannia paper all morning. Get to the barn before dinner, winnow for exercise. Shift about some rabbits. Dine on hashed hare. Clears off in evening a little, plant a few broccoli, weed. W Tucker thins and plants out mangold wurzel. Ted comes over this evening, letter from Jane Marcon. Jim Dimond sent to Penmaen. In bustle all day about Swansea tomorrow. 2 geese killed, very fine. The most beautiful mild quiet sharp rain, most seasonable indeed.

19th

Work in garden till dinner, weeding and moving flowers. Ride to Crickton and to Penralt to see road men, after tea walk with Carree to see cow field and meet car. Again work weeding in garden, car returns. W Tucker works at Penmaen.

Sunday. Wettish day, comes on at church time. Very wet evening, morning sacrament, full attendance. Ted goes to Llanmadock on young Rosy. Cornish pie dinner. Read Cowbridge paper. Carree does not stay sacrament, thought Johnny unwell.

21st

Fine day, some showers. Busy in garden till dinner time securing peas and mustard with tar string for want of sticks. Ride to Stafell Haegr leading Rosie junior. All the rest gone early to clear out Stafell Haegr old house. We all dined there, peas and bacon etc. The house will be very comfortable. Return to tea and again work in garden quite late. Gather and weed strawberries till dark.

22nd

Heavy showers this morning, fine day after breakfast. Rise in good time and arrange work before breakfast and weed in garden. Ted rides to the Upper Division about government, return of burials etc. Work in garden weeding, have rabbit room cleaned out. Ride to Crickton and to road over Prisk. Dine at 2.00. Mr J unexpectedly there. Receive letters from Glover as to sale of Miss Tottenham paid last year!! and from of William M as to accounts etc for Mr France. Ride with Carree and Mr J to Penmaen to tea and to eat strawberries. Home by 8.30, very cold for midsummer!!

23rd

Beautiful hot day, gentle rain in evening. Up early, breakfast alone. Ride early to Crickton and arrange work. Ride to Prisk to arrange about Ted for goods tomorrow from Swansea and see road men spread stones. Home and garden with Carree and make hay, front of house. Dine and again to Crickton and arrange to sow turnips by WR and WT. Ted comes over, stays tea. Brush and clean lawn etc. Tie up peas, no sticks. Unpack with Ted, porter from Clarkes. Meant to write to William, can't find time. Write to Glover in answer to claim for Miss Tottenham paid long ago.

24th

Very hot day, thundery. Ted goes to Swansea, he sends furniture home by Evans of Prisk. I walked to Crickton after breakfast. Turnip sowing. To village for bread and order 1 gallon beer for field, to Stafell Haegr. Find Llewellyn asleep instead of turning lime and earth. Return by Crickton, meet Morgan Jenkins in church yard, promise to see road men at Park y Rhedin in evening, prevented. Mr and Mrs Perry and Miss Davies call and dine. Mr & Mrs J dine too. Scanty beef and some talk of lawsuit, Howell John and Samuel P. Copton Pool let off. Ted returns from Swansea and sleeps. Out late planting cabbage, pit etc. No writing, wished to write to William. Hear poor accounts of Vosper's livery.

25th

Blethyn school, Penclawdd, quarter, 13s.

Mr Morgan of Bristol expected, can't come. Receive letter from Edmund about lathe and cart etc at Tenby. Sort papers etc, dine on buttermilk. Ted goes to Stafell Haegr and furniture carted by Rosy and WR. I walked to Crickton and to road men, Park y Rhedyn quarry. Again to Park y Rhedyn ditto evening and home by Crickton. Received letters from Penmaen by Blethyn as above, he had poor accounts of Howell John. Write to William in the evening, cannot comply with his request as to accounts. Request further time till Michaelmas. Most showery day.

26th

W David, Penralt, Ayrshire bull yesterday. Stormy sort of morning, workable day, dull and windy. Stone carting Copton Corner, cart shaft broken. Cart stones to Green Pits for culvert. Walk to Crickton, return and ride young Rosy to Stafell Haegr. Llewellyn cuts rush and give Dix patterns sent by Edmund to Park y Rhedyn road men. Dine. Read road book law, brush up garden, plant a few cabbage. Ted rides over, walk together to Green Pits and Copton Corner. Tea. Wheat winnowing at Caie Forgan. Measure Winchester quart measure. Carree in terrible low spirits this morning.

Sunday. Evening duty, sermon, Simeon's Song, ‘Now lettest…' etc. Walk early with Carree to Mrs Lloyd about a servant. Ted dines at Penmaen. We all go after church to Stafell Haegr, furniture there. George Gordon at Caie Forgan this evening long time. No singing, very cold, sit by the kitchen fire.

28th

Monday. Damp misty morning, rainy. Write a long letter to WM as to Mr France to postpone accounts till Michaelmas. Slates 400 sold to RH to be put to my account. Engaged to dine at Penmaen, shall we go. Send the promised goose and ride over late. No goose come, all put out. Get a good dinner still. Paper full of elections. Receive a long letter from my mother. Get home again without much wet. Heavy rain after dark. Children not well. WR ill, in bed, old mare griped, kicks stall to pieces. Go to bed early because home late. Ted rode to Penllwyn Robert, son ill.

29th

Am up very early, early in bed last night. Walk to Park y Rhedyn, no men on the road, late or absent. Morgan Jenkins not up. Take shelter in his porch. Everywhere mud of wet. Some thunder and showers all day till evening. Pack things of Ted's for Stafell Haegr in barn. A wheat rick taken in full of mice!!!! Half eaten! Bill for repairs of Nancy. Ride to Crickton 12.00, C Reese's account of corn. Write notes for Reynoldston as to veal. Jim Dimond loses the pony Rosie junior. Transplant with W Jone mangold wurzel. Garden late, tying up golden rod etc. Wild ducks dead sent up by F Thomas. Enter my accounts late etc. Glass rises.

30th

Dull cloudy coolish day. Mr and Mrs James come over on visit for few days. I ride after breakfast to Crickton to see road men at Park Rhedin. Dung getting out at Crickton for turnips. At Stafell Haegr Ted screws up his bedstead and sees about his furniture. Will now soon get in. Dine at 3.00. Very cold for the season. Have a fire in the evening. Ted returns to Penmaen.

July

1st (Thursday)

A thoro' wet day. Morning fast rain, midday driving wet, evening dull and damp and foggy. Brew 5 wins (Winchesters) of Mr Nicholls malt. 18 galls strong 36 table beer for hay harvest etc. Mr & Mrs J on a visit with us, Ted slept at Penmaen, comes over to dinner etc. Read Britannia and Cambrian papers. In garden tie up more flowers etc. Dine at 3.00. In evening walk with Ted to Park y Rhedyn road men. J Harry's wife called for money, have none. J Davis of Welsh Moor called for a certificate. One Bennett of Reynoldston called, a petition as to his son in Cardiff jail, on a charge by one Wilson of Knelston as to a donkey.

2nd

Rise early, dull day but dry and warm. Work in garden before breakfast. Swansea fair, C Reese goes for wool. Mr & Mrs J ride over to Penmaen and return. Ted comes over with horses and goes after to Stafell Haegr and has a sack of coals sent down. I gather a lot of strawberries in grass etc. First peas will be gathered tomorrow. Gather currants etc. Dine early, all in bustle. All day about Swansea tomorrow. After dinner walk to Crickton, mangold wurzel there weeded and thinned. C Teddy gets into the water ditch, haggard. Lots of news received today; Bristol Railway opened Wednesday, elections - city and Bristol. Receive letter WM and WFM, write in evening. Ted returns to Penmaen. Mr Vosper calls this evening and pays part of arrear of tithes £8.

3rd

Breakfast early, foggy day like November. Ride to Swansea to meet Ted at Finger Post. C Reese and Ann to sell corn and butter etc. Ted and I return to Llanrhidian together and he rides young Rosy to Penmaen. Some little rain on return home.

Sunday. Beautiful hot day after wet night. Morning duty. Walk with Mr J to Mr Lloyd's in the evening. Ted does not come over from Penmaen.

5th

Most beautiful morning, dulls over and disposed to rain at night. Most busy interrupted day. Miss Grose and Mr Pollard call early. She going to Devon tomorrow. Mr Pearce calls, he returned from Devon, he dines here. In the evening Mrs Nicholls and Mrs Hancorne call. Mr & Mrs J dine here and return to Penmaen in the evening. Robert Harry called about tithes, write a note in consequence to Cil Ivor. Calf to be bled. Nep half kills a dog. C Teddy faints. Johnny lost and found, all the house cry and in confusion, what a scene. Dinner all behind hand in consequence. Thos Thos calls about the bull. Pig very ill, nobody knows why. Go to Crickton with Ted in evening and after all settle my accounts from Saturday morning. Receive letter from Fred, has a boy at last. Accounts of his farming etc.

6th

Very wet night again.!!! Early morning wet dry cold day. Wind northerly and wintry clouds. Ted and Carree at Stafell Haegr with Ann clearing up a little. I am busy at the drain, Green Pits, with 6 men and carts, all finished, good job. No possibility of working on the land with the cart,e so wet!!! Ride to Park y Rhedyn and to Penralt for road men to work at the drain. There all day myself, save going to Crickton and settling with C Reese for marketry, Saturday. Ann's mother calls. Richard Gordon calls, took heifer to bull. Ted goes to Penmaen. Gather raspberries.

7th

Rise early, dull morning, proves misty and wet after 11.00. Work all settled and stopped, men go into barn. Calf killed, Ayrshire, the only one killed this season. Sow dies, some few days ill, bad liver. Read Britannia paper, election business etc. Had been working in garden planting turnips. Eliza is to leave tomorrow, horrid temper! Ted comes over and rides to Mr Thomas Gordon's, can't, get in. I walked to see road men at Malthouse Lane and home to tea. Corn sent to mill after picking it of mice dirt.

8th

Fine day, calf cut up and weighed and sent out by WR. Pick out slate slabs for Stafell Haegr and send them down. Walk to Crickton and settle work as to sowing turnips. Plant Lapland Kale. Ted gone with C Teddy to Stafell Haegr on the reed for porch. Dine early. New servant, Kitty Williams, came this morning. Eliza Williams gone in a most uncouth way. Walk with Carree after dinner to Penralt, talk with Mrs Harry, learn the plant horehound for first time Stafell Haegr. German broomwoman. Gather peas for tomorrow. Johnny rides with Susan to Penmaen. Enter accounts in the evening.

9th

Dry day but cold, no one works in garden. Ted off early to Penmaen and takes C Teddy. Carree and I ride over after and return to dinner. I and Ted bathe, water cold. Nep kills one of Mr Jones sheep on burrows. Mr James is making hay. Ride after dinner to Crickton and Penralt. Light fire to burn weeds in garden after tea. The cooper calls, send to Penralt by him skin etc. George Gordon calls also about tithes at dusk.

10th

Fine morning and all day till evening then thorough wet and most stormy high wind!!!! All commissions to Swansea by RH. Mr George Beynon called about money for Caswell, Herberts Lodge purchase. About home all day, tis very cold and most stormy tonight. An unlucky day, rise early, prune trees garden, cut my finger very badly. Wind does much damage. Alter fern pig yard. Fail to send for C Teddy from Penmaen. Send things over. RH calls in the evening, Swansea market rising, wet through. Read Cambrian, in bed late. Mrs Gordon's daughter from Llwynybwch in disgrace. Glad to have a fire.

See entry wrongly made for today. 19 July should be 12th and 13th. Finished turnip sowing 12th.

12th

Sunday. Unsettled weather, extremely cold. Evening duty. No clocks, dine early, all confusion. Ted dined at Penmaen, wait for him uselessly. David L Rees! of Leason preaches at Chapel, Oldwalls. Singing in the evening. Ted sleeps here. C Teddy comes home from Penmaen.

Monday. Begin mowing and finish turnip sowing. Rise early and dig in garden etc. After breakfast ride with Carree and Ted goes, take C Teddy to Stafell Haegr. I go on to marsh. Return and dine at 2. Gather red currants with Carree and called at Stoneyford. Ted goes to Mr Gordon's. Work again in garden, plant broccoli etc. Ted returns to Penmaen. Walk to mowing field and turnip sowing just finished. Nelly Harry, tea here. Cut a cabbage Buton 25lb, 10lb of it fit for the pit. Cut one for Nelly also 6lb. Mix lime etc for preserving eggs. Club night for the men in the village. Receive letters from Jone, Llanelli and from Edmund, Lewes. Mrs Edwards. Mr George Beynon calls, pay by bill £150.

13th

Fine day, glass not high, rises slowly. Busy confused day, washing, hay making. WR at Penmaen about hay. Carting rush, picking currants, making jam. C Teddy ill, very bad cold, in bed. Garden all things for the veal soup. Tucker at Penmaen. 3 miners from Nantyglo out of work, beg, an …, expected 1/-. Read Britannia paper. Beer to hay field and walk to Crickton Farm. Dine early and again to Crickton, help etc with Carree. Feed my rabbits etc. No one here to look after anything. Jam making in evening. WR home in good time from Penmaen.

14th

Very fine day all day. Rise early, ride to Stafell Haegr to meet mason by Lower Mill, waste water etc to drain or aqueduct to Stafell Haegr. On to Stafell Haegr, see mowing. Breakfast at 10 alone, Ted goes to the church. Help Carree gather and pick blackcurrants. Total 3 ½ lbs. Ted rides over to Penmaen as to Mr Benj Jones letter, Oxonian, wants lodging. Letter from A Murray as to Popkin rent. Ride to hay field, work in garden, look after rabbits, WR at hay. Write to Edmund in answer, receive Lewes paper. Weed top of walk flower garden. RH calls as to tithes Cil Ivor. Send to tithe it. Carree playing piano makes me stupid. C Teddy better.

15th

Busy about home till 12.00. Ted and Carree gone to Stafell Haegr to neat up. Mr James comes over from Penmaen and goes to Stafell Haegr. Drive in car with Teddy to Stafell Haegr and take provisions. Call on George Gordon in Courtlands to his tithe hay. He carrying without titheing, full of humbug. Allow him to carry that field subject to agreement for the remainder of farm and that hay at a valuation. Hay making stopped at Stafell Haegr by rain. Begin papering the roof of Ted's great sitting room, vexatious and difficult work, slow progress. Detained and take tea there. Return between showers luckily. Arrange to dine at Penmaen tomorrow and call at Ilston to meet Mr J.

16th

Ride to Ilston and Penmaen. Heavy rain at home, none at Ilston or Penmaen. In dilemma what to do today; heavy rains after breakfast. Showers frequent and heavy. Ride to Crickton and order ducks etc killed for market and ride on to Stafell Haegr. No mason as expected, nothing doing. Clears off, Ted goes early to Penmaen, Carree and I try to keep engagement, go to Ilston, Mr Jgone. No rain east of Llytherid. Mr Collins busy in hay!!! We are just in time for dinner at Penmaen. Miss Collins daughter of Dr Collins of Chew Magna near Bristol, a fine young woman. Ride home with her by Ilston in evening. Meet Mr Collins in his village and resign our charge. First day of dining labourers at home. We away from home and nothing properly arranged for Swansea tomorrow. Write commissions for Swansea etc.

17th

Penrice Fair. Mr George Beynon calls about bill £150, going to fair, Missy kicked by his horse. A fine day, rise early and see car off for market. Ride out about the hay and to Stafell Haegr hay and back. Carry this evening, Crickton Meadow. Plant celery on a new plan. Read Cambrian in evening quite late, Mr Talbot's dinner, Bridgend, and speech etc.

Sunday. Sacrament, beautiful day. Ride with Carree after a frugal dinner to Penmaen and dine there again. Bring Johnny home after a long visit there.

19th

Fine day but threatening. Carry hay at Stafell Haegr. Very busy all day, all the work men to be fed first time. Gather peas and have new potatoes first time. Ted goes early to Stafell Haegr, Carree follows. I ride over to Penmaen, get Mr J to endorse bill for £150 to George Beynon. Receive letter from WM, return with Mr & Mrs J. They dine on ducks and peas. Missy kills a leveret and brings it, Penmaen side. Funeral of Howell John's 2nd and last son, same year. J Grant here this morning and had breakfast, had been at Penmaen, bring over from Penmaen 3 sewen, 8lbs blackcurrants and 9lbs of Carmarthen cheese. In evening ride to see mowers and work in the hay field late, all secured in cocks. Threatening weather this evening. Wrote a note to Abercothi as to the rabbits at Mr Green's.

Mistake, wrong entry, should be 13 July

20th

Thorough wet morning after much wet in night, breaks off midday. Enter a few days arrear accounts and day book [8]. Write note to Beynon about floor bricks. Dine early, meant to go and paper Stafell Haegr. Ted goes, ride to Mr George Beynon's and return bill of £150 in part of Herbert's Grove with letter of WM as to impri Hoares. Detained at Willis mill by rain. Order oatmeal and washbrew, over common home and neat up lawn, mown today.

21st

Wet morning, not very favourable all day, little outdoor work done. Men all in barn, Ted and I ride to Stafell Haegr early, get wet going, paper the ceiling of his large room, dine there. Dinner sent down by Kitty Williams. Home to tea, no children at the church preparatory to confirmation. Ted goes over to Penmaen. Send Moselle colt to Penmaen by WR. Send note to Beynon as to floor bricks for Stafell Haegr. Read Lewes paper in evening as to Sussex Court election. Mr Darby and Mr Fuller elected, Shelley rejected. RH called this morning, examine lime account.

22nd

Very fine morning, casts over and thick rain about 10.00 after. Hay is cast abroad, cock it instanter and again tis a hay-making day. Keep all the hands and remarshall them. Work in garden, plant cabbage etc, gather peas etc, weed groundsel. Walk to Crickton, Copton Corner, Reese making stile, talk to C Reese as to Copton Pool to be cleaned. Ted at Penmaen, no account of him. P Heugate winnow wheat. Attend to ricks. Garden in flower garden late, enter accounts. Ann at a wedding in Reynoldston, very very late, not returned and I go to bed, NB not to go again. James Diamond tipsy with beer, send him to bed all tomorrow.

23rd

A fine day, morning, very cold indeed. Hay making all day. Rise early, glad to find a fine day. Set mason about making a kitchen porch. Samuel Philip and Davies, Fridoe, apply for bull, refused. Help in hay field, hands short, carry in evening. Cocks much injured by wet. Work a little in garden weeding and neating front, shrubs etc. Wondering where Ted is all day. Mr James calls in evening, brings letters, Ted ill. Mr Jones of Llanelli calls, Phil Evans and Rev. Mr Rees with him, can't stay. Turbot dinner here and at Penmaen, curious. Busy day about hay and preparing market etc. Evening - read Britannia paper, enter accounts and commissions for Swansea.

24th

Beautiful day, carry hay all day. C Reese and Ann to Swansea, corn and butter etc load some hay. Plant a row of leeks a la celery. Dine early, turbot only, no meat! Again ride with Carree in evening to Stafell Haegr and to marsh. Look at Mary Thomas's meadow. and Mr George Gordon's, grass for sale. Sadly trampled by ducks. The old man called and spoke to me in the Upper Field this morning and about tithes. Read Quarterly in evening, corn high on market. Very cold tonight.

26th

Sunday. Very hot, evening duty. A grand camp, preaching meeting on the marsh near Crofty. Thin congregation at church, fighting in the village at night. Ted goes among them and stops it. Read Quarterly, the budget question.

Monday. Very hot dull day, take in the last wheat mow. Ted rides Moselle to village, to Ilston, Oxwich etc back. I am at home all day. Work in garden, taking the last wheat mow. Carree rides in evening to Penmaen. Kitty went in the morning, send a letter to Mr Hoare's as to George Beynon, £150, by Ted to Park Mill. Receive letters Edmund, election squibs, Selborne with strawberry plants, plant them. Not from the house and garden all day. Cover rick with straw in evening late. Mr Lloyd called about trespass. Inclination to rain this evening.

27th

Dry and fine but bids fair for foul weather. W Richards sent early to Penmaen about hay. The mason begins wall for pig yard west of stables. Carree, Ted and [self and children] go to Stafell Haegr and Susan and Tie; all at different times and go on with papering. I call at Penralt and on Mrs Grant and go to see mowers on Eli William's grass. Speak to Eagles again as to stones for finishing Dix drain. Return by Crickton, dine late. Very cold this evening and windy.

28th

Rise early, very doubtful morning, windy, hazy. Glass falling, clears off and is fine. Very fine day for hay. Work in garden, trim hedge and plant border. Carree sends Mary Richards to Lady Charlotte Talbot with a note as a nurse and receives answer. Plant white and other strawberries and weed strawberry bed on slope. Ted goes to Penmaen and returns here. Dine early, gathered and shelled peas for soup. Ride to hay field, Eli Williams. RH called about tithes, Gowers Load etc. Very cold again tonight.

29th

Stormy windy day, cold and fine, very fine. Rise early, get Tucker to mow all the grass he can find about the garden and near the house. Ride with Ted to see Mary Thomas's grass for sale by the marsh. She called at Caie Forgan this morning about it, decline it but afterwards Ted agrees to take it at valuation of RH. He values it as cut and now making out £4 10 0. I am to take it up to Caie Vorgan and furnish Ted at £5 per ton, £4 10 0 pro tanto and set off. Moselle breaks her bridle, village. Meet Mr Pearce at Cross Lane, he had called at Caie Forgan. Plant a few celery plants and pansies, cuttings. Mr & Mrs J dine here, thoughts of going to Stafell Haegr, no go. They are thinking to go to Cardigan etc, day not fixed. Ted returns to Penmaen with his father etc. Miserably cold this evening. Lost my purse yesterday. WT found it this morning, in it only two sixpences luckily but unluckily both are gone. Mr George Gordon called this morning about tithes, he and RH can't agree by £1.

30th

Rise, doubtful day, proves fine. Rain all round us but little we have. Carry hay all day, finish for the present. At home all day, nothing interrupts field. Rock work all day intending to make an arch without mortar. Plant cuttings of pinks etc. Attend to hay. Kitty sent to Penmaen in evening. Receive letter from Hoare's Fleet Street bank. Read Britannia in evening. Ann Reese hurt herself and faints in an odd way this evening, q. affectation?

31st

Dull cold dry. C Teddy off early with Reese and Ann to Swansea. Carree and I ride, meet Ted there and drive home in car. Dined at Mrs Mundays, Miss Dunstan there. Dull market, corn not all sold. Lift Mr Gross home, drive like mad people, Carree says. Brown mare very free.

August

1st

Sunday. Dull, dry and cold, warmer in the evening. Morning duty, ride in evening to dine at Penmaen.

Monday. Wind changed, wet day after breakfast. Receive Club money for Ted at Stafell Haegr, get wet. Ted at Ilston having summoned some riotous boys before Mr Collins on account of last Sunday's camp meeting. Settle accounts with D Bowen, Nantywrach, long-standing, sale account etc tithes etc. Change my dress, wet through! Mr & Mrs Grose and Miss Grose spend evening at Caie Vorgan, tea party. Inquired about vessel for Mr James. Nancy bound for Llanelli.

3rd

Wet day after 12.00. Rise early, dig in garden before breakfast. Sow cabbage and plant strawberries just in time before rain. Write and send to Penmaen about vessel. Betty comes with fish. Ted comes over, sleeps here. Read Britannia etc after getting wet again going to Crickton pond etc. Washing day, plenty of water!!!

4th

Confirmation, Bishop of Thirlwall, Llandewi. As much surprised by a fine day this as by a wet one yesterday. Rise very early and about after men. Enter accounts all morning. Mr Perry, surgeon, bill in full £7.6.0. Turnip resown in garden. Carree and Ted off to confirmation, children examined here and have cake and tea and play in garden. I am not at confirmation, ride after to Reynoldston. Meet Carree and Ted at Rev. Mr Davies, settle accounts there. Some mistake about veal, pass it over. Mr D not there. Dine at Mr Perry's, meet a very gentlemanly man on visit there, cousin of Mrs Perry, name (Askew) or Ascough. Home only to go to bed very tired. Met Mr J on top of hill, honour of bowing to the bishop there who passed us. His chaplain, Mr Melville, sure I met him at Rome in 1824!!! Why did I not find out.

5th

Another wet day with a few breaks of fine sunshine. Read the Britannia paper and ride after Ted to Stafell Haegr and paper there all day. We have no dinner and return to fish and tea after 6.00. Speak to RH north of Penralt about tithe and lime. R Gordon there and again at Stafell Haegr, he comes there. Enter accounts in evening.

6th

Rise early, fine morning, windy. Form last strawberry bed on slope. Gather and rout out first pea crop. Ride to Manselfold, meet Ted there and ride on to Mr George Beynon of Burrys Green about money, £150 at bank, London. Return to early dinner. Sent to invite Mr Perry and his visitor Mr Ascough to dine on Tuesday, they come, and send also to Penmaen. Wet evening. Read paper and bothered upwards of an hour with Mr Thomas Gordon junior about tithes of Trecoed, crops bad. Agree at last, a glass of gin helps.

7th

Rise early and see C Reese off to market with butter. Promise of better day but comes on again a most soaking wet after midday. Plant last strawberry bed on slope and plant thyme (?) there. Johnny's birthday. Ted goes a.m. to Penmaen, we were all to drive there to celebrate John's birth. I only go at last moment, very wet and luckily return before soaking rain comes on about dark. The common as wet as in the worst of winters.

Sunday. A better day, not without rain, warm but cold at night again. Evening duty, a very good sermon prevents my going to sleep, so inclined. Finish Cambrian and Emerson …. to Belgium in Quarterly Review.

9th

A better day with some heavy rain. Rise at 6.00, better prospect of weather. Settle accounts with C Reese. Steer has gathering on hind leg, cut it open. Write to Cathe at West Grinstead about strawberry plants. Ted takes it to Penmaen with account of this parish for topographical dictionary. Old fern yard removed. Front garden neated up. Hen hatched yesterday 12, duck also 3. Hay rick thatched. Dine early and walk with Carree and Susan and baby to village for apples and to see W David carpenter as to Bryngwas. Mrs Jones called today on the subject, apples at W Thomas, tailor.

10th

Rise early, Mr & Mrs Perry and Mr Ascough dine here at 3.00. Mrs Davies and family of Reynoldston expected at tea, send an excuse as usual. Ride to Burrys Green to stop Beynon going to thatch at Bryngwas, no spars. Ride also to Park y Rhedyn road. Lend Moselle to Ted for village at Upper Gate. Mr & Mrs James disappointed us in not dining. Richard Gordon called about tithes (I am gathering peas) long talk, settle at last. Played cards this evening and lose 1/-. Not in bed till past 2.00!!! An awful looking dark warm wet night!!!

11th

In bed late! Up early and work in garden. Fine day, the common like winter, pools all full. Walk to Crickton, see mowing and walk all over Crickton farm. Surprised to see my wheat, Newton Field. Drive in evening to Mr Grose's to tea and junket. I am very sleepy and tired. Settle a veal account and coal with Mr Grose. Ted went to Llanellan. RH was here this morning, horse mangy. Planted cabbage etc where swedes have failed. Gather peas for seed.

12th

Rise early. Beautiful day, about hay, in garden before breakfast. W Daves and Dd Williams call about tithes. Weed mangold and plant cabbage. Ted off to village. I go to Crickton, meet him there, see over the farm. In garden all day. Hay making at Crickton. Calves bark apple trees in Lower Field, fence them. Carree walks by self to Penralt. Children go also and tea there, a busy day about hay. Winnowing, weeding, fern Carried etc. Mr and Mrs James actually leave Penmaen for a trip to Cardigan and Havod!!! Without directly giving us the information!!!

13th

A wet stormy day again!!! Wind south but not very wet, fortunately, makes me nervous as to the 2nd crop of clover now half made. What's the order of the day!! Carree in many minds and one humour. I have many men and two women to work, at what is the question. Arrange them all and see they begin, bad weather keeps off. Take a cold early dinner and drive after to Penmaen to take children to take leave of grand mamma and to our astonishment find they have taken French leave of us and left us in the lurch unknowingly. Ted alone at Penmaen and no keys. Home again after tea before dark and fortunately without much rain. Stormy sort of night.

14th

Brisk morning after rainy night. Promises better weather, tempted to move clover hay, 2nd crop. Several showers after tis spread unluckily. C Reese and Ann off to Swansea, wheat, butter, ducks, fowls; floor bricks home, laths etc, hamper for Ted etc. See them off. Plant cabbage among vacant swedes. Walk in evening to Park y Rhedin road, 4 men at work. Weed in garden in evening. Car home not very late, corn still rising and so is the glass.

Sunday. Very showery. Sacrament. Mr Truman, a stranger in church. Caroline gets wet walking to church, comes in late. Ted does not stay dinner. Meet Mr W Collins returning from Cheriton. Not many at the singing lessons this evening. Bids fairer this evening for better weather tomorrow but weather is not likely to be settled yet!!!

16th

Monday. Rise at 5.30, Hope for a day for hay, 2nd crop clover. Work in garden before breakfast, gather seed peas etc. After breakfast gather peas and beans. Make a wall for pig fern yard west of stables by Tom Philip and WR. Ted comes over, goes to Stafell Haegr. Received Club money. Dine early, we ride to Stafell Haegr in evening. Tall thatching porch, mason at work for Dix's drain by Lower Mill etc. Arrange with mason as to work at Bryngwas. Return by Crickton, RH calls about tithes and goes with W Jone to make agreements about Welsh Moor etc. Send to tithe Philip Walters. In evening receive invitation to dine at Oxwich. Wet evening again, enter accounts. Wind south again!!! and forebodes bad weather still with this new moon, God forbid.

17th

Damp misty rainy day again, had it been fine my 2nd crop of clover heavy were Carried. Not hurt however yet. Rise early, read paper and Quarterly. Barn full of mice, draw and clean reed. Send to Penmaen for seed and to Bryngwas. New window frames and hundred and half of reed, 9 score reed sent to Bryngwas. Joint account for thatching. Ted, Carree and I go to Stafell Haegr. Begin paper upstairs. Moselle gets cast in stables, like to be hurt, no harm however except to saddle. Dine at 8.30, bids fair for better weather, nous verrons.

18th

Dull morning, very fine day. Rise early 5.30. This will be a busy day, 2nd crop of clover and meadow Carried Crickton. Jim sent to post to Penmaen. Ted rides over after to Penmaen. We meet again at Oxwich. Walk to Crickton hay field and work in garden. Time occupied with W David hunting up timber from the wreck to go to Bryngwas for repairs and giving out nails etc. Repaired my cart, lime, this morning. Dress at 3, at 4 drive in dog cart with Carree to dine at Oxwich. Meet Mr Collins and Mr Symons in gardens at Penrice, the former is lifted to the rectory and young Webber. A very pleasant party at W Collins, Dr Howell, Jones of B, old Collins etc and Miss Pritchard who sang and whistled! Beautiful, a very pleasant party. Home at 12.00.

19th

Rise not so early, again a damp morning, very warm and dull today. Carree breakfasts in bed. Jim knocked down yesterday by young bull. Take in more of barley, kill mice. Walk to Crickton through oats to see as to trespass. Kill an adder or scotch one. Lime proceeds. Turnip weeding and walk to road, men Park y Rhedyn. Dine early, salt fish and bacon and beans, contrast with yesterday. In evening walk with Carree to village, C Teddy rides young Rosy, failed to get barm. Am a short time at Crickton rick. Stroll in garden late with Carree and children. Very warm, glass falls again, very tired.

20th

Fine brisk east wind this morning. Calms off, warm day. Rise early, draw peas for seed before breakfast. Ride to Bryngwas by Crickton and Park y Rhedin. Mason and carpenter working at Bryngwas, repair house and porch and home to dine at 2.00 by Black Lane. Mr Perry and Mr Ascough have called. Meet them on common, a pick nick arranged for Monday; a foolish plan in unsettled weather. Ted is come from Penmaen, a letter received from the Cardigan travellers, Aberaeron. Again walk to Crickton with Ted and Teddy. Sow cabbage seed, the last sowing, east bed - Large York, Middle Battersea, west - Early York. Threatens rain again, glass falls. RH here this evening with commissions to Swansea, takes laver for Bedford Square and box for glass etc.

21st

A most awful night last!!!! Most vivid and repeated lightning, rumbling thunder and heavy rain. Workable but showery day. Disturbed in the night and not up very early. Read Britannia before breakfast and after. Go to Stafell Haegr with Carree and paper. Begin lower room etc. Ted intended going to Swansea from Penmaen. We return home about 7.00 to tea, both on Moselle, young Rosy got away at Stafell Haegr.

Sunday. Wet, evening duty, we get to church and dine on goose after. Unseasonable, fearful harvest time indeed. Prayer for fine weather read. My Uncle Cobbold I heard last night had a serious accident, fatal, on Ludgate Hill. Knocked down by a mail cart. Hopes entertained but future accounts prove he is now dead since Thursday.

23rd

Monday, fine. Ride early to Mr Perry's to defer intended picnic to Bacon Hole, fix it for tomorrow. Return by Crickton and back to early dinner and in evening all pack off to Penmaen. Children, Susan and luggage in car, I and Carree ride. WR brings home stones. Receive note to dine at Ilston to meet a pleasant party, Dr Sylvester etc. Obliged to decline, engaged tomorrow.

24th

Pick nick to Bacon Hall. Start late, the Perry's and Mr Ascough, some late, Mr Pearce accompanies us. 7 of us on 5 horses, proves all pleasant enough. Home to Penmaen, tea, rabbit pie. Carree and I ride home to Caie Vorgan late in evening to go to Swansea tomorrow. Just in time, wet comes on and wait all night.

25th

Rise early, wet morning, very dull but clears off. Drive Carree to Swansea for Eisteddfod at Swansea, 10.30!!! In town hall till 4.30, very good but too long, speechifying. Joseph Martin in chair, prizes given away. Young Williams on the harp very good, £5 prize!!! Cambrian melodies pretty. Meet W Collins and party, C Collins, Price […] etc at theatre. Hard day's work! Ted returned home after dinner at The Castle.

26th

We are in Swansea, shop and call on Mrs M. Dine with her and Miss Dunstan. Carree stays and sleeps there. I drive back alone to Penmaen. Reach between 9 and ten, dark and damp. Rose early, Miss Harris's shop. At ten accompany Mr Rowland surgeon to the Infirmary, introduced to a Mr Hall. Poor Jane Jones from Abercothi likely to lose her arm, scrofula case, poor woman![9] The new horse and carriage ferry opened for the races. Spend an hour looking at it, Bristol steamer stranded, will lose its passage.

27th

Again dull and warm and less damp. Slept at Penmaen. Wait for post, write to Carree and drive C Teddy to Caie Forgan. Ted rides with us. Write to Mr Grose about cow to be killed, take a quarter at 5 ½ lbs hind. Dine early and go over all Crickton farm. Some corn ready to cart, begin Monday. Ted goes to Stafell Haegr, I take account of work etc to Park y Rhedyn about road. All in confusion about Swansea tomorrow. Cormorant brought here by Batcock.

28th

Rise early, see car off; Susan, C Teddy, Ann, C Reese. Butter, goose, ducks, fowls. C Teddy going to Mrs Munday's, send … up, etc. Left at home all alone. Ride to Crickton, Park y Rhedyn, to Bryngwas, mason at work. Call at Ilston, dine at Penmaen. Ted meeting up there, return home and garden. Wet again, misty. Car home very late, why?

Sunday. Morning duty Llanrhidian. Ride to evening duty with Ted to Nicholaston. Dine at 5.00. Susan factotum. Servants there gone gadding to Reynoldston and home very late.

30th

Write to my mother and to Carree. Ted rides after post to Stafell Haegr etc. I after to Caie Forgan, home, go over Crickton farm. Ted goes to a funeral at Penrice for Mr Collins. Mr Pearce called at Penmaen in way to Ilston. I return in evening to Penmaen. Young Nicholls in a quest of sheep lost.

31st

All day at Penmaen, improving by opening views through trees with Ted. Called on Mrs Jones in the evening. Very fine day indeed, beautiful moon. Mrs Morris's … Walterston. Read Britannia paper, description on the address to the Queen. Ministers in minority of 90 and more in each house. Amendment, want of confidence in them. Like a thunder clap to Lord Melbourne! The impudance of the man. Splendid night.[10]

September

1st (Wednesday)

Wait for post, ride over hill; Ted to Fairy Hill, I to dine at 2.00. Go over farm, ride with Ted to Stafell Haegr. Drive to Swansea in the evening. At a party at Mr Terry's in the evening. Cards, I do not play but play at the supper, really hungry after dining at 2.00. Home at 12, Mrs Munday's. C Teddy fell asleep under card table at Mr Terry's and carried home. Beautiful night.

2nd

Slept at Mrs Munday's, Cambrian place. Breakfast there, call with Carree at Mrs Terry's, all rest of morning at the meeting of Trustees of Roads, Town Hall. Dine at Mrs M's 4.00, Ted also there, come to meet Mr Halliwell from Norfolk. John and Margaret Ord also come by packet. Wet night to return home; John and I in dog cart by 10.00. All confusion, not expected, no beds ready. Ted and his friend rode to Penmaen, a pretty ride they had no doubt. All's well that ends well. Stormy wind all morning, dry and fine, wet at night, very.

3rd

Thorough wet again, what a pity. Write to George and Mr Langley, Cardiff, as to Mr Mazzy(?). Carree tuning piano. House full, Margaret Ord and John Ord, we all prevented going to Penmaen. RH up this evening, some talk about tithes. George Gordon of Wibley does not act like a man. Read some little of Barnaby Rudge. Commissions for Swansea. Wet night!!! Most curious effect of light after dark all across the west ‘orizon.

4th

Wet again but will clear off by night. C Reese and Ann go to Swansea, only butter and geese and floor bricks home. Drive Carree to Penmaen. Miss Ord and John ride. Fine moonlight home again. Not a bad day after all but no harvest day.

Sunday. Evening duty, Mr Halliwell, Ted's friend, preaches. Fine day. Very good sermon, plainly delivered, so much the better. Ted had the advantage of hearing him.

6th

Beautiful day, seemed likely to last for ever. Walk to Crickton and order oats carried after binding. Not mowed in the field, useless sometimes. Carry tithe wheat Wibley, busy day. Read Britannia paper

7th

Up before 6.00 and out at Crickton. Rain comes on, ricks secured. Ceases to rain after 12.00. Men go to reap. Horses all ready for carrying at 6.00; useless, rain prevents using them. What a stop is a few hours rain to harvest work. This too a very precarious harvest season.

8th

Rise early and ride to Crickton, to Stafell Haegr before breakfast. Meet RH who goes tithing with Llewellyn to Upper Division. Drive in common car to Penmaen. Go to the sands, dine at 4.00 and home in the dark just in time to escape rain after a fine day. What harvest weather! Most lamentable. Corn nicely fit to carry. Prevented again, so on from day to day. Next Sunday very fine, carry in the evening of Sunday.

9th

Dinner party at home. The Perry's, Mr Ayscough, Ted and Halliwell, Mr Pearce and J Ord and Miss Ord. We have a dinner party, the Perry's etc, disappointed of some, Mr Halliwell and Mr P, J Ord etc. Wet all morning, clears off. Walked to Crickton, men are gone, too wet. C Reese thatch hay. W Thomas, mason, begins lay brick floor at Stafell Haegr. Singing in the evening, party goes off pretty well. They leave us late in a misty rain. What terrible harvest weather!!!

10th

Dull, doubtful day, no rain, no harvest day. John Ord goes shooting to Mr Perry's, dine and sleeps there. I walk to Crickton and over the farm. Ride with Miss Ord to Penmaen, dine at 2.00. Cold luncheon, Rev. Henry Jones and Mr Evans there. School at Penclawdd and Chapel of ease; endowment canvassed. Colonel Cameron gives land, Penclawdd, for school. Home at dark, write to J Ord, Reynoldston. Enter accounts and arrears etc. Poor promise for tomorrow, dull damp misty weather.

11th

Very warm dull damp day. Nothing done in harvest work, go to Crickton and look after men and to Stafell Haegr, mason at waste water, send cart to carry stones there. Mr and Mrs J ride over and dine at 2.00 and go back early. J Ord returns at dinner time to sport. Read Barnaby, am tired enough.

Sunday. Sacrament; Mr Henry Jones preaches a missionary sermon. Capital congregation, £4 0 0 odd. All bustle and confusion, no regular dinner. Take J Ord to top of Cil Ivor and after tea, at suggestion of C Reese, call men together and carry wheat till 11 o'clock at night. Never did any such thing before. Many people at harvest all day long. Uncommonly warm tho' a brisk east wind.

13th

Monday. Rise at 6.00 and get carts out to carry corn. Distant thunder, very warm and hazardous. Rain about in distant showers, glass falling, wind rising, very hot. Carry wheat first thing. Ride also to RH about tithes, must tithe at Rhean Fawr. Thank God the wet keeps off and get through a deal of work. Bind and carry oats, bind barley also. Dine at Mr Perry's, J Ord shoots there. Before and after breakfast am at Crickton, Ted and Mr Halliwell at Stafell Haegr, ladies walk there. Not home from Mr Perry's till 3.00 in the morning, lose at vent un (sic) cards abominably, and Carree too. Lightning very vivid.

14th

Rise early, J Ord and Margaret O go early to Penmaen. I ride with Ted to Stafell Haegr and to Wibley and after much ado Mr G Gordon agrees to take his tithes at £1410 0 being allowed the value of his wheat sold on market as deducted, gathered in kind. Dine at 3.00 and we and Carree ride to Penmaen, tea there and back in dark. Remarkably hot and thundery and dull. Evening almost cold. WR gets drunk in the field I hear afterwards and is very quarrelsome. Good harvest day. Ted's first night at Stafell Haegr. Washing day.

15th

Brisk morning. Rise early and out to Crickton before breakfast. Hear reports of Susan and WR's drunkenness. Secure some barley, doubtful weather turns out very wet indeed. Gather my last peas, dry till past 11.00. No telling what to do with labourers. Read papers. Mr Halliwell comes over and returns to Penmaen to dine, we dine at 4.00. Ponies sent to forge and corn to mill. Write by Ted to see Mr J tomorrow, an uncomfortable sort of day, off of hinges.

16th

Very wet morning, fine evening. Spend an unpleasant day - all in suspense. Susan is discovered in the family way by R Batcock. Children taken from her and she leaves the house tonight of her own accord to go God knows where - as we afterwards learn to the lower public house!!!!!!!!! Mr J came over and discovered this for me. Carree and Mary Ord ride to Reynoldston. I walked after 10.00 to Crickton taking up a few potatoes and to Penralt Hill. See RH and Phil Long at Penralt. Evening spent in miserable reflections on Susan's folly and future fate.

17th

A fine day. Quite off hinges about Susan and the children. Read Barnaby Rudge, ride to Penclawdd to inquire about a servant at Francis', fail. Some conversation with Mrs Evans, Ship. Meet Mr Perry on marsh as I return. Mr J has seen the guilty parties, marriage promised; the lesser evil of the two. Some consolation to us, if he does not call off. Dine at 2.00, cod fish, not very good and oyster sauce. In barley field this evening. RH here about tithes this evening. Ted and Miss O ride to Penmaen and return late this evening. Children inquire - where is Susan! Poor little things!!!

18th

Fine day as it turns out till night then a little wet. Rise early and see car off to Swansea and send commissions. Ted up early from Stafell Haegr. Ride early to Crickton to see how harvest work goes on. Ride to Stafell Haegr to meet Carree and Miss O there. Carpet put down. Field full of cattle. House looking comfortable. Dine at 2 and go blackberrying. J Ord joins us and Mr Halliwell and Ted join us at tea and both sleep at Stafell Haegr. Receive letter from George, draft of his for £20.

20th

Sunday. Ride to Nicholaston church with Miss O, Ted and Mr Halliwell. Sermon by latter, ‘Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven'. Evening duty also at Penmaen and return home to dine at 6.00. Wet evening, thunder showers, curious fanlike rainbow.

Monday. Very foggy morning, proves fine day for harvest work. Ride a party of 5, not Carree, to Llanmadock. Called at Wibley about a servant and at Mr Gwyn's and at Mr Pearce's. Strange man, no lunch there. Home by Arthur's Stone, dine at 5, kill a hare by Moor Mills. All the Collins at Caie Vorgan, the Ilston party remain to tea and go home in the dark. What a day of bustle and confusion. Last day of reaping. Singing in the evening, tired and glad to get to bed.

21st

Brisk warm dull east wind. Good harvest weather. All hands to bind barley. I help load and carry wheat, afraid of the weather tomorrow. Carry also some barley, very anxious about the weather tho' men do not seem to fear rain, I do, glass falls. Nep half kills Smoker from Penmaen. Sarah makes me angry. Walk late with Carree and Mary Ord to Stafell Haegr, tea there and home in dark. Funeral of W Jone of the Bank, very sudden death. Mr George of Nicholaston Hall dead.

22nd

Very threatening morning, glass falling, arrangements made at Penmaen for an excursion to the Mumbles etc. Bound to go to Penmaen. Margaret Ord, Ted and Mr Halliwell ride over and escape wet. Carree drives the children and I ride, get soaked and put in at Pennyhitch and dry and again proceed to Penmaen. Part of the party ride to Pwldi (Pwll Du) without wet. Sit all day by the fire and read Britannia. Pleasant ride home. Leave children at Penmaen. Sat in wet trousers all day. Receive letter from George with halves of £2 notes, answer him by return.

23rd

Threatening morning, not much rain after one heavy shower. Walk to Crickton, mows begun to be thatched at ditto and Caie Vorgan. Mr Halliwell and J Ord ride to the Mumbles from Penmaen. Weed in front Garden, cut down hollyhocks etc. Have … barley, carried Cadennith late this evening. At night again rain. Carree takes likenesses, so much talking, nothing can be done.

24th

A most deceitful day, dull morning, wind east, rise early and ride to Crickton and order barley carried as quick as possible; all ready, wind shifts down, comes pelting rain, what disappointment. Then a beautiful day. Weed in front Garden, neat border up and help Tucker pack floor bricks. Again send horses to carry barley in evening. Again stopped by heavy rain, wet evening, very disheartening. Go six, J Ord, Mr Halliwell etc in car to Mr Grose, tea and junket, played at puzzles etc. Detained at Mrs Grose's by rain and home very late. J Ord leaves us for Penmaen, caught on the common by a drenching rain. Mr Halliwell and Ted detained in stables, get to Stafell Haegr fortunately.

25th

Glass still falling, not in bed till 1, up again by 7. Ann goes to Swansea alone. Very showery day, not so bad as I expected. Read Britannia, start to Stafell Haegr afoot. Meet Ted and Halliwell and Mr Perry crosses us. Turn over Crickton to see Mr Perry shoot, no find and return home with Ted. Mr Halliwell goes to Penmaen, Ted returns to Stafell Haegr. Work in garden, rock work arch after dinner. Ride to Carree to inquire about J Austen's daughter as a servant. Wet cold unpleasant evening, very tired. Enter two days accounts. Brisk wind in evening late, very late, Ann not home till twelve at night! Shameful!

27th

Sunday. Very wet after church, morning duty, Ted; sermon on sudden death. Drove to church in the car. Go after church to Stafell Haegr, comes on quite wet again. Get to RH's Penralt, there some time. Dine at 5.00 to suit Ted and J Ord from Nicholaston, John's farewell dinner, leaves Penmaen tomorrow morning 3.00. Floods out at Park Mill.

Monday. Walked to Crickton and hope to carry some corn [barley] if it holds dry and walk on towards Stafell Haegr. Men gone to dinner so return after talking to Eagles by mill dam, Upper. Dine early and ride with Carree to Penmaen in evening after wet return with Mary Ord and Ted. No rain luckily (tis late) and go to bed.

28th

Rise early and out to Crickton after breakfast. Ride to Long Oaks sale in hopes to arrange about the tithes agreed for £18. Sale under an execution. Meet Mr James there and talk with Mr Hawkins, the Attorney, who sells. The two Vospers, father and son, are partners, both liable to tithes. Engaged at Oxwich to dinner, prevented by rain and am prisoner at Penmaen. Write a letter to George, something about Penmaen living etc. Sleep there, unable to get home. A most stormy wet night. Our party left home and reached Oxwich just in time to avoid rain. Got home late and also avoided rain. Admitted through Penrice grounds!!! I slept with little Johnny.

29th

At Penmaen. Read Britannia paper and wait the post. Received letter from George and in it remaining halves of £20. Acknowledge it by return of post and again with Mr J at Vospers sale. Bought some oats and hay by RH and return home. All bustle about Swansea tomorrow. Ted and Mr Halliwell going, send commissions by them for party on Friday. Carree not very well and rather cross. Rain tonight again glass very low. Before tea walked to Crickton, some barley was carried this evening. RH here late this evening.

30th

Not up early, damp rainy morning again. Carree not very well, breakfast in bed. Ted and Mr Halliwell up by 9.00 going to Swansea in dog cart. Send commissions by them for tomorrow. Make pig sty for fern west of stable. Rush brought up. Walk to Crickton twice, want to carry barley. Heavy showers but do carry some. The return from Swansea about 8.00, all talk and settlements of accounts. They go to Stafell Haegr, the purchases cause fun. Beautiful moon light!!!

October

1st (Friday)

A fine day, all the day occupied in preparing for a dinner party, the Collins of Oxwich and Ilston dine with us and a Miss Wood with them. Play a rubber of whist in evening. Harvest finished. WR goes to the public house and comes home drunk, horses loose in the stable etc. Tie them up myself and turn WR out of the house to sleep in stables. When he returns, wet night, late in bed 2 o'clock.

2nd

Susan, now Batcock, by Mary Richard, £2.

Up again by 7.00 and out to Crickton. A flood of wet. Send to Swansea for papers by Thomas Thomas. A fineish day; Mr Halliwell, Ted and Miss O go to Penmaen. Carreeand I on Moselle later, they dine. We call on Mrs Jones of P. Miss O does not return home nor Mr H.

4th

Sunday. Evening duty, Ted at Cheriton, Mr W Collins does duty at our church. Mrs C and Miss Wood senior accompany him, do not take lunch or dine with us. Most beautiful day!!!

Monday. Dry and dull, glass falling! Foretell much rain again. Write to Edmund at Rugby. In evening ride to Stafell Haegr drain, expect to find mason, has been and is gone fishing!!! Carreeand … etc go to Stafell Haegr, meet them there and help paper a little. Ted not very well. Mr Halliwell comes over from Penmaen and Miss O.

5th

Predictions are verified, wet again. Mr Halliwell and Ted dine with us. Mr Pearce drops in, having been to Penmaen, stays with us till late, leaves his horse tied to the gate, forgotten in wind and rain. Joke him sadly that his horse is gone home. Play rubber of whist this evening and leave Mr P losing with Miss O.

6th

Very showery after a wet night. About home all day. Set men to winnow barley, ride to Stafell Haegr to see how drain gets on. Call on Ted and Mr Halliwell, make Tom Philip etc let off water from potatoes, Cross Lane, Crickton. Ride to Llytherid about spars and talk to Jones about hay grass. Ride again to village to get bread, the Grose party take tea and supper with us this evening. Halliwell and Ted with us too. Give Tucker and W Jone a good rowing in the barn for idleness and threaten to discard them for the winter.
7th

Drive to Swansea with Carreeand Mary Ord rides Moselle. Attend meeting of road trustees, the district let by tender to one Alford at £20 per mile. Shop a little and dine with Mrs Munday. W Collins in ill humour at Williams grocer, nearly draws(?) over my foot when talking to Miss Wood. A fortunate day, no rain, Glass low tho' rising. Glad to go to bed, very tired, what for? Benjamin Jones at trustee meeting making a claim compromised. RH called this morning about lime accounts, can't attend to it.

8th

Not up early, wet day again, kept in the House. Read papers, confused day for market tomorrow. Mr Beynon calls about Herberts Lodge. Guy calls about sale at Blaencedi, dine at 4 and walk to Crickton about geese and ducks killed etc. Mr Halliwell and Ted detained here and dine. Read Mr Gravell's pamphlet, Exeter Rail Road. Papers as to church Upper Division filled up and forwarded to Penmaen. Much confusion and talking all evening, can do nothing but try to settle some accounts in arrear for day book in consequence of irregularity of late. Wet night again.

9th

Dry day!!!! C Reese and Eliza to Swansea. Mr Halliwell slept out Caie Vorgan, Miss Ord leaves us for Penmaen. Johnny comes home from ditto after a long visit. Lend Moselle to Mr H, Ted rides to Penmaen. Walk to Stafell Haegr, mason finishing Dix drain. Plant a little woodruff in garden and plant out early cabbage. Ted and Mr Halliwell go to Stafell Haegr. Wind got southerly again!!! Read Cambrian.

Sunday. Dreadfully wet!!!!! Sacrament, Mr Halliwell preaches and he is prevented going to Penmaen. Sleeps at Caie Forgan. An ill spent day to me.

11th

Very showery morning, workable day!!! Write to Mr France as to accounts etc. Would have spent day at Stafell Haegr, weather prevents. Cold dinner and get down in the evening. Mr Grose comes in there late from the marsh, been after rush. Carrie, myself and Mr Grose come up together. Susan pays first visit to Caie Forgan, Kitty was to leave. Weather prevents. George Beynon of B.G. called, question today? As to the completion of Herberts Grove.

12th

Mr Spencer's sale at West Cross. Very wet morning clears off at 12.00. Read papers and ride with Carree, Ted and Halliwell to Penmaen. Miss Ord joins and onto the sale too late. Call at the Grange, left home, disappointed of a lunch, do not return to tea at Penmaen. Carree, self and Ted return by Lunnon etc home to late tea. Tired and go to bed. Most fortunate day. Beautiful little model of Mr Spencer's Australian house, he migrates, odd taste to leave West Cross!!!!

13th

Rise early, dry fine morning and all day till 4.00 then thorough driving wet, glass high!!!!! Walked to Crickton and see all workmen etc. RH called about corn at Long Oaks and Howel John's sale tomorrow. Write 3 notes, Vosper, Cornwall and to Swansea about vessels. Miss Ord receives letter and is returning home suddenly. Ride to Killay, C Collins, he not there, engaged revising bar. Write notes there to him as to Adam Murray and Edmund's vessels etc. WR there with car for pigeons, not home till 8.00. I get wet riding to Penmaen, dine there. Other party ride to Oxwich, very dark and wet and windy riding home with Ted 11.00, calamitous weather.

14th

Dull and disposed to rain, damp, glass high, falls a little. Ted and I alone at Caie Vorgan. Walk to Howell John's sale, Mr Mansfield there as under sheriff, have an explanation with him as to matters of sale etc. Dine at 5.00, all the Penmaen party with us, dine and sleep. Very wet night again. Thinking to drive Mary to Swansea at 4.00, postponed owing to bad weather and letters received this evening. I am not sorry.

15th

Cows have been in garden all night and done much damage, who left gate open, q. Bevan and Tucker late after having gin and water. All arrangements with the large party. unsettled, much time lost. Ride with Ted again to Howell John's sale, dine at 5.00. Dry but very cold today. Discussion as to how to get the party to Swansea on Tuesday per packet. I am up late alone to enter accounts etc.

16th

Very wet stormy day, do not send to market. Mr and Mrs J detained till late going to Penmaen. Miss Ord does not go, prevented. Read Britannia, after dinner walk with Carree and Miss O to Mr Lloyd to inquire about servant. Dry evening. Ted and Mr Halliwell sleep at Penmaen.

Sunday. Miss O rides to Penmaen. Evening duty at Llanrhidian. Tea with Carree at Ted's, Stafell Haegr. Home in the dark, a gale of wind and rain, get wet through.

18th

Fine morning after a dreadful night. Not much damage done to the tiles etc. Most fortunate. Ride Moselle to Swansea to meet Edmund's captain of Gazelle and help him out of port. Make myself liable to £40 on his account. Attend trustee meeting as to…ing road to one Alford. Nothing done, informal. Home early, very lucky in weather and again in town tomorrow early. Mr Halliwell sleeps at Caie Forgan and is not going to leave Gower tomorrow. Ted off to Stafell Haegr.

19th

Rise at 5.00, drive Miss Ord at 6.00 for Swansea packet, 9, good time, all right. Quarter sessions, breakfast at Mr C Collins. Miss Symons and Mrs Haynes there. Jenkins chronometer maker, long talk about barometer, magnet etc, quadrant etc. Tom Powell amuses me for two hours, a good fellow. Home before dark, lucky in weather. Helped Ilston servant with meat, Killay hill to Ilston.

20th

Very showery cold and windy all day. Busy all morning, opening a new way of the lower field to place potatoes. Was out in potato field before breakfast. Ride with Carree to Mr Dodd's sale. Dined there, look at furniture on sale and dine at Penmaen. Pretty drive to Park Mill. Carreenearly kills herself riding into a low shed at blacksmiths, Park Mill, to avoid rain. Wet stormy ride home round by road.

21st

Fine day, dry and cold and sunny. Blaenkedy sale, ride there early to see as to the conditions of sale, no straw to go …. as between both auctioneer and Guy and me. George Gordon called being struck and marked by his own mother, asking my interference. Called at Brynhir, Mrs E very unwell. Ride by Ilston, Park Mill etc to the sale at Mr Dodds, not home till dark. Tea and drink C Teddy's health on his birthday. Enter an arrear of accounts since Friday.

22nd

Glass falling again, dry day till night. Rain! Rain! Again!!!! Walk to Crickton to see about potato work. Send to Howell John's for things bought at his sale. Ride with Carree in car and take children to Penmaen, very cold east wind. Lunch there and spend day at Mr Dodds sale till late at night. Return in the dark with Carree and caught in rain, can't see the road, horse turns off road to Caie Vorgan too soon and nearly upset us, all ends well. Wet night.

23rd

Breakfast alone and ride early to Crickton, potatoes taking up. Horrid wet work, lose them half. My colts in pound for trespass at Mr Grose's. One of mine with an eye knocked out,[11] shameful. Arrange them afresh. Go to see what grass my cows have. Ride to Stafell Haegr to see what mischief wind has done and see how water course acts to the mill. Edmund's cloth sent today to the Tuckers. Find Mr Halliwell and Ted at Caie Vorgan, latter sleeps here. Quite a wet evening, most showery, nothing done for talking.

25th

Sunday. Fineish day, Morning duty. Lecture Tom Dix, laughing in church. Susan, confind at The Dolphin, child still born. Carree calls, no window to the room. At home all evening. Mr Halliwell went early to Penmaen and did duty at Oxwich. Ted did duty at Chapel. Preparations for going early to Swansea.

Monday. Wet night, fine day. Ted drives Mr Halliwell to Swansea, bound for Islip. Send letter to Edmund about vessel. Walk to Crickton potato field, take up geraniums etc. Ride to Park le Bruce (Breos) to meet Mr Hancorne about the sale account. Mr Hooper and George Thomas came there. Vosper there, talk about the hay, I have not sold to him. Ride by Park Mill, call at Penmaen. Jane Marcon about to be married, Carree and children went to Stafell Haegr. Ted dines here and fancies he has bought the telescope table!!! A mistake, depend on it. I am very tired and glad to get to bed.

26th

A dry night and again a fine day!!! Walk to Crickton and make contract for drawing potatoes at £5. Gather a few seeds, the first dry day for purpose. Settle accounts yesterday with RH and Guy called about Blaencedi sale. Send carts to Mr Dodds and ride there with Carrie. See all packed up, cross to J Morris for Penmaen, just call Mr J, not very well. Dine at 4 and attend meeting at Mr Grose's, appoint surveyor road - Hamlet.

27th

Very fine day but cold. Walked as far as Crickton to see about potatoes. Pack laver 20lb for Edmund and Fred, write to the latter and Carree writes to W Woodward at Plumpton. I write a postscript, prune little in garden, rout out brambles etc. Receive letter from William and Cathe writes to Carrie. Walk to Stafell Haegr and dine there. C Teddy very sleepy and cross. Order ponies and ride home. Carry C Teddy asleep and heavy. The Perry's all called and Mr Ayscough on the way to Bath. Fortunately or unfortunately we are at Stafell Haegr; his card old Francaise.

28th

Wonderful change of weather, most beautiful, thank God; I hope I do. Metamorphise our bedroom, discard old bed and put up one from Mr Dodd's sale and change arrangement of bedroom in toto, a day's work. Was to have dined of Bison Court with Mr James, disappoint him. May be better for his health, lately bad. A marriage at Chapel, see nothing of Ted. Walk in evening just as far as potato field. J Bowen on marsh called as to costs of lawsuit. What botheration to be sure; advised him to call on Sir J Morris. Tea upstairs, new fashioned room, and read last number of Barnaby. Must answer William and attend to his accounts. Splendid night.

29th

Most beautiful day indeed, real October at last. W David calls for poor rate to meet him in Swansea tomorrow. Read Britannia paper and busy myself in cellar to bottle beer with Carrie, 6 dozen. Ted dines here, he was at Kittle Hill yesterday, gives poor account of it. We all walk after dinner and take dogs and kill a hare, Crickton Hill. Talk to men, potato field, and home to tea. Letter from Henley-on-Thames; Lady Lyndhurst as godmother for FM's boy. Letter from Mr Halliwell.

30th

Cold north east wind. Drive Carreeto Swansea. Ted also rides Moselle. Meet Guy about rent and bills of his sale, no money advanced on his bills, am put out. Day spent in shopping. Mrs Bond likely to leave The Castle. Less cold coming home, wind changed westerly, home late.

Sunday. Evening duty, dined after church. Fine two after midday, goal after a little Mr After 2.00. … nothing. Read Cambrian and spend day ill. Mr Gross talks of having had a sheep stolen.

November

1st (Monday)

Beautiful day again, glass high and rising. Coal landed and brought up, 2 cod fish offered, buy one. Write to William a long letter. Coal carted up today, RH helps. Walk with Carree after dinner, read Britannia paper in evening. Ted shoots with Mr Perry. WR home late tonight, why?

2nd

Most beautiful day, finish drawing potatoes, thank God for fine weather for it. Walk with Carree and children to Cillibion, call there. Discover Mr Grose shoots at horses on trespass, my pony no doubt blinded by him, tell him so. Shall keep him at greater distance henceforth. Ted at tea here and rides over to Penmaen late. Carree talks nonsense about farming, knows nothing about it, makes me angry for I know nothing of it either.

3rd

Frost quite white yesterday morning, no frost today. Beautiful weather, rise early and write accounts before breakfast in bedroom. Ivorite Club day, many of my work people absent. Get out to see who is there and what doing at Crickton. Finish carry potatoes, carry mangold wurzel, have them packed. Read Quarterly, write to Mr Hocking, Cornwall, as to Mr Vosper. Dine early on fish. Ride with Carree to Penmaen post. Meet Ted at Walterston Corner, we all go to Penmaen over hill. Home at 8.00, save my heifer and colts at Penmaen, both doing well.

4th

Most beautiful dry weather and mild. Walk to Crickton early to see who is at work and what is to be done. Settle that and return home and sit down to accounts, go through tithe book. Mr George Beynon calls as to purchase money of Herberts Lodge and is going to Swansea. Write to William by him and send for stamp for 540 being a balance except £10. All day at home writing in bedroom. Mr Beynon again calls in the evening, draw a bill on stamp as above. Walk in dark with Carree to tea at Stafell Haegr. Mr Perry and Mr Pearce there, have ponies sent down. Carree returns in gig. Mr P takes glass of spirit in our bedroom! and borrows several last numbers of Barnaby.

5th

Rise early and ride to Stafell Haegr, breakfast there. First going to Park y Rhedin and Crickton, look at elm trees blown down at Stafell Haegr and talk to William Thomas, mason. Ted walks out with me. Mr & Mrs J call, new dunn horse a brute. Mr J buys Joseph Jones black pony. Cut up a badger, make hams of the lip to try experiment etc. Read Quarterly. A sad broken day, meant to make a full day's accounts for WM, my time is not my own. House is always in confusion. Commissions for Swansea by RH. Take mutton of him and 2lb mutton suet and head etc.

6th

Most lovely calm dry day. Rise early and out at Crickton. Set Tom Philip and Huegate to finish hedge. Send WR to Port Eynon for seed, wheat. Winnow rye and myself turn fan to winnow 3 W oats, short of hands. WT finish cover potatoes and take up carrots. Feed rabbits with children, garden in front, neat up a little, dig up and rout out blackberry and send Mr James's new horse over. Saddled pony for Carree in evening, she going to Stafell Haegr. Meet Ted and they return. I again at Crickton. Sow rye for horse feed. Did not as I fully intended sit down to accounts, felt day quite hot and in evening am quite done up and tired. Trimmed up the badger shin.

8th

Sunday. Sacrament, quite hot day. Missionary sermon at Ilston, Mr Jones. Ted goes, we do not tho' induced by old Mr Collins in morning. Had conversation with RH as to poor rates and those who received. Walked up with I Grant who goes to Park Mill.

Monday. Very foggy a.m., fine day p.m. Walked to Crickton early before breakfast, drain making near haggard, Cross Lane field. Several persons call for money; 1 on Edmund's account; ship; 2. land tax postponed to Saturday, no assets. Sit down to accounts for William. Read Barnaby Rudge and send it to Penmaen by Sarah in evening. Read Britannia, account of fire at Tower of London, disastrous affair. Again walk to Crickton late, Thomas Thomas meets me there. Read Britannia, interesting paper. Receive letters from WM as to purchase, Mr Beynon's exchequer bills forged.

9th

Mr Lloyd calls early about seed wheat, has 3 wins. Read a little, try to teach Johnny his letters, hard work, no task for it. Walk to Crickton, begin cart out lime and earth, Crickton, for wheat. Grate of copper given way, how to repair it? Ride at 2.30 to Landimore, Mr Gwyn's sale with Carrie. Call and see Mr George Beynon. Meet Mr Lucas, home to dine past 5.00. Ted here, has dined and is going to Swansea tomorrow. Mr Collins and Mrs Nicholl Wood call, invite to dine tomorrow, we are not at home. Wind gets up and glass goes down. Forebode change of weather.

10th

Up early and out to Crickton and to Park y Rhedin before breakfast to get hands to thrash in barn. All hands wanted in carting out lime and earth for wheat. Very thick fog, breaks off and is very fine. See after winnow corn and measure same. Ted rides to Swansea and returns to Penmaen. Busy about home, get children to help Jim about mangold leaves. Arrange about horse and cart to go to Ilston. Dine at 4.00. Mrs Nicholl Wood very pleasant person, Mr & Mrs W Collins there. Home in the dark not till 1.00. Get raspberry plants of Mr Collins. Receive letter from William as to exchequer bills on Monday last.

11th

Very warm day and still a little rain at dark. Glass falling. A very busy day again, work hard myself. Carree not very well, breakfasts in bed. I breakfast early and send hers up. Go to Crickton, cart wanted, borrow one of Mr Long and try to get one for tomorrow in village or get W David to mend one of RH's, fail in both. Go to Stafell Haegr etc. Long talk with W David as to poor rates and request a meeting called. Intended getting accounts ready for WM, do not. Busy housing mangold wurzel. Ted here to tea, very tired in the evening with work of today and late hours yesterday. Go to bed before 9.00. Tea upstairs, rain falls.

12th

After a very wet night a fine morning!!! No rain. since 25th October. Rise before full daylight and out to stables etc, mend a barrow. Carree very unwell; Jim ill, gone to bed again. Carree very unwell a.m., better towards evening. Meant to be quiet in house all day. Disturbed about market for tomorrow and obliged myself to be in Swansea too. Souling Day, what does it mean? 6d. See as to geese killed, ducks and fowls. See as to men on road, Park y Rhedin, nobody. Go and see the carrying out lime and earth, Cross Lane field and home and attend to tithe book. Send corn to mill and order potatoes picked for market. Ted comes to tea and gives commissions for Swansea, send to Penmaen and have more commissions for tomorrow. Pickled badger hams and write commissions for Swansea. Rain keeps off pretty well, wind strong.

13th

Doubtful sort of today, fine at 9.00. I ride Moselle to Swansea, car also sent to market. WR and Mag. Bowen. First thing attend at bank to get money by bill at 2 months on Edmund, pay at Vospers for £100. Wet almost all day at Swansea, lucky in getting home, no rain after leaving turnpike, Swansea. Home by day to tea. The Misses Hollands, Carol and Emma[12], arrive late this evening at Caie Forgan.

15th

Sunday. Evening duty, the 2 Misses Hollands with us. Drive to church in car after dinner. Strong singing party school in evening. Jones of Pengwern helps lecture the children as to throwing stones, Jane Jones nearly killed last Sunday, struck on the eyes. Read the Cambrian. Cold and dry.

Monday. Snow. Unexpected white world, 2 inch deep. Obliged to go to Stafell Haegr, begin pulling down old building there to prevent falling. Ted just gone shooting. I took my gun in hand, first time for months. Looked for nothing, nothing saw. Return to dine at 3.00. George Holland comes from Cwm Ivy for his cousins, they leave after dinner. Ted came later, had seen woodcocks. Read Britannia papers evening, received letter from WM as to accounts etc, long on various subjects. Am quite unhappy not to be prepared to answer WM, the trouble I take is great and most unsatisfactory. Sharp frost.

16th

Sharp frost and snow again this morning, then a beautiful day and thaw. About home all day, chiefly in the house. Meant to get into accounts for WM, attend to my accounts since Saturday morning. Balance them, write long letter to WM and to Davenport in re Vosper insolvent. Attend to house, cleared of snow etc. Barn, corn winnowed etc. Very cold at night again. RH and Mr Hopkin called about a barrow had of Howell John's sale, has one charged it to RH's account.

17th

Passed a wretched sleepless night and cold, pain in my head and quite unwell. Ill in bed all day till 4.00, get up, can't shave, am sick. Mr Perry dines here by engagement and Ted. I am on the sofa for a few hours by the fire, shivering fits and scorching with heat, no appetite. Take a powder, warm bed and pass a better but a poor night again.. Sharp frost today, cold thaw and rain tonight. Ted has a funeral at Chapel and sleeps at Penmaen.

18th

Snow gone again. Land under water. Still very ill, no relish for anything whatsoever. Live on tea and weak broth. Get up late and lay on sofa all day. Ted calls, has killed two woodcocks at Penmaen. Go to bed early again, nothing but slops today and no relish for them.

19th

In the house again all day, rise more early, still unwell, breakfast in bed. Ted calls at dinner time; has killed 2 pheasants. I sit down to dinner, no appetite. W Thomas, mason, calls, pay him as below for work at Stafell Haegr by measure. Arrange for Swansea tomorrow, speak to old Mr Batcock as to distrain on Clement etc. Am up late writing to Edmund about jungle fowls etc and Mr Morgan of B about ditto and map of this parish etc. Commissions for Swansea, draft to Leach and Co., goods for Gazelle, and write to them about wine in bond.

20th

C Reese and Jane Lewis sent to Swansea, geese and fowls, a little butter, only no corn. Bricks to come home. Ann Reese goes unknown to me. Most showery day, stormy! I get up to breakfast, fire upstairs and work a little at accounts. A good deal better today. Ann Reese kept car waiting, very bad market. We sit upstairs.

Sunday. Most foggy and rainy day, both Carree and myself at home all day. Funeral of old Williams Wo 96 years old. Read Cambrian and in evening read Bible, David and Goliath etc. Ted does not dine but calls after church, evening duty at Nicholaston and sleeps at Penmaen.

22nd

Again a thorough wet morning, at home all day. Ted comes over early from Penmaen on new pony of Joseph Jones, his club day. Tells an incredible story of J Collins proposing to Mr James to quit Penmaen and take Oxwich and let W Collins and wife reside at Penmaen, monstrous, daring proposition and even more in it than meets the ear, possession!!! Mr James on old man!!!!!! I do walk to the top of Upper Field for fresh air. J Bevan of Landimore calls with apples, 200. I mend a table put on castor, long job. In the evening attend meeting as to poor rate, numerously attended, had nearly forgotten it, not home until 12.00. Ted returns to Penmaen and slept. Moor Mills brim full and all the pools, ground saturated with water.

23rd

Again a wet morning, much rain in night. Again at home all today, read Britannia paper. Children very troublesome, do not get my tithe papers as intended. Batcock calls about mill accounts and rents of house regarding Clement who works with me, long business. Settle the dispute at last. In evening enter accounts since Friday. Glass rising promises better weather.

Labour accounts, F Clements, by set off with Batcock for rent and grinding.

Batcock, glazing windows at Blaenkedy, 19/6

24th

Fine day, beautiful morning, wet at night. Take in a mow of oats, last year's Copton, not too many mice in it indeed. Thought to ride to Penmaen, Ted comes over. Some not at home there, do not go therefore. Ride out, intend going to Stafell Haegr. Meet Ted and return ride to Park y Rhedin. No one on the road, back again and ride to Cillibion field. Cows there, turn them out and home. Cart in some earth. Dine at 4 on hare. Work at tithe book in the evening. Carree busy sorting threads. Ted gone home to Stafell Haegr.

25th

Send carts to carry in scrapings of road by Crickton and cart in mangold wurzel. Ride to Stafell Haegr to see what mason is doing west end, old house. Ted shooting. Return and in house at accounts, tithe books, all the evening. Dry cold day, M & Mrs J call for a few minutes. I do not see them, they surprised that we have fog, sun shining at Penmaen. Betsy Jones comes to make habit for Carrie.

26th

Dry cold east wind, disposed to rain. At home all day making calculations on tithe book and make and begin new tithe book for present year etc. Order work for men and give orders for market, tomorrow. Joists sent to Stafell Haegr, have up some weather stones from wood to garden. Ted dines here, Jim sent to Penmaen, loses the cat. Mr Pearce calls to inquire how I am!!!! Won't stop. Work at tithe book till late at night.

27th

Charity, 2 men looking for work they say, from Tredegar, 3d. A wet fog again, send market things to Swansea by RH who sells them? Mary Thomas. We send nobody. At home all day work at tithe book, sit up stairs in bedroom. Foggy day and read Quarterly. RH calls this evening from Swansea, settle his account and read Cambrian. Receive letter from Plumpton, Parry brings a salmon. Ted calls in evening on way to Penmaen, detained by rain but goes.

Sunday. Evening duty, read Bible etc in the morning, take tea at Stafell Haegr, deluge of rain detained us there late. C Teddy sleeps there. Get wet returning home. WR kicked by cow and hurt on the knee.

29th

Fine morning after wet night, country flooded. Ride before breakfast to Crickton over farm. Arrange work and to Penralt for cloth [Dix's]. Send carts to Llanellen for stones. Horses and men drowned with rain in evening!!! Busy all morning looking after cattle, barn etc. WR ill, kicked by a cow. Everyman away, no one to look to anything, winnow 10 win(chester)s of oats with Hannah. Send 3 and straw to Stafell Haegr. Thomas the tailor here. George Dix brings up cloth, settle accounts with him. Men drenched with rain, carting stones, give them warm beer and gin. Ted dines with us. One flash of lightning and loud thunder this morning or tomorrow, today I think.

30th

Wet morning again, engaged to go over Penmaen. Parsey comes to cut pigs, 4 of them etc not to be cut or splayed. Ted goes to Stafell Haegr and rides with us. We drive in car and take Johnny to Penmaen. Dine at 4.00 just in time. Mr Perry dines there to.

December

1st (Wednesday)

At Penmaen, read Britannia. Walk with Mr J over new road to Park Mill. Call at Morgans and Molly's. See and speak to Geo Harry on return, speak about spars at Penrice. Most beautiful day, dine early and return over hill home just before dark. Bring home a few Cefn stones. Parish meeting this evening, am not there. RH brings up sheep for London. Pack it up, troublesome business.

2nd

Doubtful dull morning. Expect Ted up to go to Swansea with me, wedding prevents him. Carree comes with me to Swansea, we are late. Attend road meeting in Swansea, nothing done, talk about streets of Swansea. I ask for money for Cheriton Road, fail; to move for it next month. Shop and call on Mrs Terry, Carree there. Dine at J Collins, Wind Street, and play and win at cards, there late. Very wet evening, stay late and remain in Swansea all night hoping for better weather tomorrow; tomorrow worse. Call on Mrs Munday, morning, she is very ill. Ann Redman applies for situation as servant. Wrote this evening to Mrs Jones, Abercothi, about Jane for hospital again.

3rd

At Swansea weather-bound, wet wait in hope for the evening. Worse instead of better, drive in rain and a hurricane from south west full in our faces all the way, a dreadful ride. Home about 7.00 and most glad to get there. Carree wet through. Find Ted at Caie Forgan weather-bound also.

4th

Stormy all day with light rain a.m.. Carree breakfasts in bed after yesterday's journey. Ride with Ted to Stafell Haegr about new stables, no masons. George Dix not there, return to Crickton and to Park y Rhedin about road. Dine at 2.00, read Cambrian, enter accounts and account of work this week, been absent to Penmaen and Swansea.

Sunday. Sacrament, Jeffreys … extended. Fine morning, evening wet again to our surprise. Ted not here all day, has evening duty at Nicholaston and sleeps at Penmaen. Read Dairyman's Daughter by Hugh Richmond.

6th

Monday, very wet morning. Busy all morning sorting papers, bills, and collecting bills together on the joint account of this place. Dine early and ride with Carree in evening to Stafell Haegr to plan out for mason. Failed to make plan, must reconsider it, take measurements for that purpose. Met Ted there after his shooting, he came from Penmaen today, no letters. Draw plan in evening for stables etc at Stafell Haegr. Wet at night again.!!!!!

7th

Doubtful sort of day, workable though wet. Rise early and go out. Read one article in Quarterly. Hear C Teddy his lesson. Ride to see men at work at Crickton. Meant to go to Stafell Haegr, met Ted coming up. Susan here; she, C Teddy, Carree and Ted ride to Penmaen, a fete on Miss Vines marriage with Mr Starling … I ride there alone, all the children of Penmaen dine at the rectory. Healths drunk etc. Read Britannia paper in the evening, sleep at Penmaen weather-bound, most awfully wet again.

8th

At Penmaen, write to Edmund about lathe etc, to Davenport about Vosper, answer Rev. Henry W Jones. Lunch there and ride home all of us. Go with Ted to Stafell Haegr and settle plans for mason. Return with Ted, dine 4.30, settle work with men as to work tomorrow; Stafell Haegr, thatch etc. Men making the road at Crickton. Evening, I enter accounts etc. Ted and Carree busy making album for children, cut figures from Quarterly etc.

9th

Rise early and walk to Crickton before breakfast. Mow of barley taken in, the first this season there. Send slates to Stafell Haegr by Clement and Tucker and have load of rock stones for garden up. Ted rides to Stafell Haegr soon after breakfast. Carree and I ride to Reynoldston, call on the Balls, get medlars there. Call at the shop and on the Rev. Mr Davies. Return home by 3 just in time to save rain, again rain!!! Enter accounts etc and rule tithe book in the evening. Wet night again.

10th

Rise in good time to another wet driving morning, blows off wet after 12.00 and is fine evening. At home all day sorting and tying up bills. Walk after dinner to Crickton to consult C Reese as to Penrice fair tomorrow and see who is at work. Carree writes to Mrs Joseph Starling, Mr Perry sends for paper, not to be found. Starlight night. Now are we to have communication with Swansea tomorrow? Make album for children.

11th

Rise early, beautiful today as times go. Penrice fair, little done. Ted rides to Swansea and calls on his return, brought letters; George etc, mother. I go by Crickton in way to the fair. Meet Mr Lucas driving his cattle home again, all sellers, no buyers. I buy two pigs, one of Beynon, one of Bevan. Home and dine at 2.00. Children very troublesome. Read Cambrian in evening.

Sunday. Wet again!!! Evening duty, Ted dines here. Singing practice in church after service. Read aloud Book of Samuel.

13th

Rise early, wet night, house flooded. Proves a fineish day. Early to Stafell Haegr to meet Howell John and the masons. Jones of Llythrid calls early for taxes. Buy elm timber of Howell John at Stafell Haegr. Settle work with mason, Ted gone to Penmaen!!! Dine at 3, dinner ordered at 2. In the evening, till late at night, attend the parish meeting for the purpose of settling a new Rack Rent rate for county police purposes. Mr Thomas Gordon comes drunk as usual. Objects to everything, got angry with him and take him to task. Vivid lightning.

14th

Rise early, fine day but cold. Write to George etc about poor woman at infirmary. Send C Reese to Swansea for jungle fowls and lathe. All carts sent to Stafell Haegr with slates etc. Garden a little and ride with Carree after early lunch to Stafell Haegr. No dinner!! Find Ted there, Howell John moving timber, gets fast. Shaft horse has narrow escape. Take tea there. Mattress making, return before 8.00. Enter accounts in the evening on the fowls come home safe from Swansea.

15th

Wet again, who could have thought it? All day in the house. Write to Edmund on arrival of jungle fowls, too wet to send to the post. Ted comes up and dines and reads paper. I read aloud Annals of Parish. Children very troublesome. Enter arrear of daily accounts etc. Examine W David's account last sent in, W Jones accounts, his wife's work. Read part of Britannia paper. Carree writes to my mother, letter not sent till Friday.

16th

A fine day, glass falling still. Hail showers, workable. Rise early and go out to Crickton on pony. Order work and barley winnowed. Beynon of BG calls for thatching twine, Bryngwas, and goes to thatch there, north side. Finish Annals of Parish and again walk to Crickton having sent to EKJ and straw. Read paper and dine at Ted's much against my wish, wanting to write accounts. Carree and Ted attend singing school in church. I read Britannia. Tea at 8, home at 11.00. Cold. A funeral passes through the village to Penrice of a young man drowned off Llanelli.

17th

A fine morning, promise of better weather. Very hot midday. Snow showers and cold in the evening. House turned inside out, carpets taken up. Rooms like upholsterers. Get out and see new cut road to Crickton. Ted's boy sent to Penmaen, 2 letters sent in the evening before dark. Help to take in a rick of barley, Cadennith. Lend car to Mr Lloyd for Swansea tomorrow, send commissions by him. Lend another car to Dix. Read papers and write accounts in evening. Sit in the unfinished parlour. A funeral [hearse] old Mrs Evans of Ystlys Rhean[13], dead at Penclawdd, passes through village for Cheriton.

18th

Do not send to Swansea. Most beautiful day, frost sharp. Carree rides alone to Penmaen, huffy with me for not going. I stay in the house to prepare tithe book. Dine early on pudding and make … for the children in the evening. Walk to see who is at work on the road by Park y Rhedin, culvert opened. Help Tucker a little in evening, late, raising mound. Finish my tithe book, ruling it, and read a little.

Sunday. Sharp frost, more snow, not much. Morning duty, fine cold day. Walk alone to church, Carree about at home. Ted walks to Nicholasston. Read Bible and outlines of sacred history. Cold day indeed, wind east.

20th

Rise early, sharp frost, fine day. Am starting for Crickton, C Reese comes, cart must be mended, borrow of RH. Walk to Crickton after breakfast, cart lime and earth. Walk to Park y Rhedin, get Morgan Jenkin's account of road work. Work in garden, cut out brambles etc. Ted comes late to dine, receive letters from George and J Ord. Gibbs calls for rent. Give Tom Phillips old pair of trousers. Lecture Llewellyn about sly habits. Carree writes to ---? Parsey called about beef, Penmaen, take leg and sirloin. Tailor here.

21st

Frost, mild and beautiful, inclined to rain and thaws. Not from home all day. Clear out brambles from shrubbery and walk with Carree and children to Cillibion, see threshing machine at work and look at Mr Nicholl's hay. Geese killed for market tomorrow etc. Colts got in and separated to fresh ground for some. Dine at 3.00 and in evening write to J Ord and introductory letters to London. Write to George and to coach maker, Carmarthen. Read Cambrian, in bed late. Inclined to rain and then frost again.

22nd

Mild thaw, send to market, C Reese starts too late. Two Irish shipwrecked mariners call, give them breakfast and waistcoat, have no money. Thin market, have good price for things. Arrange work, begin manure Upper Field. Have only a luncheon dinner, herring, and drive Carree in evening to Penmaen for beef, rain come on. Tea there, good night to come home, lucky to escape rain. Mare's shoe loose. Market folks return before we get home.

23rd

Morning taken up in superintending with Carree the cutting up a pig and beef, most troublesome business, but tis wet morning and unexpectedly clears off in the evening when I walk out to Crickton and see about corn winnowed etc.

24th

Wet misty morning again!!!!! Neglected to fill this up till next Friday when again tis similar sort of day of mist and rain. Have fire wood cut up by Tucker and help him cut it and get it in to amuse children in packing it away. W Richards went early to mill for Christmas fare, not back till dark, suspect him tippling and walk down to village to ascertain, glad to find myself wrong. Meet him returning, mill full the cause; go on to see the state of the public houses, find all quiet and return. Read quietly, Christmas Eve.

25th

Twice at church, morning and again at 6.00. Ted did all the duty, his father served Penmaen and Nicholaston. Read Benson Hulsean Lectures and outlines of Scriptures History. Ted dines with us and spends evening with us. A fine day, cold.

Sunday. Evening duty, very wet morning. Dine before church, singing school in the evening.

27th

Fine day, glass very high but inclined to rain again, evening actually wet again. Ride to Crickton. Reese at plough at last, too wet tho'. Go to Stafell Haegr, masons at work, measure up panels of door of glass there. Meet Mrs James on common, riding Rosie junior to pay us a visit. Ted has a funeral at Chapel, Mrs James, buries a corpse at Ilston for Mr Collins who is in Swansea. W Collins has smallpox there. Evening spent in conversation with Penmaen visitors.

28th

Rise early, Mrs and Mr J here. Walk to Crickton. Tom Philip and Clement at drain, water will not run. Go to Crickton Top, having screening gravel. Very late breakfast, begin fence of new plantation, Lower Field. Mr Pearce calls, shoots with Ted, both dine here. Walk with Mrs and Mr J and Carree. Call on Mrs Grose. Dine about 3. In the evening the singing school have tea and cake and flip[14]. Singing greatly improved. Break up late and attend to Swansea commissions after and write to Abercothi. Up very late.

29th

Read Britannia and ride out, all hands, 5 of us, Mrs J, Rev. J, EKJ, Carree and me, all to Penmaen. Get a good course on return and run aground to a drain in my garden. Evening spent in amusing the children, the album advanced. New bed put up in our room for children because the new servant Ann Olivia Redman comes from Swansea as new house servant. Sent to market today; geese, butter, potatoes etc.

30th

Foggy morning and foggy all day. Dine at Stafell Haegr, all hands. Settle accounts with Mrs James, not out all morning. A Derbyshire crockery man calls, buy all his crate for £1 and divide it with Mrs James, all the yellow ware. Carree paid. Ride down to Stafell Haegr to dine in misty rain. Would all gladly have stayed at home. Pass, however, a pleasant evening and return home in misty rain between 10.00 and 11.00.

31st

Again a misty wet day. See about work, place two stones in front of cart shed to stay doors and send men to turn earth on common. Walk to see road men, Crickton Top, and walk to Crickton. George Gibbs calls with oysters, buy a pig of him at 4 ¾ and half a farthing and come home to enter accounts before going to dine at Mr Perry's.

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