Charles Morgan's Diary, 1855

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January 1855

Begin the year a bankrupt. Omen of happiness.

1st (Monday)

Mild doubtful sort of day, church open at 11.00, we all go except Em and Frank? Mr Hollingsworth, the elect of Miss Alford, does part of the communion service and turns his back on the congregation. Puseyistic! Especially being bare-headed like a Roman priest. Mr Harston preaches, a sacrament, do not stay. Read the Illustrated etc. Borrow 5/- off Ann to pay for carrots, call on Mrs James at Du..e and talk an hour or more. Read Blackwood in the evening. In a romp and riot, music and dancing, Miss Palairet etc make fairy(?) dresses, burnt cork etc. Baby not well, anxiety at night.

2nd

Very dull, mild and dry, not like the time of year. Baby not well, above 12 hours under double dose of castor oil. Write to Mr Fussell, more ordered but not given, gets better and gets up. Slept in back parlour. Read Blackwood, Crimea etc. Write to EM, Canterbury, and return his Sebastopol letters, short and little in them, and make some enquiry as to his patronage of Charles?! Lieutenant. Mrs Martin and Miss Matthews call. Go out with Carree and Em to call on the James and Miss Croft, out, and walk round the Park home. A party at Mrs Stevens, music and singing and a supper, all very pleasant and agreeable. 2 Misses Falwaper's duets not bad.

3rd

At Sherborne all of us, baby better again. Walk early with Carree and Johnny, Frank and Em and Ag and Pincher out to the park, Bridge Gate. Deer very fine and pretty. Round by Duck or Market Street. Carree tired, can't go to execute her commissions, is ill tomorrow etc. At 7.00 with children to church, Mr Harston's text ‘The Wise and Foolish Virgins'. Ever be trying to improve and to be prepared to die lest the bridegroom come while ye tarry.

4th

(Margin note - servant girl Cooper comes on trial) Very mild dry fine day, rather dull, not from the house. Work a good deal in the garden, Johnny and Frank plant snapdragon. Mrs and Miss Palairet call, read magazines, meant to write to HJM London, did not. Dine at 4.00 for once, no yesterday cook; (Ann) not well. Read Cambrian and send to Windsor and read United Service magazine. Not been to Reading room several days, no news I hear and am satisfied.

5th

Very dull, very mild. Read Illustrated and write a long letter to HJM, London Polytechnic or 51 Bedford Square. Mrs James calls, receive letters long from EM --- Mr Perry Droxford. Work a little, very little, in garden. Boy clears dung from hot bed ready for new, soon begin to force. Sort some bills and begin to write to Willey in answer one received on Wednesday. Do not go to church this evening, not out of the garden.

6th

Fine morning, mild. Inclined to rain in the evening, do not go out in consequence. Glass high, only damp. Read superfluity of magazines, club book and a Times of Wednesday. Write to Mr Beor as to Ball auctioneer, Jones wo(?) and send a letter to Willey. Miss El Palairet calls for Ag. Mr Palairet calls. Teach Johnny and Em a rubber of L...gs in evening. Frank and Ag at tea, Palairets, Caroline still ill, swelled face. I am not out of the house!!!!!

Sunday. Carree not at church, unwell, else we all go. Sacrament, do not stay, take a walk across Acraman St footpath to Ensors, Yeovil road, cross to the Cwms and to the reservoir. Home by Bath road. Children at church at 3.00, I alone, church very full, at 7.00. Sit in Mr Alford's pew, beautiful sermon, always good. Matthew 2nd 1 & 2v. Adoration of Magi.

8th

Beautiful dry quiet mild and dull weather. Strange barometer, so high and no frost. Is it God's providence and mercy towards the soldiers of Crimea. I am not from the house and garden all day. Bills pour in and money gone. Bankrupt. HJM promised to assist me and I don't hear from him, most uncertain man! Mr & Mrs Palairet come to us to tea and supper, oysters 1/- not paid. Frank out somewhere for tea? We sort the Illustrated to end of ‘54. Read Illustrated, no particular news.

9th

Dull but fine dry weather. Read Quarterly, London Commisariat etc. Mr Fussell, Miss Percy Pickering and call with Aggy on Mr Harston to inquire of Mrs H, all well. Read all morning, boiled rump of prize beef etc for dinner. Walk with Ag after 3.00 to the town, Mrs Sharpe's, Ellis(?) paper -/8 and hymns 2d not paid. Stokes pigs 4/- not paid box(?) of. Up Duck St to the Park middle gate, meet only Major Richards and his little child. Our other companions rooks and starlings, black clouds innumerable. Mrs Goldsmith and children call only. Arrangements of bills in the evening, some very high, Charles particularly, how will they be settled. Enter my accounts.

10th

Cold and damp day, sort of still rain. Not showing on puddles but making mud and puddles and water pipes run, Scotch mist? Glass high and rather rising, strange weather. Not from the house, nobody called. Read magazines, Dublin. Write to HJM Bexley and WM Uckfield about needful. Frank goes to post and with two letters from grand ma. Mount(?) the game of Race with cards, do not go to the church this evening, 7.00.

11th

Dull weather and mild, very doubtful so read magazines and spend a very idle time, wish I was a day labourer and equal to the work. Write to Charles, Windsor, about getting leave in answer to one received in street. I am out early to get meat, shoulder and leg of mutton. The latter 6 ½ - former not cut off, don't know.

12th

The same dull mild weather at Sherborne, nothing to observe occurs.

13th

Very cold and very dull, gloomy. Some forebode snow, glass too high, very high! Read magazines, Quarterly, a letter from HJM London, answer it to 51 Bedford Square, not knowing his abode, I want money, he wants Caswell. Get out with Carree, Sherring's 27 ½ lbs of beef and 2 old fowls 4/ not paid. Call on the Stevens! Mr and Mrs Hammond come in too, walk with him to Gainsborough Hill, we home, he on. At Harding's cheese 12lbs about at /5 and bird seed /6 not paid. Call in on Mrs James, call on the Babbingtons late.

Sunday. Sharp frost, all go to church, I sit with Major Dawe. An excellent sermon, Mr Harston, last chapter of Matthew, Gospel of day beautifully explained as to damnation, applying to those only in time of our Saviour who denied the Holy Spirit, accusing Jesus of casting out devil's by Beelzebub, not applicable to Christians now. Still they are not to live carelessly nevertheless. In evening at Castleton, … Mr Henning reads, Mr Lion preaches... At 7 with Carree to hear Mr Harston ‘Ships of Tarsis', good. Tea, no supper, at Mr Fussell's.

15th

An interrupted day from morning till night. Out early to invite Mr Harston to an evening party 18th inst. Out of town. Dine at 2.00, baby going out to tea with Agnes. Mrs Melmoth's at 3.00. John and Em to tea at Castleton at 6.00. Go in Mr Fussell's carriage with Miss F and Ernest, we are invited to the Williamsonss at 7.30. I call there and take a note to call on Mr J Williamson, all at home. Called on Mrs Goldsmith's early, house all in confusion, cleaning, secure them for 18th. Try to get Mr Horton, engaged to Dampiers. Sharp frost, beautiful day foggy and cold a evening, again no letters. Read Illustrated, no news. Ideas of peace with Russia.

16th

I never go to the Reading run now. weather seems on the change, more cold. Nothing happens that I remember at Sherborne. Read Cambrian etc and send more invitation cards about for Thursday.

17th

First symptoms of snow breakfast time, frost rather sharp. Expect Miss L Marcon from Rampisham, comes about 12.00 as I am going to meet her at the Inn. Save my credit but am no use. In evening go to the town hall and music, Mr Buckland, very good. He has a good voice – ‘The Whispering Shell', ‘Beth Gelard', ‘Emigrant Ship' and some comic songs, all good. Capital voice, very cold, hall full.

18th

Sharp frost, ice begins. Skating talked of. Receive letter from Mr Beor with £20 from RH, q rent in part of Caswell. Get out rather early to the bank, paid gas and Bishop etc and order various things for the party tonight. Busy at home also in preparation for ditto. All goes off well, most of invited come, Mr Harston 1st visit, ditto Colonel Matthias, Mr & Mrs Palairet, Mrs Martin and friend and Miss Matthews, Miss Croft and her brother James, Major and Miss S …, 20 or 30 in all and 15 sent excuses. All over about 12.00. Mr Palairet sings a comic song. I want to get up a play. Promise Mr Harston £5 for his new schools. Mr Harper writes a note that picture Abrahams Sacrifice won't suit his chapel.

19th

A little more snow, mild frost and dull. Up late, see yesterday the reason why. Reaction down in the mouth. Finish Illustrated, young Dick James calls and is chatty, we are all at home. Lord Digby's pond is frozen over, so says Frank. Some boys have crossed, some got in. Johnny in bed, blistered on wrong ear. Captain Hammond's boy gets a ducking, ice broke. Walk out late with Carree and Miss M, F and Agnes into the town. Call on Mrs J, get down to Half Moon St, the Queen's yacht - Captain Denham? on the coach. No Charles, rather expected, a letter directed here for him. Get to the park at last with only Frank. Rest go home from Long Street by Mile's house. Young Hammond been under the ice. Spend evening at home.

20th

Very cold day, very sharp frost, wind north. Boys off to slide and skate in Park. Emma and John both unwell. Miss Marcon with us. Read Britannia, dine early. Write to Mr M, Bristol. Miss Ball calls, Mr Fussell, hurry to the bank, return for Agnes, out again to Rogers, vinegar, Sherrin's S of M 6lb. Pay Ellis extra 3/- for music tickets at hall. Post 3 letters, 1 for Miss M Stoke, Bucks, forward one to Charles from a young lady? Walk to the Park and return with 2 Hennings. Major Dawes baby dead. Two men got a ducking under the ice pond. Read Cambrian and enter accounts etc.

Sunday. Oh! How cold. Mr Harston sermon, ‘Ships of Tarsis', Jehosophat, never league with avarice! Again in church in afternoon. Mr Horton preaches, morning and evening. Thin attendance at church, do not go in evening.

22nd

Thorough winter, snow and sharp frost. Am not out of the house. Old Houndsell scrapes away snow part of day after cleaning shoes etc. Snow more less all day and then changes to rain and again to frost. Emma and Miss Marcon invalids. At 8.00 Carree and I get out to the Institution by special invitation to hear Mr McCraedy, readings, rather acting, as it proves, from the different parts Dryden's Cecilia, Heinans(?)Captain Knight, finishes with Shakespeare's 4th act Henry 7 iv very good. Milton's ‘Creation' 1st and 6th day, Wordsworth's ‘Begga'r, Tennyson's ‘Lady Vere de Vere' very good etc. Room crowded, home by eleven.

23rd

Sharp frost, white world. At home all morning hunting up bills paid in London years back and sort out bills and papers for 1854, how can they be paid is a serious question and more serious how avoided for the future. Miss Marcon very unwell. Dine at 2 nominally, in fact at 3.00. Carree and children get out before 4.00 to see the ice and its doings in the Park. I get there before 5, meet Mr and Miss Williamson, come back with Emma, leave Agnes etc. Join Mr Wilson and Mr Goldsmith and return now home by Gainsborough Hill and Duck St for a walk. Call in at Mrs J's to read Mrs Morgan's letter received today. Read Cambrian etc in the evening. Very cold, small fireplace in drawing-room.

24th

Still a white world and sharp frost. Pay Parsons of Compton, rabbits etc. Read Spencer's book Hungary etc. Sun comes out for a short time, thaws a little, glass rises!! Analyse 1854 Letts diary. Read Times of 22nd. Carree and children get out and call Miss Percy? and shop at Ensors for children's party. I am not out of the house. No calls but Mr Fussell's to see Miss LM. Piper gratis looks at piano. Children play Pope Joan in evening, I at accounts. Would I could somehow use time profitably. Mr Fussell calls and says Acraman St alteration is on the taxes again for March! The town will be up in arms and rightly so.

25th

Not a very sharp frost, glass high and rising, rather extraordinary. A beautiful clear day too, warm in the sun and snow melts apace. Out early with Carree to the butcher's etc and call on Mrs James and Miss Percy 1st time. A comfortable pleasant cottage. Miss L Marcon something better, do not walk where snow is not swept away, too slushy! Try to read Spencer's Black Sea, interrupted by calls: Miss Ball, Mrs Martin, Mrs Williamson, Mr Horton and Mr Longman begging money for schools. Children out to a dance etc at Mrs Fussell's at 6.00, a juvenile affair. At my accounts in evening.

26th

Attend a vestry at 10.30 with Mr Henning expecting the subject of the school lettings at church to be brought forward as a request, order of the governors of the school though they have built a private chapel with an organ etc and trained singers etc, are still to go to church in morning and where are they to sit says the church-warden. Had a private converse on this subject after meeting, Henning, I and Palairet, Rev. … and Rev. Harper. Talk of getting up a memorial to the governors or will Mr Harper leave the school. Great questions!!! Go round with Mr Hen. to sound Stevens and find him adverse and purely on selfish reasons. Join Carree etc, have some converse with Mr Fussell in the street, we agree. Carree calls on Mrs Goldsmith, he agrees with me. Buy Sherborne paper, contains reports of last week's proceedings of King's School and Board of Health. Called on Mrs James who orders S paper in future. At home all evening, read local paper.

27th

Cold thaw yesterday and today. Read Spencer's Black Sea etc. Out early with Mr Henning, same errand as yesterday, Mr Williamson (Colonel Matthews out) Major Richards and Major Dawe at Reading room, all adverse to our views and wish the children to attend church. After dinner call on Mr Palairet to state our hopeless mission and go then with Mr Henning to the Reading room. Lord J Russell has resigned, no explanation given yet to Parliament 25th.

Sunday. Very cold, cold thaw and frost again. Mr Harston preaches a practical sermon from the Psalms on sins, the nature of, and as compared in sight of man and God. Afternoon Em, I and Miss Marcon at Castleton. In the evening I am alone at the church 7.00 and sit in Mr Harper's seat who preaches. Text, David and Goliath, very short and abrupt, he seems very nervous, not a pleasant preacher. Supper toasted cheese. Called today on old Mrs Highmore and on Mrs Henning p.m. and see her kitchen range, very good. Next Sunday notice of sacrament.

29th

Monday, rather disposed to snow, cold thaw, out before 10.00 about Board of Health. Go with Mr Bartlett to Mr Brooks by the conduit, meet Fussell, Williamson, Polkington, Bishop, Fear, a memorial to be drawn up for signature of the ratepayers. Mr Brooks has a large collection of fossils and curiosities, a staunch old man. Home by 12.00, out with ladies to see the new buildings of school, chapel, studies etc, very complete. Hear the organ tried, now fitting out. Cold sticky walking, call on Captain Hammond at dinner, he ill, better. On Mrs Harston, he in London. I go to the Reading room to read speeches, Roebuck's motion Crimea, ministerial trial. Adjourned to today.

30th

Mr & Mrs Henning call late about party for Friday. Very cold and wintry, do not go out. Read Club books etc at home. A letter from HJM London amounts to nil to aid me. Children, all but Frank, go to a party at Col Mathias'. Frank goes to eat the remains at Mr Fussell's party last week. Carree and Miss L Marcon and I spend evening at Mrs James's. Mr & Mrs Henning drop in to consult about their party on Friday etc.

31st

A most wintry day, snow drifting from the north and piercing cold. Obliged to get out, things wanted for this evening. Dress up to defy weather and go with Frank about the town, Sharpes, Stokes, Kings Arms etc and spend hour in Reading room. Ministry defeated on Roebuck's motion, Army in Crimea, by 157!!!! Enormous defeat. Out they must go and follow Lord J Russell. Evening a juvenile party. Children's selection, male and female. They have a dance and supper. Mr & Mrs Goldsmith, Mr Stokoe and Mr Forster, we have a rubber downstairs, I win. Not over till11.30, all goes off very well. A letter from Gower, RH, nothing wrong, some deaths, old Bar Jone and Betty Phillip etc.

February 1855

1st (Thursday)

Up earlier than usual. School opens, beautiful morning. Cold Christmas weather, snow drifted deep. Sally out with John and Frank about 9.00 to get in London draft cashed for £5.5.0, fail at Ensors, succeed at Mr Calder's who gives me five guineas for a draft on Hoare. Go to the Reading room and read Sherborne paper, London does not arrive till 12.00. Aberdeen Ministry out, who is to succeed? Another coalition? Or Tories? School new building open and speeches, cake and wine. Had no ticket, do not go, did not know what was order of day or would have applied for tickets. Old Mr Highmore. Dine at 2.00 and not out of house after, read Club books. Mr Stokoe drops in in evening and takes tea, and pays me for cloth of Dix. Late in evening go to Mrs Henning to make to tipsy cake.

2nd

Very very cold and white world. Children go early to school first day, Ag only to Mrs Charlton's, Em ill or idle. Read the Cambrian over the fire and send it to post by Mrs Goldsmith's for Charles at Canterbury, just in time for post. Am not out of the house all day, very cold, very dull. Mrs Goldsmith calls late. I am reading Blackwood. At 7.00 go to a house warming at Mr & Mrs Henning's at Gibraltar. Most insufferably cold house. Meet Mr McCready, Miss Spencer etc and most of the elite of the place. Some singing and music but mostly talking. Dr Highmore and Mr R Wilmot, Miss Crofts etc. What a night comes on, rains ice, the ground a sheet of glass when we leave at 12.00, quite dangerous. So ends a pleasant party.

3rd

What a day, what a day! Icicles yards long, houses coated with ice. A cold thaw, houses dripping rain etc, roads so slippery can't stand but with great difficulty. Early out to call on Miss Stevens and party after the party, she is pretty well, rest better, hear the news of politics. Lord Lansdowne sent for. By Long Street to the butchers, Sherring has the gout and on to the Reading eoom till 4.00. Read the speeches and explanations. Call on Mrs James for a few minutes on my way home to dinner. Cold mutton and pudding. Mr Fussell calls in evening to see Ann Phillip, rheumatic. At accounts in evening. Wind changes and is quite mild and rapid thaw.

Sunday. Much milder, snow vanishing. Sacrament, few attend, also at Castleton. Mrs J says only one set in all at the table, clerk and all. Again in afternoon at church Mr Horton preaches a very good sermon. King's school boys again at church, charity children encumber the aisle, will this cause the governors to reverse the order against the chapel on Tuesday. Too cold and wet and muddy to go again to church at 7. Mr Horton preaches from Genesis 2nd lesson of Sept. on Sunday. Help Agnes at scriptural questions.

5th

Monday. Dull damp and muddy day, the streets in a horrid condition, the crossings as the mud of a pond. Read Illustrated News and Cambrian by the fire. Walk out with Miss Marcon, still with us, to the town. Stokes grocer, peas and pepper, p off. Penn's etc and now for a walk to the end of Westbury, how muddy and dirty! Called at Mr Henning's, at 8.00 go with Mr and Mrs Henning to the lecture on the House of Com(mons) by the MP Mr Ker Seymour, shows the general routine of the House of Com(mons) with the map of the 564 to be a complete humbug. To what a few is the real House reduced as to its business in the public area. Committees all have to work in more particularly the idle etc etc. Find Mr Fussell at home to supper, cuts Carree's finger for a whitlow.

6th

Snow again, glass low, no frost but very cold dull cold day. Receive letters, HJM Swansea going to Carmarthen to see Green and from RH, both contain a death. Lady Mary Cole and Walter Tucker poor fellow, some time ill, would have lived on had we remained in Gower. Am very sorry for him, Caie Forgan an altered place without him. Crimp's work badly down. Analyse some of Lett's diary. Dine at 1, receive note to attend a meeting against the Board of Health as to Acraman Street, Mr Bartlett, Fear, Williamson, Bishop, Pocklington at Mr Brooks, 170 signatures out of about 250 ratepayers, memorialise the Board, sent in at 6.00 when they meet, out from 3 till tea. Call on Mr Webb P as one of Board. Tea at Mrs James and read Britannia.

7th

Sharp frost again, at home all day till post time at 6.00. About papers and letters and accounts. Write a long letter to William, Uckfield, about HJM, Carmarthen, and Mr Green and Twyn etc etc. Miss Babington, Mrs Henning and Mrs Harper call. Post letters, 1 to William, 1 Cambridge HJM a bill, mistake? 1 from Miss Marcon 1 for Miss B and Cambrian for Charles at Canterbury. Help Frank a little at Latin. Analyse Letts Diary. Cooper breaks a lot of glasses! Ill spared! Ann Philip a little better off, rheumatics, bad beginning of year, frost again. Called on Bishop about memorial to Board of Health, scouted by the Board, they resolved to go ahead on Acraman.

8th

Sharp frost, more snow coming. At accounts, Letts diary all morning, analysis. At 2.30 with Hoddinot to Town Hall, meeting, missionary for South Africa, Dr Colinso, Bishop of Natal, a … state of things there from him as eye witness about 3 months. Great injustice to tax the natives and not to educate them, a fact! Dine at 5, at 8.00 off again, sent for to attend a committee meeting against the Board of Health, no public meeting advisable, take a good council of opinion, carried. Home in snow, white world again, with Mr Bartlett who attended, Mr Fear to draw out case etc, Pocklington there, his ho(use) and Bishop and Mr C Brooks. Not home until 10.00.

9th

Again a white world and sharp frost, real winter. Better late than later. Analyse Letts diary of October last to get expenses under respective heads. Write condolatory letter to Bristol, Mrs Morgan lost her mother, Mrs Alford. Write also to Charles as a rider to John's letter to him at Canterbury. Go to Reading room after posting 4 letters - Miss Marcon one and one to Pwllybrag about a servant. Ministry changed, Lord Palmerston premier, Lord… in Lansdowne, Lord J Russell, Aberdeen and Newcastle etc out. Sharp frost again.

10th

Sharp frost, beautiful day. Sun in splendour at last, long hid! An attempt at a little to snow. Arthur Langford and Ernest Fussel at tea, play cards in evening, I read Cambrian or something. How cold, how cold!!! Analyse Letts Diary for 1854 etc etc.

Sunday. Very cold, Mr Henning calls to ask me to accompany him to Haydon Church, just done breakfast, won't disappoint him. How few in church, sermon from Easter – Man's Original Perfections and His many devices etc. Afternoon at the great church, Mr Pearce, one of the masters, reads 1st time very well, good clear voice. Mr Harston sermon from Genesis, Eve tempted, an excellent sermon. How odd, one on Man the other on woman. Help children at Scripture questions etc.

12th

How sharp a frost again! Severe weather still. Meeting about soup for the poor, do not attend. No doubt plenty will attend. Mr Henning and Mr Williamson of this district call tomorrow. Promise 10/-. Go with Mr Brooks who is called a radical, I find, to see the children in the market shambles. All copper. Go to the Reading room, no particular news. In evening at a sociable small party, the first at the vicarage. Major Hammond and Brett Goldsmith and Miss Acyclo? on a visit. Sing and talking, a … plain supper and some capital Bishop cooked by the vicar Harston in the room, a clever and a homely quiet man.

13th

Beautiful weather, intense frosty nights. Skating in the Park. Out early about several small matters. A fly for this evening for Mr Melmoth's party, what a mess, forget I had engaged to send it to Mr Goldsmith's, he is late in consequence and to make a climax in all walk home after 12.00. Fly there late and finds us gone of course! Took down Carree, Miss M and Mrs Henning, he and I walk, fly is returned and no order given as to time to fetch home. A splendid party as to catering, odd as to company. Some from Yeovil, Miss Duffet(?) sings comic, the Vicar sings. Mr Melmoth has erected a fine conservatory front of drawing-room wind, gas lighted, not complete, very pretty. We come grumbling, quarrelling home.

14th

A beautiful day, very cold, intense frost continues. The Thames nearly frozen over. Out early to the butcher's and to the Reading room, no news. Read Quarterly or Edinburgh. Walk with Miss L Marcon to call on Mrs Palairet, out. On by the Dorchester Road etc to the Park. Cricket on the ice, good fun and something novel. Walk across the ice of Lord Digby's park with baby who delights to slip and fall about. Bring her home with Miss M. Frank as usual contrives to miss his singing lesson at the school. Enter my diary from Friday.

15th

Very very cold, beautiful day. Gas fails in greenhouse and shall lose all my plants, I fear. Get a holiday for Mrs Charlton's pupils to ice skate and cricket on the ice. After dinner with Carree to Mrs Penn's, artificial flowers etc, to the post, meet Major, now Colonel, Richards and walked to the Park ice, cricket over, lots of skaters. Mr Fussell etc there, Brown the cricket man from Brighton!!! Home and go to Sherring the butchers. Miss Marcon dines at Mrs James, we join at tea 7.00, I, Carree, John and Em. Read papers and talk nonsense etc.

16th

Intense cold at night and dull day. Feed fowls etc and sally out to the charity soup kitchen. 150 galls of soup to give away by ticket and bread, lend a hand, many hands required to carry out the practice, 1d qt paid and 1d for ½ 2 loaf. Dine early, write to Gower RH and to HJM, Caie Forgan, and to Mr Beor. Post them and go to Reading room, no news. Gas all out of order, man to set right can't do any good. Charles drops in while I am writing, quite unexpectedly. Grown fat and red, weather beaten already. Past 8.00, wants dinner. Enough excitement for one day.

17th

An important day for Sherborne school, the chapel consecrated by Bishop Hamilton. At the school by 10.00 with Carree and Miss L Marcon. All goes off well, a good extempore address to the boys and governors from the Bishop. A cold luncheon (dinner) in the school at 1.30. Some few speeches but the Bishop obliged to leave early breaks it up to catch a train at Yeovil. Look over the new buildings with Hoddinot and Melmoth etc, very good. Intensely cold and windy. Again at the chapel at 4.00 to hear Mr Harston – ‘And there shall not be left one stone upon another'. Thin congregation being a conspiracy in the town not to go because they had not tickets in the morning. Spend evening at Mrs Fussell's, play cards etc, win. American Forster, the Stevens and Goldsmith's, now we all huddle the fire. Charles with us, I fear his morals.

Sunday. Late, all at church, Mr Harston preaches. I was not well from early this morning and am unwell all day, not out again. Read Cambrian, death of Mr Vivian MP.

19th

Less severe cold, gas won't light this last day or two. My geraniums etc will be all killed, saved as yet, what a pity. Miss Marcon leaves us after near 5 weeks. Visit coming for one week only, going to Clifton. Charles in bus to station to see her safe off. Meet him on return halfway and return to read Illustrated and hover over the fire till we go to tea at Mrs Goldsmith's at 7.00. 2 Mr Fosters, Stevens, Palairets, Fussells, pleasant evening, tea and supper, singing and carts. I lose at whist. Not home till 1.30 pro pudor. Threatens rather a change of weather. Glass falls, q more snow? Hope not.

20th

Very sharp frost indeed again. Very beautiful day, letter from WM. Poor old Biddlesden nurse dead, about 80. (Margin notes – ‘death of old nurse, Ellen Batt, at Highworth, Wilts). Enter accounts. Soup day for poor again, attend for 1 hour. Out early and join Mr Henning, go to Scotts, 2 dozen eggs at -/10 not paid. Go to the soup kitchen and Reading room. Very cold indeed. Shall lose all my geraniums, gas all frozen. All of us and all the time at the ice to see a cricket match, not much of a game but a beautiful day, windy. Mr & Mrs Southwell there, a Hyde Park scene.

21st

Still very sharp frost indeed, we all go to church at 11.00, mistake, off too early 10.30. Long service. Meant to go again at 7.00. Mrs Hoddinot invites us to tea at 7 with Charles. Glad to get it … … fish. Read some paper or book, sleep over the fire and spend evening with Mr & Mrs Hoddinot next door, talking etc over a capital Christmas fire. Toasted cheese supper etc. Home about 11.00.

22nd

Very cold still, some signs of a thaw. Wind shifting, dull. Out early to market for beef and go to the Reading room. Public don't seem satisfied that the ministry are unanimous or likely to work well. Carree not over-well. Johnny unwell from school. Go to the ice and resolved to walk to the end of the water through the bridge, how shallow, how the rookery on the island stinks, like guano. Tired of the ice, Frank gets on with skates very well. Not many on the ice. Try to overtake Mr Stevens and Mrs Ball in Park walking towards Haydon, fail and return home. Try to teach Charles whist in the evening, he won't learn, too ridiculous.

23rd

Real thaw, not a very warm one, roads all sloppy and mud. Johnny not at school again today and for several days past. Out early with Charles to the soup kitchen for the poor on the market place. Assist for half an hour and go to the Reading room. Parts of the ministry resigned again and left Lord Palmerston … Sir Jos Graham, Gladstone and Sydney Herbert and still again Cardwell. Again out with Charles to call on Goldsmith, Harper and Palairet. Cash at Post Office letter 10/-, Miss Marcon's for Carree, and post 3 letters for her. Again at the Reading room to see the Times. Lord Raglan they say has resigned, all this owing to Roebuck's enquiry into Crimean War.

24th

Again a very sharp frost and again turns to a rapid thaw and wet after 6.00 or 7.00. Gas will now light again. During the hardest of frost, pipes frozen and supply cut off to the loss of my geraniums. Out early to the Reading room to see the state of the Palmerston ministry, more seceders. Thomas Chandler's forgeries at Cheltenham publicised in London papers. What a pretty fellow, he has a brother at Sherborne who has made a great disturbance. No Times paper at 4.00, enquire at the King's Arms after tea, again to the Reading and again disappointed, no Times. Rain, so read Illustrated.

Sunday. Quite warm but very cold in the great church, am alone there. Carree and Charles at School chapel, Em and Ag have colds. Read the Illustrated pro pudor all day. At church with Carree etc. 7.00. Mr Harston preaches on the Gospel, Abraham's sacrifice the type of the crucifixion. Foggy and dull all day, wet evening. Small still rain, call on Mrs James and sit till 9.30.

26th

Again foggy and mild and a mild evening. Read Cambrian, go to the Reading room, debates on the resignation of Sir J Graham, Gladstone and S Herbert. Lord Palmerston alone in his glory. Carree and Charles make some calls, Williamson, Harper, Rutherford etc. Again at Reading room till tea. No Times today! Helped Johnny and Frank about verses? and Latin translation etc. Charles behaves very silly and is quite disagreeable. (Margin note - Death of Mr Powell, Llanbleithian nr Cowbridge)

27th

Not so warm, dull and damp. Fuss over some papers in desk. Write to HJM at (and to Fulton) about money and Mr Green etc. Am not at all well, a horrid cough, never had one so bad. Read Dr Waagen's Treasures of Art. Get out late with Carree into the town, first call on Mr & Mrs Henning, Mr & Mrs Williamson, make first call there and go to enquire of Mr Rogers chymist and buy lozenges. Am not at the Reading room. Arthur, Charles and John tea at Mrs J's and play cards there.

28th

Dull stupid damp muddy day. Breakfast earlier nowadays. Read Dr Waagen's Treasures of Art. Have a very bad cough and crane over fire. Charles carves at dinner, chickens, HJM's basket from Gower. Send Cambrian to EM Canterbury and go to the Reading room, no news whatever. Lord Palmerston's ministry formed at last, very poor one. Walked to the end of Westbury, much too great to go on. Return and call on Mrs James. Home to tea. Play at whist to please Charles who will not learn. Johnny plays much more rationally. Enter my accounts before bed time.

March 1855

1st (Thursday)

Damp muddy day, nothing particular happens but Charles has his promised dance at home. His school boys do not come. Hard work to get through, others also refused or call off. 2 Misses DuBois, speak German, French, 2 Misses Stevens, Miss Ball, Mr Stokoe, Mr Goldsmith. In bed late, plenty of dancing for those who like it.

2nd

Much milder and more pleasant day, out early to the soup kitchen, soup excellent, applicants numerous and soon all gone. Hear Acraman St is still to be widened. Speak to one or two opponents of it as to what is to be done. They suggest a meeting for etc etc. Write a little in the afternoon, attend Mr Pickering's music lesson, Emma in the evening, she does improve. At church in evening at 7.00, Sacramental lecture, Abel & Cain's sacrifice. Short and pithy. Again at the Reading room till it shuts at 10.00. Beautiful moonlight night. Carree feverish cold, in bed all day. Johnny not well, goes to school.

3rd

Fine and brisk day, account received in Dorset of death of Emperor of Russia. Am early at Reading room. Not very well, sleep after dinner. At Reading room before tea after a walk with Ag and Mr Henning through Westbury and over Dancing Hill. At home in evening, Carree not well, Johnny not well, Mr Fussell sees them. Roads drying up a little, late at the Reading room again.

Sunday. Fine but cooler. Sacrament, Ag and I only at church, do not stay. Am not well and others ill, Carree etc at home. At home Read Cambrian etc. Ill spent day, go alone to evening duty. Mr Harston, from Psalms, ‘They shall prosper that love Thee', alludes to death of Emperor of Russia and advises prayers for peace. An excellent lecture! Call on Mrs J in going home and read Britannia etc.

5th

Fine day, write for Mr Pocklington. Carree unwell and in bed, Mr Fussell calls. Nor am I well, fixed pain in the shoulder. In evening call on Mr Pocklington and he promises to get it done, says it will do very well. He has a call in hand to defend Hoddinot about water meadows, an odd case. Called on Mr Brooks to get more soup tickets, get them. Go to the Reading room and call on Mrs James to give her tickets etc. Colder, a good deal. Half holiday at the school, walk with Johnny to Oborne etc before tea. What a change in the atmosphere! The roads in what order, beautiful.

6th

Most beautiful day, what a change in 10 days! Read Blackwood, receive letter from WM with draft on Hoare to send to HJM for £400 etc. Am about accounts etc to Twyn etc. Walk with Charles towards Haydon, how warm. Return by gas works, call on Mrs Goldsmith's to ask them for whist on Thursday to meet Hoddinot and on Mr Fussell for ditto. Go to the Reading, no news. Help Johnny about verses on Croesus late in evening, now he always defers everything, what a pity and never will alter. Soup day, do not go, for the poor.

7th

Frosty morning, beautiful day. Charles goes coursing with Mr Hoddinot and dines with him. Carree writes to HJM London a sort of rebuke or explanation as to Caie Forgan etc. I write to Mr Beor to acknowledge £20 received of RH and about the living of Gower reported for sale, decline to offer because JD ought to make the offer, si? and enclose to HJM a draft from William for 400 sent to 22 Castle Street. Get out late into the town after reading Art Union and walk with Ag. Call on Dr Highmore and wander about up Acraman St etc to fill up time and get exercise. At a meeting in evening at Mr Pocklington's about the Board of H, nothing particular. Bishop, Bartlett and Brookes only, to meet again on Friday. Up till near 12, Charles not home. Go and get him home from next door.

8th

Fine day tho' less beautiful than yesterday. Carree not very well but better. At the reading room, no news but a verbal report of death of Sir C Napier. Order at Mees 2 gall of bitter ale and ½ gall of brandy and at Harding 1 b of whisky and 1 b rum. Call on Mr Harston for soup tickets, call and give Mrs James some. Walk late and alone by Duck St etc to the Park and home to tea. A party, Mr & Mrs Hoddinot, Goldsmith, Fussell, Mr Stokoe to play cards, whist and a supper. Pleasant and agreeable, no singing. I win a little and could not have paid had I lost.

9th

Very cold sharp frosty morning, cold wind all day but fine and pleasant looking. Out early to aid at the soup kitchen from 11.00 till 12.30. Come to the Reading room, read quarterly papers, all engaged, no news. Walk up to dinner with Mr Henning, Mrs Martin and Miss Matthew call and Mr Fussell. I am very sleepy, tired and out of sorts. Took chill at the soup kitchen. Cox & son finishing the poultry house. Charles aids etc. Walk with him to Post Office etc and to Mrs Goldsmith's with 3/- and now to the Park. Charles goes to tea at Mr Berghman's. An evening to talk of militia affairs? I read Blackwood and am very idle and unwell. Carree not been out this week.

10th

Cold wintry morning, a little snow again, very wintry all day and glass falling, a little rain sleet and snow. Read some review, Blackwood or Bentley and Art Union. Get to the Reading room, no news. Carree not well, better, not out. Clean out the greenhouse, plants nearly all dead. Begin to read Cambrian, Charles has invited Stokoe and calls Stockings to spend evening after tea. Play at Pope Joan all of us and eat toasted cheese.

Sunday. Mr Henning calls early to ask me to accompany him to Haydon Church, go. A poor congregation. ‘Peter wept bitterly'. At home all afternoon, at church again at 7 with John, Mr Fussell's pew. ‘A certain man had two sons, he says to one go and he said he would not' etc 21 Matt. An excellent sermon, very long for Mr Harston. Call in at Mrs James and sit till 10.00, cold wet wintry.

12th

A much brighter day, wind high, glass still falling, fineish. Magazines, Book Club. Am not over well, want physic. Out after 3.00 to the bank to get cheque cashed for £20 from Gower, draw £10. Am with Carree and Charles, go to Ellis, Rowes, Sherrings and walk by Castleton to the Park and back. Carree goes home, I and Charles pay bills, Lloyd, Tuffin, Mees etc and enquire about coaches and traces for Wednesday and home. Enter my accounts, rather numerous and awful. Johnny at verses! Salamis. Other children at French.

13th

Beautiful day, at home all morning reading United Services journal. Feed fowls etc. Carree and Charles sally out p.m. to call on the James. I go out to pay some money and post Carree's letter to Mrs Edmunds. Go to a sale at Long Street, Harris auctioneer. Find Carree and get her to go, buys a trifle etc. Go to Reading room, no news. Home to feed fowls and walk to Cold H and round by Mr Miller's to tea. Mrs J and Arthur come to tea to see Charles before he leaves tomorrow.

14th

A dull damp morning, comes on a quiet still gentle small rain. Charles leaves us, can't be up for Frome at 8, Salisbury too much of coaching, at 9. At ¼ past 12 is off for Dorchester. Qu if by Reigate or coast line to Canterbury to be guided by circumstances. Off hinges when anyone is going, unsettled. Read Cambrian and go to the Reading room after dinner, no news. Help Frank at Latin in evening, send book and write to Miss Spencer at Mr McCready's. Enter my accounts. Miss baby Alice and Ag at tea at Mrs Richards.

15th

A nasty wet muddy day, not raining all day, cold south east wind and misty. About 12 call on Mr Fussell, ill, with Mr Hoddinot. Out to the butcher's before dinner and to the Reading room, no news and no letter in Sherborne Journal as I heard there was likely to be. Out after dinner with Carree to the Park. Soon out of it again, Carree says too cold. By Purley to Westbury, sent letter to post by Mr Stevens going to the town. Meet Mrs Palairet, go to Stoats shop, pay Christmas box, Castleton Singers, Dr Foote, and now go with Mrs Palairet to call through mud and mire and talk of servants, a great topic in Sherborne where all are bad. Mr P in cold … in the orchard at work. At home all evening, not over well. Read Waagen on Art, suffer greatly with rheumatic pain in the back, liver? out of order.

16th

Nasty cold … day, how unlike a desirable March. Proves a nice day and roads dry up a little. Read Waagen's Treasures of Art. Write to HJM at Mr Beor's, he is returning from London today, to WM that HJM did not draw the 100 draft at Hoare's, left it with Frank and to Rob Harry about the farms. Sent to the Exeter Inn. Dr and Miss Highmore call, walk with Carree and baby after dinner to post and to the Park. At home all the evening. Railway paper comes in, S Wales. Dividend warrants at 3%. New scheme to raise 300,000 by £20 new and preference shares at 5%, 1 allotment for every £50 original share.

17th

Thorough wet day again. Houndsell comes to work, set him to empty hot bed, 3 hours and goes home again. Read Waagen, write to HJM, Mr Beor's Swansea, about railway new £20 preference shares. Washing bills not put straight. Post letter and cash railway warrant, call and enquire of Mr Fussell, better. Go to Reading room, no news. Home to tea. Wind high, evening clears off little. Help Johnny at verses, Jephtha's daughter.

Sunday. Cold and dry. At church with Carree and Ag, what awful mistakes in the choir. Mr Harston ‘There are some here that shall not taste death' etc, explained. At church with Carree in afternoon, Mr Horton on the Fast for Wednesday, referring to Nineveh, Sodom and Gomorrah, a very good sermon. Mr Harston was too argumentative, clever but not so scriptural as usual. Took a walk to the Park after calling on Mrs Goldsmith. At home all evening, help Ag about Scripture questions and read Illustrated, bad example!

19th

Book club quarterly meeting. A much more spring like day after wet in night, a wet spring. At home all day reading Waagen 3rd vol, done with it. Houndsell in the garden neats up the front and sorts potatoes. Work a little in garden, work a little in hen roost, new perches. Put up firewood in stable. After tea go to Book Club meeting. Carree to drive with Mr and Mrs Palairet. Book club well attended, some fun at the auction, I buy a book at more than cost price, out of print, Barnes poems, Dorset dialect, old Mr Highmore. Robert Wilmot and I take grog, much amused with Mr Highmore's account of former days, riding horses and operations professional etc. A lively old man. Mr RW invites us to Welsh Rabbit, declined, called at Penns bookseller.

20th

A dull morning and more cold again. Pleasant bright cold day. At home till 3.00, read Lord Nugent, Memoirs in life of Hampden. Mr Henning calls, Carree and I get out. A man has met with an accident by a cart run … over him. Hunt for a medical man, Fussell ill, all else out in the country. Mr Turner at last found. Go to Penns, Carree wants a few odds and ends. Call on Mrs Cozens, he at Hillfield with Mr Henning. Call also on Mr Palairet meeting her at Mrs Cozens. He in a chair midst of garden, a martyr to rheumatism! Watching a man sowing seed, signing his death warrant? It would mine in same circumstances! Houndsell in garden sifts ashes ½ day.

21st

A general pact on account of the War and the state of the country etc. Mr Harston has duty at 7.00a.m!!! And at same time as Sundays 10.30, 3.00 and 7.00, quite enough to attend for one day. One rector and one curate, collection made for children of soldiers killed in war, in way of schools for them. At the morning service, go with Carree and Agnes. Very cold and dull north east wind. Rain as we come from church. Wet and disagreeable day. Go alone to church at 7.00 and sit in Mr Fussell's pew, only Miss Hoddinot there. Call in at Mrs James and take toasted cheese. Find Johnny there who it seems has nothing to do. Find it dreadfully cold, can't get warm. All symptoms of rheumatism etc. No meat all day, potatoes and pudding only!!

22nd

Most wintry disagreeable day, snow and wet. Not from the house all day. Read Lord Nugent Life of Hampden. Miss Kate Croft calls late, what a day for a lady to get out, she says it seems worse than it is, qu perhaps she has no time to spare before being Mrs Bennett? Am far from well all day, lumbagoish and rheumatic. Take essence of ginger etc in tea. Young Ernest Fussell at tea and cards, dreadful noise and engagement at our expense and comfort. Read Cambrian, murder at Llangadog, verdict manslaughter. Sentence - abroad for life, would have been hung if the verdict had been murder of his wife, no mitigating circumstances! So said the Judge.

23rd

Snow again on ground, cold dull and wintry and all our coals out. Ashes and wood only to burn. Read Lord N's Hampden and go through washing account, do not get out till 5.00. Mrs Harston and Miss Angelo call. I call to enquire of Mrs Henning's cold? Better. Posted Cambrian for Charles, call and see Mr Fussell, some time ill, on sofa in drawing-room. Carree requires a corrective. Call on Mrs Palairet about a servant for Mrs Harston, make further enquiry at Mrs Cozen's and further again at Kingdon's. She is engaged at Mrs Balls! Called to inquire of the man injured 20th, better. Hear Miss Crofts is to be married tomorrow and ergo Mrs Charton's School has a holiday. Buy some pork at Watt's.

24th

An event for Sherborne, a marriage! Miss Kate Croft to Captain Bennett. Mrs Chartons and the King's school have holiday, children all alive to see the gaiety. I hate a wedding and do not go near them. Read quarterly with my knees in the fire for tis very cold indeed, a sharp frost. Lord Nugent's Memoirs of Hampden. Get out to the butchers for meat for next week and loiter about and get cold and can't get warm. Meet Johnny and go to Hawkins print shop and to Johnny's stables and Parsons garden for Grants rhubarb 3/-. Meant to go to Reading room but have no spectacles. Read Cambrian in evening, excessive cold.

Sunday. How cold again, sharp frost. Have lost all my geraniums, all dead. Carree still unwell, with Em and Ag to the school chapel, how well conducted, what an improvement for the boys. Everything in the best order. 2 elder boys read lessons, Mr Bergman and Mr Stevens there and old Mr Highmore in the afternoon and am at Castleton Church with Em and Ag. Can hear Mr Lyon, could not hear Mr Harper at the school, an echo. Took walk in Park to cross gate with Mr Stevens and his two daughters. (Margin note - ‘… poor Kitty Nicholls dead in Oct going to Australia')

26th

It is not so cold but very dull. Read Illustrated News in back parlour. Children set a hen. Poke over the fire, do not get out. Mrs James calls. I wonder I am so well but it is not without having pains and never being refreshed in morning by sleep. Do not go from the house all day. Baby Richards spends evening here. Frank goes with the Henning boys to the conjurors Dr Shaw. I write his Ellis for him and make some great mistakes so he will be sure to be thought the author.

27th

A find but very cold day. Read Lord Nugent's Hampden. Was to have had hot manure, no arrival. Write to J Grant about his accounts sent up, work done long ago. Tell him I have written to William (ie) I mean to do so. Get out after dinner with Carree, go to the bank, draft £10, remainder of £20 sent to me from RH Gower. Meet Carree at Mrs Penn's shopping. Call at Roberts about bill for mending tins. Call and pay Dingley carpet 1853. Loiter about, no pleasure to walk and get home again by Abbey etc etc. We had called at Henning in morning, were at new houses with Major Richards. Talk of taking bit of garden there. Meet Mrs Henning late and go to tea there unexpectedly and stay till 11.00, no comfort. Boys go to conjurer.

28th

A very wintry cold day, in evening snow shower, such flakes as are seldom seen, size of half crown. Finish Lord Nugent's Life of Hampden. Read Bentley and make hotbed, 3 carts of manure from Johnson's stables. Llanning wheels it in from street. Very good dung, hot and good. Very cold wind, snow comes on just as I finish it. Am not from the house and garden all day. Get damp, shall I catch cold. Send for mutton for Carree, loin 4 ½ of Sherring at 7d not paid. Meant to have gone to Reading room, reports of engagement in the Crimea.

29th

Bitter cold day, wind northeast and north. Very dull till evening late. Glass high. Out early to pay butter at Creed's dairy and then go to the butchers and market about garden seeds etc. Meant to go to Reading room, do not. Wanted to meet Col Richards about garden ground, he does not come. Called at Mrs J's, letter from Mrs Rooke. Carree writes as to Emma at Easter. Call with Carree in evening, wedding visit, and Mrs James, Kate Crofts! Meet old Mr & Mrs Highmore there. Call on Melmoths etc, pay Whittle who called for his money. Walk up the Bath Road and towards the Park, can't get warm. At accounts all evening, analysis Letts diary etc. Am a bankrupt.

30th

Weather improves a little more, sun and less cold. Read Corfe Castle in morning, begin to garden this evening, plants and bulbs and some oxslips from Mr Stevens. Am not from the house and garden. Find work rather stifling. Get no help from the children, school all day! Baby has an inflamed eye, rather bad. Mr Fussell calls to see her, he is very ill, has been laid up. Have not been to Reading room all this week. Read in evening Corfe Castle.

31st

More general weather but still cold wind. Busy all day in the garden neating up and transplanting flowers, nothing sown yet nor a potato planted by me. Children Emma and Ag and Frank help me after school. Frank gets to impositions for being late a.m. and midday, very disgraceful. Not from home all day, plant bulbs and primroses. Receive some greenhouse plants from Mrs Harper. Call on Mrs James late and read a paper.

April 1855

1st (Sunday)

Fine but cold. Sacrament, knew nothing of it. Neither of us stay, Carree and I and Ag take a short walk on the gravel road. I can't hear the larks sing. Again at church at 3.00. Mr Harston does all the duty, Mr Henning gone to help Dr Lyon, do not go down again at 7.00, help children at Scripture questions etc.

2nd

A fine day tho' still cold. Houndsell works in garden and so do I. Begin to sow onions 2 beds and plant early potatoes under wall. Ash leaf and finish up hot a bed ready for plants. Plant also potato onions 3lb at 4d of Brown. Carree went with Mrs J to church this morning, poor congregation. I meant to go this evening, Tea too late and give it up. Read Corfe Castle, parlour dismantled, carpet up.

3rd

Wet night and wet more or less all day. Parlour routed out, carpet, pictures, chimney swept, all discomfort!!! Go alone to church at 11.00, very thin attendance simply prayers. Mr Harston reads. Walk out with Mr Williamson and go to his garden for the first time. He promises to lend me a bird cage, we have 2 canaries and 2 goldfinches! At home all all the evening, read Cambrian etc. No letters received, save one from Mrs Rooke inviting Emma for Monday and the week at Rampisham. Have a makeshift dinner, no meat in the house. Write to EM Canterbury.

4th

A day with very little rain but cold east wind. again. Read Corfe Castle a.m., kept over time. Carree goes to Castleton Church with Mrs J who calls. Go to the butchers and the Reading room, no news. Mrs Ramsbottom of Portman Square at Police Office for shoplifting in Baker Street, £2,000 bail. To the Post Office with Carree after dinner and to the bank, £5 overdrawn before. Pay some little bells. Enquire about calls of Mrs Mees', write to Mr Ridley about Frank and his impositions, accused of falsehood. Received Mr Harper's explanation, go to 7.00 church with Carree, Em and Ag. Mr Horton preaches, Prodigal Son. Two little Hennings at our house on return etc.

5th

( Margin notes - Mr Rogers chymist dead at 11.00. 2000 Russians killed, 600 of the allies. Plant a cucumber.) Milder, drier and more pleasant day, out early to butchers etc and see about coal. Mr Mees not at home, go to the Reading room. Some little news of importance from Crimea. Hear I am nominated among the list for Guardians by Brooks. Walk with Major Dawe to see his garden, all his evergreens routed out. Home, dinner late. A most broken sort of day, done little I intended. Major Richards calls, imposed on as to the rent and measure of the garden ground by Chandler. Make enquiry about custom legs, poles etc at Mr Hennings. Meet Mrs Blundell & son. Mr Richards a good joke of a hen set in a garrett in a wedding basket which promises a good brood of Hens and Hennings. Em and J at tea at grandma's. Langford there. Write to HJM, 51 Bedford Square, about railway.

6th

Most beautiful warm day, not very usual on Good Friday. All at church a.m., sacrament, attend, not a great many. Again at church in afternoon, Mr Harston reads prayers, Mr Horton reads (not preaches) a homily on Good Friday. Do not go again in the evening. Walk with Carree and Em before tea to the Park, see some swallows, the first I have seen or heard of, about Lord Digby's water. A week more early than last year. Masons etc work as usual. At home all evening and at Mrs James.

7th

Very fine day but colder than yesterday. Determined to garden, Col Richards calls about the garden at new house, settles with Chandler at last. Go to the market with him to see about potatoes and coal etc. Empty the greenhouse, all plants dead. Attend to hot bed, sow tomato, mustard and plant some potatoes again by south wall. A confused sort of day. Children have sown some flower seeds. Called late on Mrs James. Hear from Charles, no news. Mrs Henning borrows a hen to sit.

Sunday. School chapel with Carree, service very well performed. Mr Harper reads prayers, West, a boy, reads well the 1st lesson? 2nd lesson. Mr Williams preaches beautifully fast. Our children Em and Ag at the church sacrament. We are all at church in afternoon. Mr Horton preaches a good sermon. Miss to hear the Easter Anthem at the School Chapel, Chapel crammed, we are badly informed about it, at home all. Walk in Park evening.

9th

Emma goes to Rampisham, enquire and settle how she is to go to Yeovil. Go early to the town with Ag, call at the King's Arms, Ensors for ribbons, Bishop's for combs (2). Mrs Charlton has some idea of going, does not. At the garden with Col Richards, potatoes set. Work in the garden after going again to the town and coming in the coach to meet Em at the Angel. Plant potatoes by south wall and among broccoli and plant Jerusalem artichokes near ash hole. Moggridge, Lewis and Arthur L come to tea. Played cards, P, Commerce.

10th

Cold dull disagreeable today. Windy, no sowing of light seeds, no matter. Cold and dry, what a late season. Read some Club book, Dublin a.m. Post dinner go out with Carree to call on Major Dawe. Post papers for Charles at Canterbury, 3 heads on. Call also on Mr Harston, Vestry day. Not aware of it, contest, Ensor and Stokes for church wardens. Former my elected by 1 – 15 & 16. Mr Harston son home. I am not guardian, about 10th out of 15!!! Am proposed by C Brooke, Ffooks, Dingley, Hoddinot, Longman & Rob Wilmot. The little Highmores and Miss Martin at tea here.

11th

Poor Rogers chymist buried in pathway by the church, new brick grave. Cold and very high wind. Stormy, no sun. Receive letter from Emma at Rampisham, she must come home on Saturday. Mrs Rooke goes to Lackham on Monday so we are to drive down. Receive letter from J Grant, RH had another fit, fell from the pony, found insensible and this is not the first time!(margin note – ‘lit pony fall in Pengwern Com. & was stunned by fall.') He must be careful. I am not out of the garden but do little or nothing, am reading. Wind high and very unpleasant, no sowing. Colonel Richards calls to ask Ag to tea and talks of India and alligators etc. Read Dr Hooke's botany in the Himalayan Mountains and I am a bankrupt!

12th

Beautiful quiet dry day, not very warm. Am not from the house and garden. Carree and Agnes get out early to sow flower seeds. I get out too after analysing Stoke's grocery bill. Trim up the front garden of the house by the street, then renew hot bed and plant a few things in it etc. Set out some more of the garden for seed beds. No time to sow as I thought to do. Work hard till 7.00, pick stones and collect worms for fowls. Stroll out after tea and call on Mrs J to read EM's Sebastopol letter and have left it behind. Receive letter from EM Canterbury. Agnes gone to tea at the Highmores. Am not at the butchers or in the town.

13th

Beautiful soft misty rain, air quite changed. Houndsell up, sows carrot, onion, parsnip etc and I sow beans by hen house. Go early to the town to the bank, draft £10 long over drawn. Receive letter from HJM, resolve to go to London to meet Green and hope to get paid money on Monday. Pay Mr Parsons old bill. Meet Mr Williamson there, get more potatoes. Chandlers ground finished for that crop. Seeds to be sown there still, order Houndsell there tomorrow. Work in garden a good deal, read nothing. Again to the town late, letter from Charles, Augustus gone to the line, cui bono. Write to EM, return Eddy's letter, Sebastopol.

14th

A beautiful day, rise early and out before breakfast to see Houndsell at work in Chandlers garden. Sows beet, carrot, onion and not turnip (and parsnip?). We drive, Mrs J, Carree and Ag to Rampisham by Yetminister, Ryme, Closworth etc. Start at 10, there at one. Home at 8 about, no accident or adventure. Mr Rooke not at home, gone to Lackham. Emma returns, been with Mrs Rooke since Monday. Receive a return letter from WM, going to London on Monday perhaps.

Sunday. All at church, fine. Agnes and servants go at 3.00, I and Carree stay at home. Take no walk. I go alone to Mr Fussell's pew at 7.00 in the evening, return with Mrs Hoddinot and call to see Mr H and take bread and cheese etc there.

16th

A very beautiful today, the Emperor and Empress of the French to land at Dover. Charles, as one of the Bucks Militia attend the landing etc. Am very busy, gardening all day long, try to finish all the sowing before leaving for London. Borrow Llaning of Mrs Henning. Our hen hatches, 8 out of 12. Sow lots of seed in garden and in the hot bed etc etc. Mrs Palairet calls late in evening, call on Mrs James, settle about £1 lent and borrow a letter of prophecy fulfilling Sebastopol as Armageddon. Am going early to London tomorrow. Receive letter from William going also. Mr Green there.

17th

Fine weather, cold air. Leave Sherborne ¼ before 8 o'clock for Frome and London Through Melborne Port and Wincanton. Not in London till near 5.00 yet the quickest and cheapest way to get up. Meet HJM at Fulton's and there I lodge. HJM goes to Bexley and stays over tomorrow. Call in Bedford Square about 8.00, meet WM there, take wine and tea and back to my lodgings after making arrangements for tomorrow. Very very cold night.

18th

Breakfast with Frank and William for a day of business with Mr Green there. He arrives and we do something, progress at all events. Read daily news, no news particular. Dine in Bedford Square first getting a slow stroll to Bedford Row etc with Frank and William and up Oxford Street to Regent Street etc, very cold.

19th

Very fine, breakfast in Haymarket, cheap clean and comfortable. Call on Sanguinetti, some things to be attended, order nothing. Again to Bedford Square about 11.00. Fred there, up this morning. HJM also and Mr Green, coming nearer to an agreement about accounts. I am offered 500 out of balance of 1,000 lent, say 600 and I chose no. Dine again in the Square, William, self, Fred, HJM and Mr Green. All very amicable, so much the better. A grand day in London, Emperor of French to the city. With William to Hoares and see the procession, not individuals except Empress Eugene in the Strand, all goes off quietly. Illuminations tonight, see but little of them. See Tailors, Fultons at work all night for tomorrow.

20th

Very fine day, hot in the city. Still wind is cold. Breakfast in Bedford Square, read daily news, WM at his accounts till 11.30 on this subject. Call with him on Mr France about his bill, get no satisfaction at all. France says he can settle our affairs in 10 minutes, no doubt, but can't keep his! Now to the city, call on Mr Patch in Pump Cot about deeds etc. I take Stafell Haegr mortgage, not indorsed as paid and satisfied, Mr Beor, why? William has business in the city, I call on Mrs Noble in Moorgate Street at home and quite well. I buy(?) a hat at Townsend's. Back to the lodgings in Maddox Street, all on foot, dine in B Square. Meet Edmund, moustached, from Canterbury. He dined in the Square and lodges and Dawsons. First walked with me down Regent Street, a few illuminatios still. Fred gone to Richmond, wrote to Marshal Vine.

21st

A beautiful morning, dry day and cold. No great progress in accounts. Green and HJM in Bedford Square, no light thrown on 2 horses now charged to me from Alltygog sale 1834, £21 & £27 & £55 pounds … get out with William to Bedford Row and the Temple and walk ultimately St. James's park and Green Park and home to Bedford Square to dine.

Sunday. Start at 9 for Hampstead to see the Woodward's, Grove Lodge Terrace. Have no breakfast, milk ½ and go to church, East Middlesex Militia and William in same church, High Church? Principles? 2 clergymen in reading desk. Find Woodward's with difficulty and find WM, I went over Primrose Hill etc. WM returns, I enjoy walk with cousin Anna, no harm in loving cousins when one has no sister. Poor Edward, what a cripple. At the other church with Anna. Dine at 6, a party of five in a cabin. Walk with Lionel on the Heath, a very brown burnt furze, and home with him and William on foot before 11 at night, all safe.

23rd

Still fine weather, breakfast in Bedford Sq, nothing much done. Get out early with William. Call at 33 Mr Dawsons's Bedford Sq., EM's attorney, about deeds, maps and papers. Learn something, that Palmer and France are dilatory. Go there, see Mr Ball and inform him as to Dawson, get papers of Blaenkedy and go to Mr Patch's and leave them. Hunt up Mr Risley in Beckinburgh Square, find him in Grays Inn and want him to enquire of Mr Pyke about Gower map. He is very like George, part of Stowe to be sold, see particulars, auction 26th. Back to the Square and go to the Panopticon. EM does not meet me as agreed, see the fountain, dine in Bedford Sq and meet Cousin Harry from Ross, not seen him for 25 years? Fatter, else not much altered.

24th

Fine and still day, not so cold. Call on HJM in Castle Street, not up. Breakfast at 9 in Haymarket (Scotts) near the top west side. 2 large cups of coffee, more hot ham than I eat, 2 rolls, sugar etc charge only 1/- and pay waiter and read a paper. Go to France's in Bedford Square, Cousin Harry there. Write to Sherborne (Agnes) and to Rob Harry there in Bedford Square. Walk to the Temple and return mortgage deed (Willis) of Stafell Haegr to Mr Patch. Dine with Mr & Mrs Patch 51 Upper Gower Street, meet Mr Blakelock, a pleasant gentlemanly man, clerk in bank, and two Miss Caulets, Mrs P's sisters. See them home to Beaumont Street and get home11.30. William went to call on Rev. Fred Woodward in Pentonville.

25th

Cold, dry, inclined to rain, not a pleasant day. Breakfast in Haymarket. Mr Beor and HJM call on me at 10.00. Walk out together, he and his son go to the British Museum. HJM and I to Bedford Square. Meet Mr Green coming away, arrange for tomorrow. We go to museum and meet Beor, arrange to breakfast with him at GW Hotel tomorrow. Call at Mr Dawson's for EM, lunch there and walk to the city cloak room to meet WM and Mr Green. Write there home, peruse a deed of release for tomorrow. We three walk back together. EM dines Dawson's, I back to Maddox Street to dress and dine in B. Sq, a quartet, Frank and Harry, William and I walk home at 11.00 by Haymarket, Regent Street, pretty well I thank you for one day.

26th

Dry cold and fine. Call early for HJM in Castle Street, wait, not up, cab to the Great Western Hotel to see it and take breakfast with Mr Beor there before he returns to Swansea. His son there. See all over the hotel and station, a town of itself. Arrange with Mr Armstrong as to preference shares on SWR. Get order and pay it today. Return on foot with HJM to Bedford Square by 11.00 appointment meet George Oliver, young George 6 ft 2 in., 4th dragoons going to Crimea. Green, Mr William … Frank, William HJM and I to settle some money matters. I receive on compromised debt £550 paid to Hoare's. Call on Mr Patch, Temple. Meet Edmund there and we walk to the West End. In the evening late am at Polytechnic, free, no great novelties. My spirits are depressed by outward circumstances, I cannot say why. All my brothers go out of town tomorrow and I not before Saturday.

27th

A quiet dull day. The Bedford Square 51 conference over. Not all things settled with France and lawyers! A horrid set. Surveyors and auctioneers all rogues, distrust them all! Breakfast in Hanover Square, good and dear 2/-. Meet Beor and HJM in Regent and EM. Beor is going to Swansea, EM to Canterbury. We three go to shop at Dickens and Co. Quit EM end of Tottenham Court Road. HJM goes to Bedford Square, I to write in Maddox Street. List of Vouchers for WM … day, to return home tomorrow … Charles coming to Woolwich another … letter to Carree. Dine in Castle … HJM paid all, not 1/6. Walk to Charlotte's round by Coventry Street for tea. Shoes in Oxford Street. Home to tea, first meal at Fulton's. Home all evening.

28th

Breakfast at lodging later than usual. HJM comes. Finish voucher accounts. Stroll off, call on Mrs Frere of Queen St, Mayfair, out of town. Stroll through Hyde Park and Kensington Garden to 21, Albert Terrace, Richmond Road, to call on Mrs Ord, out of town! Catch John luckily, get a chop. Write there to Carree. Now John Ord strolls with me by Serpentine etc etc. We dine at the Wellington together in St James's Street, very splendid and not very expensive. This was originally old Crockford's of celebrity. We part, he home and I home at 9.00. Bitter cold cheerless day.

Sunday. A little early rain forebodes wet day, proves fine. Start at 9.00a.m. for Woolwich to hunt up Bucks Militia and see Charles. Bus and train there by 10.00, some difficulty to find them. Find Charles in barracks in a dark hole in a corner. Room not cleaned since Adam's time if the barracks then stood. Find the gang of officers, Scobell, Roules, Hall etc at the Kings Arms Inn all abroad arrived late last night. HJM arrives and he, I and Charles drive to Bexley Heath to see his 2 empty houses. The new one of wood not bad. Dine at the inn and again order horse brake to Woolwich. Charles and I walk from the railway a mile? and HJM returns. Have tea at the inn and at 9 return to town. Train travelling annihilates time. In Maddox St by 10.30, what a way of spending Sunday but one does worse things, lying and slander. Charles sadly wants to get into the line.

30th

Damp gloomy morning again, an improved day, more sun. About accounts morning and late in evening. Call on the Misses Tottenham's, 21 Upper High Street, call on Mrs Patch, 51 Upper Gower Street. Augustus arrives from Canterbury at Fulton's about 2, going to Tenby late this evening. Walk with HJM and dine in Haymarket. I write to Charles, Woolwich. Walk with HJM late to Tottenham Court Road and round to Great Portland Street. Buy some tea there. Buy a box in Swallow St and at home all evening after tea at figures and packing up to be off tomorrow.

May 1855

1st (Tuesday)

Leave London, Fulton's 34 Maddox Street, about 9.00. Miss the express to Frome to catch the Sherborne coach by 3 minutes owing to an obstinate cab man. Compelled to go round by mail train, Bristol and Yeovil, makes a few shillings extra only, many miles difference but not much difference in time. Ought to have arrived via Frome and Wincanton about 5.00, actually arrive 6.30 in the bus, bitterly cold on the box. No grass, no vegetation, most backward season. Find all well at home and happy, glad to see me after a fortnight's absence exactly.

2nd

Another cold morning, fine and sunny, unpack and put things in order, trunks, papers accounts etc. Write to HJM at Fulton's ditto WM Uckfield as to Palmer & Francis account etc. Call on Mrs James, go to bank, draft self £20, pay Mees, pay Miles, see Harry James. Enquire of Mr & Mrs Morris. Mrs Ball calls, a long visit. Emma has tea there. Look to new Chandler garden ground and call on Mr Henning in garden. Very very cold at night fall, hot in sun, wind cold. Eclipse of the moon this morning. Receive letter from Charles, Woolwich.

3rd

A beautiful morning, chilly, more like May, cold and windy with hot cloudless sun. About town and pay bills after attending a little to the garden etc. Walk with Captain, now Major, Hammond along Long St etc and home and out again with Mrs James and Carree to Dingleys. After dinner, walk with Carree to meet children at the wood to gather flowers, cowslips etc. Oppressed and tired, a blighty looking air like thunder coming, how cold, how windy. Glad to get to tea and the fire side. All glad to get to bed early, children tired. A visit in carriage, Mrs Serril? an old lady, to inquire for Ann Phillips as house maid. Very chatty and agreeable, invites us to Candel. Frank breaks 2 kitchen windows. Miss Palairet stays tea! Order ale at Woolingtons, 1 doz ½ pint.

4th

Still colder and more windy. Snow I hear on all the distant hills! Houndsell comes to garden, new house. A few things from Mr Stevens, oleander etc. Canary deserts her nest, nest destroyed. Mrs Welsh calls, Maj and Mrs Dawe. Piper tunes piano, says due before. Paid, today still unpaid. Water garden a little. Draft for £10 cash by Pollard and pay his bill. Pay washing Acraman, read Blackwood ... etc etc. Bitter cold day, water and attend hot bed going on very badly. Ag and Frank go to tea at Mrs Palairet's. Mrs Henning calls.

5th

The same cold windy dry weather. At home all day, read Club books, Art Union, Blackwood etc. Sow seeds, water garden etc. Houndsell half day, sows beans and kidney beans in hired garden. Walk late towards the Park, meet Carree, Mrs Fussell and all the Stevens. They accompany us to the gate, see his improved garden and take tea there. Mrs Henning calls late about a servant. Ann P goes to Mrs Ball's on Monday. Write letters late about Edward Woodward's death at Hampstead on the 2nd. Receive letters from Fred Woodward and Wm, about accounts all morning.

Sunday. Dry and cold, what a backward season. Sacrament, Mr Harston preaches in afternoon, annual sermon on Beauty and God's Bounty on Creation, very good. Am in Mr Fussell's pew, Mrs Ball in ours. Again in church 7 evening, Em and Ag. Mr Harston, Lot's wife etc. Sent letters on death of Edward Woodward to Henry, Edmund etc. Very tired for bed after helping Agnes, Scripture questions.

7th

The same cold, less cold, weather. Read Club books, go round with Carree, call on Mrs Goldsmith. Write condolatory letter to my Aunt Woodward on death of her son Edward W. Stroll about shops, Rowe paid and brushes bought by Carree. Meet Colonel & Mrs Richards, walk to the house, call on Ensor about Board of Health operations. Seems too ill to attend to it, say little. Wine and glasses on the table, I can't afford it, so says the Colonel. Shop and buy several little things and home to tea. Do not go to the Reading room, news I hear. Take Club books to Stevens. Tired and get home. (Margin note reads - Board of Health begin to invade our house, break ground in the street.)

8th

Rise early, 6.00. Read Sir B Brodie's Physo. Enquiries. The Board of Health invading the premises. Pray avoid the well, no. Here it is marked out and here it goes. Call on Ensor, not very well, to see to it and about water supply. Get no satisfaction, call on Stokes surveyor to call an Ensor. I call on Mr Melmoth to see if the Alms House Trust(?) will supply water, no, no remedy. Mr & Mrs Stevens. Call on Mrs Charlton to pay her accounts of school. She says she can't get her money in wealthy parties too! Go to the Reading room after seeing Mr Mee's garden, most forward. I have seen. Johnny not home to tea, we send after him, found at Fussells playing cards. Stay supper, B and cheese etc.

9th

The same dull chilly dry weather. Two men, Ensor's, under Sanitary Act, begin to work it out for this house. Break ground inside the gate, horrid work. 2 days on the road outside began Monday. Pay Cox and Robert's bills and arrange some papers. Ensor and Noakes come at 12 to inspect for drains and water. Mr Fussell accidentally calls, all agree in nuisance of the privy and in the difficulty of altering it, nothing decided but to leave things as they are and lay on water. What waste of money and how useless. Parties go over to Mrs Charlton's. Read Physological Enquiries, Sir B B's. Wet all evening, very mild rain. Am not out from the house and premises.

10th

Doubtful morning, inclined to rain. Up early, out early after breakfast to butchers and to the Reading room. No news of importance. Home again, write to Alfred, Cillardu, death of Edward Woodward and to William, London, gone to funeral. Out with Carree, Mrs Stevens' show room, Mrs Palairet and Mr Cozens, sick of bonnets. Home and write a long letter to Mr Melmoth about Sanitary Board, privy etc that Alms House should contribute. Deliver it to young Melmoth, his brother in London. Johnny and Arthur Langford and Glencross dine at Mrs James, we all go to tea there except Emma at tea at Mrs Birchin's or Berkin's, Cheap St. Fetch her home about 9.30. Rather wet, not much wet during day and not much warm. Rain done great good.

11th

Doubtful morning, Glass low. Sanitary drain in progress, green cut to pieces. Fussy wasted day, look at the new garden. Meet Col Richards, little coming up, some potatoes showing, not many. Call on Mr Henning, Mr Harston comes into the garden at my wish in regard to water supply, the alms house property. Will they assist in expense, most likely not. With Carree and the 2 Misses Ball to Mrs Stevens show rooms, pay her after inspecting the French Empress's bonnet, interesting amusement! Col and Mrs Richards and Mrs Blundell take tea with us and spend evening, music and conversation.

12th

A more summerlike day, wind still cold, northerly! still!! Out early to pay bills and see prints for sale at Mees. Go to Reading room and with Carree after dinner to call on Mrs Harper, out. Now stroll about to the dancing room etc. Mrs Palairet etc. All children with us. Sale of prints deferred, no bidders. Pay Mr Smith, order 1/- of rhubarb at Parsons. Drain nearly cut into the premises, Rendell calls about the water pipes in evening, water at few things and enter my diary. Had a little talk with Mr Goodden.

Sunday. Wet a.m., church time, thin congregation and a charity sermon for choir, singing. Mr Harston. Mr Fulton afternoon, Honourable Mr Byron in evening, all take different views, all tending to same end, all have collections, crowded congregation in evening. Stormy morning, very cold indeed all day. Spend supper time at Mrs J's having no fire at home!

14th

A much pleasanter day than yesterday. Wind north and cold again. Sunny and pleasant. At home all morning, finish Sir Ben Brodie's Physological Enquiries. Work in the garden, hot bed and potatoes and feed chickens. Transplant pots, tomatoes etc, some flowers etc. Read Illustrated. Carree shops with Mrs James, baby has inflamed eye again. Walk after 4 with Carree to Park mid-gate, meet Mr and Miss McCready by Mr Stevens. Meet and converse 1st time, he hates east and north wind, been long away. Late in evening at Rendell's and Melmoth's about Board of Health and water closet. Mr Melmoth not very well. Order beer at Whittles.

15th

Mrs Palairet was to have picnic in the wood today, wisely put off, sine die. Who suffers, who eats pies and tarts, who would not come?! Some disagreement no doubt. Read a little, attend to old Houndsell in the garden, Dig . .. cabbage, weed strawberries and send to hired garden. I am far from well, tho' I work in garden. Why do I suffer such constant pain in the back and loins? Never free and rise more tired and oppressed than at bedtime. Get out about 4 with Carree, Em and Ag, shop at Ensor's, parasol and glass, clothes etc. Stroll about not knowing what to do having no fixed purpose. Inclined to rain, threatens heavy, only some little, not enough to do good. Mrs Henning drops in after tea to chat and that's all. I am disinclined for anything.

16th

Very cold dull weather. Nothing grows well, far too cold for the season. Out early to the garden and to see Houndsell in hired garden to manage the whole for 10/- after today and I will give more if done well. Today he works 3/4 day, goes home. Wet, he says, but in fact it is Castleton Fair, he loves beer! In no humour to get out, read read read Edinburgh Review several articles. However, get out late to church with Carree, very few there, short sermon on the Ascension, Mr Harston. Tired, rain will do deal of good. Board of Health break into the back kitchen, tomorrow open drains.

17th

More summer like day, after rain of yesterday still tho' sun is hot, wind crisp. Go to church, Why not keep the Ascension like Christmas is asked from the pulpit, both by Mr Harston andby Mr Heale of Poynington who preaches. Never heard him before, do not dislike him, could not have supposed him so audible tho' I do not hear him well. Sacrament, few in church. Houndsell at work, fills drain, plants cabbage. Call with Carree (send card) to Mr Lion and go to the vestry about burial ground. Meet Carree at Mrs Palairet's and home by the Black Horse. Called in morning at Mr Stevens, see his garden. Get promise of celery plants and walk towards Park gate to meet Carree, Mrs Ball etc and baby, Em and Ag at church 7.00. Mr Hollingsted preaches.

18th

More summer-llike, house and front garden in awful mess with drains of Board of Health. Flags up, drains open, pipes wanted! Out in garden early picking out small celery plants, gift of Mr Stevens!! Ticklish job and troublesome work for 3 hours, 200? Attend about the drains to prevent unnecessary mischief and destruction. Carree and children get out, I remain at home till after tea and men gone. Pay Mr Pickering music master to Christmas.

19th

Glass high but it looks inclined to rain. Read Cambrian Review, walk early with Carree and baby by gate to Oborne etc, Ag with us. Gather wild flowers towards Mr Best's farm. After dinner, walk with Johnny to Mr Hoddinot's farm, Silver Lake to pay … for 2 cheeses, one left till after holidays. Rather rainy all the way, comes on by degrees, a thorough wet evening. Wear Mr H's coat back, glad to get it. Ordered barley meal of Bowring for chicks and meat of Sherring, Miller and Harry James fishing at the lake, no sport. Out on boat with John and see the last improvements in the farm buildings, how compact! Delightful rain.

Sunday. More genial weather, rain again. Mr Mason preaches and Mr Williams (master) in afternoon. Called in at Hoddinot to see his garden (get lettuces) and pigs, litter of Sooty's eleven! Read Cummings on Revelations and help Ag at Bible questions. Very cold without fire. Servants at church in evening so sit by kitchen fire and not unglad to get to bed.

21st

How cold again, how dull. What a mess with Board of Health, begin to make restoration of garden and flags!!! So destroyed hardly worthwhile. Receive letter from Cathe Uckfield, Carree writes to Charles, Woolwich, Fussell calls. Cave calls, pay him.

22nd

Old Houndsell at work in garden, work with him, build rough stones by bay tree and fill up after Board of Health work. Get excessively angry with Chapman the mason, talking of orders to bury refuse of drains etc in the garden all under crop. Defy him to do it and tell him to leave work undone. Walk with Mrs Palairet into the town, spend evening at Mrs Martins. Tea etc, Harstons, Mr Henning, Col and Mrs Richards, Col and Mrs Mathias etc. Carree comes out in new dress, gauzy brown and blue, very pretty.

23rd

Work all day with Houndsell in the garden, alter the entrance walk. Mrs Harper calls, very friendly. Plant box removed by drainage operations. A children's party about 3.00, a lot of ... Alice today 4 years old, her party. They don't do much mischief, upset a vase of flower seeds all a'growing, all vanished, and break a few bottles, damage … offered 2/6 by contract, not taken. Walk up late to Cox, carpenters, about the pump etc. Paid Hillary early in morning and analyse his and Bishop's (baker) bills. Tired and get to bed early. I am not cut out for a children's party. Johnny gets letter from Charles, Woolwich.

24th

Houndsell not here today nor tomorrow. More rainy night, though pleasant day, growing weather. Not over-warm, sun breaks out only in evening. Garden by the dung heap, hunt for worms and sow kidney beans. Weed etc till dinner time, leg of mutton, roast. Board of Health work men get out of premises and invade Worsley's. Mrs Charlton sends part of the school home, one ill with fever. Walk out with Agnes to enquire for coal Mees, Stokes about Rogers bill, go to his sale. Meet Mrs Henning there. Walk with Mrs Palairet, introduced her to Bishop the baker, a character, ever sober? She calls late on Carree, Mrs James calls and takes tea. Read Britannia and enter accounts, Miss Alford's marriage.

25th

More genial weather, everybody says what pleasant weather, more like summer etc. Work in garden, weed onions etc etc. Cox puts up water shoot from pump to the court etc. Carree has a work woman to make children's clothes etc. Walk out with Carree p.m., call on Major Hammond, out, and wander about without an object. Sharp's etc. Young Edmonds, Arthur etc Mr & Mrs Goldsmith's, Granny, Miss S and Mr Stevens to tea and supper, chatting and a little music. The boys have a whole holiday, Frank goes fishing with Harston to Silver Lake etc because Morris of Carmarthen has taken a 1st class at Oxford from Cowbridge and Sherborne schools under Harper.

26th

The first real hot summer day, tho' summer all at once, thermometer in greenhouse 70. About the garden, gather spinach etc, some for Henning and Mrs Babbington etc who, and her daughter, call on Major Hammond. I called on Mr Henning, see her, 4 of her children ill, mumps and fever. Houndsell ½ day, alters walk front garden, a very fatiguing day, so hot. Hen hatches, Mrs Henning's bantam eggs. Walk, Carree and all children to the east(?) up the Pinford Lane, gather flowers, home about 9.00 and then sow China asters sent by White.

Sandy. Sacrament, do not stay. Ill spent day altogether. Afternoon at school chapel to hear anthem sung, too loud. Can't hear Mr Williams sermon, too quick and too low, not in church in evening. Servants etc go. Summer weather, rain in evening.

28th

Summer-like weather, things grow now. Work in garden, weed and dig potatoes etc and get very hot doing one thing or another. At 3 with Carree to call on Major Hammond to see his garden, the 1st time of being in it. Very neat, get a few slips. Call on Mrs James after being at Ensor's shop, meet Mrs Fussell there. By a blue parasol, black border. Mr F gone to Yetminister, offered Carree ride. Johnny comes home unwell from school. Frank was unwell on Saturday. I read W Irving's Roost! Planted my slips and cuttings from Hammond, gets chilly this evening after hot fine day.

29th

Piper for piano tuned and May 4th paid now in full. Very cold again. Rise in good time, Read Washington Irving's Roost. Mrs James leaves early for Charmouth. 2nd Club procession ‘Union', walk with old Mr Highmore to Green Hill, the Rutherfords leaving Sherborne for good. Bank draft £10, soon gone. Enquire for coals and get a cart. Soon pay away all my money. Analyse accounts of May. Cold, Johnny ill again, not very! Carree has letter from Mrs Edmunds, Cowbridge. Mrs Charlton leaves for Cornwall. Pay Mr Fussell for butter at Christmas. Weed and work a little in garden and read a little, papers etc. Nothing eventful in this day, pleasant and nice weather, cooler in evening.

30th

Oh! How cold and how dull. Wind brisk north and northeast. Work in garden, weed onions etc. Read a little. Mr Harston's school fete in Humpty Dumpty field. Church first at 7.30, processions, banners, flowers, very gay. Far down in aisle of church, unable to hear a word of the sermon. Home again with Carree to get great coat and cloaks! Highly necessary, cold the only topic of conversation. 500 children at tea and cake, climbing … cars down inclined places, Montagu … racing in sacks and racing in speed. Brings all classes together and is very agreeable, tending to good and all passes off well. Entertainment and food for all of all degrees and ages, thousands there.

31st

How wretchely cold, north east wind, brisk and dull. Inclined to rain, does rain about 1.00 and for the evening. We are glad to have a fire. Get out early to enquire of Major Richards if hurt by me yesterday, no, all right. Go to butchers and pay Osmond seeds etc and analyse the month accounts. Meant to call on Mrs F Bennet late, Croft Kate! Went to Reading room, not been before for a long time. We have captured K … on Azov Sea. Lots of Russian ships burnt etc. Corn burnt etc etc. At home all evening, wet, read etc.

June 1855

1st (Friday)

How wretchedly cold. North east wind, brisk and dull, inclined to rain. Meant for yesterday, much the same today, what weather for June. Work in garden with cart, prop up currant bushes, roof bottle rack, hot bed etc. Old Houndsell at work, new manure in the evening to hot bed, he first clears out the old dung. Call with Carree on Mrs F Bennett, the bride to be, out. Wander about and do nothing. Went to the Reading room leaving Carree and Mrs Goldsmith at Mrs Fussell's. No particular news. No article on the war in the Times. Major Hammond and Mr Harston at rooms. Home, read Blackwood. young Hammond up to tea with Johnny this evening. Miss Palairet and Miss Wilmot with Emma, I read, they talk and riot.

2nd

Still very cold weather, luckily for I have to work in garden. Gather spinach and prepare ground and plant beetroot from Major Hammonds, a long morning's work. Weed and plant lettuce out and tie up flowers with bale and painted sticks sent from Cox's. Go to the hired garden with Major Richards, potatoes come up pretty regular yet not all up. Turnips a failure. Beet bad, kidney beans won't grow, ground very hungry. Save this am not from the house all day and not in the town at all events, no meat ordered. Stooping work in garden does not suit me, brings on pain in back of head and blindness. Tomorrow am quite unwell, avoid all meat, dine on vegetables and rhubarb pie. No cheese and naught else but bread and tea.

Sunday. Sacrament, Mr Frost and does all the duty and christening besides. Enough for one day and one man; about 66 communicants. Very cold and unpleasant, windy. At church also afternoon, sermon on the Trinity. Write to WM and post it with snapdragon plants. Walk into the Park with Carree, Em and Ag, a Miss Hoddinot and Miss Fussell join us. Early tea and read Cummings in evening etc etc. Comes on damp in evening and rain in night, contrary to my prediction.

4th

A fine mild sort of morning, seasonable. Receive letter from William, statement of accounts in full to sign, copy and return. Enter up washing book. All morning at WM's account, copy it and write to him. After dinner with Carree to see Major Rutherford's sale, furniture etc. Comes on wet, quite a wet evening and all night. Read Club books till late and forward them to Mr Stevens. I am not at all well, pains in back and great irregularity.

5th

Wet drizzly morning till evening, breaks off most beautifully, fine weather. Rain will do much good. Out early to enquire of Mr Horton's return, now in full orders, yes. Go to Sherring's, calf's head, and to pay some bills Stokes, Penny, Rogers. Read at the bank Times, account of Russian disaster in Sea of Azov, glorious news. Attend Major Rutherford's sale after dinner on Greenhill and afterwards late to the Reading room.

6th

Feel far from well but up early. Am very deaf, bad sign. Stomach, stomach, stomach! And nothing will do but physic but I'll try to do without. Work a little in garden tho' wet, thunder and lightning come on and heavy rain. Rain in earnest after dinner. Again at the sale, Greenhill, till tea-time. See the garden (very small) with Parsons the gardener. Home to tea. Go to the Reading room late in evening, no new news from Azov or Sebastopol.

7th

Beautiful summer day in contrast with what has preceded it. Get out early to see how we can fix a date to have Rev. Mr Horton to dine. Call on Mrs Goldsmith, go to the butcher etc. Mr Henning called very early to arrange about some bookshelves bought at the sale, wants to make an exchange, larger for my smaller while I prefer the latter he offers also what he calls a chiffonier! I a cupboard! He calls also on Mr Thorn for same purpose who takes time to consider. I go to the sale, pay and get things home by Houndsell, ¾ day, in early morning he is at the hired garden ... Arrange furniture and books. Houndsell removes ashes. Call on Masters, Williams and Pearce at school, secure them for Thursday next to dine. They secure Goldsmith and Horton. Call with Carree on Mr Palairet, Hammond there, and return to tea. Shop at Sherwoods, chymist, Norton pills and Ellis for scent. Home to tea, Em and Ag at Blundell's.

8th

Beautiful weather. Rise early and weed front of house and tie up flowers etc. Tiresome work, want to get it neat for next week. Can't get a man to come. Work hard in garden. almost all day. Transplant some seedling geraniums etc in hot bed, gather vegetables, spinach and broccoli etc.

9th

Fine weather, attend to the hot bed. My cucumber grows at last. Weed a little and neat up front. Children very useful about it, Agnes and Emma. Examination going on at the school, examiners arrive. Mrs James sends a letter about her return, mis-sent to Bridport, late in consequence. Answer it in the town in morning. About several things to grocers about pigeons, at Sherwoods and Ensors and the Angel. In evening, late, worked hard in the garden about broccoli. Cleared off and potatoes there, dig all the ground and get very hot. Gather first gooseberries for tomorrow.

Sunday. Very fine, late in rising, hurry to church. Mr Harston preaches, Jonah, journey to Tarsish to escape the presence of God! Mr Horton in the afternoon from the gospel of the day, turns generally on death, going the way of things of the earth. Servants go only in the evening. I hear an excellent sermon of Mr Harston's, take a walk with Carree and baby in Pinford Lane, too hot. Return and walk late again in the park. Call on Mr Henning, find him not well, take bread and cheese and beer and cucumber and get a scolding at home!

11th

Magnificent day, real hot summer. Old Houndsell after breakfast to kill a couple of fowls and cut grass with shears, rubbish of Board of Health prevents mowing and part of day at job potatoes on hired ground, now finished earthing up. Get out early to call on Mr Horton's father, Colonel H, to ask to dinner on 14th. He comes. We talk of Charles and the Army, by his advice write to Colonel York at Horse guards and to Gen. Love, Governor of Jersey. Keep copies. Carree writes to Mrs Morgan of Bristol about our going next week to Gower. I was at the Reading room a.m., Mamelon Tower, Sebastopol, taken by the French. Execute several errands at Mees about Mrs James return from Charmouth and Sharpe's about jelly, invite Mr Willias(sic) to dine 14th, he has today another son! Walk late with Carree and John to Cold Harbour road etc and home to bed.

12th

Agnes calls me from the Reading room to join Carree at Ensors and go to Rowe's etc about dish covers, saucepan etc 2 at 7/- each and ditto. Most beautiful hot day, real summer. Out early with Ag, many things to attend to about Thursday's dinner party. At chemists, at Hawkins with Carree for glass. Write to Mrs James, post the letter and she writes from Charmouth having written and fixing no day. School concert at 6.30 and tea and supper. Escort Carree and Miss Williamson, all goes off well, the examiners Mr Riddle and Dr Winton, Colonel Horton and Mr Harston there. Worked in the garden early in morning, dig after spinach for 2nd crop lettuce?

13th

A thorough wet pouring morning comes on at breakfast after heavy dull sunrise. Almost a thorough and very heavy wet day. Houndsell came early, begins weed, off after breakfast. Feed fowls etc, after 12 off with Carree and Mrs Martin (Johnny, to his shame, shot a swallow from his bedroom taking shelter from wet in the pear tree! Am sorry to see him so cruel) to the school prize distribution, a most dull affair, no speeches. (Mr Riddle can't speechify) How wet, sit and talk with Mr Pearce (master) in his study before meeting. Old Mr Highmore (warden) opens the business and announces the allotment of prizes. Very indistinct, Johnny's name not mentioned, none mentioned but the fortunate prize holders. None commended at heretofore, not a good plan, a stimulus does good and urges to further exertion. Not to get a prize is being good for nothing therefore?!

14th

Dull growing day, wet again after 4.00. Houndsell in garden weeds onions and errands etc. Out early with Agnes, Parsons for flowers. Called on Mrs J, go to Sharpe's, Stokes, Mees 1 gallon beer, Hawkin's, glass ordered and hired? Prepare for the party, wine etc for party dinner. Colonel Horrton and his son the curate, Mr & Mrs Goldsmith, Mr Williams and Mr Pearce masters of the school, Mrs Martin, Mr Williamson. All goes off very well, no accident but the lamp chimney flies, always something wrong with the lamp when Mrs Goldsmith is here, it had burnt right for months before. Was at the Reading room to see morning Times paper, no new news. Details and despatches in full. No time to read. Write to RH Gower that we go down next week (si pos). A man walking today from the Swan in Cheap street to Melborne Port and back, 3 miles in 12 hours to finish at 9.00. Music in evening, children sing etc.

15th

Another very showery morning and wet June, heavy storms. Am wonderfully well thanks to a Norton camomile pill before dinner yesterday. I ought to live by rule in seclusion. Boys go to school again as usual to keep them from harm for they will do no good, that's certain. Houndsell at work again, thins and weeds carrots and plants out lettuce. What have I been doing all day? A wet day, little to be accounted of it.

16th

Far from being a pleasant day, cold showery. Sun occasionally out, receive a letter from War Office, Charles refused a commission but by purchase, General York secretary. Call on Colonel Horton, he expresses surprise, I regret. Read the papers. Meet Major Dawe's son Charles, a fine healthy fellow, well grown. I am very deaf and can't enter into conversation. Out with Carree after dinner to call and post letters of hers, Dawe's, Fussel's. Meet Mr Davies, late master, Melmoth, Hammond, Richards, her sister Mrs Grey from Penaly, Tenby, there, lost her voice. Work a little in garden late, crop beans etc after calling on Mrs James. Read Illustrated.

Sunday. Dull and cold, write to Charles at Purfleet before breakfast, about military examination and send General York's letter (copy). Mr Horton at Haydon for Mr Henning ill. Harston does all the duty (Jonah, prototype of Our Saviour) p.m. Mr Horton does duty, Mr Harston at Haydon. We meet him in Penny's pony carriage in Park. Very cold. Servants later church in evening, Read Illustrated and spend Sunday poorly, very cold.

18th

Another wet drizzly day, more or less all day. Garden at hot bed, old Houndsell assists, plant out geraniums, Dublin's etc. Tomatoes in hot bed and take off the glass etc. Muddy and wet work. Mr Harston and his father called, a man named Palmer wrecked off Cape Clear, Ireland, and brought to Bridgwater, one of Compton near here. Empty the greenhouse and return Mrs James plants. Forgot to go to the Book Club meeting, stay at Sherborne almost purposely. Look over drawers and papers in the evening to take down some wanted there.

19th

A far more genial pleasant day. Houndsell here, wheels in new hot dung from Johnson's. Plants out celery, packs up bottles 4 dozen for Cave of Yeovil. I am working in garden till dinner time. Mrs James takes fowl with us. Write to Gower for Thursday, write to Bristol for tomorrow. Post the letters myself. Go to the bank, draft on Hoare for £25. Draw here 20. Pay Watt's butcher, he promises me a very pretty plant q an oxalis, a creeper bell shaped, flower scarlet, miniature plant in a pot to be trailed. Called at Hawkin's about paper to take down for room at Caie Forgan, Gower, sent … The Goldsmith's, 5, drop in and take tea, rather against my packing all to be done, not in bed till 12.00.

20th

Up again at 5.00, beautiful day. Hard at packing up till 10.00, bus calls, 12 packages. Keys found and corded etc etc. Carree and I, J and F and Em, Ag and Al and Eliz, Cooper goes home. House to be shut up. John, Frank and Em walk to Yeovil, saves money to pay for luggage. Leave Yeovil about 11.00a.m. not in Bristol Station till past 3, go to Hotwells and not at Mr Morgan's who walks up with me and J to Berkeley Square to dinner at 5.00. Miss Mary M comes to tea, J and F sleep at Hotwells. Houndsell up early in a.m. to be useful, give him some old clothes, know nothing of further work.

21st

Again splendid day, J and F up from Hotwells to breakfast at 8.00 at Mr Morgan's. Go with them to Hotwells and see them off by Lord Beresford steamer at 10 or half-past for Swansea. Mr Morgan took some good Colodian likenesses of them, Johnny very good. Walk into the city with Carree, Em and Ag. Lunch at 1 and go to zoological gardens with Carree, Ag and Al who all walk out at the wrong gate and can't get in again. Luckily had nearly seen all. Look over some book on the drawing-room table, know noone in Bristol or Clifton. Fine calm weather and hot enough. Mr and Miss Coulthurst call about her going to Gower.

22nd

Still calm fine weather. Resolve to go by sea. Mr Morgan again at the photographics, not quite successful, some of the group good, not all. Walk with Carree, Em and Ag to Clifton, Call on the Coulthurst's, arrange for tomorrow. Miss C goes by packet with us. Carree etc going to the Down. Follow and long before seeing them I had left them behind. We do meet, buy tea at        Tuckett's and go strolling home. A pleasant breeze on the downs, kite flying etc. To the Institution in evening with Mr M, no new news, rather a Crimean reverse.

23rd

Leave Bristol, Mr Morgan's 2 Berkeley Square, for Gower. Packet at 11.00 promising a.m., windy p.m. and consequently, as usual, very ill. Mumbles 7.30, land in boat, Townrow has no horses and carriage. Wait for bus … Mrs Townrow ... Miss Coulthurst next and goes to Penmaen. I am very ill as usual, not in Swansea till 10.30 or 11.00. Packet not yet in, wait for luggage, Elizabeth Lewis goes to get it and succeeds, how lucky, leave in a fly by Barnes and get to Caie Forgan about 2.00a.m. All discomfort, no-one up, no fire, nothing to be had but fortunately beds for all, self and Carree, Em, Ag and Alice and Eliz Lewis.

Sunday. 2.00a.m., go to bed. What a Sunday, no church, no prayers!!! In heathen Gower and fall into their ways. Have no meat and little food owing to mistakes yesterday! Sure consequence discomfort and expense. Walk to inspect garden etc, trees etc have grown, Masons work how bad. RH calls late and go with him and Llewellyn from Caswell over the farm, see cattle at Newton and old Mr Long. Crops so so, no clover, wheat thin, turnips not up, mangold weak. What a Sunday, hot.

25th

In Gower at Caie Forgan, trim up the garden drive, cut and hack shrubs by road. Many things dead, Morris helps cut and trim ivy by yard wall etc. Walked twice to Pwllybrag to see Lloyd, working at Nicholaston, he calls late. Go to the turnip field, Pwllybrag, does not work well, to be finished tomorrow. First sowing coming up, west side. Wrote hastily to Charles as to Colonel Love and as to cramming for the Army etc. Lucy sends twice from Penmaen about tomorrow. Old J Smith brings Illustrated. We have no candles and obliged to go to bed early. Carree has a fire.

26th

Most beautiful day after mild damp morning. Catching ponies on the common, usual Gower occupation. Johnny off to Penmaen, church reopened, a grand day. I write to Lucy to excuse us after 2 notes from her yesterday. See to winnowing up some wheat for bread. Enter my accounts. RH finishes sowing turnips in Pwllybrag and goes to sow at Caswell tomorrow. See more of the farm, Cillibion part etc. Water from the drain very good and clear, must be brought to the house some time or other. Trim up some of the garden with Morris, ivy etc, how overgrown.

27th

Very hot and fine. Carree and Emma with Moselle ride and walk to Penmaen. J and F and pony go late in evening to meet them, all ends well. Mr Morgan, Bristol, there. I am not well enough to go and decline. RH etc etc go to Caswell to sow turnips for some days. Mean to go up tomorrow. Cattle and sheep get into the wheat this evening, luckily I discover the latter in time. Some sheep to go to Caswell, all the better. Dr Justice calls, looking very well, his wife in Ireland.

28th

Very very hot day, cloudless. Meant to have gone to Caswell. RH there sowing turnips, I have put it off till tomorrow, unwell, erisypalis in face. Mr Morgan of Bristol coming over too from Penmaen. He, EKJ, Miss Coulthurst and Wm Goldsmith, they lunch, we dine, all pretty good and plentiful, fish and mutton. Gather sorrell, else no vegetables. All walk and ride to the village church, unroofed, to be repaired. Batcock and his mill dam - cut into the yard, deep hole, has promised to put all right, soon. We are papering the parlour, Lloyd tears down old paper etc and jobs, cut down sycamore in front. Prepare paper for tomorrow. Walk late in cool.

29th

Hot but less sultry, wind brisk easterly. Meant to go with children to Caswell. RH there. Papering the parlour, green paper. Lloyd helps, he put up a.m. poles for prop of oak and rose, arbour front of house by hedge. I am quite unwell, erisypalis in the eyes, as usual burning hot dry and itchy, most irritating. Sleep on the sofa, tired weary, no appetite. Norton's pills of little use. Want physic and must get Mr Morgan's prescription made up. Write to EM, Tenby. J, F and Em ride to post and get mangle rope, what numbers of things are lost again in the house, fearful little down in papering the room. Lightning this evening threatens rain, glass falls.

30th

A kind of foggy wet day and close, all right for turnips and green crops and late grass. No hay that I have heard yet, thought of so late. I am quite unwell and fearfully ugly with erisypalis and most uncomfortable. Am not from the house all day. W Lloyd and Morris papering the room, bad work men. No eyes to see, no hands to obey, no heads to comprehend! However tis mostly bungled through, no sending to Swansea. The cuckoo seems to have ceased 2 days ago, all cookoo cookoo (sic). Read Cambrian.

July 1855

1st (Sunday)

Another dull day and some rain, I am still very unwell, very. Not out of the house again. Carree and children go to the school church in the afternoon and come back laughing at the ridiculous manner of the curate Matthews. They walk out in evening, I sleep on the sofa etc etc and try to read some proper book. They get rather wet returning from church.

(Margin note reads – Lord Raglan dead on … in Crimea. Cholera! Great loss.)

2nd

Another damp day and warm does great good, breaks off in the evening. Swansea fair, wool, cattle, ponies etc. I am rather better but little, unfit for anything, finish the paper of room. Read Illustrated, Captain Lyon dead of the Miranda, great loss. Stroll out a little in evening with Carree, we separate, she with Johnny, I to see turnip field and mangold. These grow fast, those coming up. Read Illustrated, stroll late in cool. Children and Carree practise singing. My head won't bear it so get out. RH comes late, gives good account of the fair and reports Lord Raglan's death.

3rd

A very fine day indeed, hot and RH pays me £20 for rent etc and gives me 30 to pay Mr Talbot in Swansea, bank tomorrow, and goes again to Caswell about turnips. I and F ride to Penmaen, back late. The Goldsmiths are come down again. Welbey at Penmaen, the cook gone, no cook, no nurse there. Finish Illustrated, double number, full of interest. Write to Mr Collins. Lawn mown by Morris, cut and trim a few things. Walk with Carree and Em and Ag to the village school, call at Penralt and Nelly Grant and old Mrs Harry, nearly quite blind, in good spirits. Return by common, help at the lawn in evening etc and write last thing. Take my physic, am better.

4th

Splendid weather, start 3 hours later than proposed and settled to go to Swansea. HJM's mare, young mare, not to be found; when found, no shoes. Morris to drive, we get down Llythrid Hill nearly, she kicks and breaks splashboard, britching got wrong. Carree and Emma walk back, turn horse's head and Morris drives me for practice to take the shine out of her to Reynoldston. Post letters and paper, nothing to read. Called on Dr Justice, at home. To try the mare fully, drive to Penmaen. Dined there, see the improvements of the church, very great indeed, very good. I quite approve of it, tis well done. See the green cross, Morris gets nothing! Why so? Children ride over on ponies to look after me. Mare went well, no fault, no vice, return safe tho' George Harry lay asleep by the roadside. I rowed him. Home to tea all safe, read the Times. Read that Sebastopol is taken, not true.

5th

Splendid weather, fixed to go to Caswell, ride with J and F, all altered. To Penmaen sands and bathe. Horse to be taken from the plough, Furzeland Meadow! HJM's old mare popt into spring car and 3 ponies, Moselle, Gill and Express. Carree, I and J, Em, Ag, Al and F, Eliz and Morris. Eggs boiled, lettuce cut etc before we can start. Mr Dunkin calls about the church, now under repair, and wishes to have things done properly. How is it to be managed? That's the question. Oh! That he called 10 minutes sooner to save an imposition. Beggars, injured in Mr Dunkin's colliery, name Jones, had been at Mr Dunkin's under another pretence. Call on return from sands at the rectory. Lucy only and Goldsmid nieces there, rest at Sketty. Home to tea. Top of hill, riding, old Hannah as usual has nothing ready, all found as left a.m. RH returns from Caswell, all hands. Deprived of my intended ride to Caswell. All hands back last night.

6th

Splendid fine weather, too fine and dry in fact. Llewellyn and RH about Caie Forgan arranging to send cattle and old Rosy? to Caswell. Some wheat thrashed and winnowed. RH thinks to go to Swansea tomorrow. Morris cleans up the lawn, I trim a little etc and talk with RH. Mr Goldsmid and his son call, most friendly, from Eleanor's cottage. Takes lunch at our dinner, rather a spare one, no meat to be had, a bass fish etc. At 3.00, drive Carree, Em and Ag to call at Ilston and on Mr & Mrs Smith, late from Yorkshire, formerly of Essex. Known to Cousin Phil, dit the oracle. He high church, she I should think not, but ugly, plain and pleasant. HJM's old mare goes very well. Pincher with us. Stroll around Crickton late, Wheat coming into ear! …

7th

Beautiful hot calm day. Carree, I and Emma driven by Morris in HJM's dog cart and his large young bay mare to Swansea. Roads to the fifth mile stone most execrable. Mare goes beautifully and brings back a heavy load of goods, cart full, all safe. No vice in the mare, no accident. Home to tea, call and see old Mrs Collins at Rutland House. Mrs Howell and Miss Stokes there. Shopping the order of the day, at George's and at Richmond's and Austey's. Wine at Clarke's, 3 port, 3 sherry, 6 porter, 1 brandy 1 gall gin. Jar returned. Home to tea 8.00. Receive letters at home SW Rail and Cambrian. RH not in Swansea, send small hamper home of wine etc by Mrs Lloyd. Hay making begun at last about Swansea.

Sunday. Fine a.m. Walk with Frank to Penmaen Church, footway. Church enlarged, good effect, too large for requirements, poor congregation. Same as Nicholaston. Mr Goldsmith there. Thundery effect comes on heavy rain. Dine there, did not intend. Frank treated as cipher amid Goldsmith's and Miss Holland! Holds up, start back, wet again. Get soaked by Walterston Corner, change all when home. Johnny very unwell, feverish, effect of bathing. Read the Cambrian after tea.

9th

Rather a dull morning, some rain, proves fine enough to ride out to call at Goldsmith's. I ride Moselle, Carree on Jenny, Frank on the Penrice pony Express dit Charlie. Call on Mr & Mrs Goldsmith at Eleanor's cottage, Nicholaston. They insist on our dining there at 2.00, nolens volens, so we do, in defiance of Carree's resolutions au contraire. EKJ there goes home and asks us to go there, decline. Meant to call on Mrs Blencowe, out, at Perrys Wood, away, give that up and return to dine at 4.00. Wrote several notes and letters sent by J Smith a.m., Mr Beor to Richmond and about the door to Mr Dunkin and the Rev. Mr Jones and about railway, 20 guaranted shares. F Saunders, vouchers received etc. Have a fire for Johnny, go to Lloyd's and engage him for tomorrow.

10th

A beautiful day, rain done great good. Lloyd carpenter here, makes a ladder, 13 rounds. Catch RH, not seen him since Friday, been unwell or works for himself. Go round the farm, 4 acres etc, to see as to grass for cows etc, carting manure for turnips to Furzeland Meadow. Look at hay grass on hill etc, not a bad crop etc and lop trees. Morris and Lloyd help to quite late, give him tea. J Grant calls, I pay him his old account in full of all demand, God be praised, may I get through the world honestly. Work late, walk late to get cool again. Sent Morris early to Mr Jones of Bison to come tomorrow, not today, to see church.

11th

A fine day, arranged to go and inspect the church now under repair or imitation. Garden a bit, lop trees etc. Expect Mr Penson and EKJ from Penmaen to see the church. They come at luncheon time and Mr Dunkin and the curate Matthews. Meet at Caie Forgan, inspect the whole fabric, measure and make discoveries. Not done till nearly 6.00, no one returns to dine but Mr Jones of Bison and his son … he is rural Dean and invited to take cognisance. Goes home late. Mr Penson an architect? A pleasant, agreeable, amiable man. Tired with my day. A good deal of talk about Stinking Well, Mr Pugh uses the water and praises it, I order some up by Francis Thomas.

12th

Very fine day, arranged and accomplished to ride to Caswell with RH and Frank on Tally, Moselle and Express by Cartersford and Mr Jones. Call there to say we dine there, 5.00 fixed as hour. Walk over all Caswell, turnips coming up pretty well, crops altogether not bad. Land not clean, coltsfoot abounds and cooch. Colts, Rosy, cattle and sheep just sent up. Walk to Mr Jones, horses meet us there ar 8.00. Mr Jones has enlarged and greatly improved his house, a new drawing room, a very good room etc. Enlarged and vastly improved, a new drive in and many various and splendid roses. How Jones is changed, Mrs J and Miss Secretan, the son S gone to Norfolk, Bodney near Cressingham where EKJ was ordained. F Jones also got a tithe there with Mr Philpots.

13th

Very doubtful day, warm and calm. Not a fine one for pleasure, good for turnips. Cut and lop trees in garden with Johnny, first day to gather peas. Gather strawberries with Emma, all confusion after early dinner. Morris late to carry out Carree's plan with car to meet the Goldsmith's at the top of the hill from Nicholaston cottage. Starts at 3 instead of 2.00 because our cook is an hour or more after time. So much for punctuality! They are caught in a thunder shower in consequence and get wet. Ponies also sent and Johnny and Frank get wet. They are good-natured and good people and pass it off in good humour. Mr & Mrs G, a nurse and 5 children and Miss Coulthurst. Send them back in car before dark, an unfortunate evening to fix on, might be worse! All's well ends well.

14th

Doubtful sort of morning, proves a fine day. Glass falling early a.m. rises before noon. Drive inHJM's dog cart, Morris drives with Johnny to Swansea, John dines with Moggridge. I get nothing till return home 7.30. Shop at Edmonds alias George's, Clarke for brandy 1 bottle, Richmond about blinds etc. HJM arrives by train before 3.00. RH sells wheat and oats at 4/- and 4/-. Home at 7.30 to tea and cold beef. HJM just returned from Holland. Baby I find ill, Frank ill, better. Wrote to WM Uckfield at Mr Beors.

Sunday. At evening duty at the school room, very full, very hot. Mr Matthews, what a burlesque of a clergymen. No rain on St Swithin in Gower! HJM here.

16th

W Lloyd at work about windows and mend steps for the house. All day about helping Lloyd etc and to see he does work properly, very stupid.

17th

A very fine day, glass low but rising. W Lloyd ½ day, mends gate and doors. HJM drives me, Carree and Morris with the old man to Swansea. Does her work wonderfully. We call and lunch at Dr Howells. Mrs Collins has left, gone to Bishopston. We get in late 1.00. Pay subscription Christian Knowledge Society and books out in full.

18th

Hot, very fine weather, doubtful for hay but it proves a fine day. Drive pony carriage and boys ride to Penmaen to call on Mr and Mrs Bradley. Meet them on the hill and call at the cottage on the Coulthursts, see Miss Trivet only, dine at 4.00.

19th

HJM drives Johnny and Frank to Swansea. I am at home, we talk about hay making, men prepare and cut the rubbish from the Lower Field etc. RH thrashed the last of the wheat in the barn. One more rick still out.

20th

Begin to cut hay, Crickton Hill, 7 men. About home all today, weather fine, glass rising, not low and appears likely to be very fine, how deceiving! Nothing particular happens, time idled away. I am far from well, full of pains, gout or rheumatism, must bear it. Cut the overhanging boughs and twigs from the path of the new plantation to Pwllybrag. Mr Bradley calls with little Willey Goldsmith. Walk part of way to Walterston with him back after tea.

21st

Henry drives to Swansea with Morris and brings Edmund back. RH is in Swansea, sells an ox 15/ £ and takes wheat? Hay making, dull weather for it, sea fog, worse towards evening. Find hay negkected and get it into cocks late, Upper Field cut, all done. Begun yesterday Crickton Hill. Am about home and not over well all day. Help at hay.

Sunday. Another foggy day and some intermittent drops of rain, strange day for time of year. Go with Emma, Ag and John to Llanrhidian School Church. Mr Phillips does duty in a way and makes a speech on the occasion of the impropriety of the church service in an unholy place, so gives a long extempore prayer! One only and the Lord's prayer. Read 1 chapter of Proverbs and preaches extempore on Righteousness, no chapter from the New Testament , total ¾ hour service!! Very disgraceful! Drive pony car and HJM's dog cart for 6.30 service at Penmaen, 7 of us. Lucy much better. Mr Goldsmith there. Home to tea at 9.30. We foretell a fine day tomorrow, foggy now.

23rd

An unexpected wet mild morning, glass falling again from fair, very odd weather. Write to Frank who is to be in Swansea 31st or thereabouts and come to Gower. HJM again goes to Swansea with Johnny and Frank to see Sharpe etc and fit up his house in Picton Place. I am, we are, about home all day. Wheel stones on the common for well to continue terrace etc and fuss about trifles etc.

24th

RH goes by Penmaen to Caswell and meets by chance HJM, Mr Beor, Sharpe etc about some alterations etc. A doubtful morning, proves a good day. EM leaves early for Tenby. We are all up at 6.00 or before, Johnny goes with his uncle to Tenby, what use in disturbing the house so early, no breakfast. They take breakfast at Mr Beor's and take train late 4 p.m.!!!! I did not disturb the hay, I wish I had. Turnip hoeing almost equally important. They are home from Swansea very late. J Smith begins to break stones on the new drive.

25th

A good deal done about hay today, a fine day tho' RH was inclined not touch it, heavy dew and no wind, but I persuade him he is wrong and he goes at it. HJM and Morris again in Swansea, start in the evening and bring home two carriages, two horses and a bulldog. We drive the pony, Carree, I, Em and Ag to Oxwich to call on Mr & Mrs Lloyd. What pigs, garden a wilderness, stable yard all grass, stinginess prevails rampant with Mrs L who is a French governess. A Miss Archer from Clifton staying there, what must she think of it. We stay tea, what tea.

26th

Very doubtful foggy sort of morning and the glass low but little inclined to rise. Breaks off and is very good hay making day, wind and son makes fast. Begin to carry late in the afternoon instead of securing all that is abroad. Rain stopped progress, I should have secured, not carried and made large cocks. About hay fields and helping all morning. Carree joins us and we walk by Crickton to look at the wheat, a good crop at Copton but not regular, from poor to very good. Morris plants celery and helps me open the new drive to proper width, cutting away a thorn etc. Mr Hancorne calls in evening and stays tea. Has a beautiful fine Newfoundland dog and a very poor horse. J Smith breaks stones 2nd day.

27th

Again a foggy, still, rainy morning, very bad for hay, already to carry. Rain, small still rain. Very wild, much wind, little sun and some rain but a day to work hay and get it into cock luckily. Heavy rain about dark. Open the new drive to proper width at garden entrance of it. Remove a large thorn, cut down earth, plant laurel etc. Help at hay. Receive letter about poor Mrs Edmondes subscriptions solicited. Frank expected here on Wednesday, letters from Charles, Essex, John, Tenby, all wet. Prepare for Swansea tomorrow. Walk late with HJM and RH to Crickton Top. Wrote to Mrs James, Sherborne.

28th

We all go to Swansea, very fine. RH in White Chapel of HJM drives Eliz and baby, Ag and Frank with Lion and beats HJM's old mare in the dog cart out and out. What horrid roads. We dine in Picton Place, Sharpe there and take tea with Mrs Collins in Rutland Place and home very late. A long dispute at Davies the painter with Crimp and his bill for Cae Forgan new plastered. B… meet at Moulding's. at Evans, at Edwards none paid for hindquarter at former, leg at last and beef … at Evans. Carree shops at Richmond's etc and meets there Mrs Moggridge.

Sunday. Very fine again, how fortunate. Drive Jenny in pony gig to Penmaen by 7.30 to church. Carree and Frank, Mr & Mrs Goldsmith there. Lunch there and home by Walterston flat to dine at 5.00. Hear Stevenson is to leave Penrice farm for overreaching. Spend evening in idleness and badly. Children were at afternoon duty at the school.

30th

Glass falls again, very dull a.m. proves a thorough wet day. We are engaged to spend day at Bishopston, Mrs Hancorne's, and to go to Caswell. Start when all is arranged about 11.00 for that purpose, it just begins to rain, gets worse at Pengwern Moor, we return and retrace our steps home. Leicester mare in HJM's White Chapel, Frank riding on Moselle. A lucky determination. Meet HJM driving into Swansea just started. Walked before starting with RH to turnip field and to consult about hay, all in cock luckily. Fit to carry, this is a settler! Get a cold dinner and all things ill done, black pleas, stinking cabbage, sour black C pie. Read Cambrian and condole about the Clements. RH goes in evening to Caswell and stops. J Richards of Blaenkedi calls and pays rent to last Michaelmas. 2 oxen out and property tax out, nearly £10.

31st

A dull dubious morning, a little rain fortunately breaks off with strong wind and sun. Did not know that RH was at Caswell. Midday get out to see about hay, order it all opened from cock, luckily becomes fit to carry in Upper field. RH returns, all got in and promises fair to save the rest tomorrow. Drive pony car and children (F on Moselle) to tea at the Goldsmith's by engagement. Find them all gone to tea at the rectory So as yesterday turn back again. Old J Smith ½ day breaks stones in garden, new drive. Frank Morgan to arrive in Swansea and go to HJM's in Picton Place.

August 1855

1st (Wednesday)

An awfully wet day for the time of year, much hay out, mine spoiling. Fully expected yesterday to carry. Today up and off by 6.00 to Crickton Hill, wind east, dull and doubtful. Very bad work before breakfast, at new road garden and cut and trim plantations at intervals. Wet in evening. Expect Frank Morgan, does not come. Johnny returns from Tenby about 6.00. Frank was sent to Cross Inn for him, uselessly, Frank M fears the Welsh weather. Read Illustrated, am very tired and sleepy - being late after walking after 10 with Carree and Em and Ag by finger post up the turnpike road. Dull and cold, what a season!!!

2nd

A good deal of rain again holds up in part. Old Smith comes to break stones, help at ditto and work on the new drive up. Hourly expecting Frank M. does not arrive till 6.00 dinner, excuse ‘HJM thinks nothing of time'. We dine a little before 7.00, all passes of very pleasantly.

3rd

Frank Morgan with us, doubtful how long he stays and what his plans. He is planning to return to Swansea today and go to Carmarthen tomorrow. Drive to look at the old church, half ruins. Lunch and drive over the hill. Cold and windy and dull, no day for distant views to Penmaen. Frank and HJM to Swansea to see new and avoid our old horrible road to Swansea. Good bye, short visit and satisfy(ing) we go to the rectory, having pony carriages. EKJ and Mr Goldsmid gone to Swansea. Wait and wait for tea, resolve to go home. They arrive and we go , just in time to avoid rain. Dark. Had a game of romps with the children in the morning.

4th

A dull doubtful morning, proves a very fine day. Wind gets up brisk from south west throws hay abroad on Crickton Hill and carry it, how fortunate. Johnny goes to Swansea with Morris to fetch HJM. After working at hay at intervals all day rose early and get out to see RH and consult about the day, agree to risk hay abroad from cock. Walk before tea with Carree towards Cillibion expecting to meet the dog cart from Swansea, no, they return late.

Sunday. Again a very fine day, Carree and I drive. Drive HJM's horse and White Chapel to Penmaen Church, rather too late. Set her down at the church. Drove over the hill, beautiful sight of vessels going out of the Mumbles, count 84 studding the channel like bees. Take the horse out myself and find it shifted to the stall on return from church, why? Drive Mr & Mrs Goldsmid to Nicholaston and return over the hill. They leave Gower tomorrow. Walked with HJM to Penralt after dinner and go with RH and Mr Gordon to brick yard and the Common Farm and over Crickton to tea late. Two Batcocks in limbo. (Margin note reads - both Batcocks in charge of police for stealing sheep. Apprehended today and taken to Swansea)

6th

Another wet morning from the east. Quite unexpectedly awfully wet. Held up a little, thought to and ready to go to Caswell. HJM, self and RH prevented by a deluge. Secure hay rick with straw, men get drenched. Give them hot gin and water and stay at home. Write a hasty letter to Sherborne to Mrs J. Boys return tomorrow or Wednesday. Settle accounts with Johnny. Read Cambrian and Illustrated. Stroll around for 20 minutes at twilight. Rain ceased a little. Pick up a new garden mat in the Upper Field near gate, dropped by Sharpe who went to Swansea on a fool's errand about a cart. Did nothing and returned wet through.

7th

Off about 6.00a.m. in White Chapel and dog cart with HJM and Morris (and RH with John and F and Pincher) for train for Cardiff and Bristol and Sherborne. Dull heavy morning, glass falling. Breakfast in Picton Place and see HJM's pictures. Attend police court at 11.00 and not out till near 4.00. Mr Davis and Moggridge hearing case against Batcock brothers for killing sheep from the marsh. George Harris for Gwynne and WT Thomas give capital evidence, slaughtered at midnight on Saturday! Police down on Sunday morning, they are watched all night through the mill wheel at risk of life. Ears cut off and cut in bits. Found in the mill stream, three sheep, remanded only. Dine and drive to Caswell. Oh! What rain on Clyne Common. Late and dark by Kittle Hill and Cartersford, tired, supper and go to bed. Sharpe at Caswell.

8th

Still and again a damp and rainy day all morning, cloudy and dull, some sun after midday. Fine setting sun, good promise of tomorrow. Do a little to the new drive up with stones. After dinner, drive pony to Ilston, Carree and 3 daughters. Heavy load, bad roads under some repair. Call on Mr and Mrs Smith, Miss S for 1st time, a lady-like person. One boy also of Christchurch there. Make appointment for the juveniles to spend Monday with us.

9th

Better weather, better promise of new moon. Ride with RH to meet Sharpe at Caswell. Measure ground for barn, stables and shed etc. Take tea etc at Mrs Hancornes. What is HJM doing today? Go by Penmaen to see EKJ's field, Morris Hill. Return after going over farm etc by Fairwood Common etc, home by about dark. Bison, Mr Jones School, tea party etc not without rain? Old Smith does part of a day's work on new road, breaking stones.

10th

Early to Swansea with HJM and young mare'; a hazardous experiment with a careless driver to breakfast at Mr Moggridge's at 9.00. Mare kicks there, carelessness of reins, accident 1st. Drive to late Mr Miers sale Guy's, Penlwch, and back. No accident on the road notwithstanding crossing rails etc. A pretty country, beautiful valley, bid for nothing. Hay sells well. Nothing to be got to eat or drink, fast too long. Dine about 7 at Mr Beor's, Mr Roberts there and Mr Gilbert curate of St. Mary's. Accident 2nd nigh to being fatal to man and horse, taking out of harness she kicks and bolts, breaks a cart or two and escapes unhurt. How fortunate! All carelessness. Sleep in Picton Place.

11th

Rise early and am very faint and unwell. Persevere and get to Aberdare notwithstanding very ill. Take a return ticket. Can hardly walk to Mr Roberts and can only take tea after effervescent draft. Walk to Gadlys(?) iron works and to Henry Williams lodging. What a humbug rascal to say he can show me a receipt for money paid on my accounts. Get no money from Williams the accountant at the works. The Forester's club day, light green dress. Just nick the return train on the move, detained 3/4 or more at Hirwaun station, some bridge broken but gets still to Swansea in time. Home late because HJM sends by RH (in with Caswell mutton) another horse, young mare kicked last night. Home late, HJM a shocking driver.

Sunday. At afternoon duty at school room, crammed. What a performance, Mr Matthews. Stroll all of us late with RH to Mrs Lloyd's field to see a pony etc. Very chilly, almost cold. Sleepy and unwell, discharge quantities of blood not unusual but more than common. Quite ill with it.

13th

Very fine weather indeed. The Smiths of Ilston, the children with Mr S of near Derby, a clergymen knows the Sitwells. Spend day with us by appointment. Emma and Ag sad mistake, drive to Ilston to meet them, miss them! Come home with pony cart broken and sadly put us out. How to get to Arthur's Stone, fail after two attempts, no go. EKJ and Miss Coulthurst and Miss Trivet call and take tea, we all walk to Cil Ivor Top. Exquisite evening. Drive them part of way home on Pengwern and home alone by dark, a wearisome day. Put horses and pony in harness 3 times. No servant about the stables, HJM busy at hay and corn. Plan settled for Worms Head on 16th and settled to go to Bristol 18th!!!!!

14th

Splendid weather, HJM about hay at Common, Carrees. Drive early to Penmaen, pony car after hard job to mend it, spring broken. Write at Penmaen to Wm. Read Cambrian and to Mr Pensor about the church. Meet Mr Cook, rector of Trinity, at dinner and walk with him and EKJ to the ford for the Mumbles. Meet Williams of Cambrian office and Walters etc, a pick nick. Spend evening at Penmaen, walk over farm, get very tired, fagged, no strength. Meant to return with Carree and leave children (…) Carree stays too. Resolved to come home with HJM who came to tea. Borrow saddle to return home by Nicholaston and Hill, home by 11.00, fine starlight night. Miss Coulthurst at the rectory. Tudor's birthday, 4 years old. (Margin note – Mr Tudor James 4 yrs old)

15th

Splendid weather. At home alone with HJM Swansea fair, RH for lambs wool and HJM on White Chapel and Lion. Left at home alone, Carree and children at Penmaen. Ride Moselle, after chopping trees, to Stafell Haegr to see George Dix about rent etc. Morris goes to hay at the Common. Boy Dick sent to Penmaen with pony and return saddle etc. Home to dine and enter accounts etc. The Penmaen party not returned home till tea-time. RH and HJM return afterwards middling late from Swansea fair, giving a rather poor account of it. Lambs wool about 14 ½ d lb.

16th

Very fine indeed still, up early and work at stones new drive up. Old J Smith comes up, show him how to procure stone to break. Get very hot. All the young Smiths of Ilston by appointment come over to go to the Worm's Head. What a business, we start at 10.30 in Irish car, mare Leicester and HJM in Whitechapel, 4 Smiths, Carree, HJM and self, Emma and Ag, total 9 of us, all to the Worm's Head but Carree, I and the Bluecoat boy. All get there but HJM. Dine on the cliff and enjoy the lake of a sea. Buy crabs and lobsters of two men and get some gossip etc. Start late to return because juveniles will get away to the sands. Not home to tea till dusk near 9.00. Send the Smiths on route home to Pengwern in pony carriage by Smith. James Smith sleeps on the sofa. No accident, a great fact to record. Cart mare Leicester goes beautifully.

17th

Most wonderful hot day, quite overpowering. How fortunate for corn and vegetation, all very backward. Rise at 6.00 and work a little at road, wheel stones for old J Smith, new drive up. Young James Smith of Ilston slept here on sofa. After breakfast walk with RH over Crickton and to Newton and Nelly Williams hay field etc. He unwell and goes home and I return oppressed with heat and fatigue. Henry Morris gives notice to his master, HJM, of his intended marriage to Francis Thomas' daughter, now what is to be done, I have a poor opinion of him. Tea on the lawn, crabs etc. Drive pony late with Carree, Em and Ag to village. Mary Thomas, Stenner, old Mrs Harry etc. At accounts with RH and HJM. Receive off former £5, enter accounts late. All my packing to do and to be off. Carree's boil very bad, left hand.

18th

Leave Gower at 7.00 or half-past for packet in HJM's dog cart and White Chapel and car of luggage. Old Captain Davies in Princess Royal, doubt to go by packet or rail, Chepstow or Cardiff. Risk it from Swansea, wind east just in time, wind about to change. Get up, not ill, rough in Cardiff road, wind strong and inclined to rain. Weather changing, see a little corn cut between Bridgend and Cardiff, the first I have seen. Emma loses her parasol by a puff of wind! At 2 Berkeley Square by 8.00 to tea. I walk up over Brandon Hill.

Sunday. In Bristol, threatens rain and very high wind, westerly on Brandon Hill. How lucky we were yesterday, just in time by packet. Go to the Blind Asylum, very good sermon on faith by Mr Faithful. Dine early, children go to the afternoon cathedral service, we with Mr M to St George's church. Mr Hopper in Ireland, a curate does the duty. Preaches extempore, odd manner. Caught in rain returning. A good deal of wet in night and I have only just cut clover hay at Caswell, a bad prospect!

20th

A very wet morning till past midday when it breaks off and fine all day after. Read Illustrated and Times. News from the Crimea good, battle on the field won, 2000 Russians killed, 2500 wounded and 500 prisoners. 37 offices hors de combat out of them. Write to HJM Swansea and to ditto p.m. to stop him forwarding me a box purposely left behind. Write to Post Office and about the Cambrian. Walk all of us at 3 to College Green and the Blind Asylum to hear singing, very good. After dinner drive with Mr Morgan to Shirehampton through Mr Miles park etc. Rich country, too wooded, fine pasture, fine crops, fine cattle. Wheat harvest just beginning and some fields cut. The Misses Morgans and Miss Winter at tea this evening. Carree has bad carbuncle on left hand, getting better. Hear from Charles, Purfleet, in debt, applies for £12! A great deal.

21st

A more beautiful morning, windy, cloudy, sunny. Would have gone back to Sherborne today, put off sine die. Photographs tried by Mr Morgan, partial success only. Write letters in morning to Charles, to Penmaen and return a letter to him from Charles. Carree and children drive in Mr Morgan's carriage to Durdham and Cooks Folly etc. I walk with Mrs Morgan and meet Miss Norman on Clifton down, how beautiful. Walk back with them, spend evening at home. Read papers, Crimean news etc. Mr Morgan had written to forbid our returning to Sherborne today, hence our still being in Bristol. The town excited by a horrid murder of a child near the black rock.

22nd

A fine day, a little misty rain at breakfast time. Walk with Carree and Miss Norman and Em and Ag up Corn Street etc and back and home with Miss Norman. Meet Mrs M at the Institution with Carree etc, go to see Mary, Mrs James old servant, in College Street. Miss N drives with Mr M to Shirehampton, I and Em walk to call on the Edwards, Cambridge Place, out of town and on to Durdham Down to see the scene of murder of child Matilda Payne under extraordinary and inexplicable circumstances. Discover the place it was found etc and hasten home late to dine at 5.00 by the river, zig-zag and Brandon Hill. The inquest in Bristol paper in evening, conjectures hitherto all vain and hopeless. What could be the motive?! Only 9 years old! Mr Morgan amuses us and the children with the magic lantern, a very good one, what a methodical and industrious man he is. Pay Thornes, 2 hats, John and Frank, that is 2nd for Frank in a very short time.

23rd

Bristol, a dull morning, Wind east almost calm. Photographs taken etc. Enter diary, Carree writes to Lucy. Pack up for Sherborne. Walk with Agnes to College Green etc. Dine at 2 Berkeley Square, Mr Morgan's, and leave 3.00 in his carriage and a cab for the station and Yeovil. I, Carree, Em, Ag and Al, Eliz Lewis, at Sherborne all safe by tea time 6.30. Tea at Mrs James, Newland. Lightning in frequent flashes and vivid and most heavy rain and thunder for a short time floods the streets and stopped drains. It was very close all morning. At Sherborne once again all well, all right. Ann Philip our old cook has left her place at Mrs Ball's and gone to Bristol today, going to Gower?

24th

Sherborne. Dull warm morning, some little rain, get out to see my hired garden after Mrs Henning has called. Potatoes seem much blighted. Other crops have come on wonderfully save cabbage. Meet Major or Colonel Richards and walk over his house taken of Mr Chandler. Unpack etc and set house a little in order, do a little in garden, very fruitful. Have a makeshift dinner, can't be found after feasting in Bristol. Walk into the town with Carree, Em, Ag and Al after dinner to seek butter etc, shop and Ensors and pay some trifle Sherwoods for Carree's hand (carbuncle). Mrs James takes tea with us, forget to offer supper, some but not much rain today, bad for my hay at Caswell, all cut. Have a short letter from Charles. I hear after, some hay carried.

25th

Glass up high again, fine morning, out early to garden and work all day. Gather currants for jelly and tarts etc. Draw onions etc and water greenhouse etc, feed fowls etc, am not out of the gate all day. Colonel Richards and Miss Grey called, the latter going away Monday. Mr McCrae calls, going away too. Read Cambrian, meant to go to butchers, a little rain after sunset prevents, n'importe. Write to RH, receive another letter from Charles. Hay carried at Caswell, I hear after.

Sunday. Very fine day, most seasonable. Mr Harston does all the duty a.m.(Jonah and the Gourd). Mr Horton preaches afternoon (The Pharisee and Publican). Walk into the Park, baby at church, choristers in surplices and sing well. Mr Pickering out of favour there. Call and talk at Mrs James in evening and go early to bed to rise early in the morning.

27th

A dull day, damp, almost rain. Misty. Rise at 6.00 to see Houndsell at work, garden and work before breakfast, etc. Take up potatoes, sow spinach, lettuce, cabbage, turnip by south wall and plant some small broccoli plants. Go to Sherrings, call with Em and Ag early about picnic on 29th. Go to the bank, buy seed etc and work in garden again and again call on Mrs Blundell who also calls on us. Walk at 4 with Mr Goldsmith and Mary G to Honeycomb Wood and towards Lillington about … picnic. Wet, meet farmer Harris. Carree makes currant jelly. Pay Harris property tax. Mr Henley dead, now his coach man dead. Am very tired this evening, hard day. Mrs Palairet, Miss Charton call.

28th

Rain wets the pavement though the sun rose fine. Proves a very fine day p.m., the glass rises again, had been falling. Read Illustrated, out early to town, Sherrings Mees and meet Emma and baby etc. Called at Mrs J about tomorrow and pic nic. Work in the garden, weed and at hot bed, tomato. Mr & Mrs Henning, Mrs Palairet call on Mrs J and Mrs J Hoddinot. Walk with Carree on Mrs Noble and Mrs Charlton at her new house in Abbey Street(Mrs Hillier's). Major and Mrs Hammond call. Parsons plants me 30 cabbage.

29th

Threatening thunder, very fine day. Glass high, whole holiday, the Bishops askin for in consequence a picnic. Boys, Arthur Longford, Glencroft, Moggridge, Palairet, Johnny and Frank and Williamson. Miss Palairet, Wilmot, Emma and Ag and 2 Goldsmith's and their pickle boy, Mr & Mrs Goldsmith, Mrs Palairet, Mrs James, Carree and I. Fix on the quarry (Sherrings) about Honeycomb. Drive to Lillington, Mr Chapman's, to borrow plates etc and get water etc. Hire Mees pony carriage and Winter's donkey waggon. He there and Mrs P's and Mr Goldsmith's maid. What quantities of nuts, never anything like it and an unusual load of gall apples on the oak, quite beautiful, gather a packet full to try experiments of ink etc. Dine and have tea and home before dark. I walk there and back, most of the party ride. Emma and Miss Wilmot walk there and back. No fatal catastrophes though some narrow escapes, no one hurt.

30th

Most beautiful seasonable day, garden all morning, sift and transplant geraniums etc etc all morning. Walk with Carree to make calls after dinner. Mrs James, Mrs Fussell, Mrs J Hoddinot, Mrs Fussell call on us. At a party, Major Dawe's at 8.00, a farewell party. I suppose he is leaving and his family for Weymouth etc. Mr Henry Turner from the Crimea invalided there, crippled with sciatica etc. How altered, once a fine man, how old and looking thin and ill. Not home till 12.00 after supper.

31st

Again a mostly lovely day after foggy morning. Write to Gower, RH and Mr Beor about Caswell and HJM and Mr Elton Weston Super Mare about the school, a long morning's work. Make calls with Carree and go to the Reading room, no news whatever and go to Ensor's. Call on Mrs Goldsmith, invited to spend evening there, go alone and called late on Mr and Mrs Henning. Spend evening at Mrs Goldsmith's party, Bartlett's and Tucker, Mrs Hammond and son, Miss Ball and Forster, Mrs Dawe and sons. Not much singing, rather dull, Carree wanted to keep them alive. Venison pasty very good. Home by 11. Played a game of draughts for a wonder.

September 1855

1st Saturday

Less beautiful but a fine day and glass high and rising still. In garden all a.m., dig potatoes and feed fowls. Write hastily to Charles at Purfleet and send draft on Hoare for £12 posted myself. Pay money for coal and picnic and winter for donkey and Parsons gardener. Water garden late in evening, go to Reading room, no news still. Mrs Morris calls today at Tubs, Long Street, Mrs and Miss Ball, am busy about plums to preserve, horrid work. Another letter from Charles, unwell he says.

Sunday. Very much colder, even cold. Wind north and northeast, very dry and dull. Sacrament, Harston in London, Mr Harper reads etc. Mr Horton does all duty in evening. Walk on Yeovil road with Carree. Call on Hoddinot, out, he calls on me late. I walk late to the park alone, meet Mr Henning from Haydon and return. Johnny etc with him. Not late to bed to be up early in morning.

3rd

Less cold but not hot, equally dry and more fine than yesterday. Houndsell at work ½ day hired garden, ½ at home. I dig up potatoes by wall a.m, ready to sow spinach tomorrow etc. Call with Carree on Mr and Mrs Morris at Tubs in Long St, neat lodgings, and on the Edmunds at Mr Harper's, out. Letter from HJM, off again to Holland, leaving Caswell to chance. Chacun a son gout. I am much annoyed by his indecision etc. After tea with Carrie and Mrs Henning to the Union about a cook. Mr Fussell drops in late to see Frank's nose, tumour in it, and takes bread and cheese and porter. No spirits now, another day gone and little to any purpose done.

4th

Up in good, time i.e. 7. Feed fowls etc, my regular duty. Garden by upper wall, sow more lettuce, spinach, turnips, cabbage and onion. All done there now. See to Creed's butter account and call at the dairy, no-one at home. Call on Major Mathias and take club books. See his premises, garden, fowls etc lots of livestock, too many? Fowls, ducks, geese, pigs, do they pay? Go to the Reading room. Water garden till dark and get hot and tired. Garden parched up.

5th

Very cool, dry and windy, north and north east wind. Glass falling a little, still fine, change coming. Write long letters to Mr Beor and Rob Har, receive one from HJM as to Caswell, agrees to take at rent of £60, no lease, and to getting present harvest for sale or otherwise. He has settled with Crimp and Davies for Caie Forgan last year, £60, and

£14 14 0, money nearly wasted. Call with Carree, Ag and Al on Mr & Mrs Palairet, long visit. Mrs Melmoth and her father Chance call and invite us for Friday. Mrs and Miss James have fixed on same day, we engaged, Mrs James takes tea with us.

6th

Very dry and very fine but monstrous cold for time of year. Extraordinary weather for harvest. Tea and spend evening at Rev. Mr James to meet Mr & Mrs Morris, Miss Charlton, a neat little supper, party small. Cold coming home, Mrs Noble there.

7th

Most beautiful day, glass very high, wind north and north east. Work in garden about onions till dinner time and feed fowls, no eggs now. Mrs James to take a ride p.m. disappointed. Pony carriage hired out, a wilful mistake? Go to get it and call on Mr Goldsmith etc. Explain about it and return home. Post a letter from Carree for Mrs Rooke. Walk with Carree and call on Miss Hammond, she at Mr Heald's. Go to Stokes and to Reading room. At a party at the Melmoth's after 7.00 after watering garden, vegetable marrow etc. Play at catch ball with Frank, he not a bad hand at it. Mr Hoddinot etc large party start early on a picnic excursion, 2 carriages etc, a break down at night, German carriage party, quiet and fine. Mrs Henning, Mrs Martin, Col and Mrs Matthias, ditto Richards, Mr Horton. Supper very neat, good prints etc.

8th

Beautiful day, about the garden all morning, gather beans at Chandler's garden and pick them with baby. Pincher very ill, fear distemper. Gets a little better in the evening, read Cambrian a.m. After dinner go nutting at Lovers Grove, with Em and Ag, find a good many considering, neat and beautiful place. Home to a minute before 6.00 for Agnes music lessons. Pickle onions in the evening. Carrie makes plum jam. Houndsell ¼ day ropes onions, water garden etc. Invite the Edmunds to tea Tuesday, engaged. Ergo invite Mr & Mrs Morris to dine that day.

Sunday. Very fine, Mr Horton reads, Mr Harston preaches. I am not very well, rheumatic pains in the chest of about the heart, suffered much in the night, am not out all the afternoon. Children only to church, Carree and I at home. Read death of Mr Dillwyn, Swansea and go to church with Carree at 7.00. Church crowded, very superior sermon ‘The Penitent Thief on the Cross'. A sermon deserving to be published, most elaborate and convincing.

10th

Beautiful dry and fine weather and still. Gather plums and currants etc, read Illustrated etc. Major Dawe calls, out with Carree to call on Mrs Hammond about a servant, (Eliz going in Oct).Go to Stokes for vinegar and cheese. Hear the Malakoff is taken. Telegraph news. Redan falls, former French, latter English. Go to Miles about fish tomorrow. Talk to Bishop about B of H, meet Williamson, wants to get me on the Board. Walk to meet Hoddinot at Greenhill, I ask him to dine tomorrow, comes.

11th

Glorious news, Sebastopol falls. Malakoff Tower taken by French, schools have a whole holiday. Cannon fire, fireworks, quite a day of extra excitement. All hearts rejoice. Go to the Reading room of course. Everybody goes of course. Prepare for a dinner party this evening, Mr & Mrs Morris, Mrs James, Mr Hoddinot, have Mrs Hodges to help cook. Gather fruit, gooseberries, currants, plums etc, French beans etc. Go over Mrs Charlton's old house, opposite side of street, what a rambling place. All the Blundells there, Major Richards, Mrs Charlton and Miss CC come to tea. Play a rubber and lose 2/6. All goes off well. Glorious weather accompanies new moon.

12th

Still glorious weather accompanies the glorious news, go to the Reading room and read exquisite comments of the Times and pay several things etc. School reports, John's good, F indifferent. An idle day, call with Carree and baby, they on Mrs Babington, I on old Mrs Highmore. Enquire about a cook, Greenhill. She lives at Yeovil (Hunt Fanny), call on Mrs Blundell and enquire for Miss Rookes to work for her. Call on Mrs J, Houndsell manures the garden, what work to get it in. Webber calls to cut hair at tea time, mine, John, F and Alice!

13th

Not so fine, but still fine tho' various after good soaking shower last night. Houndsell digs up onions, plants cabbage and takes up strawberry bed. Go to Reading room twice, list of killed at Sebastopol/Malakoff/15,000 hors de combat tis said of the allies, double it and tis 30,000 in all, probably more. Write a few lines to Charles enclosed in Mrs James. Call with Carree on the Dawes and see his garden, loads of apples. Pity to lose him going away. Again to Reading room and home with Frank, Agnes' birthday, Miss Richards here to tea. We go to the Charlton's. Very dark indeed coming home. Mr & Mrs James and Miss and Mr & Mrs Morris etc.

14th

Very fine, walk early with Carree and baby to pay butter at dairy and walk to Oborne back by Cold Harbour. Houndsell in the garden, am not at the Reading room. Read Eothen (Kinglakes), Letters from the East. Go early to a party at Mr Palairet's only. Mr & Mrs Goldsmith and ourselves. He calls and drives Carree there, some singing and conversation. Supper very good and home 11.30 very dark.

15th

Very fine but dull weather. Garden with Houndsell, onions and strawberries etc. Buy nothing and stroll alone to the school close to see cricket. Pickle onions all evening, what sweaty work.

Sunday. Dull gloomy weather, Mr Harston has no help, a capital sermon - text, Jeremiah, Jericho, Sebastopol victory. At home in afternoon, very tired. Sleep, try to read, can't. In evening at church with Em and Ag. Mr Fussell's church very full, ‘Believe a Lie', argumentation, subject difficult. Call on Mrs James on return.

17th

Dull damp morning, mild rain. Put out geraniums, read Illustrated. Call with Carree after dinner on Mr & Miss Henning, the latter out. W Lyon there. Their sunflowers in profusion. See the garden, go to the town and to Ensors, a new cloak for Carree £1 0 6 and gloves baby -/5. Home by the Black Horse. Mr & Mrs Goldsmith drop in to tea. Met in Newland, play at Commerce and in bed late, 12.00.

18th

Magnificent weather. Read Cambrian and Illustrated News, feed fowls and loiter away morning, low in spirits. Called after dinner with Carree on Mrs James, not very well, and on Mrs Williamson, he gone fishing, and on Mrs Melmoth, out, and go on and spend all afternoon in cricket field and home to tea. Mr Goldsmith plays cricket.

19th

Foggy early, beautiful day. At home till dinner time. Read Critic, help Carrie tie jams etc. She makes more damson and afterwards drives out with Mrs J and Mrs Goldsmith. I merely go to the Reading room and call on Penny ironmonger, about nails not sent. Miss S Wilmot takes tea here with Emma. Walked from Reading room with Mr Henning. Mr Harston there etc. Analyse Letts Diary in evening and help Frank about French.

20th

Remarkable fine weather, at home all morning, read Critic and Eothen. Dine at Mr & Mrs Morris at 4.30. Carree calls on Mr & Mrs James etc. I prefer cold wash, no bath to be had in Sherborne. Mrs Noble, ourselves and Miss C Charlton total 6, Mr Walker's party most sociable. Play whist with my wife against Morris and Miss CC. Lose every rubber and keep my temper. Only 6d on the rubber, not points or it would have been a sad affair. Get the winnings of Mr Morris for our Welsh church.

21st

Another splendid fine day, write to Mr Beor Swansea. Garden a little, get awfully hot weeding etc the front. Gather beans, hired garden, at the Reading room, no important news. At an evening party at Mrs Noble's. Mr & Miss James and son, Mr & Mrs Morris, Mrs Cozens, music and conversation and a good supper, home before 12.00.

22nd

Carree not up to breakfast, I am full of gouty pains etc. Am ill all day in consequence, weak as a ½ drowned rat. Can eat nothing, so far a saving! Go to Sherrings, not been there since 6th, go to the Reading room. Houndsell ½ day, moves stones from front up the garden. Call on Mrs James, meet Mr Fussell there. Ill all evening on the sofa, inside as it were collapsed, functions else particularly good. Tie up preserves in evening, great effort.

Sunday. Dry and fine and hot. Extraordinary weather, how propitious for late Welsh harvest. God be praised for all his blessings! Am much better today, Mr Harston does all the duty, Mr Horton absent. The anniversary sermon ‘Tarry not til Winter'. Again at church afternoon, can't hear, ½ asleep, know nothing. Walk to the Park with Carree, not been there for weeks!! At home all evening, read Home Truths. May I profit by them.

24th

Dull, rain foretold by the weather-wise, I think otherwise, cause glass very high. Read Eothen, most excellent idea of the deserts and eastern life. Look at the Illustrated, go through the washing bills, Johnny comes home, hurt his fingers in a school frolic, fortunately not broken, much hurt. Go to Reading room, last dispatches from Crimea. Tea early, children's party, 2 singers, Edith, 1 Dawe, Miss Palairet and Mrs Palairet. Go to the Book Club quarterly meeting. W Fooks, 2 Wilmotts, Mr Fussell, Mr Longman, Highmore, Col Mathias, Mr Harston. Walk home with Mr W Fooks, Mr Highmore goes to Robt W's. Glass still keeps very high till very cold north east wind, clear at night.

25th

Most beautiful day, write all morning RH, Mr Beor and W Lloyd as to the harvest and as to HJM's accident, thrown from a gig at Caswell and dislocated his shoulder. Going on well, so says Mr Beor. Mrs James calls, sadly wanting to get a drive. Disappointed of Mee's pony, disappointed again, can't get another. Arthur here. Major & Mrs and Miss Dawe call to play a farewell visit, loss to Sherborne, going to Weymouth. Mr Fussell calls and gives us, Carrie and me, a drive to Charlton Hawthorne by the road, there, back by the green downs above Poinington. Beautiful sunset in the west, equally splendid rise of full moon at same time to the east. Evening very chilly, frosty, I am too thin clad. Read Club book Albania all the evening.

26th

A splendid cloudless day again, sun hot. When shall we be paid off by rain! Garden wants water, water greenhouse and a little of the garden after buying meat of Watt's 1/6, fish of Miles 1/8 both unpaid. Ducks of a boy 2/6 paid. Call on Mrs James, sit a long time, read Britannia and walk in her garden and home again etc. Drive Mrs James and Mrs Goldsmith to Lewiston garden. Mr Spond very agreeable, gives fruit etc. Went and returned by Castleton. Read in the evening Albania, Mrs James has tea with us. An unprofitable day passed pleasantly. The Lewiston garden pretty, many choice plants, place dull. Predict wet soon! No cook, no Fanny Hunt.

27th

Hot fine day, glass falls, change coming, no doubt of it by sunset. Read Sir William Nott's Life and 5 club books. Meant to go to Reading room after dinner but walk with Carree to see Mrs Gill about butter, Acraman St, etc. Arthur Langford and Williamson at tea. Play vingt et un in evening. Ill spent day. Fanny Hunt as cook expected yesterday arrives now at 8.00, see tomorrow. Rain coming, Fanny going? How funny. Receive letter from Mr Beor, HJM going on well. Broke the shoulder blade, not dislocated, sad affair indeed. His account of Paris etc.

28th

Weather quite changed, dull a.m., some little rain, a deluge before sunset floods the streets. Read magazines etc, go before dinner to the Reading room, full account of the Crimea and fall of Sebastopol, most instructing. English loss about 2500, French 7500, 10,000! ‘ Fanny Hunt' as cook off again! In the house 28 hours!!! Why did she come. Mr Ruegg called too about the adventures of a servant yesterday, came at midday left at sunset and goes to Mrs James as place of refuge. Her sister there, one from Rampisham which tells the lie, which garbles the real state of facts?!!!!! (Call) on Mrs James after tea on this subject, the police interfere. Mr Fussell calls, John's finger.

29th

Almost a wet day and good deal of rain. Out early to see Green, head police, for Mrs James about girl Gundry and Mr Ruegg, am sure she is a great liar. Go to Reading room, horrid details of the Malikoff and the Russians. Write to HJM Swansea, broke his arm. Finish Eothen and return it to Mrs Charlton, tell her our adventures of servants. Meant to go to dancing room late on account of rain. Go to Mee's, order beer 1 gall. Read Cambrian, tie up Barbary(sic) jam and read in the evening.

Sunday. Wet, Carrie and I only at church. Mr Harston does all the duty, a general thanksgiving prayer for harvest and victory from 14? St. John? ‘Our Saviour says I am the Friend' etc 2 verses on Union at the Sacrament. Very good tho' I only imperfectly hear it. Too wet to go to church again. Read Ryle on Home Truths etc and the Bible to the children. May they, by God's blessing, turn out well with holy minds for eternity, a fearful thought for them and me.

October 1855

1st (Monday)

A beautiful day – how, at one time of life, was this day anticipated for the love of shooting – now it has no charms. Read and do not profit by it - lots of Club books in. Carree writes to Charles etc. After dinner walk with Carree and baby to the post. Take an unexpected drive with Mr and Mrs Fussell to Long Burton, Mr Cozen's parish, he is building there. Pincher runs with us and amuses Alice much. Home to tea, read Quarterly, Russian policy and Illustrated.

2nd

A less fine morning, dull and cooler. Carree orders a fire in little room, she is not over well, chilled yesterday? Most lovely day. Walk early with Alice into the town, she and I to Sherwoods for soap of sorts etc. Go to Stoke's, ..nsor pd, Mrs Sharpe's of course and home again. Mrs James calls, Mrs Morris calls. Read Quarterly etc. I call on Mrs Noble late, her 2 nephews McLachlan out. Walk in her garden, order beer Whittle's also at Woolmington's ½ dozen porter, ½ dozen beer, pints all. At Reading room before tea. Meet Mr & Mrs Morris at gate, invite them to tea tomorrow. Pay Ensor this evening, draper. Would that I had enough to pay all demands now I am a bankrupt!!! Fearful word.

3rd

A very wet (unexpected) day. I am not from the house and garden. 1833 our wedding day. Keep it a little, Mrs James dines with us on roast beef and Mr & Mrs Morris come out to tea. I read Quarterly and United Service, lent by Nixon, complaining of the newspapers telling the Russians of our places. Men sacrificed in consequence. Buy fruit and flowers of Parsons, 3 not paid. Receive letter from William, Uckfield, as to HJM's accident, he hears it from AM. We have fires and find them comfortable tho' tis not cold but chilly and damp.

4th

Wet again, analyse Hillary's bread accounts etc, upwards of £10. Write to WM about HJM's accident etc. Sort some papers etc. Go to the bank, draw on Hoares for £60 to C Stokes of the bank to my account. Go to the Reading room, no news. Home to tea. Many heavy showers during the day, may be called a wet day till sunset. Deluges of rain last night. Fanny -? from Mrs Hammond's comes as parlour maid.

5th

A workable sort of day, Houndsell brings up new servant's luggage box and stays to work. Takes up onions in hired garden and brings them home, mostly long necked. Set him a few jobs and take up … potatoes. Mr Stevens calls early to partake of a haunch of V and meet a few friends. No wish to refuse and go. Read Quarterly and finish it and look after old Houndsell. Dine at 8.30. Meet Mr & Mrs Goldsmith and Mr & Mrs Fussell and Miss Blakeman on a visit there from Bath. Very plain but very agreeable, plays a good rubber. … play several rubbers, I lose 13 points, bad cards, pay Fussell 2/6. Home at 12, some rain in night again.

6th

Fine morning, wet day, very showery. Not altogether wet, fearful rain, torrents about or before sunset. Read Nott's Life in India, very interesting. Am not out of the garden all day, prevented by rain in evening, made prisoner in the hen house, cleaned it out and give the fowls half holiday in the garden. Mrs Goldsmith calls with patterns of Scotch cloth etc. Not seen Mrs James for days. Harvest not all in in Gower …upon it now. All in at Caswell.

Sunday. Fine, sacrament Mr Harston assisted by Mr H's brother Buttermere? who preaches in afternoon, well and plain. At church in evening with Emma in Mr Fussell's pew, a good sermon by Harston from St Paul's Epistle to Philemon, Grace and Peace etc. Mr Buttermere read service. Call on Mrs James for an hour and return home. Walked into the Park before tea with Carree and the young ladies. Meet all the Miss Hoddinots who join us.

8th

Reading room meeting, accounts 7.00. Beautiful morning, garden netted with gossamer web, my fowls are not doing well, why? Read Illustrated and send off club books. Eliz and Alice get out while sun shines. Am in the garden in the morning etc. Call on Mrs Morris, he is very unwell. The two Miss Ridouts there. Go to the Reading room ½ hour, no news. Attend the annual meeting at 7.00, audit of accounts, sale of papers etc, a large attendance. I move that ladies be admitted, no objection, Mr Calder that they pay only

5/-, I pay for Carree, my example not follow tho' applauded, rather inconsistent? Am placed on a committee with Mr Thorn and Mr Bartlett.

9th

Foggy morning, most beautiful day. Letter from HJM as to trespass by RH on Caswell, how foolish before he has agreed on the terms of taking it. Houndsell takes up potatoes, hired land 2 ½ sacks, 1 to Mrs J. Read Illustrated News in morning. Am much in the potato ground. Carree calls on Mrs Morris and Mrs Noble, both out. I walk with her late by the Park up the hill into the Park. Meet Mr & Miss James. Gather our pears, end of the house, about 50, beautiful sort. Colonel Richards moves furniture to his new house. Nights begin to get cold. Gather last of beans in garden etc.

10th

Beautiful day, whole holiday at the school. Sort potatoes in stable. John and Frank gather pears of standard tree, … gather swans eggs? … Houndsell in hired garden at potatoes again and little girl. Arthur, John and Emma dine with Mrs James, take a bit of turn with Carree. Wrote to RH about my coming down to Gower, pay Mr Hoddinot, Mrs Hoddinot at Clifton 2 Sion(?) Place. He may go down with me, thinks he will. A broken interrupted day, school boys do not know how to pass time. Mrs Richards takes tea with us in way to new house, her two daughters dine with us and the children. I take 2nd tea with Mrs James and read Britannia paper. Miss Parsons calls, do not see her, the late vicar's daughter, will try to see her tomorrow.

11th

A dull and cool day, dry and seasonable, is the new moon to give us change and wet. Very probably, for next Monday is the great pack fair Sherborne, Sherborne Fair. Get out early for meat etc and home again to enter accounts and out again to the town. Houndsell at potatoes again. Pay Vincent for baking pears. Call on Miss Parsons (out) at the Misses Ridout, go in, see one of them. Write to HJM Swansea about Caswell, RH, and my coming down for a bit to settle some affairs etc. Walk with Carree beyond Oborne etc, meet Major H on return. No rain, very threatening. See about the man West or Best to thatch the shed, he lives at Cold Harbour.

12th

Dull day, tries to rain. Best, thatcher, here, Houndsell too at potatoes and prepares a pit for I take up last of carrot etc and work hard in garden. Miss Morris calls to take leave, go to Bath tomorrow. Carree and I call, first call, on the Benthalls, pleasant people we think. Call too on Mrs Bennett and Mrs James. Go to Stoke's for 4lb … rice and qt peas. Go to Ensors to buy towels etc, meet Em and Ag from school and home. Read Nott's Life. Carree wrote and sent a letter to General Love, Jersey, governor of.

13th

A very beautiful day, up before 7.00 and out to the potato ground. Meet Colonel Richards, else am not from house and garden all day. Read a Times and Nott's Life and work in garden, potatoes, onions and put away and distribute pears to Henning, Mrs J, Mrs Ensor etc. Attend to fowls and sweep garden, littered thatch etc.

Sunday. Fine and cold, crisp. All at church a.m. Mr Horton returned and does his share of duty. Mr Harston sermon on fall of leaf, Man compared to, very good. Afternoon, Mr Horton preaches, very good. Not in church in evening, servants go and we all sit by fire in kitchen. Children at lessons, I Cambrian for shame.

15th

Pack Fair, Sherborne. A thoro' wet day, am not from the house till 5.00. Read Illustrated News and analyse accounts. Try to make out Eliz Lewis', surprised to find she has been with us just 3 years and no settlement. Write to Mr Hoddinot at Clifton about going to Gower with me this week. Carree also writes to Uckfield, go to the post, take club book to Major Mathias. Call on Mrs James, at accounts in the evening last thing. Begin fires for all day, many began long ago. Sharp frost I hear this morning.

16th

A splendid day again! A fair day is always foul, see yesterday, but today is the pleasure fair! Read the Life of Nott all the morning, wanting to finish it before going to Gower. Settle accounts with Eliz Lewis who is leaving service after 3 years with us, she agrees however to stay till I return from Wales. She is a very good servant, nowadays and in Dorset they are a horrid set! After dinner with Carree and the children all to the fair, rather muddy and chilly. We shall be lucky to escape colds and rheumatics. A learned pony show seems to get all the money at 1d a head. Poor shows this year, no good clown, no fun. Meet other and many silly people besides ourselves but we must not forget when we were young. Rain again begins before 6.00, a very wet evening and night. What a prospect for Wales. Read Nott and about Guzni.

17th

Another wet morning, sun inclined to shine. Enter accounts etc. A tolerable fine day, put the last of onions under cover. Mrs Henning calls to sell Irish socks etc call on her about them, buy and settle with Mr Henning as to the Times paper at Reading room. Go with Carree and Em and Ag to the town. Call and paid Down butter 6/6 and order salt B 11lbs sent I hear at 1/2. Call and pay Hillary bread and Parsons by Mrs P 3 and the husband, on coming home, -/6 in full and Mees about the bus tomorrow. Meet Mr Foster of Castle Carey and pay for music lessons long, long ago. Call on Mrs James before tea, borrow £2 10 0 to be repaid by Carree. Pack up late.

18th

Fine, leave Sherborne for Swansea alone. Walk with Carree and baby to the town and to Ensors, taken up there by the bus for Yeovil. Pay Ensor rent, he to send rent to Newland. Start at 10.00, get to Bristol at 3.30, to the Hot Wells in bus about 4. Walk to Park Street over Brandon Hill and dine at Mr Morgan's 5.00. He is quite alone. After dinner walk to Clifton, 2 Sion Hill to see Mr J Hoddinot, having some idea of going with me into Wales. No, homesick, he goes back to Sherborne. Meet a Mr Willis? A doctor, formerly a pupil of Mr Fussell, was at Sherborne. Play a rubber of whist with him and lose. … Mr and Mrs H and Miss Williams? there, her friend. Return to sleep at the Hibernian, Hot Wells, now in fresh hands. The captain of Usk packet.

19th

Most beautiful morning, threatening day at sea, splendid evening. Lots of idle time in the morning. Wander about the quay etc, take packet past 11.00 for Newport in hopes to see cousins Fred and Fanny Woodward on a visit at Rev. Mr Hawkins, vicar there. Cold and dull at sea, rain keeps off. Call after 3.00, so much time is lost! to see my cousins gone out for day. Mrs Hawkins comes to the door and most kindly asks me and to wait and dine, decline, she accompanies me to the West Valley Station, the train arrives and there they are. Alter my plans, defer my journey 2 hours, dine at the vicarage. Meet a Rev. Mr Davies, an old contemporary Rugbean, cousin of Dighton. Talk over old times agreeably. Mr Hawkins a very gentlemanly man and his daughter a charming delightful mannered girl of 14, not over pretty, air and manner and expression everything. Mrs H not pretty or plain, very pleasant and ladylike, most kind. Hope it may lead to improved acquaintance. Leave 7.45, in Swansea by 10.00. HJM gone to Gower to course with his lame broken arm, q if prudent!? Returns to his house at 11.00 night.

20th

Saturday. A fine morning, inclined to showers. Up early, late house this, 1 Picton Place. Breakfast late, read a paper and enter accounts. A wet drizzly day, do not go on to Gower. Resolve to risk a better day on Monday and go to church in Swansea tomorrow. The church is down at Llanrhidian. RH in town sells wheat and barley and geese. See Mr Beor and read the Cambrian. The two Batcocks at sessions, go to gaol for 2 years.

Sunday. Oh what a wet day, did right to stay in Swansea. At Church St. Mary Mr Beor's seat and also at 6.30p.m.. Mr Squire preaches, how different from Mr Harston, Sherborne, the one discursive the other pith. Walk with Mr Beor to the Mumbles road by moonlight. Had tea at Mr Beor's. HJM can't go to church, can't put on his coat.

22nd

Beautiful day, all day at Swansea 1 Picton Place. Rise early, go to the church to recover my spectacles left last night by accident, alright. Pay Sanguinetti and am about town. Call on Mrs Collins, to Miss Stokes then at Mrs Davies painter. Take a bus to the Mumbles Castle by Williams, walk to Newton to meet RH as agreed with pony and go to Caswell. All right again, meet him, arrange with one Howell to plant potatoes and grub wood by Mr Llewellyn's. Look over the farm a little, turnips splendid crop, especially this season. Partially arrange about a cook at Phil Groves for Sherborne, she'll do. Home by Kittle, Park Mill and Lunnon by about dark. Tired and glad to get to bed. Sharpe, carpenter brought my luggage.

23rd

In Gower at Caie Forgan, all alone. As agreed, RH early and we walk over the farm. Turnips wonderfully improved, really a good crop, where in August we thought almost if not quite a failure. Mangold splendid. Comes on wet. We get to Newton, carting and ploughing, destroying a hedge etc, preparing for wheat. Get wet and do not catch cold. Taxes paid to day at the Gower Inn, do not pay for a horse at Bison, am I liable? We have as yet an abundance of keep for stock … grass, turnips etc. Read Illustrated and Evening Mail. Sir William Molesworth dead. HJM comes to Caie Forgan.

24th

Beautiful morning and heavy rain also about midday and fine day. Walk with HJM to see his new house at the Common, Sharpe carpenter and W Thomas mason building it, too good for the place. Caught in rain. Wrote a long letter to Carree a.m. about a cook etc and sent it to post by one Mrs Williamson of Knelston from Crickton Lane. After men's dinner walk to Crickton to see pulling down hedge at Newton, ploughing etc, there till dinner and help pick stones, etc. Dine at 6 on goose. Enter accounts and diary from Saturday morning. Sent also the Illustrated News to post.

25th

Wet and windy morning, bad at full moon. RH off early for Caswell to clear off? HJM thought to return to Swansea today, wisely does not. Stormy and wet morning as all day. Rather worse than better. I write to WM, finish it tomorrow and sent it by HJM for post at Swansea. I do get out a little to the garden, in confusion of neglected celery, planted, growing, smothered with weeds and never attended to. Dig a little by new wall across the yard in front of kitchen window to try to get it. Hidden by laurels, very work(sic), wet through and did not know it, none the worse. Receive letter from Sherborne and others enclosed, not at all satisfactory regarding Charles. Read Times papers also sent.

26th

Fine morning, brisk. Glass very low and won't rise. Begin to read Took's Russian Empire and get through about 200 pages, 3 vols of 1500 pages, large type. Walk with HJM to his new house on Common, no one working. Sharpe carpenter at Cil Ivor house, meet W Williams, vendor there, and now walk to Crickton. See ploughing etc and draining. He now to Cillibion. I home and have lunch. He off to Swansea for good. RH arrives from Caswell with various things, corn, sheep, poultry etc lumber and we walk again to the plough field. Some heavy showers, hail and home to barn winnowing for tomorrow. Glass begins to rise at night.

27th

Very fine as it turns out. RH goes to Swansea with wheat, barley 5/4. Am at home all day. Forgot the sale of Blaenkedy minerals in Swansea, no matter! Finish ploughing Newton and Stoneyford for wheat. Work about home. David Bowen begins grub X hedge in garden. Take out some carrots, very fine. Wheel some stones to new road etc.

Sunday. Very fine, 10 go to the school church room, Mr Phillips to do duty, not come at 11.00. Go and inspect the church, found stones all taken up, tis evident the church formerly had a transept q to the north which taken … obliged the heavy buttresses to be put. Return home. Write several letters … tomorrow, wandered about with RH over farm and tried to get rid of low spirits in vain.

29th

A magnificent day. Yet how treacherous (see tomorrow) the glass by night had fallen from change to much rain, as low as Thursday last. Walk to Reynoldston to post 3 letters, Charles, Post Office Swansea and Carree enclosing a curious love letter, some mistake. Call on Dr and see Mrs Justice. Sit 1 hour or more and return. W Lloyd lops a few trees in the evening late. David Bowen in garden take in the cucumber frame etc and pack it away, lucky do so. See tomorrow. Receive letter from Carree enclosing one from Fanny, won't go to Sherborne, now at Newport.

30th

A thorough wet day again, north and east wind, glass very low since last night yet not much rain all day. XXX(Three Crosses) fair, RH there and gives me the rent of Evan Jenkins of Blue Anchor, Blaenkedy £1 5 0. Nothing done at the fair. I read the Times and Tooke's Russia all morning. Get out after 2.00, pick stones in yard for new road up and plant a few laurel and move a box or two on front lawn. Nothing by old Smith from the post, read Tooke again in evening. Dined at 5 on leg of goose and cheese, no appetite. Am deplorably low spirited. Write to Newport to Fanny, not sent till Thursday.

31st

No rain, very windy from north and northeast cold. Quite wintry ful(sic). Reed Tooke's Russia, finish volume I of III. W Lloyd here puts up framing of wood ¾ to try cure kitchen smoke. Verrons. Go to Newton, wheat sowing mostly done, sown on lay. D Bowen draining 4 Acres. At 2 with George Gordon about boundary of roads, hamlets, Morris, Rob Davy, and Williams of Long O(aks) and Thomas Gordon junior go to Prisk etc etc disputing and nothing done or agreed to. Involves Cheriton Road, Welsh Moor and Park yr Rhedin and main turnpike. RH joins and goes to Cefn Bryn, ends in adjournment, all useless. Move brick squares with Lloyd to under ivy wall in dry. Wheeled some stones to new road, trim plantation road by Pwllybrag. Look over an account with RH, John Thomas's, analyse October expenses, see ante, and yet I think and seem to have spent an idle day. Expected HJM from Swansea.

November 1855

1st (Thursday)

What a splendid day, auspicious for the gloom of November. Busy all day long with W Lloyd, cutting, hacking and pruning the plantation east side of Jacks Field or Lower Field etc etc etc. Destroying willows, elsewhere about the garden etc. HJM arrives from Swansea, dine 5.30. Read newspapers etc. Am not in bed till 12.00.

2nd

Magnificent day again, HJM here! Ride Tally to Llanmadock to see Ann Doll and her mother about Eliz, servant Dorset, round by Reynoldston shop through Burry Green. Meet Dr Justice, see and talk with Dr Davies, what an altered man, thin old dirty but intelligent. Talk of Smith of Lewes etc. Go to the shop for canvas. Mrs Sparks at the cot, fail to see her, going away immediately, going to sell off. Go to Newton to see RH wheat sowing or preparing and home, dine 3 ½ . HJM back to Swansea. Cold after sunset. Read Tooke's Russia, write long letter to Dorset, Carree and Agnes. My fire out, to bed, too late for post and add long postscripts.

3rd

Very fine day, still but cold wind, north and north east. At Caie Forgan alone. RH gone to Swansea. Read Tooke's Russia, work in garden, cut down and open and transplant. Dine at 2, start for Swansea at 4 with Sharp and boy, HJM's chestnut mare and White Chapel. Meet on road 120 cars, besides riders and carriages a few. My own, RH's, was 100th near the gate. Walk into town with Sharp and HJM. George's shop, get my hair cut, order grocery and pay and go to Herbert Jones, have a long talk of old Dilwyn. Read Miss Lucas's pamphlet and not in bed till near 12. Up again near 2 - a great fire at Matthews grocers in Castle Square, quite destroyed. Selling goods till past 12.00! Burnt by 3, a ruin. Richmond's next door, draper, nearly destroyed. Owen watchmaker other side ditto. Am at the fire and all through Richmond's House till near 6.00 and think I did some good, tried at all events. Came home and wrote account of it to Sherborne, Dorset, so have had but little sleep and rest. Writing till breakfast Sunday. Call on Dr Howell at 10, charity get a seat in his pew, fail, and go to Mr Beor's.. A good sermon on sacrament, sacrament service, do not stay, unprepared. Walk to see unfinished docks and go to the pier. Finish my letters and send them off. Am sleepy, take nap on sofa. 6.30 at church again, a very good sermon from Mr Squire, does all the duty, Never Delay. Bed early.

5th

Monday. Return to Gower with Sharpe the carpenter. HJM starts for Milford, Gazelle damaged by gale 30th, could not make Liverpool. Out early and go over Richmond's premises, fire effects of, great loss, goods stolen. Mr Beor there. Leave Swansea at 11. HJM's mare sadly galled, try to ease her at Sketty, must suffer much. Drive quietly, Mr C Collins overtakes us on Killay Hill going to Penmaen. Inquest on a child concealed in a river. Go with him and stop at Penmaen. Nothing transpires at the inquest, open verdict. Sleep at Penmaen. New nurse arrived from Dorset.

6th

Yesterday came on misty and wet. Much rain in the night. Dull windy a.m. Some rain during a dull day. After post EKJ drives me to Caie Forgan, arrived about 1.00. Men going to thrash, RH gone to a sale at Gelliorllwyn. Walk to Crickton and Newton and talk with Mr Long about roads etc. Look at wheat field and go to HJM's new house at the Common nearly ready for slateing, wood up and chimney just finished. Dine at 5.00. Llewellyn here from Caswell this evening. Received letters from Charles and Sherborne. Johnny better of scarlatina, thank God. Write to Carree again this evening and send to post at Park Mill by Llewellyn tomorrow a.m.

7th

Showery day, very wet weather night and day. Still RH perseverees to sow wheat on wet land at Newton, Phil Long's. What a pudding of mess, look at the cattle, ponies at grass on Nelly Wms' etc and get thoroughly wet footed and dirty, how luxurious! And uncomfortable. Sit with old Long by his dark fireplace, now 80 years old and quite lively. If he lives till 16? of December, a knowing old cove. Come home in rain before dark, Read Tooke in evening, men get wet through wheat sowing and hacking what is sown. Is it possible to expect a crop to pay?!

8th

A very showery day, heavy showers and hail from the south west, bear it all. All day am with the men at the hedge, Upper Field, Pwllybrag corner, to plant it off, transplanting thorns from the garden hedge 20 yd long. Planted three thick, will it extend to make a hedge 60 yd? Think it will. Begin today and work hard, want to see it done before I leave, tis so. Read Tooke's Russia in evening. 20 yd of hedge planted, treble does make one of 60 and, if they all grow, strong enough.

9th

Not without rain, fine workable today though the land very wet indeed as times go. May be called a fine open day, brisk and brightish. Read Tooke's Russia a.m. and all evening before dinner at some accounts with RH as between him and HJM etc. After 12.00 at work with D Bowen and D Perry making hedge Upper Field corner by Pwllybrag to plant off. They were thrashing and winnowing a.m. Glass will not rise to change. HJM does not arrive, boy back alone. A pity to hack the poor mare about with a galled shoulder. Hy Morris too at Swansea for slates. Mr Gower called about Hamlet roads, meet him in Upper Field and walk to the road.

10th

A fine day with one very heavy shower about midday. RH at Swansea with 3 sacks of wheat from Copton 33/- a sack or 11/- a barrel. I am at work, hard at work, at Pwllybrag Corner of my Upper Field and grubbing X hedge of garden for that purpose. Nearly done both – 20 yards by one makes 60yds of the other. Receive two letters from Dorset, one from Johnny recovering from scarlatina, in good spirits. Read Tooke's Russia in evening.

Sunday. Most beautiful, mild and splendid. Go to church at school room, doomed as usual to disappoint, no service, why? To be at 6.00!! Why, dark and muddy, can't go then. So not at church all day, an heathen like the rest. Call on Nelly Harry and chat and hear her opinion on W Thomas, mason about work; on Mary Thomas, not at home; on old Mrs Harry nearly blind, sadly put out at neglect of all clerical duties. People, she says, are beginning to wish not to have the church rebuilt, finding they can do without one, and call to see Nelly Williams widow, ill, declining fast and so return home and wander in evening. Walk with RH to the turnpike road to seek boundary stones of the Walterston hamlet. Turn my horse from trespass on my furze field. Ask RH to tea and talk till past 8.00 about worldly affairs, such is Sunday in Gower!

12th

Monday. Beautiful dry weather, masons come strong handed to make brick wall for cow shed. Up early to plant etc. Albon comes unexpected, give him work in garden transplanting etc. Old J Smith comes and finishes work breaking stones on new road, so far that's done and paid for. Plant with Albon trees in new bit fenced off Upper field, large trees from garden. RH finishes 2nd wheat field, Long's Newton, are hard day's work for me, much done, read in evening.

13th

Fine still, that is dry, a great point for November. Dull and heavy, glass falls and they say twill rain! No, masons finish cattle shed wall, that's done. Albon in garden roots up many things, gooseberries and currants and rhubarb sent to Caswell, David Harry gone up. Finish letter to Charles, Woolwich, of advice. Write to Carree hasty enclosing draft £5. Not from about home all day, plenty to attend to. David Bowen attends the masons, a short time in the evening about plantation hedge. I with him in corner by ditch and plant willows. Read in evening Tooke's Russia. David Bowen with Albon in garden opening new trees, rooting out thorns etc and attending masons in turn.

14th

Dull cold east wind, quite cold and raw. Rise by daylight and out to see masons at work W Thomas and son 16, another W Thomas and a brother and Tom Richards boy. Finish the wall of cow shed and begin stone steps to granary, an undertaking to find stepping stones. Very solid if not good. Albon goes home ill, give him 2 Norton pills, can't do harm. Complains of pain in bowels. David Bowen, hedge, new plantation, nearly done. RH and D Harry main drain from Upper Field in Lower Field to cover over by hedge side, with them all day long. At dusk EKJ calls, does not alight or take anything, a call of duty! Read Tooke's Russia, am tired and sleepy. David Bowen 3/4 by plantation hedge.

15th

Very delightful dry weather, work hard all day at new plantation and drain from Upper Field. Dig and plant, D Bowen helps. Masons 2 W Thomas's etc at steps to granary. Draw mangold with RH. Best cattle tied up today. George Gordon calls to see Colonel Cameron's sale map about boundary of hamlets Walterston and Cillibion. Go with him and RH to have ocular demonstration in straight line from common to Parkyrhedin. Nothing satisfactory made out from it in regard to liability to road rate. Receive letter from EM at Southover with Emily, change of air!

16th

Splendid weather, glass high and rising, dry and mild. Famous wheat sowing time, 2 fields done by RH, Newton and Long's of Newton, 6 or 7 acres in all and one by Pwllybrag 2 acres. Getting ready after mangold. The first lay broken up, 2nd fallow, 3rd … mangold. Masons here putting up steps to granary. I plant an oak, Agnes's, in yard before kitchen window and laurels etc and with D Bowen p.m. at plantation. Finish the hedge, quite done and plant more privet and H chestnut etc etc. Very tired this evening and do little after dinner, not quite the thing. Albon still ill, get no account of him.

17th

The same fine dry weather, colder. Drive with RH to Swansea, Tally and his car. Tally a pleasant mare to go. Wheat sent in by car (Lion). Get stones at Rogers for granary steps at 6d foot superficial. George Gordon Cil Ivor helps cart home, 4 large stones in all. Oats also bought, a stack of Williams, Long O. Call on Mr Moggridge, meet him after also. Mrs Collins gone to Brecon, Mrs Sparke's. Dine with HJM, Picton Place. Home about 8.00.

Sunday. Fine, walk early to Penmaen for church riding Tally to Morris's of Walterston. Boy W Jone meets me there. At morning and evening service; EKJ an odd preacher, stunning loud and whisper low, a sort of intonation, not pleasant either way. Nurse from Blinnerhapets gone yesterday, not there 14 days! Look at Illustrated News, nothing particular occurs but the talk of obnoxious servants! Sleep there.

19th

At Penmaen walk nome early by side he hill and cut down through Robert Davies away for Walter Tucker's widow, all shut up and fast. What pleasant walking, dry and comfortable. Lucy in trouble about servants and baby ill, teething. Mrs Blimmerhapets gone away, now at Uncle Murphy's in Swansea. He was to have driven me over but prefer walking, can get over quicker. Want to be back, masons putting steps to granary. Attend to them and go to see mangolds got up and carried home etc. Fine weather for it. Tired in the evening and do nothing, cannot excrpt read Cambrian, much in it about new docks on sale etc etc.

20th

Still dry and fine, not cold, very dull, east wind. About home all day, masons finish steps to granary, a good job, substantial and looks neat and strong. Clear away all the rubbish with Albon, wheel stones to common and small to garden road. Pack mangold all morning, hard work. Transplant with Hannah a few calcilaria(sic) and scarlet geraniums to save them. Was in wheat field (sowing) after mangold, Cae Redland by Pwllybrag and to Stoneyford Meadow to measure contemplated new hedges there, 25 yd across meadow, 90 yd on the common if taken in? Receive letter from Carree, long and scolding yet good tempered. All been ill of scarlatina, better. Read a Times sent. Nanny Davies' sale, Lower Mill, good price. Cows £12, hay £34, £6 a ton or more.

21st

Fine day but dull, dry is a great point. More wheat sown in Cae Redland after mangold. RH and I ride by Penmaen, Nott Hill etc to Caswell to meet Mr Beor and HJM etc and arrange about the farm etc with HJM, value of crop etc. Dine there on mutton and laver etc. Jones of Merton meets us to value corn etc. Turnips he knows nothing of, says £26 for 5 acres a good crop, purchaser offers 50 the value set on them. We agree at RH's valuation, Sharpe carpenter and his wife there. Dick the boy has cut his thumb badly and gone to Swansea. Henry Morris and the Jockey Harris, what a set, what a medley, call on Mrs Hancorne (at Haverfordwest), saw Emma only. Returned by Kittle Hill and Fairwood Common and Llythridd. Dark where no road is, in contrast the turnpike looked like snow. Home to tea about 7.00, no accident, all well I hope.

22nd

Tho' the glass gently falls for several days, still above change, this is the finest day of all the fine dry days we have had. About home all day long, having David Bowen and Albon to transplant, grub up and replant, rout out several things on front lawn. Grub hedge in the garden, stops thoro'fares etc in ditto. Go to the plantation, dig and replant etc. yet after all but little is down. Plant an elm tree in the common as experiment, plant a laurel in kitchen yard by dog house. RH occupied about mangold etc. Read Times in evening, not over-tired.

23rd

Tho' the glass still quietly keeps falling, now about change, today is splendid, like summer, bright and hot. Am not from home all day long routing out and planting in new plantation. Albon and (David Bowen ½ day) begin to plant ash, make an ash pit to show DB, all day at it. Slow work, no use not to do it well. HJM and Sharpe from Caswell dine here, came to put up zink gutter, new house, Common. Plan with latter new front door and shutters for front of house. They are off again for Swansea at 7.00. I write to Carree and mean to go to Swansea tomorrow. What a splendid moonlight night, so was yesterday.

24th

A sharp frost, 2nd frosty morning, strong ice. Rise before daylight and drive Tally with RH to Swansea. Cart gone with wheat and six geese etc. Meet Alfred at HJM's 1 Picton Place, dine there. Receive letter there from EM Sussex, coming to Swansea next week. Send a long letter to Carree in Dorset. Beautiful day, fine moonlight night, home before 9.00 to tea, find Llewellyn at Caie Forgan from Caswell. RH makes lots of mistakes about coats and meat at the Exeter Inn.

Sunday. Very fine, at church at the school. Mr Matthews does duty and gives a very fair sermon but an unnecessary effort of lungs is employed for the purpose, quite painful to listen to. Walk with RH from Penralt by Newton through the land to look at cattle etc. In evening read Ryle, a sermon on training children.

26th

Very fine still, wonderfully so for the time of year. Never expect to see such a month of November again, almost a dry one and no fog! Winter now is always in spring. Busy all day long with Albon in new plantation digging and plant 20 Scotch firs etc and lopping trees in Mr Talbot's hedge. RH begins to cut furze. Read Tooke's Russia in evening, nearly done it all 3 vols. Glass falls and rises again tomorrow.

27th

Dull and fine morning, settle with W Tall carriage of slates to Gower summer of 1854, part of them used for new slating Caie Forgan, part for HJM's new house Cil Ivor Common, 3,600 slates in all. Masons gone up to Caswell to build barn and stables. Ride up Moselle as promised to meet them and measure the plan of foundation etc when I hear and grieve to learn Henry loss of his favourite vessel, the Gazelle, off Milford bound to Liverpool with iron, struck on something unknown and immediately sank in 15 fathoms. Midday, lives all saved, property all last. Home with a sad heart before dark. Call at Ilston, not at home. Write this evening to Johnny and Emma etc. RH busy about turnips and wheat sowing, fine weather for them. How sugar is risen, price doubled!

28th

Dull and dry and cool as usual! About home all day, all alone, no one to look after. Chop a few things down and transplant a few things by myself to the new plantation, north end in the corner. Stick in a few willows and Balson or Ontario poplars and dig a little, slow progress. Go twice to Crickton Furzeland Meadow, turnips all up and carting off. Ploughing fast for wheat and carting out headland. Robert Harry does get through work and understands it too. I was up before 8.00 and he was there sowing wheat after mangold by Pwllybrag, tempting weather to be led to excess. Even wet land is dry. Write to Frederick, not written for a year or more. Send a letter to post ….

29th

The same splendid dry weather tho' a little dull, quiet warm day. Spend all day with Albon in new plantation Upper Field, south west corner. After breakfast till dark, no lunch. Dig holes to hang gate by David Bowen, ½ day after dinner. RH thrashes a.m. and sows Furzeland Meadow nearly after turnips, ground in excellent order he says. It must be old pasture in plantation, digs up quite … 2 spades deep. Sent a letter to Frederick Payler about the Gazelle etc. What a splendid month has this been.

30th

Still dry calm warm dull, so ends a most extraordinary month, what a season for wheat sowing! I am all day with Albon in the plantation digging. D Bowen part of day lopping trees there and in wheat field over the hedge and in evening carts mud from pond haggard. Alfred and Mr Beor and man shoot at Llanelen and dine with me at 4.00. Alfred sleeps here. Hear more speculative opinions as to the loss of the Gazelle at Milford, foundered, carelessness, no pumps used, too heavy, loaded with iron. Will she be a total wreck, masts out of water. Will HJM be liable for cargo and loss more than his vessel?

December 1855

1st (Saturday)

Furzeland Meadow sown yesterday with wheat after turnips. Wet land now dry! Such a season may never occur again. RH goes to Swansea, nothing to sell, a bill to meet. Alfred here shoots 5 snipe and a partridge and ought, he says, to have killed more. I am mostly in plantation with Albon, take up nut trees and replant etc potatoes and few artichokes. Mr Gordon, Captain Lewis and J Bennett call about vessel repairs, near £11, a bad investment! Am to see the produce another day, Tuesday?! Old Gordon breaks fast, receive letter from Charle,s had draft for £10. HJM expected from Milford tomorrow, so says RH, corn lowering.

3rd

Sunday. Weather changing, some rain last night. Roads muddy, Alfred here. Morning at home. Read Cambrian, I go to church at school room, crowded, Mr Matthews. Home to dine, called old Mrs Harry ill in bed, fully well again. Talk of old affairs with Alfred etc.

Monday. Still good weather, glass rising. At the plantation early, went to see it done. Want to get away, must go. Alfred shoots, kills a hare. I cut open the hedge from plantation in Lower Field to Upper etc. At a few accounts with RH as to Caswell after dinner. Alfred means to go to Swansea tomorrow. Arrange hour.

4th

A decided change of weather at last. Some rain has fallen, not much. Misty. Glass falling quietly, Alfred leaves, drive him to Killay to walk to Caswell by Clyne Common with dog and gun. I return and work little in plantation with Albon only. Plant a few laurel, nearly all dug over now. Mr Smith of Ilston calls late and finds me so employed. Wrote to Mr Morgan of Bristol as to my return. Read an old Cambrian … wind got round to south and south west. Get rather colder than when in north. It has been so very calm for a long time. Mr Chambers sale Llanelli begins.

5th

Mr Chambers sale Llanelli, 2nd day. I am about homeall day long. Manure heaps put in order by D Bowen and Albon. They afterwards go to the plantation and finish digging. All now dug, ditch also will be finished tomorrow. Then to finish the planting, much done already. Mr Thomas Gordon and Captain George Lewis and Evans father come up and we settle accounts of the ‘Emma Jane'. Get more receipts!! A bad speculation! A long and tiresome business. Sent Albon to post for Alfred's letter, none. O Smith had been and took a Sherborne one and 2 papers, get them late. Mr Matthews, curate, calls about school, asks subscription, no definite promise but will give something. He rides a pretty small pony. Hear of death of Rev. Mr Phillips of FH (Fairy Hill), died today. Mr Matthews has got a master for the school … promising countenance but only 18 or 19 years old. The school residence is fitted up for him to save rent. Am tired this evening with miscellaneous work. Read Times paper of 30 November.

6th

Much colder, wind rather strong north west. Rise before daylight and get out to see cattle fed etc. Shave again before breakfast and get Albon and D Bowen late after breakfast to work in garden till dinner time. Trim trees, old elder etc etc and transplant many trees east side of inner garden to remove to the plantation after dinner where we severally adjourn and finish all the digging and opening the ditch through the plantation and plant out all the trees we brought up, larch, oak, privet etc etc. Some cold rain about sunset with all the appearance of winter. Enter the vessel account in red book etc after dinner. No letters by O Smith. See little, almost nothing, of RH all day. Turnips being carted in from Upper Field. No letters or papers.

7th

Thorough winter white world and snows the greater part of day, large flakes. No wind, every twig covered white, very very beautiful. We are taken by surprise as it has been so mild and is still. Send letters written late last night to Carree with £5, to Charles with a bill from Earle 17/6, to Mr Morris, Lincoln's Inn and Alfred, Swansea. Albon goes to post, receive letter from AM and from Bristol. About the barn, barley winnowed up. A rat escapes me in chaff room. The cat killed one in the house last night, where do they haunt?! Read a Times paper of 1st inst. This sudden winter will oblige my return before my plantation is done.

8th

Real winter snow and ice, roads so glassed over difficult to travel. Delay in starting for Swansea, getting Tally roughshod, tho' I got up by candlelight to be off early. Start after 9.00 and get on very well. Pass things for market that can't get on. Mr Clarke's horses injured. Mr Gower obliged to stop at Olfa. Meet Edmund and Alfred at HJM's Picton Place, and he returned only Friday from Milford with little or no hope of getting up the Gazelle. Still laden tho' insured. No divers sent to her, a mile at sea, masts out. Been robbed of rigging, some men detected. Dine, 4 brothers congregated from different quarters. Call on Mrs Collins and get Carree's lost brooch. Hear Mr Phillips now dead is sadly involved in debt hundreds, 300 to poor Richmond. Buying nothing but a few things of underclothes at Richmond's. Home safe in good time for tea.

Sunday. Am not at church, morning duty, out late. So wintry and cold am not out of the house all day. Read Cambrian all morning and hover over five. Read the Advent lessons in the evening. Am sleepy and unwell and tired, ill spent day. EKJ, I hear, is from home at Mr Eaton's.

10th

Still most wintry, dull and gloomy. Sharp frost, quite a still day, not so very cold in reality but very forbidding to look at. Walk to Stafell Haegr to see George Dix about rents, nothing done but listen to wants and state of repairs. Stable unfinished, roof out of order of all, mill wheel gone to decay. No privy, no pig sty, hopeless then to receive money on account even, so give it up. Called at Mary Thomas, at the school, at Grants, at Nelly Harry's, return by Crickton and cross to Pwllybrag. In morning wrote to Bristol and to HJM by W Lloyd going to infirmary at Bristol about his eyes. After one lop a few birch trees with RH to make brooms, why not? and then lop other trees in plantation by myself till dark. No end to lopping and pruning trees.

11th

Still frosty mild and quiet frost. Penrice fair. Drive two cattle. Mr James sells an ox and a cow fat! to Evans. Mr Samuel Phillips funeral very quiet. He horribly involved in debt. Am about home all day. Lop trees, men engaged securing mangolds in the yard from frost. Plant a few things long taken up and take up a few more and plant them in spite of snow. No frost in ground under snow. Receive letter from HJM Swansea going to Milford about wreckers. A scolding long letter from Carree and a bill for Richmond. J Richards of Blaenkedy calls late and pay only £6 on account of a year's rent to me, he'll soon give up, that's certain.

12th

A mild thaw not rapid nor general. Dull day, glass keeps falling to change. In the house nearly all day looking over papers, searching drawers etc to get things together before I go. Think to go tomorrow if it can be done or Friday early and leave Swansea for Bristol on Saturday and arrange for Grove's daughter to go by packet on Tuesday 2 ½ (i.e. 2.30), q if to get all way to Sherborne in one day and how am I to go to Bristol, Cardiff packets don't suit on Saturday. Write to EKJ to post in Swansea. One of my sheep dies, loss of 30/-. Get out late to tie up a few things lately planted out and transplanted Penrice oaks (seedlings), one on lawn 2 ft high, to save them. Write to Mr Morgan, Bristol, to expect me on Saturday si pos. Clean duck gun in a sad plight and put it in case to put away.

13th

Beautiful day, how spendidly the sun rises and sets. Still it is a frost but very quiet and mild. Not from the house and yard all day. Pack up and put the cupboards etc etc in order. The cellar! Receive letter from Frankie, Dorset, Book Club on Monday and supper, can I be there?! RG empties the barn of corn all thrashed out. Send letters by old Smith to Mr Beor and Mr Morgan, Bristol, and pay him in full. Write to Mrs James, Sherborne, this evening. Have fire in bedroom and get everything ready for tomorrow.

14th

A thaw but rather cold. Finish packing up and start for Swansea about 10 or half-past. Lion in car with luggage to top of Killay hill, Swansea side, and to go to Caswell. We exchange the luggage to Tally's car, now we have a load! Get in before 1.00, 12.30, roads very slip!(sic) Arrive at Picton Place, all fled and Mrs Sharpe very ill. Sharpe has come from Caswell, HJM gone to Milford about the wreck, AM home, where's that?! Has FM been here? Can't make out. Mr Beor out of town. I can do nothing, returns to dinner, want to pay bills, can't no money. Meet EKJ and Lucy, with former to the bank. Mean to tea at Mrs Collins. RH returns about 4.00. Mrs Sharpe very ill, better in evening.

15th

RH comes unexpectedly into Swansea again and I do not know it till I leave. I slept in Swansea, breakfast at Mr Beor's. I spend morning in his office about accounts etc. HJM at Milford, he banks a bill for HJM 100 on Caswell account, get it discounted at Glamorgan Bank and hurry to get ready for next train 1.30 and am off. Pay Mr Beor money £32 3 0 to cover bills as mentioned in accounts. Eliz Grove of Caswell comes with me as cook to Sherborne. Travel by Chepstow across the passage and arrive about 8.00. at 2 Berkeley Square and sleep there. Find Mr & Mrs Morgan quite well.

Sunday. Dull foggy dark damp day. Twice at church., 11.00a.m., 6.00p.m.. Hear Mr Hopper, ‘Swallowed up Death in Victory', a very good extempore sermon, never at fault. In evening a lecture from Acts, dine early. Take no further walk than to church. Weather cold and uninviting.

17th

Dull gloomy dark weather. At Bristol, leave today for Sherborne. Get out about 11.00 to shop (i.e.) pay bills. Buy a hat at Thornley's for Frank, too small, suits Johnny. Pay Egan tailor for Frank and see about my luggage at White Lion sent on on Saturday by the coach, alright. Dine at 1.00 and leave at 2.45 for Yeovil. Mr Morgan drives down. Girl sent by bus, at Yeovil about 5, at Sherborne about 7.00 to attend book club this evening and supper. 7 attend, just half, Mr James, Melmoth, R Wilmot, F Ffooks, old Mr Highmore, Mr Harston and self. Not at home till 12.00. Carree and children dine at Mr Goldsmith's and come home late too, so escape a scolding and scowls and kept no one in suspense. Glad to (be) home again.

18th

At Sherborne, unpack and set things in order. Boys up by daylight to go pea shooting boarders, frosty and cold. Q would they be up so early to go to school! Get out a little, call on Mrs James and fool away the day in idleness. Very cold and disagreeable.

19th

The same unpleasant weather. Call with Carree, Emma and John on the Benthalls to see their Indian Museum - skeletons, skulls etc. What an abundance. Call on the Fussells, she only at home, all out at the Goldsmith's. Call again on Mrs James and sit there late. Mr Henning called this morning. Mr Fussell drops in after tea and stays for bread and cheese. Children at Pope Joan, Palairet, Blundell etc. I read a paper.

20th

Very cold, dull brisk day. Enter accounts, get out in good time to the butcher's, pay him £20 and pay at Goldsmith's bank £5 for National School to be built. Write to HJM, order beer at Whittle's, peas 2 qts Stoke's. Get the Times 1st time from the Reading room. Read Times etc and take tea at Mrs James. Carree has a party of baby children. Glad to escape their noise.

21st

Very dull cold day, frosty. All morning analysing Carree's account in my absence. Can't make them quite tally. An occupation till dinner time. Mr Fussell calls to ask us to eat oysters and take tea this evening. Walk late with Agnes to Mrs Penns, pay her £10 17 0 and to Reading room to get the Times. Meet Mr Goldsmith and go home and return to Mr Fussell's with Carree and Emma and John. Meet 3 boarders not gone home, Blower of Monmouth, Fenn of Weymouth, --- of Suffolk. Have oysters etc and play a rubber with Carree against Mr and Mrs F, win 10 points at first and end by a balance loss of 2. A little snow falls.

22nd

Sharp frost, a little snow on the ground. Am not at all well, diarrhoea and rheumatism and do not mean to go out. Am not out all day, no wish to go out. Colonel Richards calls, pay him for garden ground last summer at 1/- a ley or perch. Read Nature and Human Nature. Write to Miss L Marcon to thank her, a handsome pair of slippers sent from Norwich. Glass heads and hounds. Sharp frosty weather.

Sunday. All at church a.m. I am not in afternoon but go with Emma and John at 7.00. A day not without rain and mild, very mild, after the frost. Walk to the Park gate, all of us.

24th

A whole holiday for shops all through the county. Dull Sherborne, duller than ever. I am not very well and pass wretched nights. Call with Carree first call on the H…ed's at house late Rutherford's, out. Meant to make some other calls but go to the church, Emma there decorating with ivy with a host of others. Go in and try to help. Mr & Mrs Palairet and sons, Miss Alford and Miss Williamson and Bartlett, Fulwaper, Burghmans and Mr Harston, decorated better than last year. Home and play cards, whist to teach J and F. could not make a party of few friends to dine.

25th

Am far from well, eyes swelled as usual, can't go to church a.m., rather wet but go p.m. at 3 with children. Carree does not stay sacrament alone in morning. Mild and wettish day, not very. Read newspapers pro pudor.

26th

Wet windy dull and disagreeable day. Am not out of the house. Read Russia by a Lady and Blackwood. Mr Fussell called to borrow umbrella. An alarm of fire, fire bell rings. Only a chimney on fire at the Terminus Inn Cold Harbour. Put out by buckets, engines made April Fools, no other incident today. Emma and children papering the nursery top of house.

27th

A dull chilly morning, am not from the house. Read and prepare for dinner tho' I am not at all well. Erisypalis in the face will not go off. Mr & Mrs Goldsmith dine here and meet Mr Horton, curate, and Mrs James. Dine at about 6.00, first dinner of new cook (Grove) rather kept us waiting tho' managed all pretty well and good. All passes off pleasantly, singing etc. Knockers torn off and bells broken tonight. Hennings, Mrs Martin, Mr Berghman and Major Hammond. Not found out, question snobs or boys?

28th

The same dull damp and mild weather. Get out rather earlier than usual after Miss McCready had called for subscription for the Nightingale fund for a hospital for nurses etc. Call on Mrs James and go into the town, pay Rendell's bill and talk to him about supply of water and coloured glass etc etc. Carree gone on with baby to call on Mr Palairet, meet her coming back, they at dinner. We then call on Mr and Mrs Richards. I go with him at 3.00 to a vestry to appoint members of the Burial Board and Auditors. Dine at 5.00, Mrs James joins us and we play at 21 cards in evening.

29th

At 10.00 for half-past join a vestry for appointing an organist and how to pay him. A rate refused, some 40 attend. Much said but all amicable. A voluntary contribution entered into. Received a disagreeable letter from Colonel Pratt as to Charles' conduct in B Militia, not good. Insubordinate I fear, leave of A removed and commission in line suspended, and lost? His general conduct I am sure is not to be defended. Get out late in evening with Em and Al to meet Carree? No, I forget all about it.

Sunday. 3 times at church, Mr Harston sermon on parting year and new year. Most excellent, all agree, comparing life to a shadow, ‘Heaven and Earth shall pass away but My World shall not pass away'. That in evening from Samuel 12? Giving account of stones of commemoration of events and thanks to God for mercies and assistance in war. Druidical stones and Saul's Ebenezer being(?) a stone in thanks to God for victory. We walked in morning as far as the Park gate, met the Stevens party and returned with them, not seen them for months. Write to HJM Swansea telling about Caie Forgan keys.

31st

Monday. Dull weather, much rain in the night. Read Illustrated and sort all these papers from June to December 31 to put them away and send out old club books etc. Carree gets out in evening, was to have overtaken her, fail. Wander about with Em and Ag. Join Mr Goldsmith at a Committee of soup kitchen, charity, at Town Hall. Try to find Carree and the children at school gymnastics, fail to find them and go to the Reading room. Take tea at Mr Hoddinot's and go with him to 7.00 duty to church, a good congregation and adjourned to Mr H's to supper. Miss Game and 2 young ladies there. Sit the New Year in. Bagatelle and Cupid is coming.

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