Charles Morgan's Diary, 1854

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January

1st (Sunday – recorded in the 1853 diary)

Is the New Year; 1853 out like an old-fashioned winter – sharp. Corn and meat very dear, war almost inevitable between Russia and Turkey. Emperor Nicholas an encroaching vagabond!

(On opening page of 1854 diary)

New Year begins on a Sunday. Thorough winter snow and frost! Everything dear and war talked of and thought inevitable against Russia in defence of Turkey; the Russians are acting most basely, treacherously and cruelly. Corn expected to rise higher than experienced since the French War in defiance of free trade. Everything now much higher than last year, corn scarce except barley. Wheat indifferent, after a very wet summer (a wet year) much wheat never ripened. Harvest very late. Potato blight never worse except in Ireland. Ireland improving, England retrograde. “Up corn and horse”. Meat very dear. too! Coals risen very considerably, everything risen but whisky in Ireland! Strikes for wages are very prevalent in manufacturing and other districts. The South Wales Rail opened in December in full, from Carmarthen to Milford Haven or Haverfordwest, thanks to Mr Talbot the chairman! February and March great stir and preparation and outfit of Navy and Army against Russia in Turkey. Quite a popular excitement in justice of the cause. What will it lead to and how begin, how end. War is not declared on either side! March 16th!

2nd

Sunday. We are all at church, Mr Williams a.m., Mr Badger p.m. Walk to Park before tea with Carree to see the crowds upon the ice. Park etc crowded like Hyde Park, all the raffs of the town there. Read Illustrated all the evening.

Monday. More snow and more frost, such an early and hard winter not seen for years. Mr Stevens calls only to ask us to dine on Thursday, we decline. No dinner company. Write to my aunt Mabbott not having written to her a long time. Walk out with Carree and Emma and back. Call on Mrs Charlton, going to the town. Go to the bank and call on Mr Palairet, find him to be a barrister, once knew him in London, he knows Reading, Sullamstead etc the Lorings etc etc, Richard Edwards of Bath etc.

3rd

At home all morning, dine early. Wintry morning and blowing driving and drifting. Mrs Palairet calls from further end of Westbury to offer carriage for tomorrow, how kind. Get out after 4.00 to order few things for this evening. Mrs Spencer and Dawes expected to tea, sad weather for them. Order Rendell to fit up gas pipes for kitchen tomorrow through greenhouse.

4th

Great accumulation of drifted snow this morning, no great frost. Inclined to thaw. Wind westerly, cold and dull. No London mails arrived for a day at Sherborne. Letters at last, delivery very late, probably impeded by snow on rail. Out early with Charles to enquire our party got home last night. Little Palairet all way to Westbury! Call there all right, call on the Spencers and see two family portraits of Sir W Beeches! Mrs Stomer of Hambury his granddaughter. Call at Geakes, wish Charles to learn carpentry and turnery. Dine at 2.00. Mamma and children all but Charles gone to a party at Mr & Mrs Goldsmith's. Mr Palairet kindly drives them down about 6.00. I and F walk. Charles, self and Mrs J tea alone! A snug party.

5th

Dull disagreeable day, not wet, snowy nor frosty tho' a frosty morning. Not out of house all day. Carpenter, put up shelves in the cupboards in the little back parlour. Johnny helps remove jams etc. Servants have a tea party in the back parlour and shut the cat in the larder!!!!! See tomorrow. Charles shoots with young Williamson and dines at tea time. Mrs James settles with me about Caswell, set off one year to Michaelmas last by £2 week, board, self and servant and pays me £2 over for 5 weeks. Mr Fussell called. Mrs Palairet calls. What a false alarm tonight. Cat in larder eats a rabbit and breaks bottles.

6th

Rendell puts up for me the additional gas for kitchen and greenhouse and wire for the larder window owing to a fright last night. 12.00 all the house up to attack robbers. They are in the house, I heard them, all agree. Open windows, Police! Police. Robbers, Robbers. Help neighbours help. Noone hears luckily, no time to dress, down we all go to accuse the cat, the real culprit, shut in the larder. She eats a rabbit and exits by window and tumbles a lot of bottles to shivers. What a scene. Frost after thaw, wet before 4. Clears off and again frost. All roads all ice!! Dreadful travelling. Carree and children call on Mrs Ball, I to Harding's for rice. Meet Mr Morris and we meet Carree by Black Horse. Call on Fussell, on Mrs Dawe. Get umbrellas at former and home fa miute all the evening but this entry and read club book. Gas in kitchen.

7th

Would have I been doing all day!? Write to HJM and sealing notes for Carree, circulars for Thursday next, children distribute. Dine early, get out with Carree and Emma and Ag. Call on Fenwick to see Mrs Elrington and Mrs Spencer. Try to get calfs feet in vain and go to Dingleys about binding and stair carpet. Read a little of the Voice of Israel and book of bird eggs. Reports that Prince Albert is in the Tower, interfering in politics, Russia and Turkey, nous verrons. Wet wet wet, cold and rapid thaw.

Sunday. Milder, muddy, fine. Vicar Mr Parsons very ill, not expected to live. All at church a.m., prayers for vicar. Mr Badger does duty. Walk up with Mr Stevens at Castleton Church at 3 with Em, Ag and F, rest go to church. Mr Badger again Castleton. Walk in Park to mid gate with Miss Stevens and children. Meet Carree on return. Mrs Steven's cook has a fit, very serious! Letter from HJM to expect him tomorrow.

9th

General thaw, snow nearly gone. Streets dreadfully dirty. Out early to meet HJM by Weymouth coach, no coach has run for a week! but comes from Bath today. Meanwhile HJM arrives from Yeovil. Out with young Stevens, call at the vicarage, Mr Parsons very ill!! and wander about and go to the Reading Room to see news of political rumours. Prince Albert as a Jesuit etc etc. Find HJM is come, out again with Carree and him to the town. Go to Ensor's for 2 couple fowls. Carree calls on Dr & Mrs Highmore and Miss Rutherford. Now to Coate's shop etc, Mr and Mrs Henning and return home. He goes to Castleton. Miss Stevens and brother are at tea and practise duets. I read Cambrian.

10th

Out early with HJM to butchers. We are rather at 6 and 7s about Thursday, many things can't get. Order dozen quart bottles of porter at Bingham's, about the town all day, not at the Reading Room. Write to Tenby in answer to one yesterday. Out with Emma and Ag and HJM in evening. Go to Dalwoods and to Hawkins for EM and Bishop saddler, Rowe's, Roger's. Enquire for the vicar, actually better. Call on Mrs Goldsmith, gloves left there and stretch away to Muller's dairy. Find Mr & Mrs Palairet calling as we return, he in his carriage. Long confab with him. Enter my daily accounts since Saturday.

11th

Beautiful day, frost very slight. Carree in trouble about her party tomorrow. We tremble about it, so much thought of a Christmas party. Out with Emma and Ag and baby. Were to have ridden coursing with Mr Hoddinot, some mistake, he is gone tho' I wrote to excuse. Dine early and out with HJM. Order beer at Whittle's, pay Roberts above and go to Reading Room, no particular news. A confused sort of day. Measure new stair carpet, curtains, open bedroom to be made the drawing-room. Blacksmith mends table etc on time to send it home.

12th

A bit of a frost and gets mild and gets cold again and rains about 4 and all evening a little and clears off and is frosty at night. House in confusion. Cox, carpenter, here moving beds and furniture, prepare for an evening party and dance. Our front bedroom given up for supper, near 40 come. The Williamsons 1st time, Mrs Stoker from Hamburg, Mrs Spencer's daughter a capital dancer, young Southwell and the curate the only people from the country. All our friends at the party, dancing kept up with great glee, not gone till 2.00. A capital supper, all goes off well. Sleep in a fresh room at the back tonight, front room destined for something better, may be!

13th

Sharp frost, dull, inclined to thaw. A juvenile party expected tonight, a thorough thaw. End of frost and snow. Busy a.m. to settle all things for this evening. Juvenile party, above 40 in all, well if they don't turn the house upside down. Dance and fun all the evening, all over before 12.00.

14th

A day after two parties, at home and no engagement out. Declined dining at Mr Robert Wilmot's yesterday, engaged at home. Charles rides to Melbourne Port expecting to see hounds and again walks there with Stokoe. HJM here, what do we do? Most muddy weather. Receive letter from Cowbridge, death of Major Bowen, auditor. Write to Mr Talbot to get it, receive answer on Tuesday and write again he has made a previous application. Write also to Mr Collins and Mr William Edmunds on same subject, forget the rest of the day.

Sunday. Mr Parsons better again! Am at Castleton Church a.m. with Em, Ag and F. Mr Badger extempore ditto ditto at church p.m. Mr Stokoe at tea this evening, accidental. Walked late beyond middle gate, Johnny and Frank walk part of way. Mrs Stephen's also.

16th

Mild damp day, plans not properly settled for going to Yeovil. Carree and Agnes off to go by Mr Rooe's carriage to Rampisham. HJM for Bristol by train at 3.00. Hire a fly of Mee's, bus not suiting. Charles rides to Yeovil, how muddy the roads. Start at 11, back at 3.30. Miss Fussell comes to tea. Emma bad chillblains, bad heel. Play Pope Joan in the evening, fun. No money passes. Sit up late Edin. Review, long article state of church. parties.

17th

Dull damp warm day, thermometer 50 even at night. I have not been out of the house. Lay and nail the carpet again in the dining room from upstairs, is the upstairs to be made a 2nd sitting room. Read the Edinburgh Review, very interesting. Receive a letter from Mr Talbot, most friendly, about auditorship. Write again to him in reply and also to Frank to apply personally, if he will, to commissioners, will he? Charles rides with young James, ... to Charles and Johnny. Whist by double dummy in evening. Read Arctic Regions in Edinburgh Review in evening. Charles goes to the fox(?) horns concert alone in the evening (Clapstock). McCready has a large party. Wettish evening or night.

18th

Dull damp warm, inclined to falling misty rain. Go coursing on foot with Johnny to Charlton Hawthorne, whole lot of farmers etc out and plenty of hares. Much time lost before starting, nothing done till 12.30. Captain Stanley out. Walk over Poinington (sic) Downs. Mr Miller with 2 dogs overtakes us and directs our plans to drop in with them. Wait, wait and wait. See nothing, hear nothing. Get at last to Charton Hawthorn, bread and glass of beer. Walk all day over the fields looking for hares and walk back with Lamb, Mr Hoddinot's man, and 2 dogs not thinking to get a lift. Have the luck to drop in with Charles and the pony at Oborne and ride to Sherborne. I could not have walked less than 15 or 16 miles. Not bad, not being accustomed to it. Frank was out, went on the pony, Charles led it. He and Johnny get a lift back in Mr Miller's Cart, late at dinner. Charles and Emma at a party at Mrs Williams till 3.00. I read the Britannia paper, not in bed till 11.30, not very tired.

19th

Dull foggy sort of morning. Receive letter from Carree again and read Mrs Nobles on subject of farming. Pay Hoddinot's man for grooming pony last night and gave him some bread and cheese, he says he had nothing from 7.00a.m. till he returned from coursing. Not from the house all day. Beautiful sunshine after 10.00. Read Edinburgh Review and write to Carree a long letter of nothing to Rampisham. Children out and in by various appointments with other boys and girls all day long. Emma at tea with Miss Fussell. Charles at a party that Major Dawe's.

20th

Wet early and holds up. I not from the house all day. Read Edinburgh Review, Haydon's Life etc, Parliamentary Reform etc. Mrs Palairet calls late, caught in a hurricane and wet. Mrs Williamson junior calls, receive letter from HJM, doubts as to taking Caswell now! Going to Rouen from Port Talbot. Why has he changed his mind so?! No stability, all talk, too honest, all suspicion. Johnny at tea with Mr Fussell, Charles with Stokoe, there to learn drawing! Read Edinburgh Review till late at night.

21st

Get early into town to the butchers, order mutton and beef, call at Bishop's for HJM, whip. Order carriage at Johnson's to drive to Yeovil for Carree and Ag. Lunch at Mr Cave's with Frank. Meet a Hereford man, a gentleman farmer from near Taunton. See Rev. Mr Rooke returned from Oxford or Abingdon school (Sewell) and Mrs Rooke returning to Rampisham. Home to dine at 5.00, read all evening.

Sunday. Rather wet, dull and cold. Was twice at church; a.m. Mr Badger, p.m.Williams. Prayers for the vicar Mr Parsons. Take no walk further than Mr Stevens, called with Carree on Mrs Morris at dinner. Read Illustrated all evening.

23rd

Fine day, not from the house all day. Read papers, several of them. Write to HJM, Port Talbot. Bennet ,Captain Gazelle. Mr & Mrs Morris call to take leave, their luggage all gone today 2.10 off to Bath! Miss Williamson and brother call. Mrs James leaves us to take possession of Mrs Morris's house. Johnny sleeps at Mrs James. What a loss are Mr & Mrs Morris to us at Newlands! and to the poor of the Town.

24th

Wet, house comparatively empty. Mrs James and Johnny out of it and Mary the servant. See Mr & Mrs off by the Bath coach at 11.00, what a loss!!! Talk with Hill the coach maker, church near Yeovil, no church for 30 years. Out with Carree after writing to Swansea, Mr Hoare's about a bill. Call on Mr & Mrs Williams. See Lord Ilchester riding to the Kings Arms on a white horse, most gentlemanly man and so says Mees and speak to him about coals for Mrs J. Get bill from Porters and home to tea at Mrs James. Children going a party at Dr Highmore's.

25th

Tolerable day, dry and cold and windy and damp towards night after a frosty morning. I am not from the house except late evening to plant a few laurel cuttings and ivy, remnants of ornament at a party, by way of experiment to see if they will grow as well as if planted in autumn. Mrs Ensor called this morning! I trim the plants in the greenhouse, mostly dead I fear. Walk late to enquire about having bacon smoked near Greenhill. Write to HJM Gower, receive 2 letters from him. He gives up taking Caswell and I must go down at once, so off and away.

26th

Most beautiful day, glass very high, rising rapidly. Nearly at top of the tube! Go to the Reading Room, another dreadful wreck off Ireland, 400 lost, emigrants! Out of 650. Write to HJM Swansea I am coming down (cra..). Out with Carree, call on Major Dawe, Mrs Fussell and Captn H. Mr & Mrs Williamson, Mr & Mrs Henning and Mrs J come to tea. Pass a pleasant evening, to me inconvenient, wanting to pack for tomorrow. Not in bed till 12.00. Expect a frost.

27th

Not so fine morning, no frost. Pack up to go to Yeovil, Gower. Dine or lunch at 12.00 and before 1.00 off in the bus for Yeovil. Leave luggage at the Bell Inn and sleep there, tea at Mr Morgan's. Read Thursday's London papers at the Institution, no news, politics statu quo.

28th

In Swansea by 2.15, meet HJM at station and go to Mr Beor's. Lunch again, write a letter to Emma and post it from Herbert Jones. Meet with RH at the Exeter, then come home with him at Caie Forgan by 8.15. Cold star light and darkish in Gower. Have tea in kitchen and look round at all the animals. All looking pretty well. Not in bed till near 12.00.

Sunday. Stormy, wind and hail, much rain in night. Put my things in order. Shall not be at church, thought to go to Penmaen, ours being without reason in the school room. Rev. Matthews a clown and can't speak plain. Enter my journal and expenses etc and hunt up keys of the closet etc. HJM gone to Port Talbot, Gazelle there. Wander about garden etc, few things better off than usual. Go to Pwllybrag, WL unwell. Write long letter to Dorset.

An ill spent Sunday!! No, mistake, no help, see next Sunday.

30th

Monday. By a previous agreement ride with RH on one of the farm horses to Caswell, lucky to find a horse and find bridle and saddle. Meet HJM there, dull but dry and not over cold. Home before dark to dine. Ask W Richards for accounts, books, get two. Ask questions and get crooked answers. Men paid in parts in corn and all charged cash and no such corn credited, Why?!!!! To make confusion and dust my eyes. Must sell off and get rid of the farm and him and Fanny his wife. Carmarthenshire shall have a lot of money to pay him. HJM now declines to take the farm, sold corn when ordered not.

31st

Dull damp disagreeable day, take advantage of the fire to remain at home and go through WM's account of Caswell 1851 etc, balance by night (analysis of it) one quarter not satisfactory! No good opinion of WR. Hear from Sherborne, Emma and Ma all well. Stroll to the garden and just about the yard to see cattle, look and enquire etc etc. Have some talk with R Harry, I spend nothing here that is on comfort!

February 1854

1st (Wednesday)

A very wet day, unexpectedly so. All day at accounts and get through the analysis of 1852, Caswell, WR's account, balancing £130 to a farthing, pro and con, no easy task and no work of pleasure. Especially seeing reason to think there is cheating and overreading (?). Not in bed till 12.00.

2nd

A most beautiful day, am at Caie Forgan alone and not solitary with old Tucker - once again glad to see me. Get to routing out and replanting with him all day and prepare to open the new drive into the front garden and plant the removes on terrace side to break the wind. Good exercise after two days by the fire. Write a long letter to Carree in Sherborne with a key to open my nest of drawers and return me the key of my lumber room. Nothing in accounts today. Letter to go by old Smith to post tomorrow. Was at Pwllybrag to ask if any message, she writes, I read. Get apples there.

3rd

Another most beautiful frosty morning, glass well up. Walk over the farm with RH, things looking well except sheep, noone's work forwarder than mine. 2 months consumption turnips still undrawn. Had a touch at Caswell accounts /53 and again in evening. Set WT to mow the terrace, in neglected state, tough and hard. Prepare to plant some quicks there to make a regular hedge. Can't get a man to help remove some heavy shrubs! Albon at Llanelli. HJM returns to dinner from Swansea. WT for two moles in the garden 6d. Receive letter from Carree, children and Scotch letters about farming. Times also, opening of Parliament .

4th

HJM leaves me for Swansea, Port Talbot and London. RH goes to Swansea, nothing taken to sell, goes lateish. Bar Jones opens a drain across the plantation by Pwllybrag. Grass roots have quite choked it. With WT cutting and trimming with a knife in garden and after dinner he and Bar Jones transplant and open the plantation to the intended new drive to the house and wheel earth and begin and plant quicks as a fence on the terrace. Trying to rain at 6.00 from east, and continues all night from the west. Dull and cold all day. Not at my accounts till after tea and then till 12.00. Had no meat all day, rice milk only for dinner and feel all the better for it, not sleepy or tired.

Sunday. As expected wet, misty, foggy and rainy. Not from the home all today, to miserably spent at Caswell accounts, preparations to tomorrow expecting WR to come to some conclusion there, sale or no sale. Was half thinking to go to Penmaen, no inducement but a dinner and a sermon and a bed. Forgo them all, not to get wet through, why should I? RH and young Hopkin up this evening. Am not in bed till 12.00. Can't reconcile it that tis Sunday! 2nd not in church!

6th

Monday. Dull and damp, Gower weather! All day the same. At accounts all morning, just finish Caswell and WR comes. Ask questions and get unsatisfactory answers, am very dissatisfied about the produce of corn, something quite wrong. Tell him he drinks too much for me and I must finish farming there, but not resolved yet what course immediately to take and what he is to do in the end. A letter by J Smith, tis from Carree and about Dorset Bank. Work in garden a little with WT and Albon and lop trees with W David. In evening with RH and make some calculations on Caswell accounts etc etc. Have seen no one since being in Gower, all alone, all alone!

7th

Showery morning, all overcast, clears off at 12 and is beautiful. One Richard Gammon of Bison, half blind, charity, been to London ophthalmic, 1848 certificate from W Palmer 2/6. Sort some papers from my desk, began last night, now done. Beautiful day at last. EKJ calls in way to Ilston to call on Dr Hutton. At RH's Crickton accounts, end of 53. Work with WT and Albon, plants by new drive etc. Mrs Jenkins of Parkyrhedin dead, of twins, 14 days ago. Walk with EKJ to look at my Cillibion wheat. At accounts in evening and write to HJM London.

8th

Fine weather, dry and healthy. At accounts and work in garden opening new road etc. Surprised to see EM about 2.00 returning from Plymouth to Tenby. Entices me to Swansea to dine at Mr Beor's as he returns to Tenby tomorrow. Hate to be taken by surprise but resolve at last go though I want to see the auctioneer now selling at Phil Long's of Newton. Arrange to see him tomorrow at 12. EM starts to walk, we walk and t... I sleep at Mrs Davies, gives a poor account of poor Henry, long ill there. Mr D. comes in in the evening, play a rubber, win with him tho' a bad player against EM. Not in bed till 1.00 and nearly shut out. Mr Rowlands came in but could not stop, how aged he gets.

9th

Cold morning, frosty wind east and north. In Swansea, breakfast at Mr Beor's, send a starling to stuff to Reeds in Oxford Street, undertaker of birds and funerals. EM leaves for Tenby by tram about 11.00, the only one having a conveyance from Narberth to Tenby. I leave about 11.00 also to return and see Jones the auctioneer about Caswell. Settle to have a sale in a fortnight and work a little in the garden terrace. Quick hedge finished and levelled etc. Met EKJ, Lucy etc on the road from Swansea, surprised to see me. Have HJM's horse.

10th

Beautiful weather, have broken my spectacles and lost an eye. Can't get on well, very perplexing to see with two at different focuses…. get out after trying at RH's account book, to the garden and help WT and Albon at the new road, plants etc. RH kills 4 sheep and a pig, 2 of former not good, rotten. Old Mr Collins calls and has a chat. Write a long letter to Sherborne and to Emma about the savings bank £5 increase to £5.14. 0. My home-made wine pronounced excellent, gooseberry and blackcurrant. Sharp frost again, protect myrtles. Commissions for Swansea, RH to be off very early.

11th

Frosty fine weather, beautiful. Stroll about the common and look at the farm close by, Pwllybrag etc. Pack up a few things and start about 1.00 to dine at Penmaen and sleep. Take requisites in my pocket, go round by Oxwich to call on Mrs Collins and see the land slip (Rock) very curious, tons of solid stone with trees upon them have slid 20 yd. Long chat with the old Lady and the quarrymen and the old peninsula soldier (Warde). Do not ride by the sands, dine at EKJ's at 5.00. Explanation of the infirmary affair last thing at night, not quite satisfactory to me. EKJ takes rather too prominent a part to my taste. We are friends yet let not difference of opinion make us otherwise!

Sunday at Penmaen. Cold and less beautiful, a little rain, glass falls and again rises. Twice at church making some amends for 2 Sundays past. Can't read, loss of spectacles. Write a long letter to Caroline about news heard at Penmaen etc. Sleep there.

13th

Breakfast in good time, very sharp frost, beautiful weather. At Penmaen, RH to be over to go to Caswell about the sale. We are off , I on HJM's mare, before 10.00. Meet the auctioneer's clerk (Eliot), he summoned to the County Court. WR very c…sty and sulky, she too. Take bread and cheese there, take a list of things for the hand bills and sale day. Soon done and we return. Called on Mrs Hancorne to enquire about the immigrant Nicholls etc to Adelaide, Australia, they are arrived safe. Promised the letter to read. Back by 3.00 to dine at Penmaen at 5.00 to meet Mr & Mrs Collins. Received by RH a letter from Sherborne, all well. Spend a pleasant evening and go out to sleep at Parsey's cottage. RH returned home by Walterston Corner. Mr & Mrs Collins sleep at Penmaen. Talk of old times and the police ... of Swansea and the late cases, dog shooting, excise etc etc.

14th

A little rain in early morning, beautiful mild day, slept at Parsey's. Breakfast at the rectory at Penmaen. Mr & Mrs Collins slept there. Write a note to Mr Thomas Grove about W Richards drunkenness etc. Read leading articles of Britannia etc. Leave after lunch for Caie Forgan. Mr & Mrs Collins also for Oxwich. Called to see Mr Michael's colt by my horse, very fine one, grey. Home by Nicholaston Hill about 2.30, go to the plough field, ready now to sow wheat. Work a little in garden hacking down in front etc. Bottle HJM's brandy after tea and dinner all-in-one. Cathe L and W Lloyd here to iron linen. Enter my diary since Friday.

15th

Glass falling, wind rising northerly, very cold. Inclined to rain ... RH I hear is not very well, toothache etc; thought he was sowing wheat by Pwllybrag. Horses carting stones to fill drain, Lower Cae Redland, east of the house. Remove Abele trees on the green with WT and Albon and cut and hack away a good deal all day. Do nothing in accounts, have not RH's book. Receive in evening: bills of sale, Caswell, a letter from HJM London and from Dorset. Write and enclose sale bills to Tenby and Sherborne. Wettish evening. Must get the sale bills distributed soon for 22nd and must see RH in the morning.

16th

Fine morning, unpleasant damp misty rainy evening. Walk with RH about the farm to see the sheep etc, poor lot. 2 double lambs all get dropped. Wheat sowing Pwllybrag. Set WT and Albon to plant young quicks out in the evening. Ride in evening to dine at Oxwich. No Mr & Mrs Lloyd of Rhossili, an excuse sent. Ride to Nicholaston Church to meet Mr and Mrs James. Mr Collins waiting at the tower. John Harry ill, says his boy's account is not settled years ago. Thought all settled long ago, have no account here. Give him charity 1/-. A pleasant dinner, ride home safely before 11.00. EKJ sleeps at Oxwich, effeminate grown!

17th

Most blustery windy day. Driving showers in the evening part. All day in garden with WT and Albon planting and sorting quicks in pit and transplanting nuts to the back green. Sell the old piano 5 ½ octaves only to Mrs Wigho, maltster, Swansea £5, paying Treharne commission of 5/-. RH kills a pig and rotten sheep. Write to Mr Thomas Grove and to Carree. Wheat sown (done) in Caie Redland by Pwllybrag, in good order. W Jones says I owe him a balance for work, he has paid W Tall money £4. Bills sent to me, he says. Commissions for Swansea for RH tomorrow.

18th

RH off early with pig and sheep to market, I at last decide not to go, doubtful day, proves worse than ever. Most tempestuous north and northwest hurricanes, rain snow sleet hail. Drives people from work. Was planting quicks in pit, walk to Penralt, see Nelly 1st time and old Mrs Harry, blind, and poor Elisha Williams, bed ridden and what a bed! 4 months of it, will he ever leave it? Oh! Beer will tell and tell a tale! Advised J Grant to try for relieving officership in Gower if it become vacant, probable. Work at RH's book in the evening, weather cold and miserable. RH home late, have supper here. Read Cambrian, my Caswell sale advertised in it.

Sunday. Fine, off to Penmaen church just in good time, attend morning and evening, how few a.m.! A farce, same time as Nicholaston. Am induced to sleep at Penmaen though not prepared to go to Swansea tomorrow. Glad of opportunity, called at Mr Michael's to see his man about Caswell.

20th

Slept at Penmaen to go to Swansea today. Rise early for that purpose, all doubtful. A dry fog which EKJ calls Cefn Bryn Cloud Capped and sure to rain. In lieu of 9 get off at 10, he, Lucy, Jamie and I with pony phaeton by Sketty to Casino and dine with Mr Eaton. No bus, too late, drive into town. Get my spectacles left by RH on Saturday all right, see about meat for Caswell etc, call on Clarke. Try to see the docks, no time. Not in Swansea 2 hours. Meet C Collins, good friends, neither he nor I return with EKJ to Casino, dine and home to tea at Penmaen and ride home on HJM's mare by 9.00, all safe. Read Welsh Sketches. A fine day after all the fuss a.m. If they had not driven I had ridden!

21st

Most beautiful day, calm, sunny mild, birds sing etc. Am little from the house, up early, breakfast at 8.00. Bar Jones plants quicks from the garden in new hedge of Lower Cadennith. Step out to see him and see WT and Albon in pit of garden planting small quicks. Pack up 2 turkeys, oatmeal etc for Sherborne and hamper of currant wine, 2 dozen, send same to Swansea by Llewellyn for packet etc this evening, is to carry pigs to Caswell sale tomorrow early, sleeps in Swansea. Write hastily to Sherborne etc and receive letter from. At accounts in evening and read Welsh Sketches. Chop a few trees down and lop others in the garden with W Lloyd who does a few jobs ¾ day.

22nd

To be off early for Caswell, not a promising morning, holds up greater part of day. Ride early across the common via Penmaen and highway to Caswell. Sale today. Am nigh to thrown from my horse near Penmaen Church, shies and runs away, what a brute, find he is half blind. At Caswell in good time, sale not begun till after 1.00, a goodly and respectable number assembled. Cattle and corn sell well. A thorough soaking in evening after the two days, cattle and horses luckily are sold. Still the corn sells well and then we stop the sale but few know it goes on tomorrow. WR ... me to ride to Mrs Hancorne's, meet Mr & Mrs Thomas Ball who walk to Kilvrough. I sleep at Bison, most comfortably, Miss H most obliging. Read her brother's landing letter, Adelaide. Just got all safe, 6, to Australia.

23rd

Slept at Bishopston most comfortably, thanks to Mrs Hancorne. Else since invited to dine and sleep at Mr Davies of Grange. Again all today at the sale, walk there, attendance poor and thin. Things given away. A most beautiful day. Take money and give discounts and get security signed for some. Late at Caswell again, ride Tally to Bison and meet RH there. Refused to sleep again, Bison, or take anything. Ride with RH, he on Tally, I on HJM's half blind chestnut by Kittle Hill, Park Mill, Lunnon, Llythridd, home. Starlight and fine. Home by 11.00 and glad to get to bed, glad to home safe (sic), dislike riding an unsafe horse in dark. I see poorly!

24th

Up early, less fine morning, has rained in the night. Look over my Caswell accounts of cash and bills given. Call on Mr Gower to get his, disputes my amount of discount, agree to decide it in Swansea and see the conditions. Look over his farmyard, greatly improved, see his fine Suffolk stallion and fat cattle etc etc, all doing well. RH kills 3 sheep and 1 Caswell pig at Cross Inn, will he bag £12 in all? Walk to Crickton with him, Bar Jones about the hedge at the lane Copton. Refused to dine at Penmaen to meet Mr Eaton etc, am too much engaged, to dine at 2.00. In the evening with WT and Albon pruning and tying in the front, roses all abroad, not half done. At accounts in evening and prepare for Swansea at 6.00 a.m. with RH, cannot risk rain and fatigue to ride so far. Wet rather this evening, blowing up for more.

25th

Rise early and off by 6.00 with RH in his car and tally for Swansea. He has 3 sheep and the great Caswell sow for market, 16 score 6lbs, 7 0 0 he pays me save 1/-, dull market and sell and buy wheat. Send home 1,000 drain tiles from Mr Smith's yard at £1 4 0, they make good articles there. A beautiful day but cold coming home and pony in. Settle a 10 year account of £30 tithe affair with Richard Jones's of Llythridd, he behaves very well. Refund him to drink. Lunch with Dr Howell and read some very curious letters relating to the infirmary, and one to Mr Dawe … can say no more, I agree with the Dr perfectly, glad I asked as I did, the accusation was false. Settle several accounts in town, failed to see the auctioneer, gone to Carmarthen.

Sunday. Splendid day, not from the house. Ill spent, no church, writing all day long and walked to the farm. Never read a word of divinity.

27th

A less fine day, dull driving and crisp. RH sows Cross Lane field after turnips. Mr Gower calls and pays me sale account Caswell £38.10 0, minus £1 discount which he disputed as 10/- per C pr A, conditions not clear. Finish my Caswell sale account, now complete in all respects. Not quite a balance, was pounds out for a long time, set it right at last after difficulty. Set Albon at work, ditch below Pwllybrag. Go twice to see RH sow wheat, gets on wonderfully. Time sadly lost in looking for Albon in full for work, now 3 weeks since I came home. My sale debtors, Mr Gower disputes my conditions but pays at last. Another can't find security, others do. Not come forward at all. Home with RH about 9.00. Tally goes capitally, summoned to pay a Bison road rate.

Monday. Close of day till 11.00, bottle currant wine, all finished 2 dozen in all 3 dozen. Off early for Swansea to attend to road summons arrear 18/- costs 8 cash. Look at the new docks, much to do and done at the auctioneers. Mrs Wigho as to piano, odd conduct, all promise, no performance.

March 1854

1st (Wednesday)

Beautiful and hot day. Slept in Swansea, Mrs Davies, up early and go round to the new dock works before breakfast. Give notice to Mr Noble, taxes discontinued. Crimp called in about the leakage at Caie Vorgan, will go and see it. Ride by the Mumbles to Caswell, miss to see Mr Mansfield, left Newton and gone to Swansea! Meet RH at Caswell, carts there, oxen brought up to eat turnips. Give notice about repair of roads, Charles Jones of Cadistone. Show RH Widgate Valley. Drop in at Penmaen, a mutton chop, Dr Hutton calls in. Get home to tea by dark, tired, done up, all safe.

2nd

Magnificent day, write to Mr Talbot as to Charles, the Army, to Sherborne for Carree enclosing charity, Neddy's sister. Write also to Mr Beor about Caswell rates etc and Mr Poole. See RH finish sowing wheat at Cross Lane field after turnips. Send Marie from W Lloyd's to Penmaen, with wine for them and Mr Collins, with the letters .... Lloyd cut and gutter to discharge water from his orchard. WR was here from Caswell and J Grove come here in place of Llewellyn gone with cattle to Caswell. Cold east wind tonight and all evening. (In margin: Was at Horriod or Newton with RH to see old Mr Long and see the farm. RH has taken it, 13 acres for 18 and £11 cash, wheat and hay. Bar Jones at work fencing.

3rd

Another magnificent day, dry, hot cloudless, what a March! With such a beginning what a season we may have! as compared with last. About home all day. Drains in Upper Field, and Cae Howell all measured for George Stock who opened them. One from near Wells, a good hand and civil fellow, fit for... anything. Write to Mr Samuel Davis, to Mr Morgan, Bristol. George Thomas? rat catcher... a head, 10 draw out Stock's account. Bottle gooseberry wine, all done 1 dozen only. Walk with RH round the farm for last time, read Welsh Sketches, work a little in garden and a good deal at drains.

4th

Again splendid weather. Glass wonderfully high. About home all day, drains Upper Field and about the garden. Spirits low, why? Pains in the back, indigestion. Settle with George Stock, drain with RH all western side of Upper field, laid and filled in. Receive 2 letters from WM, one Carree and a V of N Rail call to be paid this month. At RH's accounts this evening.

Sunday. Dull day, dry cold east wind. Preparing to be off from Gower. See RH at breakfast time about Dix and a chough, I Grant's and J Grove's account, how unlike Sunday! Ride in evening to Penmaen evening duty and home again by Pennyhitch. Fine moonlight, safe by 10.00. Horse loose in stable nearly causes me an accident, take my own in in the dark, escape!

6th

Up early and pack up to return to Sherborne. RH takes in my luggage, pack up 3 turkeys, laver etc. In Swansea by 1 and leave HJM's mare at Mr Beor's. Hannah 2/6 for good services while I am at Caie Forgan, ditto for J Smith, letters and to pay rent. Do not go to the Grange, Rev. SD (Samuel Davies?) dines with the Sheriff. Dine and sleep at Mrs D, Rutland Place. Rev. J Collins comes in, Charles his brother comes in the evening to grog, chatty and friendly. Write to Bristol and Sherborne. Saw RH at Mr Beor's about Llanrhidian deeds and tithes etc. The judge of assize arrives at 3.00 and goes to church this evening. Sheriff's ordinary. I read the Cambrian, not in bed till past 12.

7th

Wet in the night, dull damp morning and wet day. Milder a good deal. In Swansea, in court, a short time at Mr Beor's, at the bank. Meet Mr Poole and long confab about Caswell farm. Try to arrange to let it, he is disposed, I disposed. Shall we come to terms? Questionable. Tea at Mr Beor's to give him account of Caswell acreage etc for Mr Poole though I think he would farm well I am half afraid of him, his father is an attorney and he a bit of a lawyer.

8th

Damp morning and all day. Rise in the dark, not called, no light. Bus to the station, 7.00 train, bus Cardiff for packet at 9.30. Old Captain Davies of the old ‘Beresford' of Swansea. In Park Street about 1.00, fatigued and done up, why? Sleep on the sofa before dinner. Mr Morgan not at dinner, engaged till 6.00. Go with him to the Institution in evening, no parlour news. Bishop (Denison) of Salisbury dead, sudden. Carree does not come, rather expected her.

9th

Am in Bristol, 15 Park Street, most dull and dark, damp and gloomy. Carree writes from Sherborne to … to expect her here before 3.00, comes. Read papers and trifles and write to WM Uckfield. Wander about, allowing too much time to the train station. Am round the cattle market in the station some time before. The train arrives, all quiet and lifeless, of a sudden all confusion. 3 trains coming and departing. Mr Morgan goes to Westover, not to dinner again as yesterday. Carree arrives, come to Park Street in Mr Morgan's carriage. A quiet evening at Mr M's. Read papers at Institution, no news, all brewing for great European events.

10th

Wet morning and wet more or less till past 12.00. Fine evening, mild beautiful rain. Out about 12.00 in Mr Morgan's carriage with Mrs M and Carree to Smith's for a carpet and to the Barton and walk back after shopping. In evening a few of his young friends to see the magic lantern. Little boy Thwaite, sharp, decided boy. Won't drink his tea or take more because he lost it (a trick) and found it under his chair. Carree wrote to Uckfield.

11th

Most beautiful today, pack up, pay bills, call on Mr Richard Edwards, ill. Not walking to Clifton, ran for time. At Mr Thwaite's, Carree has teeth stopped, fee refused, why? Mr M and we sit for photographs, like, but called failures, done in haste and left. Dine in Park Street, leave station 3.15 for Yeovil. Mr Morgan with us to first station to see a patient. Meet Mr Mees at Yeovil who goes also to Sherborne and tells me news of the place. Meet also a Swansea tax supervisor who knows me and acknowledges notice about taxes. In Sherborne to tea about 7.00, easy travelling. Tea at Mrs James, late Mrs Morris of good memory. Find baby very much grown and very forward. Children all well thank God!

Sunday. …… … in evening Mr Badger. Turned out of Mrs Noble's seat by some old fat woman who occupies two seats. Take a walk in the park, miss Stevens and call on him.

13th

Mr Trent, Lord Digby's agent, very ill, reported dead, dies! Mr Melmoth's baby dead. Mr Henning ill. Monday, most beautiful weather. Arrange my accounts since Bristol and go through Carree's. Mr Henning calls, unpack and arrange a little, get out in evening with Carree to the town. Call at Sherring, order 9 ¾ beef and pay £20 to Mrs S on account, have no receipt. Was out with Mrs James and Carree. Call on Mrs Hammond, he out. Wander about for nothing. Tickets for lectures, evening, Wheeler on the Telegraph, very good. Mrs J pays for John, I for self 2/6, Emma 9, Agnes 9 and Frank 9, half-price all. Take a lock off bedroom and get it repaired and in evening put it on again. Who broke it?! Mrs James dines with us, small turkey.

14th

Mild weather rather dull. Am engaged all morning and all day about WR's Caswell accounts since December last, most unsatisfactory. Mrs Palairet calls. Emma and children after lessons sow flower seeds, I am not out till after tea to hear Mr Wheeler's lecture 2nd on the Telegraph, he is a very good, animated and lucid lecturer. Pay for myself only for back seats. Emma and Johnny have tickets, Charles joins me and pays himself. Home to supper, bread and cheese!

15th

A damp warm morning, entered last addenda of Caswell accounts, receive SW letters, dividends payable. At accounts all morning, go to the bank about 3.00, place £100 there in bank, cheque, and receive railway SW dividends £2 19 8. Go to Reading room, meet Carree and Agnes at Mrs Henning, baby there better and go late to call on Mrs Palairet, he is in Clifton. See all over her orchard etc. Tea late in consequence. Read Lamartine in the evening on French Revolution.

16th

Wet morning, fine day. Receive a letter from the Horse Guards as to Charles, his name recorded! and a paper sent of qualifications. He all alive about it, I write to HJM who promoted this and to Mr Talbot to whom I had applied. Mr Boddington calls, children go there to tea. Walk with Carree to the middle gate of Park, go to Reading room after tea. ‘Himalaya' steamer went from Southampton to Gibraltar in 3 days & ½ with troops.

17th

A very fine day, all day in the garden, no seeds in yet, no ground quite ready. Prepare it for tomorrow and put a good deal in order, a ... for the children, rout out for them, sow flower seeds, Charles helps. Am not out of the gate, dig all day long and am tired. Read in evening Lamartine, Mrs James here at tea.

18th

Wet morning after breakfast, only showery, glass very high. At accounts all morning, washing bills and enter this diary. First stone of School Chapel laid by old Mr Highmore. Walk after dinner with Emma, Agnes and F up the Cwm Road to see the water work source. It seems all laid onto the tank some time, we return by the Bath Road to tea. Go to Reading late, no news. White mice to please baby - 1d.

20th

Sunday. At church with children, no Carree, unwell. Mr Badger. Write to RH to crop Caswell if he can. Wet evening, not in church in evening and not out, ill spent day.

Monday. Cold frosty morning, fine weather again. Mr Stevens calls to enquire, not out till evening to go to the Book Club meeting at 7.00 and from there to Mr Goldsmith's to hear a practice of glees. Mr Forster there, chair for Carree. Paid Gent. Home by 11.30, Charles practises glees, good voice and ear.

21st

Cold and frosty and very fine season. Old Miles in the garden, help him sow carrot and onions etc etc. After dinner walk with Carree, call on Major Dawe, out, and stroll about. Shop a little, Sharpes for cakes. Mr & Mrs Goldsmith and her brother, Mr Foster and Mrs Palairet come to tea and practise songs. Charles joins in and gets on very well, capital voice. Met Mr Henning, go with him to Mrs Melian's garden. Carree went home, toothache.

22nd

Very cold but fine weather, not from the house. Old Miles in garden, sow carrots, beet etc. Man brings hay, read Illustrated. Write to Tenby as to Harry coming here. Carpenter Gloyne planes floor upstairs ... to window etc. I work in the garden too, sow carrot etc. In the evening late walk to see Dodge as to rent due on Miss Pirey's cottage. Dr Hitchman leaving tomorrow early in a hurry, just before quarter day. Mrs J not to pay for her purchases till all is safe. Dodge not paid but settled by the morning.

23rd

A very cold morning but early to Mrs James about Dr Hitchman and furniture bought, he going to Birmingham. Was going out after dinner after reading Illustrated etc with Ag and F, they miss me somehow. I wrote 4 letters to Lewis, Uckfield, HJM and Frank about the £1,000. Call at bank and receive V of N Rail dividend and paid Dalwood for Ensor.

24th

Upstairs room put quite in order save hanging pictures etc. Get out about 4.00 to see Hawkins and order window blind of Ensor. Sherborne affords nothing. Call on Guppy to mend chairs etc. Go to the Reading room, can't read, no spectacles. Meet Mr Goldsmith end of Long St. Mrs Charlton and Miss CC and Mrs J come to tea to warm the new fitted up stairs room.

25th

Cold and dry and dull. Mr Hawkins brings the two mirrors in the drawing-room and drawings. Mrs James calls, Miss Spencer and lends B…chey's Travels. Am about the house all day and the garden, rather windy. Sow spinach and beans. Children play at hiding seek, very troublesome. Charles takes the pony to sell to Mr Heale of Poinington, he likes it and do not get out to the town.

Sunday. Cold and fine, we all get to church, I in Capt H's pew, only servants there. R Lion does duty, respectably but voice thick. Meet Stokoes and with children just go to the Park. Mr Badger does duty p.m., drawls terribly. Walk with Em, Ag and F to Dancing Hill and home by the Park to tea. Read a chapter in Genesis with a note from the Illustrated. Russian War etc.

27th

Out before dinner to get spectacles mended, glass broke. 1/- Pollard, not paid. Read Blackwood, Carree quite unwell. Mr Fussell calls twice, a.m. and p.m., go down with him in evening and leave books at Major Dawe's. Finish Carree's letter to Bristol and send it and postpone my visit to Lewes for a few days.

28th

Beautiful weather, wanting rain, warmer. Am not from the house all day, put up the blinds in the drawing-room. Receive letter from RH as to Caswell and Hopkin who offers on £55 for what! Redlay(?) or not? Answer it to Mr Beor, suggesting letting it out piecemeal and letting the building go to ruin. Mrs Palairet and daughter and son call and Mrs Dawe and daughter, see them in the drawing-room. Mrs J calls, others call not admitted, Carree not very well. Mr Fussell comes of course, more the pity. Read Life of Tom Moore, Lord J Russell, in evening and read Britannia and Art Union.

29th

Most beautiful weather again. Read Cambrian, murder at Aberdare. Meeting of Milford and Panama Railway. Meant to have sown parsnips, no. Write to Mr Day of Swaffham for a certificate of Charles birth for Horse Guards and ordered it sent to Hammersmith, HJM. Call on Mrs James about Caswell. Walk with Em, Ag and F to Oborne village. Hunt and no find watercress. Delightful weather, dry and mild. Have a presage of a prize in art union and inclined to risk as above, sure of a beautiful engraving of Tilbury fort, wanted for the drawing room. Sad draw though on an ill-lined purse and wanting bread and meat tho' I seldom touch wine. At Reading room in evening, the Russians have crossed the Danube, 2000 killed they say and drowned. Serve them right. Where are our troops, gone to Malta. War formally declared. Mr Henning back safe on the pony from Bradford.

30th

Beautiful early, gets duller, up very early before all servants, none down till near 7.00. Read Tom Moore's Life till breakfast. Out early to the Reading room, no fresh news. Meet Mrs J at the butcher's, Boddington junior fined for an assault on Williamson. Walk alone far in the park. Moselle put in Johnson's brake, goes well up Gainsborough Hill etc. Call on the Stephens, the Lions there. Call on Babbington, just heard from Australia. Work in garden late, hot bed and water.

31st

Though it seemed yesterday to forebode rain, none came; it is as fine and dry as ever. Write and send several letters, to Gower all: Mr Matthews as to proposed buying harmonium for the church, no distinct pledge to do so, to RH about Caswell, to Lloyd of Pwllybrag sending apple grafts from Sherborne and write to W Richards of Caswell as to what he is to do or not do, directed to the Exeter Inn. Call on Mr Fussell and see his improvements. Go to the Reading room to see how Turkey goes on, Russians have crossed the Danube. Read aloud after tea Thinks I to Myself and laugh and cry. Capital.

April 1854

1st (Saturday)

Still the same summer weather. Rise 6.30 and open all the shutters of the house. A tale there told, read Moore's life a.m., Thinks I to Myself in evening aloud to the children. Hear Emma, French, getting on. Put hot bed in order, most things dead. Geraniums saved at roots, sow parsnips, walk with Em, Ag and F to the town, Purley and the Park to look for swallows, see none. Dinner of tough beef pudding, feel quite ill after it.

Sunday. The same hot dry weather. At church with children, Mr Harper reads, Mr Badger preaches. Meant to go again in evening. Walk with Carree for an airing and a stroll and Charles on the bye road behind Barts farm. Read a chapter in evening and Illustrated and see the comet in the north where we saw one last autumn, omens for wet or dry!?

3rd

The same hot dry weather. Read Cambrian, 3 letters - 1 from Gower, 1 Swaffham - Mrs Day, the first about organ Llanrhidian, 1 also about Guardians there. Read Tom Moore's letters etc. Get out with Carree and daughters to make calls etc. Hammond out, meet Mrs Harper and Miss Edmunds. Shop at Ensors, 3 parasols 10/6, 5/-, 4/6 and other things for baby. Call at Mrs Goldsmith's and see all his back buildings How beautiful and plentiful compared to ours! There long time. Very cold coming home. See the comet from our window. Was out with Charles to see Mr Hoddinot's colt in close hard by. Read Thinks I to Myself aloud to the children in evening.

4th

All morning at home, read and hear children read French etc etc and write to Gower, Rev. Matthews, Mr Gower and Mrs Mabbot. Charles borows 2 ponies and rides Mr Williams and. I have Mr Henning's, Carree Moselle, now become most useful, very safe, never shies. Take by accident that very course I once took by Dorchester Gate, Folke Haydon, Goat Hill, Melborne Port and home by 6.00. Mr and Mrs Goldsmith come in evening to practise quartetts with Charles and Carree. Their children and little Hammonds and Jenny F to tea [late] after going to Honeycoombe for flowers bringing home a table-full. Macaroni and porter supper.

5th

The same unvaried fine summer weather continues. Read papers and hear children French etc and sort papers. Get out after usual early dinner with Carree to call on Mrs Dawe and see her garden and Cochin China chicks etc. Mrs Miles not at home. Mrs Palairet not at home, Mrs Cozens and see his den, a pleasant private room and his house to the garrett. Pay Ellis for book on birds, Stanley the Bishop of Norwich, and subscribe to a loo lottery, Albert and the Queen a game etc, a framed print drawn tomorrow. 1/- I get it to exchange one of Mr Goldsmith if he gets it, he gives me the one alluded to, so I have two 2/6 chances out of 32 the number now made up. Call at & tea at Mr Hennings, she to church, I walk with him late to the park. Call at Mr Stevens, talk of the Hares family, Thinks I to Myself, he takes bread and cheese. Charles home late from singing.

6th

Call early on Mr Stevens about a ... to his party tonight. Settle as above, a long affair, his men cheating him, q does he cheat me? About the town a little. At an early evening party at Stevens, play whist, schoolboys there play with one Ward of Bodmin, no player, and lose awfully against Stokoe and Goldsmith. Stokoe throws for me, brings the news that I win the loo lottery, the drawing-room by Landseer, 32 tickets, 34 wins, each subscriber throws 3 dies 3 times, so laugh is against me for my bargain, I am content to win and act fairly and honourably! Though as it turned out have been contented not to have made the arrangements tho' the fun of the plan was the inducement of the risk reducing the chance without considering the value of prints, one of £, the other £4 from one in 32 at 5/- to one in 16 at 2/6. It might have turned out otherwise, I committed myself, not lucky in general.

7th

The same unvaried weather, get out with Carree and call here and there. Receive letter from WM wanting accounts. Dine with Mrs James en fas our house to meet Mrs Hughes, called there a.m. Nothing else of any consequence occurs today. Walk with Arthur to call on Ffooks for the key of grounds and at Hawkins buy a Chromo-lithograph print, birds next apple blossom 4/6, order it framed and about the town and go to the Reading room, no news yet from Turkey or Russia!

8th

The same unvarying fine weather, hot. At home all morning. Read some trifle or other. At one, go all of us save Charles and Arthur to see Lord Digby's private grounds. Gent with his chair for Mrs Hughes. Children mad with delight, hunt for eggs, find none Hurry home and dine before 4.00. Mr Stevens and Mr Henning to meet Mrs J and Mrs H, children all dine with us, Ellen and Arthur etc. In the evening Mr & Mrs Goldsmith come to sing and the 2 Misses Steven's and Fussell, music the order of evening, very pleasant. My new print arrives, the prize of the raffle, The Farmyard (Henning) in exchange previously made (cause of risk) with Mr Goldsmith for the present raffle of the Drawing Room (Landseer), Prince Albert and the Queen! Bad arrangement as it proved!

Sunday. Sat in Captain Hammond's pew, R Ralph Lyon, p.m. Mr Badger. Walked to the park with the Misses Stevens, meet Mr S returning from Haydon and the boisterous young party Langfords with us all evening. What a wild girl! Read the Illustrated.

10th

The same splendid summer weather, too dry, long too dry! Mr & Mrs Cato in Sherborne, she not very well. Received a note and go to Mr Ensor's and pay rent. Return Mr Ffooks his key of the Castle and call to see Mrs Hughes under Mr Highmore's care for her eyes. Ellen Langford with us all morning, she and Emma spend evening at Mrs Stevens, we all take tea at Mrs James and play Casino. I feel very stupid and am so. Carree has a bad cold and cough. Swallows I am told are plentiful about Pinford Bridge, near Lord Digby's farm.

11th

Receive a letter from and write to HJM London as to my chance of going to London, going to Lewes 13th inst. Hunt up Bleak House to get bound Ellis, get out with Carree and Ag. Meet Mr & Mrs Dawe at the gate. Mr Palairet drives up, just come home, soon going again, long chat at the gate. Walk to the town, call at Ellis and at Mees about trains etc to Brighton, no good information. Carree shops and pays a bill at Ensor's, some

£3.6 0 or so. Mr James and Mrs Hughes come to tea. Ellen been here all day, a most riotous girl. What will become of her. Arthur here in evening only, fine boy. Water the garden, seeds don't move, till quite late at night.

12th

Splendid weather, continued. All morning making out Lewis's ac count, settled in full. We part to meet no more. What will poor baby C Alice do! To lose me tomorrow and her in a week. Walk with Carree and children and Helen etc what a boisterous girl, she eats up all the sponge cakes in the closet, likes nothing , cares for nothing. Mrs Melmoth calls. I draw at the bank £20 to pay Lewis entered end of book. Arrange for little Harry from Durston tomorrow. Call on Mrs Goldsmith, go to the Reading room. Read Woodford Ffoolks Partnership ill effects of. Call late on Mrs Hughes and on Mrs Du Bois as to Charles and German as well as France. Hunt up papers and pack up late at night.

13th

Up early to finish packing for my journey, can't find papers I want so take a whole box of them. Finish my packing just in time to be off at 9.00. Exactly 12 hours journey, find them at tea, detained 1 hour at Portsmouth, 1 ½ Brighton. Henry Woodward at the Priory grown wonderfully stout, has not been well.

14th

At the Priory, Lewes or Southover, duty twice, Mr Scobell a.m. No Sacrament which surprised me. Mr S grown very old looking and looks ill, does the duty plain and well. So much better than we have it at Sherborne which is decided low-church. The curate Croft? in the evening, no sermons. Call with my uncle on Mr & Mrs Hunt, she the sister of Mrs Stevens of Sherborne, they are both of Salisbury. Mr Hunt is doing well as partner in Hoper's firm as an attorney, he has property near Sherborne. I write a long letter to Carree & a short one to WM to say Monday to go there. No change in weather, wind east and south.

15th

Another cloudless morning, up early and write my journal. A warm day, rather inclined for rain, drops. Hear there has been showers here and there at no great distance. Walk with my uncle about the town, call on Mr and Mrs Hunt, she is sister of Stevens at Sherborne and going to Salisbury tomorrow, no Monday. Go into the Cliff, see Mr Mabbot's stuffed bittern, killed at his farm, intended for Edward Woodward. My uncle lends his carriage and I and Henry go to Plumpton, see Julia only, William W and the large children gone out for the day, his house greatly improved. Has 2 family portraits by Opia, ugly things and not good, one very good old one thought to be Van Dyke. I think Sir G ... Sir P Lely, an old lady in rich stiff silk gown, full-length large life.

Sunday. Fine, less warm, fires not lit till evening. Sacrament at Southover, all stop. Walk with my uncle after church p.m. on New Haven road, pass new artillery barracks. Show my aunt 2 swallows flying over her garden, 1st she has seen. Sit in the library in the evening. Hy W, to my mind, makes himself very disagreeable by arguments etc irritability and self-opinionated conduct. I think something out of common will become him or he will grow melancholic, no self-command!

17th

Monday. The same unvaried fine weather, leave Lewes at 12.00 for Uckfield. Arrive at lunch, stroll with Cathe and Fanny to the rocks and see Mrs Streetfield's garden, very pretty, things grow wonderfully. Wisteria in full bloom, cactus tribe grafted one on the other, pretty effect. Stroll to the lake. Mr Rev. Streetfield and Captain Egglestone and Lady come to tea.

18th

Swallows becoming more plentiful though few have been seen here because they do not. look. Mrs Mabbot and Mrs John Hoper drive over, latter goes to Cameron's nursery garden and I go too, he ill. Call on Captain Hurdis, very shakey indeed. Mrs Hurdis his new wife blooming and happy. Meet Cathe and walk with her round by Mrs Farncombe's etc etc to hear the birds sing, see a beautiful spot for a house and view of Uckfield, north of Caves garden. Sit in the library in evening and read some trifle.

19th

Real summer weather, Uckfield, at accounts with William till 1.00, can't understand Mr Beor's accounts. Make a little progress only, walk with Cathe and Fanny to Buxted church and back, most pleasant stroll. How early are some of the forest trees, oaks out, some of them in full developed leaves. Walnut in garden, leaves also developed in miniature. Read Cambrian and Palestine in evening.

20th

Less fine, not less warm, wind a little more to the south, seems likely to change. Birds sing, glass falls. At accounts with William, difficult work. Get out only for an hour or less in the street, rain brewing in southeast. Two Misses Hoare dine here from Framfield, not pretty but lady like. Mr and Miss White, he clergymen from Nottingham, other taking a house here. Come to tea, a little singing. The Misses Hoare go home in wet in the carriage. What a deal of good rain will do. (In margin - beautiful mild heavy shower of rain after dark, an hour or more, vegetation of trees wonderfully forward)

21st

Beautiful mild morning after rain, all day at accounts. Tithes of Gower, RWB's accounts sent to WM analysed and compared with my own etc. Do not get out till about ¼ of hour before dinner at 5.00 and then only to the garden to see how things are; a little refreshed by the rain. Write in evening to Fred, Willey, a hasty letter before 9.00 and post it just in time to save postage again. Condolence of death of Colonel Payne. Talk nonsense with Fanny all rest of the evening.

22nd

The effects of rain all passing off again, glass up again, wind veering to the north getting colder and drier. At accounts, at accounts etc and but little progress, very difficult to make out indeed. Am not out all day, that's certain, nobody troubles as.

Sunday, a.m. at Uckfield, Mr White reads prayers, Mr Streetfield preaches. Same again p.m. Proclamation of Fast day for the war on Wednesday next. Take a long walk with William and Captain Eddlestone beyond the Hog House (dined early) and home to tea. Read sermons by Mr Gregley(?) in evening, plain and good, so much better than we hear.

24th

Extremely cold north wind chilled to the verge of death; in my bedroom Uckfield writing accounts and write also to Charles, Sherborne, to send me some papers left behind. Hope he will find them. At accounts all day and do not get out at all. How shall I get through these horrid papers. How I detest them, would to God I had gone to Australia in 1832! Did hesitate in my own mind but thinking to do good in my generation and my duty went to Gower, Glamorganshire, in company of a friendly scoundrel and then nearly ruined in consequence. God give me strength and equanimity to bear it and go through with it honourably in the eyes of others and satisfy myself but my loss must be great.

25th

Wind strong in the north again but remarkably less cold for a northerly wind. But in the wind it is cold. At accounts, am analysing Mr Beor's account of tithe, walk with Cathe and family to Maresfield, they call on Mrs Turner, the rectory. I stroll on the London Road to admire the views, great improvement on the old road by Sir J Shelley's house rather like the Lodge. Erected where stood the house of Mr Day the Poor Law Commissioner. Maresfield greatly improved, sheltered and warm, home by the Misses Farncombes etc, finish my accounts on a fair sheet in the evening and make it tally I think with Mr Beor's. We shall have rain again soon I think tho' now sharp frosts. Never known so long without rain in March and April.

26th

Ordered to be kept holy and pray to God throughout the land for prosperity on the arms sent against the aggression of Russia upon the poor Turks and a collection to be made for the soldiers' wives and families, being unable to pay my own debts I cannot afford to be charitable. Would to God I will, a more just war never was entered upon. A greater hypocrite and scoundrel never existed than the Emperor of all the Russias. Am not in church in evening because I cannot hear and comprehend the clergymen, the Rev. Mr Streetfield, so take a walk with William towards Highlands and Street, look down on the latter and recall happy days there of former years. Now how desolate and forlorn, how much depends on daily and right management of one's own affairs is(?) here an example and of the ill use of this know. ... Trusting to honour in affairs of life in all my eyes in the world, there is no real friendship, always interest! With a few noble exceptions!

27th

Less cold I think, the wind very northerly round to due west. Receive no letters today, heard yesterday from HJM London and from Dorset tho' not in answer to my last. In the house all day long puzzling at accounts not clearly made out by Mr Beor about tithe. Cousin William W comes to tea this evening, staying at cousin Phill's. Talk of schools, Marlborough and Sherborne, for his boy, going to the former. At accounts with William in the evening. How glad I shall be when all joint accounts are over. They have been my ruin, taking too much upon me, more responsibility than I had energy and skill and strength and time(?) and taste to get through. Cold and unpleasant.

28th

At accounts with William, both of us write to Mr Beor on the subject tithe accounts, not to my mind satisfactory by any means. I am far from well, so very chilly and out of spirits. Call on cousin Philly who has had a cough, short visit. Fanny leaves us this evening for Lewes with her brother W going to Plumpton, slept here last night and went to Uckfield etc. I simply took a short stroll before dinner an hour or less by the Rocks, see a squirrel and find a black headed tit's nest and eggs in a pigeon hole and can't get at it tho' I want a specimen for Johnny, so leave it and hope she may have chicks and forgive me. Tired and sleepy all evening on the sofa and do nothing, want of sleep last night. Cold day.

29th

Damp and rainy morning, glass falling, much warmer. Sermons on the Fast day of 26th fill the Times paper of 27th, pulpit eloquence, ought to be published (in)one cheap volume for that day for universal use. Receive a letter, my papers from Sherborne are in the dead letter office London. Postmaster at Sherborne uncivil, refused to weigh it. Do a little in accounts only, Lett's Diary. Walk after and to Buckland Hill to see Donovans plan, built by Major Dalbiac, a grand place indeed. Go through the rent receipts in evening with WM, called on Phil Woodward.

Sunday. Weather changed but won't rain. Misty, dull and windy all day, Mr White does the duty and again, 2 good plain sermons, morning and evening. Walk with William and Cathe part of way to Hemel H and we on to Hog House and look at Buxted church and yew. Write to Sherborne in evening, hasty letter.

May 1854

1st (Monday)

May day garlands, charity! Wet day for the sweeps after all the dry weather! How unlucky and how unusual! Rather wet all day, do not go out all day, look through Letts diaries to extract joint account, Gower affairs for WM, read a little now and then. Hear nothing, see nothing. Election of paid collector of taxes, excitement and contest at the board, a bankrupt elected.

2nd

Beautiful mild rain last night and this morning does a wonderful deal of good. Collect my expenditure (too much) to the end of a former diary preparatory to analysing it. Miserable night last night, overloaded with pain, why? Do not feel unwell all this day, after 3.00 take a stroll, getting no exercise yesterday, by the footpath towards Maresfield and trespass on the rocks carriage drive through the woods and trespass on private walks round the lake. Meet the butler who is very civil and we have a chat about his master's accident and death etc etc. Read the labels of the arboretum, principally fir tribe, great variety without much difference.

3rd

Most beautiful seasonable day, read Times, expect and arrive not Fred but EM and Ann, W a nice young woman, not seen my cousin years and but little for many years. Want her to come to Sherborne, doubt not. Stroll with EM and W to the park and pick up a horse and car, they leave at 3.30 by Isfield road, accompany them to Gaunts Gate and walk back pressed for time in 40 minutes. Rain heavy, a beautiful shower. EM goes tomorrow to London for militia on Saturday, we may meet again. Clara and her sister at the Priory. Work at accounts in the evening, my little finger quite rheumatic or gouty owing to writing, painful. Hope to see Ann W again, so seldom do I see a relation or cousin. Something pleasant in it when not accustomed to it. Receive letter from dead office London, detained overweight, all right at last. We all called at Mannington's butcher.

4th

Another lovely fine day after a very foggy morning. Write accounts, hear from Sherborne, all well God be praised. No paper this morning, Captain H returned home, calls, talks of Brighton. Write to Carree and send a draft on Dorset bank £10. Took a long walk by footpath towards Isfield through hop gardens, talk with men and pick up information, pressed for time to return and get hot. Post letter at 8.30 and write more accounts.

5th

Rise at 6.00, can't sleep for several nights past. Work at my accounts before dressing and finish today my Letts diary of 1845 to be contd(?) out to the end. Am not at all well. At 8 get out and walked to Street by the park and meadows. What an altered house from a pleasant place it was prior to 1832, the last time I was there, all then young and happy, what mournful changes since. Now half pulled-down and no vestige of gentility. Scarce fit for farmer residence. I am very far from well, cold and chilly and my muscles seem swelled even to the throat, can it be the effects of eating radishes at breakfast? My digestion is never good, I ask for hot B and water. Read Cambrian in evening.

6th

Slept better and rise better. Chilly dull morning, yesterday wind was cold, day else cheerful. At my accounts in morning, stroll out late and just call on Mr Prince Junr see his collection of ferns and orchis, very rare and some very beautiful. The butterfly orchis! and others all requiring heat. Call on the Captain, see his tulips, no great variety and walk to Cameron's garden. Was it not this evening I write to Carree, perhaps not since the 4th.

Sunday. Uckfield still. Sacrament, none of us wait, again at church evening and cannot comprehend Mr Streetfield. Take a long (walk) with WM through the park, up the Buxted Hill, behind Street and walk into Cameron's nursery and return. Tea late, beautiful and dusty.

8th

All day at my horrid tithe accounts and make but little progress. The more I scrutinise the accounts the worse they get. I am sadly involved in them which is worse than the trouble, am not out of the house. Plenty occupation, at these same accounts again all the evening and find them most difficult to make clear. Get to bed wretchedly cold, very showery day. Plenty of wet at last.

9th

A cold day, heavy showers, hail and thunder. Am all day at accounts of Llanrhidian tithe, no trouble lost in getting an agent(?) to pay and attend to them, my trouble is undiminished. Write to Beor and copy a paper to send as to old arrears. Report Odessa is taken!! Receive a letter from home, all well. No particular news. Not to expect the Southover party today, that was settled by letter, all well to be … get out before tea as far as the turnpike, a constitutional walk. Roads here very dry and pleasant after rain.

10th

A somewhat doubtful day, expect our Lewis visitors 12.00, do not come. At the usual accounts, tithes and Mr Beor's ditto analysed. Mr Gaunt calls, a short visit seeing me engaged. Get out before tea and walk up road and turn down Brands late to Hamsted Mill and back to the road to the King's Head, nightingales and thrushes sing beautifully. It will be a great comfort to me that these horrid accounts are settled, I shall be sadly saddled by the settlement, must put up with it to put an end to it. How these tithes have harrased me all through, first and last, for 22 years.

11th

Tolerably fine day, quite fine enough, vegetation wonderfully improved. All accounts all day and read the newspapers. Mr Grant calls either today or yesterday looking very well and nicely, grows old like myself. In evening, before tea, walk down town and towards Horstead. Turn down a footpath to the right, Isfield and the rocks, road etc. A little accounts again late.

12th

A most summerlike day, get a little bit of accounts with WM after breakfast, the expected visitors arrive from no Lewes, … Ann Woodward, my cousin Clara and Marie Morgan (Payler) my neices and Rev. F Woodward cousin. We lunch and take a long walk, part of us round by the Hog House and home. They leave at 4.00. Clara is about 20 and Marie younger, rather pretty and very animated, eno' so. Clara is rather like my Emma and wants her to pay a visit to Willey, can it be? Accounts won't allow it I fear, Anna is a very nice young woman. I should much wish to see more of her, not seen her for years except lately. Clara is rather satirical. Teresa the more pretty, more quiet, more young. Walk again in evening by the rocks, like to hear nightingales etc. Do nothing all day.

13th

Less fine, cloudy, glass up, warm. At accounts for WM till lunch, he to his wilderness garden again, much in it all lost, ground poor, … eno'. At my accounts all day long, write to Beor again, another point, and to Sherborne after dinner. Post my letters, stroll into the gate and turn to the Miss Farncombe's road and by the rocks to hear nightingales. Not many of them tonight. Write out fair copy to book of these horrid difficult accounts till 12.00. Sick of it.

Sunday. Splendid weather, no wind still the … from the north goes all around the compass, the evening is thundery, lowry. Two missionary sermons, both very watery, Bishop Vidal of Adelaide, drawly and dry. A long walk before tea with WM and Captain Eddlestone through the rocks, woods to Netdown, very beautiful.

15th

Dull and cold I think, at my harassing accounts downstairs, generally in my bedroom. Cousin Fred Woodward drops in going to Tunbridge, coach all hurry, can't stay. Forget what I've done all day, general walk after dinner and before tea to hear nightingale etc.

16th

Beautiful weather, rains have done great good. Self invited, take tea at Captain and Mrs Hurdis. Observe a nightjar or goatsucker settle in his garden walk, a rare bird to see. A day not without rain, referred to book about the nightjar, migratory and arrives about mid-May! Look to nightingales and swifts, not seen the latter yet! Now about they come. Walk with Cathe for once up the road and into Colonel H's, the late Lord Liverpool's, wood; most delightful, hyacinths, oak barking, great fall.

17th

Rather a wet dull day, take tea at Captain and Mrs Eddlestone's, a Mrs Eden there from Cambridge, rather silent, so we all are. I look at the illustrated catalogue of 1851, spend nothing that's certain and a comfort. I have spent too much, too carelessly, and been cheated! Who does not cheat me!!!

18th

The usual employment of time and slow advance of accounts, write home in Cathe's envelope to scold about the pony put into harness and taking to kicking, returning from Rampisham. Nothing spent. Wish I could … so elsewhere. Henry writes from Gower, nothing wrong … my window sills out of order, repair necessary!!!!

19th

Very beautiful, more so than usual. Captain and Mrs Egglestone and Mrs Eaden drive to wood nursery garden, take Cathe. I walk by the footpath through the wood, back of Miss Farncombe's Mansfield and there meet the carriage not knowing the garden is a mile further. Nothing very noticeable in the hothouses or out, these gardens famous for roses all over the world. I return on another road and come out at Coopers Green and walk through Col Harcourt's wood home, enjoy my holiday amazingly. WM painting outside of his house.

20th

Very fine, rather too cold and dry a.m. but everything looks well. After some puzzling accounts with WM as to Blaenkedy, I walk by the road to Isfield to call on Mr & Mrs Gaunt, not at home, gone by Horsted to Uckfield, so return by the footpath through the fields, vegetation has made great strides this last week. Catherine walks to Maresfield and overwalks, ill this evening, headache. Enter some accounts in evening.

Sunday. Church twice, sit in Captain Hurdis's pew in chancel, hear very little, better. Mr Streetfield very indistinct. In evening take long walk with Capt Eddlestone, his friend Mr Eaden of Cowbridge and WM to Busted Rocks, curious isolated abrupt sand rocks, very picturesque, and home late to tea. Doubtful weather, some rain, chilly dull, read Grisley's sermons.

22nd

Not out of the house all day Uckfield, examining my bank books, Hoare's and Swansea. Do not find they agree, how so, who not discovered before, cannot say, never examined together till now. Fine day, great deprivation, mental and bodily, this continued confinement and perplexity don't agree with me, that's certain. W Woodward was here, did not see him. Receive letter from Dorset, all well, gay with yeomanry.

23rd

Beautiful rain fell in night, dull wet morning, fine day, very fine, much as yesterday. Only get out late after tea for a stroll up the new town west end. Sebastopol, we hear, has been attacked in Black Sea, one of our ships taken Odessa. No good results, further intelligence wasted and wanted.

24th

Wettish dullish coldish I think. I really have chilblains in my fingers, that's a fact. Day spent much as usual, much in, much writing. In evening, late and cold, take a long walk through turnpike back road to the Butlet's? [what does that word mean?] back by the turnpike. Cuckoos abound on all sides.

25th

At home Uckfield all day till before tea writing out Carmarthenshire accounts, Twyn etc. Copy from WM statements and calculations. Read Times, no particular news. Get out to see Gilham's? garden, Henry Woodward's keeper, has a very productive garden in Church Lane. Walk past the school etc on the footpath beyond the workhouse and back to tea. Read Cambrian. Cold for the season, helped WM take some levels in the garden, cold work.

26th

A very fine day after a shower a.m. and rain I am told in night. At accounts, downstairs, servants upstairs scrubbing and washing and cleaning. Letter from EM, High Wycombe, offering a commission for Charles in militia, inclined to accept it if it has the advantages he seems to say for him. Write him to say I will accept it on conditions think it will offer some advantage and write also on same subject to Carree at Sherborne. Enter up and send a draft for £10, stroll before tea to workhouse and back by white rails, post my letters (after tea) forgotten! and walk to the wood and back. Read Curzon's Arminia.

27th

Dull windy cold morning, mean to go to Lewis by coach, take a holiday. Read a.m. and pack up a few things in carpet bag and take coach at 1.00 for Lewes. Cold and very windy. My uncle gone to Plumpton and the young ladies out. Have paid a few bills for Cathe at W Morris and …, a Miss Raynes, Clara and Maria M my nieces staying at the Priory. Little music in evening. Read the Herald, no particular news.

Sunday. Militia Band and Muster, cram at All Saints to see them. We are twice at Southover church. Mr Croft does duty, after evening join the Miss Scobells and promenade their untidy? garden and pretty place overlooking the town. Nightingales there, dull overcast evening, wet before sunset. Augustus from school comes to dinner.

29th

Much wet, very in the night. Cold and enjoy fires at the Priory. Wet morning from 10 till 12, can't get out. Mr Raynes came in for his sister who leaves Priory today. My nieces leave tomorrow. Off at 12.00, call on Mrs Smith, walk through the town and catch coach at Cliffe!!! At Uckfield at 1.30. See a letter of Lizzie's at Tenby to Mrs M as to the militia and Augustus which surprises me. EM at Tenby!!! Unexpectedly, I wrote to him at Wycombe on Friday by request. It puzzles me and is annoying. Walk with Cathe on Maresfield road and back. Read and finish Curzon's Armenia. Called on Captain Hurdis, Mr Prince calls in, show prints of Sebastopol etc.

30th

Another dull wet cold morning, Sherborne school dismissed, scarlatina broke out. Letter from home as to this and about Charles and militia. EM being at Tenby and thinking to get in Augustus, am put out and can't see how to .. Go to my accounts, at home all day but little done, wish them finished. Walk after dinner and back to tea, wind strong for an hour. Sky getting clear, walk quick to Hempstead and by road towards Highlands and back by Framfield road. Some wheat nearly in ear. Vegetation wonderfully improved tho' it is very cold to me!

31st

A beautiful sunny summer day! Do but little in accounts, copy out a few fair sheets of general affairs, receive letter from EM Tenby, returns to Wycombe on Friday, write to him there this evening for tomorrow's post. Am not out of the house save to stroll in the garden and sketch and measure a barrow to get one like it in Dorset where wretched ones are made. Fred and Charlotte are in London, shall I get there to see them?!

June 1854

1st (Thursday)

Am at Uckfield, no (sic) happens. Stroll out late.

2nd

Am at Uckfield. Make calculations of interest on the general account. Write to FM, London, Maddox Street to find Charles si foi, nothing happens.

3rd

Receive letter from Charles in London, quite forlorn, misses his uncle E at High Wycombe and knows nobody and does not know what to do. Wants me me up, sadly can't go, accounts prevent and can't answer him today. See Mr C Prince's green ferns and orchis, the latter are very beautiful flowers. Colours of some of the ferns very curious, method of growing of all very curious. Call on Cousin Philly etc. A day of little account as to work.

Sunday. Fine but too cold. Sacrament Uckfield, only 40 attend morning service and sermon only, over in time to get early dinner and again to church. Captain Eddlestone unwell. Walk with WM Street way and round Buxted Hill. Read Morris's sermons, Boddington on War. Write to Charles in London.

5th

Cold dull and dry, so far fine but not summerlike. I am wretchedly cold in the house at the general balance sheet of accounts with WM who always goes to his garden at 1.00. Stroll out in course of the day, somewhere no matter. Every day alike. With Cathe by Miss Farncombes and across the Cameron's garden, very fine view of the town. Call in at the Captain's.

6th

Dull cold day for summer, accounts nearly done, God be praised for health and perseverance to get through them. I am none the better for it, liver sadly deranged. Ever loaded with pains in back and shoulders, can't get rid of them by dint of exercise so submit. Walk with Cathe, meet Rev. Mr Streetfield who came to call!!! Up the new town, turn to the left Efraim? to a farm of Colonel Harcourt's, to the Union house and learn how to bind up firewood and see his brick and tile yard, good materials! and home. Read the Times. Cold evening. Disappointed in not getting a letter this morning, write to Gower, RH, post it tomorrow.

7th

Receive letters from EM, Lewes, day ticket, FM Maddox St. Resolve to go up, Charles in militia and going to Weedon. Clothes ordered so resolve to go up at once after a little meditation after accounts for WM showing by calculation the state of balances. Pack up, soon done, am going by coach toTunbridge and London. Aunt W at Tunbridge, hope to see her and there two small Sussex baskets models. Coach to Tunbridge Wells, catch 4.00 train for London, miss to see my aunt Woodward, no time, in London by 6.00 and catch Fred In Maddox Street, just get dinner, get enough. They go to some amusement and I call on Frank's in Bedford Square and return to tea in Maddox Street. At 9.00 meet EM and Charles and Alfred. Charles is really invited(?) and to play soldiers at Weedon.

8th

Breakfast in Maddox Street, ... with EM and wander about the town chiefly with EM and Charles. Drop into the British Museum to see Layard's Nineveh antiquities etc and see the National Gallery. See about the rigout or outfit for Charles for Weedon. Much time at Day's trunk maker in Strand etc. Dine at 7.00 at 51 Bedford Square. FM, self, Charles and AM there, splendid weather. Changing to be more warm.

9th

The same beautiful and warmer weather. Meet Mr Harrison of Clifton Hampden in Waterloo Place in way to the gallery, return with him, go to Webb's hotel top of Haymarket Street to see Rev. Jos Gibbs, very glad to see him, as good a man as lives. Milly, his eldest daughter, going to marry Rev. William Notts. Have long chat with Harrison and lunch. Write home to Dorset, meet EM and Charles at the National Gallery, some good pictures there, and dine at Fred's and stroll out in the evening to Regent Street for toys etc. Can get none of the party to look at the accounts. AM very strange about matters.

10th

Beautiful weather, the Sydenham Crystal Palace opened by the Queen, all the London world agog about it, do not go near them. Frederick & Charlotte leave Maddox Street for Willey 3.00p.m. EM for Wycombe at 10.00a.m. Walk with Charles to Bedford Square about accounts. Miss the very paper I want, how have I lost it. Lunch with Frank, in fact dine. Walk back to Maddox St and see all off and part with Alfred, now down Holborn, call at shop for EM, zink. Lincoln Inn, Henry Woodward, Mr Morris, Mr Patch, all out. Write to WM from Patch's chambers, by the Strand, call at Day's trunkmaker and back to Oxford Street. Charles dines, I only have a coffee at Verey's. Now we go to Pimlico to see Fenwick, get out of our way to Eaton Square just catch him, get a C… and return to Hyde Park Corner, Charles for Hammersmith and I to Sanguineti's. Tired enough at 10.00. Bed not made up, so write diary.

12th

Sunday. Up late, mistake the church I wanted to go to, not open and am to late to go to another. I hate going in service half over. So I walk to Piccadilly for a bus for Hammersmith, mount on roof, all full, find Charles in bed 12.00 or past, HJM's house, what a place. Bacon and spinach and walk to Mrs Ord's in Albert Place, Westbourne Terrace. See John O, Mrs L..y how altered, old and Mrs Tyrrell and ... and walk with him to Great Western terminus to see the hotel etc, magnificent etc. ... Tea at Mrs Ord's, failed to find the Terry's. Charles returns to Hammersmith.

Monday. Charles is to sleep in town tonight, was to meet me at Alfred's club, I see it. Quit A who says he is going to the city in Cockspur Street, we go to exhibitions and all meet at 51 Bedford Square, dinner, 7.00. Have a few sharp words with A but the better friends after. Walk sociably home by Oxford Street and Regent's Street, he quits me at Sanguinetti's, quite civilly.

13th

By appointment call at Frank's a.m. about accounts, stay some time. Got there late, lunched there, alias dine, and he walks with us to Mr Francis, Mr Lees and the bank and transferred to me £200, nearly a balance of my accounts from trustees. I am almost ruined by Gower affairs and get more abuse than thanks. Write a letter at and see Mr Patch, what a curious man, always odd, now eccentric. Charles meets Fenwick (Bob) at the Delphi, and we go to the Olympic Theatre. Called at Days military trunkmaker.

14th

Fine day but dull and heavy in London, Charles sleeps at Sanguinetti's again, we are together all day but little progress made in our intended moves. After breakfast at Scott's in Haymarket, call at Lambert and Brown's, at Fultons and Batsons, Maddox Street. This is in evening after receiving a letter from Wycombe, EM. Called at Polytechnic to see Mr Longbottom, revolution there, to be let. And a call of -/10 for £10 shares, see Beard about photographs, call at Earles and go to Oxford Street bazaar for a few things. Dine in Haymarket, do not go to see Alfred, walk with Charles to top of Hyde half Haydn Park, leave him in Kensington Gardens in way to Hammersmith and return across the park and go half price theatre pit, Faust. Have no tea and nothing from 5.00 till 12 to bed but a glass of ale.

15th

Charles meets me in Haymarket, walk about all day. Wet. Call in Bedford Square, receive of William a letter who sends cheques to F. Leave them in Bedford Square, call at Frances and see Mr Bull about accounts, see Mr Langbourne and Vickerman in Greys Inn, no go for Beor's accounts, a trumped up affair or lieu. Walk to the City to call on Mrs Noble and pay bill for WM in Mark Lane, Jones for wine £615 6 and now for Islington, Marshal, catch him and take tea and back by Paddington Road, Tottenham Court Road etc, a long day's walk and Charles goes to Hammersmith, see him into the bus, Piccadilly.

16th

Another wet morning, Charles meets me at Sanguinetti's a.m., called here too, before I dressed. Go about with Charles, Fultons Polytechnic, Lambert and B, receive of Sanguinetti balance a draft £8 10 6. Pay Polytechnic, call at bank in Argyle Street £5, Charles calls on Mr Hood, Seymour Street, out. Buys boots, Madeley Oxford Street. We dine at Frank's in back room. All Charles affairs are settled and he is off tomorrow. Wet and gloom prevents doing many things intended as photograph etc.

17th

Most beautiful after breakfast, see Charles off by Wycombe coach, settle with Fulton tailor Maddox Street. Breakfast early to see Charles off to Wycombe to coach. Cab a Welshman, to Maddox Street, Green Man. - walk alone to the Strand, Day's and to the bank Call on Mr Morris, Lincoln's Inn, and Henry Woodward and by Holborn to Dickens and Stevens. Meet Captain Eddlestone. Call again at Fulton's, dine and walk to Regent's Park, much grown. Long talk with Spencer, bird stuffer in Portland Street, and go to Haymarket at half price, Buckstone's voyage of the world, rather fine, close magnificent.

Sunday. Very fine, at James's Church, excellent sermon on ‘Wishing to be with Christ, the Love of the World' etc. Call on AM, club, out. Walk through the park to call on Goldsmith, 40 Cadogan place, lunch there and walk in square, he has excellent cabinet pictures, particularly a candlelight Scalken and many choice things of virtue. Return and dine in Bedford Square, a party gradually reduced from 5 to 2. Pack up.

19th

Monday. Up early to be off, very close, dine late - heat of a backroom and window not opening makes me almost ill. Fear I shall be, am able to stand it, fresh air recovers me and soda. Hire a cab for London Bridge Station and Tunbridge Wells, find my aunt and 5 cousins, 17 Calvary Collonade, a pleasant meeting, pleasant gay women, why don't they get married? Walk with Mary round the park, walk with Anna over Ephraim to Toad Rock, what an association of high and low names. Meet all the party at the Pantiles, buy a few trinkets for children and go home with Mary, spend a very pleasant evening, music and chatting.

20th

Leave Tunbridge Wells at 11.00 for Uckfield, having a few pleasant hours soon gone after weeks of hard work at accounts and outfitting Charles in London for militia, now gone to Weedon. A beautiful and varied drive it is from T to U. Again at Uckfield, lunch time, walk with Cathe through wood to the Butlets, Lowering weather but it won't rain to win my bet with Anna. Call at Rev. Streetfields, A at dinner. Write to Lewes, talk over many matters with WM as to what has been done and what likely to be done but can't say we do anything. Walked in evening to Hempstead Mill, hay just beginning here, saw a little Carreed at Tunbridge Wells.

21st

A very lowery day and comes to a little rain, unwilling rain, not drizzly. Write to Frank about Mr Gr..'s accounts as executor of George, he admits only 240 due to me, I make 700 and have no secretary. Shall I ever get any. Write to Sherborne and to Weedon Barracks in answer to letter received. Only get into WM's garden, too doubtful to venture far. Gather a few small scarlet strawberry. Call on Cousin Philly 8.30 as morning call and walk to the bridge, rain too trifling to attend to. Look at Illustrated News, no time to read it before it is against sent for. Begin a letter to my cousin at Tonbridge, I like them etc, her much, read also the Cambrian.

22nd

Another lowery morning but little rain has fallen. Enter my own accounts since Saturday. Alfred writes to WM about Irish property. Talk with WM. Receive letter from Beor about Rankins Bill and about Stinking Well, Leason. Contemplation of speculation, hotel!!!!! Nothing prospers in Gower, people narrow minded and sly. Write some more accounts to book, Beor's last of tithes copied in. Stroll in and about the garden, very hot. William weeds, read the Times, not a new one quite. Tea at Captain Hurdis, play at backgammon, he wins all.

23rd

Hot again, sultry sort of weather at Uckfield, examine our balance accounts WM and self etc. Day gone much as yesterday. WR and I walk and call on Reverend Streetfield, Cwm bank, son ill (spinal) on the sofa, the… afflicted. Walk round and about for his garden. Very neat, very good, to the credit of an industrious man. Cathe left solo at home. Summer weather, too tired and sleepy to do anything in way of packing tonight.

24th

Very hot and have all to pack up before 1.00. Get through! it however and am ready for the coach. Called to take leave on Colonel Eddlestone and see his garden and call and take leave of Cousin Philly. Coach nearly full, they take me and my luggage. Send one box to Sherborne by luggage train to Dorchester. At the Priory all are out. Walk in to the town to the new gaol and Brighton road and cross over to the barracks and by Southover house and find them returned and all well and all alone for a wonder. Write to George Perry at Droxford.

Sunday. Very hot again, the extremes from fires to windows wide open. Mr Green does duty, very indistinct in the evening, a stranger Mr Taylor on the Thief on the Cross, penitence. Call with my uncle on Mr & Mrs Hunt and Miss senior, he is in London, her brother has a living of Compton? in Dorset.

26th

Dull warm morning, glass falls, inclined to rain. Blackbird in cage sings much. At 10.00 with my uncle in his carriage to the farm, 1 ¾ hours slow driving, 14 miles. Hay seeds Carreed, all looking well but hops, these deplorable. Walk all over the farm, he rides a pony, some Pembroke cattle. Call on General Davies, out. Two Mr Hopers at dinner and Mr George Courthope. George H 70! Who could have thought it. JH born October 8th 1792, 4 years older than myself. George Courthope looks old, very young in manners. Very windy day, call at the Scobells, one daughter carves wood very well. Lewes solicitors. George Courthope sleeps at Priory, off before breakfast. Write to Perry at Droxford, get no answer from him.

27th

Sessions. Very windy morning, half doubtful what to be at, thought to go to Plumpton, too windy and hazardous to cross the town, stroll about town. Buy a bag, can't find a small puzzle lock. Get in to the Court, much time lost doing nothing. Meet WM as expected and have a few last words on the never-ending subject, no one dines at the Priory but we three. Read the Herald and write home to Frank. Hay Carreed here in part and remainder left all abroad. Hazardous, fine day at last and wind subsided.

28th

Wet a.m. inclined not to be bad. Mean to be off by Portsmouth etc for home. Proves a fine day, leave Lewes for Portsmouth at 11.40, second-class, 3/4 of an hour at Brighton, 3/4 at Portsmouth. Mr Jenner of Wenvoe Castle, Glamorgan, in same carriage. Stops at Portsmouth to see Captain Mansell of the ‘Powerful' going to the Baltic. Dines on board ship not long after this, much regretted. Train to Fareham, all in doubt as to meeting Mr Perry, have written, had no answer. Meet him all right and he drives me (not with Sambo and dog cart) to Droxford. Sambo been down! Horse careless, master worse, all swept away! 9 miles drive, good roads, not over hilly. Barley and sheep country. Dine at 6.30, two Miss Perrys here, one old acquaintance, Mrs Perry so so. Georgie gone to sea, now at Gibraltar, ill. Mr Jones an assistant here from Denbighshire. Droxford a pleasant large village.

29th

At Droxford, Hants, fine a.m. comes on wet and thunder etc. Make a few village calls with Mr Perry, Mrs Bailey? a widow of the navy, on Miss Cook who keeps the village school and keeps a house full and en pension. A widow, Mrs Bailey there of India, who is she, was a Miss? of Harwich. Her mother there Mrs -? and several old maids besides. A capital garden. Pprisoners here by rain so we see little of the place. Miss Cook a fine old lady of 72 and Mrs Bailey etc come to tea. Mr Jones sings well some Irish songs, Irish widows and Mr Perry sings too and we spend thus an old Gower evening etc etc. Did get out and called on Rev. Mr Hume rector of cum Somerton, a clever man and gentleman & son, non compos? Plays the organ most testily. A fine house, some very pretty young children. Wet walk home, Mr Malin, [Rev] dropped in to tea.

30th

At Droxford, Hants. Fine day, brisk. Take a long walk with Perry over the hills, downs, and wretched pasture fit for nothing. Cross the Waltham and Winchester road, call on a farmer (Attwater) just settling on his farm from Salisbury. His father there, get wine and biscuits. Hilly slopes and habitable country, Hambledon hounds kept here. Go to tea and moka coffee at Miss Cook's, 6 of their party in all, old maids. Play Pope Joan and Sir Vicary Gibbs and Commerce and singing again. Jones is a capital singer. Game, Old Maids and Old Bachelors, hide 3 Queens and deal out rest of cards, put out all pairs in any hand to end of game. Draw a card from the right hand neighbour successively around and whoever remaining with the only queen left after is the laughing stock of the fun and pays forfeit. In Sir Vicary Gibbs, deal 5 of each suit to the ten, Sir Vicary Gibbs wife, son and servants and all as purse. The hearty good man, wife etc spades, the gardener clubs the Constable, ask for these at hazard where you think they are, he holding the one you mistake. Then has the chance and so on till your good memory enables you to go through all and you get all the cards and win. Begin I want Sir Vicary Gibbs his wife his son his servant, his purse, I want the good hearted man etc.

July 1854

1st (Saturday)

At Droxford, Hants. Mr Perry drives me and Miss Cook to Fareham station and we take train to Portsmouth and Portsea. I forward luggage left at Fareham to Botley for Monday next. Shopping for some hours and then survey the ramparts etc. Louis Napoleon, sailors say, is expected to land here on Wednesday, few but various soldiers at Portsmouth and militia, what use for the fortifications say grumbles! We shall have the Russians! on us! A very dull cold ungenial July! Miss Cook 75! A miracle of activity and spirits, not fatigued though not home till 8.45. Meet Mr Jones and the widow etc on the road. She has 2 wonderful quick nice children at Miss Cook's school, will that be a match?! He has had a good education at Rugby and Cambridge but has been wild and spent 10,000 I am told. He is clever but would not make a good husband.

Sunday. Wet. Sacrament Rev. Colpoys, rector. Slow, measured and extempore, very solemn evangelical? Like Sam Phillips off G--. Enter my diary since Lewes. Am not in church at 6.30. Mr Stares, chairman of B of Guardians, drops in to tea, a knowing man like Smith of Lewes. Get no walk, dine early, call to take leave of Miss Cook etc late in evening.

Monday. Fine a.m. but doubtful, leave Droxford at 9.30 for Botley station, W Cobbet's quondam parish. Mr Perry drives me through Bishop's Waltham, a quiet old town and some good ruins with no high road to anywhere, so I thought. From Botley to Bishopstone and Salisbury and Sherborne, Met a lady, first class to Salisbury, going to Marlborough, arrived from Gibraltar, wife of an officer. See Salisbury Cathedral, how complete and beautiful. Pouring rain at Shaftesbury. Home by 8.30, Agnes ill of fever, recovering. What a long absence mine has been!

4th

Again at Sherborne! Agnes recovering, God be praised. Mrs Noble and Mr McCrae call. Principally occupied unpacking and distributing presents and trying to reconcile myself to my return. Mrs Morris's sale, am a good deal there, buy but little. Mr Goldsmith now bereaved bachelor, Mrs G in London for 3 months, takes tea with us and walks with us to the gate late. Miss H Hoddinot also has tea here. Showery dull day, wrote to Dr Howell about the infirmary, old dispute.

5th

Call with Carree and Em and A on Mr Palairet, Mrs Palairet in London. He is very helpless. Pop(?) at the school gate, Mr and Mrs Morris Call. Am a good deal at Mrs Morris sale but less than I wished, to accompany Carree, to make calls etc. Called at Mrs James, see her house and garden, very comfortable. Mr & Mrs Henning call there. Chat some time. Wrote to Mr Beor and Mrs Mabbot and to Cathe, Uckfield.

6th

Very showery, no day for hay, much spoiling everywhere. Unpack a large box of papers, arrange Illustrated News from January to June 30th and put away. Weed in the garden a little, day frittered away, I don't know how. No time to read anything, meant to see about some bills, merely call at Stokes and Harding's etc. Call and have cards at Mrs McCrae's and Mrs Noble and Mr Morris at Bishops. At Browning's for his bill for pony, corn etc. Walk with Carree after tea up Gainsborough Hill and by Duck Street home. Talk to Mrs Stevens at a distance through window, we are under quarantine, scarlet fever, not malignant yet. May God avert it. Wrote to HJM, Gower, about house. (In margin - Mrs Morris sale in Newland over, call and pay and get things away)

7th

Again a dull damp day. Houndsell mows the lawn, Carree receives letter from HJM Gower. Dine with Mr and Mrs Morris at Bishop's sadler in Cheap Street. At 4.00 meet Mr C Charlton and Miss West, walk with Mr M before tea to meet the coach in Moon Street. About in the morning with Carree and Frank, go to Hutchings house on Greenhill to see the sale things not on view till … a.m. and go about the town. Do a little in the garden and see Houndsell does something like work. I water and attend to hot bed etc etc and get out some potatoes, turn out pretty well. Get very hot, gardening does not suit me. Have not a dry rag when I come in to dress. Met Mr Dawe and looked at cows he thought to buy. Called for Mr and Mrs Highmore. Mr Parsons the vicar's funeral at Castleton, many attend … I do, having black already and much respecting him.

8th

Beautiful morning, sun hot into our bedroom, begin to get out and get faint after too good a dinner yesterday and going there hot and hungry, am quite ill all day and eat and drink nothing but a cup of tea all day long, starve an illness is my remedy. Get up late in the evening and late. Mr Fussell called to see Agnes, sees me and I laugh at him and he laughs, I hate a gloomy doctor.

Sunday. Not at church, am better not well. We consider ourselves under quarantine and therefore keep aloof. Walk into the park with Carree and children when the world at large are in church. An ill spent Sunday because I am ill and Agnes not recovered at fever.

10th

A fine morning, Johnny was to go to Bristol to get clothes, lost 1st train, no bus for the next! So deferred till tomorrow. Am not sorry, will teach him to think. Am about the town with Carree and wet comes on again in the evening.

11th

Meant to have gone into accounts with servants who have thought to leave us, I away, can't find time. Get out early to get fish at Miles, get none, can find him. Walk with Frank to Hutchins sale and see over the house etc. Prepare for dinner. Mr & Mrs Morris, Miss C Charlton come and Mrs James dine with us and Mr Hoddinot. Get up potatoes, gather strawberries, currants etc for dinner. Prepare wine etc etc, all is ready, a fine day and we all think good times are come but alas it changes to wet at night again.! Much hay spoilt! I am not at the sale, Mrs James goes, we spend a pleasant evening, forgot Mrs Noble is here.

12th

Dull and gloomy, cheerless and most unlike summer, inclined to damp. Weather cheers up in evening after 1.00. Wet a.m. Go in wet to the sale with Carree and Mrs James and children. Return to dinner and am at the sale all day and night till near 11! Call in at Mr Hennings and get bread and cheese and porter and read him a little of Charles from Weedon etc. Find Carree expecting me and a good supper prepared. A hard day's work and very disagreeable but there is fun at a sale with great disagreeables!

13th

A fine day at last. Receive letter from HJM, Gower, about repairs going on for bedroom at Caie Forgan. Horrid work, men idle etc. Out early to get sale things together, employ Cox & son, carpenter. Carree and children meet me, they and we go in to the town. Call at the bank, draft £18 for self, pay sale account. Mrs Morris calls. Settle with Mrs James (sale), sort and take account of books bought. Enter accounts of some days past, sadly interrupted. No time to read anything, never go to news room! Mr Hoddinot loses a cow, losses in Dorset (and in Gower!). Today has been no rain.

14th

Fine and dry but dull a.m., wet p.m. partly. Carree and Ag and F off by bus for Western Super Mare at 9.30. Water hot bed, shall get nothing. Pick black currants etc, write to Johnny Bristol, HJM Gower, RWB Swansea as to George Rees. Walk out with Emma at 2.00 to the post, too late to catch Mr Williams Morris before going to Weymouth. Gone from Bishops. Call and pay Stokes. Call on Mr and Miss Bartlett, Mr and Mrs Ravenhill, call on Mrs J, wet evening, go with Mr W Stokes to look at the gardens, Newland. Potatoes look well. Cook currants and strawberries. Letter for Carree from the Priory. A very miscellaneous day!!! Drizzly, crying rain before sunset.

15th

Dull damp, a shower, St Swithin!!! Read Redcliffe to Emma, enter accounts, letters from mamma, Weston Super Mare, and Bridport, D Williams giving invite to the rectory. Write to Carree at Weston Super Mare send old Cambrian to Weedon barracks, Charles, after reading. Walk with Em and Al to the post, select a paper for bedroom at Geakes, gather blackcurrants at Mrs James and at home, horrid work. Write to Mr Falwaper as warden for Frank to go to King's School. Sent by him late in evening. Johnny returns from Bristol. Read Redcliff aloud, enter diary. Fine but dull evening, when are the 40 rainy days over!!!!? St Swithin.

Sunday. Beautiful, glass rising and high. St Swithin beaten, no no no, wet evening who could have thought it!? At church Mrs J and Johnny, Rev. Mr Williams. I alone p.m. Mr Badger returned married. Church in black for late vicar.

17th

Wet again a.m. Houndsell mows lawn etc. Plants celery from Parsons, fine plants at 1/6 per 100, Brown asking 2/- for bad ones. In the garden nearly all day working to see and make Houndsell, a lazy conceited fellow, work, as ignorant as a ..art. Take up potatoes, turn out as he a calls (sic), a terrible fine crop. Very hot fine evening, gather red currants, strawberries, to preserve both, plentiful and fine. So we must not repine at a wet summer, the harvest if late may yet prove good. Mr Henning drops into see the garden. Walk with him into the town and arrange about paper and paint for the room where scarlet fever has visited us, thank goodness in a mild manner. The very name recalls poor Emma, our only sister, sacrificed to it, how different we might all have been had she ( woman … ) lived. Read Heir of Redcliffe aloud, meet Mr Henning and strolled to the end of Westbury and back. A poor orphan boy and Mr Henning, Samaritan, a Christian charity?

18th

A splendid day, one of few. Hay making weather, Sherborne fair. Try to sell the pony Moselle, no offer, only gypsies buyers!! and ragamuffin dealers! Out with Johnny early to the fair and look all round. Stock chiefly sheep and lambs. Painters Alleyne in the house, call at Hawkins about papers for lower room. Hear from Carree at Weston Super Mare, all well. A meeting advertised for Thursday about alterations in Acraman St and Horncastle, fish up some information in the matter, very unnecessary. Stroll about in evening to inspect in case I am at the meeting, try to get the act and fail. Talk to Bishop, Penny, Mees, Rogers on the subject, all agree. Town ruled by a clique. Tie Down preserves in evening, troublesome job. Read aloud Heir of Radcliffe daily, tired and late to bed 12.00.

19th

Damp driving misty morning, fine day, brisk wind. Read Redcliffe aloud. Enter diary and write to Carree and to HJM, Gower, about Caswell sale account. Finish volume 1 of Heir of Redcliffe, a morning's work. Do not get out till late in evening. Stroll with Em into the town and Acraman St to reconnoitre the Health of Town improvements and extravagance. Meeting tomorrow on the subject, meet Mr Fussell, talk to him on it, he will attend the meeting, so will I. I am disgusted, paying rates and have neither drainage nor water. Paying for the latter weekly to be brought and having no drain to empty a stinking cess pit at the back of house. Call on Mrs James late. Home and read Britannia paper and glad to be to bed at 11.00.

20th

Beautiful morning promises a splendid day for hay and corn. No papering and painting going on. Rise before 7.00, servants late, never otherwise. Dine early. Read Britannia. Cut extracts from Cambrian as to Board of Health meetings there to get hints for same board here. In evening I go to the meeting called by tradesmen as to Acraman St improvements, drains neglected! Called on to second one resolution and give my opinion freely on the subject. Home about 10, made one of the committee. Meet Mr & Mrs Hoddinot and go into supper. Bread and cheese and cucumber and talk things over a little.

21st

Magnificent hot fine day. Rise at 6.00, the Health of Towns Act borrowed of Mr Bartlett. Write to Agnes at Western Super Mare, send her P.O.O. for £2.10 0 all right! Get out early for that purpose. Meet Mrs J and return with her. Hear the living of Sherborne is given to the nephew of Lord Aberdare's son of Lord Morton? Martin? (refused) and that W Lyon has Castleton and Oborne. Out again to post letter, call on Mr Palairet about yesterday's meeting etc. Emma invites Miss Palairet to tea, strawberries and grapes!!!!! Hear no opinion of yesterday's meeting expressed by anyone. Back bedroom all papered now! Fever stifled so we hope.

22nd

Splendid weather, finish studying my Act of Parliament, 160 clauses. No easy matter to comprehend it, very powerful. Stroll into the town late, talk to Mr Rogers grocer and get a neck of mutton 12/- of Sherring.

Sunday. Twice at Church, Mr Badger a.m. Mr Williams p.m., ‘Wise and Foolish Virgins'. Walk late to the park in the cool, still hot, with Em and Johnny go to the top of the hill through the fern. I feel very weak and find, uncommonly in going to bed, much blood has flowed from me, for the moment alarmed but it is not unusual in a certain place but I know it. Why now and I not know it!?

24th

Calm, hot and quiet, oppressive. A most extraordinary cloud of dust in Sherborne about midday, distant thunder, dust darkens the streets in clouds. Apparently without wind, it is a sort of whirlwind no doubt caused by sudden and distant rarification of air. HJM writes me from Gower, Glamorganshaire, that rain falls heavily there with thunder etc from 8.00 to 12.00, here we have none (Dorset) that is not at Sherborne! I but little out, read and loll about in the house all day. Lay a carpet in back bedroom etc and stroll in the dark with Emma to the Melborne road gate. Oppressed with heat.

25th

Intensely hot again, overpowering. I am done up and in the evening am quite unwell. Backroom whitewashed again. Early badly done yesterday, late in evening two men begin papering. Before dinner go to the Reading room, 1st time since my return from London and Uckfield. Kept away because of scarlet fever in my house before I had returned, Agnes then ill but recovering. Read the account of the meeting in the parish brought on by extravagance of the Board of Health, neglecting sanitary measures to make useless improvements in a by lane for the interest of a few! members of the Board. The report takes no notice of my observations, all the better. If the occasion be, I can repeat with more effect. See Captain Hammond there who he tells me the Board, this day, send to drain his house! Quite unwell with the heat in evening. Call on Mr Fussell for advice, castor oil tomorrow. Call on Mr Goldsmith, quite late, to thank him for cucumbers etc and return home with Mr Pickering the music master.

26th

Am better than I was yesterday, took castor oil, Mr Fussell's advice but it is less hot too. Sherborne 2nd fair, thunder and lightning all morning and some heavy rain, less than I expected, but glass is high. No letters received or written, not from the house all day. I want not to see the fair, had enough of the last a week ago 18th. Read Redcliff, etc. Back room set in order, men finish papering and make it look wholesome and habitable. Rout out the cabinets and sort the books and arrange and put down the carpet bought at Mr Hutchings sale, bought two there and both fit almost without cutting or altering (one just fits) my two rooms and some to spare, all for less than 50 shillings, good carpets! Kidderminster! Tired and weary at night, Mr Fussell called.

27th

Baby not well, Mr Fussell sees her. Dull cooler pleasanter morning, fine. Little backroom all in order. Emma, I and baby breakfast there 1st time. Letter from Agnes and Mamma, returning home tomorrow. Read aloud a little of Redcliffe, enter my diary - several days not over well remembered. Cox here puts up a bed and cuts an oak chest in two to go upstairs for servants. Call on Mr Harper about children for school, as to contagion of fever, no objection. Have a long talk with him, Ffooks brewery etc, Board of Health etc he has a high opinion of Johnny if he will but apply! Says he could by a …. at Cambridge if he chose. Oh that he may!!!!! and I shall die happy. Have some conversation here and there about the public meeting, Mees, Bishop. Enquire about trains and conveyance to Yeovil. Sup at Mr Fussell's, Mr Melmoth there, why? All friendly, he clerk of Board of Health.

28th

Emma at Silver Lake! and not left at bottom of it, 12 ft deep and more. Rise at 5.30 to go to Weston S M, hire a one-horse carriage at Johnson's to go to Yeovil for train, return ticket to Weston. Beautiful weather, arrive there and find Carree at breakfast and children bathing! Wander about Weston all day, very hot. Call on Mrs Elton, the late Marianne Ord, on Mrs Charles Gibson, an old good-natured woman. Mr Elton calls on me. Mr WF Morgan comes down from Bristol and dines with us. Train behind time considerably. We leave about 6.15, at Sherborne by 10.00. Agreeably surprised and delighted with Weston Super Mare, 5,000 inhabitants, 3 Churches. Go to a sale at Mr Piggot's deceased, linen etc etc under the hammer, buy a catalogue 6 days sale. A charming house, well pleased with my trip.

29th

Still wonderfully fine, make out my accounts. Am far from well! Over fatigued yesterday? Mr Fussell calls, Alice better, slight attack. Read and lounge about, unfit for anything. Cannot comprehend reading Heir of Redcliffe, meant to end it, defer it till Monday.

Sunday. We do not go to church. I am not well, far from it, I am quite unwell, done up. Baby home, fever. Carree thinks best to keep aloof. We stroll on the lane behind Bests Farm, find a quiet stroll exertion enough. A blind horse and children beating it, pack them off by scolding them.

31st

Rather a wet day, quiet rain. Go out with Carree and Em and Ag to make calls. Get to Mr Fussell's and are caught prisoners by rain. Alter his bookshelf for him, bought at Mr Hutchings. Enquire at Bishops and find we have a committee meeting this evening about 8.00 as to Board of Health. Nothing done because they seem willing to conciliate but we do not like their proceedings though we have made them more cautious. Get Rendall to put my water casks in order, syphon and tap. Former -/5 a foot, 6 ½ ft, not paid. Am not half well, much better than yesterday. Mr Fussell in chair, Mr Feer, Mr Rawlings, Mr Edwards, Mr Bishop.

August 1854

1st (Tuesday)

Seasonable beautiful weather, read Britannia, out early to the Reading room, no news yet! Read a magazine. Get out again with Carree and am up and out to make calls. Mrs James refuses to go, having been out with me a.m. to Guppy in Cheap St. We call on Miss Parsons at the vicarage. What a deep sewer they are making there! Call on Mrs Noble, meet Mrs Dr Highmore and children, see the garden and eat gooseberries and get 2 cucumbers, a nice present. Go through the washing bills in the evening, a long affair. Find I have overpaid according to the bills.

2nd

Beautiful seasonable day, read A Nobleman's Letters to his son and on the History of England. Good. In cog (?). Receive letter from Weston Super Mare, Mr Elton, as to purchase on Mr Piggott sale of a picture, Beth Gelart C Balker, called on the catalogue ‘A Dog, a Boar and Child'. Walk with Caroline and Agnes, post a letter for Mary Anne, 51 Bedford Square. Call in at Mr Fussell's. Write to Mr Harper, Johnny has a sad toothache again! Frank not the thing, do not call on Mrs Badger, 2nd attempt call, card, at Mr R Wilmot in London. Cross to Gainsborough Hill from the Park gate after tea. Walk again to Oborne in the cool. Write to Mr Elton, Weston Super mare.

3rd

Wet a little a.m. Early call and breakfast at Mrs James, to see John's suffering with toothache, job for a dentist. Houndsell here takes up potatoes. Hunt the town over for broccoli plants, Parsons has none, get a few - 2 score of Brown, not good, in Westbury. Get a few seeds to sow. Out again after dinner to see dentist with Johnny, a horrid job. Far back in jaw, out it comes, he suffers dreadfully but bears it heroically but obliged to go home to bed. It had made him ill several days. Get my hair cut at Minifies. Sit at Mrs James, consoling Johnny with Carree all the evening. See Mr Hoddinot's garden. Read, in evening, history letters.

4th

Very dull, very unlike July and August. Houndsell 3rd day in garden, weeds etc. Out early to see poor Johnny after yesterday's operation, find him much better and cheerful. Mrs J not out, 8.00. Help in garden and get out early to Miles about fish etc. Talk about the brewery etc and write a long letter to accompany one from Emma to Charles at Weedon barracks. All this a morning's work. Read a few letters 1775 From A Nobleman to his Son on the history of England, very good. Go with Carree to the town, Ensors for a dressing gown for Charles. Gather gooseberries and currants. Wet evening. Call in at Arnolds to ask about sewerage, how to get done. He has been attended to. Have a tea party in evening, Mr and Mrs Palairet, Mr & Mrs Fussell, Mr Goldsmith. Chat about Sherborne affairs and time passes agreeably. Emma gives us a little music, beginning to play really and will if --- play well.

5th

Another dull day, cool and dry. Come on to be fine. Cox comes to add two short leaves to the deal table backroom. Morning's work. Mrs Palairet comes to make apricot jam 5lb of fruit 4lbs of sugar, occupation till dinner time and no boiling done. Borrow jars of Mrs James, call for letters etc. Johnny well again. Gardening all the evening, geraniums moved etc, sow turnip, spinach, lettuce. Hard work in hot weather. Mrs and Miss Palairet to tea and finish the jam. Stroll out late for air.

Sunday. Fine day, mild and quiet. Sacrament. None of us stop. Sit in Mr Rogers seat, mine full. Mr Badger, Mr William p.m. Walk with Carree, Em and Ag towards Oborne, cut the Park nowadays. An ill spent Sunday, read nothing.

7th

Dull, gloomy tho' seasonably hot. Good harvest weather. Harvest only just beginning here and there. Write letters: Dr Howell Swansea, Rev. Mr D Williams Swyre, near Bridport. Get out after dinner with Carree, Em and Ag to call on Mrs Badger, maiden call. Meet there Miss Parsons etc. Met in going Mr Cave, been to brewery sale, porter 4d a gallon, malt cheap. Now to Mr Fussell, Board of Health affair. Dingly wants to set up a new shop Acraman St, good reason for widening it!!!!! and this is why the board lend themselves. Pay two bills, Dingley and Norman. Walk late with Carree (in cool) and Agnes past Oborne up the Hill, not a breath of air. Talk and conjecture of Mr and Mrs Hoper etc and futurity, what will it reveal. Read Letters on England History. Johnny's birthday! School examination. Tie down apricot jam.

8th

Dull all morning, fine dry day. Gather red currants and broad beans. Read Illustrated News, no news. Enter my accounts since Saturday. Board of Health men again laying pipes east of my house towards Castleton, began today and finish tonight. Contract work! Chapman. Am talking with them in evening. Mr and Mrs Williamson come out. Walk with them to their fields, burnt up, no grass and look at Chandler's new houses begging for tenants, foolish speck! And he the ruler of the town. Walk with Em and Ag and Ma to the park late for the cool of the evening.

9th

Dry, hot and dull part of the day. Write to Mr Morgan of Bristol. Get out with Carree, get out with Carree to Ensors etc for Charles. Dine at Mr Harper's, one of a series of bachelor dinners. Twelve of us, Mr James (vice) two examiners, Ridler, Oxford, Lightfoot, Cambridge, a curious looking man. Mr and Dr Highmore, Mr Goldsmith, Robert Wilmot, Mr Pearce and Mr Williams masters, Melmoth. Mr Harper speaks well of Johnny if he will apply. Walk by the Black Horse etc with Mr Goldsmith on return home to get fresh air. He invites me to join at a haunch of venison on Friday.

10th

A fine and hot day, very. Get out early with Ag to get beer at Mr Mees. 1 gallon bitter. Call on Mrs James and she gives Charles a tea chest, a very good strong one, her grandmother's. Charles ought to value it. Geake's things, stock in trade, seized in execution. Dine early, school examination for prizes awarded, Hammond, Johnny honourably mentioned equalis with Lewis and Ball to fight again, Lewis victor. Call with Carree on Mrs James. Tea at Mrs Nobles, am so sleepy before tea can hardly keep awake. Thunder about, curious shy. Talk of the Wilmots and Kays, strange things happen everywhere. Am not home till 11. Mrs Noble a very pleasant woman. Prepare to send Charles a parcel to Weedon. Called on Mr and Mrs Dawe, she is very ill!?

11th

A gloomy dull cold morning. Whole holiday cricket. Meant have gone to Geake's sale, do not. Water hot bed etc etc, read and teach children sums etc. After dinner walk with Ma and children by the fields, Stiby's to Lent(hay) to see the cricket match, whole holiday. School against the town: Examiner Riddle there. Dine at Mr Goldsmith's, haunch of venison. Mr Foster, Rev. Mr Nicholls, Mr Turner, Stevens, King, a pleasant party and no parade. Play whist in the evening, am not home until past 3.00!!!! Neither lost or won, home by Mr Turner's garden, his acquaintance made for the first time. Some little rain has fallen. Tis bad to be so late. Carree in awful fidgets of course.

12th

Dull and gloomy day. Pack up a box for Weedon for Charles, books, carpets, tea and odds and ends, 1 cwt? Two Mrs Spencer's call, going away. Send the box off by Crowley's waggon. Buy some bacon, call at Mees, Mr Morris at dinner, can't see him. Meet Mr Henning at Rowes about a pony. We all walk together to the school field to see cricket. Call on the Fussells, he out. All at tea. Pay old Betty Beazley in the street, Half Moon, see Mr Smith dancing master. Have not to pay him for Johnny. Very weary in evening, lie on the sofa. Dream and wander, wake and am lost. Box sent to Charles at Weedon by Crowley arrives safe.

Sunday. Mr Williams duty a.m. Badger p.m. Walk after evening duty before tea down Duck Street and cross by the garden, baby accidentally meets us with Pincher (?). Sit on the hill and enjoy the view. Ground parched up, very hot and dry. Read one of the lessons and Mauts Notes to Chu etc.

14th

Fine morning, call children for school. Carree up early, I am full of pain and can't get up till 8.30. Read a little, some paper, write a long letter to Charles, Weedon, about his box sent off on Saturday and write also to HJM Hammersmith, received yesterday a letter from him posted by Frank. Call with Carree on Babbington, better, thin and ill. Mr Birchin and Carree pays her missionary basket and call on the Balls late. Cold people, can't endure it. Tea rather late. A heavy shower today, much wanted. Help children about lessons in evening and read a paper.

15th

Beautiful day, some fine showers, much good to gardens and grass. Harvest only now beginning, likely to be very fine. Read Buchey's Arctic expedition in 1825 lent me by Mrs Spencer her brother. Read Cambrian and Illustrated, after tea walk with Carree and children along Pinford Lane to the terrace, a beautiful spot at sunset. Such a view of the town down the meadows full of cattle, reaping going on at his Lordship's who is down now, came on Friday. A glorious fine afternoon. Rose early this morning and read Edinburgh Review, Turkey and Russia.

16th

A much cooler day, omitted to enter at the time and forgotten. One thing is certain, nothing particular happens. Am at Sherborne and all pretty well. The circus tomorrow much talked of. Mrs Palairet calls, intended at least, we call on the Pickerings, music master, and walk out of the town. I miss Carree and children and get down to Mrs Palairet and find no one so we all assemble at tea. Help Johnny at night about his theme ‘Cricket'. Ludus Baculi et Pugli(?). Met Mrs Hoddinot and her sister in law near old Mr Highman's and repaid her £1 10 0 borrowed of husband for coal, paid three half sovereigns.

17th

Cooke's circus arrives about 11.00, a pretty sight. Children all agog, 2 hours after a display of a procession through the town, Newland etc. Triumphal car etc promises well. We all go and well satisfied, all very good. To learned horses particularly so, taught to do anything, fire a pistol placed out of reach, kiss, dance, march, leap, etc to tune. Receipts no doubt £50, quite full. Williamson there, Mrs Palairet, Mrs Cousins, Miss Croft etc. A man on a suspended cord most graceful and astonishing. A boy called a frog appears to have no bone, wonderful but not pleasing.

18th

Beautiful dry seasonable weather, all morning read Edinburgh Review. Am going out in evening and am seized with lumbago and give it up. Gets worse and becomes painful, am laid up, consequently make no entry till 22nd. Helped Johnny in evening about verses amicita pauper dubilat…. prosperus perdit amor iam, poor friendship hesitates, prosperous friendship is enthusiastic - gets him, praise as a good lie. Painful work to study Latin and in pain with lumbago and gas giving only a faint light, horrid gas here.

19th

Am laid up in great pain my old complaint, sciatica, not lumbago. A nerve of the back and down the right leg, in great pain. Read a little in bed, get out late and try to walk it off, no use, very painful. Know nothing going on. Mr Fussell calls in and prescribes.

Sunday. Greater part of day in bed, sciatica or lumbago. Get up with difficulty in evening to tea. Em and Ag only at church. Get up late in evening a little better. Mr Fussell calls.

21st

Not a very beautiful day, some trifle of rain. In bed till dinner time. Lumbago not gone but better. Read in bed and finish Edinburgh Review. Mr Fussell calls in evening, more pills and physic clearly wanted. Read Britannia and Illustrated, get out a little to the garden, much less pain in the back but not free by any means. Carree calls on Mrs Martin, Mrs Hammond and Palairet and home very late to tea.

22nd

Beautiful morning, up early, much better. Read Club Book Japan, write to Mr Beor. Send a call SWR for September 12 £20 pref shares and about Caswell sale. Sort some papers and letters. Read Japan but little. Walk with Carree and children, call on Mrs Noble, out, on Mr Pearce and Williams masters, pay a bill and walk Duck street way to the Park. Meet the gentleman who took a fancy to baby in Half Moon Street, the Colonel, staying here at Lord Digby's, took him for a traveller. Is he MP for Salisbury? Call on Mrs James after tea, she is low. Mr & Mrs Henning call before tea, Johnny receives long letter from Weedon. Charles well again and writes cheerful.

23rd

Beautiful day, glass high. Houndsell in garden, sifts earth and waters. Pay various bills. Mrs Henning on a charitable excursion. Earth up celery with Frank and transplant savoys etc. Call on Mrs Williamson with Carree. Meet Mrs Palairet there, who afterwards calls on us. Post a Cambrian for Weedon. Return home, a message from Mrs Palairet if she call and take Agnes to meet Carree in Westbury. Call and leave cards at Rev Mr Williams. Mrs Palairet at our house. The moon changes at 6.00p.m. and heavy shower comes. The glass very high. Help Johnny at his theme in evening, nihil est abnomni parte beatium. Mrs James takes tea with us.

24th

Fine morning after rain last evening and in night? Enter accounts of yesterday, garden, sow spinach. W Stevens calls, Mr Fussell, Mrs James simultaneously. Dreadful rail accident in Kent. Mr Piper calls to see piano, no charge. Write a short letter to C at Weedon. After 3.00, start all hands and Sherring's donkey and cart to go to picnic. Tea at Honeycomb cottage. The Palairets, Arthur Longford, Babbington, baby, 2 servants and shut up our house to chance. Home all safe by 9.00. Drop into the Reading room late, nothing particular. Brisk wind all day and cool.

25th

Beautiful day, rise at 6.00 and take a walk before breakfast by Coldharbour to the Bath Road and round by Millers and Cold Harbour. Looked at the new house, return by Mr Hennings. After breakfast call on Johnson about the pony, I on Cox about the carved oak and wheelbarrow and go to the Reading room. Meant to have ridden out, do not, after dinner. Read Japan. Mrs Spencer calls, Mrs Noble too, Mrs J Hoddinot and Miss Hoddinot. Garden all the evening. Sow spinach, water many things. Pay Warr plasterer, garden late.

26th

Very beautiful harvest weather. Garden early, water, go to butchers early. Return and out with Carree and Agnes etc. Buy print and bring it home. In the evening ride with Mr Hoddinot to his farm. Sheep badly off for keep. Turnips not up, some sown a month! Some look well tho' wanting rain. Wheat very and corn generally good. Had not been a ride for months before. Mrs Noble comes up to tea and Mrs J. See little of them, helped Johnny at verses, not up to it at all. Bed late.

Sunday. Extreme heat, twice at church. Williams and Harper, Badger. Call on Mrs Goldsmith in evening and on Mrs Fussell. Stroll late to new house, meet Mr Henning and Mr Hill coach maker. Land to be let. Was in Mr Hoddinot's fields, his potatoes good.

28th

Extreme heat, not brilliant. About home and in the garden all a.m. Read Cambrian and Critic. Mrs Martin calls, first visit, seems a pleasant woman and lady like. Walk with Carree to the town. Ribbon for baby at Penns, Carree paid, very dear. Tea al fresco in garden. Wasps numerous. Water garden, in part much needed. Again late to the town for soda and turnips. Enter accounts last thing. Carree writes letters. Johnny at Latin verses. Em and Ag go again to Mrs Charlton's school.

29th

Oppressively the hot day, epouvauxable as they say in Paris. I am not out of the house and garden. Read a little and prepare to entertain schoolboys at dinner, 2 Haywards, Evans, Moggridge, W Dawe, William Stevens, Mr Pickering music-master, to wine etc, play cards in evening till 10.00. I read the Art Union Journal. Hear from Charles, better accounts, well at Weedon. Try to work a little in garden, too hot. Mr Pearce the master calls, Charles writes, why can't we take the name of White to oppose Fred of Willey having the name of Payler.

30th

Splendid weather, viper? small in garden. I write to W Collins Northampton, HJM (Beor) Swansea. Read Blackwood. Not from the house till after tea with Carree, Em and Ag. Mr Morgan writes that he comes here on Saturday over Sunday. Mr & Mrs Palairet drive up and give accounts of their picnic at Jerusalem, grand affair yesterday. 2 rabbits by them. By Dorchester Road to the Dancing Hill, meet the Hammonds in the dusk. Sherborne in picturesque repose and the distance calm and soft. Home by Duck Street, call on Mrs J who receives late a letter from Charles, Weedon.

31st

Fine dry weather, more air today, out early about meat. Cox about altering the garden conv… and call at his workshop and at Geakes. Plant geranium cuttings from Mrs James, rub out spinach seed and water garden quite dried up. I dine at Mr Stevens 6.30 x 7. Mr Du Bois, Mr Williams, Mr Pearce, come Mr Fussell and Stokoe, young William Dawe and others our party. Carree and the children gone to Mr and Mrs Palairet to carry 2nd crop of hay. What weather for late hay.Hold

September 1854

1st (Friday)

What a day for sportsmen! Ground as dry as a hearth slab. HJM to be at Swansea with Mr Beor at Pontardulais, what a prospect and a late harvest. Write and send Sherborne paper to Lewes and write to EM, Weedon. Mr Hoddinot's Newfoundland puppy kills all his Cochin Chinas, that his sport, curious natural taste and love of sport! I cannot say how the day was spent, nothing particular or it would be remarked. Helped Johnny about his verses in evening, am too tired to be of much use and he tired too after working in the garden. I water a good deal of the garden and finish up my spinach seed and brushed and weeded a little preparatory for Mr M Tomorrow.

2nd

The same magnificent weather. Oh! How hot, sally out to order things at Stokes, cheese at Harding's 6lb10 oz at Harding's at 10d -/5 not paid. Mrs James hires a carriage at Johnson's to go Yeovil, at 5.00 go to meet Mr Morgan who stays till Monday. Mrs J, Emma, I and baby; Mr Morgan arrives by 5.30, we return by Trent to for sake of shade. Narrow escape in a narrow road, meet a small cart, corn and children down hill full gallop, not an inch to spare nor a moment's time, the pony was blind, broke a trace but otherwise escaped and again meet loaded harvest carts and can't get by. Drive into a stubble, difficult to mend the harness, no cord. Get home safe 1 ½ hours after time. Johnny was on the pony and went home by a wrong turn and lost us, in time for tea, keeping all in suspense. Nothing to be done tonight but talk. Houndsell at work, mows and waters and brushes up.

4th

Sunday. How hot again! We go five, have only 4 seats, sit in Mr Melmoth's seat. Sacrament Mr Badger and Mr Harper at Castleton in evening. Mr Badger gives farewell sermon. We walk to the park after seeing Mr Stevens gay garden and new stables. After tea on Dancing Hill and home by Westbury. Called late on Mrs James.

Monday. Mr Morgan leaves us at 8.30. Read the Cambrian, come today, Dr Howells last letter, W Stroud's death bathing!!!!! Mrs Charlton's servants discovered dishonest. See Mr M off, meet Johnson about Saturday last.. Call on Hawkins, buy a fresco print of the Cross etc 5/- not paid. At tea at Mrs Nobles this evening. Mr and Miss James, Mr and Miss Goldsmith, Mrs Martin and young Mr McLock. Have a pleasant evening, singing etc. Am seized then with sciatica and am very uneasy and unwell.

5th

The same sort of unclouded hot weather. Sciatica again, no sleep last night. Can hardly get about, breakfast in bed. No use, keep my appointment with Mr Goldsmith and go to see Mr J Phillips house in Westbury, furniture to be sold of the first order, not paid for. Breakfast, Mr McLachlan accompanies us. Carree not very well and does not go. After dinner out with Carree again, feeble and tired and quite out of sorts. Call on the Palairets, out, and call on Miss Parsons and at Mr Fussell's to consult him. Sudden death of Nettleship? on Greenhill, a newcomer.

6th

Fine still and as usual. Read Adams New Zealand, magazine, do not care to get out tho' better than yesterday. Johnny writes to Fenwick in London, Carree and I call on Mrs Dawe, I on Mrs Hammond. We call on Mrs Noble to ask her for Friday to tea, call in and see Ffooks furniture again and paintings etc etc. Call on Mrs J and take tea. Mr & Mrs Goldsmith's, enquire of a brewery near Crewkerne for H Ord. Called late on Mrs Charlton to meet Mrs Noble on Friday. Enter my journal, so ends the day. Receive letter from Weedon, Charles pretty well.

7th

At Sherborne, fine weather still tho' dust begins to rise a little. Splendid moonlights. Omitted my diary and accounts at the proper time, memory fails to recall events. Nothing particular has happened at all events.

8th

Tis still fine and splendid. Glass falling a little, change is coming, q for the last quarter of the moon. Servants say moon has no influence, the oi polloi say yes, I agree with the multitude and observation and common experience. Mrs Noble and her nephew and Mr McLaughlin connected with telegraph in London. Mrs Charlton, Mr Palairet etc one or two more take tea with us, Miss James. Forget all else for today.

9th

We are thinking of going soon to Gower and anticipate change of weather. Dust rises rather thick, about home all day, water garden and read and daudle away time unsatisfactorily. Carree at Dancing with Emma, all I can remember about it. Entry delayed beyond bounds of memory.

Sunday. Dry fine weather, still twice to church. Walk Carree and Em and Ag towards Dancing Hill, meet Stokoe who joins us and return by Castleton to tea. An ill spent day after all, help Johnny at verses.

11th

Pack up and hunt and sort papers to take to Gower tomorrow. Mostly left till tomorrow, the last moment as usual. About home all day, Sherborne! Nothing particular happens, we hear after being in Gower that old Mr Babington dies tomorrow or Wednesday, we hear he is not so well today. The weather clearly about to change, clouds over and dust flies. Predict a wet greeting in Gower.

12th

Leave Sherborne this evening at 5.00 for Yeovil and Bristol. Pack up all morning and arrange for departure to Gower. Draft at Bank for £20 overdrawn. Pay Mrs James £10 and accounts for house expenses, out of it pay Acraman account £1 10 0, agree with Johnson to sell the pony Moselle for £8 cash besides his bill, about £5 for expenses and per contra, write out the amounts in hire and leisure. Make other arrangements and call etc etc. Mrs James calls to take leave etc and know how she can be of use. Mrs Noble calls to take leave etc. Arrange with Mees about the bus to call in time for train. Meet crying children and good-natured people. 2nd class my class, in Bristol about 9.30.

13th

Leave Bristol, Hibernian Hotel, crossed by steamer into Cardiff and get to Swansea and to Gower. Breakfast and leave hotel, clean and not dear. Get on board the ‘Swift' packet for Cardiff, fare 1/-, 130 on board. Miss the train and obliged to dine at Cardiff and get on by the express, double expense. Arrived in Swansea, all confusion. Nothing sent to meet us or the luggage! HJM luckily in town and lends us his dog cart and comes down tomorrow. Not home till dark, all confusion and discomfort. Somewhat unexpected. Half the windows broken, some not in at all, tis fortunately calm and quiet. A day's work to get from Bristol to Gower, the greatest fatigue and difficulty from Swansea to Caie Forgan. Luckily just escaped rain, not home long and it pours and is a wet night!

14th

At Caie Forgan, most uncomfortable, all under mortar and lime and half the windows broken and all the rooms dismantled in part. What a house keeper is Henry! Nothing in place. He seems to love to live in confusion and mess. HJM, left in Swansea, comes down with Beor, shoots at Llanelen, wet comes. Sent into Swansea for luggage by RH, home by 3.00. Beor wet, takes his boys home, does not come in. I am far from feeling well. Read an Evening Mail, wander about, see the garden in a bad state and contemplate the alterations. Never dreamt of new entrance porch, never heard a word about it till I see it, could anyone believe it! See part of the farm and walk to Pwllybrag. Cathe comes over to see us all and cries, poor woman. Henry in evening talks of general affairs, he and Carree differ in opinion and I do not agree with either in all things, diversis diversa.

15th

In Gower at Caie Forgan. I, Carree and baby and Eliz, not far from home all day. Am very far from well, can't say why. What ails, weak and low as a rat half drowned. Disgusted by the masons and plasterers here and the consequent expense. All done by HJM … Wander in the garden. Sleep half the day on the sofa, can't help it, so depressed! WT mows part of terrace, I cut overgrown fence of it. Walk after dinner with Carree to Crickton, meet HJM there shooting, killed several birds. RH cutting wheat, Cross Lane field, go on all to Newton and see the farm and get a few apples. Plenty of keep on Crickton, both grass and turnips and the corn crops good but not all in yet. Sleep on the sofa nearly all the evening feeling quite unwell, why I can't say. Glass falling, q thunder. Contemplating further improvements before present things are Carreed out. House under outward plaster. Dull day!

16th

Gower. HJM drives Crimp and his servants Henry Morris to Swansea and means to go on to London by mail, wanted at Bexley and the ‘Gazelle' there. RH and I go to Caswell, I on Henry's blind chestnut, only Llewellyn at Caswell! Harvest getting on there, wheat not all cut. Crops middling, turnips good but late. Call on the Hancorne's to enquire as to Mrs Nicholls, gone last week and both her daughters to Adelaide! Her sons have a farm there. A thorough wet afternoon from 10.00. Get wet through on return home, full gallop, the ride does me more good than the wet harm. Change everything and am comfortable for the evening with the fire. Two landrails for dinner. Such is life in Wales and Gower.

Sunday. How unlike one, no church. Wander about, go to Pwllybrag etc. Baby not very well. Nothing done reminding one of the Sabbath. Mr James, enlarging his church again! And making a good drain pipe from his house, his house finished, and comfortable.

18th

A dull damp wet sort of day, none of the bricklayers etc etc come, nothing progresses. Write to WM Uckfield and to Alfred, Carmarthenshire, who is likely to come to Gower. Post their letters tomorrow, Penmaen. Wander about and do little. Windy evening, hear from Sherborne and from W Collins, Northampton, his father very ill.

19th

Appeal day at the Gower Inn about taxes, new law, Gladstone's budget. Drive HJM's dog cart, Carree, baby and Eliz to Penmaen, John Holland, welcome very cold, we think, well! Walk to the Gower Inn, hundreds waiting to appeal … horses and dogs! All saddled. Meet Dr Hutton, leaving Gower soon. Detained here 2 hours or more and have to pay at last, can't swear. I have not ridden, tis only occupancy here! Dine at Penmaen 5.30, Miss Williams there till late! Home in the dark from Mr Stevenson's, damp and windy round by Cillibion. Mare shied at Parsey's pigs and turned round with us, Carree jumps out! and I get very angry with her and Parsey.

20th

A thorough wet morning till 1.00. About home, Caie Forgan, all day. Receive letter from HJM come safe at Bexley, from Charles, well at Weedon. Cart sent to Swansea for .. lime and timber and one for coals. Am making new private stables and a shed, altering kitchen window, enlarging it. Crimp plastering house, yard side and …. after new porch which I do not like at all. With Carree and baby to Pwllybrag to buy apples etc. Wrote to Mr Eaton for timber (plank), home by cart, night. Beautiful evening, RH cuts wheat, no quite finished.

21st

Beautiful day, how fortunate! Drive Carree to Swansea in HJM's dog cart, baby better again. Lunch with Dr and Mrs Justice, Smith Place, meet a Rev. Mr Wyatt and Rev. Mr Wilby, a gent of good family but a first impression unfavourable. Vary unarmonious(sic) and self-sufficient though not a cockscomb, maybe absence. Walk to see the docks, great works well done. Expect Alfred, does not come. Wait till 7.00 train and home in the dark, starlight, safe by 9.30. Shop a little Austey's, Richmond's, Williams, meat etc. Meet Rev. Sam Davis and young James Gape etc etc. Mr Beor at Llandrindod Wells.

22nd

Beautiful morning and day till 6.00. Wet evening and night. Out and about Caie Vorgan all day. Bricklayer, carpenters, plasterers etc … Crimp and man and 2 boys, William and boy carpenters and W Lloyd, 2 Thomas masons. Kitchen windows out, front steps laid, Lloyd in haggard and Dawes the glazier, how are they to be paid and when will they have done. RH Carrees some wheat and some oats till dark. Receive letter from Alfred, Carmarthen, coming here tomorrow and from HJM, London, returning end of month. Chop down laurels and make more open. Commissions for tomorrow etc etc.

23rd

Alfred arrives in Gower from Carmarthen, Henry Morris and Eliz go in dog cart. RH there too. Alfred late because of some mistake about luggage at Nantgaredig Carmarthenshire. Cold for season, have fires every evening and mostly all day because lounge has no windows and under repairs and alterations. I am looking sharp after the men and they need it.

Sunday. Comes on thorough wet till sunset, breaks off, then very fine to be fine tomorrow. Alfred and I walk to evening service at the schoolroom to hear Mr Matthews and the new instrument (harmonicon) and the singing very good. Get very wet. but do not catch cold.

25th

Splendid harvest weather and make good use of it. EKJ calls from Penmaen at last, get on with the house alterations as fast as poss, ditto ditto ditto day after day. Alfred here shoots and is agreeable but very boisterous and misanthropic.

26th

Splendid weather, Alfred in Gower.

27th

Ditto Alfred in Gower.

28th

Harvest finished to Caie Forgan, far from all being finished in Gower. Alfred in Gower.

29th

A splendid week of fine hot weather since Sunday evening last. I have been about home all week looking after men, Crimp and Sam and 3 boys plasterers. Williams and son carpenters. W Morris mason and brother about stables for HJM and other jobs. Altering windows etc. W Lloyd also occupied carpentering haggard, staddles etc, 2 fall down. Alfred with us since last Saturday, mostly shooting. One day at Caswell, one day at Oxwich to see the landslip, that is yesterday. Call at the Post Office. All outside plastering about done.

30th

Alfred leaves, HJM comes from London to Swansea by express in 6 hours, might have been in Gower in 8 hours London! But we dine at Mrs Davies at 4.00. Drove A into the station before 11.00a.m. HJM arrives at 4.00 having (left) London at 10.00. I walk over the docks etc. See Mr Beor after several calls and balance Caswell sale account in rough. Receive draft for £100, 150 due, HJM had 50. Home to tea, RH in town sells 5 sheep and buys beef for harvest supper.

carpentering

October 1854

1st (Sunday)

Splendid. Sacrament, Mr Rees of St. John's, Swansea, does duty, a good sermon from Ezekial on dry bones, 9 verses. Do not stay sacrament, called with HJM to see old Tucker ill in bed and see Cillibion turnips

2nd

Sea fog and fine day. Lewis nurse from Llandeilo, Eliz and baby and Henry Morris, HJM's Bexley factotum, drive car to Penmaen Sands. Carree, I and Charles dog cart of HJM, lunch or dine at Penmaen. J Holland still there. Penmaen new and enlarged, several graves disturbed, not Mr W Nicholls, foundation laid on him. What need of these additions?! Home to tea at 5.00, Miss Lucas and her sister Mrs Blencowe drive over to tea, they leave early on grey pony. Walk with them to the main road across the common. Charles dropped in this morning as we start for a drive, on foot from Swansea, left Weedon and travelled light, night and day, since Saturday. What a scream gave Carree his mamma! Frightened me.

3rd

Wet morning early, beautiful day. Henry to post at Reynoldston and meets us at Caswell. I and RH ride out by Park Mill. RH tax collector. HJM fixes on spots for house at Caswell. His mare (Omnibus) falls and cuts her knees. Dined at 6.00 in consequence and not 9.00. Mare not fit to ride, over done. No more accidents.

4th

Dull morning, fine and mild. Up early, Crimp and boy only here this week. Williams carpenter and boy. Lloyd and D Williams sawing. W Thomas and other masons begin wall across yard. Albon here since Monday week. Dine at Penmaen by invite at 6.00. Narrow escape with a waggon at Mr James meadow gate, never drove before. Black Leicester mare, capital goer. J Holland still there, laugh at the farm Caswell, Joseph Strick(?) at the castle. HJM shoots with Mr Moggridge at Poundfold and Loughor and home by 11.00. Some misty rain and wind, not a pleasant day.

5th

Dull, glass falling, wind rising and inclined to rain. Richards of Blaenkedy calls and pays some rent and brings bills. HJM goes shooting early to Brynhir. Nothing settled about Caie Forgan! Talked with RH about general affairs and pay Charles some money, entered end. About home all day, walk to see Wal Tucker ill in bed, and now making hay, really good hay! Marvellous. HJM shoots at Brynhir, Charles goes to post on Cousin Tom, stallion. I chop down ash trees in garden, haggard hedge, and other jobs all day. Can't get HJM to book about rent etc and management at Caie Forgan. J Richards calls and pays, rent talk and arrange with RH. Windy and rainy and sunny and dull. Pack up etc.

6th

Pack and send off luggage, leave Swansea at 12.45 for Cardiff. Give many last orders at Caie Forgan to carpenters etc. Drive cart mare Leicester 1st time to Swansea. Goes uncommonly well, in two hours to the castle, 4 in, HJM, Charles, Carree and self. Call at the post and Cambrian office. Walked to station for Cardiff and take packet 4.15 for Bristol and drive to 2 Berkeley Square from the Bathurst Basin. Rough and cold east wind at sea, 2 hours sail by the ‘Jenny Jones' first voyage in her. Not ill, most ill.

7th

At Bristol, 2 Berkeley Square, Mr Morgan's removed from 15 Park Street. Read Gazette, extraordinary of the battle of Alma near Sebastopol, Russia, glorious achievement, great loss of officers. Shop at Sparks, College Green etc and drive to Clifton. Call on Mr Edwards and in the Mall on the Coulthurst's, only see Miss Trivett. In the evening at the Reading room, great excitement, nothing new.

Sunday. Blind asylum at 6, at St George's a.m. Walk with Carree on the downs, some little rain, no umbrella. Dined early. Blind asylum at 6.

9th

Leave 2 Berkeley Square, Bristol, for Sherborne. Go with Carree and Mrs M to see the picture of Nelson receiving the sword from? Painted by T Barker, very good. To be engraved, do not subscribe. Comes on rather wet, buy scissors and knives at Plumbs. Dine at 1.30. Start 2.45, just save our bacon, reach Yeovil before 5.00. Wait half-hour, reach Sherborne by bus by 7.30, tea. Unexpectedly, Emma thought tomorrow in letter received this morning, meant this day, no preparation made, cold comfort. Miss Wilmott here. Tired, unpack and go to bed. Beautiful evening. Landed at the door.

10th

Cold dull day, Mrs J calls. Mr Fussell calls. Enter diary and expenses etc, write to HJM Gower. Starved for dinner after living in a superabundance. Children have provided nothing, no meat, no butter, no cheese, no beer. Enter some accounts, travelling etc. Call with Carree and Johnny on Mrs Morris and Mrs Crofts at the Bishops. Cheese at Stokes good and a few other things. Call on Mrs J, settle her account of £10. Go to Reading room in evening late with Johnny, several there. No particular news beyond what I had read at Bristol yesterday.

11th

Very fine day, read quarterly. Mrs J calls about Mrs Marcon coming. Walk after dinner with John, Ag and Frank and Ernest Fussell to Sandford church and see Mr Clifford's ancient house. Fine yew tree. Not home till 6.30. Expecting Charles by bus from Bristol and Yeovil to make a surprise, arrives at 7.30, all right. Left Gower yesterday morning, slept Cardiff, on by packet 7.00 etc. Lunched at Mr Morgan's. Difficulty to get an apple at Sandford, cider country, fine orchards. Splendid pastures, rich ground indeed.

12th

Most beautiful weather at Sherborne. Charles with us, transplant a few of the new cut geraniums. Charles gets out with Mr Henning etc, they both come here. See little of Charles or anybody, house turned upside down.

13th

Most beautiful weather, make calls with Charles after cleaning up the garden walks. Go to Johnson's about the pony Moselle and call with Carree on Mrs Noble who also calls to see Charles. Call on Mrs Goldsmith. Mrs James dines with us at 3.00, hare. Arthur Langford joins at tea. Charles packs up to be off to Bristol, starts at night to be ready to ship the pony at 10.00a.m. tomorrow by the Beresford for Swansea and Gower, God speed him! All well, called on Mr Harper at 1.00. Charles leaves on the pony at 11.00p.m. for Bristol, packet at 10.00a.m.. All ends well, no intelligence till Monday evening.

14th

Read Club Books, Quarterly all a.m. Get out a little after dinner, buy cord and hang up washing lines and mope about. Carree at the dancing school, a commotion and a schism, 1st and 2nd class. All confusion, pride and nonsense. Go to the Reading room with Johnny late in evening, no fresh news. Cold air, no fires yet.

Sunday. Hear Mr Harlston, new vicar, 1st time preach. His curate reads, both good voices, improvements on late curates. Sermon on neglected churchyard, I do not wonder at it. Curate preaches in evening. Walk late with Carree and F in Park, very damp almost wet at times.

16th

Pack fair, fine day but the glass falls. Rainy in the evening. Read Quarterly, write to Bristol and to Weedon as to Charles, not heard since leaving Friday night, rode away. Walk about the fair, call with Agnes on Mr Stevens, take club books. Mr S and her daughters returned last Saturday. Son gone to Port Philip etc. Post my letters and go to the horse fair, long talk with Mr Stiby, turned out of his farm, gone to Bradford. Call at Mrs James, meet Carree there, help Johnny at Sophics. Do not go to the Reading room as intended.

17th

A wet gentle rain, dull day. Glass fallen in night, quite low, alas! for the pleasure fair. Receive letter from EKJ and answer it. Read Dublin Magazine, very cold and snow white. Cat has taken up her abode, a stray from where? Mr Rooke and Mrs Marcon expected! Dine with them at 2.00 at Mrs James. They leave at 5, all but Mrs M. Carree comes to tea and we spend the evening at Mrs J. Mr and Mrs R and Loo Marcon. They luckily have …

18th

Cold, gloomy day and windy. Very windy cold north east. Out early, Mrs Marcon at Mrs J's. Call there, invite to dine tomorrow and not today. Go to Reading room, nothing new. Call at Bishop's about saddle returned from Bristol. Slept miserably, full of pains, wake half the night. Out after dinner with Carree and all the children to buy crockery, get none. All out of … call on Mrs Goldsmith, meet Mr Forster, call on Mees as to Mrs Marcon, Sherring, make no other calls as intended at Penns …. walk with Carree to the Park half gate, 22 swans and many old herons. Help Frank, Latin. Sort newspapers, Caswell accounts.

19th

A very pleasant seasonable day. Walk early after breakfast with Carree and Mrs Marcon and Emma and out to lionise the beauties of Sherborne. The Park of course and also to Dancing Hill and the school, a mere peep. Mrs Marcon charmed with the beauties of the place, half inclined to live here. How few are free agents, unshackled. Mrs Marcon and Mrs James dine with us, a plain dinner. Mrs M off early by Frome coach 7.00 tomorrow and to be back in Norwich in a week. Order apples at Brown's stall. Call on Bishop the baker to hear him talk, can't understand him or pay him tomorrow.

20th

Fine after wet in early part of morning. Mrs Marcon gone by coach to Frome. Read Illustrated account, history of the Russian War. Mr Stevens calls and sends cuttings of geraniums. Mr & Mrs Morris call. Carree, I and Ag call on the new vicar Harston and see Mrs H only. Call on Mr Lyon and the curate Horton, all out, and on Mrs James to meet Carree after ordering beer at Whittles and trying to get a book for Agnes. Colder towards this evening. Write to Charles at Weedon, his birthday tomorrow.

21st

Charles birthday, now 18! Send him a letter and advice at Weedon. Plant cuttings from Mr Stevens and Coronella and … feel very rheumatic. Walk to the Reading room, reports of a battle and great loss to us, untrue. Mr Palairet calls, going away again. Caroline goes to the dancing and drive with Mr Palairet. I walk to the town, post my letter, pay Ensor rent at his brothers. Return home to feed rabbits and fowls for the children. Talk with Burroughs, the old Waterloo, of Alma and soldiers, was at the battlefield. He was in the dragoons. Walk with Carree and children to the Park gate. Read paper in evening, not well.

Sunday. Mr Badger preaches a.m., the curate in evening. Fine, walk before tea. Servants at church late and home late.

23rd

Tolerable day, rain trifling. Thought we might have some calls, none. Get out a little into the town. Morning papers not come to the Reading room, at 4.00 called and paid Bishop for bread. Meant to have gone to the lecture on practical architecture by Mr Whitewick at Mr McCready's. Have to help Johnny about verses, Aristomenes. Johnny ill with earache and not in school first lesson a.m. …

24th

A very beautiful morning till late in the evening, fortunately walk early with Carree and the last chick. Meet Mrs James who joins us, we walk to the mid gate Park, go by the Reading room before tea, nothing very particular yet. Preparations at Sebastopol looked forward to with interest and dread. Read and write and help children at lessons in evening. Not well, oppressed by weather.

25th

A thorough wet day from morning till night and I suppose all last night too. Glass very low but rising again tonight. I have not been from the house and who would if they could help it? Read Illustrated etc, rout out two back parlour cabinets, set tools in order. Pay nothing, buying nothing of anyone. Write to HJM and to Mr Beor as to rail call, preferring share £20 due since May. W Tall to pay it,Caswell sale money. Write also to R Harry, Gower, tomorrow and enclose HJM's.

26th

Very fine morning, wet comes on, very fine evening. Frost at night. Ayres the gardener here moves a bay tree, persons and boy help, all go home again. 1/- worth apples of Parsons, not paid. Write to HJM 2nd edition, receive one from him, ditto to RH and Mr Beor enclosing a £20 preference share SW Rail due last May. Meet Carree at Mrs Spencer's, leaving on Saturday. Shop in the town. Read Times at the club. At evening party at Mrs Noble's, her nephew Mr McLochlan, Mr & Mrs J, Mr and Mrs Melmoth, Mr & Mrs Goldsmith, Dr and Mrs Highmore, Mrs Morris and ourselves; singing and talking, all very pleasant. Home at 11, fine and cold.

27th

Sharp frosty morning, fine day. Ayres the gardener here again, paid Johnson's bill for pony etc. Out early with Carree to call on Mrs Morris etc. Shop at Ensors, home with Alice and leave Carree, send Agnes down, call on Mr Stevens with Carree, not at home, and walk to the middle gate at the Park. Pincher finds a hare and runs it and is so proved tho' he does not catch it. Help Johnny at verses till late at night, subject ‘Druids', not easy by any means. … about the garden and hoeing the geraniums. Mrs Harper and Miss Edwards call.

28th

A fine day again, not so cold, the glass is high. Read Beasley through. Dancing day, go, Mr & Mrs Hennings five learners, division of class 1st, this is the 2nd, inferior!!! Why? A clique, the lottery, what prizes. Walk with children after the dance to Thornford gate about the while (sic) cat! Journey in again, Mrs Parker does not want the cat. Pay Dodge … and Houndsell and Wiffen draft £10 money … out after tea. Order plaice of Bishop and 1 loaf of bread. Pay Wiffen and call on Mrs James, Emma there.

Sunday. Fine morning, wet evening, servants at afternoon service. Mr Harston read in today, a good sermon on St. Paul and the viper, allusion? to an anonymous letter?

30th

Fine day after wet again early a.m.. Read Cambrian etc etc, mild day. After dinner Mrs Morris calls, call with Carree on Mrs J, Mrs Crawford, Mrs Noble. Go to Ensors, call on the Babingtons and ask them to tea, two sons home, one from Africa and other from Bomersand. Pay bills, glad to do so when I can. At 7 attend the sale of Mr Ffook's house at the Kings Arms. Slow work, few there, not 20, and not 3 of them bidding. Valued at above 1,000, sold for 780 with fixtures as of valuation.

31st

A lowering day and some rain, dark and close. Read and get out late except calling before dinner on Mr and Mrs Morris who are off today at about 1.00. Go into the town with Carree and thence to Mrs Creeds dairy to pay for butter, long account. In the evening two Mr and Miss Babingtons at tea with us, the one in merchant service, seen much of Africa, the other in navy, been in Baltic at taking of Bomersand, Aland Island. Pleasant, unassuming young men. Mr and Miss Palairet also at tea, sociable quiet evening, music etc.s

November 1854

1st (Wednesday)

Most beautiful day, not from home. Read Edinburgh review. HJM unexpectedly arrives 10.00, dine at 5 on hare, he brings up 2. Mrs J dines with us, some geraniums from Mrs James or Miss J, plant them in pots, some gooseberries etc. Earth celery etc and get woefully hot. Mr & Mrs Fussell called, she ill and not been out some weeks. Mrs Palairet calls about the gravel to have it tomorrow. Talk about Caie Forgan, work etc anything than satisfactory. Sold to bed disgusted, … over and over again and no progress.

2nd

Beautiful morning, gravel arrives, Houndsell at work weeds etc. Mr Fussell calls, letter from Tenby, Fred and Clara etc gone on Friday last. The pear man calls buy some … very dear. HJM at Sherborne, walk into the town with him before dinner to see paper at Hawkins for Gower, difficult to select. Dine at 2.00, boiled l of m, very large and fine. Help Houndsell about the gravel rather to show the stupid fellow how to do it, of all men the most stupid and self sufficient. Damp towards evening. Stroll with HJM towards Castleton etc, meet Mr Henning and return again, called on him a.m. Help Frank at his Latin in the evening, else evening idled away in idle useless talk.

3rd

Again a splendid day. Rise early to see HJM off to Frome at 7.00 from Kings Arms for London, go to the Reading room before breakfast, how unusual. Houndsell in garden, gravel again. At a vestry about the organ, unanimously for the north transept, what a revolution! A large meeting. Again at Reading room, no news Sevastobol. Home to dinner, again down town with Carree, call on Major Dawe and Mrs Noble and McCrae. Return to give children keys for tea and again to Mrs Noble to tea and at church service at 7.00, lecture on sacrament ‘Commune with thy Heart', a good congregation. Cold beautiful moon; not an idle or, I hope, ill spent day!

4th

Cold and windy. Read King Otto and Greece in Blackwood. Into the town with Carree and baby, choose a paper for Caie Forgan at Hawkins, call on Mrs J, read Cambrian now and in the evening. Join Carree, gone to the dancing school, she walks to the Park with Mrs Palairet. I go to the Reading room, news from Sevastobol not quite favourable, we are attacked unexpectedly. Very cold and windy part of day wet rather at night.

Sunday. Very beautiful tho' rain in night. Sacrament, 4 clergymen, all H's; Harston, Horton, Harper, Henning. Many communicants, quietly performed. Walk with Ag to Haydon Church, Mr Henning does the duty, just in time. A neat … little church. Sermon ‘The Heavenly Habitation'. Cold returning, wind northerly, not out again.

6th

Most beautiful and sunny. Read Illustrated, sadly interrupted all a.m. Carree not up to breakfast. Cold. Mr Stevens calls about greenhouse, warming it. Webber cuts hair, Mrs and Miss Rutherford call, sally forth at 7 to the school, fireworks. Carree, Miss Ball and 2 children, Miss Williamson and all our children. No elegant fireworks, a few rockets and few wheels. Roman candles and green and red lights etc. The rest far too many squibs and crackers. A perfect siege, a Sevastobol. Very dangerous, clothes all get more or less burnt, pockets, gowns, frocks and Johnny nearly loses his right eye, quite bunged. Home by 9.00, glad it's no worse.

7th

A dull foggy morning, clears off. Write to HJM, Bexley Heath, and he is writing to me, letter from him tomorrow. Also write to Charles who also has sent one to his Gdma. Enclose him a £5 note and post the letter myself. Read Evelyn diary, begin it. Call with Carree on Mrs Fussell. Meet Mr and Miss James when going. Call with them on Mrs Noble and Mr McCrae. Invite them all to tea, Thursday. Walk down Westbury over Dancing Hill by dusk and home by the Park. At a lecture, our first at the Institution, Sir W Middlecot in chair. Mr Avery lectures on the creation and a native of the place ‘alias a bag fox!', a great and good company attend. Lecture read not spoken! Good.

8th

Dull pleasant dry mild day, rub out all the seeds I have saved in the garden and sort them in papers. Mr Fussell comes to see Johnny's eye, firework affair, out of school. Frank late, not at school before breakfast! Servants all late! Mr Henning here also, Mrs J calls, receive letter from HJM Bexley, returns to Gower Friday? Marianne ill at Oakfield. Send a letter there written yesterday. Walk with Carree and daughters, they call on Mrs Blundell, walk to Dancing Hill and home by Westbury. Feel unusually tired and do not go to the Reading room. Report, yesterday, of Sevastobol taken and Duke of Cambridge killed untrue. Help children at lessons and enter accounts etc.

9th

Very cold but fine day, out early to purchase s of m, coarse beef. Go to the Reading room till dinner, account of ship engagement Sebastopol, our ships injured and fortifications. Return with Mr Henning, again to the town, Mrs Palairet calls and Carree walks out with her. 1 bottle of B at Harding's, sherry at Mees and go with Carree etc to see football and with Captain and Mrs Hammond to see Mrs Palairet's cresanthemums (sic) etc etc. Mr and Miss James, Mrs Noble and Mr McCrae come sociably to tea and supper. Little music and conversation. Mr McCrae leaves on Saturday.

10th

Beautiful morning after a frosty night. Mulberry leaves all down at once, a perfect carpet. Sweep them all up with baby. Hear from HJM London, death of cousin Mary Ann at Oakfield this week. Am very sorry. Write to Frank and to HJM who was to go to Swansea today. Have had reports and news not agreeable at Caie Forgan, thieves, and write also to Davies painter Swansea on same subject, he has been sleeping there and knows something probably. Post my letters and go with Carree to Ensors for mourning. Do not go to Mrs Stevens, rain begins. Call on Mrs James and sit an hour. Wet evening tho' very cold. Mr Goldsmith calls late to ask me to a rubber at Mr Turner's, Major Chadwick there, can't go. Johnny very bad earache, do not go to Reading rooms.

11th

Not a leaf left on the mulberry tree, all fell yesterday. Wet last night, dull today and very muddy. At home all morning, read Art Union, Britannia etc. Carree after dinner goes alone to the town. Wait for her and walk toward Oborne, try to find tolerable clean road about Mr Millers. Give it up and come home. Johnny better, ear less painful, gathering broken, discharge. Blister last night. After tea to the Reading room, Crimean news not good, cavalry cut up, Lord Cardigan rash? Confirmation, new Bishop Hamilton. Johnny could not attend, great pity!

Sunday. Charity sermon, new Bishop of Salisbury, Hamilton, for the schools. Again with Em and Ag after dinner, Mr Harston preaches from Proverbs, ‘Brighter to the Perfect Day', alluding to the confirmation. Walk in the park, very cold.

13th

A very hot wet day and very gloomy and dark. Read the Illustrated News, treble number, full of the war, most interesting. Mrs Dawe has another boy! The eldest gone to new Zealand. Before tea call and talk for an hour with Mrs James and take her back a paper. Am not at the Reading room but hear there is news of Crimea. Read Cambrian in evening, write to Uckfield tomorrow. Receive letter from Weedon, Charles going to Canterbury, some of the regiment going to Windsor. They have volunteered for the line and are likely to go to Corfu.

14th

Fine and mild with some rain, dampish all day. Read Cambrian and go only to the Reading room, news from Crimea, 10,000 Russians killed report says on the 5th ins 25 and 26. Hot work to defend Balaclava. Lord Cardigan's regiment, light cavalry, cut to pieces, 400 out of 600 horses killed. Russians defeated, Sebastopol not taken yet, daily expected. 2 of royal blood Russians there, dreadful and desperate accounts to read of. Papers full of leading articles and despatches of Lord Raglan and Lucan etc. No Times of today, comes in evening, why. Also anxious to see it. Call with Carree on Mrs Hoddinot, rearrange rooms, piano and books after tea from the upstairs room. Charles and his staff with EM to go to Canterbury barracks today from Weedon.

15th

A good of rain(sic), decided wet weather, go early to Reading room and other jobs. Mend a desk hinge for Johnny. Fearful account of the Crimea War, great sacrifice of life and horses, the Russians fortunately worsted. Critical position for the allies. After dinner walk with Carree & daughters to the Bristol gate about firewood. Hurry back to avoid rain, just in time, get to the town, borrow umbrella of Arnold. Again at reading rooms, no additional news, morning papers not come. Help children in school exercises, very wet night.

16th

Dull damp day, not much rain except at night. Write to HJM as to his man Morris, ditto to RD the painter, ditto RH with copy of letter to HJM. Meet Carree in the town and the Williamson. A book club proposed, decline. Am not at the Reading room, am told no news. Tea at Mrs James early for children, Arthur Langford's birthday. Mr & Mrs Goldsmith drop in and make it more pleasant. Play at Pope Joan or Jone, oyster supper baby there. Had 6 cwt dry firewood delivered this morning. Gent dies other side street.

17th

Dull and cold damp day, no rain. Read Edinburgh Review, Parsons calls about accounts. Take a few remnants from the hot bed to greenhouse. Go after dinner to Reading room, no news particular. Sebastopol critical for either party. Call on Rendell about heat for greenhouse, Ellis for paper and get a book covered. Carree receives a letter from Uckfield, long and interesting. Help Frank, enter accounts.

18th

Carree unwell, sad toothache, lies in bed till evening. Read Edinburgh Review, several articles after dinner. Pay Parsons gardener in full and go to the Reading room and in evening trying to help Johnny at Iambic verses, Johnny does not now go to school a.m. first lesson.

Sunday. Very cold and beautiful, dry. Go to church with Em and Mr Harston preaches from 18 Genesis 15th v. Jacob's prayer to his son Joseph, and turned it on education and new schools and invites to a public meeting tomorrow. Again to Castleton Church to hear Mr Lyon and the new harmonium and singing. Sermon on the sacrament. Take a long walk with them in the park. Help Johnny again about verses.

20th

Dry and cold and rather dull. Read Cambrian, Mr Henning calls, go with him to the Coal Meeting Club and then to the meeting for new schools, National School. Mr Harston in chair and conducts it very well. About 30 attend, Mr Webb Penny, Mr Harper, Mr Ruegg, Mr Pocklington etc principally speak, from 12 to 2.00. Late at dinner. W Ffooks spoke long and nil. Out again to Rowes for a sieve, handle to be added, bird seed and go to the Reading room, nothing particular, Sir George Brown lost an arm at Sebastopol. Mrs James called and took curtain staff bought at Rev. Mason's sale. Caroline better toothache gone. Wind northeast.

21st

An unexpected wet day, mostly glass suddenly falls tho' very high and gets very low indeed. Carree much better but still complaining and Emma now complains of headache and is kept from school p.m., at home all morning. Pay Parsons gardener at his house in full and go to the Reading room in the evening. Papers full of interesting details and melancholy facts as to the war and the Crimea. Called on Mrs James late.

22nd

Dull damp sort of morning, Emma not very well, in bed but gets better. Up about midday. Clean out the chicken house and the rabbits for children, in a filthy state, and work in garden till dinner time. Take up celery. Miss Ball calls, Mr Forster calls to ask the me to a rubber and Mr Goldsmith. Mr & Mrs Pickering engaged here to tea so rearrange matters and have a hasty party by adjournment at home. Mr & Mrs Goldsmith, Mr Foster, Mr Fussell and Mr Stokoe. Cards etc, a little music, whist and Pope Joan and Commerce. Rather showery. Miss Palairet wanted an umbrella, had none, she is caught in a little shower. Letter to Carree from Mrs Collins. Not in bed till near 1.00. Called at the club, hear there is no additional news and come out again, home.

23rd

Beautiful morning. Sharp frost. Frank late at school, very cold fine day. Thawy and greasy. Receive letter from HJM, Swansea, mostly about Morris, his man. Write to him and to RH Gower, feed fowls and rabbits. Draft at bank £10, pay bills. House my bulbous roots all up to save from frost. Walk with the Ag to the park, meet Mr Stokoe and return with him. Attend sale of new built houses in Cheap Street near the Parade east side, 750 bid for each not sold freehold, let at about 40 per annum for a short lease. Walk home with Mr Bartlett.

24th

Very cold frosty thawy, dull damp. Feed rabbits and fowls, Emma not over well. Read Beechey's Travels. Mr Pickering comes early a.m. to give Em music lesson. Go to Porters and buy pork and tea, call on Rendell about the greenhouse to warm it. At the Reading room. Mr Foster called today or lately about subscription for parish school. Can't pledge myself at present tho' promise to support him as best I can. I am not able now. Bought barley at Scot's in evening and help Johnny about verses, ‘Winter'. Bed late in consequence.

25th

Fine dry very cold day. All a.m. read Captain Beechey's Travels, Arctic. Baby not very well, Emma better. Mr Henning calls, walk with him, p.m., to Acraman Street to see Geake and then to the Reading room. Mr Gooden there, account of another battle, Sebastopol on 13th, no particulars yet, qu if true? Walk late to the Park gate alone and find Carree, Em and Ag at Mrs James. Read Cambrian in the evening.

Sunday. Severely cold sharp frost, Mr Harston gives an excellent sermon on ‘War, patriotic …'. Afternoon walk with Mr Henning to Hayden Church, he also gives a good sermon, Religion as a Mighty River. Very cold, at home all evening, help children about lessons. Mr Fussell calls and read Illustrated News. Excellent articles.

27th

Sharp frost, very sharp, thick ice. Read Critic, a stupid paper and also read Illustrated News, a well written paper. Articles are mostly pithy. Walk p.m. with Carree to call on Mrs Hammond and Captain to congratulate on son getting exhibition at Oxford, Balliol for Somersetshire 40? no £15 and also call on Mr and Mrs Palairet, he just returned from Monmouthshire. Sit there till dark. Half holiday, school for Hammond. Read stupid Critic. In evening called on Mrs James, wants a copy of a bond to me in Swansea, must write there about £20 new shares in SW Rail. Two calls missed, I am told, verrons.

28th

A little rain early after a frosty night in early part of it. Damp cold thaw. Walk early with Mr Henning to the meeting (called hastily) for the patriotic fund. Not well attended. Few knew of it, not well managed to begin with. No speechifying, no pretence at speaker's, Mr Avery, dissenting minister, the only one attempting it, he can speak well. So can Mr Harston the new vicar. Again to the school with Frank, sale of old timber. Very dear, leave it to Cox carpenter. Look over the school new buildings with Mr Henning and Berghman, more civil than ordinary, offer Mr Harper West's picture of Abrahams Sacrifice for school chapel if he will place it there and pay Mr Harston £5 for National School. Thinks it too large, will write about it. Go to club room before tea, no news. Parliament to meet this day fortnight! Children practise singing, enter diary.

29th

Cold day and very windy and a little rain. How little we feel wind at Sherborne. Finish and send letters to Mr Beor with arrears 3 and 4 £20 rail call SW, to RH, to George Dix, to Mr F Saunders … Pay Cox for wood yesterday. Henning calls to ask to dine today for six, sit down 7.30. Mr Stevens, two Masters Pearce and Williams, Bartlett and Stokoe. Twice at Reading room, once no spectacles, can't read, no news. Charles writes from Canterbury, may get a commission in line. Volunteers from militia numerous for Sebastopol, hazardous enterprise.

30th

Fine mild morning, wet evening, gentle rain. Begin morning badly, various losses - spectacles, silk and letter from Charles, all found during day. Charles thinks to get a commission in Army from militia, 170 Bucks volunteered. Call on Mr Henning, find spectacles. Walk with Carree, Ag and Al at 12 in park. Off hinges all day, dined too late for my constitution yesterday. Go to butchers in evening, neck of mutton, not cut off, not weighed. Go to the Reading room, morning paper not come, no news.

December 1854

1st (Friday)

Mild and pleasant, wind strong a.m. Send Eliz and Alice out, morning frittered away, can't say how. Get out with Carree and go over Dancing Hill, drop in by accident on Mrs Palairet, some of her party ill, influenza. Study a cookery book!? Idea to have some one to dine soon, the vicar? Miss Palairet called, should be tomorrow. Rendell sets up hot tea stove in greenhouse, no good, leaks. Forget all about the close of the evening, commonplace.

2nd

Dull mild day. Am writing to Charles, Canterbury. Mrs J calls about rags for the Crimea All in a hurry. Go with Agnes for her to Mrs Palairet on 3rd mission. Call on Mr James to dine here Tuesday, hurry home, dine at 2 for dancing, Emma late. Out again with Carree and Ag, call on Mrs Ensor, ill, now well again. Want chickens, has none. Talk of pork and bacon. Her only daughter a pretty genteel girl 9 yrs old. By Acraman St to Stokes shop, order. Drop in with Mrs Palairet, walk with her by Newland to Castleton and back. Call on Mr Henning to dine Tuesday. Write to Mr Williams and Pearce for ditto and go to Reading room.

Sunday. Sacrament, stopped last time. Take a walk in Park before dinner, at Castleton in the evening all of us. Read Illustrated in evening, can't …

4th

A most beautiful day. Expecting Mr Stokes about the patriotic fund, did not remember or understand the alteration till tomorrow. Day broken, no consequence. Boy Christopher comes first time at 2/6 latter part of day. Take a walk and attend a lecture at 8.00 Town Hall, Revd Mr Bantell on the war in Crimea, very good indeed. 200 at least, hall full.

5th

Windy, dull and some heavy rain and cold. With Mr Stokes all morning from 9.30 till past 1.00 collecting in Newland for the Patriotic Fund. Have few friends to dinner: Mr James, Mr Goldsmith, Mr Bartlett and Henning, 2 masters Pearce and Williams. A pleasant sociable party, nothing to mar, nothing done amiss, nothing spoils.

6th

Again with Mr Stokes to collect for the fund patriotic, soldiers and sailors wives in Crimea. Pay in £23 odd to Mr Goldsmith, the collection for Newland and Pound St and the Abbey. Walk out with Carree and Em and Ag to the park after dinner, very cold. Attempted to call on Mr and Miss DuBois in Long Street, can't get in. At church in the evening alone to hear Mr Harston's 1st lecture on the Advent, Our Sacrifice as Wonderful, who read prayers, stranger. Thus today I have done my best to care for the poor and unhappy and of myself for a better world.

7th

A beautiful morning, most beautiful. Call on Mr Henning with bulbous roots. Sherborne Castle Show, out early to Mr Hennings he is planting trees, just come from Hillfield, he thought else to go. Walk alone to the Show yard, some capital animals, sheep and pigs most so, Mr Hoddinot gets two for latter and deserves them. I did not dine with them tho' I should like it. Before dinner with Carrie and children to the town, Minifers, selling off. No foreign news! Hear Johnny and Frank out to tea at Mrs Goldsmith's, boys' party, read in evening.

8th

Committee of Patriotic Fund at 10.00, give in our accounts to Mr Goldsmith, to the Reading room till dinner time. Wet evening, a small tea party at Mr Palairet's, Mr & Mrs Goldsmith, Miss Turner, first time we have met, and Miss Charlton singing and play. Miss T plays polkas etc very well. Mr Palairet plays the flute. A quadrille danced and a supper. The chair engaged, we walk there and back, no rain luckily. Home 11.30. Called with Carrie and child on Mrs Richards and at Mrs Fussells for an umbrella. A long letter from Charles this evening, Canterbury, hopes for an ensignsy to go out to the Crimea! And trust in God! I say.

9th

Mild fine day and dry I. Splendid weather for the season. Read Art Union, out early to see Mrs James about the Swansea bond for £750. Read the Times. Boy in garden, feed rabbits etc. Mr Palairet calls, gives Carree a drive from dancing room. I to Reading room, Mr Gooddens there. Captain Hammond reads success of his son at Oxford, Exeter, exhibition. No foreign news, long confab, secret how young Hammond became a scholar. Arthur Langford to tea with us, cards vent un.

Sunday. Beautiful sharp frost, Mr Harper reads, Horton preaches, Harston ill. Walk with Mr Henning to his curacy Haydon, good sermon on the Bible ‘Many Things are Written for Our Learning'. Very good. How cold. Early tea, evening at home.

11th

Some rain, hounds at Honeycombe. Not out of house all day, no reason why except no inclination, nothing to do! So read and fill out with enui a letter from Charles, Canterbury, wanting money. Depresses perhaps, and wanting by return! Do not answer it today. Mrs Melmoth calls. Mrs James calls, complains of apple smells, I call it burnt bones. One person may smell one thing, one another? About the £750 Caswell. Mrs Palairet calls en attendant Mrs J. Read Dublin University Magazine p.m. Boys have 1/2 holiday because young Hammond got exhibition at Exeter College, Oxford £50, having failed at Balliol for 40 where he got a Somerset exhibition and now gives this up.

12th

Mild pheasant day, no frost of any consequence, glass very high. Never could be better weather for season. Meditate writing to Charles to send money, do not, have it not. Receive another from him this evening, Lord Carrington calls him from Canterbury to Windsor and qu why. For promotion or for the line and Crimea? He is anxious for the latter, I applaud his spirit and enterprise but have many misgivings of the results. I never was fortunate, will he be? Spero. Acted nurse to Alice, called at vicarage, vicar lame. Herbert Ord calls p.m. Call with him on Goldsmith, out, and walk about town. He is in brewery at Merriot with Webber. Read Cambrian.

13th

A dull day, write to Charles at Windsor, ordered there from Canterbury by Lord Carrington, qu for promotion of some sort. Send him in a letter, borrowed at the bank, £15, a 10 and 5, and write also to HJM Swansea about Charles and about pigs at Mr Hoddinot etc and go to the Reading room to read speech, opening of Parliament, all about war, Crimea. Very short and pithy, 5 minutes to read!! Home and read Dublin University. Bed early, no sleep, baby ill, barks like a dog, croopish. Carree ill, stiff neck. Up in night to see baby. At evening lecture, Mr Harston 2nd Advent, mighty councillor. Call on Mr Fussell with Emma about baby, he walks up, a powder, does not see her. Mrs Cave ill next door. Get little sleep all night and up late in morning.

14th

Very mild dull warm damp day, inclined to be wet. Out early, call on Mrs and Miss Stevens, Mr S gone to Salisbury. Take Dublin magazine and go to the Reading room to read speeches of Parliament just opened. Interesting on account of war. Go again after dinner after a little gardening with Christopher and home to tea. Miss Spencer comes in, invited yesterday but sent to be put off, note not received. Chat the evening away. Mr Fussell calls to see baby, pretty well again and Johnny's bad boil on neck. Mrs Rooke's awful letter.

15th

Out early against my will to Sherring 2 ½ lbs mutton chops for Johnny, ill. Go to Reading room, return to dinner. Meet Aggie and go to Sharpes for tea cakes etc. After dinner out again about coal for Mrs Babbington, commission Mr Mees. Attend the sale of the brewery, 3,450 bought in, no bidding in fact, this the reserve. It might be a good speculation!? Saw the Times there, no parliament news. Murder in Warren Street Bartelamy(?)killed Moore and Collard. Evening tea party, Mrs Stevens, Madam DuBois. Boys Kiddle, Lewis, Edwards and Langford, others of class ill. Mrs James called, Miss … burnt and a Mr Mansor friend shot. Dull muddy day, very warm.

16th

Equally dull and warm, sun does show and it does rain in course of day. Johnny very ill with boil on neck. Baby not well, better, cough. At home all morning writing to Mr Southwill of Yetminster in answer to an extraordinary letter from Mrs Rooke about accusation of papacy etc. Very unpleasant, requiring circumspection and thought, not contradiction. Read Cambrian paper, comes very early on Wednesday, get an explanation. 21st meet them at the Institution.

Sunday. Caroline not at Church, Johnny not well, neck boil very bad. An excellent sermon from Mr Harston on a future world, faith and Noah and the Ark. Wet in evening and all go to Castleton Church. Mr Henning reads, Lyon preaches, read Bible in the evening to the children etc. Can't sleep all night.

18th

Sherborne book club this evening, am not at all well all day but attend at 10.00 committee of the Coal Club for the Poor. Mr White chief man, Mr McCrae chief subscriber, Cozens, Hammond. Mr Horton, Fulwaper, I of little use knowing so few but wish to know more. Call on Mr Fussell for advice, so the morning ends. In evening at 7 for half-past at the book club at Mees, a high bill to pay, several times absent. Do not stay supper, too unwell. Sneak home, take physic and go to bed. As bad a night as last nearly. Sharp frost.

19th

In bed great part of day under black drafts etc etc. Wet day, Illustrated News arrives! Unable to do anything, loll on sofa, see my doctor, bear my ills etc. Boys all go home, school over. Mr Harper and Mr Mees disagree about conveyance, Johnson gets the job, fly breaks down, too ill to enjoy the joke. No harm happens.

20th

Wet again, plenty of wet now for the most thirsty sort. Am obliged to get out into the town a little. Write to Charles at Windsor, can't think why he don't write, sent him money a week ago and no receipt! Mr Stevens calls to enquire. Carrie gets out to get a walk, I have the house to myself. Read Illustrated News all day, a long number. Servant calls from Kings Arms and says we want a cook! Odd information, so Ann Philip of Gower will go, So she shall and find her level. Carrie heard of her today at Mrs Henning whose boy works ½ days here, had intercourse.

21st

Get out to the market to see the Christmas show Sherrings. Fine beef indeed and pigs and mutton. Execute a few errands in Half Moon Street. William Babbington calls to go to the Reading room, go with him in evening. Charles Dickens read his Carol, room at the Institution crammed and suffocating. 2 till 5, he meets a large dinner party at Mr McCready's 6 or 7. Mr Charles Dickens is rather small and slender, quite self-possessed, animated with a keen eye. Dark hair and enough of it with moustache. A good clear voice tho' quick. He seldom made a slight mistake. The Reading 2 ½ hours or more personifying by voice 3rd parties of various denominations. Greatly applauded. Mr McCrae complimented him as of world-wide fame.

22nd

Dull mild rather windy in part. Am not well yet, must have more physic. At home all morning, read Britannia etc. Boy at gas in greenhouse. Walk out with Carree after dinner to Ellis bookseller, return music. Look at Sherring, little shew now, ‘Union as the Strength' still his motto. Go to Rogers, call on Mr Fussell, ill. Get my hair cut, walk Long St to the Park gate, call and sit an hour with Mrs James. Children all busy making wreaths of evergreen in evening for Christmas Day. Happy Christmas, it must be happy according to Dickens and we must make it so, in accordance with old custom in deference of bills delivered for payment and no assets.

23rd

Wet day after midday at all events. Children turn house out of windows in arranging Christmas holly. Try to read, useless. Write to my aunt Mabbott, Lewes. Receive letter at last from Charles at Windsor, promoted to be a lieutenant and has had the money, £15. Write to HJM in Swansea from the Reading room, no news there. Times does not arrive, go to Stokes, Mees and a tap at Rowes 3/6 not paid. In the evening at Mrs James to borrow £1. Make holly wreaths with Emma, finish off and tie down the mince jam, the great business of the day also and enter my diary.

Sunday. Showery and cool, thought it a sacrament, mistake, Mr Horton does the duty, Mr Henning assists. Mr Harston lost his baby just born. At church again in the evening.

25th

Sacrament. We all go to church except Johnny, ill. Baby goes and behaves well. No sermon, Mr Harston and Mr Horton, receive sacrament with Carree. Again at church at 3.00, dine after both services. Mrs James dines with a roast beef and plum pudding. Asked Mr Horton, engaged, most muddy day. Get no walk.

26th

Better and more seasonable sort of day, very little rain. Write to Gower RH, Dr Justice, Mr Beor about the Cambrian not come and George Dix about cloth. Call with Carree on Col and Mrs Matthias. She at Dr Highmore's with Agnes. Walk about town and call late and stay long at Mr and Mrs Goldsmith's. Played cards, whist and casino with the children in evening. Hear from HJM Swansea, Carree writes to Charles, Windsor. Johnny getting better certainly.

27th

A wet sort of a day, in part only, most muddy, streets dreadfully dirty. Get out with Carree, Johnny etc for an early walk while fine. Up Gainsborough Hill and home by Duck St. Meet Mr and Mrs James, the latter met Charles in London in Regent Street via from Kent to Windsor. Enquire for Naper tuner, gone from town. Again out for exercise with Agnes, post a letter to Charles, order corn for fowls. Call at the Highmore's about Friday children's party and go back to Whittle's to order beer for tomorrow. Young Palairet spends evening with us, tea and cards etc. Sharp frosty night, I called on Mr & Mrs Henning. (Margin note - ceiling fell in nursery, might have killed baby in bed)

28th

Very sharp frost, fine day. Frosty all day. Early with Carree and the children to the butcher's and Acraman St to inquire about a servant girl (Cooper). Read Cambrian only now sent, Davies the painter's case in it. Not out again till Carrie and I go to dine at Mr Goldsmith's. Mr & Mrs Stevens, Robert Wilmot, Pickering, music master. Haunch of venison etc etc. Play rubber in evening with Mr G against Mr S and RW, win 1/-. Home about 12.00. Col and Mrs Matthias call. Johnny and Frank walk to Poinington and take Dickens ‘Carol' to Mr Heald. Our children at tea at Mrs James.

29th

Frosty morning, dull, less sharp. Letter again last night from Yetminster, Mr Southwill wants a copy of his to send to Mr Rooke of Rampisham. Copy it and send him his original with another of my own. What a foolish affair to keep alive. What if he does turn a Roman Catholic at last. A morning's work, Carrie unwell and in bed all day nearly. I am not out of the house all the day. A letter from Penmaen and one also from Sebastopol through the EM at Canterbury and gives an odd account of Charles and of his patronage of him! Does Charles drink and smoke and receive more than he is due, unpleasant questions or is he likely to stand in the way of his cousin Augustus?!

30th

Mild damp sort of day, out early to call on Mr Fussell about custom of landlord and tenant repairs, out. Sherring to cut up at the pork, half a pig, weight? Now to see Ensor about roof of nursery ceiling fallen, not at home. Find him in the tap at Mees and settle that he is to send about it. Lends Warre this evening, long job. Meet and walk with Mr Stevens home and leave Frank and Agnes. Go alone to the Park, 23 swans all of a heap and tame. Return and meet Mrs and Miss Palairet, again to the Park with them. Meet Mrs Stevens and return with her. Home late to dinner, call on Mrs James in evening and show her letter from Penmaen and one from Rampisham. Else at home all evening.

Sunday. Carrie not at church, go with Em etc, an excellent sermon from Mr Harston, ‘The old man of whom ye spake, is he still alive.' Mr Horton preaches in evening. Read Biddulph's essays in evening.

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