Charles Morgan's Diary, 1842

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January

1st (Saturday)

January 3rd

Off before breakfast to Stafell Haegr to see masons. Ted has finished, very cold but fine. Mr and Mrs James etc intend riding to Brynhir, start and get frightened. Carree and Mrs J ride to Stafell Haegr, Mr Perry there. Ted's Club Day and division of money. Ted and Mr Perry go shooting and dine with us at 5.00 to my great inconvenience and hindrance being quite unprepared for tomorrow. Not in bed till past 12.00. Played at cards and lost one rubber, wagon whist. Sharp frost.

4th

Beautiful fine frost, sharp yet mild. Tithe day at Llanrhidian. Finish my tithe book and cheques for dinner, Robert Harry comes up and gives me in the rents for last year. Others call about the accounts as usual when I am most busy. Mrs James helps me make cheque-book and Carree. Mr Tim and Miss Ball call to my great inconvenience, do not heed them much, go late to the audit but time enough. Mr James senior and Ted dine. Several large defaulters. Singing, goes off pretty well, make a proposition for help to get hay from Long Oaks. Get many volunteers in a moment and most gratifying feeling to me. Glad to get home, tired and ill, stinking of tobacco.

5th

A beautiful mild frost again. Inclined to thaw. A most busy confused day from first to last. Mr and Mrs James leave us to go home. I count all my money and add up tithe book. Mrs Davies and Lucy call on the two boys. They skate on Broad Pool. Gibbs calls with the pig, 19 score at 4 Ύ and half a farthing. 13 cars come to carry hay from Long Oaks. Feed some 25 or 30 head. Settle with Gibbs in evening. Busy all the evening at accounts and write to William, answer tax paper and mean to write to Edmund. Johnny some days on sofa with scald foot, begins now to be ill, measles!!

6th

Rise early, write hurried letter to WM and in answer to tax paper, Cowbridge. Drive to Swansea with Ted, send 120 to bank by EKJ, alright. Attend trustee meeting, numerously attended. Make application in pursuance of notice for money for Cheriton road from Cillibion to Llanmadock. Get grants of £40 something! Go shopping and paying bills and home by 9.00. Mild not freezing.

7th

Assist men, after weighing Gibb's pig for C Reese, to weigh hay from Long Oaks in barn. Troublesome job, not a bad bargain, 7 tons at £15. Read Britannia paper, have had no time all week, can't rent it to Mr Perry. Children both ill, house in confusion.

8th

Send WR off early to Reynoldston yesterday for powders for children. Again today send Jim over with note and paper. Mr Perry calls, pronounces measles and gives powders etc. Walk out with gun … to Crickton. See men at lime and earth and return and work all evening at tithe book, upstairs with the sick children. Lewis sent over late to Reynoldston for physic.

Sunday. Very cold, evening duty, 2 servants to Nicholaston with letters for Mrs J from post yesterday by Tom Philip. Dine late. Mr Perry and W Collins drop in and take dinner. The former expected. Singing in evening, other strangers too.

10th

Sharp dull frost, east wind. Children something better, at home all day except at dusk walking to Crickton. Men leaving work and going to Park y Rhedin about the road. Communicate with Penmaen by Ted's boy, receive letter from Abercothy, Mrs Jones, as to horses and cheese. Balance my tithe book, Lower Division, and enter up arrears and prepare for Upper Division by filling blank receipts etc. Nelly Harry calls and takes tea. Write a note by J Charles to Wibley about wheat sent here by Mr Gordon. Sow pig, 7 all dead, 2nd litter she loses.

11th

Thaw on the ground, no frost. Turns to a wet day about 12.00, general thaw. Walked to the field, lime and earth Carreed out, short of hands … several hands absent, ill no doubt. Beer at Club last night. W Richard in bed all day after breakfast. Mr Perry and Ted drop in dripping from shooting. Dine here, children are better, are physicked. Read Britannia, get sick of Blue Stocking Hall. I Grant calls in evening, go through some accounts of Howell John's with and strike a rough balance about £45. Called at Penralt about lime, RH cleaning a pig.

12th

Rise late, I don't know why. Settle an account with D Williams as above for sawing. Ted come(s) and presses me to shoot golden plovers on common, can't get near them. Kill a wigeon after a dozen shots at it. Miss a tame snipe. Ted dines and sleeps at Brynhir. I walk to Crickton and home to dine late. Carree out of humour because Tucker boy had waited to see me, a parcel to go tomorrow for Bristol. Time on Saturday would suit better. W David calls in in the evening with some accounts. Write in evening answers to some letters, Mr Halliwell etc. Wet evening. Something said yesterday by IG as to Miss John going to service.

13th

Driving winterly day, rain and snow. Lime carting to Stafell Haegr, cart breaks down in village lane. 2 pigs killed, in the house all day at tithe book and read Gentleman Jack. Children come down to parlour for 1st day after measles. No interruptions, no calls for money. Wind abates towards night a little.

14th

Beautiful day, little snow on ground, writing letters and notes all day for Abercothi, Carmarthen, Reynoldston, Swansea. Sending to Carmarthen tomorrow for gig. Commissions for Swansea, killing geese, bagging potatoes. Jim sent to Reynoldston and Penmaen. Ted comes up in evening, goes to Swansea tomorrow. Mr J Gordon calls about agricultural question(?). Pigs cut up. Children, Johnny not so well. I walked only to Crickton to tell John about going to Carmarthen tomorrow.

15th

Sharp frost again, too sharp to last. Walk before breakfast to Crickton, D Huegate sees to the cattle etc. Arrange about lime for garden. Bury Tip by the medlar tree. Set mole traps, catch 2. Morgan the surveyor calls about Cheriton road. Mr Perry calls, orders leeches for Johnny. George Edwards, blacksmith, settle accounts with him. Read fish ponds Quarterly. Richard Gordon calls, a pheasant for children. Ted calls on return from Swansea. Car home late, sent to help up the hill luckily.

17th

Sunday. Morning duty, thin congregation, cold and raw. Returned with Mr and Miss Grose to finger post. Reed Hulsean lectures, Joseph and brethren etc. Sent Lewis to Penmaen on Moselle as bulletin!! Poor Johnny has leeches applied under the chin on Sunday.

Monday. Margaret detected at Penmaen en famille, sent off. Ted and /./. (sic) call on Mr Talbot for land for school; alright. Go over to Stafell Haegr for Ted to receive Club money. Few attend, mild weather but no mason there. Return home and find Mr Perry and Mr Pearce at Caie Forgan. Mrs J and Mr and Ted come also. Walked again to Stafell Haegr to dine and meet Phil Evans. Home very late.

18th

Most beautiful spring like day, a little off hinges by late hours yesterday. Children getting better, Johnny slowly. Carree rides alone by road up Cefn Bryn for exercise. I walk to Crickton and settle with C Reese how all the fields are to be sown. Liming the back garden. Dine now always at 4.00. Wrote a long letter this morning to Sir John Morris as to law expenses demanded of his tenant, J Bowen, Pwllyfroga. Read Gentleman Jack. Ted takes tea here. Tom Philip and boy return late with two horses and gig from Abercothi.

19th

Most beautiful mild day. Order all my ponies got together. Plantation hedge got on with, show them how to plant it. Willow, ash, elder etc. Write to Charles Collins to advertise agricultural association. Ride with Carree and drive colts, Richards leading Spotty, 9 in all, to Penmaen. Plenty of rough grass there. Meet Mr Perry, borrowed gig and harness for Swansea. Friend coming from Hunts. We dine at Penmaen, Margaret, the look en famille, leaving in disgrace. Ted shoots at Cilonnen with Mr Cameron. Send gig to Mr Perry to bring his Hampshire friend, Edwards, from Swansea.

20th

Rise early and walk to Crickton and settle about work for today. Much occupied with plantation hedge, fully intended having long day at accounts for WM. Carree rides Moselle to Mrs Grose, expectations there, and then to Llanmadock with Ted about servant for Mrs J. New chestnut mare from Abercothy tried first time today. Ted here this evening and dines here.

21st

Dull damp misty chilly frosty day. Rise early, walk and breakfast at Stafell Haegr. Mason and carpenter there, roofing stables. Carree unexpected comes down. Return by Crickton, talk with Eagles and RH as to road to Penralt from George Jones. Order mutton of RH. Find day more than half gone, fully intended going into accounts for WM but tis late and begin a new piece of rock work in garden with WT and D Huegate. Corn winnowed, see it measured. Go by moonlight with Ted to dine at Mr Perry's, his Hampshire friend there, Edwards, and Mr Tim Ball, not home till past 2.00. Look after our own ponies.

22nd

Short night, breakfast as usual. Wife divorced, Ted and I sleep in same room. Wet morning after frost, heavy rain till 12.00. Beautiful evening. Had no time to send to Swansea commissions. Tie up newspapers and W Woodward's socks. Read Gentleman Jack, dine early with children. Get out a little in the evening to see who is at work. Sit upstairs

Sunday. Evening duty, Mr Perry and his friend Mr Edwards called just before church. Poor Johnny has a stubborn gathering under his chin, lanced and again poulticed. Ted dines with us after church. Very few come up to practise singing this evening. Cold day without rain. Frost at night. Read one of Burden's sermons.

24th

Sharp frost, very! Dull morning, rise early, not a servant down till 7.15. All not down till 7.30. Ring them up with unfixed entrance Bell. Lime and earth turned in the garden. Fully intended setting down to accounts for WM. Mr Perry and his friend again call to borrow gig for Swansea, send parcel of stockings by him to Winchester for Richard Woodward. Hear of dangerous illness of Mr Dunn's son, Leason. Ride there with Carree, little hope I fear!!! Comes on to wet, a thorough wet evening. Samuel Jones calls to pay tithes, give him dinner. Read Cambrian and Gentleman Jack, finish it. No communication with post at Penmaen. What to be done with poor Johnny, the swelling under his chin will not advance by poulticing!

25th

After a deluge of rain last night a beautiful today. Rise early, send early to Landimore for corn. Read Stephen's account of Central America in Quarterly. Walk to see road, how damaged by rain, and to Park y Rhedin about road. Dine at 2.00. Carree rode with Ted to Mr Dunn's, his poor child dying. Mrs John settles to come as servant to us. Ted dines here. Robert Harry here this evening to enter up for tithe account for tomorrow.

Beggar, Spanish Legion, 1d.

26th

Tithe day at Penclawdd. A perfect hurricane from west north west. Building unroofing woefully. Morning occupied in preparations and seeing to the house inundated in the night by rain. Window one pane blown in. Meet Ted in village and ride with him to Penclawdd and RH on my new Mare. Disappointed in Mr J of Penmaen not daring to come. A pleasant meeting. Home about 12.00 and go to bed. Give Carree, before going to Penclawdd, all my gold. A corpse of a child, Bevan's, brought from Swansea to be buried here, smallpox!!!

27th

Beautiful today after stormy yesterday at home. Making out my money etc and receive from a few stragglers. Mr & Mrs J call, short call. Ted comes up in evening, we walk to Stafell Haegr to see what masons have done and are doing and tea there. Mr Perry unexpectedly comes also. Tea and supper. Ride home. Had again ridden up on Ted's grey to get peppermint drops for Mrs Dunn's child, only one left!!! How unfortunate! Return home with Mr Perry. Must have left a candle burning in the parlour all night! A whole one … table covered with grease in the morning we hear. How fortunate no accident, thank God!

28th

Another beautiful day! At home all today because my tithe book, though not my money, have many interruptions.. Mrs Nicholls calls and little Ann. They dine here. Plantation hedge going on briskly. Prepare for Swansea tomorrow and write letter; received one from WM.

Carree for Susan this evening 3d.

29th

Fine day, again cold. At home all day. C Reese at Swansea. Plantation hedge, finish a little bit as sample. Dine early, no masons come to repair slates and roof at Caie Forgan, about the church. Dine early, Ted comes up in evening, Read Wordsworth in Quarterly and add up tithe book in the evening. Bids for frost again, no.

Sunday. Morning duty sacrament. Poor Mr Dunn's eldest boy dead!!! Bevan of Wernhalog's brother sends 2nd boy from Swansea, dead of smallpox, to be buried here. First grave reopened and deepened; a likely plan to inoculate all the parish!! Shameful. Ted takes tea here, no time for else. Mild pleasant day.

31st

Monday. Cool dull morning, turns to a wet misty rainy day by noon. At home all day. Masons come to repair roofs, ladders unfit, return to Stafell Haegr. Ploughing stopped, when will it begin in earnest. Balance my tithe book and money to a fraction after some trouble and enter it all down. Ted calls in way to Penmaen after removing guelder tree at Stafell Haegr. Spend all day at accounts. Enter up this book etc. Rain has ceased and tis starlight!!!! How changeable.

February

1st (Tuesday)

A most beautiful spring day. Got out after breakfast and could not resist working in garden after setting men to work. Rock work and ivy by oak tree and rock work by roadside, Tucker helped in evening. Read Britannia in evening. Miss Johns comes as servant to us; not happy at home with stepmother. Hear Howell John is gone to Cardiff jail as bail for W Richards, Swansea.

2nd

At home all day, prepared to write out accounts for WM. Peggy Heugate interrupts me to settle her account, Mary Bowen also. W Jone shoemaker ditto. One Hugh also about corn at Townsend, a mow taken in mistake; inclined to impudent. R Harry calls in evening on same errand. Ted calls up after funeral of Mr Dunn's child. Mrs Batcock's wedding party. Not a moment to myself all day. Wrote to Penmaen, my heifer killed there.

3rd

Drive to Swansea in EM's gig with Carree. Misty wet. Placed in Swansea Bank £100, part of tithes. Attend turnpike meeting. Call on Mrs Munday, dangerously ill, on Mr Mansfield as to Howell John's affairs, he in Cardiff jail, insolvent. Dine at Castle, in new hands, Mr Davies, alterations making. Wet and disagreeable going, dry coming home. Mr Collins overtook us, ride together and beguile the way. Home about 8.00.

4th

Rise very early out and work before breakfast. Servants late, no room to sit in. Ride to Stafell Haegr to see masons work. Ted not there. Meet Mr Gordon, consult about another order of removal; Evan Morgan. Home again and ride to Penmaen post and beef. Answer 2 letters, Abercothi and Henry and return with Ted. One of my ponies there very ill. What's to be done? No time for accounts again today. Fine but cold.

5th

Sharp frost, fully intended and arrange to begin to sow wheat in Cross Lane Field, frost too sharp till after midday then alter horse work and make a beginning. About home all day, meant to have made fair copy of accounts to send to WM's, ought to have done so long ago. Have no parlour work for Tucker, get him into front garden, wheel in earth and make rock work, the stones much in the way loose. Plant a few laurels, sent to Penmaen, colt ill, strangled. Beef home and heifer of mine killed there. Mr Perry calls with his gun, stays dinner and coffee, leaves at dusk. Beef to be attended to, some sorted, some not. Henry Lucas sends sow to boar. RH calls in evening with Cambrian. Duke of Buckingham resigned office as Lord Privy Seal, who will supply his place? And what will he do and what will Sir RP do in the corn laws? Read Cambrian. Carree very unwell, cause too well-known, unlucky affair indeed. - //./..

7th

Sunday. Sharp frost, dry, cold wind, east. Evening duty, dine before church, fat beef pie. Very tired all the evening, read one of Burden's sermons. Wrote to Frank, large singing school this evening, Samuel Jones (earring) present.

Monday. Frost early part of night. Mild day and beautiful, quite hot. Sow wheat in earnest, 6 horses, 3 carts, 6 men, 1 boy, 1 woman. Mr Gwyn calls of Townsend begging aid in money, decline, not able and unwilling. Walk to wheat field with C Teddy. Busy scene. Plant a few laburnums on the mound. Mr Perry called, does not come in. Ted takes tea and spends evening. Milder weather, read Rookwood.

8th

Dull day, mild damp cold etc. Walk to Crickton before breakfast and arrange to work, 3 carts by borrowing at lime and earth, lend plough to Mr Lloyd and borrow a cart of him. At home all day at accounts and read opening of Parliament etc. Harris, a horse breaker, calls; nothing for him. Ted calls, dines at Penmaen, tea here. Carree unwell all day, no one calls for money. Some misty rain at times today, at accounts, again this evening.

9th

Dressed by 8.00, servants very late. No room ready, go to the chaff room, hard work, machine out of order. Doubtful day, threatens thorough wet, proves showery and workable. Cart out lime and earth. Indoors all morning writing fair copy of receipts for WM. Forget to order dinner. Carree in bed ill. J Charles calls about quarry at Penralt, refer him to RH. Dix is going to Bristol, borrows car. Write to Mr Morgan, discover my hams are eaten up by hoppers. Send a good one and half of one to Bristol. After dinner walk to road, Park y Rhedin etc and to Crickton, carting lime and earth, home again. In evening attend parish meeting as to order of removal of pauper from Swansea here. Wet ride to it.

10th

Fine day after the rain of last night again. Pick out wood for carpenter for Stafell Haegr and send it down and set men to clean up the haggard. Am sitting down to accounts for WM; the Penmaenites call all put a stop to. Walk as far as Crickton and to Crickton top, J Harry at road there. Ride with Ted to dine at Mr Perry's rather late. Mr Nicholls, Mr Grose there. Come away, as usual, quite ill, very late, not home till 3.00, shameful!!! And ashamed of myself.

11th

Ill all day after dining at Mr Perry's, plain dinner too except his plum pudding, what does he put in it? Wet stormy day, not up till 5.00 in the evening and then fit for nothing. In the afternoon part of the day there is but little rain.

12th

A fineish day, windy and cold. Not well but better, up lateish, ride after breakfast to Stafell Haegr, carpenter only at work, stables pitched. See man J Harry as to road, men filling drain at Crickton. A mow of barley winnowed at home. Dine early, read Rookwood. RH calls in evening with letters, one from Cathe, papers, bad news from Afghanistan indeed.

Sunday. Morning duty, Ted dines with us between churches. He sleeps at Penmaen. Read some Hulsean lecture and one of Burden's sermons.

14th

Dull dry and fine. At home all day at accounts for WM. Make out tithe receipts and

write a letter to WM and not in bed till one in the morning. Carree not at all well. Ted calls early from Penmaen, ask him to call tomorrow to take parcel and execute errands at Swansea tomorrow. Am not much interrupted.

15th

Ride early to Penralt, men set to quarry road there. Ted came here early but after breakfast. Does errands at Swansea and takes parcel for WM. Drive in evening, … out on new gig to Penmaen, dine at 4.00. Meet Mr Perry, tis wettish, hold up an umbrella, windy and cold.

16th

At Penmaen, drive Carree and Mrs J to call on Mrs Nicholls at Park. Early dinner. Read Britannia, Sir R Peel's corn law. Early dinner and drive home to tea. Read paper till late at night. Met a Mr Pritchard and Nicholls, had sold cattle to … near Aylesbury, £100 a piece. Wrote to Mr Wilkins to pay to Mr Tripp for one Hugh, for a rick of barley, Townsend. RH calls at Penmaen on the subject of William Hugh of Reynoldston, of rick notoriety, a rogue. Mr Borley's sale of Park Mill, Ted goes, bailiffs get possession.

17th

Dull day, rather damp. Breakfast early and ride to Crickton and Penralt and Stafell Haegr and Park y Rhedin. Wheat sowing at Crickton. Measure drain for Eagles, being for Dix factory in Thomas Tailors' Field. Dine at 2.00 and in evening plant a few trees on the mound in entrance garden. Read the Britannia paper. Ted came here this evening after riding to Leason, he reads supplement to the paper.

18th

Splendid day, Mr Cameron and a large party coursing on the common; Ted one of them. Dinner party at Cillibion afterwards. At home all day. Plantation hedges, plant a few willows and make a new small border on green instead of attending to accounts. At accounts in the evening and Swansea commissions. Mrs Grose called to borrow plates etc.

19th

Foggy, cold and beautiful and warm and dry. Mr Tripp's clerk calls early with some bill in chancery, not about W Hugh's barley rick as I apprehended. Get Tucker to begin putting in order the old oak tree front of house in hedge, prepare a seat there with Cefn Bryn stones. Dine early and ride with Carree to Stafell Haegr, called at Penralt quarry. Tea at Ted's and send up keys to give out tea for servants. Miss John's sister calls. Dix returns from Gloucester, receive my mother's parcel, C Reese home late. Receive hare from Mrs Grose bona.

Sunday. Evening duty, Ted this morning served the chapel, Upper Division; a particularly full congregation at the church. A funeral sermon, Mr Dunn's Child. They in church first time. Mr and Mrs Christopher Batcock there. Ted returns with us to tea. Beautiful day, glass falling, some rain in night.

21st

Damp doubtful morning, cloudy and dull, proves a very fine day after rain in night. Rise early and settle work and settle accounts with C Reese for Swansea, Saturday. Garden in the morning planting mound. New earth carted etc. Send all the children in car by WR and 2 maids to Penmaen for the day. Carree and I ride to Ilston, Mrs C only at home. Miss Wood going to be married to Dr Faulkner. Ride on to Penmaen, received disagreeable letters from London, WM and Fred; law, law, law. Alfred and Henry cause. Write hasty answer to WM. Home to tea, frost after hot day. Carree drives, I and Ann ride, Rosy very gay.

22nd

Mrs Holland at Dolphin, manners, fined 1/-

Dinner for felons Association 2/6

Rise early before servants, write to Ted about anonymous letter regarding RH. Read a letter of Rookwood, again work at mound with WT. Very hot after white frost. Ted takes out greyhound, no find. Dine at the Felons Association, Dolphin, eleven only there. Settle with Mr Thos Gwyn as to new road by Penralt and school locality. Walked to Stafell Haegr and back by the footpath with Ted. Home to tea at 7.00 and enter accounts etc. Bids fair for rain again.

23rd

Threatening day, brisk wind, fine day, at home all day. Plant willow fence by stables, cut down some ditto in garden. Mr, Mrs and Miss Grose dine with us at 4.00 and EKJ's Penmaenites expected, do not come. Received packet from post, books, letters etc. Pig killed today. Jane Ellen warning for using brushes not her own.

24th

Glass falling, wet morning comes on then fine after 12.00, wet evening again after 5.00. Britannia paper, new Corn Law Committee and begin Our Miss, a novel in numbers. Ted marries Margaret, late servant of Penmaen, to one Gwyn; question, when will there be a child? At one, ride with Carree to Oxwich by the Keepers, Mr & Mrs Collins gone to the assizes. Miss Wood at home and Master Webber. Dine at 4.00, Ted at Caie Forgan in evening, tea, goes early. Enter accounts, Carree writes a letter. Poor Mrs Mundy buried.

25th

Go early to Stafell Haegr to meet masons, none there. Take gun to shoot crows, see none. Traverse marsh with EKJ, see ducks, kill none. Dine there, not home till 6.00. Some time at Penralt quarry, walk to Crickton and to Park y Rhedin. No one on the road. Carree busy at pork pies. Arrange for Swansea tomorrow. Enter accounts etc etc.

26th

Rise early, drive Carree and Teddy to Swansea in Edmund's gig. Ted goes also on Moselle. Sent car also. WR and Ann, 12 W barley, eggs, ducks etc. In Court best part of day, not home till past 10. Meet Tom Powell and Mr Perry at Castle. Very cold drive home.

28th

Sunday. Most stormy morning, thunder rain hail wind. Thin church, Sacrament. Finer in evening, read new monthly, no time else in the club. Ellen broke yesterday two windows in best room. Give warning immediately, not a room to sit in.

Monday, fine brisk morning, wet stormy afternoon. At home all day. In morning begin planting and shaping ground east side front garden. Rain stops us. Read Rookwood and enter accounts. Most stormy wet evening, prepare for Swansea tomorrow, summoned on special jury.

March

1st (Tuesday)

Drive Carree and little Johnny to Swansea assizes. Miss John rides little Rosy and W Richards walks to take horses and car back. Take lodgings at the Pearson's chymist (sic) looking up Wind Street, pleasantly situated lodging. Spend all the evening after 12.00 in court. Mr Justice Maxwell judge. Mr James also unexpectedly arrives from Penmaen and stays a day or two.

2nd

In Swansea at the assizes. Get a very bad cold and so does Johnny. A very wet day. Get to the courts only, Carree unable to make any calls. Johnny unable to get out and see the vessels etc. Mr Powell of Neath the interpreter dines with us, a very good kind of man; would, for his sake, he drank less brandy at night.

3rd

Still in Swansea assizes. Expecting to be called on a special jury and obliged to be in attendance. Johnny not well, caught cold. I have a bad cold too. A man for killing and stabbing cattle, with a sword by the Tail! to the calf bag, acquitted marvellously!

4th

The judge sits late and in court every morning at 9.00. Get out to show Johnny the trumpeters etc. Cold morning. Important case for Sir J Morris, v Vivian and Swansea company, comes; one decided tomorrow against law equity and evidence in favour of drafts, so much for champagne! Hear of the spirits washed ashore at Penmaen, one barrel broached, one man, Joseph Austin, killed drinking and many very nearly dead. Several casks washed up about the coast.

5th

Fully expected to be on the jury today, not so. The case left as a remnant for Cardiff, this decided after 1.00, now I have the evening to go with Carrie. In the evening take tea at Mrs Dr Collins, a … and Mrs Simonds there.

Sunday. Fine day, church, Mr Bowen does duty, am in Mr Thomas Thomas's pew. Spend a day at Mr & Mrs Terry's, walk on sands etc, dine at Mr Terry's, he tells me some pretty election stories for Tories. Mr Dillwyn does not shine. Sir J Morris does, Crowther!!! What a humbug.

7th

Monday, leave Swansea late owing to rain, at 6 and 7 what to do. Ted comes in, all go home together. Miserable drive ends fortunately.

8th

Ride to Stafell Haegr, doorway made; Mr Pearce came there. Park y Rhedyn road, J Harry. Dine at 3. Read letters from Bristol. Read Britannia, enter daily labour etc. Carree ill all today in bed, very bad cold. Influenza prevalent. Receive anonymous letter about parochial matters.

9th

Stormy in early morning, fine till 2.00. Tremendous wet evening. Assist to build stones under oak tree, front of house. Ted dines with us. Adam Murray sends notice to quit Caie Forgan, why, rent all played. Nothing but annoyance in this country!!!

10th

Beautiful day. I ride to Swansea, Turnpike Trust meeting; very full attendance. Nixon, Dilwyns, Tennant, Cameron, Moggridge and contract with Alford cancelled after long debate. New clerk appointed, Mr Grove retires. Mr Martin appointed, accounts to be passed. Called on Mrs Terry, had chop there. Home to tea between 6 and 7. Passed Jones and son of Llytherid afoot at Killay. Read new monthly in evening, Mr Perry and friend called today.

11th

Ride to Landimore by appointment with Mr Gordon to see Edward Reese of Nancy, he is gone for Llanelli. Return by Manselfold, call at Llwynybwch and take account of cost of vessel. Return by Park y Rhedin road and home. Dine late and read new monthly in the evening and make out commissions for Swansea. A little boy at Cillibion!!!!

12th

Beautiful morning, fine day till night then driving mist again. About rock work all day with WT and W Jone. Mr and Mrs James call; Rev. Mr Gwyn in trouble with Mr Picton, scandal. Ted comes to tea, Mr Perry to supper. Breaks a tumble by a fall, he is cut by ? Carts home very late from Swansea. Johnny very unwell, Carree not well.

Sunday. Brisk cold day, morning duty, thin attendance at church. Read monthly, bad plan. Neglect better things in consequence. Johnny very unwell. Ted sleeps at Penmaen.

14th

Monday, perfect November fog, mild and still. Receive letters from Rugby, Aunt etc and Bristol. 2nd marriage there soon.. All day about home planting etc. WR ill. Another messenger from Mr Tripp. Weigh hay, David as to Stafell Haegr, plant willow sticks. Coal sent for. Read Britannia. Taste spirit washed ashore - EKJ, AM.

15th

Wet, foggy, November day, glass high, extraordinary weather. About home all day planting, not at accounts as I ought to be.

16th

Read new monthly in the evening in bed. Johnny very ill, rheumatism. Another wet fog and rain, glass high, ground as wet as Christmas. Hard at planting all morning. Dine early and not out again, too wet. Men at work. Read Cambrian and monthly. Johnny still very ill and quarrelsome. Settle accounts with Mr George Gordon, Cil Ivor. Greater part of evening taken up with Mr Gordon. Entered up all the cheese account from Abercothi.

17th

Foggy morning, becomes fine, turns to a thorough hard rain in evening; when will the land be dry? And then too dry! Arrange all my work. Read quarterly on copyright, good article. Mr Perry calls to see Johnny, ill from cold; rheumatic. Dines and takes tea, book club talked of. Wind gets up, glass falling again.

18th

Rise early, read quarterly, Gothic architecture. Walk to Crickton and to Penralt quarry, return, dine early and scanty. Plant with WT, walk with C Teddy to Cillibion hedge, plushing it. Mrs Evans of Ship comes with a fish. Ted here this evening from Penmaen, I rode there this morning.

19th

Strong west wind, very cold. Ted rides to Swansea. I am all day planting in new plantation, Upper Field with Tucker, WR and Llewellyn. RH calls in evening with beef, 3 or 4lb only for Johnny's beef tea. Walk to Crickton in the the evening; carting stones from clover.

Sunday. More pleasant day. Drive Carree and Teddy to Penmaen, late there. Merry dinner, evening duty. Tea early and home before dark. Cold northwest wind. Read a little of Samuel in evening.

21st

Again a fine day. Glass rising, wind northerly, cold. Llanrhidian Fair. Teddy rides his donkey 1st time to village. I walked to Crickton, carting stones, clover and making drain by Crickton, new road. Mr and Mrs J ride over and dine, Ted too. He kills a wild duck. RH called a.m. with lime account etc. George Gibbs calls with oysters and receives rent. Mr Thos Gordon and Edward Reese called, settle vessel accounts, long affair. Mr Perry calls to see Johnny and does not like his opinion doubted as to Johnny having the Scotch complaint. Mrs J and he have words, he leaves in dudgeon. I cannot accommodate him about anthracite coal from Landimore. My horses are overworked now. Receive letter from WM, he is going to Uckfield. All evening at accounts.

22nd

A very fine day till evening, inclined to rain unexpectedly. Ride to Swansea. J Grant calls early in re(gard0 Howell John, become bail for his appearance at Cardiff in July for £350 with Thomas Morris of Goitre. All day loitering in Swansea to see Mr Atwood for this purpose, petty sessions. He is clerk and engaged till 6.00, I into town at 9.00.

23rd

Breakfast early and go to Crickton and Penralt, return and work in garden. Ted dines here, sent to post. Saw yesterday Mr Cornwall's Carine horses at Swansea and spoke of my ponies. Read Ainsworth mag. and enter accounts etc. Carree rides to Mrs Mabbot.

24th

Rise at 6, fine dry day. Reynoldston 1st fair, a failure, nothing done. Help Tucker plant all the trees out of ground, willow sticks etc and prepare under oak tree for stones etc. Mr Perry calls, Johnny very unwell still. Walk to Crickton late and give orders. Mrs Jones of BG calls and pays rent. 2 women have cheese. Ted calls in evening to tea and borrows Moselle.

25th

Good Friday. Cold, tolerable fine day, some rain, evening duty. Omelette for dinner!!! Such an one! Mr Truman and Mr Phelps galloping on same horse with his tail to the church at church time. Go with Ted after church to call on J Harry, ill - blinded by stone breaking. Comes on wet again in the evening. What a pity. Write Swansea commissions etc.

26th

C Reese sent to Swansea, potatoes. A day of confusion. Sent to Penmaen for colts, under orders to quit, to Landimore for apples. Go to Crickton, Tom Philip at plough etc. Take powder to Penralt quarry etc. C Reese home in good time, missed to get The Firmity, Read Ainsworth magazine, club …

Sunday. Fineish day, cold. Sacrament. Ted gives a home servant adultery etc. Mr Perry calls.

28th

Up early, wet morning, mist clears off in evening. Read in morning, ride to Penralt quarry etc. Yard cleaned up, church rate meeting, new church warden appointed. Dine at Ted's. Meet Mr Perry, not home till 12. Pleasant weather. Carree receives a letter from Cathe as to accounts, urgent. In distress about servants report of Scotch complaint. Nelly Grant comes up.

29th

Rise at 6.00 and go to Crickton before breakfast. Most beautiful day but sea roaring wonderfully. All day at accounts for WM. Morgan Jenkins in evening settles accounts, tithes and road. Ted calls in evening on return from Swansea. Mary Richards here about reports, I think clears herself. Am at Crickton again in evening, Johnny not better.

30th

All morning at home at accounts for WM, interrupted by W David etc. Walk to Penralt quarry in evening. Enquire about coal, am quite out. On my return find Mr Perry, Ted and Mr Ball, they stay tea and supper to my great hindrance. I am therefore prevented sending to Swansea accounts as wished.

31st

A regular November driving misty day. Finish Britannia. All day at accounts for WM, London. Mr Richard Gordon calls and pays £4 for tithe account. Take copy of pro and con accounts with him, stones and lime, have not time to settle with him in full, too busy. Mr Grose calls about road accounts and wishes me to attend meeting this evening, decline, no time. Eli Williams calls, brought up plants called organs!! for tea.

April

1st

All day very busy making out the road account for the last year to be passed this evening at a vestry and tomorrow at Swansea Petty Sessions. Detained there 3 hours, new overseers to be appointed. Called at Wilkins, young man better. Execute a few etc (sic), all this is for tomorrow, make out my return paper and write rough draft of petition against the police rate for EKJ, not adopted.

2nd

Fine cold day, ride Moselle to Swansea early. Carree alarmed this morning, wrote to Mrs James, call at James's, Wilkins better, recovered. Spoke to Morris on road about Howell John and spoke to him about guano. Home in good time to dinner and tea. Overtook George Williams of Road, conversation about anonymous letters, his wife, RH etc she innocent. They all been to consult Tripp attorney. All contradicted again in few days.

4th

Sunday. Evening duty, full congregation. For some cause or other this page has not been filled up till Tuesday 11th inst.

Monday. Beautiful mild day and dry. Sow spring wheat very late, could not touch the land before, so wet. Begin to sow onions in garden. Walked to Crickton and on moor with EKJ, he shoots a drake, by chance gets it. Petition signed against police raids and sent to Cowbridge. Mr and Mrs James call and dine and invite little Johnny to go over hill for change of air if well enough. Time occupied with reading Book Club, no time to be lost!

5th

Most quiet summer weather, settled Johnny sent in car and hammock slung to Penmaen by WR and Llewellyn. Carree and Ann go and pony. Stones brought home from hill. Work a little in garden, beans sown. Johnny bears his journey very well, can remember no more.

6th

Still beautiful but not so pleasant as yesterday. About home all day I think. W Richards paints frame, hot bed, with tar and small cart. I forget all the rest but a man called about culm from Pembrey on horseback. Nothing particular occurred at all events except 3rd cow calves and the lawn is mown first time to neat up for party tomorrow.

7th

Dinner party, EKJ, 2 Mr Collins and Mr Perry, dinner very good but no ladies and went off flat. Was it not today I went early to Crickton and met Thomas Thomas of Oldwalls going to Swansea on foot near Cadennith; he surely is the man or one of them that put anonymous letters to me in the post yet the language is too good for him. I have suspected Phelps etc at The Dolphin and maybe even not have had joined hand in it? Regarding RH and adultery, tis ground in truth, feel sure.

8th

Rise very early, slept badly. Ride with Carree to Penmaen to see poor Johnny. Receive 2nd anonymous letter as to self and RH. Dine there and Mr Perry calls, ride home together, he leaves us top of hill. Cold, hot and dry weather, prepares ground most beautifully. About home all morning, walked to Crickton, ploughing turnip field. Lunch. Receive letter from WM and write hasty answer. Long at Penmaen. q. is not Thomas Thomas the author as one of these letters on RH. I met him yesterday I think or today going to Swansea before breakfast, near Cadennith, he said but little unusual.

9th

Fine day but colder, wind east, rise early. About home all morning, plant laurels with WT. Send hay to Stafell Haegr, was at Crickton before breakfast. Tom Philip hedging. Carree rides to Penmaen, Lewis goes to see Johnny, I and Ted after dinner ride to Stafell Haegr. Teddy thrown from donkey and dragged, not hurt. Read Hector O'Hallaran numbers, very good. Took tea at EKJ's, home late for Teddy, very tired tonight, why, bed early. Send Edmund's cloth to Swansea by Mrs Gordon, Cil Ivor, and got mangold wurzel by W David.

Sunday. Very cold morning, wind east. W Collins to do duty, christening at Cillibion. Am going with Teddy to Penmaen. Accompany W Collins to Pennyhitch, find Johnny something better we think and hope. Leave Teddy there, home by 9.00.

11th

Very cold dry east wind. Coal come in, all hands at work and house. Sent Lewis to Penmaen, ride to Stafell Haegr and with EKJ to marsh and by Wernhalog home to see road, George Williams. EKJ dines with me, garden little. Evening entirely taken up with overseers accounts and poor rate books, 3 or 4 hours. W David, Morgan Jenkins, sent Philip. Not in bed till 12.30 and up again by 5.00. W Thomas, tailor, comes.

12th

Bitterly cold, mason and tailor come up and washing day, what confusion!!! and Carree at Penmaen. Read Britannia etc. About home all today, read paper and enter arrear of accounts and diary. Sow peas and beans by old bee hive, sow apple pips. Mason here, tailor here. Ted rides through to Penmaen and brings account of Johnny on return late. I dine early, not hungry, washing day. Walk to Crickton in evening, first ploughing done through farm.

13th

Dry cold northeast wind. Am batchelor, Carree and Charlie and Johnny at Penmaen. Enter arrear of accounts and diary, see Monday last week. At home all morning, work in garden, dig front border. Give out mangold wurzel to sow. Ride to Penmaen to dine. Carree there, Johnny ill, not home till past 10.00. Meant to have called on Mr Nicholls, he engaged, Mr Grose.

14th

Cold dry blustering squally wind from north east. Up early, send Lewis to Penmaen, Charlie comes home again. Eggs sent and butter, nails sent to Stafell Haegr. Garden with WT, neat up front borders and by wall. Simon's wife of Welsh Moor calls, wants hay, long story, cattle died £50 sunk, all gone. Ted calls in, dines with Carree. I walk after dinner to Crickton, getting ready to sow oats. Nep brings in my tame wild duck, straying in field, no injury at all. Geese hatch, not good.

15th

Cold as yesterday and windy. Breakfast over by 8.00, send Jim early to Penmaen. Excuse myself wanting to sow flower seeds, do so, very cold work till dinner. WT sows also broccoli, borecole etc. Ride to Stafell Haegr, return to tea., looked in at Crickton on return, see all orders, corn etc for Swansea. Write to Fred long letter and enter accounts etc. Mamma wishes to consult Dr Howell as to Johnny, Charlie steals over to Pwllybrag. Ted goes to see his farm, one Richards near Mr Ball's.

16th

Ted and I ride together to Swansea by Black Boy. Sent wheat to market by WR, price very low. Call on Dr Howell as to Johnny, not at home. Receive note from Penmaen, prevents calling again. Leave Swansea early, return by Penmaen and dine, sleep there to go to Swansea for Dr Howell tomorrow. Ted goes home alone.

Sunday. How oddly spent! Ride early to Swansea, see Dr Howell to be at Penmaen tomorrow, return by Woodlands, Pennard etc and go to church at Penmaen at 2.30. Carree goes home with me in the evening. Meet Mr & Mrs Gross on common. Weather still dry but much milder.

18th

Monday, much warmer, can't be drier. Ride early with Carree to Penmaen after settling market accounts with WR and Lewis. I call at Park to settle accounts with Mr Nicholls about his sale etc. Meet Dr Howell and Mr Perry at Penmaen at 2.00. Ted there, we leave with Mr Perry and ride with him to Reynoldston. Spend evening there. Mr Perry returned home, not home till 12.00, find Ayrshire cow just calved, glad to get to bed.

Dr Howell does not think poor little Johnny in danger tho' very ill.

19th

Warm dry quiet summer day. Begin to set oats and potatoes. A busy day, garden and field sowing. Sow various culinary seeds, hot bed etc. Walk with Charlie to Crickton to see oat sowing. Water flower garden etc., quite parched up. Am so tired in the evening I cannot sit up past 10.00 to enter accounts etc so go to bed.

20th

Splendid day again but want rain. Do not know how to feed the calves. Rise at 6.00, about home all morning. Graft a dozen apples with WT. Walk to Crickton, oat sowing. Ride to Penmaen, dine there, Ted came. Mrs Nicholls and Mr Hancorne call. Home in good time with EKJ. Enter accounts etc. Beautiful mild evening.

21st

Beautiful day, glass falling little. Hope of rain, rise early, read Britannia paper, garden, sow mangold and beetroot, clear up and wheel stones and light a bonfire for peas. Teddy won't help because he had one egg and I two at breakfast, a let off!!! The Penmaenites dine with us on hare!!!! We ride to Penmaen before dinner. Carree remains at home, they return early. Carree and I disagree as to servants and future plans, … the best at all events. Up late, read Parliament.

22nd

Rise before 6.00 and walk to Crickton. Settled with WT about garden work. Pay Gibbs as above, he is here some time at 11. Ride with Carree and take both children to Penmaen to see poor Johnny. Send WR with cheese to Reynoldston. Ted's David there too, he brings a shoulder of veal from Parsey, 8lb at 5. Walk over Penmaen farm, mean to send cattle there, plenty of keep. Call on Mrs Jones with Teddy, home to tea. Meet nurse for Emma, Mary John at Walterston Corner. Ted at Caie Forgan takes tea and goes to Swansea tomorrow. Read in Times that Good, the Putney murderer, is taken at Tonbridge. Cold fine day.

23rd

Rise at 6.00, most summery weather, quite hot. Walk to Crickton before breakfast Think to meet Ted going to Swansea, send note to him by Evans Wibley, arrange about work. Sow seeds with Carree and read Ainsworth Magazine, very hot indeed. Send cattle and brood mare to Penmaen this evening. Ted comes in late from Swansea. Mrs George Hughes and family in Swansea. Water many things late in evening, quite parched up. Thick dry sea fog comes on this evening and continues all night and is very thick on Sunday morning, goes off on land about mid day. We ride to morning duty at Penmaen and spend day there. Poor Johnny not so well. Very hot day, hear cuckoo first time at Penmaen. Mr & Mrs Jones called in the evening, funeral of John Edwards wife from Cillibion to Reynoldston this evening.

25th

Still very hot and dry but unexpectedly get quite wet through on top of hill returning from Reynoldston. A disastrous journey, as it proves, to shop and make calls on the trio, Carree, myself riding and C Teddy on donkey and little Miss and Mary, Thunder, Carree hears in the evening. I was up early and after breakfast called to Crickton, return and make pilgrimage to Reynoldston, call on the Balls, on Mrs Perry and Mrs Davies. Shop at Davies, were to dine at 3, dine at 5. Children get soaked, give them all hot bath. Saw martens for first time at Reynoldston, q. sand? Have not seen a swallow? Hear the cuckoo first time at home today, it has been heard last week at Penrice.

26th

Carree rides early alone to Penmaen, cause Johnny we hear is not so well today, he is better again. I ride over in the evening to tea. Ted accompanies me having called afoot at Caie Forgan, goes home again to dine and get the grey. Very cold morning, hot day and cold again at night. We return home together by Nicholaston, on top of hill etc. Find it very cold, only went to Crickton and neated up all day with WT part of front garden.

27th

Carree, I and Ted dine at Mr Collins of Ilston, drive there. Mrs Popkin and the two Mr Higgs, Mr Perry etc, a pleasant party for Gower. Home very late.

28th

Spend day at Penmaen, get there after riding to Crickton and seeing as to work etc. About 12 or 1.00 stroll out to the burrows. Some of the party ride over the hill. Mrs Hughes, Mr J, self, Ted and Arthur together. Mrs J, Harry Hughes and Miss Hughes over the hill. We return at night.

29th

Rise early, hot sun, brisk wind. A grand day at cricket, of all amusements in the world, the first game of the kind, if not in Gower, at all events in the degraded parish of Llanrhidian. Muster strong considering, 2 Collins, both good, 2 Mr Higgs from Ilston, Mr Perry, myself, EKJ, 2 little Davies, Mr Gross and sundry farmers and boys, all wondering, and servants. Played cards in the evening with tea and supper. All goes off very well and kept up late. The ladies not mentioned, three in all. Was busy this morning preparing ground, neating garden, amusing Master Davies, car sent to Penmaen for poor Johnny etc and Charles there. Cheese sent over and sent for reinforcement of provision. Resolved that a capital cricket ground can be made and proposed to establish a club and take and instruct recruits. Heifer, black, daughter of Guernsey, has heifer calf.

30th

Very hot and very dry, glass falling, hopes of rain. Ride early to Crickton and to village to seek early potatoes. Send Llewellyn to Stembridge, succeeds in getting 1 cwt of J Evans. Sow… Crickton, barley this evening. Spend some time in potato field. Return and garden, sow scarlet and kidney beans by hedge. Sow broccoli, cauliflower and borecole by hot bed. Sow spinach by sea kale, sow peas. Spend all the evening watering rock work and flowers etc. Ted comes up in evening and goes to Penmaen. Feel stiff and tired. Enter arrear of diary etc and fall asleep in bed at 11. Johnny seems better.

May

1st

Sunday. Rise late. Arthur Nicholls calls early, brings sea kale. Go round with Carree etc to see calf etc etc. Evening duty. W Collins unexpectedly exchanges with Ted. Lunches with us, gives a good sermon, ‘The One Talent'. Ted, I and Carree spend the evening at Mr & Mrs Grose's, clotted cream etc, Cornish custom. Walk over his farm.

2nd

Drive Edmund's gig with Carree, EKJ and Teddy to Swansea. Dine at Coleridge House at Mrs Hughes. We go with Harry and Arthur to the circus, Cornwalls horses etc, a late performance. Not home till 3 o'clock in the morning. Weather most favourable there and back. Take Caswell deeds of Herberts Lodge to Mr Thomas Thomas, set to raise £200.

3rd

About home all day, tired. In the morning about nine and ten a gentle shower seems to promise wet day, goes off again. Receive invites to Rev. J Davis, Reynoldston, to meet Mr Perry. Wet and tired makes us decline. Read Britannia paper. Am very tired at night. Ted slept on sofa last night and spends day here, half asleep. We all walked to Crickton farm in evening, that's all.

4th

At home all day about the garden. Cloudy fine day, some little misty rain in the evening. Plant out geraniums and fuschias front round border. Cricket again this evening, muster strong and have tea out on the common. Ted's dog Box bit by a dog supposed mad, he pursues, no kill. Other dogs bit in village. Enter accounts etc in the evening and arrear of diary etc. Mad dog.

5th

Dull day and cold. Beautiful rainy evening, most desirable and most opportune indeed. Mr & Mrs James called early to inquire as to poor little Johnny. We are brewing and have no barm. A grey sort of stallion calls this morning, think to try Henry's grey. Walked to Crickton, 5 horses in one dray preparing for barley crop to. Return and water garden, first time, new planted trees. Carree and I ride Moselle to Stafell Haegr and dine with EKJ and to see his garden. Get wet riding to Stafell Haegr, glad of it. Fine on our return. Enter accounts and Carree writes to Jane Marcon.

6th

Samuel Philip, maltster, calls this evening. Go into accounts with him and make a kind of settlement. Pay him a balance of nineteen shillings on malt, tithes, sales etc road work. Walked over Crickton before dinner, found 2 cattle trespass; place cactus in hot bed etc. Plant potatoes in new plantation. W David calls this evening, long bill, go through it, analyse it etc. Receive letter from Davenport as to Vospers dividend. Write on it to WM. Ted comes up this evening, takes tea etc.

7th

Sent to Swansea by Samuel Phillip's maid, makes a horrid mess of it, loses Cambrian and forgets rennet. Another mad dog on Sunday morning does great mischief, killed down along … [1](margin - Ted has poor Boz killed, it by mad dog.)

9th

Attend at Stafell Haegr for EKJ at Penmaen and receive clothing money for him, leave it with Eliza. Call at Penralt, fail to see RH about lime. Ride by Newton and talk to Mr Long as to RH letters etc. Ted brings letters etc from post. Send Jim to Mr Perry's and shop at Reynoldston.

10th

Fine day, glass begins falling, evening bids for change to rain again. Sow barley this evening at Copton, took out seed with C Teddy to give him ride back and walk with Carree to village to see Mary Thomas, she is baking cakes. Eat one hot and feel ill effects in evening, headache. Return by Crickton. Read Britannia paper. Grand fuss liming kitchen, everything displaced

11th

Rise early and get horses out to work by 6.30. Rain threatens and want to finish barley sowing, do so Copton. Rain comes on, most beautifully fine evening again and play a cricket. Many deserters and many new recruits. Receive letter from Mr George Hoper making tour of South Wales. Halliwell coming down again tomorrow. Intend going early to Swansea. Mr Collins the only cricketer who comes. Ted is late, been at Brynhir. Mended children's barrows. Sow clover north end of garden.

12th

Drive Carree to Swansea to meet Mr & Mrs George Hoper and expect to drive Mr Halliwell home, disappointed in latter. Breakfast, before 7, some rain before starting. Fine all day for us on the road and at Swansea, beautiful rain at home. Expected Mr Halliwell by mail or packet, writes he can't come yet. Walk with George Hoper to market place and see them off, Miss Sheffner (?) there. Home again between 8.00 and 9.00, meet John from Penmaen at Killay Hill. Send message to Penmaen, non arrival. Send letters there by Mr Jones. Ted calls late in evening in way from Penmaen.

13th

Mr Model tuning piano 5/-

About home all today, not up till past 7.00. Walk after breakfast to Crickton to arrange for tomorrow etc. Return and transplant flower seedlings. Mr and Mrs J call and take poor pot luck. Model, tuner, comes - and annoys us. W David calls for money this evening, will arrange it in Swansea tomorrow. Ginger beer bursting all the bottles, rebottle it this evening.

14th

Swansea horse and pony fair, drive Ted, send 6 colts, Spotty, Moses, 2 creams and 2 blacks, not an offer for one. Wednesday night and all from this time not filled up past 11.00. Lose my new cape.

Sunday. Evening duty, Mr James senior does the duty, Mr Halliwell again arrives in Gower, at Penmaen.

16th

Dine by appointment at Penmaen, take Teddy, ride over. Mr Halliwell there, came yesterday. See my 3 colts, Rosy's and the little new Jack for the first time. Cattle improving there indeed. Most wonderful number of cockchafers on trees, bucketsful. Read afterwards that in Holland they are equally a nuisance and that premiums are given to destroy them. Mr George Gordon calls about tithe lambs.

17th

Drive to Oxwich and spend day there. Miss Lucas there, Ted comes rather late, time enough. Old Mr Collins comes from Penrice fair, nothing sold there. Take plants there and bring others away.

18th

Mr and Mrs James and Mr Halliwell dine with us and EKJ. A cricket party in the evening when Mr Halliwell distinguishes himself and proves an acquisition. Spend a pleasant evening over grog. Cricket improves. Mr George Gordon of Cil Ivor fussing and cheating about tithe lambs. Tithed and marked and then he agrees.

19th

Ride early with Ted to Penmaen, breakfast there, Mr J and I ride to Caswell, dine at Bison Court, poor meeting, Mr Beer there. Sharp rain comes on, gets cold. Ted and Mr Halliwell ride to Oxwich. Meet Mr Thomas Gordon at Parkmill, calls at Penmaen. Ride home with Ted in evening, very cold. Get no money of Grove at Caswell. Ted receives answer from Mr Phillips as to roving preaching. Bishop's letter returned.

20th

About home all day, walked to Crickton, begin sowing mangold wurzel in field. Mr Halliwell gets wet coming over, dines with Ted and sleeps at Stafell Haegr. Garden a little, RH calls for money, no-go. Samuel Philip called for poor rate, no-go. W David called, he paid on Saturday last. Read Britannia, enter accounts etc. All in arrears four-week past. Johnny appears much better for a few days past.

21st

Rise early and drive early to Swansea alone and there by 9.15. Expect to meet Mr Smith of Hill House regarding two cream ponies, disappointed. Ride on the sands my Spotty pony in Cornwall's, the breakers, hands of circus. Inquire about my cape and suspect the boots of the Castle Hotel. Then home again by 2.30, Ted here in evening.

Sunday. Sacrament, Mr Halliwell at church. A good deal of rain. EKJ does duty at Ilston in evening, returns to Caie Vorgan. Evening fine. Sit up late by kitchen fire.

23rd

Monday very wet day. Write to Cambrian Office about loss of cape etc and write a long letter to my mother as to our visit to London. Get wet riding to post at Penmaen. Tea there and meet Mr and Mrs Nicholls. Home very late after supper there. Read account of grand dinner to Duke of Buckingham at Aylesbury, Chandos testimonial. Sunday night a deluge of rain from south and south west causes death of one of my yearling ponies (Spotty's) on common as discovered next Saturday.

24th

Call at Penralt regarding quarry and lime. Ride with Ted to Cwm Ivy etc to call on Mr J Holland, dined there, call on Mr Pearce, not home till tea time. Two of our servants very ill and Johnny not so well. Most beautiful day.

25th

Doubtful sort of day, holds off. Mr Halliwell comes from Penmaen this evening to play cricket. Mr Wood from Oxwich also plays, not a numerous meeting. What have I been about all day? About home. Sent two cream ponies to Penmaen and changed pasture of cows to Cillibion.

26th

Doubtful sort of day, misty and damp. Drive Carree in dog cart to call on Mrs Evans now having a son and heir. See the garden and get a few things. Ted rides Penmaen. We return home to tea and go to bed early. Little Johnny went with us to Cillibion and rode back. Receive letter, Tenby from George.

27th

Rise at 6.00, misty morning and all day nearly. Read club books, several persons call about money, have none. Long Oaks sale to be settled, garden a little, sow turnips etc. Ride to Penralt about lime and about Swansea tomorrow. Get sedums and plant them in rock work. New road by Penralt advancing. Ted's boy sent to Penmaen. Walk after tea with Carree and C Teddy towards Cillibion after gathering flowers to send to Swansea. Write commissions to Swansea etc.

28th

Fine day, weed time!!! and nail up ivy and roses by yard wall. Dine early. Mrs Grose calls to borrow car Wednesday. The trio call from Penmaen and take tea. Ride Mr JJ's pony with Halliwell to Stafell Haegr, return to tea. WR tells me Spotty's yearling filly is dead. Time enough, see last Monday, killed by rain. RH has my horse and car for Swansea, takes his potatoes. Jane Lewis sells butter and eggs, cheap as dirt, ½ d oz.

Sunday. Evening duty, we take tea at Stafell Haegr. Singing school there. Arrange to meet Ted at Fairwood Common tomorrow.

30th

Damp doubtful morning, proves fine. Wedding at Chapel. Drive to Langland to call on Miss Esther Holland, what roads!!! Down Park ---? lane over Clyne Common, there Ted meets us. Spend a pleasant day, return by Bison, Kilvrough gate. Tea at Penmaen. Leave C Teddy there, over hill home. Queen has been shot at again by one John Francis on Constitution Hill.

31st

Was some time at quarry, Penralt. Plant out some sunflowers at home, very hot. Ride with Ted to dine at Penmaen, Mr Evans of B there. Llewellyn sent to Swansea on Friday last to pay Cornwall, circus, breaking Spotty.

June

1st (Wednesday)

Fine day till afternoon, foggy rain. Cricket day, no play. Penmaen party dine with us by invite. Mr W Collins comes after expected at dinner, Mr J Collins comes to tea, not expected. WC goes to Cheriton late, Hullin's letter to him, Bishop etc. Roast pig, everything out of time and place. Passes off pretty well.

2nd

Splendid hot day, ride to Swansea with William Collins who comes to breakfast late, loses key of Penrice gate. Attend trustee meeting. Write to Chadwick about taxes and EM, Lewes. Ride home with Mr Thomas Gordon and George Beynon, Mr Collins goes by Penmaen. Cricket talked of and abused by the ignorant. Reported the Queen has been shot at again, shameful. Jones of Llytherid calls for taxes and owes me a deal of money. Pay on my return by Llytherid. Johnny not so well again.

3rd

About home all day, ride Spotty first time to Penralt quarry, like her, very quiet. Send WR with Jack to Penmaen. Jockey Williams brings home Moses, Moselle's colt, get on her, firey(sic) animal. Splendid hot day. Mr Halliwell and Mrs J ride over, he dines Stafell Haegr. Play cricket this - only Mr Collins comes. Take tea. Enter accounts all evening.

4th

Very hot, write to Swansea after packing up in a great hurry to stay in Swansea. Carree and the 2 children and Ann come to Swansea in the car. Send also 3 pigs to Williams Jockey, hunt for lodgings. Take pleasant ones at Mrs Davies, 16 Somerset Place or Burrows, 30 /- a week, a good garden. Meet W Collins, some conversation about Bishop of St David's, the Philippians. Find it monstrous hot in town.

Sunday. Still very hot, call only on Mrs Terry and go to her pew at church. Doctor H reads, Dr Higgs preaches. Queen's letter read, distress at Paisley etc. Call on Dr Howells as to poor Johnny. Mr Secretan from Essex there. Dr H calls and sees Johnny this evening. Invited to tea at Mrs Terry's, do not go. Wrote note to Penmaen.

6th

Monday. Uncommonly hot in Swansea, lodging in the Burrows, Somerset Place. Read Britannia, account of J Francis shooting at the Queen, no damage done. Walk out with Carree about provisions etc over-stocked etc. Dine early, Miss Terry calls, takes tea with us and walks on the sands in evening. Was up early to send note to Penmaen. See the mail off, had some talk with Mr Thomas Thomas as to Vospers affairs, he means to proceed against him, he has a beneficial lease.

7th

Less hot in Swansea. Excessive heat midday, about accounts all day. Walk out in the evening with Carree, shop etc. Write report of Johnny to send to Penmaen etc.

8th

In Swansea making and receiving calls and fussing about house keeping, over-stocked with meat. Dine at 4.00, expect Mr Halliwell and EKJ from the country. The former comes alone, the latter accompanying Mr W Collins to see the Bishop of Carmarthen as to poaching clergymen. Take Mr H with us to tea at Mrs Terry's, before tea walked with Mr Halliwell and Johnny to see the new cut and return by the river and see some of the old yards. Ferry 4d. Strong dusty wind comes on this evening.

9th

In Swansea, extreme heat. Call at Bank regarding Blaenkedy bills, when due. Want to see some of the Duke of Beaufort agents regarding Long Oaks sale to pay Watkins and Hooper. None of the attorneys at their offices. What men of business!!!? Was up early to see Mr Halliwell off by the packet to Bristol, hurried off yet plenty of time. Walked to the end of the pier. Made a late call or two with Carree, Mrs Howell, Mrs Collins. Ted comes this evening from Abergwili by coach. Takes tea and goes home late. Wrote to Mr Cornwell, circus, Cardiff as to 5/- charged me by Dicks. Windy dusty evening, very, quite blinding, want rain.

10th

Swansea. Still hot and dry. In Swansea. Rise early to send into Gower. Am several days in arrear and forget all about today. Take tea with Mrs and Miss Popkin, Miss Denstan(?) there also.

11th

WR comes in early from Gower with provisions and cloth. Busy about the market etc and give directions to WR etc and ride early home. Extremely hot, Moselle quite ill. Mr & Mrs Grose have spring car on pleasure to Swansea. Arrange for Carree to come home with them. She comes home with Mr Collins and rides from turnpike on Mr Grose's pony and side saddle. Surprised to see grass etc sown at home and seeds in garden all failing. Take account of C Reese etc as to work done in the week and give orders for hay tomorrow. Surprised to see Carree so early and surprised to see cars so late. Fear drunkenness in WR but is not so, extremely hot in Gower as in Swansea.

13th

Sunday. Ted breakfasts with us and goes to chapel. Receive note to dine at Penmaen, luckily, no dinner at home. Ride there and go to evening church there. Thunder and lightning in evening. Scarcely home in time to avoid rain. Some fortunate rain in night, never seen such vivid and frequent lightning as tonight, not much thunder.

Monday. Lawn mown, ride to see farm, well pleased with appearance and to see quarry, Penralt. Begin mowing Cadennith, Mr & Mrs James come over and dine with us, arrange all to go to Swansea tomorrow. Take tea outdoors under oak. Ted joins us. Poor little Missy glad to see us and we … leave her. Drive Carree to Penmaen, Mrs J's horse and arrange about horses etc for Swansea tomorrow etc. Uncommonly warm.

14th

WR brings Valiant and Moses from home to Penmaen and takes Spotty back. Go with Carree to Park Mill, young Rosy goes into Swansea, lend to Miss Popkin. Drive Valiant with 4 in Mr James car to Swansea. Intensely hot, horse can hardly bear it in middle of day. Send Rosy to Miss Popkins. Thunder again, no rain of consequence.

15th

In Swansea and also Mr & Mrs James. Very hot though less hot than yesterday. Write to George at Tenby as to agricultural shows Bristol and write also to my mother in London giving up visit to town. Was up early to post letter to Bristol, Halliwell, and walked on the sands and pier before breakfast. Idle sort of a day spent. Mr & Mrs J went out early on business. I read papers. A Chartist meeting this evening near the pier, poor set of orators, one Simons of Bristol, no danger of them stirring up men's souls, petition to the House, Memorial to Queen passed, all quietness. A black orator in opposition preaching quietness. Good temper and good will, far better worth hearing. I and Mr J listen to him a good while. The mob are very quiet going home in the street, we returning from shopping bonnets. Call on Dicks at King's Head about Cornwall and 5/- no change to get the money, he's a rogue I think.

16th

Very dull, much cooler. Threatens rain, Swansea. In little fear about my hay at home, alright I learn afterwards, Carreed today. No rain in Swansea. Mr James and I dine at Mr C Collins, pleasant party, good dinner. Mr Gwyn comes into wine unexpected. Ladies at tea only. Mrs Simonds ill, Mr Simons there.

17th

Still in Swansea, writing by memory some week after date. Spent the evening tea etc at Mr & Mrs Higgs 4 Rutland Place, small party. Dr Higgs and his sister sing pleasantly, he very good (the old oak tree) etc. How the day was spent I quite forget except shopping with Carree etc.

18th

Return home from Swansea, Mrs Davies, 16 Somerset Place. Mr & Mrs J rode home to Penmaen. Ted came in and returns with us. Johnny, thank God, much better. Threatens rain as we approach home late. Saw Tom Powell as we were leaving the Castle. Reach home all hands safe.

20th

Sunday. At home Again. Morning duty. Rain in night. Pleasant day, confused saying leader absent. Carree rode home, Ted's Nell. Day taken up in wondering at the vegetation.

Monday. Weather less fine and hot than when in Swansea. I was a Crickton learning what was going on etc. In the evening take in a mow of wheat and learning the account of work of the week past.

21st

Showery day, Mrs James rides Spotty over to call on us. Mr Halliwell again arrives at Penmaen, walks from Swansea. Writing this by recollection on Saturday.

22nd

Drive Carree to Oxwich, nurse Harris there. Meet Mrs James who rides there on Spotty. Mr & Mrs W Collins drive to us in the evening. Play cricket and take tea. Brought over Mr Collins letters from the Tower. Played very badly at cricket. Mr Halliwell there. Lots of strawberries and cream. Mr Perry does not join us, q. why? Hear two days after he has lost his older brother. Lewis ill for several days to come.

23rd

Rise at 6.30 generally, get out and see about work. Read Britannia paper. Ted calls, doubtful day, irresolution as to riding over to Penmaen to dine, invited there. Resolved to go. Carree rides behind on Moselle. Spitting rain, dine at 2.30. Wet evening and very stormy wind, get wet through returning home. I spoilt my new coat, poor cloth. Walk over Penmaen farm. 4 Merthyr beggars called in our absence, loath to take a refusal. Borrowed mare at Penmaen to ride home. Read papers and wrote to Mr Perry about pick-nick book club. WR ill, better in evening.

24th

Windy day, not much rain. Gather peas and fuss about. Ride to Bryngwas to get money. Walk over the farm, return and dine at 2.00 in evening. Take children airing on pony to Penralt etc. and I walk, detained by a shower. Home to tea late, arrange for Swansea in evening and write daily accounts etc. Mr Perry answers a note from me as to pick nick and announces death of his brother.

25th

Dull morning, work arranged. Carting begun, up late. Work and plans all deranged. Barn work all. Wash out cellar and dairy, the former filthy. Sorted seed etc and cleared out dining parlour in morning. Rain abates in evening, walk out a little, meet Ted. He takes tea. I take supper and takes himself off. WR in Swansea, returns in good time, sold wheat and butter. Lewis ill some days. Chas Teddy ill today.

27th

Sunday, evening duty. Tea at Stafell Haegr, singing there, few only. Concert at Swansea talked of, not up home till past 10.00. Scold servants for leaving doors open going to bed. Lewis still ill.

Monday. Ride early to Crickton over farm before breakfast. Get a headache all day, q. organs tea? Out of sorts. Ride with Ted and C Teddy to Penmaen, dine there, call at Long Oaks about tithes and drill. Home about 8.00, sup in kitchen and take WR's account of market.

28th

Ride early to George Beynon, Burrys Green, back across common from Fairy Hill. Called at Penralt about tithes and ewe's milk. RH at Oldwalls forge, Long Oaks tithes settled. Ted has ridden to Swansea concert, Carree intends going. I write to Cardiff, letter sent by EKJ. Drive to Swansea late with Carree for concert, sleep at Castle, concert good. Met Mr J Collins at Cross Inn, Carree half inclined to return home. Ted rides home again by himself. We all take tea at Castle late.

29th

In Swansea with , spent day with Mrs Popkin, party in the evening. Street singers and dulcimer up (?). Can hear no tidings of Ad: Murray though in Swansea purposely. Inclined returning home, party so late. Sleep again at Castle, no more meals there. Breakfast tomorrow with Mrs Popkins also this morning.

30th

Slept again in Swansea at Castle. Breakfast at Mrs Popkins, some rain comes on, leave Swansea at 12.00 and get home tolerably luckily. Mare loses hind shoe, no smith at Cartersford, much delayed. Get home in time to save a thorough soaking evening. Read Britannia this evening, Ted here.

July

1st

Fine, wet after 6.00 again. About home all day. Walked to Crickton and Stafell Haegr, dine with Ted and he comes up with us to tea. Look at Agnes William's hay grass, wheat winnowed for market, etc. Brewing, tailor here, day much taken up in arranging for Swansea fair tomorrow. EKJ's boy David went to post at Penmaen.

2nd

Ted and I drive to Swansea fair, most dull affair and very cold ride home. Send wheat, butter, eggs, cattle, ponies, livestock, none sold. Wrote to George, Tenby. Receive letter from my mother, member of Agricultural Society, mother paid £1 to be repaid. Ted mows his grass at Stafell Haegr.

Sunday. Morning duty, late in church. Wet, very wet church time and all evening. Return luckily. Read Cambrian and Joseph's Brethren. Ted had Moselle to go to Penmaen, brings letter from WM.

4th

Monday. Threatening, windy, dull, but no rain till late in the evening. Mr & Mrs J call and Mr H, we all dine at Stafell Haegr. Write to Bristol and to Adam Murray. Read WM's letter as to arbitration.

5th

Fine day, Ted makes hay at Stafell Haegr. RH calls about Mr Thomas Gordon's tithes. Write to him, wrote 4 notes yesterday to people about Guy's sale, Blaenkedy. Bottle beer all morning. Dine early, walk to Crickton, turnip cleaning and replanting. Gather raspberries, busy entering arrears of accounts and pack up for Cardiff. Mr Dunn called about Cardiff, meant to start at 5.00 tomorrow, have too much to get ready. Shall start at 11.00 thinking there is a coach to Cardiff in evening. Queen again been shot at, flash in pan, no, misfire by a hunchback in the Mall.

6th

Finish packing up, a most troublesome affair because of papers, there being a probable chance of obligation to go to London about accounts. Leave home in dog cart with WR about 12.00 for Swansea, no evening coach or omnibus. Can find no means to get on to Cardiff. Call on C Collins, call on Mr Beor etc. Take some dinner with former and resolved to get on to Cowbridge si pos. Right hasty note to Carree by Batcock to explain my moves. Leave Swansea at 5.00 and am actually at Cowbridge 11.30. ‘Bear' closed and house full, get in however, sleep on sofa. Some strange dog in the room, frightened, thought of murder at Ludlow!! Etc etc.

7th

Rise early at Cowbridge and drive to Cardiff by 9.15 to the assizes, just in time to sit on a special jury, Mendez verses Huxhaw; question cargo of Craigola coal shipped to Lisbon, condemned, whose loss, not draft agents of Benson and Company. In court all day. Breakfasted Cowbridge at 7.00, dine at Cardiff Arms 6.00pm. Go to Cornwall's circus in evening, not in bed till near 12. A good deal of rain in course of the day. Mrs Grose takes tea with Carree in Gower.

8th

At Cardiff all day at Taff Vale station with Howell and Hopkin John who go to Merthyr having been before insolvent court, both in debt to us, both promise payment in full. On another special jury, Verity versus Williams, case of seizure by sheriff, verdict for plaintiff, settled property on wife, Verity Tri.. for Jenkins. Get no dinner till 9.00. Wrote in evening to Carree, dined with Tom Powell and a traveller named Ward. Sat late in room back of bar with Mr …, Tom Powell, Mr Hall, Llewellyn etc.

9th

Rise early, go by rail to Newbridge and see the famous bridge of Edwards the common mason, beautiful thing indeed. Then walk up the valley 5 or 6 miles, very beautiful both naturally and by canals, locks, rails, bridges, viaducts, tunnels etc. Return to Newbridge. Received 2 letters at Post Office, wrote to George at station, have only time to pay my bill at Cardiff arms. Some cattle on board for the Show, a bull etc. Miserable wet evening half cross-Channel, breaks off. Tea at Park Street about 8.00. 2 pupils with Mr Morgan, Mr Croft and a Mr Saumarez. Am tired and glad to get to sleep.

11th

Sunday. A better day, dry evening, very cold. Blind asylum chapel, take a walk to look at preparation for the show. Dine 2.30. Write to Carree and to WM, Uckfield. Tea at Kingsdown. Evening Church at St Matthews.

Monday. Quite a wet day again. Enter my accounts etc, a long morning's work. At Bristol, the week of the Royal Agricultural Association, and at Mr W T Morgan's 15 Park Street. Am expecting George, does not arrive.

12th

A beautiful today as far as I recollect, writing some 10 days after to today with the general impression of each day on my mind. Wondering all day at the crowds in Park Street etc and the cattle going to the show in evening. Go with Mr Saumarez and Mr Croft, pupils of Mr Morgan, to the Zoological Gardens to see fireworks. Meet George from Tenby with Mr Green in the street leading to Cumberland Basin. He goes to the Great Western Hotel and after to Park Street. Return home disappointed from fireworks and find him there. Walk with him to his lodgings at White Ladies Gate. Threatens thunder and rain.

13th

George breakfasts with Mr Morgan in Park Street, we walk together to the rooms, Victoria rooms, to get his tickets for the dinner etc. The judges' award the prizes of cattle today, see many persons I know, not met for some many years. Was up early this morning to see George's luggage sent from Great Western Hotel. Remember nothing happening today but expected by anticipation of tomorrow, do not go to see the implements or trial of implements or ploughing because of drizzly wet comes on and continues to the evening; go instead to the institution to hear a Mr Smith give a lecture on draining, theatre full.

14th

All day at the Royal Agricultural display of cattle etc at the Victoria Yard, a grand show indeed. Meet Rev. Caulston and Lichfield of Farthingoe there etc and afterwards dine in the pavilion, 2400 there, cold dinner. Duke of Cambridge, Everett the American Minister etc spoke well, all went off well, the display of cattle and sheep very fine.

15th

Go with George to Cumberland Basin on his return to Tenby, Mr Green goes also. Go to the Great Western iron steamer, new Archimedian screw for America, the first of the kind now building. Wheel only 16 ft diameter, will it answer. 320 ft long, hull all iron, cabins now fitting up. Meet Mr Llewellyn, Mr Talbot's agent, take boat with him, see all the … steam machinery etc. Now go to see the old Redcliff church. See Mr Grose also and send … .home. I shall return tomorrow but after find I cannot go till Tuesday.

16th

Again to Cumberland Basin to meet Mr Davies of Mumbles to send paper by him. Every boat on the river loaded. Then stroll to Clifton Observatory and underground passage etc etc. Ride home etc, shop a little.

Sunday. Day spent as last Sunday, in evening returning from St. Matthews take a walk and find myself on Durdham Down and so by Miller's garden home.

18th

Very hot, so was yesterday. Finish all my commissions. Miss Martha Morgan in evening calls and goes shopping with me to buy silk and baby things. Walk with her to Kingsdown etc, in evening have all my packing to attend to. Boat going at 4.00 in morning, do not go to bed therefore, am at Cumberland Basin at 4.00. Boiler leaks, steam let off, does not sail till evening. Return to Park Street, lay on sofa, write to Tenby etc etc. Very wet after midnight.

19th

See yesterday, very wet morning In consequence of Countess of Pembroke not sailing return to Park Street and write and read then again go to Cumberland Basin to sail in evening, Troubador to Swansea, in 6 hours at Mumbles, find my car there and go to Penmaen, there by 1.00 in morning. Very ill, the Troubadour very nice vessel, good sailor and crew very civil etc. Was a very fine evening.

20th

Reached Penmaen this morning at 1.00, am far from well. At Penmaen all today, tired and out of sorts, eat fruit etc. Hay caught in a shower this evening, else very fine day.

21st

Most beautiful day, Gower Book Club, picnic on Penmaen Burrows. A pleasant party, ride Spotty over to Caie Forgan early to see what is going on. Ted breakfasts with me there. We ride round Crickton, corn coming on well. Hay making above Cadennith, give further orders about hay etc send things over by WR etc for the picnic. Fruit preserving going on, Susan there. Return with Ted to Penmaen. Day spent at picnic, passes off pleasantly. Write to WM, Uckfield, as to Adam Murray advertising Caie Vorgan to let for 21 years and send it and the Cambrian tomorrow. Sleep at Penmaen.

22nd

Another beautiful day, write to Mr Morgan, Bristol, and to Mr Edmunds as to Mr Dodds sale due. Ride Mr JJ's mare Polly to Caie Forgan to see what is going on and give orders as to Swansea tomorrow. Go round by Crickton and have no time to spare to ride and dine at Oxwich. Go by Pit and Oxwich Village, never that way before. Ted comes late, I am behind time too but before him. Old Mr Collins also at Oxwich. Take tea out of doors after seeing church, beautiful quiet mild evening to ride home.

23rd

Gather and pick fruit, Mr J walks to Park Mill, send for Cambrian by WR Collins and Halliwell. At home all day writing and balancing accounts etc. Bathe in the evening for first time this season, not for want of will but want of opportunity. Read Quarterly, Maid of Orleans.

Sunday. Evening duty at Penmaen, Mr W L Collins does the duty, Mr James goes to Cheriton. Very hot day indeed. Walk with Carree in the evening to see Mr Nicholls at Park. Mr & Mrs Pritchard, return with them by wood and Long Oaks, Carree on Rosy.

25th

Extremely hot day, all return home from Penmaen and Mr & Mrs J ride over to Caie Forgan to stay late in the evening. Ted came up and had dinner etc. Sale today by J G Hancorne at Leason etc of wood of Howell John's. Went early this morning to bathe with C Teddy bathe in a puddle because Teddy is afraid. Wrote to Mr M, Bristol, as to a servant to decline and to Davies of Castle Hotel about luggage and Troubadour. Dine early and walk over to Crickton to get account of work. Hay carrying, agree to take Nelly Williams hay, £11.15.0. Receive letter from Thomas Thomas by son as to Mr Nicholls money, can't raise it on Caswell (Beynon's). Mr & Mrs J come over late in evening, talking prevents work, write nothing. Resolve to go to Swansea tomorrow about luggage, hear that the vessel will be in in evening of tomorrow.

26th

One week behind hand as to today and tomorrow, nothing particular occurs. Some people call on tithe business etc. Richard Gordon etc. This should be tomorrow because today I drive to Swansea to inquire about my luggage by Troubadour in full expectation to get it, fail, the only chance now is Liverpool. It chanced that Mr William Collins called early and was going to Swansea cricket. I drive him in and Ted rides his grey, both play cricket. I execute errands etc and dine at Mrs Popkins, her son from Llandeilo there and 2 young daughters. In evening go to vessel and fail to get my luggage. Blow up the steward. Home late, W Collins leaves at Fairwood finger post.

27th

Still beautiful weather, do not Mr & Mrs J ride to Penmaen post etc? I do not ride I know because my pony has been sadly cut by Jim, thrown down, run away. Walk about home and enter accounts in arrear since my absence from beginning of month, Cardiff, Bristol etc. Ted I think dines here, yes, and so do Mr & Mrs Collins from Oxwich and Miss Wood and Mr Halliwell. In the evening we have a very pleasant but small muster at cricket. Mr W Collins has a cow gored, kills and sends the beef, mixing pleasure and business.

28th

Mr & Mrs J ride from Caie Forgan to Penmaen and return again to us and we all tea at Cillibion by invite. Walk with C Teddy to see hay carried at Nelly Williams. Call at Penralt to see RH as to tithes, Richard Gordon etc. Return by Crickton. Ted dines with us. Tea in evening at Mrs Grose's. Threatens to change weather, beautiful hay weather.

29th

Morning threatening, rain goes off, wind north yesterday, severe thunder and storm at and about London, St. Martin's church damaged. Busy carrying hay from Nelly Williams fields, finished today. Either today or yesterday, I forget, am now writing on Tuesday, sent club books and Britannia to Mr Perry.

30th

Mr & Mrs James leave us to return home again. I am about home all day. Read Afghanistan in Blackwood. Winnow oats with WT. Walk with C Teddy to Crickton. Return to dinner and help make up rick in the evening. All safe and walk with Carree and C Teddy late to Cillibion field. Make out WR's market account etc in evening.

Sunday. Morning duty, walk and C Teddy on donkey. Carree does not go. Ted ill but does the duty. I borrowed his mare and write letter to Hacon, Swaffham. Call on the Terry's at Park Mill and ride with Mr J to Park le Bruce(sic), a whole party there, Hancorne, Strick, Bolefield, Burden, Pritchard and wifes of all. Leave Mr J at Long Oaks.

August

1st (Monday)

Day of perfect confusion, servants leave etc. Most beautiful weather, very hot again. What weather for corn. How thankful we should be. Send early to Ted about school papers etc by mistake, obliged to send again. Thought to go to Mr Talbot with Mr James, no use, paper not ready. Read Britannia, walk to Crickton turnip field, must re-thin swede. Dine early, walk again to Penralt. Ride donkey. Send WR to Penmaen. Wrote to Mr J after tea, walk with Carree on the common. Read Quarterly a little and work little in garden, weeding. Very hot, tired. No air, glad to get to bed.

2nd

Beautiful fine weather. Ride Rosie junior with C Teddy on Neddy to call at Stafell Haegr to inquire after Uncle Edward, he is better, not well. Return by Crickton, Neddy behaves very well. Work little in garden weeding. My watch stopped and deceives me and in consequence am too late by 1 hour to dine with Mr Perry, only W Collins there and Miss Perry. Mr P talks of adding to his house. Home late, though nothing done in card way to make late hours. Carree in bed.

3rd

Extremely close hot day, drove Johnny to Swansea to get his head shaved and to see after my luggage by Troubadour. Luckily find it returned from Liverpool. Return to dine at 5.00 instead of 3.00 and ride to Oxwich to play cricket on Oxwich marsh. A pleasant game. Dr Falconer there, a good player. Tea at Oxwich and played cards. Not home till very late. Mr Halliwell goes to Swansea by post and leaves Gower.

4th

Less hot, duller day. Misty rain in evening. Most unwilling to get up this morning, very tired. Carrie, too, unwell, does not get up till 3.00. Ted comes over from Penmaen, better, goes to church to marry a couple. I walked to Crickton to see turnip field, etc. Return and put up tithe hay. Read Queens of England, new club book. Unpack my lost portmanteau and amuse children with new presents.

5th

Dull damp morning, but no rain of consequence but it rains tonight. Friday always fussy day when preparing for market. 3 men of Berthlwyd called about Guy's sale of Blaenkedy, requesting time, do not promise. RH calls and wants money, have none. J Charles calls, wants £3 for Gwynn sale, can't give it. Am in the barn to see wheat winnowed and to prepare for Swansea tomorrow. Write to Penmaen, sent to Ilston for a letter. Edmund sent from Lewis, J Collins forgot it at Oxwich. Write to Edmund, read Times, read also Queens of England, not in bed till past 12.00.

6th

Walk after breakfast to Crickton and order horses and carts to Caie Forgan, meet Ted, he is going to Swansea. Return, work in garden neating. Carree not well, drive out for a drive, no object, with Carree and children in Edmund's gig and return by Crickton late. Settled Swansea accounts, enter day work etc. Ted returns from Swansea and takes tea here.

8th

Sunday. Evening duty, Mr Hancorne in church. Camp meeting at Reynoldston, Carree rides to church and C Teddy. John from Penmaen comes over.

Monday. Fine day, threatening morning, up early to set tailor to make cricket jacket etc. Ride to marsh to see about the road, J Harry working there. Meet RH, Phil Long, Richard Gordon. Dine early, call on W David to make new road barrow. Drive Carree and Ted to Oxwich to play cricket. Dr Falconer, Mr Bevan etc there. Tea at Oxwich and a little singing. Old Mrs Collins there etc. Home about 11.00, Gower quite gay.

9th

Tithe meeting Bison. Wet morning, rain ceases, very lowery, cloudy, muggy and extremely close. Rise early and ride to Penmaen. Our clocks fast and there 1 hour before breakfast, got wet. Ride by appointment with Mr & Mrs J to Bison. Tithe composition, Sir J Morris in chair, all settled. Long discussion for value etc. Opposition to Hancorne, one Williams of Swansea. Wrote at Penmaen in … a note to Mr Talbot to offer a pony, cream coloured, and to ask favour of a key of grounds, the latter granted by promise, the former declined as by note tomorrow. Lunch at Mr Worsley's, Long Oak. Dine at 6.30 at Penmaen and return home. No tea in either place. Tired and glad to get to bed.

10th

Wet and thunder at distance. Clears off between 2.00 and 3.00, write to WM Uckfield about tithe meeting. Yesterday and Friday at Swansea and to ask information about return of income tax. Wrote note also enclosed in Carree's to Bristol. Mr WTM married to Miss Alford his cousin. Catch in a gin the first polecat in Gower having missed some hens eggs. Skin him etc. Walk to Crickton, discovered ducks in barley. Mr Gordon, Cilifor, there. Read Britannia and in evening read Club book, Miss Agnes Strickland's English Queen's, Mary of Anjou. Were to have spent day to meet a party from Swansea, Mr William Collins friends on Great Tor. Fete Champtre etc. May take place tomorrow.

11th

Most beautiful weather indeed. Rev. W Collins gives a Fete Champetre at Penmaen Burrows near Great Tor. Drive over with Carree over the hill. Get there late of course but time enough. Made a most pleasant party, muster altogether near 30. Higgs, Popkin etc etc, Bevan, play cricket etc, bad ground, good fun. We sleep at Penmaen. The evening passed off capitally.

12th

Drive from Penmaen to Swansea alone. Ted off to the chapel, a wedding. Tithe commissioner's meeting at Swansea for Ilston, Bison, etc attend, not much done. Witnesses wanted. Go with William Collins to the Cricket ground, play a little, miserable ground. Dine at Mr Bevan's, surgeon, to arrange about a pick nick for next week. Borrow pick nick. Drive home in the dark, very dark with Mr J Collins riding and Mr William Collins also driving. Wet evening, get wet. All's well that ends well, get home safe. Carree gets home from Penmaen by car by WR from Penmaen. Had been quite unwell at Penmaen.

13th

Wet morning, fine evening, lawn mown. Walk to and over Crickton and get account of work done last few days. Walked on marsh to see Mary Thomas's meadow, hay to be sold, won't do. See J Harry on road and return by Cilifor Hill etc. Ride in evening to play cricket at Oxwich. Leave pony at the Castle, get a blow with the ball on foot and am quite lame for several days. Mr Wood leaves Oxwich for Swansea, Dr Falconer has sent challenge to play Swansea club at cricket, rather late.

Sunday. Passed a most sleepless and painful night after cricket ball blow on foot. Not able to mow all day, do not go to church, confined to the house. Get on the lawn in the evening in slippers. Singing school in evening on lawn.

15th

Splendid day again, mowed 2nd crop of clover, Cadennith. WR gets ill, not used to hard work. Still quite lame, my foot getting better, the effect of Truman's Bathing Spirits. Mr & Mrs James call late in the evening, wrote letters for the post and send late expecting they might come over, they do. Stroll about a little in slippers and find exercise does the foot good. Used frequently bathing spirit. Read and finish 2nd volume of Queens of England and forward it to EKJ. Hardly know what I've done all day.

16th

Very fine weather indeed. Ted drives cart to Swansea expecting to meet Edmund and Henry, uncertain. Gets powder of Beynon etc. Mr Pearce calls, not seen him long time, dines etc. Walk with him to hay field. Ted returns alone about 9 or 10, had dined with Mr Bevan etc. Discussion as to time of arrival of Troubadour. We are all gone to bed, the bell rings between 11 and 12, Henry and Edmund arrived, walked from Mumbles, lost road by Park and Walterston. Servants recalled, temporary beds made, cheese and beer supper etc. So ends today. Received by Edmund a Morning Herald paper published in London this morning, an event in Gower.

17th

Splendid weather, hay making 2nd clover. Henry returns to Swansea by dog cart. Llewellyn sent also. Rise early. Edmund puts up lathe. Mr & Mrs Evans of Brynhir call, dine etc. Ted goes to Penmaen after breakfast. About home all day, short of hands for hay. Walk with Edmund round Crickton farm, all looking well. Llewellyn sent uselessly for tithes to Cwmcunnar and Cefnbychan. Mrs Evans of Penclawdd calls, no-go, not … Receive more fowls by Edmund from Uckfield.

18th

Very sultry day, easterly wind. Carry hay and tithe Llytherid, a pretty little rick made, 2nd clover etc. Rise early, busy with Edmund in rabbit room. Late finished and busy all day making division to the room etc and cleaning out and shear or clip a rabbit. RH and Lewellyn go tithing, Upper Division, former borrows my pony. Ted comes up and dines, a very good dinner today, soup and mutton etc. Dinner at 5.00. Mr J James calls in evening late, takes tea. Mr & Mrs Grose call, we are all on the green at wine etc. RH calls late about tithes, rain kept off.

19th

Excessive heat again, finish putting up lathe and making division of room with Edmund. Egg cups turned. Ride after breakfast to Crickton, white washing house etc. Ride with Edmund and EKJ to Penmaen to dinner. Bathe, find a net on the beach and afterwards discovered loss of my knife. One shower of rain before starting. Home about 11.00. Tithing wheat, Upper Division. Badger ham dressed, horrid thing. Receive a letter from George, Tenby, promises £200, part of £1,000 due to me to be sent from Carmarthen bank. Letter sent to nurse Harris for Carree, she is at Llanelli.

20th

Up early, Edmund leaves today for Carmarthen etc. … for time to be at Lewes Sessions, lend him Moselle. Send his portmanteau by Mrs Morgan Jenkins. Send letters to C Collins etc by Mr & Mrs Tall who is to call for Cambrian. Q if she has nous enough? Edmund leaves about 10.00 after tasting horrid badger ham. He leaves us a handsome dress for Johnny, present from Mr Smith his Godpapa in London. Begin reaping wheat today, Crickton. Tithe wheat home from Morgan Morgan. Mrs J calls on Polly, gather seed peas, Hacons dead ripe. Gather peas for soup. Mr Perry sends for paper, I have not read it, it goes. Read arrear of paper in evening. House in sad confusion for want of a 3rd servant.

Sunday. Evening duty.

22nd

Drive to Swansea to settle about Caswell pick nick etc. Spend evening in making punch with EKJ and packing up bottles etc for Caswell tomorrow. In bed very late, very tired.

23rd

Up at 6.00 again to pack off car to Caswell. Most doubtful again after fine morning, proves fine after a little misty rain. Ride with Ted to Penmaen and ride on with Mr & Mrs J to Caswell and spend day on sands. A large pick nick party disturbed by tide and adjourned to Newton. Home late, much confusion and some over-drinking of punch, by whom, that's a question. Ted sleeps at Penmaen, I ride home. WR disappears at ditto, find him at home. Am quite done up and glad to get to bed.

24th

Walk after breakfast to Crickton and go over farm. Carting barley, pay seed men money. Tithe wheat Llytherid, gather seed peas. Mr & Mrs J call in evening and tea. Conversation about yesterday and Caswell etc. Robert Harry and Llewellyn call this evening about tithes, have been titheing today.

25th in arrear this till September 9th

I am sure I was not away from home all day, perhaps I walked to Crickton perhaps not. Perhaps I read the Britannia paper being busy about pleasure for the former part of week. Proposed to Mr Grose to cart lime one day to Crickton, fixes Saturday.

26th

In arrear till Sept 9th yesterday, today and tomorrow and Sunday. Not far away from home all day, was at Crickton, probably walked. See men finish cutting barley and Newton. Threatening but proves fine. Oats thrashing in barn. First wheat mow thatched.

27th

At home all day. 9 wins of oats winnowed up. Did not Teddy and I gather mushrooms at Crickton today. I went to Crickton once, I know. Lime carted from Mr Grose's kiln.

Sunday. Morning duty, drive Nurse Harris and Teddy to church.

29th

Monday. Splendid hot day, very quiet, what weather for farmers!!! About home all day expecting Edmund's return from Tenby. Rise early, help C Reese put a car together for Corn. Gather peas for seed etc. Pigeon for dinner, spoiled by carelessness, what a shame!!! Most busy all day long, place up a pigeon coop. W Richards brews 5 w malt of Samuel Phillips. David Jones, Ted's boy, goes to Penmaen for thorns etc. Sent to Mr Grose's for barm. Send a cucumber etc. Driving car to Crickton, wheat carried, oat binding, lime covered etc. Tithe wheat from Cwmmawr, 21 stooks by Llewellyn and W Jone. Brew today.

30th

Misty, wet morning till 12, beautiful warm today, dry evening. Rise early, breakfast early. Carree upstairs, coffee. Walk to Crickton, no harvest day, rainy morning. Beautiful evening, tithe o(ats) from Cwmmawr. W Jone sent off for Bryngwas, odds and ends, WR about beer. Lost old iron in rabbit room etc. Nail up roses etc and clean up weeds by wall, front garden. RH called, meets me at Crickton, going tithing. Send and write various notes about arrears of tithes, Upper Division. Susan borrows car late tonight.

31st

Very fine day, walk to Crickton. Barley binding Newton and oats cutting. C Teddy and I gather mushrooms, Crickton top and again with Johnny, Mr Lloyd's fields etc. Drive nurse to Oxwich, all gone to Swansea. Rain comes on wet returning. How unlucky is my barley secure, yes, mowed. No tea but gin and water. Do not send to post. Ted rides to Mr Perry and to Penmaen and sleeps there.

September

1st (Thursday)

After a wet evening and wet night, damp but fine day. No harvest work. Ted comes early from Penmaen and walks with me to Crickton, kill 2 ducks etc. Sent Jim early to Penmaen, expect to hear from Edmund, no. Abercothi man Jones goes off on return to Abercothi. Work in garden, pick stones and sow Lapland on the potato ground west of hot bed. Mrs Grose and Miss Pollard tea with us. Called yesterday at Pennyhitch about Pwllybrag, do not see Grose.

2nd this omitted to be filled up till September 9th.

About home all day, walk with Carree, nurse and Charlie to gather loads of mushrooms on Crickton Top and to prepare them for ketchup etc. Took dogs for a run, found a hare, no course. Mr & Mrs J ride over and called for a few minutes in evening. Ride Ted's pony from Moor Mills, met his dog there, drove home the cows with Charlie. Busy about commissions for Swansea tomorrow.

3rd

WR rides to Swansea, sells butter etc. Carree in bed all morning, fatigued with yesterday. Mrs and Miss Perry and children called and take tea. Ted here. Sent them home on Rosie junior. Walk with Mrs P to the road. Richards home in good time, fine day, I am writing this Friday night next.

Sunday. Evening duty, Rob Hancorne at church, go and see Crickton and go to Cillibion.

5th

Monday now filled up as far as it goes, September 15. Why so long omitted I can't say. My daily accounts record fine but threatening change of weather. Very busy day, tithing in several places. I suppose nothing particular happens or it would have been recorded. I know I am about home all the time.

6th

A most busy day about corn and tithes. Rise at 6 and ride to Crickton before breakfast. Open hay rick head made of c.. oats etc. Arrange about horses, 3 cars sent to tithe to Upper Division, borrow horse of Mr Lloyd to carry at Crickton. Barley carried at Newton, receive note from Mr C, Oxwich, for cricket, Swansea 11 unexpectedly arrives, join them with Mr Grose, very pleasant game. Tea and coffee at Mr Collins. Return home with Mr Collins of Ilston and over hill to Walterston Corner etc with Mr Grose. Cold north wind and clear night. Ted shoots with Mr Perry. Write notes for Penmaen and Mr Perry for post tomorrow morning. Spoke to Thomas George about Pwllybrag.

7th

Again up before 6.00 and again ride to Crickton to see about corn and order horses out early. Wind east and threatening rain before 12. Ride to Penmaen to catch post, receive letter from George, write to him about Glamorgan cattle. Kill a leveret at Penmaen. Chickens and oyster sauce at home. Carry wheat, prevented carrying oats. Carry some tithes Killan. Ted rides to Penmaen, work thrown out by rain. Read papers and enter accounts till 11.00. Tired and glad to go to bed. Borrowed Mr James's cart and horse uselessly, nothing done. Send him home with potatoes.

8th

Rise 6.00, heavy rain after wet night blows off and becomes tolerably fine. Am in the house all day, read Britannia, clean out some closets for Carree and arrange some preserves etc. Make sundry discoveries for good and ill. Nurse Harris helps. Ted calls in evening. Mrs and Miss Grose call late in evening, former going to Devon, latter just arrived. Break a bottle of cherry gin, lose half. Send dog cart to Mr Perry.

9th

A wet windy day, seems an end of fine weather, much colder. Robert Harry calls up, look over his account about lime and meat etc, pay nothing, owe a good deal indeed! Several men in barn but little out-work. Ted comes to Caie Forgan, we walk together to Crickton or was it yesterday when we see a most splendid rainbow in direction of Swansea. Swansea deluged, at the races too! Poor ladies, very poor sport too! In the evening sit down to prepare for Swansea, am so tired and sleepy obliged to go to bed early to start early to Swansea. Mr Perry drives Mr Bateman in my dog cart to Mumbles.

10th

Send early for dog cart to Reynoldston, doubtful morning but drive to Swansea. Proves fine, very. Do not take butter basket, too large. Brown mare unwell, can hardly move her. Call on Mrs Popkin and Mrs Bevan, lunch here, home to tea.

12th

Sunday. Sacrament at Llanrhidian, am not there. Ride over to Penmaen Church, probability of an event at home, Carree awakes me at 3.00a.m. Dine there and over early again, nothing happens. Mr Perry sent for.

Monday. Again very fine, again up at 5.00, light a fire, in fuss and confusion. False alarm, get Mr Perry again, sent for, dines here. Ted comes also after we had worked out site of new school near Penralt, beautiful situation. Am at Crickton, oats all carried. Barley all cut today. Collect tithes, Pwllybrag. Read Britannia, crack damson stones. Boiling damson cheese very late with Susan. Not in bed till 12.30. Events expected in the house, nothing happens. Mr Perry and Ted stayed tea. What beautiful weather again. May the Tories always be in power!! And the Queen in Scotland.

13th

Most beautiful day, quite hot. Eventful day, another daughter. W Tucker tithes Llytheridd, I gardener in consequence. Tithes carried in 4 places. Ride to Llytheridd about tithes and turkeys. Ted, Mr Perry and Mr Bateman, come shooting. Mrs J called, no news for her. Read Britannia. Ride to Crickton etc after dinner. Gather seed peas and flower seeds. Mrs Collins sends peaches, write to her. Take account of tithes collected, enter accounts etc etc. All going on well. See little fat chubby baby, picture of health; is this to be the last.

14th

Breakfast alone early, quiet and solitary. Mr and Mrs J call early and cart comes for children, all sent to Penmaen to stay. Mr Perry calls and Mr Bateman and EKJ who goes to Penmaen, the former shoot at Crickton, kill bird, left here. They again call, take lunch. Gather seed peas, day frittered away talking nonsense, morning calls. Walked to Crickton wheat, cart late crop. Tithing work going on in several places, busy confused day, little done. All going on well at home. Wrote several hasty and short letters. Hacon, mother, Fred etc.

15th

Most beautiful day indeed, a very busy day in farming work after rather foggy and doubtful morning. Breakfast early and ride to Crickton, last wheat cutting. Short of hands, get two more in village. All barley mowed and secured in Copton. Ride to Llytherid, tithing barley there. Arrange about cars for tithe, Upper Division. Mr Perry calls and borrows car for Swansea tomorrow etc. Gather mushrooms with Jim and again at Crickton. Gather seed peas etc. Ted at a funeral at Chapel, child. Worked hard all day, dine at Mr Perry's at 6.00. Mr Bateman and Mr Groves there. Play loo in evening, not home till 1.00. Mended my wain and a barrow before breakfast.

16th

Fine morning again, how lucky. Ted borrows my gun, he and Perry etc shoot at Mr Grose's. Busy day again. Tithing and carry barley in Copton. Ride to Penmaen and dine there and see the children all there. Mary Powell to come to Penmaen tomorrow. My car wanted, obliged to ride round by Reynoldston to arrange for Mr Perry to send it over when he returns home from Swansea, not expected till 7.00. Meet Mr Ball in a car on the hill 9.00. Find Ted at Caie Forgan, tired, shooting Cillibion. Arrange about Swansea and write commissions, diary etc. Wind getting up.

17th

Rise early and go to Crickton, hoped to carry wheat, rain prevents, take in wheat mow, Caie Forgan. George's factotum J Reese rides over from Abercothi to buy cattle, gets 2 only. We go to the fair, I go to sell, fail and buy 3. Very slack, very wet morning, fine evening. Polly Powell comes to Penmaen in my car and WR home in good time, all round too tired to do any good this evening.

Sunday. No duty till 6.00. Thanksgiving for fine weather, church crammed. Mr James's does duty, W Collins there, reads lessons. Tea at Caie Forgan.

19th

Rise at 5.00, find it fine, glass falling. Endeavoured to carry spring wheat and finish harvest and succeed. A few showers, no harm. All in and we have a very showery evening. I am greatly thankful, nearly all tithing over, how lucky. Betty Williams fish, old account etc. Make it a busy day after all about fern and rush etc. EKJ dines here, kills a partridge, Crickton. I write to Francis Smith and Fred Fielding, to thank and congratulate. Very tired this evening. Mary Powell calls on Spotty, great laughter at her galloping over common and leaving John, the man.

20th

Not from home much all day. Take out dogs, common and Crickton, no find. Fern cutting, try my hand at turning for first time. Read Britannia paper in the evening and Carree's chamber. Funeral of old Betty Jenkins the crooked woman.

21st

Turn at lathe this morning, make a hammer and sent it to Penmaen. Little Rosy left there for Mary Powell. Walked to Crickton and Stafell Haegr. EKJ out, funeral, Chapel. Rush carrying. Looked at school foundation. Mr Thomas Gordon calls about seed wheat to be paid on Saturday. Received a lot of letters and circulatory, Edmund about … …. and Polytechnic Art Union etc. Asked for money by several, none to give. Some showers, lightning tonight.

22nd

Threatening morning, not much rain all day, showers but workable. Plant an elder tree with WT. Fussing about all morning seeing and ordering work. Ride Moselle to dine at Penmaen. Mary Powell there and meet first time 2 Miss Carmichaels, Bison, rather good-looking and pleasant. One very young. All children there and all good, quite glad to see me. False alarm about Nep, Mr J rides to Cheriton with Rev. W Collins for Thanksgiving for good harvest, few only attend. I read some Blackwood, home about 9.00. EKJ shoots a badger Stafell Haegr.

23rd

Wet morning, almost wet day, no horses used. Breakfast early. EKJ calls thinking to shoot with Mr Perry, too wet. We walk to Crickton, lots of apples, covey of birds. Lloyd calls about income tax. Alter a temporary pig house, kill pigeons. EKJ dines here etc. Mr Ball calls, present of pears etc. Mr Powell calls too etc. Great confusion. Susan calls about her sister. Commissions for Swansea etc, bed late as usual. Carree moves from her room. Corn winnowed, young Lloyd calls about income tax, read his instruction.

24th

Breakfast early, wait for EKJ to go to Swansea. Drive there, call on Mrs Popkin and Mrs Collins. Rest commissions, sold butter and call on Mrs Webb, not home again till 8 o'clock. Ordered dinner at 6.00, very cold, sup by kitchen fire. Wrote to Bury St Edmunds about servant.

Sunday. Morning duty, ride, return by Crickton. W Collins calls, Ted goes to Oxwich, ride with former to Nicholaston. Mrs Mack's funeral, sacrament, Mr J James gives a funeral oration, very good. Go to Penmaen and see the children, home with EKJ at night.

26th

Breakfast early, ride early to meet George H at Pennyhitch, pony shod there. Meet Phil Morris of W in fir wood. Go on to the sale at Hills, Evan John's Reynoldston. Arrange with Roberts and Eaton of Farm to make return of income tax for tithes. Receive express from Caie Forgan, nurse Harris sent for to Dr Bird, hasten home calling at Ball's and Mrs Perry. Meet Mrs J there and Mary Powell. Mrs Harris leaves us, after 5 weeks stay, in fly for Swansea. Susan acts proxy. Walk to Crickton etc. No regular dinner, read Britannia in the evening. Great confusion but all's well. Confusion again tomorrow.

27th

Breakfast before 8.00, am not at Crickton today, get flowers and neat up rooms full of seeds for dinner party, as it proves. Mr and Mrs J, Miss P and EKJ dine by appointment, Mr & Mrs Evans call and stay dinner. Mr & Mrs William Collins call on horseback and lunch. Champagne of rhubarb very good. All the party leave early. Enter accounts etc since Friday night.

Mistake, this is entered for Thursday wrongly.

28th

High wind from north east, glass high, curious day. Bright sun. Finish carting firs from Pennyhitch, 2 tons had. One Thomas of Llangyfelach calls on account of Adam Murray, this being Michaelmas Day, and he has given notice to quit, he wants money of rent but will not tell me what and says Murray is in Ireland for another fortnight.

Rise early, breakfast early, Walk early Stafell Haegr after seeing cars off for firs to Pennyhitch. Walk with Ted, he shoots round Leason etc. Fine covey in Oldwalls. I return home and remain at home. Ted borrows Moselle to go to Penmaen at 2. Carries a goose and parcel for Mrs Harris, Swansea, at Dr Birds. Finish Britannia paper, read Blackwood upstairs with Carree. Dress maker here, Hoskins. Finish Blackwood tomorrow morning.

29th

See yesterday, tell Adam Murray's agent to take possession and distrain, he declines unless I give permission, I refuse. He wants me to show the property. I decline and tell him to go by map if he has one. Says he has not but Murray has. Tell him Adam Murray behaves queer, that I have written 4 or 5 letters, that he answers none. More was said but to little purpose, he said he was not authorised to make any proposition further to ask increase of rent and what increase I am willing to make for 21 years. I decline any and ask for his proposition and his power and authority. The impression this interview had on me was he was sounding and knew not what to do or what he could do. Mount my pony and leave him in stables. Ride to Stafell Haegr, Ted out shooting. Return, called Crickton and home. Miss Powell here and Miss Ball calls, both dine on goose and stay tea. Ted dines, evening thus occupied. I ought to have made entry of income tax at Mr Lloyd's.

30th

Rise early, fill income tax papers, puzzling lot, at home all morning. J Charles calls. Mr George Gordon calls. 3 Teal leaves 1. Edward Reese calls about pump for vessel. Ride to Mr Lloyd about tax papers. Dine and ride to Wibley on same errand. Mr Dunn and Joseph Gordon junior there. Take tea there, not home till tea over. Write to Mr Cameron for Robert Batcock and commissions for Swansea. Read Pickwick, in bed late.

October

1st (Saturday)

Rise at 6.00 and walk to Crickton before breakfast. Arrange work and send for coals, Landimore. Thomas Thomas, Oldwalls, calls about plough and car to make and about Pwllybrag. Ted also up early, goes shooting Llwynybwch, finds nothing. Mr Gordon calls about seed wheat to pay and will advance the money. Pot geraniums with WT. Gardening all day, hear it to be settled at last that Robert Batcock is to have Pwllybrag. Read some Pickwick, capital! Carree breakfasts downstairs. Charley comes home from Penmaen with Mary. Eliza takes our butter to market.

Sunday. Evening duty. Mr and Miss Grose call in the evening after church. Read Early Church, Churton, and Mr Perry called in the evening, sat some time, wanted Ted who did not come up this evening from church.

3rd

Drive Carree over to Penmaen, her first drive after a short and first walk out yesterday. Return to dinner, 2 hours behind time. Brown mare very ill, could hardly get her home. Wind gets up and tis cold. Returning children at Penmaen very well, write to my mother at Malvern and about meeting her at Bath. Walked to Crickton to see about work. Tom Philip calls in evening late to say coal is come in. Read Pickwick.

Well on Tuesday morning, am up early. Carree does not come down to breakfast. Ride early to marsh to see about the coals. Ted calls early, going shooting at Pengwern and to Penmaen. They all come here to call. Jim sent with 2 ponies to Penmaen and to take a hare etc. The Lady Perry's call and children and dine etc. Ted calls late from Penmaen and goes early tomorrow, visitation at Carmarthen. Read Pickwick after Mary Powell has left late for Penmaen. Charlie far from well.

5th

A tranquil today in all respects, morally and temporally. Rise at 6.00. The first white frost, hot day afterwards. After breakfast go with Charlie to forge with donkey to get feet pared and potato forks made. Davies of Penralt there, garden and feed rabbits. Walk with Carree, short walk. Dine early. Wean Colts had home from Penmaen. Mrs Batcock at last gets Pwllybrag by lying, what's poor Susan to do now? In evening walk with Charlie to Crickton to get apples, see about work there etc and whilst there they find a hare at home and get a capital course and kill. Ted's heifer calves his morning at Stafell Haegr. Chapel chancel repaired, 3/3

6th

Drive Mary Powell to Swansea, she rides over to breakfast from Penmaen. John also sent from there, Trust meeting, nothing much done. Write to Mr Patch at Mr Lewis Thomas. Call on Mrs Symonds. Fail to see C Collins. Part with Mary P at Finger Post, Fairwood, goes on with Mr James's carriage. I take David, EKJ's tiger. Call Mr Grose for bat. Invited to dine there, do, and meet Mr Cameron and Mr Croft, some good singing. Pass a pleasant evening, not in bed till 12.00. Hear of Mr Cameron's fast driving, Llythrydd. Hot day, glass very high.

7th

Most beautiful weather. Up at 6.00, arrange work. Walk to Crickton after breakfast, etc. Work in garden, begin alteration in front for an arbour on green by common. Gower's Load sale, RH goes, give him some instruction. Ted calls in evening from Penmaen, his mare being thrown down by his boy. Model here tuning. Write nonsense to Charlotte for Carree. Arrange for Swansea and again at Crickton, geese killed etc. Read paper. Enter accounts etc.

8th

WR and Mary John go to Swansea in dog cart but little to do. Walk to Crickton and return to finish a piece of turfing with WT in front of the house and took after everything to see fed etc. Read Pickwick etc.

Sunday. Sacrament, drive Carree to church first time since --. Ted has a holiday, Nicholaston church under repairs. Dine on hare. Walk to Crickton all hands after dinner. Mr Ball called in our absence and left club books. A day ill spent by me.

10th

Most magnific (sic) weather for a long time. Ride early to Crickton with C Teddy on Neddy to begin potato harvest and to Penralt and to meet Ted and masons at intended new school, foundation stone placed. Talk with RH there about Gower's Load. He has been sold up but has money. Ride in evening to Penmaen. Write to Mr Llewellyn as to Susan. See my cattle there, called at Long Oaks about grass, nothing done. Tea at Penmaen. Children very good and greatly improving. Home by 9.00 and read a little Pickwick. Ted and Mr Perry at Caie Forgan.

11th

Rise early, drive early to Oxwich. Mr and Mrs Griffiths of Cadoxton there, all go to Mr Davies of Sanctuary - a sale distress for rent. Cattle very cheap, do not stay long. Carree and Chas T of the party and EKJ. Tea on return and supper. Ride Ted's grey to Crickton. All hands at potatoes, was there also in the morning. Enter accounts in evening, am very tired.

12th

Very fine day, busy about potatoes. Ride by appointment early to meet Ted at the school, not there, to Stafell Haegr. EKJ not ready, heard a pheasant, took a gun, no-go. See his calf.[wrongly entered for Friday next it should be] Ride to take tea at Park, Mr Nicholls by agreement. Meet Mr and Mrs J etc. Called at Long Oaks about tack grass, can't agree. A chance of letting farm. Home late at night.

13th

Very hot and fine, all hands about potatoes. Ride to Crickton to see about it, return. Dress and ride with Carree, her first ride, to dine at Penmaen. Lead Ted's pony, overtake Charles and Susan, Mr William and Mrs Collins call there. Tea early and home in good time cause of Carree. Glad to see Johnny so well again. Diamond carpenter working there to put up some wire fence against fowls. Ted comes in for a short time on the way to Stafell Haegr home. Very tired this evening and glad to roost. Charlie left at Penmaen.

14th

See Wednesday last wrongly entered. Pwllybrag sale, attend there and buy oats and hay. Mary Powell and Charles walk over from Penmaen, the former comes on a visit to us and brings letter that new servant, Susan's sister Caroline, is come to Swansea from Bury. How to get her over? Carree sends Jim on pony and walks back late at night. All's well all that ends well. Write to my mother, Bath, and commissions for Swansea etc. A confused sort of day, WR carrying corn from Sanctuary to Penmaen.

15th

Close, quiet day. Rose early and ride to Crickton before breakfast to see about finishing carrying potatoes. WR off early to Swansea with RH. About home all day, busy carrying and housing potatoes and cleaning stalls and stables. Ride again to Crickton in the evening. Entered accounts. WR home late but little to do.

Sunday. Evening duty. Mary Powell and Carree walk down. Mr James, Penmaen, has duty unexpected. Very dull day, not cold. Write long letter to Fred in the evening about ponies to send him. Carree feels unwell and goes to bed early. All early to bed to rise early. W Thomas tailor acts independent as clerk for first time.

17th

Rise at 5.00, start at 6.00 for Swansea. Drive Bright for first time. Brown ill, Valliant wanted, get Edmund's gig packed up and sent away to Newhaven, Sussex, to Mr Hilman's by ship, Unity, Captain French, and ride young mare home again; no joke, no go in her. Home by 4.00, glad to find Carree up and about. Left her very feverish in bed after a miserable night. Expected to find her very ill.

18th

Tuesday. Wet morning after wet night, workable day. Meant to ride to Gellyhir sale, pony wants shoes. RH goes, all right. Walk to Crickton, begin to cart out lime and earth and to Penralt. Mr Gordon, Black Pill, Adam Murray … Read Pickwick, want to finish it. RH calls this evening to tell me about sale Pwllybrag and Gellyhir yesterday and today, pays me 2/- for former potatoes, sold goose and pig, buys oats at latter.

19th

Much colder weather, Jim sent to Penmaen. I ride early there and write letters & bill of 3 months for £50 to be forwarded to Edmund. Children sent home by Mr James's cart. I return alone. Mr & Mrs J come after. Early dinner, christened little Caroline (Agnes) in evening. Ted went to Llanelli about timber and sleeps. Party in evening. Mr & Mrs Perry, 2 Miss Davies etc, dancing, singing and a supper. Broke up at 12.00. Some heavy rain broke off and was fine for the party to go home.

20th

Much colder weather, rather threatening, not much rain. Carree taken very unwell before she gets up, remains in bed in great pain, probably from eating walnuts yesterday. Castor oil removes the pain. At home all morning, read Britannia paper and send it to Stafell Haegr in evening. Walk, carting out lime and earth, very cold. Am particularly tired in the evening. Carree up and pretty well again. Read some Pickwick.

21st

Sharp frost, white and strong ice!!! Most beautiful day again!!! Read Pickwick, a borrowed book, want to finish it before going to Bath. Arrange all new gathered seeds etc preparatory to leaving home. Carree and Mary Powell ride out to the hill. Mr & Mrs J call at same time and off again. In evening walk to Crickton, get 3 fowls, 10 eggs. In evening enter accounts and write commissions for Swansea etc.

22nd

WR sent to Swansea, a very wet morning, poor day. Overlooking my things preparing to go to Bath. Tailor here, mends many things. Not out of the house till quite evening. Ted comes up and spends evening. WR home early. A day poorly but easily accounted for.

Sunday. Morning duty, very wet and stormy again. Walk to church alone, too … for the ladies Advise Miss P not to go, thin congregation. Walk back with EKJ and Mr and Mrs Grose. Ted sleeps at Penmaen. Weather oppressive, very sleepy all evening. Prayers in evening for first time, long time.

24th

A fine day again after the storm of yesterday, at home all day. The tailor here working. Write hurried notes to Bristol and Bath. Settled WR's account of market, Saturday, all fuss. Read Cambrian, Pickwick etc after dinner. Carree mounts Moselle to ride to Cillibion, goes halfway only. I then walked to Crickton and home again. In evening at accounts all the evening. Jim was sent to Penmaen. Ted called this morning and brought a letter from Miss Marcon, I answered it in fun at Bath – she is.

25th

Boisterous dull sort of day, engaged to dine at Penmaen. Much rain in night. Do not send horses to work. Poor Brown very ill, drive Carree at 12 to Penmaen, Mary P rides. Settle accounts with Mrs J. Leave before dark, wet stormy ride. Home very cold. I receive letter from Mr Nicholls about money. Gives me trouble, can't comply. Read Britannia paper.

26th

Astounded this morning to find Brown, mare, dead, ill since the 3rd, no pain, failed to restore appetite. Thought little of it till too late and then not apprehensive of danger. Poor Charlie cries and so do I to see him. Miss Powell returns with Mrs J. Penmaen folks do not dine with us on hare as expected. Walked to Crickton. Hedge …. Take poor mare out and open her, melancholy sight, the best mare I ever drove. Overworked and neglected. Sent to Penmaen for ponies. Wrote answer to Mr Nicholls and receive reply. Enter accounts. Read Pickwick without any relish.

27th

Am low spirited at the loss of my favourite mare. About home all day, EKJ comes up going shooting with P, promises to come in evening, does not. Busy, mostly packing up all day, winnowing corn and taking the account and taking weight of little pig and arranging about work etc. Not in bed very early, too much to do.

28th

About home all day writing a host of letters and notes - to my mother, to Fred, to Penmaen, Mr Voss for car. Receive letter from Mr Patch and write to Thomas Thomas about Herberts Lodge etc. Mr and Mrs J call, take lunch, our dinner. Ride to Crickton and make arrangement with C Reese. Ted comes in evening. Nothing packed today but much to do and enter accounts, clear to time of starting. Sure to be plenty of botheration. Ted helps pack. Send to ponies to Swansea and notes and to bank etc etc. Very fine day.

29th

Leave home for Bath 10.00 at night on Friday for the packet at 2.00 in the morning at Swansea; only just in time to hurry on board. All's well ending well. Have a beautiful quiet passage out, reach Bristol between 11 and 12 midday. Lunch at Cumberland, bus to station, first calling in Park Street. Terribly out of humour at the station because the bus is late, not time to pay for tickets and ponies, deferred till next train. Arrived at Bath like a shot, can hardly believe it. Find my mother quite well, to tea but little fatigued though not in bed last night. Wrote a letter to Penmaen on board and left it at Park Street to be posted.

31st

Sunday. Hear from Fred, has the offer of a living near Rugby from the Chancellor. Puts me out about the ponies. Go with my mother to the Abbey Church, charity sermon for penitentiary. Walk in the park after church with mother and Carree etc.

Monday. Dull still weather all along, called on Mrs Marcon yesterday. Today time taken up unpacking and shopping. Collins Library, station to make enquiries about ponies - charge high for ponies, same as horses, get no abatement, must consider. Mrs Scroggs dines at my mother's, cribbage. Write to Rugby about Fred and ponies.

November

1st (Tuesday)

Dull morning, foggy, cheesy sun. Shop again. Walk with Mrs S, my mother and C Teddy to feed the swans. Go to a nursery garden. Dine at Mrs Marcon Alfred Street at 5.30. Mr R Edwards there, pleasant evening. My mother had a card party at Mrs Blencowe's. Read a little of Ainsworth's Tower of London.

2nd

Dull morning, enter accounts to this time. No letters received tho' expected. Morning spent shopping with Carree, Collins Library etc. Little or nothing going on. At a concert in evening at the assembly rooms, very full. Signor and Madame Houcone Talberg, superlative piano player. J Parry, new style of comic singing. Berlin Wool and other songs, very good. George unexpectedly dropped in and accompanied us to the concert and stays late Friday night.

3rd

George, my mother, Carree and I walked to market. Nothing but quarrelling and disputing, Carree the worst of all, return to lunch. Ladyies slip out by themselves without saying a word. I write to Mr Nicholls, Park, about money. George and I take a walk, he calls on Mr Uniac. Take a stroll to see the wonders of the railroad by Sydney Gardens towards station etc and home. Evening spent at home in disputes about family matters, money etc. My mother as bad as anybody. Mrs Scroggs spends the evening here at cribbage. George goes to sleep. I write notes about ponies, Turville, Reading etc.

4th

Dull cold day, heavy shower of hail about 3.00. Receive letter from Penmaen, no ill news. Cow has calved and write answer to Penmaen. Carree only out late with Mrs S and my mother about a dressmaker. Arrange about the ponies, ticket them etc and walk with George to meet them at the station. Sent to Reading to Fred at Turville. Expensive work, more than the value, experience bought. Caught in rain there. Go with George to show him the park, he leaves this evening by last train for Bristol on return to Tenby, q by mail or steamer? Post a letter to Penmaen.

5th

Call only with Carree on Mrs Marcon, out. Baby brought up to be exhibited. Stroll with mother and Mrs S in Milsom Street. Stupid kind of day, nothing done. Take tea at Mrs Scroggs, Miss or Mrs Kerr there. Play loo, lose. Very cold all day. Receive letter from Mr Hudson, leaves my chambers.

Sunday. Very cold, Abbey Church. See the Marcons after church. Walk to Lion Hill with Carree and children. Called on Mr Richard Edwards, not at home. Stroll about and return. Read Chambers Cyclopaedia in evening, drop on Mr Meredith's place, Clouburn, Scotland. Charlie spends evening in this house with the Miss Johnsons and Master Gosling. Some polished society good for him.

7th

Monday very dull, good November weather tho'. Receive letter from home, work account etc. At home all morning, write home and to Edmund, Mr and Mrs W Morgan call from Park Street, long visit. Mr R Edwards, Mrs Francis, Carree and I make calls. Mrs Ramsden and Miss Kerr, buy bonnets etc. Carree pays. Finish letters in evening and send them. Post them myself. My mother hears from Oakfield and from Lewes. Favourable news from Afghanistan and China posted about.

8th

Dull and coldish but less cold. Fred writes, some idea of coming to Bath. Accepts living of Willey, Warwickshire. Write to Mrs Cobbold to acknowledge £5 sent to Godson Charles. Lunch with Carree at Mrs Marcon's and take walk with them, shop etc. Pulteney Street, rail road etc. Evening spent at home, reading and enter up accounts.

9th

A wet day, write letters, George, Fred, Barrett, receive letter from Mary Powell, Gower. Carree writes to Reynoldston and Park Street. Want Fred to come to Bath. Wish to take Llandeilo Rhynys farm. Dine no.3, Lion Hill, call for Mrs and Miss Marcon. Meet Captain Conelly there. Home before 11, my mother at card assembly. Carree wears first time new velvet gown. Dr Causton is dead.

10th

Dull damp morning, read Ainsworth Tower of London. Not out the house (all) day any of us. Read and enter up accounts in this book. Mrs and Jane Marcon call in evening. Some arrangements made about going to music and pump room on Saturday, put off again tomorrow by Jane having tickets sent for assembly rooms. Read good deal of Ainsworth Tower.

11th

Wet day and stormy. Receive letter from home, all well. Mary Powell sent for from Gower by her father from Neath. Carree not up to breakfast. Go with Carree and my mother by 1.00 train to Bristol, dine in Park Street at 4.00. Quite a party, old Mrs M, Mrs Halliwell!!! The pupils etc, a bridal visit. Like Mrs WTM, lively and good-natured. Home again a little after 8.00. To Bristol ½ hour's drive. Read Ainsworth on return. Have not felt well all day, out of order, stomach.

12th

Dull doubtful windy morning, some rain. Receive letter from Edmund written yesterday morning at Lewis, just 24 hours. Read Tower of London. Enter diary. Carree writes to Penmaen. Mrs Scroggs calls. Carree and I walk out with her, go to a turner's near Abbey named Spreat. Call on Misses Hole, paragon, and Mrs Francis. Mrs Scroggs spends evening with my mother at cribbage. I read Tower of London and write all manner of nonsense to Penmaen, Carree copies music.

Sunday. Very wet indeed, go alone to Abbey Church. Mrs Marcon's pew. Sermon – ‘Submit to Higher Powers'. New mayor. Again in church, Abbey, with Carree - long extemporary lecture. Evening read Tower of London, Lady Jane Grey etc.

14th

Fine day again after stormy yesterday. Finish reading Ainsworth Tower of London, poor Lady Jane Grey! and Dudley. Call at the turner's, not at home. Carree at Mrs Marcon's, go there in my old coat. Sign a power of attorney at public library, Milsom St, for Jane Marcon. Again walk with Carree, cap for baby, 4/6. Stroll about Bath etc, railroad station, long walk, long train off, up. Write home to EKJ. Received letter from George about Llandeilo Rhynys farm, wet night again. Paid a few bills for my mother on market and bread accounts, how cheap is bread in comparison with Gower.

15th

Again a wet morning, another letter from George about the farm, am bound to take it. Enter EKJ's account from Gower etc. Read Granville's Spas, Buxton etc. Acknowledged £50 paid to the bank, Swansea, from George, not received till tomorrow? because I write to George asking him again to do so and in meantime receive letter to say tis received.

16th

Another thorough wet day, worse than yesterday. All day at Spreat's taking hints in turning, near the Abbey. Curious history of himself he gives, had 2 wives and 24 children. Receive letter from Mr James on education, take it this evening to Mrs Marcon's, what a laugh. We drink tea there this evening and play cribbage. My mother at the assembly rooms card party.

17th

Walk with Carree to call on Mrs Richard Jervoise, 22 Belvedere. Stroll about and go to the Pump Room music at 2.00, very good for 1/- each. Evening spent at a large evening party, cards at Mrs Francis. Play a round game. Meet a Mr Leach, some relation of those in Pembrokeshire. The best party we have been to in Bath. Dry and cold.

18th

Dry and cold again. Receive a note from Turville, Fred and Clara coming to Bath on Monday. Write in answer. Go to fish market, intend to go to Spreat the turner's, not at home. Return and read Cambrian, new mayor Dr Bird, new cut, discussion. My mother calls on Mrs Dean, Carree and I on Mrs Blencow and de Bock! Not at home, stroll on Royal Crescent with Mrs Scroggs.

19th

Out early with Carree to market, buy a hare 3/-, mother paid. Pay for fish for my mother. Call with Carree on Mrs Marcon, they are not going to concert. Mr Richard Edwards calls to see baby and takes lunch. Evening at Assembly Rooms, Jullier's last instruments, concert very full. Nightingale Waltz on piccolo very good, horns capital. Meet Laura Edwards and Misses Holes. Write to Mr James and drive round by post. Wet going and returning from rooms. My mother not in very good humour, spends evening at Madame de Bock's.

Sunday. Wet after 2.00, very. Abbey, sermon by W Pollock, rector Lancashire, aid of pastoral society, ‘Work Out Your Own Salvation', various opinions. Speak to Captain Johnson first time, same house as we call on Mrs Marcon with Carree. Very wet. Read Granville's Spas, Rugby etc. Very wet.

21st

Monday. Fine again, expect Fred and Clara by train today for a few days, get lodging, receive letters, Clara, George and EKJ. Enter accounts of latter etc. Teach Charles to write, very good boy. At 2 go with Carree to meet down train, Fred and Charlotte and Clara actually arrived, walk back with them and introduced Charles to his first cousin, the first he has seen.

Return to 9 Queen's Square and take a walk round park. Much talk about family matters. Mrs Scroggs dines with my mother today. Conversation again to the great annoyance? of Mrs Scroggs and my mother's cribbage.

22nd

Walk out early with Fred. Early morning wet, promises fine day. Fred proposes drive to the country as above to see a clergyman's house. Fred going to build at Willey. Very nicely placed house, civil people to us all as strangers. Very neat church, altogether very comfortable after travelling; an open, dry, turnip country. Evening spent by all of us at Mrs Ramsden in Brock Street, all old maids but Fred and I. Played pounce commerce. Cab driver all agog that Cabool is taken, news by express from London.

23rd

Write home to EKJ. Rain comes on a little, all go out but me, go shopping a little late. Go and see the baths. Walk a little in park with Fred and Charlotte. Man out of his mind. 3 servants, skin them alive. Spend evening at Mrs Marcon's who called here this morning. Wet evening, flies there and back. Posted a letter EKJ. My mother at card assembly.

24th

Fine morning, again, enter accounts. Much said about Biddlesden, George Parsons etc. Fred pulled his nose, general blow up. They all go to the Pump Room. Music. Carree and I shop as above. Fred joins us in Milsom Street, lose him and Carree in a barbers shop there and come home, tis so very cold but not wet. Walk to Mrs Scrogg's in evening and play pounce commerce. I and Carree lose. Mrs R Jervoise there, do not like her, too full of hypocrisy and false flattery. What a woman.

25th

Receive letter from George, Abercothi. Talk about Mr Lee, Henry, money matters etc. Fred and Charlotte explore upper regions of Bath. Charlotte buys Carree present, envelope case etc. Talk about a glee concert, do not go. All at home this evening.

26th

Fred, Charlotte and Clara leave Bath by early train for Turville. Walk with Carree and my mother, make calls in Brock Street and walk alone around the park. Write a letter to Penmaen this evening. Cold and dull, generally wet at night. Market with Carree.

Sunday. Abbey Church, Bishop of Antigua, text ‘God is Love', Advent Sunday. Walk with Carree and my mother in the Crescent and with Carree round park. Sleep and read all the evening. Do not feel at all well, pains in the back. Very wet night again after a most gloomy day and cold. Write answer to Bristol and fix Thursday to be there.

28th

Monday, very wet and cold, wet all night. Letter from home, enter day labour etc and accounts etc. Carree copies music. Writing all morning till 3.00, it clears up well, out with Carree, call on Mrs Marcon, see Captain Rooke, quite a Guilliman(?). Mrs Scroggs plays cribbage with my mother this evening.

29th

Fine night, wet early morning, fine day. Out early with my mother and Carree. Call on Mrs Francis. Mother at library. Met Mr Edwards. Walk after lunch with my mother and Carree, mother giving me to pay travelling expenses £5, dislike to receive it indeed tho very acceptable. Walk in park and again shop. Dine at Mrs Scroggs 19 Cathe(rine) Place. Wet night to return home again, what quantity of rain!

30th

Beautiful today, out early with C Teddy to turner's and buy tools etc. Write short note to WM, tithe commissioner's committee 14th. Wrote note to William, walk out with C Teddy, call at Post Office, Mr Spreat, turner etc. Lunch, walk out with Carree and my mother. Call on Mrs Marcon, Richard Edwards there, take leave. Shop, call on the Misses Richards, strangers, old school acquainted Carree's. The mother only at home, find she is Welsh by connection etc. Again out in evening to farewells, Mrs Scroggs etc and buy string etc and biscuits. Writing music for Carree. Defer packing up till morning.

December

1st (Thursday)

Leave Bath, see my mother off at 11.00 for London. Return and pack up, expect to see Mrs Elton from Keynsham and Mr Halliwell, no. Lunch with Captain and Mrs Johnson 9 Queen's Square Bath, off in a hurry by omnibus for mail train, 2.00. At Bristol in Ό of an hour from Bath. Confusion about luggage at the stations, how easy to make mistakes. Unpack etc at 15 Park Street before dinner. Dip into some periodicals in the evening. No rain today.

2nds

Dry day again at Bristol, 15 Park Street. Read. Walk with Charlie on Brandon Hill, very wintry there. Lunch and walk to Kingsdown and call on Mr Morgan with C Teddy. Return by some odd alleys etc to the draw bridge etc. Show Charlie shops in the evening, go to tea in Princes Street, Queens Square to Messrs Masseys, Bristol merchant. Curious good-natured people. Foreign curiosities. Mr Evans professional engagement prevents his being there. A child's lace cap made of natural bark of a tree, quite natural, like Norwich crepe. Have sore throat, far from well.

3rd

Sore throat continuing, gouty pains all over and cough. Fine, dull, damp. Read, always late for breakfast, Carree writing to Queens Square Bath, Mrs Johnson. Both Mrs Ms go to the institution. Children to the hill, I only at home. A lady called out with them. Walk with 2 Mrs M's to Corn Street etc, order a coat at Ware's, tailor, stroll about together, toy shop. Meet Mr M at the Institution. Read Augustus Holland marriage and Mr Norman dines at 15 Park Street

Sunday. Beautiful today, weather seems settled. Carree and I at blind asylum chapel. Attend sacrament. Dine early and late tea at Kingsdown. 2 Mrs M's give me the slip, a trick, I beat them, I laugh at them. To supper, mild beautiful day and evening. Afternoon church Mr Clifford, extempore theatrics.

5th

Most beautiful mild day. Receive letter from home, read paper, begin letter home as to day of our departure, hence finish in evening and send it to post. Walk with Mrs WM to Westbury, call on Mr & Mrs Gibson, Mr & Miss Morgan called on us from Kingsdown. Carree meets us at Mr Gibson's and Charlie with Mr M in carriage. Charlie finds play fellow in young Gibsons, he has recovered from long illness. Enter accounts from home in evening.

6th

Out early with both Mrs Evans to make calls on Miss Pritchard, Mrs Clifford, Mrs Shute etc. Lunch in Clare Street. Call at seed shop by bridge. Mrs Morgan of K and Mary dine in Park Street etc, prevent acceptance of invite to music at Miss Pritchard and forgot to go to the music of blind at the Victoria rooms, first trial, what a pity!

7th

Out early with Carree and Mrs WM shopping. Call on Mrs Massey near quay in Princes Street. Show Charlie pigs unloaded from vessel. Infant school not at lessons today, disappointed in showing Charlie. Return to lunch. Mrs Norman and Miss there. Drive with Mr M to Mrs Shute's and call on Mr Halliwell at Mr Elton's. Old Mr E very nice old gent, beautiful collection of stuffed birds. Backgrounds nicely painted, all family draw etc. Dine earlier than usual and again in fly to Mrs Shutes to tea. One daughter very pretty and sings nicely. 2 Mr Cooper's come in.

8th

Very foggy, breakfast quite early. Carree, self and CT drive with Mr M to call on Mr and Mrs Elton at Keynsham, wedding visit, late Mary Ann Ord. Call also on Rev. Mr Quartly, he ill on sofa some long-time. Long confab on Bucks etc. Do not see Mr Elton. Cold foggy day, same as yesterday, capital thoroughbred grey horse in Mr Morgan's car. Evening spent Mrs Morgan's Kingsdown. Go up in a fly, Mrs Norman and Miss Basehot go with us, 5 in all inside, the latter sings most miserably out of tune. Not a bad voice badly cultivated. Not in bed till 12.00.

9th

Again a foggy day, Mr Halliwell calls. Enter my diary, read Cambrian, write to George and about Carmarthen election. Charlie rides with Mr M to Redland. Mrs and Miss Elton call, evening spent in a grand party at Mr Morgan's in Park Street - singing dancing etc, kept up late.

10th

No one sent to market in Bristol. Packing up in Park Street, shopping with Carree as above, out after dinner late with Mr Saumarez for shoes etc. I write this from recollection on the 22nd inst. Posted a letter [for George?].

Sunday. In Bristol, fear a change of weather. Go to Kingsdown church a.m. to say goodbye. Dine early as usual, pack up, no alternative, leave tomorrow. Go to blind asylum - Carree, Mrs WTM and C Teddy. Pack up again at night, wet.

12th

Finish packing, cording etc. Out shopping again. On board the Troubador at 12.00 for Swansea, leave the Cumberland Basin 12.45, at The Mumbles 7.15, in Swansea 1.00 at night. What a noise loading copper and coals. Economy however!

13th

Breakfast Mrs Davies, Burrows. On board Troubador till day break in Swansea Harbour. Go early to Castle, no letter, get one after, take lodging at Mr Pearson's. Mr James coming in, call on Mrs Symonds. Sent Carree and children to Penmaen in fly from J Price, bill not paid, Mr J returns by it. Am ready in Swansea for the commissions tomorrow, tithe commissions, Mr John.

14th

Slept at Mr Pearson's, I and Mr James. Are ready for tithe commission by 10.00. Llanrhidian on first, only Penrice and Phil Evans there belonging to parish. Preliminary meeting. Luggage sent home yesterday by WR. Pony in today by Llewellyn. Ride home to Penmaen with Mr J and his man John to tea. At Park Mill Mr J let his horse drink and in dismounting falls into the water and gets a ducking and does not get cold. Get him some brandy at Molly's and ride fast, glad to see the children again.

15th

Slept at Penmaen and all the children. How do Mr & Mrs J find room?!! Read new monthly magazine. Ride over to Caie Forgan on Crickton, go over the farm and see all that's going on. Give orders for tomorrow, intend going home, boy and baggage, all hands. Talk of Bath and Bristol, tithe commission etc, read magazines etc.

16th

Prisoners at Penmaen all morning, driving mist, rain or fog. Dine early there in hope of change. Cars come over early for us and wait, all the children to take. Read new monthly from Swansea by postman. Get home before dark, just, luckily have no wet. Again at home after a long absence. House very damp and trist. Unpack in the evening after tea and get to bed. Some difficulty to arrange and prepare for Swansea tomorrow. Notes to write etc. WR off early to Swansea tomorrow.

17th

About home all day unpacking chiefly and arranging matters in the house etc. About the yard and garden, look round it, men thrashing, chaff cut and send them to Crickton. Ted called and went to Penmaen.

Sunday. Morning duty, ride down alone. C Teddy comes, Carree absent, not well. Ted does duty at Chapel, see no more of him. Read papers, Cambrian etc in arrear. Singing pupils come for Carree.

19th

Monday, write to my mother of our arrival home, write to Mr Perry, send goose, hurried work. Monday very fine, morning foggy. Mr & Mrs James dine at Caie Forgan and EKJ. Walk early to Crickton and all over the farm, all looking well. Cart mangold wurzel. RH calls about a steer of J Davies, Welsh Moor, and again with him much conversation. Ends in a bargain, part arrear of tithes, part to be allowed to Mr Talbot, part of rent. £5.10. 0. sum total allowed for steer. Evening spent entering arrear of accounts, day book etc. EKJ leaves late, Mr & Mrs J left early after dinner.

20th

Wet driving mist after the beautiful day of yesterday, glass high too but wind will keep to the west SW. At day labour accounts all day. Go through WR's and Mary John's in my absence, what accounts!!! Settle with WR his marketing on Saturday. Ride to Ilston and dine, meet Mr and Mrs Lewis and Oxwich party. Not home till near 1.00. Read Britannia paper.

21st

Misty wet day again. Send Jim on errands to Reynoldston for barm and to see to sell calf. No-go, gets neither. Mr James sends John from Penmaen with letter Uckfield, WM wants answer. Walked to Crickton to see what's going on, drain cutting, news steer in stall from J Davies, Welshmoor. Ted here in the evening, takes tea etc. Read Britannia paper. Baby not well at all, pain in head and bowels out of order. Cow not well. Valliant was unwell last night too!

22nd

Dry dull morning, breakfast at 8.30 walk over to Crickton to get accounts of C Reese. Want same of W Jone, has not his book. Returned, barley winnowed. Dine at 2.00. Fuss about yard, cow not well, better, is the calf to be killed? Enter Bristol accounts and diary since at Bristol in arrear. Charlie has his donkey from Crickton, rides in garden.

Day book - butter labour account, Ann Rees 1lb – 1/-, Susan Batcock ½ lb – 6d

23rd

A dry morning, not promising. Glass falling proves fine and mild. Rout out my travelling desk, sort papers etc. Walk to Penralt to see RH about calf not to be killed till next week. Meet EKJ and go to inspect the school. Learn of George Gordon where my ox probe is at Penralt! Blacksmith wants it this evening, how unlucky. Go to Crickton, learn about corn and work. Carree takes short ride after dinner. EKJ rides to Penmaen. Call on Mr Lloyd about stones for road. Write to William etc in evening about arbitration with George.

24th

Drive EKJ to Swansea, fine day, how lucky, all day shopping and paying money etc called to enquire … of Mrs Terry been ill.

Sunday. Very wet again, evening duty. Carree and C Teddy go, EKJ does not come to Caie Forgan after church, has a cold, takes no dinner. Mrs Batcock and her son F in church, anniversary remorse. Read some more of Churton's Early English Church. No 6.00 duty.

26th

Monday, dull doubtful morning, wet again, very in afternoon. Ride early to Crickton and Stafell Haegr, want to see carpenter and mason and RH and EKJ; see all. EKJ returns with me and takes dinner, very wet. All evening about accounts. Charlie naughty and locked in empty parlour in dark. Carree takes piano to pieces and does not mend it. Emma knocks small table down, work box etc. Johnny the only one without grievous fault. Ted leaves early.

27th

Dry doubtful morning, showery wet and dull in evening. The carpenter here to make a new barrow wheel, hunt for timber for it. Carree determined to ride ponies ordered early. Ted calls for greyhound, out with Francis Thomas, no find. John from Penmaen calls, Penmaen party come to us tomorrow. We all ride there. It rains a little, we dine, dine on hare and home again early to tea. EKJ stays tea with us.

28th

About home all day, see yard cleaned for carting mangold. Order cart out for wall by hedge, Upper field, plant it, young quicks. Set W Tucker to take up beet etc. Mangold packed, Mr & Mrs James ride over to stay. Bottle beer, tap elder wine, decant fini. See pig cut up. EKJ up in evening, has dined, we dine late. Evening spent in talking. Send laver by John for Swansea tomorrow, directed Turville for the Lord Chancellor from Fred.

29th

Dry, dull and windy; not agreeable to have evening duty at church at 6.00, who will attend. Enter 2 or 3 days' accounts, Mr & Mrs J here. Walk out to Crickton. Charlie very successful with his trick trap, set it only yesterday. Has caught 2 robins and a sparrow, poor Johnny lets the sparrow escape with a cut wing, such lamentation! One poor robin dead, condemn the trap. At 6.00 in evening ride with Mr James in the wet and dark to attend a Christmas service at the church. Not many there, I don't wonder at it. EKJ did all the service. I sit in Mr Grose's pew, both of them there. Glad to get back again, Carree and Mrs James can't go.

30th

At home all morning, wet, winnow wheat. Write a short note to Turville. Jim sent there to prevent John coming over with the ponies. Mr & Mrs J stay over today. Receive letter from George and shall go tomorrow to Carmarthen. Read Anti-Corn Law League in Quarterly, long and good. Ride after early dinner to Penralt to see calf killed, i.e. dead. See corn winnowed in barn. Mr & Mrs James can't leave us as they planned.

31st

WR off early to Swansea, wheat, 2 geese and giblets and brings my pony home. I ride Moselle to Swansea late and take mail to Carmarthen. Meet George there and go to Abercothi for 10 days. Thick misty day, is clear and starlight by the time we are at Pontardulais. Not in Carmarthen till 9.00, very late.

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