Charles Morgan's Diary, 1853

◀ Previous year         ▲ Back to the list         ▶ Next year

The year begins as the last ended, very wet and stormy. Never was recollected a more rainy and milder season, thermometer averages surely about 50 all the winter so for.

Extraordinary wet season for some time past and for some time to come and very mild.

January

1st (Saturday)

Dull day, damp; at Charmouth, Dorset. Rain for an hour. Write to Fred and EM. Morning gone to dinner time at 3.00. Mrs Hughes calls and goes with me to the post to show me where. Read something in the evening, Johnny far from well, going to be laid up as usual. Call on Mrs Hughes. Charity, widows of the wrecked seamen 1/6, going to assist the shipwreck, Lyme.

Sunday. Damp and showery day. All go to church (save Johnny ill), walk to the sands, sea rough, loads of seaweed. Meet Mr Tucker the s... Sacrament, do not stay. Dine early. Church again at 2.30, Mr Breton gives a good sermon on instability of life, ‘Redeem the Time'. Walk with the little Langfords on Bridport road.

3rd

Most beautiful day but a fox. Mrs James hires a donkey carriage at 3/- an hour and takes Carree. Charles and I walk to call on Rev. Mr & Mrs Croft at Wotton, just come there. A pleasant habitable part of Dorset, 2 miles from Charmouth. Shop with Carree and call on Mrs Hughes, read in the evening. Receive letters from Mr Beor and Willey (ie) Charlotte to Carree. Wind gets up tonight and blows hard all night from the south. Johnny in bed all day.

4th

Wet stormy morning and all day driving mist and rain with little interval. Read newspapers, Illustrated etc. Mr & Mrs Breton call on us, he going to Oxford to vote against Gladstone. Marg Chandos opposes. Get out for a quarter of hour before dinner. Mr Norris the medical man consulted for Johnny and Frank though both are better, won't help. Johnny in bed all day again. Frank (ditto) till tea-time. Lord Chandos declined, Dudley Percival brought forward to oppose Mr Gladstone.

5th

A beautiful day, a fallacious fox indicated by small fleeting clouds. Read papers after papers and walk with Charles to the sea shore. Meet Emma and Helen, they amuse themselves in a boat. I walk over the cliff, curious to see how the land keeps constantly slipping, deep and large fissures or chasms and oozing and floating clay. Sea makes rapid inroads and am told within last 16 years a gun shot distance. The late extraordinary rainy season done much to increase it, this country and coast full of fossils.

6th

What a storm again, hurricane and rain from south west. Look for disasters again at sea, clears off towards the evening. Get out just before dinner with Carree and Helen, go to an old man to see fossils, buy a few of him, specimens. Carree, self, Charles and Emma out to tea and a Christmas Tree Dance and miscellaneous fun, coaches, blind buff etc. Supper, all new and very amusing. Return home from Misses Poulson at 11.00 laden with prizes from the tree. A Mr Templeton there and all the village, free and easy sort of children's party.

7th

Hear from Rev. Samuel Phillips and from EKJ, both about houses, Gower. Driving rain, small rain again from south west, clears off about 2.00. Charles and Arthur go fossil hunting, I read papers and call with Mrs James and Carree on Mrs Breton and Mr Norris, the former the vicarage, a very pretty place. He gone to Oxford to vote against Gladstone, a renegade in politics and walk with Carree on the Bridport road. See the flood, the little river Char a torrent. Johnny very ill, Frank ill and Agnes coughs, fever, influenza. Mrs Hughes called or intended.

8th

A fine day, Mrs Hughes drives Carree etc to Lyme. I, Charles and Arthur walk. Look into the church and into the assembly rooms and shop etc. Read Lewes paper, no railroad by Uckfield to Tonbridge. Enter accounts in the evening etc. Get a present from Mrs Hughes of a new purse, much wanted. Children have all sad annoying coughs. Write letters to Wales etc.

Sunday. Very beautiful day, prospects of better weather. Mr Hilyard does duty, bad delivery. Mr Breton at Oxford election. Write letters and send them. Take long walk with Carree on the Bridport road.

10th

Another driving wet day, little expected by signs of yesterday. Read papers, children not well, baby not well. Dine with Mrs Hughes at 3.30. Children come to tea. Charles and John pack up, John got pretty well again! Charles does not look well. Go to bed early, wrote to Mrs Mabbott as to children going to Lewes. Write directions for them.

11th

Fine but some little rain, up early, breakfast at 8.00, to see Charles and Johnny off by the coach to Dorchester for Lewes. Am far from well, pains in back etc. Walk with children to Fernhill, on sale, so like Selborne, and to the tunnel, new road - beautiful road. Call with Carree on Mrs Welsh and Mrs Poulson at whose party we were. Played backgammon in evening.

12th

Wet misty rainy day all day, am not out till evening. Read St James Chronicle, Oxford election etc etc, Lyme guide etc. In evening at a raffle of Twelfth Cakes at Cole's with the children and 2 Langfords. Nan-nan is cut out by Mr Hoare the carpenter. Long tedious work and delay, dice thrown by children not understanding it quite, tired of it. Glad to get back to tea.

13th

A pleasant calm day, warm but not much sun. Read History of Lyme, get out only a short time before dinner, call on Mr Norris, see his horses etc. Learn where Charles II came to see this place intending to embark here for France and how thwarted etc. Do not hear from Charles and John. Play at backgammon with children and Mrs James in evening and read Connolly's letter to Lord Shrewsbury, reasons for converting from Romanism. Am better than usual, freer from pains in back etc. Was a short time on sea shore with Arthur Langford looking for fossils etc etc.

14th

A splendid day at last. Receive letter from Charles at Lewes, all well. Read St James's paper. Enter diary, Mrs Hughes calls to inquire for Mr Vosspart as to Sherborne school. Have entered today for tomorrow by mistake.

15th

A fineish day but not settled. Read Lyme guide etc. Walk with Carree to Langmore, Mr Lyddon's cottage (on sale) a pretty place. Meet Arthur L shooting at wrens and walk on to the tunnel and over the old road back, look down from Rhode Hill on Sir John Talbot's in the Lyme valley. There has been rain in night. Write and send tomorrow letters to Willey, HJM and Johnny at Lewes and send a glove left here posted tomorrow. Took a short stroll with Carree about the town and to the bridge etc.

Sunday. A torrent of rain and wind, can scarcely get to church. Moderates in time and we all get there. Mr Breton returned and does duty. A very difficult man to comprehend in plain(?) in delivery and far too deliberate a reader. All walk with Langfords to the tunnel.

17th

A beautiful day, calm sea, west north, colder than usual. We are none of us out of the house all day, idle, idle, idle. I read St James's Chronicle, Cambrian, Illustrated etc. Finish Guide of Lyme, very interesting. Am not well and am not ill, weak and relaxed and ennuish. Emma and Agnes with Mrs Hughes and the little Langfords at a funeral party at the rectors, Rev. Mr Breton, poor Frank not invited. Prophecy by Bushel of Clifton, this to be the coldest day and proves so, frosty at night and cold tomorrow morning.

18th

A beautiful day, frosty, clear morning, hot day. Walk early with Emma and Ellen L by the tunnel to Wotton rectory to take back music and call on Mr Croft. What is my horror and shock to find him a corpse, just suddenly expired, apoplexy! Never felt the awfulness of death so intensely. Felt as if I should soon die too, it seemed like the plague. 24 hours before he had married a couple but was very ill on Sunday, too ill to do duty. Return with a heavy heart to Charmouth and find everybody knows it. In evening we are at a tea party, chiefly children at Mrs Welsh's, a heavy affair. Toy Indian juggler and Indian dress.

19th

A change again to wet and stormy! Read St. James's Chronicle, Oxford election. Percival gained a little on Gladstone. Inquest today on poor Mr Croft. Carree went there to see Mrs C in donkey car, saw only servants. Called with Carree on the Rev and Mrs Breton. Meet Captain Fowells there, married one of the Hollands, lives near Axminister. Look over house to let, reference to Carter of Post Office, very neatly furnished. Rent £50 includes all rates and taxes, not dear. Arthur and Ellen Langford dine with us, Mrs Hughes comes to tea. Walk to the inn to see if anyone comes from Sherborne, from Dorchester at 9.00, on account of Mr Croft's death.

20th

Leave Charmouth, a pleasant village on the south coast near Lyme. Pack up and clear off accounts. Call on Mrs Hughes and Mr Norris. Leave about 2.30, arrive 7.30, call on Mr Morris and give account of Mr Croft's death. Sit with him one hour or more.

21st

Dull after wet night, not out. Write to Charles (Willey), unpack, look over bills sent in, large amounts?!!! Wet evening again, what a wet winter!!! Children get a walk before dinner, dine at 4. I and Carree not out of the house. Play Pope Joan to amuse children in the evening. Hear from Brighton.

22nd

Much colder day after bright clear night. Not much of a frost in the town, at all events. Read Bleak House and St James's paper. Walk with Carree and children, call on Mrs Morris, go to Dodge's about carpet slippers and German wool, give Agnes to buy some 1/-, walk to the park after ordering beef at Sherrings. Meet Mr Melmoth the friend of poor Mrs McRae in London whose death Mr Hoddinot told us of this morning. Another to the list of our losses. How quick, how great, how sudden. Walk to the park and meet the hounds, full cry, down to Purley and away for Castleton and Melborne Port. A lucky accident for the children, a pretty sight. Mr Fussell calls in the evening, read Uncle Tom to children and write to EM, Tenby. Manure brought up for hot bed.

Sunday. Very cold. Sherborne twice at church, a.m., p.m. Williams a.m., Badger p.m. Walk with Emma to the middle gate of Park.

24th

Cold sharp frost, rather windy, yesterday a frost too. Walk with Carree before dinner, call on Major Dawe, Mrs Fussell. See only Miss and Miss H, gossip nonsense. Call at Mr Melmoth's office to learn particulars of Ensor's houses, Newlands. Dine at 4.00, little Miss Sabine from Mrs Morris comes to tea. Write to Mrs James by Mr Morris tomorrow. Send a prayer book and t brush back and give particulars of Newlands houses as an investment. Children play Pope Joan. At Dodges about Mrs James slippers.

25th

Cold day, frost going, wind changing. Glass falls, snow coming? Read Art Union etc. Carree writes to Uckfield, I post the letter, get out just before dinner. Just go to the Reading Room for 20 minutes, see death of Mr Crofts and Miss Medlicot broken her arm. Children gone to a party at Miss Wilmot's Carree and I at home the evening. Read club books. Mr Morris and Mr James gone early to the funeral of Mr Crofts at Wotton. Meet Mr Southwell and his friend Rev. Mr Smith, a Jesuit returned from Nice.

26th

Frost, fine cold. Read U(nited) S(ervice) magazine. Walk to the town for various things with Emma; Palmer's, candles at Rowes not paid and a lamp glass, butter etc at Harding's, not paid. Meant to pay Mees for Charmouth, he is gone to Yeovil. A tea party etc, children, this evening, at home, about 30 of them. Dance etc etc games and fun, supper. Am not in bed till past 12.00; passes off pretty well. Mrs Hoddinot called.

27th

Very cold, very dull, frost and thaw. Read Miss Pardoe's Mary de Medici. Not up early, late in bed last night. Walk with Carree, call on next door, out, on Mrs Morris too. Meet Mr M in town, Carree calls on Mrs Highmore. Meet her at White's hair cutter and walk to Westbury to see drains, Health of Towns Act, by the factory. Pay Sharpe for jellies etc 2 parties 15/6. Dine at 3.30, play Pope Joan, Lizzy Fenwick drops into tea. Sad waste of time. Wet night again!!

28th

Cold and dull, read Marie de Medici, Miss Pardoe, death of Henry IV, assassinated. Mrs Cozens calls, walk with Carree and children and the hoops to the park and up the forbidden road to the upper part of the park. Beautiful groups of trees. Gather moss etc etc. Dine at 3, write in evening to Rev. Woodward, my cousin, Plumpton.

29th

Cold and dull day, at home all morning till after dinner. Read Miss Pardoe's Marie Medici, St. James's Chronicle, write to Charles, Willey. Walk before tea to Reading Room, no news. Meet Mr Babbington and go to the new sewer in Westbury. He has just heard from 2 sons safe arrived in Australia, sailed in August in the ‘Great Britain'. All well. Settled with Houndsell in full to 27th.

Sunday. All at church a.m., Mr Parsons does duty, good sermon, difficult to hear I find. Carree and I and Emma again in evening, Mr Jones does duty, neither like his substance nor his voice. Read the Bible in the evening.

31st

Beautiful day but do not enjoy much of it, at home reading etc, get out too late with Carree and make a call or two, Mrs Charlton etc. The rest of the day quite commonplace, nothing to record.

February 1853

1st (Tuesday)

Sharp frost, dull and foggy, cold. Walk with Frank at 12 to the park and with Carree in the evening to make calls and up the Dorchester Road. Get a gracious bow from Mrs Lyon, q if going out to dinner. Health of Towns Act going on through Westbury Street, about 5 or 6 ft deep, earthen pipes laid 1½ ft diameter, q will they last for ever. Hard gravelly ground to cut.

2nd

Dull damp morning, dull damp day. Out rather early for a glazier, meat etc. Call on Rev. Mr Williams at Pollard's, get veal at Sherrings, go to Whittles for beer. An hour and ½ at Reading Room, no news whatever. Read a little in evening, unsettled as to time of boys returning. Hear they are gone to Bristol so expect them tonight. Get out after tea to enquire at Half Moon, bus expected late. Go to Mr Henning's, top of Cheap Street, to wait. Play bagatelle (piccolo) and have supper. Bus goes by before 10.00, all right. Henning detained me, I get home before 11.00, find the boys all right and well. In bed at 12.00.

3rd

Another dull cold morning. The boys, returned last night from Willey and Bristol, gone to school. Write letters to Bedford Square and to Priory and Carree also to Willey. Wet day, write to WM because I go through Charles account with Johnny travelling from Charmouth to Brighton, Lewes, London, Rugby, Willey, Bristol and back to Sherborne. Went in wet this evening to call on Mr & Mrs Stephen's and take a parcel with Charles and post 3 letters. Enter accounts all the evening, quite wet.

4th

Cold dull disagreeable today, at home all morning. Read a paper and write to Bristol. Captain Hammond calls, very friendly. Promises to enquire to me as to Charles' chance to get into the Army. Walk and call with Carree on Mrs Morris and Mr Babbington. Post 2 letters, 1 Carree's to Brighton. Major and Mr Dawe call. Read United Service in evening. Children at lessons, house like Babel.

5th

Cold disagreeable day, snow a.m., first I have seen this season. The sun shines midday, cold and unpleasant all day. Do not go from the house and garden. Read reviews and periodicals. Chop wood with Charles who chops a good deal up and packs it away. Fenwick he makes help. Hear from Mrs James, Charmouth. Carree not very well, not up till dinner time. Read Denmark in evening, cupboard set in order.

Sunday. Dry and cold. Carree with 2 children to church, I with Frank to Castleton. Mr Parsons does all the duty, a very good sermon. At 3.00 at church with Carree and Emma. Mr Parsons and Badger preaches. All of us with Charles walk up old Dorchester Road. Meet Mrs James and walk by the park home. Had in money, after church walked in park with Frank and talked with Lord Digby's farm steward, a most respectable man. Meet the Stevens in park and return with them and call. Sun sets beautiful, get wet tomorrow.

7th

Dull and disagreeable day, morning proves a wet day, quite wet. Read Cambrian and St James Chronicle, am off hinges. Walk out in wet after dinner, call at the bank and over-draw again £10. Pay bills, settle accounts with children. Receive a long letter from Mr J Collins, Gower. Mrs Morris calls. Get a thin board from Guppy to make rough bookshelves in cupboard. Carpenter and knock up shelves for books till 11.00.

8th

Beautiful day after foggy morning. Comes on wet again all day. Little to be done more or less!!! People do get out and complain of cold etc. Mrs Melmoth calls about the organ bazaar. Mrs and Miss Bell, Mrs Birchin, Miss and Mrs Hoddinot. At last Carree and I get out and call on the James's, Mrs J ill. Miss Croft there, looks better in morning and we call on the Harper's. Order a board, attend a lecture at 8.00, O G Osborne on ‘Man is Among Us', rector of ? near Blandford, good, long and prosy. Sup at Mr Henning's, Rev. Williams there. Not home till 12.00. Fell over a wheel barrow, luckily not hurt, in dark.

9th

Snow, very wintry. Read and carpenter for Charles' books. Guppy calls about shelves for books in parlour. Mr Williams, clerk, returns my call, a queer form of a man but more pleasant when better known. Am not from the house all day. Read a little of Uncle Tom aloud to the children. Write a Valentine for Frank and verses for Johnny. Late in life to be at school work. One of Mr McCreedy's children aged 13 died yesterday, not long since he lost his wife.

10th

Called with Carree on Captain Hammond, very polite, shows me over his house etc. Has applied to Horse Guards for Charles. I must write. We call to on Cozens in Westbury and see the drain, main sewer. At an evening party in Castleton at Mr Stevens, phantasmagoria, singing etc. Charles with us, meet Miss Lyon, Miss Grant and Miss Travers, Miss Williamson and boys. A good supper. Very agreeable but very cold. Not home till 12.00.

11th

Sharp frost, dull. Snow comes on, a white world in the evening. At home till 5.00 reading, walk with Frank in snow to Stoakes about his hat and to Westbury to see the drain, now got nearly to poor Mrs McCrae's, lately buried. A pleasant cheerful woman. Miss Wilmot called. Quite a winter's day. Mr Nunn's night for music lessons at 7.00.

12th

Perfect winter snow and frost. Fire upstairs, Carree not down to breakfast, has cold. Read Laing's Denmark, interesting book. Fall out with our cook Rebecca for quarrelling with children for bringing snow into the house when she herself takes no pains to move it. She is an impudent ill tempered Hussey! Walk with Emma and Ag to order charcoal for greenhouse etc. Walk up old Dorchester Road and round to the park and the Park Cross Green Gate. Bob Fenwick calls late, is going to a bank in Bristol on Monday. Give him some advice etc etc.

Sunday. Winter frost, all go to the church. Mr Parsons does all the duty, had not courage to go again, so cold. Read at home, children walk in midday with Eliz Lewis etc. Fire will not keep us warm, must endure it.

14th

Very sharp frost. Finish Laing's Denmark and pass it on. Get out late, too late, call on Mr Morris and Singer. At Mrs Dodge's for slippers. Go to the Reading Room and find all the papers engaged. Walk about the town streets and lanes, the sun having thawed the snow and made roads horrid muddy. Begin to read in evening and am called on to assist Charles at Latin verses, hard work. Long out of practice yet through it however!

15th

Very sharp frost, fine and wholesome weather. Read Edinburgh Review etc. First day of skating. After dinner walk with Carree, call on Mrs Morris, Mr Singer out, walk to the park to see skating. Ice strong but very but irregular. Mr Harper judiciously refuses the boys to go on. Day boys do as parents like, no accident. Meet Mr Henning, walk on to the gate. Many elite in the park. Return to shop, overtake Mr Nixon. Read a paper, Mr Nunn's night.

16th

Sharp frost, skating the order of the day. To enjoy it the boys have 1/2 holiday, high and low, rich and poor, old and young, all resort, ladies and gents, to Lord Digby's lake to enjoy the ice and cold. Charles forbidden to risk skates on acount of his broken arm. Johnny and Frank make first essays. 2 Mr Fooks best skaters, one Killingford, Mr Falwaper and Mr Bergman not bad. 3 or 4 of the master's middling. The best of the boys very so so. The snobs pick a quarrel with the little boys slide. Charles floors a Tailor and gets abuse and all but a fight. Late in evening after tea to the Kings Arms with Charles. Helped Johnny at Latin essay and read a paper.

17th

Frost and dull, inclined to thaw. Lay in a cart of coals, much raised in price from 1/1 to 1/6 per cwt. Sally forth to the skating, all the world goes, beautiful scene. Try on a pair myself, bad ones; find I have forgotten all I ever knew of the art. Content myself with looking on. Drop in with Carree and Mr Henning and his tribe and leave the ice late. One little Henning teas with us.

18th

Another sharp frost and beautiful day. Read Edinburgh Review, out early about meat etc etc. Again into the town with Carree and again we go to the ice and walk on together. How curiously and rather nervously it cracks at every step. Home early to coffee. Carree, self and C and J to the concert tho' C and J say they will play half … and Miss Stewart and Mr Bolton from R.A.M., very coarse, the former a pretty good deep voice, the best of the 3 concerts got up by Mr Bergman. Home about 11.00 and accompanied Miss Ball home to Castleton.

19th

Another splendid fine morning, sharp frost, glass falling. Read a.m. and go with Carree p.m. to the ice again to see the skating. Walk all round the lake and walk in park with her. Great fun on the ice shoot at hockey, finished letter to WM for Uckfield and post it today.

Sunday. Very cold, twice at church, a.m., Mr Williams, p.m. Mr Badger. Took a walk in the park, snobs only on the ice. Do not allow children to go on. Evening ill spent having baby to look after. Servants all gone to church till 9.00.

21st

Rather thawing, was to have skated. Pritchard, one of the boys, lends me his skates; he is gated. Go to the water with Johnny and meet Charles, find the ice wet, do not put them on. Ice getting unsound so, with Mr Henning, sound a retreat. Several get in, no assistance at hand. Sloppy walking, walk to the keepers warrens, deer dying. Ask for a head and horns. Meet Emma and Ag on my return, forbid the ice. Helped Johnny at verses in the evening. Some of the good skaters out but ice very soft and poor. Many ladies on it, foolhardy. No fatal accident luckily. Warm pleasant day at times.

22nd

Cold thaw after a frosty night. Skating over. Read Dublin Review. Gingerbread on ice, repay Johnny 2d. Mr & Mrs Singer called, first visit. She is a fine woman, rather gay. Walk with Carree, call on Mrs Ball, long visit. Call on Major & Mrs Dawe and Mrs Fussell, she unwell, not admitted there. Write note to Mr Harper as to boys for Thursday at Penning. Meet Mr Birchin. Mr Nunn's music night. Emma gets on to play a duet with Mr Nunn on violin on Friday.

23rd

A wettish day with some sunshine, frost gone but severe frost again tonight. Not out of the house all day. Read debates in St James's Chronicle, read Dublin Review etc etc. Write to Penmaen and to Mr Perry on the death of his sister at R. Charles unwell this evening, cold, does not go to school this evening. No one calls. Spend nothing. Receive letter, answer from WM, he has written to Frank for 200. Sudden squalls this evening late, short, like whirlwinds, sound fearful in the house. Hear of no accident save a few tiles falling on the postman.

24th

Sharp frost again last night, thaws again today. Cold. Read Art Union and Mrs Ellis book of her school, Rowden House, Herts. Carree receives letters from Penmaen. Mr Cave of Yeovil calls, give order for 1 dozen Marsala, 1 dozen Sherry. Carree calls on Mr & Mrs Croft at Mrs Morris. Walk with Carree late into the park, muddy and dirty and not pleasant. Go beyond the gate, deer dying, very … all. Returned by the town, meet Mr Henning at Sharp's and walk up and call on Mrs H who does not seem at all happy, low spirited. Drains of the house smell horribly, choleritic!!!!

25th

At home all morning, read Magic and a paper. Charles returns to school. Johnny's turn to be ill, excuse for absence sent. Take a long walk with Carree. Go to Guppy's about shelves. Call on Mrs James after her son, Mr Croft's, death, she is very low. Walk up old Dorset Road to the old gate and into the park and home, most beautiful and extraordinary setting sun. Longed for an artis's pencil to fix it on paper. Mr Nunn's music night, helped Charles verses this evening. He is not very well and I have a cold coming on. Else have been of late extraordinary well and getting fat!

26th

Very windy like Equinoxial March, dull and showery. Evening breaks off sunny. Carree hears from Penmaen after Miss P's funeral. Mr Perry gone again, my letter to him posted. Read Todd Thompson on Magic, no one calls, go to the dancing room. Walk to the Park gate before tea with Carree and Frank. Enter accounts etc etc. Read Bristol paper, Charles makes tuffy(sic), foolish nonsense. Cold and windy but seasonable day.

Sunday. Very cold, at Castleton church with Carree, Emma and F, Mrs Miller's pew. Williams does duty extempore. 3.00 at the church, Williams again, though I always wish to hear anyone in preference, most monotonous and disagreeable voice and figure. Took a walk with Carree and Emma towards park and up the hill by park wall. Evening ill spent at home in charge of baby - servants gone to church.

28th

Cold and unpleasant, snow on ground since last night. Read papers and write to Major-General Love in Jersey as to Charles desire for the army, directed to his Excellency Major General Love, Commander of District in Jersey. Look at papers in rooms, meet Captain Nixon, an old Rugbean. Went out with Carree, she makes calls, see no more of her. Lecture in evening, gardener from a Middlesex Hospital on the breakfast table. Carree has young Highmores etc to tea this evening.

March 1853

1st (Tuesday)

Snow falls thick a.m., white world. At home all morning reading Philosophy of Magic etc. Out about 3.00 to Harding's for biscuits, raisins etc for this evening. Charles goes with Dove Ma to shoot snipe on Linty against my wish, comes home safe, brings nothing. Jones Ma, Hayward and Pritchard, 3 head boys, dined with us at 5.00. In evening, 2 Miss Fenwicks and Miss Bale to tea; music and dancing and fun. Johnny unwell, not at school.

2nd

A little rain a.m., very cold and muddy day. Mrs and Miss Spencer call, read Philosophy of Magic by Todd Thompson. Get out alone about 4.00 with Carree, call on Mr [and Miss] Robert Wilmot, see his garden etc stalls etc, apple-pie order, very comfortable, and saunter home again. Mr Nunn here early instead of yesterday music lessons, Emma out to tea with Miss Wilmot, not home until past 11.00, very late! Hear Mrs Hillary, the baker's wife, is dead, ill long.

3rd

Frost a.m., else mild day. Carree receives letter from Rampisham. Mrs Henning calls early and pays a long cheerful visit. Mrs Morris and Mrs Crofts call, walk with Carree and pay bills and then towards Oborne road. Shoes pinch, glad to get back. Houndsell sifts ashes one ½ day before digs cabbage. Going to an evening party at Dr Highmore's, 1st visit. Mr & Mrs Bergman, Mr & Mrs Henning, two friends of Bergman, they sing. Cozens, Wilmot, 2nd Miss M beautiful. Mr & Miss Bartlett, Turner, not home till 11.30.

4th

Sharp frost, beautiful sunny morning. Read Bentley etc. At 3 walk with Carree to call on Mr Ensor (Henry) to pay rent to Christmas last and pay him for Mr King, farmer, balance of flag stones laid in front of house and greenhouse. Wet evening comes on as we get there, stay some time, get a glass of wine, all very neatly down. Mr E and her little girl work for the organ bazaar. Meet Mr & Mrs Singer and Mrs Crofts, Mrs Morris two daughters at Mr Morris, play a rubber or two and win.

5th

Wet again all morning. Read till dinner magazine, Cambrian, get it early today. Feel out of sorts and low. Go with Carree and Charles to Mrs Miller's House to see the furniture etc on sale Monday and Tuesday etc. Commodious and rambling house. Meet Mr Henning and walk with him to the park late. Leave cards at the Stevens.

Sunday. Much milder, church very cold. Go 5 in all, Mr Badger reads and makes many mistakes, not his usual habit. Mr Harper reads and Mr Parsons preaches at 3.00. Carree, I and Emma etc go walk to the park with all children save Charles; Agnes rude and pushes Emma and Frank down into the mud. Children learn scripture in evening, Charles goes to the school to prepare for confirmation.

7th

Wet and mild morning, boys to have a whole holiday tomorrow, why? Receive monthly characters, not very good for C or J. Read Illustrated etc. After dinner 2.00 go with Carree to Mrs Milliar's sale. Sales always begin here at 2.00. At the sale with Mrs Henning etc. Spend evening at Mr Hoddinot's. Play a rubber or two, 3d points. His sister there.

8th

Wet morning, fine day. Charles gone hunting!! Very annoying. Read Philosophy of Magic. Do not feel over well, had supper too late, ale and whisky. At the sale (Milliar's) with Carree, make a few more purchases. Tea at Mrs Hennings and go late to the sale, too late, all sold we thought to have. Boys had a whole holiday. Mrs Charlton gives Lady pupils half a holiday. Johnny asked for.

9th

Read Philosophy of Magic and write to Robert Harry, been ill, had a fit, giddy, he says, and write to Mr Beor as to money due from Moulding butcher for 2 cows from Caswell £22.10 0 and send int. warrant, V of N (pres. Vale of Neath) Rail 12/5 to pay for Glamorganshire Bank and then attend the sale again from 3.00 till 10 [no tea]. Sup with Mr Henning and get home by 11.00, fagged and by no means well. Books sold late for a song, not many very good. Mr & Mrs Morris and Mrs Singer leave Newland for Bath. Called on them early and went with Carree to look at sale room.

10th

Beautiful dry crisp weather. Go to Milliar's sale early to get things home. Cox helps and postman. Tally all the lots and tick off to send away. Gave the servant for taking care of glass etc etc 1/-, very civil woman; this is a day's work to get them all home and disposed of in the house etc. Rose this morning ill, not well all day, far from it.

11th

Cold dry morning, else fine. Carree unwell since yesterday, not up today. Read Philosophy of Magic and write to HJM Swansea (he ill) and as to requisite repairs of chancel. Write also to WM to acknowledge two letters received and that I write to HJM at Swansea etc. Read St James Chronicle etc, not out of the house tho' a very beautiful day till time for dinner at 6.30 at Mr Hennings with Mr Harper, Major Dawe, Goldsmith, Stevens, Dr Highmore; no ladies. Henning full of a very clownish wit and Dorset dialect.

12th

Sort papers a little, read a little of Philosophy of Magic. Offered to drive out Mrs Crofts, can't go. Get the pony carriage off Mr Morris who is gone to Bath late 4.00, too late for Yeovil, and drive through Milborne Port to Purse Caundle and home to tea..

Sunday. Carree unwell, not up. I go alone with children to church. Collection, Jubilee of Bible Society. Find it very cold. Mr Parsons does all the duty. I can't hear the sermon but no doubt it was very good but a bad collection. Call at Mrs Charlton, feel chilly. Not in church again or out; unwell all the evening.

14th

Beautiful day, passed a miserable night, very unwell and very unwell all day in bed. Carree unwell too, in bodily pain all day and no perspiration after nitre till late in evening. Read Edinburgh Review, receive a long letter from WM as to EM's tithe purchase and the final arrangement. Am not up all day. I am ill in bed, cold, influenza and lumbago and altogether out of sorts. Read in bed but quite ill.

15th

A white frost. Am better than I was yesterday. Breakfast in bed, up about 11.30. Nothing but slops all day, am not from the house save going to the garden now preparing for seed. Houndsell at work today and yesterday, yesterday should be half a day, fills hot bed without orders and had all taken out again. Charles works at the hot bed. Sows cucumbers and puts other plants in to revive them. Mrs Harper calls. Read Edinburgh Review and Art Union. Fine day, glass falls, shower in evening, light and not long.

16th

Dry and cold day, seasonable, not up to breakfast. Called the children at 6 in mistake thinking it past 7. Am still far from well. Write to Gower, the church warden of L etc etc and copies to RH. Get out after dinner for a walk up the old Dorset Road by the park. Fall in with Miss Charlton's School etc. I return alone via Duck Street. Call at Mr Rogers for some pills and hear his account of some of the elite etc. Mrs and Miss Charlton call, Mr Nunn here this evening instead of last night.

17th

Sharp frost, breakfast in bed. Have taken physic pills, far from well. Up before 12.00, not from the house all day. Mr Williams and Longman call, signed a petition against Jews for Parliament of … we don't want them. Read Dublin Review. Write to Gower, RH, Captain Symons about the house in answer to his application.

18th

Very sharp frost, am up to breakfast, far from well. Not from the house again all day. Read a paper etc. Review and sort some bills. Emma unwell, Frank ditto, from school. Eliz Lewis ill too. Children complain of the very cold weather, more severe than all winter save the time of skating. Some snow today.

19th

Sharp frost, fine but very cold, east wind all day. Finish Rev. Newland's Tractarian book. Not out till after dinner. Go over Chandler's new house to let with Miss Elizabeth Fenwick, a comfortable sort of house but too large for the land. Aspect east and west not good. Walk about the town, at Guppy's with Charles as to wood for a shed, garden and make inquiries about the … or drain. Expensive and slow job. How people grumble. Lose Johnny, tired of my company.

Sunday. Very cold. I, Carree and Ag at Castleton church, Mr Stephens pew. Mr Williams does duty, rambling extempore, text half a chapter. Call on Captain Nixon after dinner to talk about the army, ensign about 100 per annum indeed or rather more. At home all evening. Help Johnny (poor help) at Scripture questions. Not at all well all the evening.

21st

Snow thick on the streets and house tops, perfect winter. Sharp frost every night for several nights. Read Illustrated News. Great irregularity at breakfast. Carree in bed, Emma and Frank ill, Charles as cross as two sticks. Not out of the house all day till after tea. Attend quarterly meeting of book club. Mr Mills sends me up 2 loads of manure for hot bed. Wettish disagreeable day, snow melts. Remain to 9.30 with old Mr Highmore and Mr Tom Hooks.

22nd

Wintry day, old Houndsell gets in the manure for hot bed brought up yesterday by Mr Mees, 2 loads. Up and at breakfast in better time than usual. Read no XI of Bleak House etc etc. Get out after dinner, call at the bank, cancel vouchers etc and a draft for £10. Call at Mr Mees to get in coals soon. The two Ensors there, look at the slow progress of the main sewer by the town hall. Call at Post Office as to Mrs Milliar's sale. Rutter out. Call and see Mr & Mrs Stevens at Castleton. Talk of the book club, see his greenhouse in nice order, promised some plants etc. Walk to the park, to the Sisters, see nobody. Tea at Mr Hoddinot, Carree won't go. Miss C Charlton there, play shorts and win and supper. Home 11.30.

23rd

Very hard frost indeed. Help turf the lawn under the mulberry tree with old Houndsell after dinner till tea-time. Very cold and some snow falls. Turf makes a great improvement. Call late to enquire of Mrs Henning, ill, better. He is out. Walk down town, get meat at butchers, write to Mrs James, Charmouth. Receive letters from Bedford Square and from Uckfield to get Gower accounts settled. Alfred wants to be off. Receive letters from HJM Swansea, Frank M. Bedford Square, WM Uckfield, all at different hours.

24th

Sharp frost, very sharp frost beautiful cold day. Houndsell turfing front lawn again. Read St James Chronicle etc, write to Frank Morgan and send one to Mrs James and Carree one to Lucy, Charles also to Llanrhidian. Call with Carree on Mrs Crofts, out. First call on the Bartlett, he fond of stuffed birds. See his garden and stables, these to let. Call on Dr and Mrs Highmore, long call on Mrs Hennings, better, she ill. Children ill, walk down town to Mr Mees about coal. Charles meets me, return together, Carree left me. Quiet evening at home at accounts.

25th

Very very cold hard frost. At church a.m., Mr Parsons does all the duty, I can't hear half the sermon. Take care of the fire all day. Go alone to Castleton church at 7.00. Lower orders chiefly there, not a full congregation. Mr Williams does the duty and bawls out the sermon incomprehensibly. A good sort of meaning man that no one likes to hear. Read Dr Walton, deathbed scenes, in evening.

26th

Still very cold and very fine. Write to Jones of Bison, Gower, enclosed in Charles to Arthur. Ag and Frank repeating collects well. Analyse Letts Diary 1848 to see Gower account for WM. Write to Rev Jones of Bison a note in Charles to Arthur's as to his tithes and Caswell etc. With Carree by Castleton to the Thornford gate and Dorchester Road, home by Westbury etc. All the little Crofts here. Mr Nunn at music lessons.

Sunday. More mild, wind west. Carree not up, take children to church, sacrament, do not stay. Mr Badger reads. Walk with children past Coldharbour and Mr Fenwick back by Miller's farm. At Castleton in evening, 3.00. Mr Parsons does duty, much affected by sudden death of Mr Ridout. Sit in Miss Charlton's pew, walk with Mr Stevens in the park and the children. Scripture questions, Johnny.

28th

Milder today and yesterday. Beautiful weather. Mrs Crofts calls about the pony. At accounts. School has half holiday. Work with Charles at the hot bed getting in manure etc. Little Miss Wilmot and the two Fenwicks at tea. We tea separately in parlour. Help Johnny and Charles at Latin verses all the evening. Not in bed till 11.30, consequently Charles is late in morning and gets 500 lines to write. A set off against half holiday today by loss of one tomorrow.

29th

Beautiful weather, cold again. Drive at 1.00 in Mr Morris's pony car with Carree to the Rev Mr Southwill's at Yetminster. Mrs S and son gone to Sherborne. He at home, gives us a hot luncheon. Mrs S returns and Mr Probert and Mr Smith, the latter about to be married to one of the Misses Lancasters, banns! out, - to take place at Chelsea. Return by 6.30. Saw the church, much out of repair and old-fashioned but a capital parish church. Yetminster a place much fallen off from old days. Was out this morning after breakfast to order the pony, go to Parsons garden, he out. Call at Mrs Henning, he out, she better. Go to Half Moon Street to see progress of sewer, all the street up. Talk to Rowe and to Mr Rogers. Gather primroses coming home. Do nothing all evening, tired.

30th

Fine morning, cold and windy. Write to Stroud at Swansea as to the infirmary. Wrote also to HJM Swansea as to W Woodward at Plumpton, he being sponsor for Charles about to be confirmed, April etc etc. Ought to be about accounts for WM. Old Mr & Mrs Highmore called, their first visit. He lends us a book, Hall's Shrines. Garden after dinner with the children, sow carrots, turnips, potato onions, mustard and cress etc. At it all the evening till dusk. Hard work stooping to sow, gives me great pain in the back and producing evacuation of blood, often subject to it. Read a little in evening. Charles helps John at Latin translation from English. Poor Johnny has 500 lines to write. Late on Monday, the ruin of boys' health to write so much. Everlasting writing!!! Cat ill, ordered for execution!?

31st

Glass falling rapidly, cold and brisk wind, all indication of change of weather. Out early with Houndsell to finish the turf. Turf spoiling. How to do the slope is the question, work it out somehow, not as I wanted it, to get rid of it and get the hot bed in readiness with Charles etc. Dr and Mrs Lion call, their first visit, long promised. Mrs Dawe calls, the Major in Bath. Am out early to get meat etc. Go to Reading Room, Mr Babbington and Mr Henning there, no news. Ought to write to WM and send accounts, can't get it done. Mr Fussell calls in evening, won't stay tea. Mrs Croft and Mrs Sabine come to tea. Mr Henning drops in, spend a pleasant evening, he brings his Dorset poetry by Barnes, clever book.

April 1853

1st (Friday)

Beautiful in appearance and feel after the rain last night. Write to WM, deferring accounts, acquiescing in Gower arrangements. At home all morning. Walk with Carree after dinner, both of us wanting exercise, to and through Oborne and back over the hill. See one meadow at Oborne with plenty of new grass in defiance of the frost and now feeding down by folding sheep on at. Read Dickens last no. of Bleak House. Am tired and stiff and not in good health and not unwell, why? Mr Nunn's night, talks of Mr & Mrs Rutherford making serious enquiry as to our house in Wales. I wish they would take it. I fear it wants a third room.

2nd

Beautiful day, out early with Carree to pay Penn and order new silk dresses etc and walk to Moon Street to see how the great sewer gets on by Sherrings. Meet and pay Rutter. Carree vanishes, attend to other wants, forget half and go home alone to dinner. Read Bentley, meet Carree at 5 at dancing room. Charles began this quarter. Walk to Kings at top of town to ask about money paid for stones. He brought me the receipt, he says, servants have no knowledge of it. Rather inexplicable. A shower comes on. Get home to tea, receive presents for Carree and Emma, travelling cases, from Bristol. Needless to say more than from Park Street, what a man! Letters from Plumpton as to Charles' confirmation. Mr & Mrs Bartlett called, I at home only.

Sunday. Wet. With Carree to church at Castleton. W Lion does duty, distinct but monotonous. . . with Carree and children to the church, Mr Parsons all duty. Walk with Charles and Emma to the park, all help John at Scripture questions for school.

4th

Beautiful weather, out early to the Antelope to order fly tomorrow to Rampisham by 8.00, to meet coach at Sherborne and tomorrow for Frome. Go to the Reading Room, no news, and again to the Antelope. Mr and Mrs Preedy both out. Read Bentley, some wet in evening, mild and beautiful. Do not feel over well and crouch over the fire. No parcel from Gower! Boys have ½ holiday and do not know what to do. Charles works at his shed in garden, is too quarrelsome to please me and puts me out all the evening. Mr Fussell comes to tea and spends the evening. Talk tattle etc. Carriage by bus of basket from Gower, well timed for Mrs Rooke's visit.

5th

Dull but warm and pleasant, spring like, rather damp. Expect Mrs Rooke who comes to see some friends off to Bath, am going to fetch her from the Antelope. Meet her at the gate just in time to save my credit. She brings us a lot of com. plants for the garden. Read Illustrated and Cambrian. Walk with Carree and Mrs Rooke to the park, beyond the Cross gate, how spring like. Children, all but Johnny (a headache), go next door to Mrs Hoddinot to tea. Fill up tax papers, return one to Gower and write a short note to RH and give notice to assessor of taxes to discontinue … and horses etc. Mrs R and Carree at duets.

6th

About papers in morning, do little or nothing. Dull warm day. Walk with Carree and Mrs Rooke after dinner to the town. Shop and call, Mrs Hammond, Rev Mr Parsons etc. To tea at Mrs Charlton's too late, supper of toasted cheese etc. Carree and Mrs R decline going. Mrs Croft a great talker and talks pretty well. Niece of Made D'Arblays, noone else but Mrs Charlton, her niece and sister in law. Amuse ourselves with talk, adventures by rail and coaches. Drew at bank £10.

7th

Confirmation at Sherborne, Yetminster and Evershot. Bishop Dennison a fine man, 6 ft 8 in? Charles confirmed, about 150 in all go to church with children, Carree and Mrs Rooke. Merely the Litany read by the vicar, the confirmation and an address to the confirmed, simple and good. Walk with Mrs R etc to the Dancing Land and at 5 walk to the ruins of the old castle etc, better than I expected. Worth seeing, a noble piece of building, once well built. Receive letter from Frank urgent about accounts from Capt Seymour declining to take Caie Forgan, he can accommodate himself at Llanmadock. Dull mild day but colder, much so a.m.

8th

Mrs Rooke here goes today. Mr Southwill calls at breakfast time, brought in Mr Smith for London, going to be married, off by Salisbury coach. Mr S stays some time, borrow two books, Chronicles of a Clay Farm and Charles book, Cotton on Confirmation. I return him Newland on Tractarianism. Mr Rooke comes about 12.00 to dine with his 2 boys, Edwin and Alfred, the first plain and quiet, the latter otherwise. Have a good dinner for them, laver etc, they leave after 3 or 4 for Mr Southwill's etc. A day quite broken up or I ought to work so take a walk with Carree and Frank by the park and to the Dorchester Road through the wood, Lovers Walk, gather flowers. Meet Mrs Spencer. Very cold and windy, very cold!!! Quite unwell all evening and sleep on sofa. Do nothing all evening and all day but read Lord J Russell on Education Bill. Charles from school ill.

9th

Slept very badly, rise with great pain in back and loins etc, seldom free from it. Must be at accounts, balance my accounts since 6th inst. Cold day, all day at accounts, Mr Beor's Gower account analysed etc. Communicate with Bedford Square. Mr & Mrs Henning call dinner time, can't come in. Mr Fussell here early to see Johnny under treatment and from school some days. Get out only after tea. Return Mr Ffook's key of ruins and go to Reading Room - the Queen another son, the 4th, 8th child. Round by Long Street, home at 9.00.

Sunday. Milder weather, at church, Mr Parsons does duty. Finish a letter to Frank, London, about accounts. Get a short walk with Carree before tea. Extraordinarily sleepy all day. My health is not good.

11th

Cold and dull day. Read Illustrated, about the hot bed etc. Read papers Illustrated, St. James, Cambrian etc. Call with Carree on old Mr Highmore, 1st call. Mr Stevens there, call on Major Dawe - out, Mrs Fussell - in. Not seen her for a long time. Wander about, meet Mrs Hoddinot and walk home with her and see her garden and cucumber frame etc. Mrs Crofts, Mrs and Miss Charlton and Mr and Mrs Hoddinot at tea and supper. Spend a pleasant evening.

12th

At accounts all day in matter with Mr Beor and tithes and write to him and send his 2 books back. A long letter to him explanatory of his accounts and calling for explanation from him. Write also to William in law matter, posted by Johnny. Garden a little, earth cabbage for exercise etc. Not out till after tea. Mr Badgers lecture on Slavery, Africa, Sierra Leone etc. Not uninteresting, too long, too monotonous. Missionaries making great progress by his account. Return home with Mr & Mrs Highmore, many children at the lecture.

13th

Very cold north west wind, gloomy. Slept wretchedly, can't sleep all day, analysing Mr Beor's account of tithe charged to me etc. Mr & Mrs Dawe, the sister and brother-in-law Burrows or Boroughs, call. He chaplain at Gibraltar for years and returning tomorrow. 1 cart of hot dung from Mees, help Charles to get it put up. Attend to the hot bed and repot some plants doing bad. Mr Nunn here tonight instead of last night. Read St James Chronicle, Gladstone and speech as Chancellor. Some little rain, very cold, dig in garden late for exercise. Not out all day.

14th

Cold frosty morning, attended to hot bed, quite cold, got manure yesterday put in too late. Put the earth around a little in order. Mr Hoddinott's man comes to thatch a little. Receive letter from HJM Swansea and write to him long letter. EM also had just gone to Cheltenham etc. Enter accounts 1845. Out early to Mrs Fenwick's and Mrs Croft's. Read Sherborne paper. Out with Carree after, call on Mrs Harper and go to the Bristol Road about spar stones and the allotment. Green labourer, Parry mason, exorbitant nonsense, call at Cox about a barrow.

15th

Cold but fine dry weather, out early with Carree as to Mr Morris, pony and carriage for Mrs Crofts. Go to the bank, draft £10. Shop at Penns etc plant and sow seed in hot bed, meant fully to have been at accounts all day. Am going to Yeovil, start at 2.00.

16th

Cold dry day and small attempt at rain once. Put the plants bought yesterday in order and send Mrs Ball hers, Mr Stevens calls with celery seed, Mr Fussell sends canary plant seed, Mrs Badger calls to ask Emma to teach at the school Sundays. Carree sows flower seeds, help put some beds ready for spinach etc, all day in garden and at the dancing school. Walk at 5 with Carree and Frank to the park, see hundreds!? of swallows! Saw a solitary one yesterday. After tea to the town, hair cut. Tea at Stokes, lb of raisins at Harding's and vinegar, order beer at Whittles, soda and ginger at Rogers. Home and enter accounts. Receive tonight letter from WM.

18th

Sunday. Mr Williams does the duty, collection under the Queen's letter, National Society, don't like it, 6d. At 3 Mr Parsons does duty, go on both occasions with Carree and children. Spend evening badly, read Cambrian, took a walk to park with Carree and children.

Monday. Dry and dull and mild, all day at home. Not out of the gate, about geraniums, meant to be at accounts. Once out, no getting in again. Sow seeds, spinach and lettuce, canary seed etc. Mr & Mrs Henning call early, I not fit to see them but set decency at defiance. Quarrel with Charles because he is sulking about his shed. Men come and help about the zinc etc so I help in the evening and later receive letter again from WM about accounts. Attend to it and con it over immediately and write copy of it. Spend 0. Miss Little, Miss F gardens with Emma and has tea with us.

19th

A change in the weather, rain. Most beautiful mild rain this evening after 5.00. Not from the house and garden all day. 2 men finish off and thatch Charles' shed. Pay them, work, spars, twine, nails 9/-, dear work! Write to WM & HJM, Penmaen. At accounts for WM, difficult to make out. Mees sends me 1 cart hot dung, Houndsell at work. Children have whole holiday at Mrs Charton's and lose music this evening at tea at Wilmot's. Guppy sends book shelves, arrange the books. Have a fussy fagging day. Servants scolded, eating fresh bread and giving us the stale, so like them, and then declare they did not know it and cry and give warning.

20th

Beautiful mild pleasant day, at a party at Mr & Mrs Steven's, Castleton, tonight; a splash affair for Sherborne, very good supper. At accounts in morning, am not from the house till I go to the party. In the garden all day when out of the house. A man at work. Write to EM at Worcester, Miss Rudd's, tomorrow received 2nd letter from him, he may come here. Forget to insert today diary till Friday. Expenditure, I think, nothing.

21st

Dull doubtful day, very seasonable. Do not, as I intended, touch my accounts. At the hot bed after being at the Reading Room all morning, reading Gladstone's budget and can't finish it. Most luminous affair, 5 ½ hours. Many come to the rooms. Garden a little, sow some seed in hot bed and attend to Houndsell, an idle fool. At 7, with Carree, to see a Major Hammond … invite only Mr Henning, Mr Clipping and Mr Heale from Poinnington. Her sister, Mrs Warren, q one of the sisters of Charity of Miss Sellon(?)? Home early, sleepy affair. Was out in the town with Charles about 5.00 to Guppy's about boards etc for the shed in garden.

22nd

Mild dull and rather wet after a beautiful mild wet night. Finish the budget speech, 16 columns of the Times, property tax not to expire till 1860 etc. Miles brings in cucumber plants. Kill snails and slugs, most plentiful. Mrs Croft's infant in fits, very ill. I ought to write to WM, letter and accounts half finished for him, can't get it done, ever interrupted. Mr & Mrs Morris return from Bath, a month's visit, yesterday. All the evening helping Charles at his verses, in bed late. Rain again tonight. Took a walk after dinner with Carree, weather threatening, to see Mr Nunn. Cross the meadows below Dancing Hill round by the bridge, call on the Babbingtons, hear about Australia, Melbourne, new settlement. Get wet coming home.

23rd

Call only on Mr & Mrs Morris, Mrs Croft's child better, a long confab about Bath etc etc. Set down to accounts for WM about 11.00. Post a letter for Uckfield 4.30, call with Carree from dancing room on Captain Hammond and Mrs James, both out. Home and walked to Park Gate, Mr Nunn's music lesson nights changed. Read Quarterly, cutting up budget of Disraeli, seems just. Colder day than usual, fine.

Sunday. Awful wet morning, I only able to get to church, Castleton, very few there. Mr Badger does duty, clears off before 1.00. At church again at 3 with Carree and children, Mr Williams does duty, tea early, walk with the other children after tea to the park middle gate, children catch knats(sic). Keeper tells me heard cuckoo week ago close by Lord Digby's. Carree and I call on Mr & Mrs Morris and sit there all the evening. Charles dropped in, I take nothing.

25th

Wet again last night returning from Mr Morris, showery dull cold day. Hail, wind northerly. Not from home, tax gatherer calls, assessed taxes. Sow a few seeds, parsley, and plant a few chalots(sic). Children late at school morning, we late too at breakfast. Read Illustrated etc, not from home all morning, far from well etc. Read a magazine little, enter up some accounts in Letts Diary 1847. The 2 Misses Steven's spend evening with us, tea and music and a few polkas. Homely fare. Wet evening after 5.00 and cold day.

26th

Beautiful morning after a rough day yesterday. Attend to hot bed and pick a few stones. Mrs D Highmore and Mrs Morris call. Walk with Carree to Sherrings about a tongue etc, call on Mrs Ball, Miss Fenwick there, talk of Ireland. Walk to Park Gate, back to tea., told geraniums should be watered with tea (no sugar unless you like) to make them grow. Out with Charles after tea to pay crockery, buy rope. Very cold.

27th

Cold, very cold, for season, how can the swallows live! 2 pair wood pigeons of Parsons of Long Burton, talk to him about eggs etc for the children. Arrange the lines for drying clothes in the garden, put casters under an armchair, the one of Mrs Rowlandson. Pay Parson for roses, ivy, rhubarb etc. Get out after dinner with Carree and the children to give order at shops for jelly etc, buy cakes etc. Go to the Reading Room for half an hour, debate on budget adjourned. Out after tea, call on Clapping to invite to party on Friday, find him ill and again on Mr Henning, same purpose. Take bread and cheese with him, not home till 11.00.

28th

Cold for the season but fine. Houndsell mows the grass 1st time. Enquire next door for grass seed and see some pigs killed for sale, how late to kill pigs. Carree has cold breakfasts in bed. I am not well neither (sic). Mrs Crofts calls, I am very sleepy. Get out to execute commissions. Mr Melmoth's aunt dead, can't come to our party. Go to newsroom, how very cold! Charles has verses in the evening. Glad to get repose by the fire. What a day spent, most unsatisfactory.

29th

A wet day, all day at home helping Charles at long verses. Sow a few… sun on the lawn and prepare for the party this evening. A pleasant party this evening for Dr & Mrs Highmore, Bartlett and his sister, Goldsmith, Herring, Captain Hammond and Miss Warren his wife's sister, Mr & Mrs Stevens and daughter, Mr & Mrs Morris and have supper; all passes off well and agreeable. Music and prints.

30th

A beautiful day and hot at times after wet and cold of yesterday. Sow some seed, rather off hinges after yesterday. Sow scarlet runners and French beans till dinner time. Mr & Mrs Cousins call. Call with Carree to see Miss Parsons drawings for the bazaar, the old man very agreeable, shows me his garden premises and grapery. We go with them to the dancing room. Talk with David of Swansea, now Ilfracombe. Shop at Ensor's with Carree, go to the Reading Room late, meet Mr Herring, no news.

May 1853

1st (Sunday)

More pleasant day but still chilly. Mr Badger does duty. Charles receives sacrament first time after confirmation. Again to church at 3.00, Mr Badger, his annual sermon, on creation. Walk with the Misses Stevens to the park after tea. Walk alone by Coldharbour and on the Bath road, an idle day.

2nd

Get 3 carts of gravel from Mr Hoddinot, 2 before 7.30am. Call early on Mr Hoddinot, ill, to enquire of him and to get Lamb to help get in gravel. He comes at ½ day, drunk, but contrives to do a little after a few falls and sad mistakes. Houndsell comes, accidents, after breakfast ¾ day and so we finish it. I work all day and Charles helps a little to wheel in etc. How much neater it looks. Stevens call, Mrs Charton too and before tea walk to her garden all of us. Tea late and help Johnny at verses.

3rd

Write to EM at Willey as to coming here. Wet day, how lucky having the gravel yesterday. Most seasonable weather, growing day. Write letters; Mrs James, Mr F Morris, … Sadler and EM Willey. About hot bed in the evening. Transplant many things etc, not from home, read a little but slack about reading now, overwhelmed with club books. Most seasonable weather.

4th

Beautiful mild weather, walk with Carree and the younger children to gather cowslips etc. up old Dorset Road called Gainsborough Hill and to the wood called Lover's Walk. Little Fenwick and Hy Dawe with us, very pleasant in the wood. The birds and spring reminding me of happier days long gone by. Was at the Reading Room a.m. and pay the bill. The Lancers (a troop) to come, how! billeted this evening. Just miss seeing at tea time and forget to see them go on to Dorset at 9.00a.m. tomorrow, what a pity. School reports sadly put me out as to CEM.

5th

Most beautiful day. Deceived as to the Lancers, no more, all passed yesterday. Children disappointed at the Antelope. Go to the bun shop Hilary's as a little compensation. Now to the Reading Room, no news. Out early to Chapman, blacksmith, meet Hoddinot, read Quarterly etc. Dine at Rev Mr Henning's. Accounts from Mr Beor as to tithes etc. Meet Mr Stevens, Major Dawe, Captain Hammond. Thomas Ffooks, Bartlett, schoolmaster Mr James, Clappin, Bull, Pearce. Break up 10.30, very agreeable.

6th

Slept badly after party yesterday. Pain in the back all today and intolerably sleepy. Dropped into Mr Morris last night to get Carree and Emma who took tea there. Sat half an hour at grog and give account of myself. Fulfil my engagement, made then and there to bring the rod and line in the river. 3 hours and neither of us get a nibble. Wind northeast. Return at 1.00. Carree ill all morning, toothache. I am irresistibly sleepy and tired in the chair. Try to conquer it by work in garden before tea, help Charles about verses, the Bull and Mouse.

7th

A wet day and very very cold. Am not from the house all day. Read Edinburgh Review, do not copy tithe papers as intended sent from Swansea by B for trustees. Children go dancing. Mr Nunn comes to music lessons. Receive letter from Mrs James, not coming to Sherborne in June. EM moves from Willey and hopes to come to Sherborne.

Sunday. Very cold, dry. Carree not well. I go with children and Mr Roper preaches for the missionaries. Charity 6d. We have too much begging. Mr Harper read prayers, a stranger also read in the evening. Mr Parsons preached. Sat in Mr Fussell's pew and hear very well. Drop in to enquire of Mr Hoddinot, take tea and stay supper to eat cucumber etc. Charles with me, wrong of me!

9th

Excessively cold. Tis May and like December. Men in street rapping their hands to get warmth. Wind strong north west, some heavy hail showers. Write to EM, Rousham. Twice at King's Arms to enquire as to the Salisbury coach. Meet Mr Morris going to Weymouth. Read papers. Chapman put up iron to support standard roses etc. Hill brings up Mr F's roller again. I am far from well. Boys at verses in evening, help Johnny little.

10th

A fine day, sunny and cheerful but still very crisp and cold. At home all morning, transplant a few things about hot bed. Read Female Jesuit, Henrietta. Hoddinot calls and Mrs Goldsmith, call on Major Dawe and see all his garden and premises, very comfortable. Call on Mr Henning, take tea with him and walk up Cwm[1] Valley to the intended water works. Shaft 30 ft deep and then tunnel between to lay the pipes so as to supply Sherborne 1 mile off. Return over the fields. Search quarries for spar, none. See Mr Henning's stables etc and home. Read the Female Jesuit.

11th

A May like day, bright and calm. About home all morning, put up 80 ft of copper wire front of hot bed & tie up ivy etc etc to hide the hot bed. A morning's work. The two Mrs Ridouts call. Help Charles at the shed. Move and rearrange sticks etc. Alter and transplant a few things at the hot bed. Water all. Mrs Hoddinot calls, Mrs Morris and Mrs Croft ditto. Walk with Carree, Ag and F to the Park Gate, call at Mr Stevens, he ill. See his greenhouse and garden. Carpet taken up and beat by Mr Hoddinot's man. Read Female Jesuit. Mr Nunn's music night.

12th

Dull gloomy cold day again, when shall we have summer?! Rain, tho' glass high, after 7.00p.m. Garden little early then about town en dishabille. Order Mr Morris pony car for 2.00 and go to Cox's at 2.30. Start for Dr Lyon's to return a call at Bishops Caundle (there are several Caundles), a capital house and garden, grapery, greenhouse etc evergreens. Thrushes sing beautifully, garden full of nests. A good view for Dorset. 6 miles from Sherborne, one gate only, home by 6.30. Wet a little after tea.

13th

Dull damp disagreeable and chilly. Am not from the house all today. Read Female Jesuit, have erisypalis in the eyes, very annoying and far from well. Read St James's Chronicle, Carree writes to Charmouth. Help Charles at verses, Hawk and Dove. I am far from well today and unfit to attend to work. Two letters received here for EM who has not written to say he is coming with Lizzie and Emily. What costs me this by Elizabeth Lewis? Hunt for garden seeds to sow, q. I have lost them or children sow them for flowers!

14th

Milder but dull again. What gloomy weather. What a backward season! The most so tis said since 1832!! Not out all the morning till after early dinner. Walk with Carree to call on Mrs Hoddinot, not at home; call on Mr Henning, alone. Meet there Major Dawe and Mr Pearce. Sit with him a long call, then to the dancing school. Frank, Charles, Emma and Aggie all learn. Mr Smith speaks in great praise of Frank. Johnny there today as an amateur. Go to Ensor's shop after for trousers for Charles, no letter from EM, suppose at Mr Moore's of Bradfield. Walk late with Carree to the park when Mr Nunn gives lessons in music.

Sunday. Sacrament, do not stay. Sit in Major Dawe's pew, Mr Badger does duty. Walk round by meadows (Purley) and Castleton home. At Castleton Church in evening, Mr Badger, call after on Mr Stevens all alone. Comes on very cold and dull and return home for the evening. Read Cambrian and Scotts Bible. 1 chapter of St. John XX.

16th

Dull but much more like May, warmer and some gentle rain. Letter from EM, expect him by the Salisbury coach, is driven to the door about 7.00. Finish the Female Jesuit, what a strange book; hypocrisy exposed, how much of it is in the world, the worst weed that grows, it has ruined me in many ways at various times, I hate it!! The club (friendly) perambulates the town with plays and music. At 7 wait about the Kings Arms for the coach while EM, Lizzie and Emily are sat down at the house. Meet EM coming to meet me and Charles, home to tea. All's right and agreeable. Mrs Charton's pupils have a whole holiday, time hangs heavy with our children.

17th

A beautiful morning, I am up earlier than usual to seek a workman. Expect hot manure, busy in the garden in and out etc. Am up early this morning to get a man for the garden, fresh manure expected. 2 cart loads come. Get it in etc. Club procession again today. Write to WM. Walked to the park, accidentally I meet Mr Stevens having keys of Lord Digby's private grounds and see all, a great treat, what beautiful cedars.

18th

HJM arrives at Sherborne this evening from Bristol about 7.00. Write notes for dinner party tomorrow, all disappointments. Call at Mr Hennings early, not in town, Major Dawe engaged. How many times did I walk up and down to Cheap Street today? Shop at Ensor's and show Lucy etc the town and Mr Harper's garden etc.

19th

Mr Stevens dines with us today and we have an evening party, 4 or 5 schoolboys etc. All very pleasant and agreeable with the Fenwicks, Ladies and Miss Ball, Haywood, Jim or Jack Price, Evans. Call on Guppy about rough wood for blind fence in the garden.

20th

Splendid fine weather, off early by agreement with the ladies, EM and HJM to call on Mr Stevens and see Lord Digby's hot houses and garden and again walk in the pleasure garden. Lord Digby's garden most neatly kept, not a weed, strawberries ripe in hot houses and being sent to London. Am very tired with heat. Mrs Morris and Mrs Crofts call. Walk on the Dancing Hill after tea, play at quoits by accident there with Pritchard and Hayward, I ring twice and get two games out of three. HJM plays and pretty well too. Look at the new houses in Newland with EM and HJM, badly built etc.

21st

Splendid hot fine day, off early with EM and HJM to see Mr Wilmot's silk thread manufactury, well worth seeing and his garden and hot houses etc. On return talk with Roberts ironmonger as to fitting up hot houses etc etc. Factory girls sing well, fine accompaniment to the whirr of machinery. Mr Wilmot most civil, explains all the machinery and about the silk, Chinese and Italian. Go to the dancing room after eating up a whole leg of Welsh mutton, a party of 11 at dinner! HJM furnished the eatables. At the Dancing Land late, play quoits with Pritchard, Hayward, EM, HJM and Charles. Go to the Reading Room late.

Sunday. Go 9 or 10 to church, I and Emma in Major Dawe's seat. HJM goes to Castleton, Mr Parsons does duty. Mr Badger in evening, tea early and walk with children and Mr Stevens, HJM and EM to Hayden Church and wander about the park, Jerusalem Hill etc very beautiful.

23rd

Up early to see EM and HJM off by the bus at 7.30; bus full with them. Water plants etc and write notes from baby to Mrs Morris and Mrs Crofts in answer to birthday presents. Captain Hammond calls, drive Lizzie and Emily, Baby and Lewis to Trent; famous as concealing Charles II after Battle of Worcester and a church (Mr Turner, Rector) profusely ornamented, windows, pulpit, pavement etc. Children's party in evening in honour of Alice's birthday, what a noise.

24th

Whenever children get unexpected holiday tis a day lost, not knowing how to arrange it. Never go to the Reading Room now, garden is all the go in some way or other. Walk after dinner to Dancing Hill, thought to get play at quoits. A party Sir Brock plays, prevents. Walk towards the keepers, return by the kitchen garden wall. Thought to walk out late, so very hot, but do not.

25th

What wonderful hot weather. Garden little, sift earth for hot bed etc, out to the town before dinner. Meet Carree and Lucy buying ribbons and bonnet at Penn's. Call on Mr R Wilmot [a] meet Mr JW and arrange to see the factory about 3.00. Go with Carree, Lucy, Emily and Miss Charton's pupils of ours, and Fenwick, Charles and Johnny to the Westbury Factory and Mr Wilmot junior kindly shows us over it and the garden. The Judas tree in blossom, blossom like a pea flower. Return by Dancing Hill, hear from HJM returned to Swansea who goes to Gower today. Water strawberries with Charles till 10.00 night etc. Rebecca the cook quarrels as usual about the water and means to be off, good riddance, horrid temper! Read Illustrated.

26th

Continued very hot summer weather, water all the plants, much wanting it. Mr Stevens sends me a large cactus. Read St James paper, Carree writes to Charmouth. Prepare for a tea picnic to the Stoot or Honeycomb round by Castleton and the 6 children, baby carried in a horse cloth held at 4 corners. 2 Stevens boys, 4 Fenwicks, 2 servants Elizabeth and Lewis. Enjoy it much after the uphill toil to get there. Too hazy to see a splendid view. Hunt birds eggs, juveniles play hide and seek - romps. Not home till past 9.00. Great difference of opinion as to the road home, vary it to the other side of the town by Stiby's Farm Green Hill, no accidents, no misfortunes!!! How beautifully the birds sing.

27th

Not out of the garden all day, very very hot. Out and about the hot bed, transplant young struck fuchsias and vegetable marrow, sift earth etc etc. Hard work in the sun. Carree and Lizzie get out to return calls. Mrs Highmore, old and young call. 2 Misses Hoddinot call and read St James paper. Mrs Morris, Mrs Crofts and Rev Mr Henning tea with us. Charles has verses, mouse and frog quarrel and while fighting kite takes both. Not in bed till past 12.00 and in consequence all oversleep tomorrow morning!! What a pity, what a pity!!!!!!

28th

A beautiful mild rain, much wanted. All the household late, nobody up at 7.30. Children not to school a.m., poor Johnny sadly put out as to it. Must get rid of Rebecca the cook as incorrigible and a horrid temper. HJM and EM return from Wells by the bus this evening at 7.00 and are set down at the door. A good deal of heavy rain and hail and thunder. They get none in travelling. Play at quoits with Pritchard in Mr Wilmot's meadow, too wet for it. Quoits slipathe church. Mr Parsons does duty, in evening Mr Badger. Take a walk into the park, gent(s) only and Mr Stevens joins us, quite cold.

30th

A fine day, neglected to be entered till Friday and cannot recall it so take no note of time but from its loss! Henry dines at Mr Nixon's and he comes here to tea and plays a rubber and Mr Fussell comes also. I, EM and HJM cut in alternately. Mrs Highmore calls. I called on Nixon and borrow cards.

31st

Fine dry weather and hot a.m. Charles and Johnny late again at school, very annoying. HJM, Charles and Johnny walk by Honeycombe. Emily walks back instead of Johnny, place too wooded, quite a botanical garden, great variety. Home to tea, very cool. Very tired at night, after tea can do nothing.

June 1853

1st (Wednesday)

Quite summer weather, hot enough to please an Indian. A cat got into the greenhouse last night to kill the canaries and spoil some plants and breaks some pots, tis well she did not kill the birds and strange also. We catch a cock sparrow. Children left the door open late last night. Plant a few cuttings in hot bed, Bob Fenwick calls, walked to the town early with EM and HJM, the ladies gone for ribbons. Walk down to Hoddinot's farm to see the machine at work and back by footpath over Lenty. Water some plants late in the evening, very hot night. Bricks and mortar brought by Chapman 10.15 night!!! for Charles shed.

2nd

Very fine, very hot, about hot bed all morning. EM and Lizzie go to Hawkins before dinner about papers. Call with EM and HJM on Major Dawe, out at the cricket club Lenty. Call on Fussell also and invited to tea, cards. Call also on Melmoth to see his garden, makes us come in to wine and join 3 jolly farmers, Chapman of Lymington, --- of Yetminster and --- of ---, most respectable men. Melmoth gives up some excellent port and makes us have one of claret, very good wine. See his garden and tea at Fussell's and play a rubber and sup, I lose. Not home till 12.00. A boy from Banbury or Bloxham, sharp nice looking boy, quite ignorant of a church etc.

3rd

A fine and dry morning, cooler. Chimney of kitchen swept, receive a letter from Southover enclosing one from Dawson as to now completion of purchase in Gower. Out after dinner with EM, chiefly at Bishop's the sadlers, EM enquiring about harness and everything, buys a few things. In the evening take a long walk with children, little Fenwicks and Mr Fussell to Gainsborough Hill, rural and pleasant, hares and rabbits etc etc. Home to supper and bed.

4th

Beautiful day, not too hot nor too cold. At greenhouse and hot bed all morning. A horse brush at Bishops will do for a clothes brush, not of hair. Buy some flower pots Gartell's. Play quoits with HJM on Dancing Hill till 8.00, beat him 3 games. Again after dinner with EM and HJM at Bishop's saddler instead of going to dancing, get there late and go to White's hairdresser.

Sunday. With EM, Lizzie, Carree etc to Castleton Church, Mr Badger does duty, Mr Stevens not in church. In future this church should be in the evening. At church again at 3.00, walked into the park late. Mrs Morris and Mrs Crofts called on EM etc.

6th

All rise at 5.00, breakfast before 6. EM, Lizzie and Emily off at 6 with 2 horses and fly for Dorchester, early train for Brighton and Lewes. 2nd breakfast at 8.00. Doubtful sort of day proves dry. Hoddinot calls, go to see his hay cutter and his garden with HJM. A little rain. HJM finishes his sittings with Miss Cox for his portrait, tis like and not like. Call with HJM on Johnson about horse for tomorrow to Charmouth, nothing settled. A long broken today, all unsettled, dull and queer. Work in the garden. etc.

7th

HJM settles to drive me and Carree to Charmouth to see Mrs James, start at 10.00, very fine day. Drive Carree and HJM by Thornford, Yetminster, Milbury by Lord Ilchester's house, a fine place, by Evershot (a holiday, a club), can scarce get food for horse or man. One inn all engaged. See the church all new built. Leave Beaminster on the left, bad advice, go onto Broadwindsor and find no short cut to Charmouth. Arrive about 6.00 all safe. HJM sleeps at Mrs Hughes. All well, settled for the night, walk late with HJM to the seaside.

8th

A beautiful morning comes on a fog, mist and wet evening. At Charmouth and for rest of evening. Leave Charmouth 3.15 after early dinner, call on Mrs Hughes and Mr Norris and show Henry Lyme from top of the hill. A fossil, half a polished ammonite of the old man, 5/-. Return, Henry drives, by Bridport, Beaminster, what a long hill out of it, had tea at the White Hart, very dear and not good. Through Corscombe village, Hailford, Closworth and Ryme, Yetminster, by 10.30. The road very winding and irregular and narrow. Gave Mary 1/- and a bonnet box. Get a little supper and glad to go to bed. I prefer this road to ... Yeovil and Crewkerne, all the routes are roundabout and hilly. By Beaminster is far the pleasantest most habitable sort of country throughout, Beaminster most fertile, too wooded with trees.

9th

Dull day, some quiet misty rain a.m., all day about home, hot bed, plants etc. Write to the Priory and Mr Hearne of Buckingham for the deaf and dumb assylum for Henry, Mr Stevens called as above. Cleaned out the greenhouse etc, worked in the garden about potatoes. Mrs Fussell calls. Walk with Carree and HJM to the post and by Snake Lane to Castleton. Call on Mrs Ball, meet Mr Harper and Mrs H. Henry in his element talking of Dublin and Ireland. Work late in the garden at weeding. Enter my diary and accounts. Receive letter from WM.

10th

A dull gloomy damp morning, out early with HJM to the Reading Room after calling on Mr Nixon, no news. Then walk in gentle rain to Mee's of the Kings Arms to enquire of EM and up Acreman Street to call on a blind man about a case for a blackbird and walk to see the works for the reservoir and home by Coldharbour. It proves a thorough wet evening. Read the papers, Illustrated and Cambrian.

11th

Go to the dancing school last day, 2 crackers let off in the room, row about it. Who are the delinquents? Ernest Fussell and Johnny accused, is not brought home to anyone. Carree and I call on the Hennings after walking round to show HJM Mrs Greys fields etc.

Sunday. I sit in Mr Morris's pew at the church, north transept. Can't hear well. Mr Harper reads, Mr Williams preaches. Castleton Church 3.00, Mr Williams reads, Mr Henning preaches, a good plain practical sermon. Call at the Stevens, Mrs S and daughters returned home. Take a long walk with HJM to the water works up Cwm Valley and round by Castleton turnpike gate, quite tired.

13th

A fine day, brisk wind, no rain. A wicker bird cage of blind man in Acreman St and about hot bed 1/6. Write to Captain Hurdis for a vote for Dumb and Deaf Asylum, civil. Called with Carree and HJM to call on Mr & Mrs Henning [Captain and Mrs Hammond out] and Carree on Mrs Harper. HJM and I wait at Rogers. Comes on a wet evening, go to Ensors shop etc. At Geeke's workshop in the evening, see him work etc. Call at Cox's etc. Mr Fussell, Miss Henrietta Hoddinot and Mr Stoco tea with us and supper, Welsh Rabbit, order one dozen pints porter, play rubber and lose 6d.

14th

A fine day and close, thundery. Feel anything than well all day. Out with HJM to see Bishop the saddler about Captain Kay's horse etc. Go to the butcher's etc, see the horse at the Antelope now taken from Johnson's stables and have a long conversation with Hill the coach maker about carriages, laws and lawyers - what a character he gives of attorneys. After dinner, out with Carree and HJM to post letters. Call at Mr Fussell's about Frank and take wine with the Doctor. Walk after tea with HJM to Dancing Hill and home by Castleton factory, very tired and sleepy in evening, can do nothing and felt not well all day. Emma gets a prize at Mrs Charlton's School and is justly proud about it and so am I.

15th

No school before breakfast, Charles and J actually late and get no breakfast from 9.00. A very close day, dull damp and sultry. Evening comes on steady rain at intervals. I am not from the garden, Houndsell half a day's work prepares for celery. I plant 40 plants EM brought me from Cheltenham. Houndsell by ½ cwt of potatoes, helped Charlie a little about his shed. Work makes me wonderfully hot from some cause or other. Read the last number of Bleak house coming to a climax, Lady Deadlock! But is it the French governess. Mrs Charlton's School has broken up. Johnson is here and we have some sort of explanation about Captain Kay's horse removed from the stables to the Antelope on sale. My name, through HJM, been mixed up about it. Horse soon sold and so it ends.

16th

A fine morning, at home all morning about garden hot bed etc. Mrs Morris and Miss Creswick call. Mr Clapin ditto. At 4 walk with HJM to Silver Lake by foot path, meet Miss Charlton etc by Mr Ensor's, talk about Bristol and conveyance there, they going to Hayle, Cornwall, this day week. Fish at Silver Lake, I have one fish, return in haste for tea at 7.00. None till 8 again. Met Mrs Charlton and talk, Mrs McCready's, Mr and Mrs Henning later to tea, reason explained, they spend the evening and sup, go at 12.00. HJM talking of going, etc and does not know where east or west according to Gazelle and the... ... etc all for vessels and freights etc.

17th

The school prizes and exhibitions awarded, Jones of Bishopston, Gower, gets this the first exhibition awarded value £40 per an for 4 years for Oxford. A beautiful day, long kept waiting for this interesting and affecting scene. Hammond gets also prizes for the first class, Evans of Merthyr, Hayward of Gloucester, little Highmore, boarders all get minor prizes. Little Fussell, Stevens, Chapman mason's son, Spencer etc get inferior prizes of books for various acquirements. The whole examination for a high character as the examiners Mr Riddle and Kitchen, the latter a most pleasant man and agreeable, speakers said. Have a cold luncheon of the first order at Mr Harper's in the library. Walk to the park after tea late. Measure a beautiful oak spreading over an area of 30 yd diameter and about 20 ft circumference of very noble growth.

18th

Dull morning, HJM leaves at 9.00 by Salisbury coach for London. See him off, walk by the Black Horse and Long Street not to miss the coach, shaving time too close. Mrs Gent charges him 1/6 a night for bed for 26 nights!!! Work in the garden all a.m., after dinner go to Lenty to see cricket, school against town, former win. Henry Turner a good player at bat, all better than I thought. Good fielding. Mr Riddle of Oxford very good. Doubtful, dull chilly day. Mr Harper invites me to tea before going with Hayward and Cuthbertson to Stoco to quoits on the Dancing Land till 9.00.

Sunday. Very showery, thunder etc. Carree and I get wet going to church. Mr Parsons does all the duty; the Oxford dons do not assist, I thought they might. Again at church at 3, children go. Heavy rain again just as we get home, Mr Williams does all the duty. Am not out again, read Cambrian in the evening, a Sunday evening ill spent, not unusual with me.

20th

Cox the carpenter... putting up shelves and making and fitting end windows for greenhouse, a too busy day. About the garden all day, sow some lettuce, transplant some fuschias etc. Write to EM and send some celery plants. Attend book club at 7. Spend evening, tea etc at Mr Morris, Mrs William Game, Carree and Mrs Croft sing etc, a good supper. Mr Nixon and Mr James Hoddinot etc there. Charles and Johnny and Emma.

21st

Clean up the garden. A most fussy day, bills sent in, Mrs Croft and Mrs Morris call at different times. Write 3 letters, S Infirmary, SW Rail and to William, make enquiries about proxies and stamps at stamp office, call on Mr Fussell, see him. Prepare to pack up, some rain this evening. Shall not finish packing all night I suspect. Silver packed sent next door.

22nd

Leave Sherborne at 7.30, beautiful, fortunate in weather. Tremendous load full all way, 16 passengers and a wagon of luggage. Many refused and left, yesterday it broke down, a narrow escape for us. Mrs Charlton was a passenger yesterday and hurt. We ought to be thankful, I am. Arrive before 2 just in time to escape a wet evening. Children and servants sleep at the Bull. Send luggage to the packet, walk in evening to Egan's tailor for Johnny, measured. Magic lantern in evening at Mr Morgan. I am awfully sleepy and so is Charles. We are up all night packing and cording.

23rd

Up early to see children off by the Beresford packet at 8.00. I, Charles and Carree walk down back to breakfast. Can find no bus to go to Mr Gape's, wrong time of today. After many doubts and disputes, Charles and I walk, uncertain about distance, to Bath Easton. Oh! How hot and how the shoe pinches, get there!! just in time to get back again. Find him in, midst of hay and in shirt sleeves. Get a hasty snack of bread and cheese and beer and see the premises etc, a very pretty place. Find 3 cousins there, Pena and one of them ride to Bath to see Carree at the station, left alone at Bath to walk in the park. Carree in case of wanting … Fly back to Park Street from High Street just in time for dinner. Go with Mr Morgan to the Institution in evening, no news.

24th

Fine day again, children had a splendid passage down to Swansea yesterday. This evening it clouds and mists over and the wind gets up strong. Out with Carree and Charles to the city to see about packets. Call at Egan's and the Bull. Carree tired of waiting at Nately's. Mrs Morgan, Carree, Mrs and Miss Grigg and a Swiss governess Grevillier walk to the Down, so do I. Meet Mrs Thomas, call on Mr Richard Edwards, Miss E at home and the other children. Find Carree and take her there. Charles finds us there. Bob Fenwick dines with us. We try to turn the table, mesmerism, fail but turn a hat, a fact.

25th

Leave Bristol for Cowbridge. No ‘Jenny Jones' steamer for Cardiff, non est inventus, take the Newport, fortunately there, 8.45, wet passage to Newport. A young and agreeable captain, son-in-law of Davies of Swansea packet. Bread and cheese and wander with Carree to the church, beautifully situated. The town far more habitable than we thought. Leave at 2.00 2nd class for Bridgend, find Mr Edmunds who takes her to Llanblethian in his gig. Charles and I hire a capital horse and car at the Ship. A curious old fellow, once a groom of Captain Entwisel. Dine at 6.00, how fortunate we have been in weather, what a pretty place is Llanblethian, get into good quarters, no tidings of the children till tomorrow.

Sunday. Fine a.m., walk to Cowbridge Church, Mr Edmunds Rector his stepson, a curious eccentric clever young man (Rees or Howell) nephew of Dr Howell of Swansea, reads the lessons. Wet walk back, a thorough wet evening again, at church at Llanbleithian, duty same as Cowbridge. Dined early, write to Mr M, Bristol, in evening.

27th

Monday again wet, fearful weather. Much hay out but not here. Mr Edmunds goes to quarter sessions at Cardiff. Not accounted for somehow up to Saturday, 1/1, no wonder, morning about and ever hand in packet and all committed to memory and not to pocket book. Am not out of the house all today, an evening party at Mr Edmunds, the Powell's, he the heir of the old Welsh music(?): rector? of Uckfield in Sussex, the native place of my aunt Mrs Mabbott. See his portrait tomorrow blind of the right eye, a funny little man! as I always heard. Little Miss Swan, Mrs Cairns Edwards does not venture out. Play Commerce and lose 2/-. Read Bridal and Bridle, light book, journey to Turkey, can't finish it, not to be regretted.

28th

Again rather wet but holds up tolerably. Walk to Cow Bridge, call on Mrs Sylvester, wander about the town, go to the Reading Room and walk back again. A dinner party at Mr Edmunds, his brother the vicar and the Rev. Mr Tainton and young Mr Howell nephew of the Dr of S and I forget... Play whist in evening and win. Catching rainy weather again.

29th

Brisk morning and all day, rain keeps off, Mr Wms Edmunds drives me and Carree to Llantrisant and dropped Charles at the station for Swansea at 12.30. What a romantic dilapidated town is Llantrisant, so like towns on the continent, dirty and unfinished as most or all Welsh villages are. Yet the children there are looking very healthy and pretty. This was a pilgrimage of ours to see my uncle Dr James Morgan's monument as vicar of the place 4 years up to1816 when he died at Miskin, his grave is well and neatly kept up. A romantic place is the church yard, high and dry, a panoramic view all round. Very fine, rich and distant up various valleys seemingly well habitated. Could not scheme to get a peep of Miskin house 2 miles off. There is a curious notice at the pump, railed in in the centre of this elevated town - Notice this Pump is only open to the public from 8.00a.m.-6.00p.m. There are many tolerable shops and inns in this retired and conspicuous place.... the church and its old Saxon-like arches. There is the remnant too of an ancient round tower half standing. Return to an evening party, play whist and win 1/6. Mr and Mrs Thomas of Pwlwrach and niece Miss Colin, Dr and Mrs Sylvester and daughter, Mr Edmunds the vicar and Miss Edmunds etc all very agreeable. Kept up till 12.00, late late late.

30th

Pleasant dull morning, breakfast very late and dine early. What have we been about all day. Mr Edmunds calls, walk all hands a footpath new road to Cowbridge to make calls. Meet the hounds out airing on the common, how very picturesque. Mr E returns with us home, spend the evening tea and cards, Pounce and Commerce, at the Powell's. Old Mrs Cairns Edwards there, 86? Plays! What a rough diamond. Carree and I lose 5/-. How I hate a round game and family party. All cheating and combination.

July 1853

1st (Friday)

Showery in the morning, blows off and is fine all day, fine weather coming. See about luggage for tomorrow, engage a man, call on the Powell's PPC, Mr Edmunds begins to cut hay. Mr Edmunds drives Carree and I and son Wyndham rides to Mr Thomas of Pwlwrach, a fine old Welsh house etc. Most excellent garden, so well situated, house let to a Somerset for 2 years. Walk to Cowbridge all of us, dine at the vicar's, Mr Thomas E and Mr Ward there and others we have met before. Here again is a capital town garden and good rooms. Whist and win. Fine night to walk home.

2nd

Leave Cowbridge and Mr Edmunds of Llanblethian for Bridgend at 10.00 and by train for Swansea before 1.00. Stroll with Carree about the town, what a compact rectory and churchyard and old ruins. Read tomb stones and moralise on the Hancorne's. A fair at Swansea, wool and ponies, prices good. Do not stop, Carree in a hurry and tired. Charles drives Lion in the Cobourg home to a general meal at 5.00. How overgrown the place is, it looks quite unwholesome. How true that one should plant and another cut and lop.

Sunday. Dry and dull at Caie Vorgan, ill spent day, less said the better. Children only go to church to laugh at the curate. Dr Justice sent for to see Alice in the hooping cough.

4th

In Gower again at Caie Vorgan, now overgrown, dull stupid dark uninteresting! day dull gloomy chilly for July! Pick locks, keys lost, put a few things necessary for this life in the proper places. Lop trees with W Lloyd, cut down larch overhung and out of place now. Hang blinds, oh! how mildewed! Drag up to its proper position a large pinaster, dropped and overhanging the road, contemplate further hacking away. EKJ calls and teas, damp and rain after tea, Scotch mist!

5th

A November day in July. Cold wet windy misty and no sky all day, all lead! Blight again shows itself in the leaf of the potatoes strongly. Not from home, no one comes near us to enquire but Dr Justice to see Agnes in hooping cough, better. Lop and cut down a lot of trees in and about the garden, now sadly shut in, overgrown. Charles again puts Moselle in harness, light car, and goes to Llythridd and back. 3 in car, overloaded.

6th

Damp or rainy in night and very wet morning, hot and sultry and fine after midday, wet again before dark. Read papers a.m., lop and prune trees p.m. and cut hedges in garden. Mr & Mrs Collins senior and junior call and take tea and etc and ask us to dinner tomorrow. Walk with WLC to meet the carriage at top of Crickton Road. How close and breathless, yet the weather does not look bad! Go to bed tired, 10.30.

7th

Rise at 5.30 and read Cambrian and Illustrated and Swansea Herald, who sent this? Wet again, Scotch mist thick and falling. Use my hatchet freely about the garden. Drive Cobourg at 2 with Carree and Charles to Oxwich to dine at 4.00. Mr & Mrs Wood drop in too to call Mr Collins about his hay. See Mr Talbot's new road towards Oxwich Point through wood, Oxwich very pleasant and pretty. Vivid lightning returning home by 11.00, rain in night.

8th

Lowery, hot but fine day till night. Ride with Charles, he on Moselle, I on Doxy to Caswell, call on Dr Hutton of Magdelen College, rector of Hawton near Bampton, knows WM. Meet Rev. T Jones at Bison, long talk. Walk over farm, nothing done to improve road, crops tolerable. Return by Penmaen, meet Carree and children there. W Collins, Dr Hutton, Mr Sheppard tea. Lucy not in car, meet car top of hill. Drive home. Thunder and lightning. Wet night, get home in time. EKJ's pony home from Swansea.

9th

What a thorough wet day! Wheat sent in, Charles, Eliz and RH in by Cobourg to fetch Wyn Edmund's. Arrived wet in cold to tea etc. All day fuss about the house to put in order and hunt my lumber room. Clean drawers in it, was up at 6.00 to see cart off. Send gooseberry 76 pints and rhubarb sold by WT's wife 6/4 paid. Very sleepy all day. Thunder has always that effect. Find and sort some prints, am not out of the house after breakfast. Evening all noise and confusion, glad to get to bed.

Sunday. Hot and fine day till tea-time. Make two attempts to get to church, none at our parish till 6.00. Hurry a dinner, get a horse and go to Cheriton 2.30, just in time to be too late and stroll over Llanmadock Hill. Drive W Collins home to tea. Fog comes on, an ill spent day, not intended – Gower like!!!!!

11th

Monday. Fine day after wet night and morning. All day at accounts with RH and take account of his receipts. Dr Hutton calls from Ilston, surprised at the place. Charles and Edmundes ride to the sands etc. Hack and lop trees in the evening. Heavy shower after sunset. Enter accounts till bed time. Hot. Dr Hutton knows Rev. Mr Parsons etc etc etc.

12th

Fine all day, can I say 24 hours without rain, think not. At accounts with RH all morning. Rose this morning before 6.00 and read papers till 9.00. Lop trees at intervals. Children and Carree plan and drive to Penmaen cottage. Charles fails to drive Moselle, Tally very quiet. Charles rides. Mr & Mrs Ball not at home. Miss Ball receives us, bread scarce. Get home as best we can by 11.00 and find baby, dear baby, very ill indeed. Charles rides for Dr Justice, Lloyd sent over at 1.00 for powders. I am dreadfully tired and sleepy. Baby gets to sleep and we get to bed by 2.00.

13th

Fineish morning, glass falls quick, predict wet evening. Wind easterly, rain in an hour and wet more or less all day. At accounts with RH, Phill Thomas accounts settled, £12 paid to his father who signs the book. Not an easy affair to tally accounts, about 8/- difference in 16 months. Give RH an acknowledgement for receipts given up. Dr Justice calls to see Alice, very ill, whooping cough fever and teething, Suffers much. The Dr stays tea. W Lloyd paints on terrace and puts up a rail as fence to the plantation by common. WT mows the lawn, wet weather, how unlike summer, roads all sloppy. Land not to be touched. Hay all spoiling, bad on corn.

14th

Glass falling still more and awfully at rain! Dull, breaks off p.m. and is fine. Wind brisk, glass does not rise, still it holds up. How strange. All day in house at accounts with RH, finish Sam Phillip's and Albon's. Charles and all in the house get break and break in Moselle. WT goes on with lawn. Children and Edmundes get in a lot of donkeys and try to do mischief and can't. … box edging etc. Drive to Cillibion forge, lop trees and stay out late. Shall we have a wet night?

15th

About home all day neating up and lopping trees, trimming box. Gather a few blackcurrants, plant a few laurel cuttings - an experiment in the pit after potatoes. Dr Justice calls, walk with him to Crickton and see about late turnips and look at those that are up. Prop an ivy tree late with W Lloyd. Write to Tenby and Cowbridge, Mr Edmundes not coming tomorrow, hurt by a fall! Rain this evening in showers and strong wind but the glass rises and promises well.

16th

Rise early to see about Swansea. Meet RH and walk to Crickton Hill to see about the fence and see what damage sheep have done, Gordon's wheat, but little. Resolve to go to Swansea. Drive market cart, Edmundes and John. Put up at Exeter. Wet after 1.00 tho' so fine a morning. No turnip sowing again! Home to tea 7.30. Dr & Mrs Justice in town. Meet Mr Ha… Griffiths. Enter my accounts in evening. Cold and very unlike July. Glad to wear a great coat, very windy. Wrote to HJM … Caswell.

Sunday. Fine for a wonder, drive all hands to Nicholaston church p.m., old Mr Collins does duty, a good sermon, thoughts of God and Eternity. Ill spent evening about the garden etc etc.

Margin note – 18 & 19 Finish sowing turnips in Furzeyland, ground ready for a month nearly but not in temper, much hay spoilt this year.

18th

Fine day, brisk wind dries the land. Send to the post, may hear from Mrs Edmonds expected today so start late for Swansea to meet them and get there near 2.00 and find them all right. Grog at Woodruffe's where Charles meets us with a fore horse Tally and we get home gallantly, overloaded, to a late tea. Lucky in weather.

19th

Richards of Blaenkedy calls and pays a year's rent. Fine day, hot and sultry as times go and suddenly in the evening gets quite cold and dull. Lloyd paints the terrace rails. Settle a year's rent for Blaenkedy to LD last and drive Cobourg and break, the Edmunds and all the children, to Penmaen over the hill. Mrs Sheppard there, a fine woman. Walk to Mr Michael Mor… see Mr M and his Cochin China chicks etc. Great improvement in place and 2 fine pigs. Lucy in one of her strange humours about contagion, discards the children and won't see them, children disgusted as well they may. Get into all sorts of difficulties in returning home; Moselle won't go, breaks the harness and obliged to lead her home and drive brake with one horse, Tally having lost a shoe.

20th

Dull doubtful morning, November sort of weather. Dry fog, wet fog and rain. Drive the break, old grey Farmer, to Llanmadock to see the country and can see nothing much beyond a gunshot. Mr & Mrs Edmunds, Carree and Wyndham. I call Pearce about sale money due, what a house. Pigs and chickens and what a garden! And what a fool is Pearce. Return by Arthurs Stone, so foggy almost lose our way. Difficult to find the stone. Home safe to dine at 5.00. Play Commerce in evening, Pounce, lose, paying also for Emma 2/-. A regular wet evening, glass falling and no prospect of better change. Mrs E knocked up by bad roads. Receive letter from HJM, sailed from London to Liverpool and means to come to Gower to see Caswell and fix on spot to build.

Margin note. No doubt of the potato blight again, being general through Gower.

21st

Another drizzly wet November day, how extraordinary for summer, how seldom the sun shows his face. Open the drain of yard, choked. Write to Dr Hutton for tomorrow. Kneath calls again about the union. Drive all of us and Mr & Mrs Evans and Wyndham after dinner to call in the break at Oxwich. Mr & Mrs WC gone to Stouthall. Meet them on return home after tea with the old people. Walked before dinner and late in consequence to show Mr Edmonds the farm. Meet RH and make him join us and see the cattle on the corn, 9 in all, some most excellent yearlings.

22nd

Another misty morning breaks off and is very fine day. Mr Pearce calls about an old standing account and pays 9 in full, a prosy fellow. Mr & Mrs EKJ call, a formal visit, she … and rides the high horse pony. All the Collins come by invitation to a cold set out and we spend a pleasant day. Lucy won't stay! Mr & Mrs Evans of B call and join us by accident. Glad to see them, he is rather rough but very honest. All leave early and sober.

23rd

Fine day till late in evening. Cold comes on about 6.00, return of little rain about 9.00. Mr Edmonds starts for 1st train with RH 5.30. I take in Mrs Edmonds and Wyndham about 9.00 for train at 4.30 and return home with Carree to tea about 8.00. Called on and see Jane Davies in Phillips Court. Called on Dr Howell and lunched there, very friendly. Meet Rev. Mr Jones and 2 Miss Stokes. Saw also, at Mrs Milwards, Miss Watkins of Merton, a nice little girl in a riding habit. EKJ in town to meet the Goldsmith's.

Sunday. Very showery, quite a wet morning. … a.m. duty, none of us in church all day but Charles rides to Penmaen and hears Mr Sheppard 6.00. Mr & Mrs Goldsmith and children there came yesterday. Our servants go to Oldwalls chapel! To hear Mr Griffiths, better than our curate! I do not feel well, off hinges all day.

25th

I am laid up with rheumatism or sciatica in the hip, can scarce move but am up and about all day. Read Blackwood and examine WR's Caswell accounts, bills etc. Showery all day, very heavy at times. All slatey lead, no sky, wintry and rheumatic weather to catch sight of through windows from the fire. Carree does contrive to get a lot of raspberries and makes jam, they must be gathered, fruit perishing by wind and rain. Charles at Stafell Haegr with RH about elm timber. Fanny down from Caswell. Clover cut there above a week, ready to carry and no chance, she is bound to get wet going back and the clover to be spoilt or nearly. Brisk wind so far good for it.

26th

Another gloomy day, the glass hangs about changeable, ever fluctuating. Sun tries to shine. WT mows lawn. I am up but sciatica very bad. Does not Carree ride with Charles to Reynoldston to the post and call on Mrs Justice and ask her here tomorrow to dine, promising to send for her. Busy about preserves and fruit. I am quite lame, pain in my hip and can't get about. I tied down a good many. Not a day without rain, few days without it nowadays. A lamb dies.

27th

Miss Charlton's school reopens. Carree and I drive and Charles goes to Penmaen to call on Mr & Mrs Goldsmith who came on Saturday. He gone back yesterday to the Stock Exchange. I have never seen him. She is not that elegance I was lead to expect, far from it, but very well! Two well-grown children, good looking but rather Jewish, they are at dinner. We return early, met the postman in going on the common, get the letters and Illustrated. Return by Reynoldston and bring back Mrs Justice, engaged to dine with us. He is out on his profession, we see nothing of him but get the lost terrier sent from Miss Tottenham as a present to Carree. Get it home and the boy comes with us. Send Mrs J home in car by Charles in the evening.

28th

By appointment spend day from 3 at Cheriton to meet the 2 Mr Collins and family. Take a little to eat, else they provide. Children mostly go to Ann Dollins. We stroll about, call at her cottage and on Hullin etc and wander on the common etc. Home in good time after tea, fortunate in weather. Carree and I called at Horod on Jane Jones who lost her son in a horrid (way) killed in a plough, horses ran away and dragged him, poor woman, sadly low! Lewis nurse starts with baby for Llandeilo, her brother ill. Q broke a blood vessel. She catches 3.30 train for Llanelli, thence by train to Cross Inn. Sheep to Llandeilo Rhynys, Saturday, we hear all safe. Dr Justice calls and advises me a blister or a mustard poultice.

29th

I am unable to get about much with rheumatism in my hip etc yet drive all of us to Brynhir by engagement to dine at 3.00. Frank drives, Charles rides Tally as leader. Get safe over a bad road just in time. Charles and I called on Mr Gower en passant, heavy rain meanwhile. Miss Howells late of Bristol and Miss Collins both staying there. Evans very hospitable as he always is when expecting us. Everything good, he is improving his place by throwing it open in front. I drive home, Charles on leader and a great help, safe by 11.00.

30th

Fineish for a wonder (i.e. dry and dull). Charles with great persuasion drives his mamma and two sisters to Swansea. RH sent car early with wheat and barley, sells latter of 14/- the 3 w sack, refuses 26 for wheat. Charles wanted to ride in and shows bad temper in being forbid. I am at home all day only about the garden. Pick, head and tail gooseberries for Jane and make 8 or 9lb and some currant jelly. Wait tea for them till 8.00, they come late and have tea. Sent 8lb of blackcurrants to Thomas and as much of raspberry as a present. We do not know what to do with fruit. Very cold. Try a blister for rheumatism, a failure.

Sunday. Cheerless, read the lessons etc, not able to go to church. Dine early. Evening duty, yet the children go to church to hear and laugh at Mr Matthews, curate, not edifying! Miserable day. RH starts for the fair at Neath tomorrow with Davies of Llanelen and Charles rides late to Swansea to be there to sell Moselle while I a mustard and turpentine poultice to cure a pain in the hip.

August 1853

1st (Monday)

Though after yesterday's gloomy day and rain the sun broke out at setting and sat far better than usual, tho' still a misty atmosphere around. A brisk wind and glass gradually rising and nearly got to fair and all these signs proclaimed a better and fair day this. We rise again to an unbroken leady sky, a falling barometer and a misty dull cold rainy foggy evening. What will the new moon bring us on the 4th. This is Neath fair, RH gone yesterday and Charles on young Moselle to try to sell her. I am not out of the house, still in rheumatic pains after my mustard poultice. Read Blackwood, lend Cobourg to EKJ for the Grange, pride will humble itself indeed. Miss Collins calls in the wet and sleeps here to be off tomorrow for Brynhir.

2nd

Miss Collins has a better day to return to Brynhir after spending morning with us, rides on Tally with Emma by Welsh Moor. Emma returns by turnpike, afraid of the wild beast or nondescript, Pengaervenny. She returns quite safe. The Penmaenites dine at Oxwich. Mr & Mrs Goldsmith there, we, Carree and I join them at tea. Long way for tea. We all return together up Underhill. I drive up, obliged having sciatica and rheumatism. Horse not very well, get home safe and slow and late all round by Cillibion. Tired of long journeys and confusion.

3rd

Another day of confusion and quarrels, time and horses badly arranged. Home so late last night, children off with Cathe Lloyd, her children, RH etc in break and donkey cart of luggage to picnic on the sands at Penmaen. Start in ill humour, Carree and I followed with Tally on Cobourg to dine at 6.00 at the rectory and spend morning with the Goldsmith's and Dr Williams, what a quick light talker engrosses Mrs G. He has a delicate enquiry as to the school mistress, guilty verdict. Morris's wall again pulled down leading to the sea, he is an impudent fellow. I am two hours nearly getting home, the mare untried in harness and sometimes plays tricks. Get home safe but in difficulty on the moor once.

4th

A beautiful day for this new moon and the glass high. Mr & Mrs Goldsmith etc etc call from Penmaen, goes to Wibley, talks of pictures, looks at mine. Take a hurried luncheon, all great waste, unruly children, theirs spoiled quite, self willed. Day broken and spoilt. A missionary meeting at Penmaen, shall not go. Carree has tea party at the school here, children go, plenty of cake. I lop trees and shrubs in the garden and with Charles late in evening. Tea at 8.00 in rum way. Tried to make blackcurrant jelly, Hannah has spoilt it in ... in the oven, begin and give it up.

5th

A beautiful day, hot and glass high. Begin to mow at Copton etc. Weather only now fit for haymaking, so wet and much hay spoiled. Mr Matthews, the new and lame curate calls by appointment of Carree, he is a very good sort of man no doubt but defective in person and voice and commonplace and short. Talk of the school and the living. WT is to finish gathering all blackcurrants. The schoolmistress sent from Penmaen to Bath, in the error![2] Cut and prune here and there and get more peep through of the common. Blackcurrant jelly made. Take tea at Arthur's Stone, windy and cold, Johnny not well there.

6th

Dull dubious misty-like a.m., fine day glass very high. Mowing and hay making. Baby and Lewis expected from Llandeilo Rhynys. RH goes to Swansea with corn 3 WW or B. Jane Jones now Davies and baby go in and Eliz Lewis who again has ten shillings. I am about preserving fruits and making fruit wine all day. Go in evening in donkey cart with Carree and children to Crickton hay field. Unexpectedly meet EM on horse back, Mr Beor's, just come from Tenby. Begin mow Upper Field late p.m. Baby arrives about 7.00, all confusion, some quarrel has taken place. Eliz not returned at 11.00. Carree quite put out, very annoying and RH evidently out of humour going into town. I was up early, saw men mowing before breakfast and saw car off.

Sunday. Go all of us to morning service at Llanrhidian to hear Mr Matthews from Pontardulais, the licenced curate, a shocking reader reads … singing very good. In evening drive to Penmaen. EM and all of us to 6.00 duty and tea. Mr & Mrs Goldsmith, a poor congregation. Home in good time.

8th

Monday. Very fine, begin to carry hay. Adventurous day, a shower of hay on Crickton brought by whirlwind, a calm and cloudless day from Stafell Haegr a mile & more. Surly run over on the hard road (by cart shed) by wain of hay, half a ton, and not killed. Ill for 2 days and recovers. Poor dog is deaf. Mrs Nicholls and Mr Hancorne come to tea and Mr and Miss Ball invited but inconvenient. Children to be off early tomorrow for school. Present of a tea tray from Mrs Nicholls, old-fashioned and pretty, prize it much. Lucy covets it! Up all night packing for the children and making jams etc, fruit spoiling. Now all gathered and done. 1/- for old Tucker as a present from children. Can't afford it but wish it more, poor old man.

9th

Car off before 6 by Llewellyn. We follow early to meet packet at 9.00, a good cargo, life and luggage. Children have a beautiful passage. Moselle pony gone too, for sale. Go with Carree and Thomas D to see Mr Bath's, grey pony; £40 offered for her, groom says. Eliz Lewis goes to Sherborne, Ann Phillip returns to go to Dorset. We return home early, horse wanted about hay. Hay all finished in a week.

10th

Again beautiful, how dull at Caie Forgan to find the children gone. Johnny and baby only here, both unwell. Finish preserving gooseberries, what a business. Black currant wine in hand, a business worse. I cannot say how I have got rid of this day on things done or undone. Wrote and sent 3 letters by J Smith. How money flies.

11th

Widen the road at the turn, west side of stables in plantation and cut away willows and prune larch and elm. Carree and I have talk with RH about Hannah and Llewellyn in our absence, wages etc. Walk late with RH to see the turnips in all the fields, am not at all well, as weak as a cat. Dread packing and moving to Sherborne. Children have arrived safe at Bristol we know. Write to WM again, have just heard from him.

12th

Fine day, very. Glass a little falling above fair. Wind easterly, were to start early for Caswell, no horse as ordered, how like Gower people. Start in consequence at 12 instead of 10. J Smith to meet us with letters on the hill, he is late too and causes all sorts of confusion. I meet him at Holy Well. Carree drives over the hill with Johnny by Pennyhitch having settled to go over the hill. I walk to overtake them and see nothing of them till at Penmaen, a beautiful walk but more than bargained for, another long hour behind time making 3. Oxwich calls at Penmaen, I miss them, all out at Penmaen on the sands. Called on Mr & Mrs Ball and got some porter luckily. Shop at Park Mill, on by Kittle Hill to Mrs Hancorne, to Bison and tea there, hang a dinner. Mrs Hankin there, her adventures for emigration to New Zealand, son gone and he is 3 months in the channel and lands at Plymouth or would die. The Gower party calls Mrs Nicholls there and walk late with Carree, Mrs H and John to Caswell Bay and home before 12 by Fairwood Lodge etc.

13th

Beautiful day, wind northeast, glass a little falling above fair. Fine harvest weather after wet holidays! Enter my diary for the week. Lambs shorn, heifer calves on the common, stray calf, wild bull. Pot some geraniums and myrtle etc etc, sift earth etc. Am far from well, low, things do not go on well, take no interest in them. Sheep marked and lambs weaned. Write to Fred this evening, was with Carree at Pwllybrag. Am bound to get back to Sherborne and have much to do here in accounts with many. Glass falls and moon sick. Where are we to go to church tomorrow?

Sunday. Fine, evening duty, collection for school, do not go. Drive Lion with Carree to Oxwich church 2.30 in time, sharp work. Maria and Mary Stokes there. Take tea there and home about 10.00. Sea and clouds threaten a change. Mrs Collins garden most gay. Johnny ill, boil on his neck … at Sherborne school.

15th

Swansea, go with RH in his car to the fair. 4 cattle sent, sold at more than £11 per head. Lambs' wool sold 16d lb, good times in farming. Roads very dirty, glass falling, Wind easterly, change coming. Not home till 8.00, might be at 6, RH dilatory? Settle an account with Grove of Caswell disputed, RH and Howell there. WR of Caswell sells a cow £10, fails to sell colt, offered less by £1 than 2 months back. Placed in bank for rent £45 WL for CRMT. Mr Allen received it. Meet Carree and Johnny on return at Llythrid Hill.

16th

A wet day, one very heavy shower lodges all the company in house till after dinner, at accounts etc and settle accounts with George Dix rent etc and canvass his grievances about watergate etc stable etc. Stroll out in evening, read Sherborne paper, attend to blackcurrant wine cask. Hear of poor W Robin's death at fair yesterday, ridden over by a drunken man.

17th

A fine day, beautiful weather after rain. How everything grows; put currant wine in cask, strain gooseberry etc etc. Receive letter from Charles, all well, wishes to hear from me, write to him. Johnny sent to Penmaen and Pennard castle etc. Dine at 3.00. Wait for John. Walk in evening to Crickton, find RH and go to Stafell Haegr about the road gates etc, Dix stables, W Thomas tailor about the water course, all settled. Return at dusk, call on old Mrs Harry, nearly blind. Tea by myself, mark books for school and give them to Stenner. Carree talking to her and instructed her about the school.

18th

Dull, cooler day. Read Cambrian, finished letter to Charles and write to WM. Jane Philip calls about bill of Wm, see tomorrow. Jone shoemaker, settle the above account of Hannah. Dr Justice account!!!! £3.10. 0. Ride in evening with RH to Blaenkedy and Penclawdd about repairs and Mrs James sale. Home about 9.00 and have brandy and water, go to bed. My sheep have broken into my barley in Cadennith.

19th

Fine day, very fine till p.m. Begin harvest, cut wheat by the marsh, brickyard. Transplant some apple trees, use bill hook in garden. Drive Carree, Johnny, baby and Lewis to Reynoldston to get barm, get none. Examine into poor Tom Phillips account in red book. W Jones account, the old man 85 years old and W Jenkins the blind clerk 86. Take tea at Mr Justice and home about 8.30. A little rain this evening, very close. Enter my accounts in diary.

20th

Rather showery early, fine day. Tun my gooseberry wine, alter wardrobe upstairs to an inner corner, more dry. Ride to see wheat field of brick yard by marsh, first field cut about here. Eli Williams cleaning and repairing a cask yesterday for made wine - 2/-. WT mows lawn. Wrote early to Mr Beor as to George Gordon's rent and tithes etc. Half promise to meet him there. I am tired and so was the horse. At accounts with RH after dinner till night, Llewellyn's and Hannah's.

Sunday. Fine, at morning service at our own church, Matthews, wretchedly performed. He all in a hurry to get to Loughor. Thin congregation. Hurry home in Cobourg after heavy rain in night, deluge and some rain early. A hasty dinner and drive with Johnny to Ilston to hear Dr Hutton 3.00, lately changed from 2.30. Mr & Mrs Penrice there and family named Jarrett. Dr H gives good sermon on sacrament. Home to tea.

22nd

Very fine day, at packing early, James etc etc. Mason comes to alter stable to stall door, most inconvenient, midst of packing. Letter from HJM expected to be in Swansea, wants to see me. Mr Beor writes that he is coming at 3.00, how very inconvenient. He comes, am to see him tomorrow before 9.00. Poor Johnny very ill with boils etc. Can he go tomorrow, he hopes so. I am all prepared. CL Batcock calls about some old accounts for stones and is impudent, turn him out of the house, he says he will never enter again. I hope he may not - openly or by stealth. Am writing at 12.30 night, packing not finished.

23rd

Leave Gower about 7.00, luggage off at 6 for packet. Most lovely morning and beautiful passage up, none ill. Sleep at the Bell (Collins) in Thomas Street. Mr Morgan, in Park Street, in Scotland. Called at 10.00 with Jones (Sec), servants in bed.

24th

At Bristol at the Bell till near 1.00. Leave by the coach, a load full and arrived safe at Sherborne before 8.00. Encountered one heavy sort of thunder shower near Shepton Mallet. Mrs James at the house in Newlands quite well. All well and to bed early. Walked about Bristol to Park Street etc with Secretan Jones, a fellow passenger and one of Gower.

25th

A quiet wet day at Sherborne, unpack what we have, the greater part of luggage left in Bristol. Mr Henning calls, write to RH Gower, Johnny better and playing with silk worms and cocoons. Write to Miss Collins of Brynhir as to her lost cousin at sea. Read Britannia, arrange creeper in greenhouse to some propriety. All wild now. Wander to Charles stables, not out of the gate all day, all day wet, dismal weather. Bad prospect in harvest.

26th

Again a wet morning, glass low, falling, moon changes it for about 3.00, bad omen? Enter my accounts. Not out of the house till candlelight, go with Charles to Rogers for blister for pony and to post, letter to Neath, Wm Llewellyn and return in the mud and read a paper.

27th

Not much wet today, glass rising again, got awfully low yesterday. About hot bed in garden all morning forming a new acquaintance with my plants. Walk with Carree after dinner, call on Mr & Mrs Henning, Major and Mrs Dawe, in, adjourned to Coate's to see bazaar things unsold etc and return to tea. Health of Town's labourers now working in front of our house, we are nearly the last!!!!!

Sunday. Fine, some rain. Our pew full, sit in side aisle with Mr Stevens and hear Mr Parsons quite easily. At 3 all go to Castleton Church and again hear Mr Parsons, good practical sermon on idle words. Call on Mrs Steven's after church and see the garden. She is not looking well. Read a pamphlet on fulfil(ment) of prophecy.

29th

Fine day. Little skuds, very cold. Read Britannia and Bentley, at the hot bed. Major and Mrs Dawe call, the Misses Hoddinot. Street in Newland en fas, our house in confusion for the drain, water pipe laid down, men call pour boire. After tea walked to buy some oats with Emma and Agnes and go to the new water tank or reservoir. Meet Mr Hill, coach maker, looking for the comet and walk with him back. Get this evening a splendid pair of rams horns, Mr Stiby's, Dorset, handsome horns indeed!

30th

Houndsell works in the garden, finishes taking up potatoes etc, sadly blighted, NB plant no more potatoes, waste of ground. Carree not well, sore throat, cold and fever in bed. Call on Mr and Mrs Morris and Miss Burney.

31st

About home all day in the garden, transplant some little geraniums etc new struck. Sow some lettuce by the stable, help CEM at the stable etc. Very poor weather. I have little or no change of silver till tomorrow or next day (vide) hence in arrear about accounts. Mrs James servant Mary expected tomorrow evening, comes and brings a basket cloth knife etc left at the Bell, Bristol.

September 1853

1st (Thursday)

Sportsmen need not complain of heat, too cold for season. Cause, the comet; low in the horizon NW. Get out early to market after breakfast, fine as it happens. Intended to pay rent but forgot to look for income tax paid. Stones wheeled in from the street sewer, pay £5 into bank and change a £5 note for gold and silver. Place a few rough stones by the hot bed to raise it in front. Am not out again in evening proving quite wet. Help Charles at verses in evening, is on Autumn. Called on Cox, carpenter, hunt for tub for cactus.

2nd

Another wet day and very cold, unseasonably cold. Read papers and club books all morning and Bleak House. Walk with Carree into the town. Shop, bad sovereign changed at bank. Order beer at Whittles. Called on Mrs Morris, posted a letter and return. Find Mrs and Miss Ball calling. The Queen in Dublin etc etc.

3rd

Fine day with the new moon at 12.00 at noon! After a long wet so much for midnight moons as best. Call with Carree and Emma and Agnes on Mrs Noble, sister-in-law of the late lamented Mrs McCrae. Her niece Miss Lachlan. Read in the morning and sow seeds in the garden, cabbage, onion, spinach. Now the children go to dancing first half. Mr Fussell called this morning. Walked with Carree to the school cricket ground, Westbury. Mr & Mrs Harper there. Single wicket play only. Mr Nunn music before, read club books etc etc.

Sunday. Fine cold. Sacrament, Mr Harper and Mr Williams, at 3.00 Mr Parsons does duty. Walk round by Duck Street and Park to tea. Miss and Mrs Ball. Evening late walk with Stoco on Bath Road, can see nothing of the comet. How cold!

5th

Splendid morning, at hot bed. Gather French beans, write diary, go early with Mr Morris in his carriage to the races. We the only gentleman there I should think besides the stewards. Mr Wheeldon and (Captain Stanley) huntsman whipper-in keep at course in pink. Quietly and well done. The whole course and all belonging to it kept in good order. Some fair and honest racing. Dine with Mr & Mrs Morris at 6.00, Miss Burney only there, others asked, engaged. Mr Wheeldon drops in late and takes a hasty snack before he rides home 14 miles. Most lovely day, the turf in excellent racing order.

6th

2nd day of races, do not go. Mr Morris and Mr Wheeldon go to Weymouth. All day about the town, out early to arrange for tomorrow's picnic party. Meet Mr Henning at the Reading Room, meet Carree and Mrs Henning. Call with Mr Henning on Mr Stevens laid up with a carbuncle on his leg. Make arrangements for tomorrow. Read Revelation of Liberia, very interesting. Disappointed of Mrs Morris's carriage hire of Johnson, last thing at night. Children and all going, a jolly party. Most beautiful day, much harvest work done.

7th

Dull morning, fine day, very. Whole holiday because boys did not go to the races. Mr Henning has made a party of boys and ladies to go to Hillfield 6 miles, his curacy. A picnic and spend the day. 2 Miss Stevens, 4 Miss Spencers and Mrs S, ourselves and lots of boys in all 20 or more innumerable. Charles rides Moselle. I drive a good grey horse of Johnson. Start off last, down first. Dine at a cot, Mrs Kings, dine again to the Good Hope Inn and then walk and clamber styles innumerable to see the little church. Carved oak. Tea after our walk, 3 times harness and unharness the horses. Home before 9 all safe. A great deal to record with such a wild party. I sup at Mr Hennings, his boy breaks a large dish by throwing it and a leg of pork off the table while carving his supper. He ought to have gone to bed without it.

8th

Frosty morning very. Beautiful timely weather to save the late harvest and saves the country. Finish vol 1 of Revelations of Siberia. Nothing happens, nothing done. Non mi regarda. Drive Mrs Morris and Miss Barnes with Carree and baby by Thornford and Bradford in their pony carriage. Beautiful day for drive. Home to dinner. Harvest going on briskly very late. Mrs Morris has lost a French kitten. Weymouth line of rail going on slowly near Bradford.

9th

At home all morning, read club books and work at the hot bed with Charles. Raise the front screen to hide it from the road. Call with Carree on Mrs Ball and walk into the town. Meet Miss Nate Croft, Mr Morris and Miss Burney take tea with us. Mr Morris returns from Weymouth late this evening. Night overcast, weather likely to change to wet. Rain in the night. Write to Henry at Swansea.

10th

Charles and John both at home, no school. Both have bad boils. I work in garden at hot bed. Read Bentley. Mrs Noble and niece call. Walk with Carree and do nothing we intended. Called on Mrs Fussell, wanted to see Mr Harper, out. Thread, Penns, not paid. Talk to Mr Goldsmith about certain reports, Mr Nunn involved in them, not without cause. A lady absolved. Music lesson this evening. Rain last night, beautiful day again.

Sunday. Fine at church, Mr Harper reads, Mr Parsons preaches at Castleton in evening. Mr Parsons does all the duty, an excellent sermon. Walk by Coldharbour to the Bath Road. Meet Captain Hammond & son and return. A dry man. Cold for the season, inclined to wet.

12th

My birthday. Agnes tomorrow, Carree's next day! I am to order a pudding to please Mrs James and myself, plain boiled rice. Get out with Carree too late for the bank, can't change £10 at Stokes. A few things ordered. Call on the Bartletts, out. Read Bleak House. A wet night. Tomorrow ... verses, Charles. Not in bed till 12.00.

13th

Receive school reports, Charles only, Johnny been absent greater part of month unwell. Charles' report most unsatisfactory, makes us quite unhappy. He feels it in the evening but I fear will not amend. I called in consequence on Mr Harper and about Nunn the music master, long confab. What will, what can be done with Charles; in many respects a good son but will not, with all his acknowledged ability, make ordinary application. Lots of calls, Mrs Goldsmith, Mr & Mrs Morris etc etc. In no humour to be agreeable. Get money changed of the bank. See Whittle's brewery and think seriously a brewer would do as occupation for Charles. Here are casks cost about £100 at 2d a gallon, hold 2,000 gall and more and more.

14th

Burroughs pour boire 6d an old Waterloo man has 3 medals, Victoria, Waterloo and good conduct. Dull cold day, lowery but no rain till past 10.00p.m. Glass very high above fair. Read and finish last 2 nos of Bleak House, a long affair, great production. Mrs Noble calls, Miss Cox professionally and takes Mr Thomas's portrait as a pattern. Miss McLachlan comes to walk with Emma etc on the Pinford Road. I shop with Carree and meet various friends in the street, Henning etc, Robert Wilmot etc. Sherring for meat loin of mutton, bit of roast beef and boiled to be weighed and sent tomorrow. Wear pair of new shoes and venture to walk to meet the party on the Pinford Road, go nearly to the Lodge. Mrs Noble comes to tea and children, Mr Fussell, Brown, Albion Crofts etc Carree's birthday, Wet comes on at 10. Walk with Mrs Noble home. Called at Mee's and talk about coal coal very dear.

15th

A very wet morning and wet last night. Bad, very bad for late August. Sale at F… Rev. Ekins. Want to sell the pony, Moselle, can't send it today, so very wet in heavy and successive showers. Sit to Miss Cox for a likeness at request of Carree and children. Call on Captain Nixon. Read Layard's Babylon, spend evening at tea etc at Mr & Mrs Morris, some excellent piano playing. Miss Kate Croft, Miss Burney plays, simply pleasing. Carree sings and plays Welsh airs, a very pleasant evening. Mr, Mrs and Miss James, Mrs Noble and niece Miss McLachlan. Home by 11.00. Receive a basket of game from Henry, Swansea, hares, goose etc.

16th

Dull, very dull. Shall we have more rain, cold, glass not fall. At sunset clouds break and it is quite fine. Sit again to Miss Cox for likeness. Write to HJM Swansea, parcel received. Read Layard's Babylon, walk with Carree, meant to call on Col Mat…, she ... today, do not call. Meet Mr Henning and Mrs H. Stroll about streets and get to Castleton near the Dodos(??). Mr H going to dine at Mr Stevens, call and leave card at Robert Wilmot. Enter accounts in evening. Called on Mrs Morris, swelled face.

17th

A most splendid hot day, how fortunate for late harvest. Not out of garden gate all day. Work in garden a.m., beans, carrots, onions taken up. Then read Layard's Babylon, most interesting. Carree rides Moselle with him (Charles) to Poinington. Mrs Hoddinot calls late, Miss Wilmot calls about the pony and stays tea. Is it for sale, yes. Call on Nunn after tea and pay Mrs Ball's bill for her and talk to Mr Nunn about reports against him, his fault admitted. His sincere repentance stated. I do not quarrel with him.

Sunday. Fine, God be praised for it. At church a.m., Mr Harper reads, Mr Parsons not well, Mr Badger does very long with 45 minutes sermon on the Antient(sic) Churches. Seized with lumbago and can't hardly walk back and am laid up.

19th

Monday most beautiful, most fortunate. Harvest drawing to a close about Sherborne. Mr Hoddinot expects to finish today. I am laid up much in bed, sciatica, can hardly move.

Do get up, however, read Layard's Nineveh 2nd series. Am not out and consequently know nothing.

20th

In bed till past 10.00 with sciatica, read Layard's Babylon. Rheumatism very bad but better. Mr Morris and Miss Burney call, the latter leaves for Bath 22nd. Mr & Mrs Henning and Mr Clappin dine with us on Gower hare and boiled beef etc. I can't enjoy it but sit it out.

21st

Splendid weather, rheumatism or sciatica still bad. Not out of house at 2.00. Receive letter from HJM, Mr Babbington calls, pay him for Shipwrecked Mariners Society 3/-. Talk of fossils, Australia etc, his sons there getting on well. Carree and Mrs J gone out to call. Children and servants gone to Poinington having a whole holiday on account of Miss Fenwick's marriage with Rev. Mr Elrington. Go to Ireland afterwards.

22nd

Mrs James leaves by Salisbury coach for Hadlow, Kent. Very fine. Mrs Spencer and daughter go also. Mrs J to get to Kent goes to Reading! See her off notwithstanding sciatica. Sit again for portrait, Miss Cox. Called at Mr Fussell. Return home and do not go out again. Nor out again for many days (interpolation).

23rd

Ill with sciatica or rheumatism, can only read in bedroom.

24th

Ditto as yesterday. Painfully uneasy. My doctor calls. Weather not so good, heavy clouds and windy, not any rain of any consequence Sherborne.

Sunday. Carree not at church a.m., children go. Sermon an hour!! Mr Badger do you expect miracles of the congregation. Carree goes in evening, I am not out of bed.

26th

Quarterly meeting of Book Club, can't go. Mr Stevens acts for me and calls up in evening with books bought and pays what's due. Wind high. Hear from HJM Gower, Oxwich landslip mentioned.

27th

Fineish day, cold weather. I have been unwell and mostly in bed since last Sunday week suffering with rheumatism, q if not sciatica in the hip. Now something better, I am up since breakfast but it seems likely to come on again in bed as ever. Nous verrons, esperons! Write a note to Hopkin of Wimell, Gower, as to letting him Crickton. Have several calls of enquiry, Mrs Noble, Mrs Burkin and Mrs Morris. Write to Richard Hopkins about taking Crickton House and to Mrs James, Hadlow.

28th

Not out of the house at all events, mostly in bed. Apply friction and fomentations for rheumatism in back. Mrs Burkin and Mrs Morris call.

29th

Am much better of rheumatism, had been ordered a blister, did not see occasion to apply it being better but ordered to put it on tonight. Read Club books, write to Robert Harry, Wettish day. Mrs Noble and Miss McLachlan call and Mrs Goldsmith.

30th

Beautiful day, all today, enjoy it?! In bed with the effects of a blister last night on my side to cure sciatica!! Can read, so read the quarterly of March last. Mr Fussell calls late. I read late to tire myself for night.

October 1853

1st (Saturday)

Beautiful day after wet in night. Yeovil Rail opened to Bridgwater, new era of some sort for Sherborne. I am not up till dinner consequence of blister on side yesterday. Finish quarterly of March, very interesting.

Sunday. I am not out of the house though better. Charles takes the sacrament, may God of his great mercy teach him to understand, feel and appreciate its value.

3rd

Beautiful day, get out for a little into the garden, for the first time out of the house since September 19th.

4th

Thoro' wet, fearful wet and windy, rheumatic to look out through the window. Not out of the house. Finish reading Layard's Babylon, most interesting. Deluge of rain throughout night again.

5th

Get out today for first time since 18th September!!!!! and am not well yet. Call on Mrs Morris and Charlton and Stevens, meet here Henning and cousin and Fussell. Walk to Park gate and back. Read United Service etc, music before evening. Mr Hoddinot calls in about potatoes 16/- a sack and stays. Supper of cheese and grog. Have declined going to a party at Mrs Charlton's. Beautiful day.

6th

Fine but dull for season till evening, sun breaks out early. With Carree on errands and commissions. Rice for Mrs James at Stokes etc etc, call on Mrs Noble sadly put out by the improvements in front of the house. Road altered etc. Call on Mr Fussell, call at the bank, Whittle beer bill and order more. House under whitewash! Horrid! In evening out again with Carree, call on Hennings and Spencer, both out, and thence to Castleton and Park gate. Call on Mr Stevens to repay him book club subscription. Help Frank at Latin in evening.

7th

Splendid day all day. Houndsell here, potatoes brought from Hoddinot, 6 sacks at 14/-. Go to see his mangold, fine crop. Now to his garden and see his improvements, new garden etc. Write to HJM ill at Swansea to enquire about Millstone Acres and a hurried note to Mrs James, Kent. Mrs Croft arrives at Mrs M's etc. Letters from Swansea, HJM and Gower and Houghton and take a long walk into the park with the dog. Deer fight desperately.

8th

Beautiful weather, go coursing with Mr Hoddinot who mounts me on a fidgety pony. Go to Yeovil and Bradford, what a few hares. Get no dinner but bread and cheese and good ale. Sup with Hoddinot on oysters and sausages and play a rubber with Carree who plays a fair game. Charles rode to Bradford but failed to find us and the greyhounds.

Sunday. Mr Scott preaches for Jews, gives general satisfaction and again in evening at 7.00, bringing down God's Covenant with Abraham to the present time. Satisfactory argument. Fine weather, do not walk out. Read Palestine.

10th

Still beautiful weather, get out early to call on E Howell at Mr Harper's. Call on Major Dawe and Goldsmith. To Reading Room and see his turnery. Boys get Mr Gordon's half holiday, Charles and Johnny gather pears. I dine at Mr & Mrs Morris. Kate and Mrs Croft there, Carree and Mrs Charlton come to tea, singing music and supper. Miss K Crofts a beautiful player. Emma very unwell, in bed all day. Dalwood paints outside house.

11th

At 2 attend meeting at school library of Parsons Testimonial, Mr Goodden in chair. Speak to him of Rugby. Meet Mr Henning and walk with him and meet Carree and Mr Fussell, I go to his garden being routed out. Called this morning early on Mrs Fussell. Ernest taken ill in school. Edward Howell of Cowbridge and Sec Jones dine with us. Johnny absent, why? Mr Henning and Miss Edgill and Hammond ma(jor?) come in evening to tea and fun. A boil on my shoulder plagues me horribly.

12th

Wet rather, Emma better. Fred has a 3rd baby boy after 8 years rest!!!! Carree writes too, receive letter from HJM, Swansea, he is better. Mr Hoddinot lends me a pony to go to his farm, meet him there with greyhounds, find 4 hares only, 2 sitting. Get two good courses and only kill one. Beat a lot of ground, few hares!!!! Return home in the wet, thorough wet evening after 3.00. Tired and sore after riding the fidgety pony. Read the Cambrian in evening. Boil on right shoulder very troublesome. Mr Fussell's little boy Geo H very ill next door. Emma better, up a little in her room this evening.

13th

A dull morning, proves a wet today. Leady sky all day. Call on Mr Hoddinot who sent me yesterday's ... His little nephew very ill. Sit to Miss Cox again for likeness at request of children. Call on Mrs Morris, not well, and Mrs Croft. Read Dorset paper. Return to a scrap dinner, quite enough and to spare. Write to HJM at Swansea. My Gower harvest only just over! and not good, not ripe. Walk out with Carree, drizzly rain. Walk to the park with Carree and John in defiance of wet, call on Mr Stevens for Bleak House for Mrs Crofts. Read and write to EM, Wycombe, in evening.

14th

Wet dull morning after an awful wet night. Breakfast in bed, not up till 10 having a boil on my shoulder to be poulticed before dressing!!!! Write to EM, militia, H Wycombe, Bucks. Read Wide Wide World, don't like it to begin with. Walk with Carree after Mr Probert calls to take leave, leaving Mr Southwill's to go to Eaton square. Walk in the park and round the Dorchester Road, Dancing Land. Call late on Mr and Mrs Cozens and home late to tea. Read Pilgrimages to English Shrines.

15th

Wet disagreeable today, not up again today or yesterday till 11a.m.owing to a boil? on my shoulder. Must poultice it before dressing. Read Wide World. Mr Fussell calls, all going on better except his 2nd son next door. Post 2 letters for Carree for Bristol & Kent. Bank £5, pay Houndsell last Saturday vide, call at Mr Rogers and go to Reading Room late. Meet Hammond Dawe, C Clappin etc. Ask Hoddinot to dine on Tuesday, nephew ill (no), get invite to dine at Mr James, Thursday. Sort some Illustrated News.

Sunday. No one from us goes to church a.m., I am not out till boil to be dressed. I go with Agnes & Frank to evening church (Mr Badger) walk after to the park & with Mr Stevens to his house. He going early to London tomorrow, most beautiful moonlight night.

17th

Fearful rain in night and morning. Pack fair. Clears up fortunately, fine day but so muddy I can't venture to look at sheep or cattle fair. Mud ankle deep, stroll into the town to the horse fair, see nobody I know but farmer Stiby. Walk after dinner with Agnes and Frank to the park and meet and make join us little Lagdon. Return, meet Stoco and return by Duck St to give children a taste of the fair. Great crowds and greater mud and dirt. Read, in evening, life of Humbolt. Very fine evening, good promise for tomorrow.

18th

Most beautiful day, Pack pleasure fair, Sherborne. Mrs Charlton's school have all a holiday till Friday. All get out to walk in the park. How very beautiful, tints in perfection. Meet the Misses Spencer in going to Hamburgh. Call on the young Stevens, dine on hare, a restless day. Children all excited, Frank reads me a chapter African Wanderers. Reads as though he understood. After dinner go to the fair. Go to Parsons garden. Meet Carree at Stokes, assist Mrs Charlton in the crowd, negus etc at Mee's and talk of burglary in Honeycombe Wood; Harris & Barrett caught and committed. Home from fair late to tea.

19th

How changeable, wet again all night and all day till evening. Am not out of house till 5.00 saving trotting across street to see Miss Cox the artist. Read Blackwood, not an interesting number. Walk alone at 5.00 to the middle gate of Park; damply, dully, gloomily, pleasantly warm. Meet Stoco on return. Mr Nunn returned from Cornwall, on the lookout? for a change. Wet again after sunset. Sad weather.

20th

A beautiful day, Mr Henning calls to arrange for going to dinner at the Rev. Mr James. Hire a fly, Mr & Mrs Henning, Mr & Mrs Williams, Mr Ball, Clappin, Pearce, Kate Croft who plays piano beautifully. Sit down to dinner at 7.00!!! Hate late hours. Miss Edgill comes in this evening, a chick (? – chic) and beautiful dresser and fine young woman, does not sing. Beautiful night to walk home, predicts change for the worse but not a wet day tomorrow for nothing can be worse.

21st

This is the day before tomorrow, a thorough soaker all day till quite late: carries information. Read Quarterly and club books. Boils on my arm most troublesome, can hardly get a coat on. Walk, most windy and wet, to evening party at Dr Highmore's; there first 7.30 and light the candles. Pleasant party, singing and dancing. Wilmot there, Carree could not get a carriage & contrives to appear then and add to the life of the party.

22nd

Dull damp and but (sic) not wet. Read Quarterly etc, walk with Carree, call on Mr Singer (card) and Mrs Fussell. Carree to the dancing and to football. I spend all evening looking on, greater part of school there. Tired and unwell in evening. Mr Nunn had usual music lessons. Boils on my right arm very troublesome. Captain and Mrs Kay returned.

Sunday. Another dull gloomy day, glass rising, not pleasant. At Castleton church with Frank, Mr Williams does duty. Hear Mr Parsons in afternoon at the church. Mr Stevens returned from London. Walk with him and Mrs Henning and Miss Edgill. Is(?) Mr Dickens come to Mr McCready's, meet strange strangers.

24th

Beautiful day, boys have a whole holiday. Mr Gordon's of Leweston, Charles hires Johnson's brake to go 6 miles for hay. Johnny rides with him and Kay etc. Finish Quarterly, write to HJM. Receive letter from him Swansea, he is better. Send Railway int W.. to Strand, Swansea Bank £1.18 10., and 16/6 and guaranteed shares 4/10 pr a, 2 allotted on SW, to HJM to send to the bank. Kingdon paper. Walk with Mr Morris to Post Office and about town, meet Carree and children.

25th

Can get little or no dinner, no time to dress it, preparation for supper, a party this evening for Charles birthday on the 4th. 2 Hammonds, ladies scarce, get up a dance and have music. Miss Edgill comes late with Mr Henning. Supper, sandwiches etc etc. Charles Dickens at Sherborne with Mr McCraedy.

26th

Not a pleasant day, very dull, very mild and very muddy. Read papers and magazines, walk with Carree, Em, Ag and F into the town about bonnets etc in the evening and talk about an American chair. Meet with one and another and get rid of time to our loss. Do nothing to profit or advantage to ourselves or others. Read in evening and help Johnny about Latin verses.

27th

Dull wettish morning, Carree has bad toothache. Read a.m. Receive letter from HJM, Penrice is leaving Kilvrough for years. Servants discharged etc etc. Write to Mrs James, Hadlow yesterday. Get out after dinner with Carree. Call on old Mrs Highmore and Major Dawe and go to tea., solo and sociable at Mrs Nobles, Westbury. Talk of Scotland and have music and look over prints etc. Home by 11.20. Charles rides out with Wilmot and Kay ma. Lower cesspool to be cleaned out, meet Houndsell on return home, 11.00, to tea, too deep, too full, can't be done.

28th

Schoolboys C and J oversleep and miss 1st lesson, pro pudor.!!! Mr and Mrs Henning call after a soaking night or early in morning wet a.m., wet day. Get out late to Harding's, order cheese 5lb at -/8 and 2lb coffee and tin of biscuits, ginger etc at Mr Rogers & Mrs Sharp -/10 in all. Mrs Singer & Mrs Croft & Mr Morris come to tea and spend the evening, singing and music. Mrs Morris has had a fall, hurt her eye, can't come. Stupid evening I fear!! Miss Charlton also. I am very stupid, very dull, was it today I wrote to WM.

29th

Beautiful day, finish my club books and sort some bills and papers. Emma rides the pony after dinner, I and CEM walk to Poinington, a pretty village 1 mile beyond Oborne. Strange to have lived 2 years at Sherborne and not been there before. Return over the downs, a beautiful ride. Meet Mr Game been hunting and bathing! Carree goes to the dancing school. Read Cambrian paper in evening.

Sunday. Fine again, at church morning and evening. Mr Parsons assisted by Mr Harper. Mr Williams in the evening. Take but little walk after evening duty, cramp? in foot. Read Illustrated News in evening pro pudor! Not well all day.

31st

Doubtful morning about 10.00 after splendid opening day. Carree had resolved on a ride to try Moselle the pony, never rode it before. Borrow Mr Hoddinot's pony, ride to Yetminister and call on Rev. Mr & Mrs Southwill at home, lunch (nay dine) and home to tea, round by Leweston and the Dorchester road, no accident. Pony goes most temperate and beautifully. Help Chas.. to clean in the evening, called at Mrs Morris a.m., has fallen and hurt her eye. Mrs Crofts leaves by coach for Wincanton. No letters today.

November 1853

1st (Tuesday)

Beautiful day, good change of moon, Read Dublin till the evening, get out with Carree, call on Mrs James and Captain and Mrs Kay and Mrs Henning. Meet Mrs ..olk and Miss McLachlan and Mr McCrae near the park, asked them to tea, they come on condition we tea with them tomorrow. Receive geraniums from Mrs James and plant them in cucumber frame. Spend pleasant evening. The moon is round etc, puzzles Miss Mc.

2nd

Most beautiful day, little enjoyment of it, receive letters from WM and HJM and answer them and Mr Morris who pays to Mr Hoare ½ a year's interest on bond for chambers and write to EM in London. Mr Badger calls and Emma dines at Mrs Steven's. Fred writes to me this evening an alarming letter that poor Charlotte is in a high state of fever weeks after her confinement, bad presage. We are at tea at Mrs Nobles as by agreement of yesterday, her brother Mr McCrae from Moorgate St there, Mr & Mrs and Miss James and Mr and Mrs Goldsmith. Singing of course and a supper. Home by 11.30 and find poor Fred's disconsolate letter. Charles has provokingly and ….. irritated our servants.

3rd

A beautiful morning, dull damp day. Finish Dublin Magazine, write short letter to Frederick, poor Charlotte very ill, fever, merely to express sorrow and hopes, Carree writes to Penmaen. Mrs Welsh calls again and says she means to reside in Sherborne. Naunton Dalwood still about the door. Walk with Carree who calls on Mrs Crawford, I on Mrs Henning and then we go to see poor Mrs Fussell and hear sad account of her youngest son at our next door, can he recover? As she says, a bag of warm bones. Read Alison's History of Europe, Carree The Wide Wide World. Charles rides to Stalbridge.

4th

Very dull heavy day and much colder. Sort papers bills and letters all morning. Mrs and Mr Henning and same time Captain and Mrs Kay return marriage call. Walk with Mr & Mrs H into the town and enquire about fireworks etc. Poor little George Henry Fussell dies this morning at 6.00 after painful abscess on the neck caused by some fall or etc, reduced to a skeleton, could not swallow tho' thought to be getting better. Strength fails. Aged 8, died next door to us. Do not take tea at Mrs Hennings, Mrs Southwill calls to arrange about the sale at Launder and Moody's on the 8th.

5th

Very dull day, wet in evening. Read Alison's Europe, Miss Highmore, Mrs Spencer and Mr Clappin call, go to the dancing school. Call on Mrs Fenwick about the fireworks, on Mr Morris late, a glass of wine. Mrs Morris better. Mean to go to fireworks at the school, mostly squibs and crackers, good fun. Rockets go above the mist or clouds.

Sunday. Damp dull but good November day. Sacrament, do not stay. Walk to Park before dinner with Carree and children. At evening duty 3.00, Mr Badger. Pulpit again altered to the right of the aisle and much higher, hear much better. Sit in Major Dawe's pew, good situation. Damp in evening, get home and enjoy the fire and deathbed scenes!

7th

Beautiful November weather, dull and heavy but wholesomely dry. Read Alison's Europe, no Cambrian till the evening. Get out with Carree in evening, call on Mrs Dr Highmore about an umbrella, no tidings of it. Ditto at Mr Hennings. Accompanied to the town up and down, do nothing. Try to match something at Ensor's, can't. Evening spent at Mr Hennings - fireworks there, masks and stilts, ghosts. Mrs Spencer sings, Mr and Mrs Longman there. Carree plays and sings. Supper etc and home about 11.00.

8th

Dull morning, fine day, glass very high. Smoke goes up abrupt. Read Cambrian paper in morning and work in garden, hot bed. Mr Southwill calls about 2.00, Mr & Mrs S come in to attend the sale at Launder and Moody's. Charles persuades me to ride out for first time on the pony. Go by school close up Dorchester Road to Folke and Hayden and Milborne Port; round Lord Digby's Park is very pretty, rural and picturesque and good road. Mr & Mrs Southwill come to tea and bring apples and grapes. Mr & Mrs Henning also come to tea, they go to a concert - George Buckland, Town Hall. Mr Southwill leaves us before 9.00. Enter accounts in the evening.

9th

A most splendid day like summer, even hot and bright. Mr Henning writes to ask me to ride with him to Hillfield etc. Saddle my pony and go, had been before to Hillfield, the road affords nothing to remark or admire but beyond towards the chalk hills it is beautiful. Vary our route home, by Middle Marsh where we lunch and feed horses and can't pay 3/6 between us! Both unprovided having only 2/6! Wait for the coach ½ hour and borrow of the coachman! to show we are not swindlers! Thought to go to the revels here, rendezvous of George IV when Regent from Weymouth. Odd stories told even to the name of him about George IV, the Middle Marsh Inn is one of those neat enticing old roadside inns one often sees and longs to live at for a time. A rendezvous for hunters and shooters. Mr Strutt's property surrounds it, MP for the county. Mr Drax the hunter and huntsman not far off. Home by Long Burton.

10th

Another most seasonable day for farmers and the general country and all idlers must enjoy!! At home, however, all morning because in duty to do so not being at home all yesterday. Read Alison History of Europe, last 50 years. Send a paper to Gower and call on Major Dawe, not well. Meet several other sympathisers and Miss Lear, her sister deaf and dumb. Mr Henning, walk with him to the Black Horse, we part and I meet Carree by appointment near the park. Get a late walk to the gate. Spend evening at Mrs Charlton's. Mrs Noble and Miss McLachlan, talk and music, urban scandal and urban jest fly harmless to decline the tedious time etc.

11th

Splendid weather all this week, glass very high, beginning to fall. Out early with Carree to Miss Cox to see the portrait and put in a few finishing touches and then walk to Cold Harbour and towards Oborne and go to the water works now being arched over and home by the Antelope to dinner. Water my greenhouse plants etc, write to Fred at Willey to enquire about Charlotte. Walk into the town late solo to Ravens and Mr Rogers, 1lb of cocoa at Stoke's. Mr Fussell calls in about 6.00, met him & son at Parsons Garden. Account of his poor boy's death. Mrs Morris calls to invite for 16th. At a party 7.30 at Mr & Mrs Bartlett, very pleasant, glees, quartets and etc by Mr Foster, a pompous fop, his sister Mrs G, Mr Robert Bartlett, Miss B and Miss Tucker, there, no. Singer, remarkable, swimming eyes and pretty girl, Miss Alford, Miss Stevens and a friend, Ball and Clappin and etc etc.

12th

Still dry, less fine and less cold, fine for November!!! All morning sorting some papers, can't find what I want for WM. Mr Beor's account of tithes since ‘47. Mrs and Miss Crawford called. Old Burroughs the Waterloo veteran 1/- for geraniums from Mrs James. Walk late to dancing room to meet Carree and walk to the Park gate. Tea before 6.00, Mr Nunn's night, cold night.

Sunday. Very cold, very fine. At morning duty with Carree, Mr Harper and Mr Badger. Evening with children, Mr Williams, cannot like his indistinct preaching. Can't hear tho' the pulpit is moved nearer and for the better. Walk in evening up the hill past Lord Digby's stables. Servants church, late service. Gower parcel arrives late.

14th

Still beautiful and dry. Basket last night, game from HJM Swansea. Write to HJM in answer of suspicions against WR, to go to Caswell and get some account etc and write to WR. Walk with Carree, call on Stevens, Fussell, Melmoth, Badger and Pallaret 1st call and Bartlett. Mrs Noble calls on us, going on Friday. In at Hoddinot's, borrow to pay for coal, men can't take a draft. Going off early. Chat with him for 1/2 an hour. Read Alison.

15th

Still fine tho' less so and less cold, dull. Finish 1 vol of Alison's Europe. Out early with Carree into the town. Harding's for lard and walk up Acreman St to gravel gate. Return and meet Mr Henning and stroll with him up and down till dinner. Not out again. Read Miss Mitford Literary Rambles etc etc and help Aggie about her theme, behaviour at school.

16th

Copy papers of account of Mr Beor's for William, not out of the house all morning tho' a beautiful day. What a shame all day! Dine at 5.00 with Carree at Mrs Morris, an excellent dinner. Mr & Mrs Singer, her daughter and son-in-law, Mr H James and Mr Williams, first time we have met him tho' a near neighbour, he has never called but says now he means to do so if allowed as of course he is, a pleasant off-hand man. Play at whist … 4 rubbers in evening and win with Mr Morris a bumper and 1/8th and with Mr Williams and 1 point only making 8/- on 16 points out of 32/-. Mr and Mrs Singer deprived of their hunting tomorrow, meet at Mr Yeatman's. Both horses lamed in shoeing. I was to have ridden with then but they go, they hire and drive I see tomorrow.

17th

Very sharp frost this morning as we knew would be last night. Foggy early and cold beautiful day. Read Illustrated, Mrs Henning calls to join in rebellion with Carree about drawing room upstairs. They walk out together before dinner. Write out tithe account for Mr Beor and send it to WM keeping a copy and write to WM. Order meat and candles and cheese 8 ½ for toasting. Call on Mrs Noble to take leave, she and her neice off early tomorrow for London. Meet the James there. A quiet tea party this evening, Mr and Miss Bartlett and a Miss Tucker, has beautiful full eyes, all nice people. Mr Evans and her friend Miss Eastman, the latter very plain and quiet. Music etc, look over portfolio, a pleasant quiet evening.

18th

A very hard frost, unusual! All my green plants not in mulberry leaves all off, brushed them up. Splendid cold day and sun. Carree unwell, Johnny and Frank all breakfast in bed. Many things to attend to in consequence. Go at tithe papers again and read. Miss Bartlett and Miss Tucker call and Mr & Mrs Williams and though near neighbours their 1st call, but they seem inclined to be civil etc. Before I get out Mrs Pallaret calls, her 1st return visit, she is Monmouthshire, an affable woman, q her maiden name? Mr P is from town but I think I knew him in London. I walk alone late to the park to the Sister Trees and home by the gas works etc. Mr Nunn's music lessons in evening. Read Miss Mitford Literary Tour.

19th

Another very sharp frost, get my cactus etc in last night, one night too late probably, looks very bad. Get at tithe papers again and begin to write to WM and copy account for him for 1847. The Stevens and Miss Eastman call. Walk with Carree and Emma towards Milborn Port, the Lodge offered to go through but declined, too dirty by Park wall. Johnny ill all day in bed. Mr Fussell sent for in evening. Walk to Half Moon Street late to enquire about time for Mrs J from Kent by Salisbury coach. Call at Stokes to show boiled peas split and ward. Meet Bob Fenwick from Yeovil with a bag of money from Bristol. Talked in the bar about want of gas, Newland in darkness. 2 Ensor's, Har James and Mr Game and all with cosy glasses. I take nothing and do not sit down, they may think me a Goth, can't help it, in want of money!

Sunday. Damp, thaw and rain, fine in evening. At church morning, Mr Harper and Badger, evening Mr Harper and Mr Parsons preaches good sermon. Dine late to give time for boiling beef pudding. Evening not well spent, servants at church. Post a letter for WM and tithe paper 1847 etc.

21st

Monday. Sharp frost again! Very! Read Blackwood, write long letter to Rev. J Collins, Oxwich, as to rent of Caie Vorgan and gossip etc. Q is the California wrecked off Ireland and did the Hancornes and Nicholls go by it to Australia! If so, how lamentable. Major Dawe calls, Carree and I go out. Call on Mrs Spencer and choose a gown at Mrs Stevens and meet Mrs Cozens. Annoy, in fun, Mr Henning and shop at Stokes. Mr Nunn gives music lessons instead of last Friday. Read Blackwood.

22nd

Very sharp frost indeed, quite wintry. Glass high and most beautiful day. Read Blackwood, out early with Carree, call on old Mrs Hoddinot and Mrs Morris, Mr Parsons and see his testimonial on his 50th year duty in same parish. Silver watch and inkstand, £370, the balance to go to Divinity Prize for school. Return Mr and Mrs Williamson's call. See his stuffed birds and collection of eggs, something good. He has a woodcock's etc. Go to Ensor's and make orders about £5 for Carree and Emma and Ag etc. Write to WM merely as to the bank. Dine at 4.30, hare and pheasant for kitchen and ale! Charles at a party of boys at Major Dawe's at 6.30 till past 11.00.

23rd

Frosty morning again but clouding over, inclined to a change, cold thaw. Read in the evening papers and magazines. Emma at last, unfortunately, engages to take a ride with Miss Wilmot and her servant. Go to Charlton Hawthorne (sic), pony falls on turf and hurts her, home late in consequence. Pony either slipped owing to frost and thaw or crossed her legs!! Unfortunate, wanting to sell the pony! and everybody knows everything at Sherborne! I take a long walk with Agnes to the Dorchester turnpike and back by the wood and by the Park by starlight. See rabbits and hear the hooting owl, delightful and unusual sound. Agnes never heard one before! I love the children to notice all natural sounds and particularly the voice of birds and wild animals. The charm and delight of all rural rambles, how far surpassing the deceitful treacherous tongue of man!

24th

Dull windy morning, proves a thorough wet day after 11.00. Set the greenhouse in order and get everything in, some tender plants left out too late and forgotten, unfortunately. Not expecting such severe frost. Cactus and Balm of Gilead etc, are they killed? Water all my plants etc. Read Blackwood and am not out of the house all day, no temptation to do so, wet driving miserable day. Emma goes with Charles to Mr Fussell to consult about her arm, strained owing to fall from pony yesterday. No harm, they tea there. Charles at Mr Nunn's to sing and not home till past 11.00. Oyster supper there with Fenwick and Nunn!

25th

Tolerable fine day for November, not much sun and no rain. Am not out of the house or at least from the garden till past 4.00. Then walk with Carree, dull and cold, to the mid Park gate. Touch it and return, an occasional custom. Tis getting dusk, meet no one but the plodding husbandman returning home save Stokoe. Walked and ran to get warm and over our task. Go to Bishop's the baker on return to get faggots for the fire. Read in morning Blackwood and the Art Union. Carree writes to Mrs Edmunds, spend nothing, have no money!!!

26th

Not out of house all morning, read Club books. Mrs Singer calls to take leave, going today for a time. Mr S gone hunting, go out with Emma after dinner, post a letter for Carree for Cowbridge, my last penny! Order oysters and cress at Miles ½ 100. No lobster came! Call on Mr Fussell about mulberry wood. Call at Penn's for frock for baby and on Geake about the mulberry wood and see a beautiful walnut table, 18 guineas! Bob Fenwick comes in late to supper to eat oysters and drink porter, ordered 12 large bottles and Ginghams. … up, he and Charles eat all the oysters! I eat toasted cheese etc. Not a pleasant (muddy) day.

Sunday. Tolerably mild, Mr Parsons does morning duty, Mr Harper helps. A good sermon on Advent duties of the year. Mr Henning does duty at 3.00 and does it very well, came to a long fault but recovered himself. Walked to the Park gate before tea, ill spent evening.

28th

Dull, very dull and inclined to rain, glass very high though. Read Cambrian, servants not in good odour, cook wasteful! Miss Cox calls to carry back the portrait but does not! Draft at bank for £5 over-drawn. Read Cambrian etc, out after dinner, no money sent to the bank from London. Pay as above, call in at Hawkins and at Mr Geake's and at Hoddinot's and stay tea, there. Carree sends all over town for me, what an anxious wife! Mr Nunn here tonight instead of Friday last. Warmer night. Corrected mistake with Mrs Hoddinot, paid her a florin for half crown.

29th

Wet morning, clean and set in order Johnny's cupboard and books etc having lost one and not done his verses. Read Dublin magazine, not from the house all day, wet all day. Parsons calls to know why I called on him yesterday, to move roses etc for Mrs Morris. Ripston apples, 4d at 1d 100 (?) 2/- not paid. Canvass in the evening about Charles future prospects, brewing not altogether approved of, merchant service now thought seriously of, to see the world. God grant the ultimate choice may prove correct and prosperous, he does not shirk hard manual work!

30th

All morning at accounts (i.e.) the old tithe accounts 1847 and 1848 etc for WM. Thorough wet day and very mild so do not regret the confinement. Get out in the damp with Frank to the town. Order a wheelchair to meet Mrs James at Salisbury coach at 7.00. Order gin and B ale at Mees, tea and cocoa at Stokes, 2 B brushes at Rogers, 2 blankets at Ensors 25/-. Pay above bills and take broken spectacles to Pollard to mend. Home to tea and again to King's Arms to meet Mrs J all right. Sit in the bar with Morris and meet Mr Penny the radical editor of Leeds, … of Sherborne, a sensible ugly man, brother of Web P and go to the Reading room, no news. Chat at home with Mrs J for an hour, supper and bed after boiling water in a new tin with naphtha in 10 minutes. Receive letter from HJM Swansea, offer to take Caswell.

December 1853

1st (Thursday)

Warm pleasant dull morning. Mrs James here again, came last night. Sherborne Cattle Show and Farmers Annual Club dinner. Receive a letter this evening from RH Gower. Poor exhibition at the Sherborne cattle show, no competition. Half the large farmers send nothing for fear of being beaten. Pigs are very good. Sheep not bad, cattle very middling affairs. Dinner about 80, H Ker Seymour esq MP in chair, quick and ready speaker. Sir William Meddlicot there also. Cross table not well filled. Central Dorset Line to Exeter likely to be Carreed. Coffee at Mr Highmore's, home 10.30.

2nd

Yesterday fortunately fine but very muddy, today again most beautiful. Mr Hoddinot calls to ride to his farm to course, can't go, letters to write. Sit to Miss Cox for last time. Call to see Mr Morris, a bad cold.. Call with Carree on Mrs Fussell etc. Wrote and posted a letter to HJM Swansea. Call on Hoddinot late, he caught 2 hares, a good course. Cold evening bids for frost.

3rd

Had unexpectedly a most wretched night and very unwell, a mass of pain accable de rheum. Unable to get up all day, unwilling to send for medical advice. Mr Fussell calls in the evening and advises medicine. Most unfortunate and quite unaccountable having done nothing imprudent but being too sedentary!

Sunday. Fine, Sacrament. Carree at home with me, I ill in bed all day, irksome work. In consequence we quite forgot to exhort Charles to attend sacrament being confirmed last confirmation and unfortunately has no turn that way.

5th

Still very unwell, not up till late in the day and read on the sofa and sit up till 11.00 having taken nothing but tea, gruel and arrowroot save a cup of beef tea since Friday. Mr Nunn's night, music lessons. Emma unable still to practise, arm strained, nearly broken. A fall from the pony riding with Miss Wilmot. Dull and damp weather, fine for time of year!

6th

Breakfast in bed, up earlier but far from recovered, stomach sadly out of tone. Read United Service, dull production. Mrs and Miss James call. Carree and I walk late to the Park, such a quantity of ducks. Go to the town after, too late for me by rights, want buns for tea. Mild and dull day. Sit in the little room this evening, receive letter from HJM, agrees to take Caswell farm from Michaelmas last, stock at valuation etc and expects to be in Sherborne before Christmas.

7th

Fine dry weather, still but dull and not cold. Get up to breakfast for first time for several days past. Try to read Cambrian, many interruptions. Carree and I get out at 12 for walk, for my benefit and to enjoy the best of the day, by Castleton gate to West's Farm and up the road to the Bath Road and by that return. Look at the new water tank now covered over and for the present finished. Home to dinner, sprats and beef tea for me! I have no great appetite. Mrs Morris calls, Miss Ball also about the concert. Carree and Mr and Miss Fenwick to go. Johnny ultimately goes to. Charles has other things to attend to, music lesson, pony etc. Mr Nunn has only agreed to give a lesson to (Emma) in consequence this evening and she is not very well. Mr Fussell calls to see me and is out of humour because I was out so late yesterday, n'importe, but he pays me off with more physic!

8th

Very fine weather, write to RH Gower, long letter partly written last night, posted today. Read United Service, poor affair I think. Walk alone to the fi.. beyond the middle Park gate, have not been so far for an age. Read Miss Mitford Literary Reminiscences in evening.

9th

Read Illustrated, walk early with Carree and Mrs J [who has been to church] and Agnes to post a letter for Mrs J and to the park wall and gate. Out again after visitors; Mrs Melmoth, Captain and Mrs Hammond, to the town with Carree for pork and cheese and to Ensors, Rogers for soap and ..rumans spirit and home to tea etc. Called on Mr & Mrs Morris, he ill, bronchitis. Mr Fussell called, I am pretty well again.

10th

Cold dull windy east windy day, am quite out of sorts, low and unwell. Take a long walk after 3.00 by Pinford Lane (Park Wall) towards Melborne Port, Goat Hill village to the right and by a foot path to the park by keepers [Warren's ] home 5 or 6 miles, my only companion a little dog. Read Cambrian paper in evening.

Sunday. Cold east wind, very cold and dark. Pastoral Aid Society sermon (Kelly), he is a very distinct and audible reader, do not like his preaching. He reads well, studied manner. Williams does duty in evening, lose my spectacles in church, how is this. Search with candle and sexton, they are found in the aisle trampled and broken after 7.00 service, odd event! Spend an indifferent idle evening.

12th

Snow colours the ground, wintry and frosty, proves a fine day. Have lost my spectacles in church and can do nothing. Parsons gardener comes after breakfast, I get out early to the grocer, butcher etc, meet Geake at Pollards and go with him to Fussells about mulberry tree. Got bits taken up, meet Mr and Miss Stevens and walk with them down Cheap St. Bacon not to be had in town!!! Again out with Carree after dinner, after Miss Parsons call, to end of Westbury. Mean to put off Mrs Palleret but she spends evening with us and is very agreeable, Monmouthshire. We call on the Hennings late, placed a bankers bill [50] HJM in bank.

13th

At home all morning, receive letter from HJM and answer it to Swansea. Read Illustrated, wet all morning, holds up in evening. Go with Charles to Arnold's and Whiffins(?), order a great coat for him at former, pair of spring gaiters for myself. Repaid Elizabeth, borrowed of her £1 and 1/6, … tuning piano twice today and ante. Enter up my accounts to the end of this book in the evening and read.

14th

Cold windy and changeable day. Mrs Charlton's school breaks up. Emma gets a prize book. Out early for Carree to shop at Mrs Penns and Ensors, not for but with Carree. Mrs James has been to church. After dinner again walk with Carree and children to the park. Stokoe overtakes us, we separate. Ladies up Farnboro' Hill, Stokoe and I and Frank to the middle gate of Park in contempt of east wind, cutting cold. Measure distance and against time from mid to entrance gate park, ¼ of hour. Call it 1 mile, walk fast and consider gate nearly 1 mile from our house. Read in evening Waterloo the last of the 15 celebrated battles, Creasy? Johnny not very well, left the school, laid to charge of pea soup, not unlikely! Miss Cox brings home portrait, can't say much for likeness!!! Not decidedly bad.

15th

Very sharp frost, inclined to snow. Out early to Sherrings for such marrow meat etc and hunts with Frank for firewood, can find none, in Coldharbour and Acreman Street etc and to the new reservoir. Walk with Carree and Mrs James and children to Park Gate, Mrs Goldsmith and children ... Call on return on the Stevens, see only Mrs S. Enquire for lodging for HJM, call on Nixon, summoned back to see an unexpected visitor; EKJ arrived from Bristol and thinks to stay overnight and does. Tea and chops, walk with him at night to the Kings Arms, stay half hour or more in the bar. Mees only there. Talk of new taxes, post horse duty etc, home to bed after 11.00 wet.

16th

A wet day, drizzly and dull and quiet. EKJ here, sally out early with him and Frank to show the Park and Lord Digby's house or Castle! so-called, but he wishes he had not started, hastens back to put on slippers and sit by the fire. He is to leave before 1.00, Kings Arms for Yeovil. Early lunch and start again to see the town and church, all seen but nought admired, the wearied soul is driven to wander home to see wife and children. In the church 2 minutes and wait 20 at the Kings Arms before the bus is ready. He thought the church handsome but is not a man to admire what is not his own! I return with C and J and after dinner call on Mr Stevens who has called to see me about pigs ... from Salisbury and out to the Reading Room to see about the Turks, 4,000 they say killed! by the Russians. Read and enter accounts, spend 0!

17th

Received news that Lord Palmerston resigns Lord Aberdeen's ministry, cause Turkish and Russian War? New reform bill assigned as the cause! Read in the morning and attend to children. Mrs Charlton's school over, get out in evening late with Agnes and Frank to the town. Read battle of Waterloo, Creasy's. Mr Nunn gives his music lessons.

Sunday. A wettish day, all at church a.m., Mr Badger does all the duty and go alone in evening. Badger again, finishes his sermon, few there, too wet. Read Illustrated, Lord Palmerston's resignation and Russian Turkish War.

19th

Cold dull damp weather, not from house till 7.00p.m. Read Cambrian etc etc and mope over the fire. Little inclined to get out this evening but obliged. Supper - old Mr Highmore, Mr Melmoth, 2 Flooks, R Wilmot, Stevens, Dr Highmore, Mr James, self and Longman. Punch and toasted cheese and game etc. Pass pleasant evening and not home till near 12.00! Henry arrives from Bristol and Swansea, bus from Yeovil at 7.00. Have been expecting him but surprised to see him at the King's Arms. Schoolboys break up and get into scrapes and rows all over the town. Snow falls all evening after 7.00, quite winter.

20th

Snow on the ground, sloppy thaw. Read Illustrated. Go at 11 to Mee's for spectacle case and stick, get both and meet Mr Morris and return with him. In tribulations and fear as to Mr Singer out hunting yesterday to Wincanton, not returned. Stag horns and lead, fine pair at Miller's the old saddler. I ought not to indulge in such fancies but they are particularly fine! Fine grain. HJM in Sherborne, we go before dinner to post and go to the Reading Room where I discover I have left my spectacles, can read nothing. Home to dine 5.00, Mr Nunn comes to tea. Sing and practise, Charles and Mamma, etc etc all evening. Mr Nunn to leave this week for Penzance.

21st

Em and Ag spend this evening at Mrs Morris's. HJM at Sherborne, meant to enter on account of Caswell, have left mine in Gower! Henry receives letters and answers them, Gazelle at Plymouth, resolves to go there tomorrow. I am hunting fussing about papers all day, get out about 3.00. HJM calls on Nixon, go to the post and to a meeting about Central Dorset line of rail at Town Hall, just before it closed and return to dinner. Read papers and go at nine, streets all dark - no gas, to the Kings Arms to inquire about beef in morning. HJM sits in the bar an hour talking, White surg(?), Harry James, Nunn etc, home to be scolded and go to bed. Oysters from Mr Morgan, Bristol, arrive from Yeovil.

22nd

Dull cold damp morning, breakfast early, HJM goes by train to Plymouth, Gazelle there. See him off, go to the Reading Room, call on Mr Henning and go to the butcher's to look and to Mr Mee's about artichokes with Mrs James to the new house etc etc. A goose for the kitchen of Mr Stiby on Christmas Day, 5/- no change. Mrs Spencer and daughter and call look over some papers etc, enter accounts and go at 6.30 with Carree to tea with Mr & Mrs Henning. Not home till past 11.00.

23rd

Wet again, drizzly melted snow, back room rummaged and transmogrified, sideboard in again. Carpenters here are putting up wooden frame, best room upstairs contemplated drawing room, Carree's wish. Out with Carree to Mr Parsons, meet Miss Parsons by church. Call at Stokes, chestnuts, butter etc, and Sherring's about the pig sent up too late. All confusion. Read Blackwood in evening.

24th

Little sun a.m., cold and dull today, a confused day in toto. First we cut up the pig parts between self and Mrs James who takes part, this done sally out with Em and Ag to Rev. Mr Parsons, take laver, he is better. Children most noisy a.m. before breakfast and put me out sadly. More or less so all day. Called at the station about assault on Lewis, nurse. Children at Ensors for ribbons for presents. Call on Henning about Mrs Penn's house.

26th

Sunday. Sharp frost, Badger duty a.m., Williams duty p.m. Walk with HJM and Carree to Park.

Monday. Universal holy day, very sharp frost. Greenhouse suffers. Hounds expected at Lenthay, all disappointed of course. We all go charge our resources. HJM looks at pigs at Hoddinot's farm, 20 good ones, then at the sheep. Stiby has 100 lambs. Write, on return, to Park Street - oysters. HJM writes to Gower. Dinner party Mr & Mrs Morris and Hoddinot, all under-done. Cards and singing in evening. Nixon here, bad ordour(sic) I win against him, not in bed till 12.30.

27th

Frost again, less sharp. Read Evening Mail, Lord Palmerston said to be returned to Ministry. Out early to get ingredients for evening, bacon at Harding's. Mrs James out on same errand. Call on Mrs Morris, her sister Mrs Cox or Scott there, call on Nixon and leave a pack of cards. Called in at Hill's about soda water maker, at the billiard table Mr Morris and HJM there. Play a game, snow comes on thick and heavy. At home all the evening seeing snow balling, Charles etc. Cards, Pope Joan in evening to amuse children and lose -/6.

28th

A white world and sharp frost. Snow much drifted in the night. Am not out of the house all day. Am about Caswell accounts, analysis of them. Mr Williams and Miss Goldsmith, only to tea, sing and learn dancing. All sit down part of evening to Pope Joan, pass an unceremonious evening. Charles shooting with Mr Hoddinot all a.m. and dines with him, nothing killed! Very sharp frost. Wrote to ... and to Sanguinetti's this week. Hear from latter today, EM had written to say he has another boy.

29th

Intense frost, greenhouse in deplorable state. Finish analysing Caswell accounts to November 18th, end of WR's account recovered. All gone out to the Park and to skate but me and HJM who receives a London letter obliging him to go to his Hammersmith lodging tomorrow. We go to Park after 1.00 to see the skating. Few there, many get in. Ice very bad, very uneven and uncertain. Even old Mr Grant there! Dine at 4.00 after packing some of it (firewood) in greenhouse, receive a letter from Sanguinetti.

30th

A cold thaw. HJM resolves to go to London and leaves Sherborne by Bath coach to Dorchester 2.30. Miss Cocks, Mrs Morris's sister, also leaves for Weymouth where she lives. Great….tude of weather, cold rain, snow, thaw, frost again. In the bar at Mee's above 1 hour, brandy and water -/6. Mr Morris sees Mrs Cocks off. Return with him and Charles. Call at Cox's the carpenters who replaces my hat pegs fallen down. Call at Arnold, tailor, about caps for children, Bishops for faggots, at Mr Hennings to enquire about the baby - better. Charles and Emma at a charade party at Miss Bartlett's this evening, home 11.30.

31st

Sharp frost again, more skating. Read a.m., settle accounts with Houndsell, house and everything in confusion with children. Read HJM's evening mail, no news. Walk at 3 with Emma to the Park, to the bridge gate among the deer eating hay, how tame!!! See the skating, bears up to the bridge. Charles, John and Frank all learning to skate. Horrid bad slippery walking, frost on melted snow everywhere. Dine at 4.00. Children drop in one by one, no sort of regularity and how they do dispute and quarrel, most disagreeable. Carree writes to Lucy, to Willey and to Mrs Noble and does not walk out. Finish the year peeling apples for a New Year's pie.

◀ Previous year         ▲ Back to the list         ▶ Next year