Charles Morgan's Diary, 1849

◀ Previous year         ▲ Back to the list         ▶ Next year

January

1st (Monday)

At Bristol on return from London and Bath. Charlie unwell, sharp frost, cutting wind. Mr Morgan lends us his carriage, Carree and I call on Mrs Thackeray, Walton Villa, Cambridge Square, Clifton. Mr and Mrs Gibson, Redland, Misses Morgan, Kingston and home to a dinner party at 5.00, Gibson's, Misses Morgan.

2nd

At Bristol, sharp frost, Carree does not go out all the morning. I walk out with Mr Morgan to inquire about a Cobourg, Stokes Croft, establishment broken up. Hunt in Temple Street etc for Mr Pollard late of Swansea, can't find him. Make further enquiries about Cobourg after having walked over Mr Stratton's premises to see implements etc, he makes Cobourgs under £21 and afterwards an Ipswich takes my fancy tho' not elegant, light and cheap and neat, quite close except for driver. At tea at Mr Gibson in the evening, all of us walk home with Mr M. Extraordinary robbery of the Bristol mail.

3rd

At Bristol, leave at midnight for Swansea by the Lord Beresford. Still a sharp frost, begin packing up to return home. Miss Pritchard calls, Mr Bowden ditto, I and Charles call on Mr Peal at the library. Fine carved mantelpiece by Gibbons, dark apartments. Carree buys cotton etc.

4th

Return home by Lord Beresford, sleep on the floor of the packet as well as I can all night. Leave Bristol about 1.00a.m, arrive at Swansea about 12.00p.m.. Anchor at Aberavon? The Mumbles too exposed to an east wind. Quite wiped out, very ill from the packet. At home about 7.00, children all well save Frank, a sore throat from carelessness of a new imposter of a servant. Tired, no sleep last night, go to bed early.

5th

Begin this diary! At home again, returned last night from Bristol, Bath and London. Today busy unpacking. Go with Wat Tucker round the garden, some alterations and improvements. Dull foggy wet day, walk in evening to Crickton etc etc, turnips going fast, too fast. RH up this evening, long confab with him about old Walker etc. Unpacked the piano new from London. Offey down from Caswell, have no time to sit to write. Tell him to go to bed, near eleven at night.

6th

Fine day, drive to Penmaen to pay 1st wedding visit, meaning to dine. They have just finished dinner 2.00 to go to a funeral at Penrice. Mr Collins just drops in late in the morning about the yard and barn. Some wheat winnowed up. See my mares and ponies at Penmaen doing well, get Parsey's account. Home about 10, round Cillibion, owing to the frost bad travelling over the common. Mr and Mrs James senior in Swansea, their conduct rather mysterious.

Sunday. Wet again, how changeable. Frost of last night going fast. Evening duty so wet I only can venture to church. A New Year sermon alluding to the death of poor young Evans who married Francis Thomas's daughter, write letters till 12.

8th

Damp a.m., fine mild, about home all day. A cow killed for tithe day. David Bowen pays tithe arrear, send for gravel to Reynoldston. 5 carts by C Reese and Llewellyn at 1/6. Help to lay it by the hornbeam hedge, front garden. Settle some accounts with RH, see beginning of this book and give notice by him to Batcock of the mill to give no more credit on my account, too extravagant! Sent 3 letters early to Reynoldston, Mr Beor's, Henry Williams, HJM.

9th

Dull and mild after rain last night. More rain again after 4.00. Rise early and breakfast with children. Ride early to Crickton about drains, Newton Field. Philip and W Jone and 3 women there, ride on to see road, to Leason and call on Mr Dunn. Employ rest of the day in disposing of the beef, cow cut up by RH for tithe dinner, sorting and roofing and giving to the poor. Kill also a small porker. Walk to Cillibion to see what drains are wanted, get wet. Write to EM Tenby and enter accounts of beef etc etc.

10th

Very windy, dry. Walk to Crickton to see draining, find C Reese at plough, can't have horse Farmer. Are going to Penmaen to dinner, get papers for Mr Beor tomorrow to sleep at Penmaen. Ready to start, Mr & Mrs Pearce, Miss Clark and Mr Beor call, obliged to leave him in care of Charles etc and go dine at Penmaen and meet Mr Perry there. Season the silver cup and have some capital port wine, rather sick as yet from Fenchurch Street. Sleep at Penmaen. Wind very high.

11th

At Penmaen, slept there. Drive one horse Bishop to Swansea: Carree, Lucy, EKJ and I in defiance of Martin's Act. Wet and wind very forbidding. EKJ loses his hat in Mr Adams, Park Mill, a hunt. Put ladies inside, Carree holds the reins Lucy the whip!! 3 hours journey!!! Lunch at Mr & Mrs James at Bevan's, ironmonger. Stormy and cold reception, some screws loose, a little lightened but not quite rectified. Call at bank about 200 bill dishonoured, on Mr Beor about tithe meeting, write to Mr Bishop in answer to threat of action Ynyswen! FM, Willey. Home about 9.00 fine.

12th

Very wet again, detained at Penmaen all morning, in consequence can't get home. Lunch there. Meant to have ridden to Caswell, order pony over, Charles and Thomas obey the order, send and come. No use, send Thomas back, Charles drives mamma home. EKJ and I ride to dine at Mr Perry's at 5.00. Mr Pearce, Mr Clark come also late. Sent tithe apportionments to Mr Beor by post woman. Mrs Perry in Bath coming home this morning. Get home about 11.00 and give Thomas orders for Swansea tomorrow.

13th

Wet misty driving, stormy towards night. Not out of the house all day. Read Cambrian and other papers and Farmers Magazine. Walker calls about coals. Order none for brick yard, shall give up brick making. Go through accounts with W Thomas, mason, W Evans called up for same purpose, postponed him. Enter accounts, read Farmers Magazine etc Thomas home about 10.00. No duty in church tomorrow, roof greatly blown off.

Sunday. Church unroofed by storms. Wet day, no duty. Prayers at home, none of us out of the house all day!

15th

A more dry day but not without rain. About home all day, mason puts up chimney pots, parlour and chimney swept, all busy for tomorrow. At accounts with many anticipating tomorrow. Send many off, coal landed and brought up. Receive some little tithe money, prepare tithe book for tomorrow as to last year's receipts. Oh! what a tiresome day, intended doing several things and could not. Many apply to work out tithes etc. Much to be done and much can't be done.

16th

1st tithe day, sufficiently explains the day, wet. Mr Beor arrives to receive under commutation for 1847 and 1848. More than usual come and settle. Hard work and slow till past 12.00 at night.

17th

2nd tithe day, wet but less so. Crowds to pay, such an effect has the terror of an attorney. Many arrears paid up. Not in bed till 2.00.

18th

3rd tithe day, not much less busy than the 2 former days, no time to get out. Occupied in house all day with Mr Beor etc till late at night. Not fine, where is the account of the money paid out on these 3 last days?

19th

Carree for wages, Emelia Davies' £2 5 0, and nanny (Llandeilo) both to be off tomorrow, both good for nothing. 4th tithe day, not fully taken up. Get a walk in evening to Park yr Rhedin, Cilivor Hill top and Penralt. Mr Beor tries John Jenkins pony, no go at £15, not worth £10. Settle accounts in evening with John Davis of Welsh Moor, not in bed till 2.00. Count out the money and take it to Swansea tomorrow, give Mr Beor an acknowledgment of the amount received.

20th

Drive Carree and Mr Beor to Swansea, take money to the bank £564.13. 3. Repay at Bank bill [Wilkins] by EM for £201.0.10 and expense dishonoured. A portmanteau at Buses not paid £2 10 0 for Charles. Lunch, call it dinner, at Mr & Mrs James lodging at J Bevan's. Not home till about 11.00. Send mutton, half a sheep, by RH to Mr Collinson 47 Guilford Street, London. Q does it arrive, mail upset in Morriston? Yes.

Sunday. Wet, have service again at home. Church not repaired. EKJ comes over and has evening duty in the school. Read the Bible a little at home and write letters to send off tomorrow morning.

22nd

Very fine day, brisk, sunny, cold. Meant to drive to Oxwich, Mr & Mrs William Collins call and Mr Pearce and Mr Clark, all lunch. Miss Carmichael rides, Charles and Johnny and donkey call all to Penmaen to tea and dine. At 7.00 I walk out to Cillibion drain there, George Williams and William Bevan. Walk hastily to Crickton, Reese ploughing. Jone and Phillip dig garden, Llewellyn carts from haggard. Sow peas. Send Thomas to meet the children after it gets dark, uneasy about them, all right. Enter accounts etc, last week's arrears, in evening.

23rd

Set all carts to carry dung to Cillibion for turnips, draining going on there. Go to see it before driving Carree to Oxwich to call on old Mrs Collins, ill. Fine day, windy and cold. Mr Pearce and Mr Clark call as we come away. Some of the Carmichaels call at Caie Forgan in our absence. Just escaped, so that I am not detained in starting to dine at Ilston, ride Aurora and meet Mr Perry and Mr Clarke there, all ride home together about 11.00. Fine day, no rain, a wonder!

24th

Cold dull day, windy about home. Settle tithe rate at £25 per C on the apportionment, J Robert, Lewis John dine at Pearce's. A pig killed, first this season. Walk to Cillibion after lunch. Children's dinner, write to Mr Pearce's to dine. Call at Crickton, inspect road to Leason under repairs. Meet Mr Perry at dinner. Mr and Miss Clark. Make Godson Clarke a present of a small book. What children! Home about 1.00, take advantage of Mr Perry's lamps to Landimore.

25th

Dull day, dismal, damp rainy windy cold, at home all day. Not well, cholera? or poisoned yesterday by Llanmadock cake or pea soup? Read papers, dine early, pig cut up. Lose … a bit in weight overdone by above a score in 18, thought I should. Walk to Cillibion and Crickton late, sick of draining and trenching. Charles sent over to Penmaen not to dine there today. I want to go to Caswell, when shall I? Am going to Cowbridge and Cardiff, children to school, Johnny. Bath, sleepy this evening, not well and not liking letter from Charles Bishop, Llandovery. Enter some accounts in evening. Eaton by wife called about road account, we can't agree.

26th

Very fine all day. Children and Miss Carmichael, all by invite, pass day at Penmaen. EKJ gone to Swansea for timber, the Woodruffes call there. I ride to Caswell, call at Llythridd, at Park Place, Pena etc going to Llanelli next week, can't come to us. Call on Mr Worsley, dine there, paid for cattle at grass, Penmaen. Meet Mr T, a marten, Miss Carmichael and Miss Mosley, not at Caswell till 3, too late. Go round farm, do but little, can't call at Kittle. Getting dark, return by the horrid dangerous lane to Ilston, home to tea, children not home till 9.00. Read ‘Now and Then', enter accounts.

29th

Monday. Very fine, ride to call on Mr Talbot after a batch of accounts about tithe Matthew Tycoch, Benjamin Bevan etc. Charles drives Carree to Penmaen, we dine there. Engaged to meet Mr Talbot on Crickton farm next Monday. Dine at Penmaen, no one else there and home at night.

30th

Very wet, Nanny Davy of mill calls to go into accounts, can't attend. Mark and pack up children's clothes. Dine early and in hurry, off about 3.00 for Swansea, wet. Mesmeric lecture at theatre, Jackson. Meet Mrs Woodruffe there. Tea at Mrs James at Bevan's. Sleep at Mrs Davies, Butter St.

31st

Very fine, slept in Swansea, Butter Street, with Charles and Johnny. Met Mr Roberts there, all breakfast together, off early for Cowbridge and Cardiff with Aurora and EKJ. Pony in carriage for the latter and no bottom. At Pyle by 1.00, a company meeting of roads. At Cowbridge by 5.00, tea, give Charles after calling in Mr Harper 5/-, Mr Edmonds introduces me. Repay Mr WFM from Bristol. Johnny £1, borrow and for boots for Charles and Bristol, to be at Cardiff tomorrow by 9.30, hire a gig.

February

1st (Thursday)

Drive early in hired carriage from Cowbrudge to the Bute docks, Cardiff, to meet packet for Bristol ‘Star' at 9.30 o'clock. Breakfast, self and Johnny, in packet. Johnny for Bath. Hair cut and shaved at Cardiff!! Carriage there and back for 14/- agreed for included in bill tomorrow. Wet foggy day, see the Bute docks, too cramped but large enterprise for one man. Shipping from all parts of the world. On return call on Mrs Edmund's Llanblethian, and lunch. Call on Dr Sylvester and dine there. Poor Charlie very low, shall see him again tomorrow. Sleep at the Bear Inn, Cowbridge by Gardiner.

2nd

Breakfast with Mr Harper, Cowbridge, Mr Williams and Mr Hill under-masters and Charlie there. Leave Cowbridge on return home about 10.00. Very wet and foggy. Aurora and EKJ's pony bought of me bred at Llandeilo Rhynys very safe one. Not very game but not off food.

3rd

Slept in Swansea, Mrs Davies, Butter Street. Carriage and 2 horses at the Castle, 3 feeds of corn each. Breakfast with Mr & Mrs James at Bevan ironmonger and dine there. Home, foggy rain all day, about 8.00; tired and find all pretty well. Talked with Grove about going out of Caswell, ready to do so.

Sunday. Some sun. Evening duty, drive down in car. Carree and children dine after church. Read Fleming, had morning duty at home.

5th

Foggy day, expecting Mr Talbot as by appointment to see Crickton, does not come. May be owing to wet, may be forgetfulness or caprice! Am about home all day entering accounts of journey to Cowbridge and Cardiff. Mr Llewellyn expected at Penrice Castle today or tomorrow.

6th

Again expecting Mr Talbot, about home all day, again he disappoints me. Fine but dull day. Get out to Crickton to see how the drains get on. Carting and filling with stones etc. Pig cut up by RH. Read Warren's ‘Now and Then'.

7th

Rise early to see Thomas off for Swansea for fish and wine etc. Out early to Crickton to see draining, George Walker calls then, can't attend, Nanny Davy ditto. Return home, dine early, walk to Cillibion. Mr Talbot calls, am sent for, hasten to Crickton, miss him, he's gone to Penralt. He, Mr Llewellyn and RH cross Crickton in dusk, lay in ambush and meet them, nothing much down. Attend a parish meeting in the village about rates, not very amicable though very numerous. Thomas Thomas in liquor and abusive. Get meeting adjourned till Tuesday a.m.

8th

Wet, fineish now and then. Very interesting dinner party, both Collins, 2 Misses Gape, EKJ and Lucy. Busy in the cellar etc etc. George Walker calls, defer him. C Reese calls ditto. Send for the Misses Gapes who decline coming, having accepted will not be refused, they come and sleep the night. Fine evening, beautiful clear night.

9th

Dull but fine morning. Bad beginning of the day! George Walker calls about accounts, copy his account of things made. Tom Eaton calls about road account, nothing done. Drive with Carree and two youngest children before 1.00 to Penmaen. Walk to call at Park Place. Carree and Lucy drive out with Mrs Gape. Find Mr & Mrs Perry at Penmaen going to Swansea. Look at my horse and colts on the glebe, one lame! Dine at Penmaen, am very tired and sleepy. Carree drives home, I carry Agnes, Frank sleeps behind. All's well that ends well! Old David Williams called about hay on account. Give him a note for Martin Gordon.

10th

Do not go to Swansea or send. Very driving misty morning, fine p.m. Read Britannia, walk up to Crickton to get accounts etc and give directions as to drains etc. Out also to Cillibion drains, no one there, dine early, again to the drains Cillibion, WR there. Prune a few trees about hot bed etc. Catch fowls brought from Crickton roosting in trees and hedges etc. Enter accounts etc after children gone to bed. Wrote this morning to Bath, Mrs H and to Henry Williams, Carmarthen.

Sunday. Morning duty, walk and children on donkey and pony. Mr Davies of Penclawdd does duty. Lucy of Penmaen has cut her hand with a chisel!

12th

Fine sharp frost again as yesterday. Up in good time, breakfast, before 9.00, read newspapers and get to see drains making at Newton Field and at Cillibion meadow. Annoyed by nobody but a calf allowed to die by bad management of Thomas since early in December in my absence from home.

13th

Sharp frost. Fine day, drive early to Penmaen. Carree to call and see Lucy who has sadly cut her thumb and an artery, doing pretty well and EKJ ill in consequence. Lunch and home by about 2.00 to attend a parish meeting adjourned from last week as to rating parish. Appoint a committee of 12 to new rate the parish, I am one. Get no dinner and not home to supper till 11.00 at night. Mary Kneath of Ilston interrupts the meeting about a bastard child received of Joseph Gordon at Penralt £6 ty. Glad to get home and to bed. Very tired! Hard work to talk and explain at a parish meeting.

14th

Fine day, comes on foggy, leave home for Swansea with Carree and Miss El. Carmichael after 12.00, leave her at Cross Inn. Received by Sheppard permission to shoot at Wernhalog today or some other day. Can't go today. Sleep at Swansea, am going to Carmarthen tomorrow or etc. Dine at Davies the painters, meet the Gapes going home as we come in on St. Helens Road. Dine at Mrs Davies, Butter Street. Tea at Mrs Woodruffe's, he away. Hear of murder, Mr Griffiths brewer. Go through some tithe accounts with Mr Beor in the evening. Nanny Davy in town wanting money, pay nothing, can't get it, appoint next week.

15th

In Swansea with Carree in Butter Street, shop at Richmond's, lace and baby linen! Fine day, RH has driven black bull in to kill. Talk to Vaughan about a lamb to kill, send Aurora pony to Willey. Carree and Miss Carmichael return home with Thomas in carriage about 4.00. I stay for Carmarthen tomorrow. Finish going through account book with Mr Beor this evening. RH at Davies late. Enter accounts, in bed about 12.00, wrote to FM etc.

16th

Fine day. In Swansea, write to Mr Scroggs, Miss Danielle of Swaffham and home at the bank. Receive for tithe by draft Mr Beor £10 draw 3 only and leave £7, give draft Neville a/c Llanelli by post. Go to slaughterhouses with RH, bull killed, does not turn out well. Lunch and by mail to Carmarthen. Mr Woodruffe on the box for Pembroke. Sleep at the Bush. Mr Lort Phillips and brother? and Mr Wellington Peel in coffee room after hunting.

17th

Foggy morning, Carmarthen. Breakfast in Coffee room, Lort Phillips agreeable man. Walk to the market and make enquiries about parish rates. Signed a deed of Mr Jeffreys for David Thomas, White Mill. At the Buffalo all day with Henry Williams receiving money on sale account, Llandeilo Rhynys. EM comes up from Tenby, drive with him at night to Cillardu Grove, no furniture, one male domestic, makeshift beds etc. Life in the Far West!!! Hawkins! Late of Kilvrough!!! How odd, dined at the Buffalo on veal. Tea and sausages at Cillardu, have a poor night's rest, the bed too hard and too little clothing, no matter for once in a way!

19th

Sunday. At Cillardu Grove, the refuge of the destitute, a doubtful but last tie to the Alltygog and Abercothi family property. Lamentable business in the management of strangers at Llandovery. No church going in Carmarthenshire. Tea as usual to Mrs Griffiths of Llan, a place spoilt, all trees destroyed. Walk home with EM in the dark, lantern.

Monday. Read little book on Pigs, Dublin. Henry Williams calls. Walk with EM to the mill, taking up larch for Gower. Mr Boyle's about corn to the barn, called at Llandeilo Rhynys about sale money, lunch there. Detained by rain, get home luckily not wet. Mr Griffiths calls at Cillardu Grove, about mail(?) time tomorrow. Read and prepare to be off early tomorrow morning for Swansea.

21st

Returned from Carmarthen yesterday. Am to shoot at Wernhalog today. EKJ can't come. Comes on wet after 12.00, how lucky for woodcocks, spoilt sport. Keep at it, get wet through. Kill with Thomas 1 hare, 1 woodcock 1R 1R. Take a heron's nest, 3 eggs on, Wernhalog, first ever saw. Tea and dinner together. Enter accounts in evening. Go to see drains at Cillibion before dinner, progressing.

*Leave Cillardu before daylight with EM to meet mail Carmarthen long before the time. EM goes on to Tenby, thorough wet after 9.00. Mr Allen the barrister on mail, get inside, wet at Cross Hands. Pay bills in Swansea. Thomas meets me, bring from Carmarthenshire 500 larch. Wet all today. Delighted to pay old accounts. Home to tea dark, wet and cold and glad to get to bed. Up so late.

22nd

Fine day, shoot at Leasonwick with EKJ. Not good sport, kill only 5 woodcocks and 1 rabbit, saw no hare. Dine at 5.00, Penmaenites were to come, do not. Never do as they say!

23rd

Fine brisk cold day, breakfast before 9.00, well done Caroline! Walk early to Crickton to see what's done, doing and to be done. Drive Carree and Agnes and Frank to call on Mr Pearce. Meet Mr Perry who comes there. Mr William Collins at Cheriton, thought to have called on Mrs Perry but return home. Go to see Cillibion drains. Settle some accounts with RH, called on to pay property tax Upper Division. W Williams duplicate had … to Mr Beor. J Davies of Welsh Moor calls about poor rates 10.00 at night.

24th

Mr Dunkin for coal £13.1. 0. Some of this coal resold, some for brick yard. See red clasp book. Thomas sent to Swansea, sells fowls etc. Rise early, breakfast early, all. Detect J Jenkins by servant Beynon shooting pigeons and take his gun, a double, and get the bird, picked up by a beggar. Go to the drains Cillibion and spend all morning. Dine early, cut trees in garden and walk to Crickton till late. Read paper and enter accounts. No letters from Swansea. George Gordon calls about property tax, make out the paper, do not pay him, refer to Mr Beor.

26th

Sunday. Heavy showers a.m. proves fine after. Sacrament Sunday, offertory read first time, about 6 or 7 collected. Drive down in car and all children. Read small book of Polar Seas, Captain Back.

Monday. Sharp frost, rise at 7.00. Write 5 or 6 notes, send lamb to Vaughan, butcher Swansea, send Thomas to Penclawdd and Penllwynrobert, Dunkin paid. Bothered out of my life by people calling on this that and tother!! Mr and Mrs James call about Caswell … and a bond and determined to go to Clifton or Bath, can't stay to see them. Engaged at a parish meeting, new rating it. A whole day's work and hard squabbling. No dinner, supper at 9.30, no tea. Howell John called and Jeffreys and Roe the saddler, a vexatious day!

27th

Labour account, Nanny Batcock 5/-. Sharp frost, dull cold east wind. Drive Carree and Frank to call at Ilston, old Bishop goes lame, dead lame, cut his foot. Attend adjourned meeting of parish committee, new rating, after dinner. Not home and in bed till 2.00. Wet night and all gone to bed. Difficult to get in, glad to get a cup of coffee on return after fagging through Parish book. 7 hours to finish rating it.

28th

At home all day, oh how wet! Wind and rain all day and snow. Ground white. Read Central America. Offey here. Clears off a little towards night. At old accounts, the corn account with C Reese. Very tired with 2 hard days at a parish meeting 2 days. Offey returns to Caswell and takes 200 larch.

March

1st (Thursday)

Cow killed by RH, fine day. Send colts to Caswell and take all from Penmaen. Term of grass ends! About home all morning, read Britannia. Dine early and drive Carree and Agnes after by Valiant, old Valiant, to Reynoldston to call on Mrs Perry returned from Bath. Take tea there. Cold and fine, all ends well.

2nd

Very fine day, what a contrast with Wednesday last!!! About home all day, cow cut up, Plant some larch and privet. Mr & Mrs Perry call with the children. WT picks up on the common some new harness breeching! Whose can it be? Evan John, Trecoed. The Perry's dine and spend the day, he induces me unwillingly to go with him to Llanmadock after dinner. I return to tea. Settle an account, arrear of tithes and labour account of 1845! with W Jones, Long Acre. Allow him 29 days.

3rd

Go to Swansea with Thomas in market car, Lion. Larch trees home from Carmarthen, took some dinner with Mrs J Collins at Mrs Davies. Home with Mr J Collins to the finger post and on by my car to tea. Assize Week, just went into Court, Justice Erle. Never had less to do in Swansea. Vaughan the butcher to allow me £1 for the lamb.

Sunday. Carree and Miss Carmichael stay at home, go myself with the children.

5th

Up early and go to Crickton before breakfast, arrange work which is not carried out (why I do not know) afterwards. Out after breakfast to Cillibion drains. WR and Albon only there carrying stones. Drive Carree to Penmaen to take leave of Mr & Mrs J going tomorrow to Clifton. Write to Fred by Mrs J tomorrow. Dine and tea at Penmaen and home at 11.00 to bed. Receive peremptory letter from Bishop, Llandovery, to pay rent of Llandeilo Rhynys set off against £1,000 lent George!!! And a balance due to me who has improved the farm sold. Receiving no allowance or acknowledgement, tis enough to drive one mad! and hate the relativess and representatives, do not pay it and will not.

6th

Fine morning, read Britannia. Mrs Batcock, Ab. Ball, ball, J Davies, Welsh Moor, all call on business. Christopher Batcock draft £5.10. 0. Write to Bishop, Llandovery. Ride Rosie to Penmaen and buy long rick of hay 2 years old. Return home with Mr Perry by Reynoldston. Meet Stephenson and Mrs Hankin by the farm. At accounts, with Christopher Batcock all the evening, he puzzles me with his multitude of balances. Settle with him tomorrow morning.

7th

Wet drizzly stormy … Read Britannia and Yucatan. Walk to Cillibion drains, WR there, main drain finished laying. Drive with Thomas to Mr Perry's to dine. Carree can't go, too wet. EKJ and Lucy send excuse. Am alone there to a very good dinner. Home about 12.00. Write to Griffiths of Llan and the Rev. Mr Evans, Llanegwad. Wagon going over tomorrow. Little Miss Perry for her new purse 4d silver.

8h

Sale at Mr Gape's, Park Place. Very fine day, drive Carree and Miss Carmichael and 2 children to Penmaen. Emma rides old pony, meet Mr Wood on top of hill. Drive down with Lucy in Penmaen carriage to the sale. All Gower there. Return to tea at Penmaen. Mr Perry there and home before 11.00. Walked up from the sale to Penmaen with EKJ and Hankin etc.

9th

Drive Emma and Eliz to Swansea, perfect winter, heavy snow falls while going and in Swansea. Freezes and difficult to drive home. Dine with Mr and Mrs James at Bevan's, went with Mr Beor to the bank.

10th

Winter, a white world and cold thaw. Read Central America. Garden a little before dinner for exercise. After walked to Crickton and back to Cillibion. 2 men at work there, drains. J Grant about parish book in evening. Enter accounts etc. Winnow wheat and unpack oats from Llandeilo Rhynys.

Sunday. Morning duty, we all to church, children and all. Fine, an idle spent Sunday, Very tired and sleepy beyond measure.

12th

Read Stephens Yucatan, Central America. Finish it and pack it up for Mr Collins, Ilston. Drive Carree to Penmaen to dinner to meet the Gapes and Mr J Collins. A pleasant day, not home till 1.00 to bed.

13th

Get out early to see the drain at Cillibion Meadow, return to send Albon out and walk to Crickton Top and to ParkyRhedin to see roads and see Abram Ball. Non est inventus (?) Return and read. Mr Perry calls, Mr Brigstock call. Get late to dinner at Mr Perry's, Lucy and EKJ dine and Mr Williams. Pay Parry the close of book club 1/6 and give … for a letter … account. All oppressed with heat. Carree not very well, home late, moor late.

14th

Fine weather indeed, mild and dry. About home all day. Read Britannia, settle some accounts with Frank Thomas and for late Thomas Evans of Prisk. See red book. Offey here last night and returns today after settling what is to be sown etc. Seeds given, wet for garden, dine early and ride to Penrice Castle. Drains at Cillibion meadow finished, hurrah!! Ride Rosy. Am likely to have PwllyBrag added to Crickton farm at Lower Division. Enter accounts in the evening, a parish meeting about constables, do not go. Mr Trevor Jenkins sends about the bond, Rev. J James, write and return it.

15th

Very fine, rise early, Carree not very well. RH and Thomas Thomas called about Pwllybrag, latter wishing to make arrangements about occupation. Transfer of stock at valuation, leave it to RH who goes to a cry fair at Penrice. EKJ and Lucy drive over and dine, so goes the evening. Read Times, Disraeli, in evening on agricultural distress and landed burdens. Offey was here from last night, take some 42 wins seed to Caswell From Llandeilo Rhynys. Fatiguing day and again tomorrow.

16th

Perfect summer. Resolved to ride to Caswell, about starting! Prevented! RH, Thomas Thomas call about tenancy of Pwllybrag, agree for all Thomas Thomas has to sell, £150, too dear! With immediate entry, no easy arrangement in money matters for Thomas, inclined to act fairly to get out of difficulties [in margin – ‘and to avoid creditors I find'] with hard parties. Walked to Cillibion drains, meadow ploughed today, all done. Rose early and worked in garden a little before breakfast, a most busy day. Send a car to Caswell by WR with larch and food, chest etc chairs etc. Wrote to Mr William Llewellyn and Griffiths of Lan. All over Pwllybrag farm with RH etc. Settle with old Williams about hay.

17th

Cold dull east wind, dry fog. Drive Emma and Agnes to Swansea, Mr Hankin gets up near white stile.

19th

Evening duty, Sunday. Brush with Miss Carmichael, long explanation. She fights manfully but not satisfactorily. EKJ late duty at Nicholaston. Dull and dry and not hot.

Monday. About home all day. Begin the sow oats. Go out with Frank to the field, plant larch. EKJ and Lucy dine here, his birthday. They go home early. Miss C disappears, not well, no wonder. At accounts all evening.

20th

Ride Grey Sam to Caswell. Called Llythrydd and Kittle. Bishopstone school house getting under roof, a building too good for the plan. Return by Bishopston and Park Mill. Dine at Penmaen and home in the dark over the top of the hill. All safe!!! And never more pleasantly carried, a capital strong safe pony and handsome.

21st

Summer weather, about home all day till evening. Take tea at Llythrydd. Thick fog comes on about 5.00. About home all day, see to the drains, ploughing new farm Pwllybrag. Troubled with lumbago or something of the kind. Oh for a warm bath, found only on the continent!

22nd

About home all day, not well, lumbago and chilly. Wear thick great coat. Thick dry fog a.m. Beautiful day, mild as summer. Drain at Pwllybrag. Children join me. Lop trees in the evening, enter 3 days accounts, Read Britannia. Fog in the evening again!

23rd

Dull cooler day, no wind, how calm nearly all March! Lumbago something better. Up before 8.00. Go to see road men in Park y Rhedin. J Jenkins called in for purpose. Walk on to Prisk, Road pretty good, repaired 6 or 7 years ago by me. Round by Cillibion drain. A skeleton Alderney cow calves at Crickton, bought of Pwllybrag nearly half starved. Read a paper. Far from well, wear great coat all today, bothered, bothered, bothered. J Grant calls up in evening. Send cake to Cowbridge and laver to my mother by RH tomorrow. At Cillibion drains again in the evening.

24th

Dull and dry and mild, glass falling. About home all day, do not send to Swansea, RH takes laver for Chandos Street and cake for CEM. Read Cambrian and mark linen till dinner time when not interrupted by men about tithes. After dinner walk to see roadmen and draining at Crickton. Mamma and children come, return by Copton etc. Finish in the garden. Read Yacht Voyage to Sweden in evening.

Sunday. Lucy and EKJ drive over. Dry and calm. Read some little child's book suited to the day. Well written.

26th

Fine dry and mild day, wind little but easterly. Read Yacht Voyage to Norway etc by Ross. Walked to Stafell Haegr, not been there for many months to arrange for WR moving to Caswell. Agree for his stock etc. EKJ rode over to see W David ill, dines with us. Ploughing for Barley Hill land in fine order. RH accompanies to Stafell Haegr. Talk to Dix about letting him some of the land. Can get no rent from him, no great inducement but he has plenty of distress and work! and has put up the steam engine. Read Britannia in evening, receive 5 letters, no courage to open them.

27th

Cold day, Carree not very well. Not able to ride to Ilston to dine. Walk early to Crickton drain. Sam Jones comes about tithe notice. George Jones ditto. Return home, go into accounts with latter, go over farm to see what is doing and the garden. Ride Rosie to dine at Ilston, Lucy! 1st dinner there. Mr & Mrs C, 3 pupils, Godwaltz, Hoare senior and Brigstock. Play a rubber or two, lose 1/- not paid. Not home till 12.30. Fine, to my surprise, no rain.

28th

Cold and dull, some little attempt at rain. Read Britannia and teach Frank to read. Walk to Crickton etc. Read in the evening Yacht Voyage Iris to Norway by Ross, very interesting and light. Not well, lumbago?

29th

Expect Mr & Mrs Collins to call, they come and dine and are very pleasant. Went early to Crickton to see and order work. Mrs Collins sees and likes the garden. EKJ and Lucy call after dinner, make a day of it as Perry says. Some little rain late in evening. Miss Carmichael and Emma ride to Port Inon. Home late to dinner. A parish meeting, can't attend, engaged.

30th

Beautiful rain in night. Dull morning, some rain again. Out early to take in a mow of barley at Crickton. Lots of dogs kill 13 rats, 1 escaped. Mice innumerable. Read French Revolution, Pictures of Paris, wet day. P.M. walk to Crickton etc and round by Prisk. Meet Mr Long of Newton, work in garden. Write letters, pack laver and orders for Swansea.

31st

Wet day, drive RH to Swansea, thought to ride on Grey Sam. Received at bank £30 and balance £5 over. Leave prize cup at Hutchins. Settle some tithe accounts, Sam Davies etc at Mr Beor's. Not home till 10.00, fine.

April

1st (Sunday)

Evening duty, wet day, go alone to church. Write to WM Uckfield by Thomas to Swansea tomorrow.

2nd

Fine day Llanrhidian Fair. Thomas to Swansea for iron roller 9 ½ cwt. Plant a few laurel etc. Walk to Crickton Hill and drain etc. Expect Mr & Mrs W Collins to tea., postponed to tomorrow. Read Pictures of Paris. Walker called, Grant called. Miss Carmichael and Emma ride to Penmaen, home to tea. Arrange for tomorrow her luggage, leaves as governess.

3rd

Drive Miss Ellen Carmichael home to the Mumbles with Emma. Heavy shower at starting through Sir JM's Park to Sketty. Lunch at Mrs Carmichael's, call on old Mrs Sylvester. Placid cheerful old lady! Corn for horse at the George and bring back a few stones. Mr & Mrs William Collins take tea with us by appointment. Spend a pleasant evening, had a ditto day.

4th

Walked to Crickton before breakfast, work in front garden till dinner time digging and cleaning with WT. Walked to Cillibion drain after dinner, get wet. EKJ rode over to see poor William David, dying I fear. Arrange and write notes for Carmarthen, Mrs Griffiths, Mr Jeffreys etc enter accounts, wind easterly and cold. Glass very low.

5th

Wagon etc off early to Llandeilo Rhynys, Carmarthenshire, for barley. About home all day, work in the front garden with WT neating and altering. Carree comes out, stroll, walk with her after dinner to Cillibion drains. Read Rusk's trial, Norwich, murder of Jermy. Sent Miss Carmichael's luggage to Mumbles by Llewellyn, stones back worth nothing!!

6th (Good Friday)

At home all day, day not well spent. Evening duty, teach children a little. EKJ and Lucy drive over to church and see sick poor and take tea with us. Children at church but not Frank, … goes instead and walks into the pulpit and does not behave very well. Cold day, some rain in evening. Write to Frank, Bedford Square, and to Swansea for EM, to Cheshire.

7th

Beautiful spring day. Up early, no servants up, go with WT to Pwllybrag and take up shrubs etc. Cow calved then dies during day. RH goes to Swansea for me. At drains Cillibion until dinner. Children and Carree come and go to Lloyd's and return and work in garden. Wagon etc returns from Carmarthen with barley, all safe about 7.00 or after. Talk it over and read and at accounts in evening.

9th

Sunday. After a wet night, wet again rather, go alone to church. EKJ complains of rheumatics. Mr Phil Evans in church.

Monday. Church wardens accounts passed at 2.00. EKJ absent. I am appointed warden, few attend. At Crickton before breakfast, Cillibion drains after. Read Pictures of Rebel Paris. Ride to Gowers Load, Welsh Moor road. Grey Sam too rampant for me, escaped twice, no mischief. Austin catches it once for me. A most capital safe strong cob. Again at Cillibion drains in evening. Read Rusk's trial after tea, what a fool to defend himself!

10th

Dull and rather dropping rain. Read trial of Rusk of Norwich for murder of Mr Jermey. Drive Carree and 3 children to Penmaen to dine, to see improvements and inquire how EKJ is, ill in bed. Mr Perry there gives favourable account. Home to tea. Write to Goode, Haverfordwest. Miss Caroline Ball of Kilvrough marries a labourer.

11th

Fine day, rise early and see about farming affairs. Work in front garden, new beds made, at Cillibion headlands Carreed out. Mr Perry calls as expected. Dines and spends the day, goes over the farm.

12th

Dry and fine, cold very! About home all day, work in front garden, do up the beds, rose early before 6.00. Walk to Cillibion and in course of day to Crickton. Order the Alderney cow killed.

13th

Dry after a good deal of rain in night but very cold all day. Finish Pictures of Paris, help teach children. Children ride and walk to Penmaen. Bad arrangement, too long and too cold. Walk to Cillibion, drains getting on, nearly all laid. Dragging Crickton Hill, busy scene at Cillibion, ploughing begun, draining and picking stones, donkey cart etc. Offey here, water cock wanted, well dry. Wants oats etc etc, hay done etc. Send him with a book to Ilston, walk with Carree to forge, meet Ruth, advice given. Again at Cillibion drain till 6.00. Agnes to take physic, rhubarb.

14th

Cross Inn fair, no go nor send, too wintry. Meant to go and send, not up early, writing late last night. Thomas sent. At Cillibion drains till dinner, send men warm beer and gin. Good day, work finished so far. All my force in the field. Return very wintry, snow and hail and read Gertrude, Cambrian. Put up a bed, read again to children. Enter accounts and go to bed early.

Sunday. Evening duty by Mr Williams of Cheriton. EKJ not very well. Take Frank on pony, very dirty. Agnes and Emma both with cold. Write to Johnny, Bath, 1st letter.

16th

Very cold, wintry, snow and hail at intervals. Hear children their lessons. Carree not up, not well. Get out to the garden, go to Cillibion ploughing and dragging, drains all done at present. Work a little in garden, cut and plant tamarisk in the evening, walk to Crickton. Meet children from village, been to see poor William David long ill, dying. Read Gertrude in evening, a book condensed by the over religious, why I can't make out yet. Author Miss Sewell, Newport, Isle of Wight. Write this on Tuesday morning. Snow and hail falling thick. Ground white, a large tin full caught and brought in for children to make cakes.

17th

Perfect winter, heavy snow storms all day from north west. Lies on the ground but does not prevent work. Intervals fine. Sun goes down on a white world! Prepared to ride to Caswell, afraid to start, fortunate! Walk over Crickton to see if there be chance for grass for cows. Hay all done, no turnips. No mangold left. Mr Perry called about dinner time 1.00. Talk of the Ord's, she's gone off! See the ploughing, see new roller at work. Read Uncle Sam to children. Read Gertrude, enter diary and day account. Copy pedigree of Mr Talbot.

18th

Message from Penmaen to go to Swansea as church warden. Ride over and drive in, all a mistake of EKJ's. Get wet through coming back. Wind shifted from north to south west and ride home from Penmaen. Rain ceased. A set of impudent fellows selling and displaying Indian and Chinese goods at Assembly Rooms. Walk in and walk out again. Mr Beor not in Swansea, gone to Aberdare.

19th

Stormy morning, snowy and wet. Glass rising, fine evening, very cold. About home all day hovering over a fire. Read Britannia etc, walk out in a great coat after dinner to Pwllybrag, survey building and garden. Digging latter etc. Offey from Caswell going to Carmarthen tomorrow. Got ready accounts for him and write to Griffiths of Lan. Mr Jeffreys and FM Willey. Grant here about the rates etc.

20th

Snowy, ground white this morning, soon vanishes. Very cold. Copy Talbot pedigree etc and send to Oxwich by messenger sent, declined dining there on account of a parish meeting, overseer's accounts. I am succeeding overseer. Read Gertrude, Miss Sewell's work. Work a little in garden for exercise, potato onions. Parish meeting at 6.00, go at 7.00, no one there till 8.00. Nothing done till 8.30. Not home in consequence till past 12.00. Rode little Rosy to the parish meeting and put her up at Penralt. Borrowed of RH to pay Batcock at the meeting.

21st

Wet morning, enter accounts of yesterday etc. Wet all day. Not out of the House, do not put on show. Workmen all absent to attend funeral of W David carpenter. Read Gertrude etc etc and hear children and read to them.

Sunday. Drive children in the car, find them at Penralt. Ill spent day, very! Fine a.m. comes on wet to return.

23rd

Coals landed, no other work done today but carting coals. RH and Mr Davies of Llanellen call about hay and road rates. Get the 2 mares from the road to the common gate to give them corn. RH going to forge. Finish Gertrude in evening.

24th

Rise before 6.00, fine day till evening, wet again! Walk to Crickton and settle work. Sow peas and work in front garden after breakfast and sow annuals. Again go to Crickton and Horrod. Wet evening and enter accounts and write for Swansea tomorrow. Old John Smith begins working on road today again by Crickton.

25th

Agnes and Frank to Swansea with Thomas and Mary. Children sent to get hair cut etc, meat bought. Edward and Lucy call, I am out at Crickton carting out headland, Hill. Ride Rosy to Mr Perry's to dinner, look at his farm and the gravel pit. Mr J Collins and Mr Hoare and Brigstock dine there, win at 21, one 5. Not home till past 1.00, dark but fine. Children return safe.

26th

Fine day, up early, sow seeds in hot bed. Walked to Crickton to see barley sowing begin, how late! Ride Rosie and Emma, old pony to Penmaen to dine there. Two colliery petitioners, Llanelli, accident and injuries 1/-. May be an imposition, think not. Walk over Penmaen farm and see new cottage. Call on Mr & Mrs Nicholls, he not in. Mrs Hancorne there, Anne Nicholls dines at Penmaen, been with Lucy to a wedding at Pennard. Am very tired all today, not home till after 9.00. Slow riding, Emma's saddle no fit, pony's shoes all loose.

27th

Fine morning, cold. Cold rain after 1.00. Walk to Crickton after hearing children their lessons. Comes on very wet just as headlands of Crickton Hill are ploughed to sow barley, they are sown however. Read Stokers and Pokers, Sir F Head and, aloud, a story to the children. In the house all the evening. Write to Mr Simpson, Glantowy, about timber Ynyswen etc. See first swallows this year. Lawn mown first time ditto. Do not hear the cuckoo till 29th tho' others hear it today first time.

28th

With Thomas in car to Swansea and walk home again with David Beynon, Cillonen to Killay and J Grant home. Car overtook me loaded with oats. Receive bills of sale of Mr R Hancorne and place them in bank. Receive notice for small debts court, grass Jeffreys. Some heavy rain in Swansea. Hear Howell John is in gaol.

Sunday. Beautiful, plenty of swallows. In church, evening duty, Lucy and children, they take tea, return by Crickton.

30th

Sent 6 letters off this morning, EM, FM, Evans Llanegwad, Griffith Lan, bank etc. About home all day, ride to Crickton and Prisk, talk with RH at the cross about the fair tomorrow, Thomas Thomas etc the road men. Order cattle for fair tomorrow and arrange about work. Return and work in garden front. EKJ buries wife of young Williams of Common (a Gordon). He takes tea and brings me money from Mr Nicholls for 3 cattle at my sale October last. Pay him for straw at Cillibion.

May

1st (Tuesday)

Busy in the garden most of the day doing up flower beds etc. Wrote several letters this morning to WM etc etc. Annoyed out of my life about letters and Gower property. So many conflicting opinions.

2nd

Kneath, Olfa Bridge, for a new plough, Caswell £2 5 0. Ride Rosie, call at Ilston, Godwaltz, walked not well. Swansea gaol to see Howell John about Mr Ernest and grassland at Cillibion. Get receipt for amount etc. Go to Swansea, call on Mr Beor. Home about 8.30, very tired on so small a pony.

3rd

Sultry summer weather, busy barley sowing, thunder in evening. Some rain, vivid lightning at nightfall. Walk over Crickton, grass growing. Cows out all the week. Meet children there, a busy day both in garden and in the field. WT sows cabbage etc and carrot at Crickton orchard. Mr Harry, Mr Mansfield clerk calls about Howell John and Mr Ernest, declined to be security for rent for good reasons.

4th

Ride Rosie to Penmaen, EKJ will not go, lends me his horse. Meet Mr Beor, go to Caswell together, too late to be jurors. No matter, a large meeting, plenty of them. Home by Penmaen to tea by Park Mill. Met J Jenkins of Parkyrhedin.

5th

Nor go nor send to Swansea.

7th

At home all day. Send letter to post by J Davies, Welsh Moor, tomorrow; to Mr Price about rates and about bill due as above not ready prepared.

8th

Child born, not alive, not expected. All doing well else, whatever is is best. EKJ and Lucy come over, don't stay. Mr Perry leaves about 10.00. Wander about desolate all day, mind not at ease. At Cillibion preparing for barley, at Crickton, no one there. J Smith on the road lane. Men in barn for oats, a field failed to be resown. Write hosts of letters in evening. Read Ceylon etc by Dr Hoffmeister. Not in bed till 1.00. Carree going on well, God be praised.

9th

Fine cloudless morning. About home all day, very uncomfortable, poor child still born, buried tonight. How perfect it's little pliant hands. The servants sent with it to the grave north of chancel showed great feeling. Caroline doing most remarkably well.

10th

Fine day, mild and quiet. Sadly unsettled tho' much to do. Walk to Crickton, draining and ploughing. Mrs Thomas of village comes there and Mrs Wilson. Walk home by ParkyRhedin to see roads and see J Harry on road by Broad Pool. Miss seeing him, he calls on me going home. Read Ceylon. Enter accounts, hunt for papers, George Morgan.

11th

To Swansea, ride Rosie to Penmaen together with EKJ. Find him gone and ride little Rosy into Swansea, dreadful hard work. Sworn in as Chruch Warden. Drive to finger post with EKJ leading the pony in as far as Pockets, ride by Courthouse to Ilston, tea there, to give news of Caroline. Meet 2 very suspicious looking fellows at the old cottage, entrance of lane by the common. Not home till 11.00, all's well.

12th

Again in Swansea, drive with Thomas, fair day. See nothing of it, attending county court in re Howell John and Jeffreys, summoned for nonpayment of Cillibion grass, claims set off as by agreement with Howell John, decreed. Contrary payment. Hard and disagreeable day's work. Tea and chops at the Castle. Borrow of Griffith highway £100 by Mr Beor, interest and procuration money £3. Place in bank £97.

14th

After a beautiful mild rain yesterday, beautiful dull mild day. Bringing things on fast. Walk after breakfast to Crickton, Eaton of Poundfold brings a mare. Sarah Tall calls, look through account. Bills brought up as below allowed. EKJ going to Bristol, his father very unwell.

15th

A beautiful day comes on wet at sunset. Sultry thunder like, not much rain. Glass falling again. Out early over farm, ploughing and harrowing, Crickton and Pwllybrag and carting of dung from latter to mix in lane. Work in garden, sift earth and sow some lavender, snapdragon, rampion and angelica. Walk to Cillibion field, Lloyd's geese there.Read ‘Ceylon'.e, Dr Hoffmeister, aloud to Carree. Enter accounts etc. Carree recovering wonderfully fast!!! Comes on a wet night.

16th

After a very wet night tolerably fine. Go early to Crickton, winnowing barley, order carts for gravel. Go to Penralt and village about the road with RH, no one at work. Go to Stafell Haegr, look over the house. Arrange with George Dix for rent of the Upper Field £4 10 0 clear of rates and taxes. Drive sheep in and order a lamb to be killed on Friday. Return home and help about spreading gravel in front all the evening. Offey comes from Caswell, wants the horses and several things to go up - churn, fowls, pigs etc etc.

17th

Penrice fair, hoping to receive sale money, no, not one penny. Send Thomas with Grey Sam, settle some accounts with George Harry. Ride to Oxwich with Mr Collins, lunch there, over sands on Rosy by Nicholaston to tea at Penmaen. Lucy alone, poor accounts from Clifton of Mr James. Children all at Penmaen well. Home over hill about dark 9.00.

18th

Dull showery gloomy day. Go only to Crickton to learn about work etc. Return and dig a drain by entrance front garden, long wanted doing before new gravel put down. Finished by end of day. Lamb killed by RH. Read a little of Ceylon.

19th

Go to Swansea in car with Thomas to Talbot. Home with Mr and Miss Ball. Wet evening, very, and walk home in dark. Wet and mud after 12.00. Get wet and angry.

Sunday. Very wet, sacrament.

21st

Car to Penmaen, nurse and Cathy for the children. Drive Carree out to Wibley! for an airing (Farmer) and ride him to dine at Oxwich. No party. Home just in time to avoid the wet, a soaking wet night worse than ever.

22nd

Dry windy wild day after a very wet night. Ride Lion with RH to see Howell John at Penllwyn Robert. Gone to Swansea, return to Penralt. Examine sale account with J Grant. Get arrear of poor rate and account of coal last October. Return home and work in garden and walk out with dear little Agnes to Pwllybrag and to Cadennith to see the colt. Enter accounts in the evening.

23rd

About home all day, at Crickton before breakfast to learn farm work. Nurse Thomas leaves Caroline and is sent to Swansea. No Howell John today. Read Dr Hoffmeister. Trim and neat up ivy wall etc with WT. Mr & Mrs W L Collins call before he leaves for Clifton, Houghton. Receive good accounts from Clifton of Mr J. Hear from my mother poor Mr Smith is dead. At Crickton again this evening to arrange for tomorrow. Plant pink cuttings etc. Weed flower beds etc. Read Travels in India. Receive letters on SW Rail, not agreeable. Enter accounts etc.

24th

Fine, about home all day. Expect Howell John, does not come. Repot the few geraniums saved and plant things sent by nurse Thomas. At Cillibion to see barley seeded out. Walked to Pwllybrag and Crickton after dinner to see work going on. EKJ calls in the evening, brings paper. W Davis at Penralt calls about land tax, I ought to be at Penrice Castle to pay rent but have no money. My sale account none of it paid and am in a hobble about SW Rail shares. Expect wet again tomorrow.

25th

Fine day, read Britannia, read last night. Walk early to Crickton, Carree and children come out there. Cows break into the meadow. Sow the vetches again. Many crops have failed, carrots, parsnips, beet, mangold, all to be renewed. Ride after 2 to Penrice Castle to see Mr Llewellyn about Pwllybrag etc, poor rates etc. Call on Mr Stephenson, look for grubs among oats etc and talk of the farm etc. Write some 50 notices as to arrear of poor rates, being in office of overseer.

26th

Wet again, Welsh fog and thick rain! Drive alone to Swansea and home to tea for a wonder! Am not well, face swelled. Report that Colonel Cameron not est inventus. Meet Colonel Love and Major Parker at the Castle. Lunch, bread and cheese and lettuce and beer at Castle. Not paid, horse 2 feeds. Called at Gascoin's about SW Rail … expenses.

28th

Sunday. Very fine, am not well, face swelled, do not go to church. Children sent. Mr Perry calls, consult him, erysypalus. Am ordered physic. Write to Charlie, can't go to Cowbridge commemoration. Write also to Carmarthen, Jeffreys on Griffiths, Lan. EKJ going again to Bristol, Tuesday. Walk out with Carree to Cillibion finger post. Children tea at Lloyd's. Mr Perry …

Monday. Very fine indeed, at home all day. Finish Dr Hoffmeister's book, Travels with Prince Waldeman. Carree driven by Thomas to Penmaen with Agnes and Frank. A Llanelli beggar, one arm, loitering in village? Walk to Crickton, all black barley eaten up. Howell John calls to go into accounts in evening. Carree home to tea, at accounts in evening.

29th

Walk after breakfast with Agnes and Frank to Crickton to see if there be chance to sow turnips today, no. Return and walk to Cillibion. After dinner walk with children and Caroline by Crickton to village to teach children to think of the poor. Take pudding to old Tall. Very languid, foreboding wild clouds in evening though day very fine indeed. Read a little newspapers etc agricultural journal etc. In the evening can do nothing, quite oppressed and irresistibly sleepy.

30th

About home all day, lowering morning comes on gentle dripping rain. Rather against sowing turnips but make a beginning, Upper Close, Crickton. Mr Ball calls as above and settles sale account for October last. Send Thomas in the evening to Llanmadock to George Evans with money for Llanelli. Walk to Crickton to see turnip sowing, called at Lloyd's about rates on sale money, get no money, when shall I? Receive letter EM in evening.

31st

Very fine day, the glass falling. All servants wanting to go to Dix's wedding. Glad to get out of way and go to Crickton to see turnips got on with. Offend Thomas, can't help it. Lawn mown, weed beds, walk with Carree and children to the forge and see men at Cillibion. All the animals left to chance on account of the wedding and the beer. Ball's wife in the evening wanting corn, starving. Mrs Batcock calls about accounts, mill. J Jenkins about poor rate arrear and Thomas Sheppard, both pay.

June

1st (Friday)

Christopher Batcock grinding account 6/-. About home all day, fine after a beautiful shower in the night. Walk to Crickton to see work and work with old J Smith on the road in lane to show what is to be done. Get very hot. Lucy calls, not well. Rides and returns early. All agitation, EKJ in Clifton, Mr & Mrs Perry call and take tea. Lloyd settles arrear of poor rate and paid road rates as by his own account. In the evening write to Llanelli and to Carmarthen by J Evans.

2nd

Drive to Swansea after giving Llewellyn a good rowing for carelessness and stupidity, water cask etc. Meet Howell John by agreement at the Swansea Castle and go before Mr Beor about Cillibion grass etc. Miss to see Mr Gascoigne, write to EM London. Write to Mr Neville about accounts. James James gone from home. Very fine, home to a late tea, far from well.

Sunday. Superb weather, Carree goes to church in the carriage. EKJ has 3 duties, Cheriton late morning duty, return round Broad Pool with children. Stroll out late in the evening.

4th

Very fine indeed, glass beginning to fall. About home all the morning bothered with endless calls, overseer and RH, see below. Ride after dinner to Penralt about poor rate book, see J Grant. Home in evening. EKJ comes over to tea. etc. Wet evening, thunder distant. Examine rate book with J Grant, wash sheep, take children down. Mr J Collins calls, lunch at our dinner. So fritters away the day.

5th

Am to go to Swansea at 4.00a.m. to send Carree to Clifton. In Swansea by 7.00 at the packet, just avoid heavy rain. Start after rain (wet night), rains heavily again as we enter the packet. Breakfast at Mrs Davies, 2nd breakfast. Introduced to Mr & Mrs Gibbs of Clifton Hampden, come to Oxwich. Brought J Davies, Welsh Moor, after spending day at Police Court about poor rate.

6th

Fine after rain yesterday. About home, sheep shorn, only 5! Go out to Crickton early, read Prairie Bird, Transplant Love Apple, weed in the garden. EKJ and Lucy drive over in the evening to tea, he to the church and school to prepare for confirmation etc. Go with him to the village etc. Talk with Mrs Batcock, Dolphin. Read Britannia and enter accounts late this evening. Not in bed till 12.00.

7th

Begin mow clover, doubtful day! Twice a little rain but generally a fair hay day but dull, wind east. Nanny Davy calls about accounts, no money passes, detains me some time from hay field. Children gone there, get out to Crickton hay and ploughing for turnips. All behind hand and so is everybody. Again out after early dinner, children have taken colds in east wind! Read Britannia and Prairie Bird. Difficulty to get money and work, must be done and expensive work too.

8th

About home all morning, dull threatening day, proves good for hay making in Copton. Give orders about it. Ride Rosie to Penmaen and help drive cattle with George and J Reese. Tea at Penmaen, EKJ been to Swansea, see cattle and horses, 3 mares and foals there, one steer two years old, two dry cows, four calves. Call on Phil Morris about arrear of poor rates. Write to Mr James on return. Receive long letter from Caroline, accounts generally favourable.

9th

About home all day, send to Swansea by RH, has Lion and my car and lends me horses and plough and mare. Backward and forwards to the hay field, Copton and ploughing Cross Lane for turnips finished third time. Am not well. Children with colds. Carree at Clifton, send letter. Hay in good cocks, fit to carry on Monday if fine. Very fine day for hay tho' threatening this evening!!!

Sunday. Evening duty, go with children by Crickton with EKJ, Mr Evans of B takes tea with us at Caie Forgan and goes with me to Cillibion field.

11th

Beautiful summer weather but rather a cold north wind, but yesterday remarkably so and windy. Nanny Davy of the mill up about accounts else in the hayfield all day. Copton carrying, the first and only field cut in the country. One load slipped, Thomas Davies near to break his neck, breaks his arm. Pitched headlong down. Poor Frankie sadly cut up, all his pleasure gone carrying with the pony. I run for brandy, send for Mr Perry. Engaged at Stouthall, drive there late. The first to hear Mrs W has a daughter. Mr W invites me in to drink the health of his first born. Assist to set Thomas fracture, not home till 12.00, not in bed till near 2. Write to Clifton.

12th

Tuesday, still very fine. Drive RH to Swansea and Caswell. Go to Swansea about poor rate, signed by magistrates. Call on Mr Jeffreys as to Colonel Cameron, Cillibion. Also at the bank. Leave at 2.00 for Bison, leave horse at Mr Jones's and walk to Caswell. Lunch at Herberts Lodge. Seek Mr Dunkin about lead mines, meet him in the village late. Dine at Penmaen, 2 hours behind time. Mr & Mrs Perry there and Mr Collins. I sleep there.

13th

At Penmaen, slept there and take early dinner there. Stroll about the farm, look at my cattle, annoint my old pony Moselle, lousily, very and with a colt. Drive EKJ over to Llanrhidian and go together to the village, he about confirmation, I on parish meeting. No-one comes to the meeting, nothing done and return. EKJ walks home again. Enter some accounts, spoke to Richard Gordon about his poor rate, he has money in hand, received not according … admits it, can't pay. Go to bed done up! Receive letters from Carmarthen, 100 paid.

14th

Still fine, about home all day. Bothered with no accounts for a wonder! Fix a latch on the garden door by the pit with Diamond carpenter. Walk after dinner to Crickton to see about the turnip sowing, getting on famously. After tea read to the children and walk late to Cillibion field, to see about cutting rye grass. Enter accounts of several days before going to bed. On Tuesday send draft to Messrs Neville, Llanelli for cargo coal £6 6 0.

15th

Fine, sultry, dull, glass falling, some attempt at rain passes off. Walk early to the village to see about the road there and to give orders about the church in preparation of confirmation on the 29th. Call in to see old Mrs Harry, not well. Return by Crickton, all hands at turnips Cross Lane. Gate, new, being hung at the road entrance to Crickton. Again out to Crickton in evening, help hang gate. Letters to write and commissions for Swansea tomorrow.

16th

Drive RH to Swansea, he to see Mr Llewellyn, pay him £14 due to him on my sale account.

Sunday. Lucy over, notice on the church poor rate. Cleaning churchyard. List of voters at the schoolroom. Early to see J Grant.

18th

About home all today hay making, Cillibion. At 7.00a.m. called on for poor rates, Lewis John. Then called on as above, received of Sil Bevan in evening sale money for sheep. Ride Rosie to see road at Wernhalog. Mr Phillips sends men to help. Give instruction how to go on, ride again to Cillibion, meet children, get a partridge's nest. Water in garden, enter accounts.

19th

Wet morning, hay about. Good for turnips, workable today. Have the haggard cleaned up and made ready for hay. Rubbish heap moved from garden. Dine early and drive in evening to Swansea to meet Charles from Cowbridge. While waiting, write to Rev. Melville and to Carree, JG Jeffreys about Stonyford. Charles comes by late mail, all right. Not home till 12.00, night very cold, day fine at last.

20th

Very fine day, carry hay from Cillibion. Offey helps and so do I. EKJ over in the evening about school. Do not hear from Carree. (Margin note reads ‘she comes down tomorrow and stays in Swansea till Saturday') Night cold again, enter accounts. Charles at home helps about hay and enjoys himself with a good character from school.

21st

Charlie rides alone to Penmaen. Caroline and Johnny, I hear tomorrow are in Swansea tho' I write to Clifton asking them not to come till Saturday. I do not get Carree's letter, what a disappointment to them. Am twice to Cillibion early and late to see the land prepared for mangold w to be transplanted, coming in fine order. Read Prairie Bird and in the evening the Britannia from Penmaen. Charles got the pony colt in from the common a.m. Not in bed till 12.00. Take children on pony and donkey to Stafell Haegr before dinner.

22nd

Very fine indeed, too fine and dry. About home all day. Walk early to Cillibion fields to see land prepared, now ready for mangold and headland carted out. Busy time, dine early and ride with Charles to Wernhalog road. Several men working there, about to make a bridge, call at Sheppards, go to the brick yard about squares for church, go to the church to prepare for the bishop on 29th. Call at Penralt about the roads, about culm etc. Lunge the pony from the common twice.

23rd

Drive Agnes to Swansea to meet Carree and Johnny for holydays, returned from Clifton. Find her at Mrs Davies. Send some luggage by George Gordon. Write to WM, dine at Mrs Davies in Butter Street. Home to tea late. Cold over the commons, very!

Sunday. Evening duty, in evening stroll to Pwllybrag and Cillibion.

25th

Dull threatening day, rains a very little once. Ride to the Werhalog road under repair, a bridge in contemplation. Was early at Cillibion to see how mangold were planted, badly! After early dinner drive Carree, two schoolboys and Emma to Ilston. The little Grange Davies there. Walk down the Cwms with Miss Chittenden etc etc, back to tea at Ilston. Not home till 11.00. Send Llewellyn to Kittle for calf, obliged to go on to Caswell because messenger boy never took the note and declared he lost it, a lie! Give him such a hiding tomorrow.

26th

Ride early to the church, Rosy. Mason in chancel preparing for the bishop. Call on RH to kill the calf, Francis Thomas carts stones for the road. (Cilivor X, flog Tom Philip boy for telling lies, causes Llewellyn to go to Caswell not finding calf at Kittle Hill) Twice to Cillibion to see ground prepared for turnips. Drive Carree after dinner to Oxwich to call on Mr & Mrs Gibbs from Clifton Hampden, Oxon. Pleasant family, Mr J Collins there. Home late to tea. Fly a kite with children and enter accounts. Dull and windy. Cold for midsummer.

27th

Rise at 6.00, everything to be neated up for the bishop on 29th. Ride Rosy to Wernhalog bridge, meet mason, then to Penralt. The village church in preparation for Friday. Quarry the road in the village, by Crickton home, calf cut up. Weeded garden and neat up for the Bishop on Friday. At Cillibion cleaning ground for turnips. Read little of Prairie Bird. Expect the little Davies, do not come. Piano comes home by C Reese and deranges all domestic work as well as jelly for the bishop. Carree quite put out!

28th

About home all day, too dry. Tries to rain once, neating up preparing for the Bishop tomorrow, confirmation! Ride early on Doll to Wernhalog about the road. Begin dig foundation for a bridge. Home again by Crickton Road. Gather strawberries, first gathering very bad. Gather gooseberries. Walk to Cillibion preparing the last bit for turnips and after tea to the church with Carree and Charles. Take carpet for chancel and look over all the church. Graves all neated, church coloured and all looks neat and clean. Many still busy about the graves. Home to supper tired enough and to enter day's accounts. Arrange to meet the mason at Wernhalog bridge tomorrow morning to place it out etc.

29th

Confirmation at 2.00. Meet the mason W Thomas between 9 and 10.00 to place a bridge over stream between Cilivor and Wernhalog. Ride Rosy there, return by Crickton and prepare to go to church for the confirmation. Rev Mr S Davies drives the bishop over Cefn Bryn and to Arthur's Stone. About 130 confirmed. Very fine day, the Bishop and all the clergy, except a few, lunch at Caie Forgan. His Lordship dines at the Grange at 7. Before leaving gives £20 for the rebuilding Penclawdd Chapel of Ease, most handsome. A day passed pleasantly and satisfactorily. Spoke to Rev. S Phillips and Rev. Mr Davies who decline lunch. Old roses rather healed.

30th

Drive to Swansea with Carree. Come home with the Gibbs party of the rectory Oxwich and a Mr Harrison. Arranged with the bank for £200 for 3 months backed by WM and Mr Beor. Wrote to Uckfield enclosing the stamp accordingly. Left it in Mr Beor's office.

July

1st (Sunday)

Morning duty, walk with Carree and all the children to church and they drive back in Mr Ball's carriage. Walk out alone in the evening, coming on a little wet after 5.00.

Monday. Call on Mrs Perry's, Mr Perry's brother ill! Ditto at Penmaen and tea there. Johnny, Chas E and Carree of the party, was at Wernhalog bridge in the morning.

3rd

Rain in the night or early morning, stormy day but does not rain. Had ordered mowing hay, not done. Hazardous day for a picnic! Walk early by ParkyRhedin to Wernhalog bridge. Side walls both done, pitching water course. Return by Crickton to early dinner and start late at 6s and 7s to meet the Gibbs at Great Tor pick nick. Most unpropitious day.

4th

(Accounts indicate that he visited Worms Head.)

7th

In Swansea with CEM, JMM and Emma

9th

Rise at 6.00 and ride Rosy to Wernhalog bridge to see the centre put up before breakfast. Go after with Carree to Pwllybrag house about the repairs. Lunch and ride Lion with Carree on Rosy to Penmaen. All from home, gone to Brynhir. Miss Walker a visitor, a formal call. Call also at Mr & Mrs Nicholls, Mr N ill, bad face. (interpolation says ‘dies 1851?') No dinner, only tea. Carry clover east of garden. Help gather currants. Long dispute with Phil Morris about the rates of Walterston, he won't pay. Talk with RH on same subject this evening. Charles rides new pony to Caswell etc. Not home till 10.00, no accident! At accounts in the evening, receive letter from EM from Woodstock, very fine.

10th

Meet the Gibbs Party and Lucy and EKJ and Miss Walker at Arthur's Stone and drive to Wibley with Mr Harrison. What a party, and home to dinner and singing in evening. A very pleasant day. Mr & Mrs Gibbs sing nicely, he plays guitar. No accident, miraculous with such of wild and young party. Settled accounts with George Evans, captain of vessel, in the morning. Mr Gordon absent, dog bit him yesterday, called dog Rose, she rose and bit him.

11th

About home all day, ride after dinner to the new bridge now thrown over and being filled up. In evening drive children above Llythrydd hoping to see the balloon rise at Swansea. Postponed, we heard, till tomorrow. Call in Llythrydd. CEM two journeys to Reynoldston and a fight for his donkey.

12th

About home all day, read in arbour a little. Very hot. At Pwllybrag to see Lloyd. Drive Carree to Penmaen, to dine at 5.00 over the hill. Dine at 6.00. Lucy and EKJ been to Swansea. Miss Walker there, walk to the new cottage etc. John home late from Swansea, about 12.00 and bring back Cathe Lloyd who goes to Swansea tomorrow. Mow of wheat taken in, kill mice etc and arrange broken day's work. Much time lost in nothing.

13th

Very hot and dry, rise about 7.00, generally early now. Feel better than of late, Mr Perry called. Walk to Crickton, Wernhalog and village about the roads etc. Carree rides out meaning to go to Ilston, meets them and all and returns Miss Parsons of Ilston party. Read in the evening, ought to be writing letters. Can't bring myself to write letters, horribly annoyed about poor rate, being overseer in difficult times. Enter accounts in the evening. Glass falling, very high. Hope rain is not far off, Sunday St Swithin!

14th

Drive Carree to Swansea, take no dinner there or at home. Come home with Mr J Collins.

Sunday. Sacrament. Lucy and Miss Walker there. Davies, curate of Penclawdd, does part of duty now weekly! Ramble on common in evening, see Perry.

16th

Drive Carree and all children to Caswell, 2 ride, alternate two ponies. Call at Ilston, at Kittle and Mrs Hancorne, Bison. Bathe 1st time at Caswell and 1st time this season. Dine on the rocks, little Secretan Jones joins us. Crops looking pretty well at Caswell, particularly wheat. Call again at Ilston on return, do not go in though expected at tea. Tea at Caswell. Home late, little children asleep, too fatiguing a day for them.

17th

Beautiful mild rain, most welcome. Penrice fair, beer and cakes. Ride early to Wernhalog bridge and to Crickton. Mason alters back kitchen to a cart shed. Ride young pony with CEM on old to Penrice fair, late, nothing done there, no money stirring. See Samuel Gibbs, engage 10 W malt and 6lb hops as fine and ride on to call at Oxwich and take leave of Mr Harrison, the young Mr Vaughan there. No dinner, home late to tea.

18th

Dine at Penmaen, rise early and write to Penmaen to explain about invite to dine. Proves a mistake, today and not tomorrow. Ride after breakfast to Wernhalog bridge etc etc. Meet George Harry at Pwllybrag as to the barn. Drive Carree to Penmaen to dine. Meet Mr Gibson and Miss Gibbs. Mr G taking Mr Harrison to Swansea to go to Abergavenny, a loss to us on Gower. A pleasant lively man. The Miss Stiffs drop in to tea. Singing in the evening. Dark drive home, some little rain, escape it and escaped the bog. Getting home on the dark commons, all's well, ends well.

19th

Dine at Ilston, meet Mr Gibbs and daughter. Rev. EKJ and Lucy and Miss Walker and Rev. S Davies. Fine day tho' cloudy and some rain about 4.00 doing much good. Ride early Rosy to Wernhalog Bridge and to see RH about jury lists etc. The two young Bison Jones dine here on a visit to Charles. Plan out the Well Upper field and work there laying bricks etc. Drive Carree to Ilston by 5.00, dine at 6.00. The effect of an undeserved bad name. Mr Gordon wants help about hay, can't help him, all cars lent out, else have horses could go.

20th

Fine, colder, dry. Write notices about rigging of vessel stolen and give to Mr Thomas Gordon. Work at the brick Well Upper field, Tom Philip and Thomas. Walk after dinner to Lodge for poor rates, get nothing, must summons him. Then walk over Crickton, crops showing pretty good for drought! Little George Gibbs comes over to tea, nice little boy. Receive letter from my mother, little Smith died intestate, how silly! Long ill. Coal carted to brick yard. Enter accounts in evening. Johnny poor fellow ill. Cold, fever and stiff neck.

21st

Fine, dry, cold. Drive Charles to Swansea, overtake and take up Tom Philip. Philip Evans horse stops the way at St Helens Hill. Talk with Howell John about Cillibion. Home about 8.30.

Sunday. Evening duty, Carree and 2 children only. Lowering day, rain at night long wanted, at last in earnest. Walk with Carree on the common. Johnny ill with very bad eye.

23rd

Fine day after a glorious wet night. Some showers during day. Rise at 7, no servants up till after. Ride early to Werhhalog bridge, no stones, no lime. Take masons off to Pwllybrag and go there to set them to work. J Grove down from Caswell, takes stone car and 2 pigs and felloes. Carree and CEM ride to Park. Receive letters EM and WM and Rail receipts. Pick peas, enter accounts in the evening.

24th

About home all day. Wheat winnowed, last mow old w. Plenty of rain last night, pools and streams. J Richards calls and pays rent on account of Blaenkedy. Offey here by order about going to Carmarthen this week. Look at a few accounts with him and walk about the farm to see turnips etc. Lucy etc dine here, Mrs Woodruffe and Miss Langdon call and dine. Mrs Nicholls and Mrs Grose etc spend the evening. Miss Pollard sings and sings not amiss, what a day of confused irregularity. Write to EM late at night.

25th

About home all day, go after breakfast with children on ponies and donkey to bridge, Wernhalog. Poor Frank gets a fall somehow and cuts his lip sadly. Obliged to return. Read Lamb's memoirs. At Well Upper field. Tom Philip at work at Pwllybrag, masons flooring. Walk in the evening with Carree and children to Crickton turnip field, enter accounts in the evening.

26th

Children and all to spend day at Penmaen on sands. The elders ride over on ponies etc. Difficult to arrange satisfactorily. Read Charles Lamb memoirs Talfourd. Taken suddenly ill in the garden, faint and unnerved, just at starting. Go to prevent others being disappointed hoping air over hill may revive me but no, worse when there and enjoy nothing but am better at night after taking nothing but tea and but little and weak brandy. Am w… on being driven home at 12 night. Children left with George to be home before dark. All ends well, Mrs Grove, Miss Pollard, Nicholls Ann and John, Robert Hancorne, 2 Stiffs, Miss Walker. Miss P sings very nicely. Join them late in the evening on the sofa. Heavy rain at 4.00 at Kittle Hill but not at Penmaen.

27th

A fine day, CEM to Penmaen to join party at Worms Head. I am better. Frank has a headache and unwell, what does ail us all? I'm not at all well, do nothing till dinner time but see wheat washed and try to do poor Cato good, give gruel with Carree etc. Dies in pain or distress today, supposed in March to have encountered a mad dog. Mr Perry unwilling to shoot him, gave him me to risk it. Saw no change in dog till yesterday, he never tried to bite nor foamed at mouth but prostrate and convulsed, barked dismally! Mr and Mrs Evans and family call. Dine and tea and walk over the farm and engage us for foundation of Chapel on Wednesday.

28th

No go nor send to Swansea. RH executes errands. Have of him a quarter of mutton. About home all day, cut rye. Comes on wet after 1.00. Rye finished, read Home and Influence and read Cambrian.

Sunday. Morning duty.

30th

Rise early and to Crickton before breakfast, to see if men come to work, pretty well. Again out after breakfast to see about work and again late in evening. Read Home in the evening, some showers, want to sow more turnips after rye and vetches.

31st

Fine, about home all today. Read Home and Influence, walk to Crickton preparing for turnips after rye and vetches. Weed a little on the front garden. EKJ and Miss Walker call. Lloyd about a blind and window screws. Mr and Mrs Ball come to tea. Walk over the farm after tea. George Gibbs calls to tea. Mr Perry called before tea to see Johnny's bad eye. He and Charles ride over in consequence. Poor Johnny depressed going to school. Supper and in bed late, letter for the post and diary etc to enter.

August

1st (Wednesday)

Spent day at Brynhir. Foundation stone of Chapel laid. Drive Carree and Charles up. Beautiful and pleasant day, a large party from Penmaen, from Ilston, Oxwich etc, Mr & Mrs Collins, EKJ and Lucy, Miss Walker, two Stiffes, Mr Gibbs and Mr Lloyd Rhossili, Mr Lowe and Miss Lowe, Carree and self and Charles. Healths and speeches after a cold dinner and all passed off pleasantly. Help CEM to pack for school early in the morning, ought to have gone off yesterday.

2nd

In bed late from Brynhir, up again at 5.00 for Swansea to send Charles to Cowbridge. In Swansea by 7.30, 2nd breakfast at Mrs Davies. Tea at Llythrydd, children there to meet us. Home by 10.00. Enter accounts and go to bed knocked up.

3rd

Fine day, start with Offey in car, I on Lion, for Llandeilo Rhynys and Carmarthen by Penclawdd. Ford to Velinvoel and Llanon. Start about 10.00, arrive about 5.00. Get beds and accommodation for horses etc at Jones, Llandeilo Rhynys, sleep in my quondam old rooms whence I was ferreted by my brothers executors under a will of sale having no preference to purchase if I had liked or even an offer of a lease or remuneration for outlay and improvement. The sale to the present owner one Williams an attorney in London, been previously arranged with the auctioneer, George Goode. The only instance of several lots united in one!!!!!!

4th

Dry and hot again, ride early with Offey south side of river to Carmarthen. Call on Mr Jeffreys attorney about sale account. Colonel Love made a nice place in remove from Alltygog, now Dr Morgan's. See Davies, Llanhernan, about property tax. Can get no business attended to day. Write in answer to EM about going to Tenby, decline. See but can't get interview with Henry Williams about the sale account, Prosser at new farm, do not see him, fail to meet him in Carmarthen to ask about Ynyswen. Son still there. Have no dinner. Tea on return, no meat all day! Q if good for health or too abstemious, yes!! Read Britannia.

Sunday. Fine, no church Llandeilo Rhynys. Write home and read anything except the Bible which I have not in the house. Tea at Lan, Offey comes up and we return to Llandeilo Rhynys at the same time.

6th

Monday, very fine day, hot and dusty. Read Sir Burgoyne on quarrying. Henry Williams calls about the sale account, am going to Carmarthen on same subject to see Mr Jeffreys. Drive Offey in gig borrowed of Llandeilo Rhynys. Black Leicester mare, never in gig harness before, goes capital! Nothing done again in accounts again!!! Receive letter from EM wishing to see me. Mail gone, Bowers from Tenby up and offers to take me back, agreed. Leave at 8.00, lose 2 hours at Llandwrw and at Tenby by 2.00, wet! Was to have dined at Mr Jeffreys, given up. Sleep at the Lion, Tenby, after drying myself at the kitchen fire. Up again at 8.30.

7th

At Tenby unexpectedly, not thought of yesterday morning. Thorough wet, small thick rain. Johnny to go to school by packet from Swansea, is he gone? His eye much better. No rain till 10.00 at Tenby. Rained last night from 11.00 till 2.00a.m. when I arrived at Tenby by Bower's gig returning from Carmarthen. Breakfast with EM and Lizzie, surprise them. A wet day, thorough, all day in the house. Write home and write to arrange to return to Llandeilo Rhynys tomorrow. Cricket match does not take place, the ball does and passes off well I am told. I have done with balls. EM has no ticket either. Breakfasted unexpectedly with him and spend a day at Tenby in the house.

8th

Dull but not wet, walk out with EM meaning to turn to the right to go into town, turn to the left to get into the country. First see the garden … in parvo, trees, hedges, walls, buildings and shrubs grow and multiply wonderfully. Go and see Mr Smythe's cow stalls, pigs, mangolds, about 5 acres etc. Potatoes diseased again, going fast, no mistake. Call on Colonel Ferrier, leave Tenby at 7 in the Talbot, tea at Old Bush etc, Offey meets me with gig. Rain and lightning, home 11.30 and go to bed.

9th

At Llandeilo Rhynys again, arrived last night from Tenby at 11.30 with Offey. A wet soaking morning, how unfortunate and a capital crop of 2nd clover all cut in Gower!!! Since Saturday. Write to EM and return a collar borrowed and ride home. Cock crows at 12 and says twill be fine! Tis a fine evening, well said Chanticleer! Walk over the farm, crops showed the labour of former years and the consequent improvement. At accounts with Jones and Offey in the evening. Finish Sir J Burgoyne's book on Quarrying and have nothing more to resort to to beguile time but accounts! The cock is right, tis a fine evening and tomorrow a fine day.

10th

Ride Lion with Offey as interpreter to Cillardu Grove and Ynyswen. Prosser Junior not at home, only a younger brother, look a little over the farm, not over much broken up, no turnips and manure applied and no lime. Return by and call at Alltyferin and tea there before dinner. Dine at 8.00 and write to Frederick about Ynyswen, a long letter. I wish I could understand all Mrs Griffiths talks about, Welsh conversation always about money, mortgages, possession and property. Wet in the evening.

11th

Wet again! God save us! and the harvest! Finish letter to FM, Willey and send same by Offey to post. I have nothing to read or write and time hangs heavily. Stroll out, watch Jonah in corricle (sic) catch not a whale but a salmon, the first time I ever saw netted in corricles, about 5lb. Stroll down by the river to take last view of the beautiful scenery. Proves a dull fine brisk harvest day, very warm. Showers heavy, showers in the evening, clears off again. Dine early and walk to Lan, no one at home, gone to market. Wait an hour uselessly and return to tea. Write to WM, begin to clear previous accounts to end of this book. Offey gone to St Clears.

Sunday. Not wet, not fine, glass low. Up late, no church, not out of house till after dinner. No book so enter accounts to kill time. Secularly useful. Cold, talk with Jonah at the turnpike bridge.

13th

Sleep badly, can't sleep, in bed too early, off early to Carmarthen on Lion. A fair, little doing, prices low £3.6 0 to £4 10 0 for two year old steers, horses more brisk, good colts. The ruck zips and screws. About the fair all morning, get through some sale accounts with Mr Jeffrey and receive cash £40 only. EM up from Tenby and returns. Settle accounts with W Rees of Buffalo for sale. Settle accounts with Lewis painter, a great rogue, about mare and colt to grass 1843 and 1844 and pay him a glass bill and paint

£2 8 0 entered in Offey's book. Offey comes back from St Clears, home together by 10.00. Lucky about rain.

14th

Fine day, ride Lion to Carmarthen and write 5 letters, home, CEM, Mr Harper with money and registration at the Post Office, Rev. FM and WR. Meet Mr Gwyn of St Ishmael, seemed glad to see me, friendly, much altered, thin and altered. Home about 4.00, was at the quarry, W Williams, not there. Jenkins of Alltygog debtor on sale gone out, called twice. Expect Henry Williams of quarry ditto. Thomas Griffiths, Lan, to settle accounts, neither come. Copy to a sheet the sale account in columns, paid and unpaid, and ride home again, can't go tomorrow.

15th

At Llandeilo Rhynys, prepare to return tomorrow. Ride Lion to Lan, Griffiths gone to Abergwili about the cholera. Wait till he returns, some 3 hours and more. Henry Williams comes up then with Offey, go through the sale account systematically, paid and unpaid etc etc. Home to dine and at accounts in evening again with Griffiths of Lan about the … sold for less than offered at the sale but might be all lost by rogues, all rogues about hay and horses!!!

16th

Return home to Gower from Llandeilo Rhynys with Offey, car with winnow machine and poor wheat. Offey off with car and Lion at 5.00, start at 4 on Black Madam mare, a most active one, overtake the car and put horse on laden and walk all way home from Cwm Mawr near the Mansell Arms by Llanon etc. Over sands to Penclawdd by 12.00, did not stay on the road, disappointed not meeting ponies at Penclawdd. Home before they thought to send.

17th

A fine day but some showers, several heavy not long. About home all day, gather seed peas etc, blight in potatoes bad. Mrs Batcock calls, gets nothing. Go with Carree to Pwllybrag, Cathe baking but not well. After dinner ride to Crickton carting, wheat cut Newton. Nanny Batcock taken ill and goes home, not cholera I think, call on her to enquire. See RH about poor rates, horrid work, no money in the country. Must apply for summonses. RH up this evening, W Thomas and Richard Gordon all about arrear tithe. Write notice to church on Sunday. Enter accounts etc.

18th

Drive to Swansea, Carree and 3 youngest children. Lunch at Mrs Davies, J Collins there. Not home till past 9.00, cold.

Sunday. Evening duty, fine. Miss Walker comes over with EKJ.

20th

Fine day, ride ponies with Carree & Emma to Oxwich to call on Mr Vaughan. Mrs Gibbs father to dine at 4.00. Wheat cut today. Thos Stephens calls about tithes, write to Mr Beor for him and state his account. Sow cabbage seed by WT. Kill a rat in chaff room.

21st

Drive alone to Swansea, at Jenkins about rates and paid to the Union £50. Home to dinner about 6.00. At Pwllybrag in the evening with Carree, at accounts and write at night, received letters from WM and EM.

22nd

Fine dry dull warm. About home all day, the juvenile Gibbs party spent day at Caie Forgan with our children. Ride after dinner with Joseph Gibbs to Wernhalog, the village, Penralt and Crickton. Meet all the little party on return and give them rides. They are all off for home after tea 6.30. Enter accounts and diary. Receive another long letter from WM, London, one also yesterday and requiring immediate answer to 1,000 questions about family arrangements.

23rd

Foggy misty wet morning, fine sultry day. At Penralt at 9.00 to meet RH and J Davies, Welsh Moor, to make out money received on poor rates. Not done till 11.00. RH goes round for rates, gets nothing. Carree alone to Llythrydd, children to Stafell Haegr. W Williams, Wernffrwd, calls about property tax duplicate. All confusion, referred to Mr Beor. I have all meals alone, see men cleaning drain Cillibion on common and tapped the water. After hours worked extra for purpose. Enter accounts and write to WM in answer to yesterday.

24th

Fine day, very. Ride Lion to Caswell by the Cwms. Call on Mr Balls of Kilvrough to get paid sale money of October last. Miss Ball not well, Mr Perry called. See the swedes and turnips, former good. Mr Perry drives me to Merton on his way to Mumbles. I ride to Caswell carrying splendid wheat. Walk over farm, crops pretty good. Mr & Mrs Beor drive to Caswell, sell him a chestnut horse for £20 out of old post mare by Tom Brown. Have tea together, I dined on apple pie, no meat today or yesterday. Meet Mr Watkins and his daughter 1st time of seeing her and governess. Charity school charge on the farm. By Penmaen to meet Carree just in time. Mr Ewbank there from Loughor. Home late, a long round, Emma with Carree.

25th

Not in Swansea, send Thomas, sells butter. Most sultry day, work in garden, sow spinach, gather seeds peas etc broccoli seed, dine early. Walk to Crickton, see nobody and do nothing. Again in garden late. Very hot, air full of electricity. After tea walk out with Carree, a stroll, go to Pwllybrag, Car(oline) Lloyd recovering. Cottage getting comfortable. Read the Cambrian, Thomas home late as usual!!

Sunday. Morning duty, Miss Walker comes with EKJ, we walk, Carree and children. In evening walk to Penralt and Crickton, nor see RH nor C Reese. Threatening evening clears off.

27th

Rise 6.00 and out, see corn carried. Fear rain, fine day. About home all today, do not go to Blaenkedy. Carry wheat to Crickton before breakfast and talk with Mr Long. Work in garden, tie raspberries. Mrs Ball comes up to tea. Help Thomas in Haggard.

28th

Beautiful mild misty rain, Drive Carree and RH to Swansea to attend adjourned appeal. Phil Morris against poor rates and to get summonses for rates against Lodge Farm, Long Oaks and old David Williams, Oldwalls. Engaged solely in these matters from 11.00a.m. till 3.00p.m. with RH. Dine at Castle, see Mr & Mrs Collins in Butter Street, not home till 9 night.

29th

Fine and extremely hot. Men all complain. About home all day, too hot to move about much. Gather seed peas, marrowfat. Read a paper, write notes, try to get pigeons for tomorrow, none. Walk only to Pwllybrag, Mr Scott called and chats some time about Bishopstone school etc, farming etc. He is a Cornishman.

30th

Rise early and out Crickton before breakfast, gloomy morning. Read Britannia paper. Expect the party from Oxwich early before dinner, am ready by 12. Rain misty thick comes on, they arrive wet. Mrs Gibbs walks and gets wet. See the farm all done away with, a large party, 14 in all, too many. Mr Vaughan, Mr & Mrs G and 2 daughters who remain the night, Mr, Mrs and Miss Perry (a niece), EKJ and Lucy and Miss Walker. A fine night to go home. Close muggy air, a most pleasant evening, singing, duets, … etc

31st

Up early and out in garden from morning after wet yesterday. Two Misses Gibbs slept at Caie Forgan. Agnes falls in water at Moormills. Were rambling there to show the young ladies the peculiars of the place. Drive out to take the Misses Gibbs home by Reynoldston. Mr Perry over takes us. Carree waits at the Penrice Lodge while I walk to see the ladies to the marsh. Emma and Agnes ride back on Rosie. Frank drives us all the way home. Walk to Crickton late to learn about tomorrow. Lend wain to RH to bring mill stones. Enter accounts, meant to have sent WM list of tenants, tithes, for EM's 5,000. Have not time to do it as time goes.

September

1st (Saturday)

Rise early and out to Crickton. Barley fine crop, fit to bind on hill. Heavy shower comes on and settles all doubts, fine though dull till 1.00. Again barley ready, begin, stopped again. Showery evening. Jane gone to Swansea with RH early to sell 6lb of butter!!! No rain in Swansea!!! Work with WT in garden, dig and clean after potatoes, cooch and stones side of pit. Making corn stands of brick in the haggard. Bad harvest weather!! No one calls, nobody paid anything.

Sunday. Evening duty, showery day. Marriage of Martha Lloyd with the greatest blackguard in the parish, one Beynon[1]. Miss Walker comes over with EKJ to church and takes tea before return. Teach children a little during day.

3rd

Doubtful morning, glass rising, inclined to be fine for barley. J Grant comes up to draw out tithe book, hamlets for EM. Go through some accounts with Grant over him … pay nothing, have nothing.

4th

Very fine weather, Emma has music lesson at home. Mrs Ball calls, Carree rides with her to Reynoldston and goes without dinner. Home to tea. I about home all day anxious about harvest. Grant up with tithe paper to send to commission as to EM's arrangement suit tomorrow by post. Up late writing to WM.

5th

Up early, beautiful weather, wind easterly. Get out to Crickton to see about corn. Oats carried to Crickton. Mr & Mrs Collins call and take family dinner and tea. Offey down in evening from Caswell. Harvest in at Herberts Houses.

6th

Ride Rosie to Wernhalog bridge and the village. Was up at 6.00 to see about corn etc. Drive Carree to Penmaen to dine. Mr W T Morgan there and meet Mr Perry. EKJ not well. Home before 12.00, not much done carrying corn, more barley bound. No danger in weather tho' glass falls a little.

7th

Glass rising again, dry and fine. Ride to Caswell on Farmer, horse of Pwllybrag, don't like him tho' very safe. Call at Ilston, call at Kittle Hill, see Mrs Hancorne and not Robert. See old Parry at Bison. Call on Mr Worseley, out and call again on return to tea. Mr Marten there, Mr & Mrs Bennison. Take tea there after a horrid dinner on bacon [bought] at Caswell. Pig with a leg broke, order to be killed, hip out. Go through accounts with Grove, harvest brisk, getting on well. Return by Penmaen late, meet Carree there by appointment and ride home by Walterston together. Cold at night.

8th

Do not go to Swansea. Send Jane Jones with butter. See accounts Monday next, about home all day. WFM comes over from Penmaen to spend the morning. Stroll about, he leaves to walk back to dinner. Harvest carried in rapidly. Very busy, work not finished till 10.00. Glass begins to fall, very tired at night tho' used no exertion. Oppressed with heat etc.

Sunday. Sacrament. Duty by Williams of Cheriton driven up by Mr Perry with Carree, dines with us. Drive late to call and enquire of EKJ at Penmaen.

10th

Rise at 6.00, wet but not a bad day, no harvest work. Barometer very low and falling, oppressive, have no spirit for anything. Read Britannia, Penmaenites dine with us, WFM, Miss Walker, Lucy and EKJ. Walk to the village after dinner to see Mary Hopkin. RH up this morning about poor rates. Robert Davies and old David Williams pay arrears. Letter received not favourable from Clifton. Enter accounts after party gone, all passed off stupidly.

11th

Rise at 6.00, fine heat, most doubtful day. Glass at much rain, fine till 12.00. Heavy showers, hail stops harvest work. Busy thatching ricks. Carree and children and Cathe Lloyd off early in carriage and Rosy to Penmaen. Follow in time on foot. RH and Williams of LO here early as to poor rates, stop my going to Swansea on the subject. Work a little in garden, lawn, walk to Penmaen, call at Park to see Mr Nicholls. Meet EKJ there. Dine at Penmaen, Miss Walker and WFM there. The latter leaves tomorrow for Bristol. Home in the dark, luckily without rain. Emma rides bravely, all safe. Very wet night.

12th

Wet a.m. after very wet night, a deluge. Glass at stormy. Not very wet all today. Carpenter a door for pig sty. W Thomas tailor calls about various accounts. Read the Cambrian paper and hope for better weather. Transplant a few things in front garden. Carree not very well. Glass rising, prospect of better day tomorrow. My birthday!

13th

Read Britannia, get seeds in the garden and shell seed peas. Thomas brews, his mother comes over to see him. EKJ comes over alone and dines etc. We ride with him to Llythrydd and returned to tea. Kill a lamb by John Thomas. RH forgets to come up? Carree not very well all day, better this evening after ride. Agnes birthday, God bless her! Caroline's birthday!!!

14th

Dubious looking day, glass up. Slight showers, heavy up the channels. Fine for corn, bind and carry barley and linseed. About home all day and help about corn. Offey comes from Caswell. Old George Tucker brings honey. Thomas of Landimore with elder berries, 24 qts at 2/-. Ask Mr J Bevan of L to pay for them. At Cillibion with children in the evening helping about corn.

15th

Drive Carree and Agnes to Swansea and Eliz Lewis. Hunt money about the market, get £2 of RH, £2 George Edwards. Call at bank about bills due, to see Mr Stroud again on 22nd. Leave early and home to tea, cold. See Mr Worseley about cattle to Penmaen. Poor rates in, forget several things, no matter.

Sunday. Evening duty, wet day. Very mild. Drive in car with Carree. Read to children and teach catachism and have prayers at home as usual.

17th

A most beautiful day after mild rain yesterday. Penrice fair, nor go nor send nor RH. About home all day, up at 6 and out. Clean up haggard and yard and pave it etc. EKJ, Lucy and Miss Walker ride over and take dinner and return early. Fussy day to me. Mrs Batcock calls about monies for some sale account due on her, pay her nothing. Write to WM and HJM, sent tomorrow.

18th

In Swansea, drive Carree to Penmaen over hill to Penmaen by 6.00. EKJ and Miss Walker going to Clifton. Receive favourable account of Mr & Mrs James, I drive the carriage back to Penmaen, tea there and home just after dark, tired. Breakfasted at Mrs Davies in Butter Street. Splendid hot day, fine day, cold night.

19th

Hoar frost, beautiful day. Not from home, busy putting yard in better order. Did go to Crickton, Reese scuffling late turnips, Cross Lane, coming on wonderfully. Elder wine made, coal at Aberlogy by Llewellyn, not bothered by anyone today. Read Fight of Fiddlers.

20th

Sale at Nicholaston Hall. Carree and Emma ride to Penmaen and go to sale. I remain at home busy about neating the yard and carrying barley from mow to rick. Harvest home!! Hurrah, hurrah. In fine order, fine corn. Amuse poor Agnes and Frank, quite fond of me mamma being absent. Read to them and read China. Begin to be alarmed, Carree and Emma home so late, so dark!! All ends well, place lights in windows as pole stars. Am intolerably sleepy in my chair.

21st

Dry and cold wind, easterly. About home all morning in the yard and drain making. Several hands and carts at work. Mr Worseley calls and lunches, never been here before. Show him round, Miss Perry and Aga here, the latter to visit the children. Drive Carree to dine at Ilston, Lucy there and Mr & Mrs Hanbury on marriage tour from Tenby. Live near Market Harborough, quiet people! Home about 11.30.

22nd

Generally up at 6.00. Glass falling, wind rising. Jane off to Swansea and W Lloyd, butter and apples. Write excuse to Mr Stroud not to go to Swansea, agrees with my reasons, superintended a drain in yard before rain comes. Peel apples and lemons to make apple jam etc. Help at the drain, get done what is most essential before wet. Pleasant to be home on Saturday, never bothered as on Friday!!! Receive letter from Mrs James and HJM. Very sleepy, read to children and enter accounts last thing.

Sunday. Morning duty, walk down with Carree and children. Mr Williams does the duty and goes on to Penclawdd. Thought of going to Penmaen but comes on rather wet and hazardous.

24th

About home all day, very fine weather but dull and rather inclined to rain and mixed. Begin to plough for vetches and rye after wheat, land filthy. Neat up the front, drain laid Upper Field. Mr & Mrs Collins dine with us and Mr & Mrs Hanbury of Market Harborough. They have a living of 1,000 p.a. and she clips the H's without mercy, who was she? Mr Perry also, Lucy don't come. Send letter to Mrs James to post this morning and to Trevilian Jenkins as to Caswell. Unlikely go to Swansea tomorrow early.

25th

Rise early and get out to see who is at work. Ride Sam Grey to Penmaen by 8.00, breakfast there and go to Swansea. Back by 8.30 and ride round by the road all way. Most beautiful mild day, fine night!! Exquisite weather. Find Carree has been to Reynoldston and brought back Miss Perry and Aga to stay.

26th

Miss Perry and Aga here, rise early and out to see about work. Wind very high from the east. Cart fern and make manure heap on the common. Level and put in order, in the evening, drain. Carree, Emma, Miss Perry and Aga to call on Mr & Mrs Pearce at Llanmadock. A long threatened visit since their return from Cornwall. She looking miserably ill. The children much improved and like Christians, clean! and wholesome. Home round by Reynoldston, drop our visitors there. Very cold and windy over the hill. Threatens rain. Dark by time of return, foolish to drive so late. Tired and ill, at accounts, about butter all evening.

27th

Rise early and settle work before breakfast, to Pwllybrag etc. Thomas Gordon senior and junior call about A Ball under notice and quit house and chargeable to the parish. Go with them to the poor house. Old Mrs Bevan very high and loud about it. Call at Horrod on same subject, again to the village and walk on to Stafell Haegr to see Francis Thomas who offers me a large thick slab of mahogany, used for a goose house, chopping block etc; in his stall for the last 12 years, found originally on the marsh. Return to dinner early, horse Grey Sam becomes too much for me, rears and plunges, obliged to get off and leave him for a bit. Having no nerve for self willed animals, else he is a capital roadster.

28th

About home all morning, ride with Carree in evening to Penmaen to see EKJ returned yesterday from Clifton, his father not well. He over to Llanrhidian, funeral of old Allen Stoneyford, aged 83. Detained at Penmaen, can't get back for heavy rain for some time. Lucky at last in going. Met Mrs Nicholls on commons, near Long Oaks. Up early again in the morning to see Thomas off and pack and direct parcels Cowbridge and Tenby. Generally up at 6.00. Busy packing apples for EM Tenby, hot work. Friday always fussy and little comfort through all the week. Thomas after apple's, Crickton, for sale. Ride Lion. Land too wet to work.

29th

To be in Swansea, jurors return papers, Town Hall. Drive Carree to Swansea, very sultry! Thomas goes with car. A warm pleasant day, dull wet, very wet to return home. Not home till 9.00, busy about money matters all today, giving or renewing bills. Lunch with J Collins etc, all the Haines boys.

Sunday. Evening duty, wet! Go alone, fineish evening. Rise 6.00.

October

1st (Monday)

Dull lowering, very warm. Ride with RH, he on young Farmer, I on Lion, to Penclawdd, Blaenkedy (interpolation – J Richards not at home) and the sale at Abercothi. Hopkin John's widow, buy nothing. Want to set off, dine at Ship, Penclawdd, on hare with Mr Voss the medical man sent to fight cholera. Dinner, corn, brandy and for RH etc 6/-. Measure Evan Jenkins land by Blue Anchor to put on his lease to prevent mistakes. Delayed a little by tide, too late for tea. Don't want it, take it cold. Very tired when I return, can do nothing and glad to get to bed.

2nd

Rise at 6.00 to see how work goes on. Fine day, cut and plant laurel cuttings. Givelin of Bison calls about money … money of his brother's … land Caswell. Carriage wants mending, send to forge about it and not in time to do it before wanted to drive to Oxwich. Take Carree and leave Emma at Reynoldston for music and under care of Mr Perry. She sleeps there. Stephenson there, Agnes and Frank go on to Oxwich, will dine there. Old Mr Vaughan and Miss V there, Mr Gibbs in England. Home about 10.00 without rain etc.

3rd

Harvest supper today, how wet! Obliged to send to Swansea, rye for White seedsman. 5 Wins to be allowed in part payment of vetches, 3 Wins on Saturday last had home. Thomas, I suppose, gets wet and certainly gets drunk and comes back at 8 not 6 o'clock. Leaves car on Fairwood Common with 6 dozen wins from Clark and Treacle, obliged to send for by C Reese at 12.00 at night after supper. All safe, wonderful, lynch pin only out. Q fast driving? Mr Perry comes over and spends a miserable evening in consequence. EKJ expected, came not. No fun, dull affair!! Mr Perry loses his whip, found broken tomorrow morning. Read Ser.. Talfourd's Vacation Tour Chamon… etc.

4th

Am very unwell all day, scarcely out of the house. Fine again, glass rising, very low. Read Talfourd, vacation trip. Let all work take its chance, out of humour. Go to bed early, bathe my feet and hot tea in bed. (In a different hand, possibly Caroline's, ‘Mary Edwards, Nurse maid, leaves'.)

5th.

About home all day, far from well. Read Talfourd's vacation rambles, speak seriously to Thomas Davies about his condition on Wednesday, drunkenness I cannot endure. EKJ calls and brings Britannia paper forgotten. Enter some accounts and day work for few last days, a great exertion. Settled with Joseph Givelin, Killay 1 acre.

6th

Drive Carree and 3 youngest children to Swansea, resolved to come home early, can't do it. Letter from HJM Bristol who was on his journey down and may arrive at 6.00, does arrive at 7.00, we leave about 8 in pouring rain, wet all way more or less. All safe home at 10.30. Very dark, no lamps. Attend meeting of Farmers Club to appoint judges etc. Settle about Killay Givelin land Caswell by and of Mr Beor. Wrote to Mr Morgan of Bristol. Meet Mrs Gibbs etc going in. Deceitful day, fine turns to wet.

Sunday. Very wet, self and Carree drove with and HJM far from well.

8th

Fine, am far from well, take physic and breakfast in bed, rise before 12.00. Read Talfourd Vacation Rambles, can't read much. HJM shoots for ½ hour, kills a hare and a partridge, hurrah! How scarce is money. Know little or nothing of what goes on.

9th

Fine again, still far from well but am better. Drive Carree and 3 children to Reynoldston, Knelston. Order shoes here for children and then to Penmaen. A Miss Hutton and 2 Misses Harpers there and home to dinner at 5.00. Write to Mary Ann, Bedford Square, about butter. Leave letter at Penmaen. Receive on account of Gammon for lace money of last year £5. Write in children's new atlas. Hear of 2 cases of cholera at Ilston!!! Morgan Rice and wife coming home to us but they are dirty people. Mr & Mrs Collins much abashed by it. Close to their premises! A cholera death 2 miles off at Gellihir, was buried at Ilston. Q cause and effect? No!

10th

Public fast and humiliation. Walk with all the children to church, Carree and HJM, EKJ and Lucy, a Miss Hutton and 2 Mrs Harpers. Drive over also, a very good congregation, give the 3 children to give in charity 1/6. Evening service at home again, am not well and spend the day ennuishly. The Fast and Humiliation on account of Cholera. Am not well and send to Mr Perry.

11th

Ill in bed all day, take physic. Mr Perry calls and increases the dose. EKJ, Lucy and the 3 young ladies dine with us, can't join them and read Talfourd's Vacation Rambles in Switzerland and up Mount Blanc. Join the ladies en dishabile about 6 in evening and enjoy a little good music and singing. Miss Hutton sings one good song a la Stockhausen and Miss Harper plays very well. More physic again and suffer dreadfully with cramp in the stomach in the night, relieved by repeated hot fomentations.

12th

Still not well, breakfast in bed, better after a bad and painful night. Write to Mr Perry to tell of cramp in the stomach etc. He calls and dines. HJM went over to him, saw his turnips and his horse became unmanageable and gets free. All's well, ends well. I finish Talfourd's Tour. Sit up all day but cannot shake off rheumatism. Enter accounts and diary.

13th

Cold east wind, at home all day, not out of house. Not very well. Read newspapers. Thomas sent to Swansea, butter, apples, 2 geese, 2 turkeys. I gave no commissions home. Reese went. HJM went out with gun, no luck. Receive letter from Mary Ann as to butter still at Oakfield. Send to Mr Perry's, more pills etc. Hear children a.m. and read to ditto p.m.

Sunday. Evening duty, Carree and I not in church. A Miss Harper comes over. RH up this evening to inquire about me. Mary Edwards settled with today!!!!

15th

Dry, fine and cold, get out in a great coat to see what goes on. Go to Crickton, a young calf, order it home. Revising barristers day in Swansea. Walk out before dinner to see cooch gathered for vetches, fern etc. Out again in evening in great coat to see the young grey work in harness, works capitally. HJM rides to Caswell and kills a hare and 2 brace of birds. One leash left to Penmaen. Make allumets in evening and enter accounts. Receive letter from Clifton, Mr J better but not likely to be permanent. Carree going up on Thursday.

16th

Wind still east, dry and cloudy and cold. Symptoms of change with the new moon. Rain late at night, busy day about coal landed etc, police from revising barristers as to Walterston and Cillibion, what's wrong. All confusion, to attend tomorrow 8.00a.m. Send to RH and J Daves, get certificate of ill health from Mr Perry, meeting on top of hill en route to Penmaen by Reynoldston. Turn back by the farm, invited for 5.00, Half dead. with waiting. 2 Miss Harper's, Miss Hutton, Mr Ewbank Loughor and HJM went over to shoot rabbits. Am all in suspense about tomorrow, not home till 12.00. HJM rides Grey Sam, take George Sheppard. Lucy receives letter from Charles at Cowbridge. Offey comes down with apples and potatoes.

17th

Wind changed to west and promises rain, not much rain today. Walk with Carree, HJM, the children to Stafell Haegr and look over the place and gather roses, white roses, a fine nosegay. RH here early and off to Swansea about the voters list, all put right luckily. A stupid mistake of J Davies, Welsh Moor. Was up at 7 to write explanation. Offey here, talks and talks and goes back again. They do not go on well at Caswell!!! Messenger late from Penmaen, bad news of Mr James. J Smith neglects the post, obliged to send over late. Carree is going tomorrow to Clifton, think to go with her now, how? Very stormy! But there are 2 mails. Shall not be in bed tonight, that's clear. Less dismal accounts on return from Reynoldston, pack up hastily and do not go to bed for a few hours.

18th

Called before 6.00 to be in Swansea by 8.00, half inclined to give it up as a bad job, trust to the difference of time and adding a 2nd horse. Hurry down some coffee, abuse the servants and start in a bad humour with Carree and HJM. George Sheppard on a leading horse to the Black Boy to get in time for the packet, good time too, not an hour and half going. A beautiful day, hot not windy. Am not ill, wonderful! Sea not smooth. Captain Rose, few passengers going to Clifton in the evening in a cab. Mr James something better.

19th

In Bristol at Park Street, go up to Clifton, Harley Cottage again. Mr J something better. At Park Street, go up to Harley Cottage. Mr James a little better, there all day. EKJ comes in unexpectedly about 7.00 in the evening from Gower and returns again on Tuesday. Return with Carree and Mr WFM to Park Street in evening. Nothing to record of this day. Nothing happens, very hot for the season.

20th

Thought to go to Bath, luckily do not. Stroll with EKJ to see the Gazelle and Captain Johns 18 Dean Street, Bedminster, and meet my nephew just starting to join the Ganges at Plymouth and go to the Straits. Do not wait to see the launch of an iron steamer for the Emperor of Austria. Ann(?) in Park Street and move in evening to Mrs Hughes in Cambridge Place and we sleep there.

Sunday. At Mrs Hughes's, church at new church Clifton, a little rain evening. See over.

22nd

Sunday. Clifton Down, new church. Dr Marshal extempore, don't like him. At the Blind Asylum at 6.00 with Carree and EKJ, call at 15 Park Street. A little rain this evening. Monday. Wet till 1.00 at Bristol. Write to EM, Tenby etc, at Harley Cottage. Walk with EKJ at 2.00 to the city etc. Dine at 15 Park Street on a hare shot by Henry at Caswell. Martha Morgan there, walk to Harley cottage in evening, sleep at Mrs Hughes, tried to get gold paper for EM Tenby, not kept in stock.

23rd

Fine again, more than mild. EKJ returns to Gower, do not see him. Brisk morning, fine day. Up early at Harley Cottage from Mrs Hughes, Cambridge Place. Write to Mr Morris, Beverly, as to receipt of half years net on bond etc. Write also to WM, Mr James ill, rector of Llanrhidian and Penmaen. Walk with Carree to post, on to College Street about a horse for EM Tenby. Write to him, dine with Mrs Hughes, see new part of Clifton explored. Captain Jones of Gazelle calls, going to London tomorrow and probably to Holland. Enter accounts.

24th

Leave Mrs Hughes early to breakfast with Mrs James at 8.00 and walk to the station, some 2 miles to go, to Bath where I am before 11.00. Fare there and back only 2/3. Call on Mrs Scroggs, 17 Catherine Place and on to 21 Park Street, James's Square to see Johnny at Mr Wayland's school. Find him pretty well and call on Mrs Marcon where we lunch and chat of Swaffham and old times etc. See Mr Richard Edwards at the library and return flying to Bristol. Walk by the new cut up the six zig-zag Hotwells and arrived at Harley Cottage from Bath in an hour, hot and tired, too late for dinner.

25th

At Clifton all day, write a long letter to Charles at Cowbridge. The organ opened at the new church (Christ Church), Clifton Down. Carree goes, only read the Times hastily, the trial of the Mannings for the Bermondsey murder, the wife caught in Edinburgh, he in Jersey or Guernsey, to begin today. Stroll to the Down and the Observatory. Dine at Mrs Hughes and spend evening with her. Wettish and windy today and warm.

26th

Omitted till Wednesday. Forgot all about it save being at Clifton and thinking of returning soon to Gower. Mr James better but recovery more than doubtful. Very fine weather, beautiful. Read, at the Institution, the trial and sentence of death on F Manning and Maria [Roux] his wife and a Swiss forger, murder of Patrick O'Connor at Bermondsey and burying in the kitchen. Circumstantial evidence clear enough! Dine and spend day at Mrs Hughes. Read Dix …

27th

Beautiful weather, glass high and rising. Mr Bowden calls at Harley Cottage, walk with him to Mr Morgan's, Park Street, and to call on Mr Fripp, a clever artist in College Green. See his clever sketches of Irish character, Galway chiefly. Invited to dine at Westbury on Monday. Walk to Strattons to inquire about thrashing machine etc, £36 smallest. Can I order one? and want other things too. Home to dine at Mrs Hughes.

Sunday. Fine, very fine. Christ Church, Clifton, self and Carree, difficulty to get a seat, content with free seats for a time, get shown a pew after a bit. Sermon on church duty, responses etc. Mr Marshal rather dry and heavy. Write to Mr Beor, Swansea, as to HJM; want an answer tomorrow. Walk with Carree to Post Office and on the downs. Church at 6.00, St George's, Park Street and tea with Mr WFM and walk home late. Mention to WFM my difficulty and wish to talk to him tomorrow

29th

Monday. Most beautiful hot weather at Clifton. Breakfast with Mrs James. To see Mr Morgan, drive with him to see patients and go into the city on subject of money difficulties in Gower and HJM. Call to see Mr Paul at Stuckeys bank, very civil but not successful. Walk to Dean Street, 18 Bedminster, to see Jones, captain of Gazelle, still in London. Walk again over Clifton Down to dine with Mr Bowden at Westbury, an old Rugbian, fond of drawings and sketches, many of Gower, Wales etc. A Mr Drewit there, did not know sheep had [long] tails behind them, astonished at his own ignorance. Home in Mr WFM's carriage.

30th

Beautiful mild day, Glass very high but falling rapidly. Some little rain in the evening late and wet in the night. Walk with Caroline and Mrs Hughes to the city library to see Mr Peace who we found calling to inquire of Mr James, this morning at Harley Cottage. Caroline sees Miss Peace, a character. Carree and Miss H return home in a fly from the draw bridge. I go to the Institution and read the papers and walk to Cambridge Place, Mrs Hughes, no 3 Clifton, to dine with Carree. Again in the evening to Harley Cottage and receive a letter from Mr Beor, Swansea, by Mr Morgan from Park Street as to HJM's difficulties with Mrs Griffiths of Alltyferin, £85 due for the Grove. He security for payment. Read Signor Ciocci's account of Romanism and monastic regulations and aqua tofania (poison?).

31st

Fine day after rain in night. Cold at Clifton, engaged to see Mr WFM at 4.00 in Park Street. He lends me on Stuckey £100 paid near Christmas, kind-hearted man. He shall not be deceived. HJM is in difficulty in Gower and this is to help him. Walk with Carree across the fields to Redland to call on Mr Robert Gibson at Somerset House or villa, she very unwell. Back by Tindals Park to Park Street. Carree walked with Mrs M and sees the Roman Catholic Chapel, idol worship! I read Britannia in Park Street, no particular news, and return to dinner at Mrs Hughes, a hare. Walk with Carree to Harley Cottage in the evening. Meet Mr WFM there. Mr James bodily better, mentally no great improvement. What am I to do tomorrow, I think to go to London, I ought to be home.

November

1st (Thursday)

Wet at Clifton, quite wet rain in the night too, clears off a little. Write several letters to HJM, Mr Beor Swansea, WM Uckfield. Pack up for train to London or Reading. Cash a draft of Mr WFM at Stuckeys for £100, a loan in need, halve 50, 20 and 20 making 90 £ notes and register them to Mr Beor, Swansea, for HJM's necessity. Half posted, bank half at Reading. £10 each for self, all received. Fly from Clifton to station stopping at several places, civil man, then to Reading, too late to go on to Mortimer so sleep at the Great Western Hotel till tomorrow. Reading made mistake in train, the express did not stop at Reading so waited for another at Bristol 2 hours.

2nd

Strolled about Reading last night after tea, what a dull town, to the Forbury, once Valpys School and where, as a boy, I once visited to stay with my grandmother Mabbot, how places change in one's notions and memory. Rise early, fine day, leave at 9 for Mortimer and walk over to Oakfield and surprise Frank and Maryanne. Leave luggage and drive down for it. Frank glad to see me and Maryanne very kind indeed. Show me the house all over, the garden a cold one being drained. A greenhouse being built, see the Great Pond, the ducks and the great oak tree. Drive to the station for carpet bag, Frank gives me sherry 70 years old. Dine at 6.00 and chat over family affairs and family property and bygone days.

3rd

Oakfield, Cousin Frank's and Maryanne. Foggy morning does not clear off. Lunch there and am driven to Theale station at 3 for London, at 4 Chandos Street at 6.00. Write a hasty letter and send it to Harley Cottage, Clifton to Carree. Carry my own bag to 4 Chandos Street. Find Alfred only in London, he returned from Coventry yesterday. We spend the evening amicably in the house, talk, read and write. Nice place is Oakfield indeed now become. Was never there except at Uncle John's funeral, have very little recollection of it save the Great Pond and the old oak tree, now looked over the farm and saw the amazement of timber, over done indeed!!

5th

Sunday. What am I to do? Into London to try and remedy difficulties, money difficulty, can do nothing. Foley Church a.m., try to find Mr Nicholls of Gower under Mr Lawrence surgeon, fail. Walked to see railway terminus Waterloo Bridge, to the House of Parliament and hear evening service at Westminster Abbey first time in my life and home to dine at 6.00. Alfred goes out.

Monday. Breakfast alone and get out early to Lincoln's Inn, ask Mr Morris to assist me now instead of LD for 200 part of bond of £650. Cannot … call on Mr Patch, not at home, again hunt out Mr Nicholls, 27 Nelson Square, Blackfriars Road, looking much better. Over Hungerford bridge, steamer back to Hungerford and see the National Gallery and the Vernon bequest and home to a hasty lunch and return to Clifton.

6th

At Clifton again, returned from London yesterday leave Chandos Street past 4.00. Wait half hour at Green Man for omnibus, leave Paddington 4.50, at Bristol 7.30, omnibus to Clifton by 8.00. Not much loss of time. Write to Oakfield, forward Mr Beor's letter as to HJM and write to him. Write home from Minifies, College Green. Wander about with Carree and home to dine at Mr Hughes with Mrs and Louise Marcon at 4.30 and to tea at 15 Park Street to meet Miss Hutton and other ladies. Mr WFM out and no other gentleman there.

7th

Wet morning, misty rain, Clifton. Mrs Marcon and Louisa Marcon at Mrs Hughes, Cambridge Place.

8th

Came down in night, left at 10.00, arrived at 11.00a.m, boisterous night. Put in at Mrs Davies, Butter Street, did not land at Mumbles, wet and windy, very ill both of us. Can eat no breakfast, about 2.00 get some broth, relish that Thomas brings. The horse all right as it happens, only got the letter this morning and not last night!!!! and came rightly to Swansea and not to Mumbles as ordered.!!!! HJM's sagacity. Home in wet about 6.00 and had some dinner and enjoy a hare and find all well.

9th

Returned home from Clifton, a fine but dull day in Gower. HJM shoots at Caswell, I called to see Wat Tucker, bad leg laid up. Walk to Crickton and round the farm etc, at Pwllybrag with Frank. Colts returned back in double quick time from Penmaen, over the hedges I am told.

10th

At home, Thomas in Swansea. Very fine. Read Cambrian, sow acorn's had from Oakfield, Frank's and blue salvia slips, work with the children in the garden, weed, dig and plant. HJM shoots west of village. Walk with children to see carts at work, slopes of road. Mr Perry calls on our return, borrows a bed, small feather bed. Amuse children in evening, Thomas late as usual, why?

Sunday. Evening duty, children, Carree and Agnes and HJM, Mrs Ball and Mr Hancorne. Teach children a little and attend but little to the duty of a Sunday. Read chapter in Bible and comments on baptism St. John's.

12th

Fine dull day, Offey here early. HJM goes up to shoot at Caswell, a blank day. RH here early to go through the poor rate ready for audit 19th. An affair of all day, walk with him to Crickton and talk of future arrangements. Rain coming.

13th

Good deal of rain in night, wet morning, fine day, showery. Carree and children drive to Reynoldston, HJM and I walk out, he with gun by Crickton, Newton etc to the kiln and Penralt. See nothing, talk to J Grant about poor rate, books etc. I return to see about work and work in garden a little. Am not very well, weak and wanky, can't say what?

14th

Wet in night, heavy rain, early morning, showery fine day, cold. Drive with HJM to call on the Gibbs of Oxwich, caught in a heavy shower of hail on the marsh. RH here early to kill a pig. One Samuel Jones calls to petition, claims to belong to this parish. Dine at 4.00 and am not out to see about work. Small mow of oats from White Hall by C Reese.

15th

General Thanksgiving for abatement of cholera!! Evening duty, fine day. No work done, Mr & Mrs Ball and Miss Ball on return from church take tea with us and spend the evening till 12.00 amused about puzzles.

16th

Very fine, walk to Penralt about poor rates, RH out, leave book with J Grant who comes to Caie Forgan this evening at 6.00. Meet Mr Llewellyn, George Harry, RH etc in church yard. See Batcock about mill pond and right of water etc (see 29th) and walk with to the new bridge and round by Parkyrhedin by Leasonwick. Return home, at the rate book balancing same and making a new rate with J Grant. RH and J Davies evening till 2a.m..

17th

Very fine, in Swansea with HJM to pay poor rates, pay 50, receive of Mr Beor 60 out of 90 sent from Bristol. Home about 8.00, 2 feeds corn, 1 brandy. New rate refused by magistrates. Mr J Collins, Mr S Davies and Captain E Morgan.

Sunday. Very misty, rainy, wet. Walked to church a.m. with HJM, call at Penralt on return. RH not at home, his brother hurt. Called at J Grants about rates, new rate etc.

19th

Dull morning, mild and fineish. Comes on misty in the evening late. Drive alone to Swansea to pass rate book with auditor J Bowen. Hunt for my lost exchanged hat on Saturday. Walked to Union House and call at Infirmary about WT. Home about 7.00 to tea.

20th

Misty wet day, meant to plan some alteration of Crickton. Some teal on the pond, sally out with guns, HJM, self and Thomas, get only one. Try a part of the south side of Cillibion. Call on W Tucker and his bad leg, see nothing to shoot at. Dine at 2.00. Went into and settle some account with Bar Jones, no money passed. Enter some accounts in evening, being in Swansea Saturday or Monday.

21st

Intended going to brick yard with HJM. Mr Dods of Knoll comes to view farms. Walk with him and HJM to see Cilifor turnips, meet RH and hunt for arrear of poor rates, bag £1 only. Jones of Bryngwas had called to pay some rent, means to have … Willoxton. Went round by Stafell Haegr, Leason, Oldwalls and home to dine at 5.30. Enter accounts in evening and write to Llandeilo bank for Offey who is here as well as is J Evans. The stables cleaned and … arranged for the horses from Crickton.

22nd

Wet morning, dull, mild damp day. Wet night. About home all morning wishing to go to Penmaen, not been there since return from Clifton. Up early and to stables before I can see to shave, men pretty well at work. Lower stable put in order, calves and pigs routed out, horses from Crickton to be moved to Caie Forgan. Pitching and mangers new done. George Gordon calls about accounts, look into it. Dine early, small dinner. Drive in car with Carree to Penmaen, get there about dark, stay tea. EKJ not well, bilious. 2 Miss Harpers there. HJM rides with us, home by 10.15. Wet.

23rd

Very wet all day, wind southeast, south and south west. In the house all morning reading account of China, club book, Knight and Ridler. HJM here also, dine early, out after dinner to see the stables, cleaning saddle room loft, preparing to a man to sleep there. All the horses brought to Caie Forgan, rain ceases towards sunset. Receive letter from Cowbridge, dear Charley speaks feelingly and most properly of the death of poor faithful old Nep.

24th

Fine day, self and HJM drive to Swansea, get there by 11.00. No Cathe Dollin meets me at the magistrates room about poor rates. Regain my hat off Frank Price in market with HJM. Get my lost rams horns from Brooks and buy brush and comb. Home by 6.30 and before call at Williams and Clarke about bills due, not prepared to pay.

Sunday. Evening duty, all drive to church.

26th

Sharp and crisp, ride with HJM to Caswell, he with a gun, no use. Walk over the farm, improving in hedges. Went round to Kittle Hill by the common. Settle accounts with Phil Grove the carpenter. Called on Mr Llewellyn at his cottage, he is very brief and abrupt on the subject of the wood and shooting, pleads engagement. Shall not call again or show any disposition to accommodate. Am a little disgusted. Settle accounts on return with Robert Hancorne on return home as to sale at Caie Forgan last year. Alright, soon done. Tim and Miss Ball there, spend evening, tea and supper, and not home till past 12 round by Lunnon. The Gibbs called at Caie Forgan and went to Stafell Haegr.

27th

Sharp frost, ice, fine day. About home all day. At Crickton to see the ploughing for the first time, land pretty well in order. Return to go through accounts with EKJ, long-standing and not easy. A rough estimate made out, no money passed, I the …! of course. Young Foley, an Irish boy, rides the grey cob to Arthur's Stone with HJM & Miss Harper, dine with us at 3.00. The day cut up and spoilt, the only fun being young Foley not thinking small beer of his riding, riding the grey, he managed very well and came back safe.

28th

About home all day, sharp frost. Dull black east wind, chimneys were to be swept, too cold etc. W Grove comes to settle accounts of the rent Caswell, can't quite agree. Martin Gordon calls about a milk cow, agree for £7.5.0 and send it to Neath. A twin god-daughter of old Guernsey and daughter of the Chancellor of Canada, fine milk. Mr Price of Norton calls about rates, tithes etc. Agree with him, no money passes and get his consent to take a small bit of common in front of the house. Walk with children to Crickton, very cold. They leave me and return, I walk to Cillibion turnips etc and dine at 4.00 not 3.00 as should be. Read China, receive letters from Clifton, Tenby and Llandeilo. Poor Mrs Gibbs dead, lock jaw.

29th

After a very wet night and morning, wet clears off at 9.00. Thomas takes cow sold to Neath on grey pony. Walk with HJM to the Upper Mill as to diverting the road round mill dam. Must call a meeting, receive notice of order of removal, Sarah Thomas, from Oystermouth and Llandewi. Meet RH and EKJ with master Toby (a marriage). Mrs Jones of BG calls for probing, cow choking, saved. Set men to dig ditch round Pwllybrag house. Read China and enter accounts.

30th

After a wet night again fineish day. Go through some accounts with W Bowen for work last January and February, the same as George Williams for drains at Cillibion. Walk to Cillibion to set work, lunch and drive Carree about 2.00 to make morning calls on Mr Perry and Mr Gibbs, Oxwich. Return from Oxwich and take tea at Mr Perry's and home late. Never like to be out late on Friday because of going or sending to market at Swansea on Saturday.

December

1st (Saturday)

Fine morning, very fine day. Drive Carree and HJM to Swansea, meet EKJ to arrange bills for hay at Penmaen. Failed to see Trevn Jenkins and Mr Price of Norton, renew a bill for W Thomas, mason for £12, hurried to tea at Mrs Davies, not paid, and home in thoro' wet. Follow Mr Phillips carriage; he two horses, we one, he lamps, we none. Home at 8.00, tea again and glad to get to bed.

3rd

Sunday. Very wet indeed, HJM and self only can walk to church. Notices given of new rate and parish meeting for 5th, Sarah Thomas pauper and mill pond road. Write several letters, Gibson and CEM and to Lan.

Monday. Still wet, clears off after breakfast, most thundery clouds during today, in north east, disperse. Set men to drain Pwllybrag east of garden, arrange about horse at Crickton and walk to Stafell Haegr with HJM. Meet RH and talk to Walker about draining meadows and return to dine 4.00. C Reese inquest, his father drowned. Received bills, Jeffreys and Gascoin, not agreeable re SW. Rail and application for money Mr Wayland.

4th

Fine morning, men out to work, all soon stopped by cold east wind and rain. Jobbing, broken day, cart turnips from Cillibion, how wet!!! Sift gravel and improve the road by cart shed and middle gate. EKJ comes over to a meeting, vestry, about a pauper, order of removal - Sarah Thomas and son of Llandewi. Mrs Thomas at the vestry meeting, towards fire and candles, 1/-. A Merthyr beggar, imposter? 1d. Drive to the vestry meeting about 6.00, EKJ and HJM, the mill pond road discussed, alterations sanctioned if legal. Not home again till 11.00 at night.

Mistaken entry of Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday should be Tuesday.

5th

Fine day as times go, no rain. Walk out to Cillibion, W Jone at the hedge. Offey comes down for winnowing machine. Llewellyn 9 bundles of spars from Park Wood being 3 loads of 3/- total 9/-. Mrs James of the Ship calls about 3.00 with an account, waits till our dinner is over. Brings a balance as to 1845, give her account of arrears of tithes and postpone making a balance till I have time to go through her account, not having it entered in red book. She leaves about 9.00. Am brewing today, set the corn cracker to act properly, Albon having put it out of order.

6th

For today read Tuesday, for Thursday Wednesday, for Wednesday today. Tuesday this should be, rise by candlelight and get out before daylight, frosty morning. To the stables, barn etc and see what's doing and to be done. Carree resolves to take a drive and make calls over the hill to Penmaen, not at home. Now to Park, Mr & Mrs Nicholls gone to Swansea, disappointed again. No lunch, now for the last chance meet HJM at Park and go on to Ilston. Get a family dinner and tea and home about 11.00. Young Haynes there. Long talk about the beef.

7th

Wet again! and very strong wind. Not from the house all day save to the yard and stables. Set men to begin wall near barn by garden hede. to keep the same in order from falling down. Read a paper and book on China. Write to Frank Morgan, Bedford Square, in answer as to EM and tithes, letter received last night wanting immediate answer. Send Offey's bank book to Llandeilo tomorrow. Wind calves at night. At night received the fatal intelligence from Alfred in London of my poor aged mother suddenly taken ill and insensible, by same post another letter that she is dead. What sudden and unforeseen melancholy intelligence, God's will be done!

8th

Resolved last night to go with Henry to London to attend my mother's funeral, a last melancholy duty of respect and affection. Little thinking tho' little foreboding last January I had seen her for the last time. Residing 200 miles away I could not but have some apprehension, yet how seldom is life terminated by an insensible existence of only a few hours! Attacked with paralysis? She continued insensible to death only 24 hours!!! May we meet again after a merciful judgement, a divine mystery! Mistaking the time of the packet improperly advertised for 11.00 today, arrived in Swansea with Carree and HJM and find it sailed 1.00a.m. Being in time for the Gloucester mail resolved to go via Gloucester to Bristol and not wait tomorrow's mail direct to Bristol, it were better had we done so probably. Get a little wet in the afternoon and reach Gloucester at 11.00 at night, cold and wretched. Sleep at the Bell and leave tomorrow before 10.00 for Bristol, in Park Street by 11.00, too late to go to church, why should we not go to church?!!!

Sunday. Fine, sharp frost and foggy. Drive to 15 Park Street Walk up to Harley cottage to see Mrs James and Mrs Hughes arrived about 11.00. Sunday in Bristol unexpected and melancholy, church time, the town like a deserted village. Make a record of my expenses from Swansea. Tried to see Charles at Cowbridge, fail. Left with one of the Jones'. In church, St. George's, Park Street in evening. Tea and sleep at 15.

10th

Monday. Letter to Mr Beor, parish business. Take cab to station and drive with HJM to London where we arrive by 2nd class at 3.00 and take cab to Charlotte Street, HJM to lodgings, arranged to keep at 51 Bedford Square.

11th

In London, very cold, wet for a short time in evening. See my poor mother's corpse, how fair, how placid and resigned. There was no remorse of conscience here, how little expected this day week. Walked to Sanguinetti's tailor, Regent Quadrant, to order mourning last night to be ready tomorrow, sad feelings indeed.

12th

The funeral of my mother, aged 80, at Kensal Green cemetery, in same grave as her sister Mrs Cobbold and Rev. W Cobbold of Selborne, alas, alas! A family quite broke up, no rallying point, quite private funeral. Two mourning coaches only, 6 sons, 2 medical men, Dr Child, Dr Nelson. Return to 4 Chandos Street, Cavendish Square and there all spend the remainder of a most melancholy today. The will read, a more painful ceremony because of rivalry of feeling and the sins that flesh is heir to than the heart rending interment where only one chord is touched and that the best feeling of human nature. Very cold and dull, not wet in London.

13th

London, dull dark gloomy damp cold day, at 51 Bedford Square where I slept since Monday night. Talk of family affairs and settlement of accounts. Read The Times, Sir J Brunel dead and a son of Sir J Shadwell's drowned. HJM comes in, talk of general accounts, family property on my mother's death and will etc etc. The old subject, Green Oliver etc. WM expected by me here, not come. Does not come. Walk with HJM to Chandos Street and return to dinner with him at Frank's, 51 Bedford Square. No rain exactly but very damp and wet underfoot.

14th

The appraiser [Elgood] takes account of property of my poor mother 4 Chandos Street for government duty by order of the executors W C Mabbot, Lewes, Francis Morgan 51 Bedford Square. Some few things distributed among us this day, of a parcel etc, a sad memorial of depareted worth, how soon does sorrow begin to fade away. One can absolutely partake of the spoils without pause of remorse but they sadly call to mind the past and make the future gloomy, how changed one feels with nothing to look up to on earth. We are forced to look down and reflect on ourselves, may it profit us all! Wet morning, up all day, the cattle show closes tonight. I have not had the spirit to see it, I am glad of it, tis best left alone.

15th

Wet morning, dull damp day and gloomy in London. Clears off and is starry at night. My poor mother's jewellery and trinkets all dispersed and divided among her 6 surviving children without a dispute (what a miracle)! None of us being of the very best of tempers unless it be HJM. They are taken by choice and caprice at the value put on them by appraiser for probate. Aunt Woodward, Mary, Fred and Charlotte leave the house for Brighton and for Willey. Those who are least of this world far best among the trinkets. Much emulation shown for hair and reminiscences of our only sister Emma who died in the summer holidays 1811. If Christianity be no fiction, and who professes it doubts it, God grant we may meet again. Walk with EM to Sanguinetti's in the evening and meet there 2 Swansea men, Frank Price and Dick Jeffreys. Wrote a hasty scrawl to Caroline directed to Mrs James, Clifton, to forward. Received a long letter dispatched from home, all well, just in time for Charlotte to read Caroline's kind messages to her before she left.

17th

Sunday. Dry and fine though no sun, the last day or two quite warm. A few days before very cold. At Bedford Chapel with Frank, some young preacher full of rhapsody with such a mouth, too much of it, tautology! Call on Mr and Mrs France, Miss Sydenham there etc. We walk in the dark to the Coliseum and dine in Bedford Square at 6.00. See none of my brothers today.

Monday. Dry, not cold, almost fine, wet in night. Streets washed clean. HJM comes to Bedford Square, we walk together to Chandos Street. Fred not returned till 3.00. Write several letters to Llanelli – Phillips, Carmarthen and Cowbridge. Walk with EM and HJM to the Admiralty etc. Dine at 5 after calling in at Dickens and Smith's. Young Price of Westbury calls in and talks of that old county etc. In evening have sale of prints etc, late at Bedford Square, began to fear to get in, all right at last, to be early in the morning.

18th
Wet again, not very! Misty and muddy. Assemble early at Chandos Street, distribution and sale of plate and plated goods, how amicably all is managed tho' many desire the same remembrance of former and happier days. Dispose of it chiefly by auction and friendly sale at per oz, what cannot, like spoons, be equally divided, a day's work. Write to Caroline a hasty letter, received one from Johnny and Clifton. All well thank God. I am afraid to open letters, sudden news so shocks one, I am always apprehensive.

19th

Fine not sunny dry day, not warm nor cold. But little done in Chandos Street to forward settlement of things, lists of plate tallied and agreed generally. I pack up a few things to send to Gower after lunch. All walk out, some to the city, some for a little fresh air etc. W and I down Regent Street, Pall Mall, Green Park etc and in returning in Goodge Street, difficult to find a cord shop. Frank calls and all are out. In the evening a few odds and ends are disposed of, more talk than work but all amicable, most fortunately.

20th

Frosty morning, London, fine clear morning. Books disposed of, more difficult arrangement than anything yet. Spirit of emulation high and not so amicable. A neat, pretty and useful library, dispersed works now for first time brought to our knowledge. In evening some few odds and ends disposed of but some highly valued as works and once the property of our poor only sister who died of scarlet fever in the summer holidays 1809? Aged 11 years. A loss we all deplore to the present day. Write home.

21st

Not much done to further matters, many are out. Tally lists with WM, some few books again disposed of for a song. E and F not so amicable as they ought, both warm hasty words not easily recalled. All dine with cousin F in Bedford Square, an unfortunate break up after coffee. Harmony driven to the winds and all from love and remembrance of poor Emma, left us in a world of trouble 40 years ago. How faithfully had my poor mother fostered every relic she possessed and all she did! What a loss was an only daughter to her! I gave up what I ardently desired to possess of hers to Alfred, may it be the means to promote and retain harmony among us, may love and remembrance of her be the last source of quarrel and discussion!

22nd

Sleep for last night in Bedford Square. Pack up for Lewes, Mr F Green calls on Frank, asks if Fred will give up Ynyswen to Mr Jones of Llandovery, referred to Mr Longbourne. I am to see Mr Green in Greys Inn when I return from Sussex about my account. Borrow of Frank £50 draft, cash by WM. Called to Henry's lodgings, great coat sent to Chandos Street, retained same cab to the London Bridge Station. Left London 2.00, at Lewes about 4. Henry W came by same train, saw nothing of him till at the Priory. Found all pretty well, Henry, Lionel and Edward W dine there. Snowy, hills white.

24th

Sunday. Very sharp frost. At the Priory, Southover, church a.m., St. Anne's in evening with Mr & Mrs Smith. Hear Mr Green of the school, good sermon, ‘Duties of Pastor and Congregation'. Write to Frederick as to Ynyswen etc, offer of Mr Jones to take it off his hands as through Mr Green.

Monday. Sharp frost going, glass falls, wind shifts from east to west. Read Cambrian, try to teach Augustus Latin grammar. Walk with Uncle about the town. Call on J Hoper and Mr Green. Look at prize meats etc, talk of my poor mothers will etc, A and E etc. Write to Caroline enclosing 2nd half of 4 five £ notes received of Frank on Saturday when former halves were sent, left with WM, omitted Saturday.

25th

Cold and dull but not a frost. Misty. Twice at Church at Southover. Sacrament, my mite of good for the poor 2/6. A Mr Phillipson, a new curate, half a giant does duty for the first time, no sermon till the evening when Mr Oliver? does duty. No one at my uncle's at the Priory but self and Augustus.

26th

Leave for London by Brighton from Lewes at 11.30 with Augustus. My uncle, kind hearted man, will insist on sending the children in Gower a present of £5 which I receive. Spend 3 hours in Brighton with Aunt Woodward. Call on Mrs Trelawny, nearly blind and imbecile, gives Augustus 10/- gold, kind woman! Mrs Blair there. Leave Brighton 3.30, in London 5.30. Arrive at 6.00 to tea, nothing done. EM not arrived from Suffolk. Sleep in a room I never slept before!

27th

In London again, returned from Lewes yesterday. Very fine day. William, self, Fred, A and HJM in Chandos Street. EM not retured from Woolpit, Suffolk, as he ought. Why keep us all waiting because he is absent. All go out on other business for boxes, WM and I to Mr Francis. I sign a deed there and bring away the same for others to sign. Enquire at several book sellers about the state trials price of fo. Get odd answers. Call on Mr F Green in Greys Inn, Wilson's, meet HJM there. Appoint to see him again about 2 on Saturday as to my late brother George's account and debt to me. Talk of the Welsh property and as to Fred reselling Ynyswen etc. Very cold, frost.

28th

Snow covers the streets in London, cold day, all day in the house about selling books etc, 4 Chandos Street. Boxes sold etc. Write to William Collins, Clifton Hampden, a son. Write also to Caroline, too late to register, does not go, containing £5. Add something and send tomorrow. Sale of odds and ends in the evening. Have a bad cold. A messenger about lamps from the city called several times. Sharp frost. Buy a lamp from the city.

29th

Very sharp frost indeed! Fine morning, dull in London, not much done today. Fred off again home, go with HJM to Mr France and to Mr Green, Greys Inn, as to my account against George. Not much forwarded tho' a little explained. Call at Lyons Inn too late about the fee farm rents, Llanrhidian tithes. Return by Strand and Regent Street. Register a letter to Caroline with £5 from Southover for the children. Examine account of books in evening, read Cambrian, not in bed till 2.00. Sleep but little, can't get warm, feet and legs painful with cold all night. Not otherwise unwell but am not right.

Sunday. More snow and more frost. At church with WM in Foley Place, Dr Pocock. After lunch walk with WR and EM to the parks to see the skating. See one man up to his neck in water, all right, got out again, Serpentine. Return by Constitution Hill and the Green Park and St. James's. What crowds about and on the ice. Can't keep warm. Glad to get home again and to the fire. Spend the evening anything than as a Sunday. All the evening in furtherance in some respects of family affairs.

31st

Monday. Do but little to further settlement of things among us. Pack up a few things, divide linen in the drawing room with WM and EM. No easy matter. Walk with EM and Augustus to Moore's, the cutler, about altering knives. Then to Earle's, bookseller and spend some time till dinner at Shoolbred's great shop of everything in Tottenham Court Road. Sell a few more, the last of all, the books, that's wound up, and begin a letter to little Charlie at midnight wishing all a Happy New Year in Gower, finish tomorrow.

So ends the year, marked by great depreciation of rural affairs and consequent distress owing to free trade and protection taken from importation of corn. Stagnation in consequence and almost ruin on farmers. Marked also by the sudden death of my mother, sadly taken ill at Mrs Heatley's, Hertford Street? or Audley Street? Grosvenor Square. Brought home insensible 6th December and never rallying. Her end was calm as her life was innocent. Who did she ever harm? Tho' many things vexed and tormented her and I have no doubt hastened her end. It is a great thing not to suffer as she did not but enjoyed her faculties and intellect to the last, nearly 81, birthday in January. My Aunt Mabbot's birthday on the same day of January, one year older.

◀ Previous year         ▲ Back to the list         ▶ Next year