The Elms, Duffield Road, Derby

7 January 1872

Fred D Cooke

 

Epitome of Diaries commencing January one thousand eight hundred and sixty two, which I have destroyed after entering here the chief events, knowing by experience how much is written on the spur of the moment which mature reflection would leave unwritten.

 

The period when my diaries commence is the most eventful of my life.

 

I left school in June 1860 at the exact age (my birthday was the seventh of June 1843) of seventeen and joined the volunteers; stayed at home until Christmas at Tothby near Alford Lincolnshire and then tired of farming life, entered the office of my Brother in Law Langley Joseph Brackenbury, Solicitor Alford as an articled clerk in January 1861.

 

From that date until January 1962 I have no memoranda, but I resided at Tothby walking a mile to the office, and enjoyed all my former style of life, hunting one day a week, shooting and other out of door recreations; but working steadily in the office as well.

 

1862

 

The first entry worth noting is March 27, when the rifle corps marched to the sea side 7 miles to shoot for prizes given by Mr J Lister of Saleby who was at that time captain of the Company.

 

17 April   I went to Lowestoft for the first time on business to see a Mrs Merry widow of a clergyman. I stayed at Norwich on the way, until

 

18 April  on which day I completed the journey.  On the

 

19 April   I went to Yarmouth also for the first time, and had a Turkish bath, the only one I have had to this date.  I missed the home train here by a foolish and careless miscalculation, taking “5.40 p.m.” as 10 minutes to six, and walking into the station just as the train left.  I have never done so since.

 

20 April  On my return journey I visited Ely Cathedral for the first time and was exceedingly pleased with all I saw.

 

3 June  I had to go to Pinchbeck near Spalding, an almost illimitable parish, in the flattest part of the Fens, and I came away with the impression that no place under the sun could be more miserable.

 

21 August  I have noted as remarkable an incident of catching a bat flying over the canal at Tattershall at three o’ clock in the afternoon.

 

25 August  I went to Scarborough for the first time to stay with the Brackenburys.

 

29 August  Went by steam boat from Scarborough to Whitby and back; went over the ruins of the abbey and enjoyed the day very much.

 

2 September   I went at 5 o’clock in the morning to make a pencil sketch of the castle and Rock from the north side (this sketch is now bound up with several others in my possession).

 

3 September  Returned home having been out ten days.

 

15 September  Saw J.V. for the first time a source of much subsequent trouble.

 

25 September  Copy of entry “Tattershall fair came home at night.  Tattershall butcher killed two beasts!!!”  This was an incident, for although there used to be a large fair and good weekly markets here, the train from Boston to Lincoln spoiled both, and I used always to tell the Butcher I believed he never killed more than one leg of a sheep at a time.

 

5 October   Mr Carson the Alford Curate preached his farewell sermon, he had been much liked.

 

During this month my Father’s affairs came to a crisis and he sold out of the farm at Tothby to clear himself at one stroke.  I attended the sale of farming stock on

 

21 October  and a great blow it was to us all; we remained in the house however until March (actually given as 4 May below - Ed)

 

11 November  Sale of Mother’s land at Sloothby known as “The forty acres”; it made £3000.

 

29 November  Rode John Higgins’ old Roan ‘Colonel’, with the South Wold, meet was at Wilton, and we had a run late at night from Rigsby to Burwell where they whipped off.  Tomlin the father of the huntsman had a bad fall off Brackenbury’s chestnut horse and broke three ribs.

 

9 December  Brackenbury’s old Brown horse backed me into the ditch in front of his house, but it did not break the gig and we got out easily.  I had a good wetting however.

 

15 December  Made out a general balance sheet of Tonge’s Trust for Father extending over some years and afterwards examined and finally closed it, with James Tonge the party interested.

 

31 December  I entertained Mr John Byron (a large Farmer on Lincoln Heath) and Mr Spafford the great coursing judge at Brackenbury’s, in his absence, and went home to Tothby at night arriving first within the old year, the last spent at Tothby (N.B. Mr Byron last autumn 1861 took the first prize for sheep at Islington show).

 

Copy of notes at the end of Diary for this year

 

“Another year has passed; another wrinkle is added to the brow of time.  How many changes have come over the tiny world surrounding me during the past year!  All thoughts of a life of pleasure, supported by my forefathers’ gains, are fled and gone; as the deceiptful  mirage vanishes from the gaze of the thirsty traveller.  Before me is spread the world, and my position in that world depends entirely on my own exertions; oh may God grant me such strength of mind and determination of spirit that, surmounting all difficulties, I may at last reach such a point of heavenly worth, and earthly good renown, that, at my decease all men may say of me, “He was an honest man.” “

 

1863

 

20 January  Here is an entry “worked for 8 ½ hours over time for a day’s hunting on Saturday next “.

 

22 January  I went to a large fire at Mr Wright’s stack yard at Claxby; with R. Mason we had been dining at Rigsby.  A threshing machine burnt.

 

5 February  A large coursing party at Claxby at John Higgins’s, dined with him afterwards about 8 to dinner.

 

19 February Went to a tea party at Rigsby met the Misses North, Cavic and Taylor (Mrs Lauphier’s sister) and the Rev’d C and Mrs Mason.  Music singing and charades.

 

23 February Second journey to Lowestoft (Monday) returned by mail train same night.

 

26 February Party for my Cousin Iley Bradleys 21st anniversary of birth.  W D Bradley made a wonderful speech got up for the occasion.

 

10 March (Tuesday) Prince of Wales’s wedding. Rifle Corps shot for prizes at well field sports at Alford in the afternoon.  Ball at night, which I enjoyed much never went to bed.

 

11 March Got up a private dancing party at the Corn Exchange by way of supplement.

 

12 March Dinner party Allemby’s at Thoresby Chris Mason Barnes Walker Tom Handsley T. Mackinder and Tom Young, home about 3a.m.

 

20 March Undertook to ride Brackenbury’s chestnut horse in a private steeple chase.

 

23 March Commenced training to run in a foot steeple chase at Louth.

 

2 April (Thursday) Mr Jeaves Vicar of Alford died suddenly.  Old church at Rigsby pulled down.

 

6 April  Copy entry “I find from an old almanack that on Christmas day 1858 I stood 5ft 6 ½ ins without my boots.  I now stand 5ft 9 ½ ins.”

 

7 April Attended Mr Jeaves’s funeral, at which a great many parishioners were present.

 

18 April  Ran in the foot steeple chase at Louth fourteen started.  Porter Wilson 1 W. L. Mason 2 Chris Robson 3 self 4.  One mile 14 fences winner’s time 6m 5s.  Spent the day at T Masons.

 

29 April  The last day we all spent at Tothby together.

 

30 April  Breakfasted all together.  Mother and Fanny went to Chapel (St Leonards - ed) Polly to Brackenbury’s and Father and I remained at Tothby.

 

2 May  Sale of furniture at Tothby, was there.

 

4 May  Slept at Tothby for the last time, James Taylor (the old foreman) and I the only occupants.

 

5 May  Moved to house at Alford where Father still resides (12 January 1972).

 

9 May  Ran a match with Chris Robson at Louth on the same course as on the 18 April. He had me by 20 yards £5 a side.  J Higgins dropped a £5.  My time 5m 42 sec (less time than winner of former race).

 

25 June  Swam a quarter of a mile in the Witham at Tattershall.

 

1 July  “Swam, with breast stroke only (in a thunderstorm part of the time) from the wooden bridge Tattershall to Butts Bridge Conningsby ½ mile and 1 yard in 26 minutes ? and Mr Banks witnesses.  Mr B. timekeeper.”  (Signed) Wm ?.

 

1 July Wednesday

Ian Mace came to Tattershall with his circus, went to see him (2/2) with Mr and Mrs Banks.  Mace boxed with Brown of Birmingham.  (Then follows the signed original of the above feat of swimming)

 

Original entry

 

 

 

 

 

 

11 July  Walked to Chapel before breakfast arrived there 6 minutes past 7 a.m.; in one hour forty nine minutes 9 ½ miles without breaking pace.

 

18 July (Saturday).  Shooting in rifle match to select men to go to Lincoln to shoot for County prizes, tied T Cartwright with 45 points (20 rounds) in all, distances 200 300 400 500 2nd man 42.  1 prize was won at Lincoln with 42.

 

19 July  Mr Oldred read himself in at Alford Church.

 

3 August to 5 August  Shooting at Lincoln but got nothing.

 

10 October  Saturday went up to London re Henry Porter Wilson

 

12 October To Maidstone and released him from debtor’s side of the gaol on to Brighton for the first time and staid all night.

 

13 October To Eastbourne by train and walked back over Beachy Head to Newhaven returned to London in the evening.

14 October From London to Bishop Stortford and thence home.

 

15 October  Spent three hours at Cambridge on my return journey went over chapel of Trinity College.

 

31 October  “Half past twelve! It’s Sunday morning and the 1st of November so adieu September and October, fatal months to partridges and welcome hounds and thoroughbreds.”

 

7 November Went to London for intermediate examination staid all night with T Mason in Burton Crescent.

 

12 November Passed examination in Hall from ten to 2.30.

 

15 November Returned, dined with Keller at Boston returning

 

11 December (Friday) “Admiral Fitzroy’s storm never blew, it was all a puff!”

 

25 December  Christmas day.  Spent it at Rigsby the first I ever spent from home.

 

1864

 

January 5  Had an hour or two skating on the Rigsby pond the first time I have had any skates on during the last three years.

 

January 7  Skated all day on the lower pond at Well, the ice was perfectly clear and free from snow, and we could see several feet into the water.  Whilst skating Will Mason Fred Alder and I saw a pike which looked quite large enough to weigh three pounds, seized by a very large pike.  He took him by the middle and shook him like a dog does a rat, but at last catching sight of us he darted off with his prey amongst the weeds, and we saw him no more.

 

January 15  Alford Ball, about 97 there.  I met Miss F Bycroft there, she was acknowledged. Belle.

 

January 19  Went to a large dancing party at T Mackinders of Belleau.

 

January 22  I went alone to R Mackinder’s party at Langton.  Polly was to have gone but Lizzie was taken seriously ill yesterday and although she was better today, Polly decided not to go.  It was a very large and jolly party.

 

January 26  Lizzie was at the worst today, was so nearly gone that Doctor West left her for dead but, noting a slight muscular movement of her lips, he gave her some Brandy and from that moment she continued to improve.  She took more than a pint of Brandy in two or three hours, Father Mother Mrs Bradley Uncle and Aunt John, Lang and I sat up all night.

 

January 27  Went at dusk with the sexton only and buried Lizzie’s child (which was born dead) in the Cemetery .

 

January 28  Eardley Mason married.

January 29  Will Mason and I went to the Ball at the opening of the new Grammar School at Spilsby and enjoyed it very much.

 

February 7  Lizzie born (a reference to Lizzie, his sister’s, birthday? - ed)

 

February 8  Gave Doctor West my essay on “Frost” to review for me.

 

February 10  Skating again learned the “Spread Eagle”.  Dr West returned lecture with some notes and suggestions and proposed that I should deliver it as a lecture in the Mechanics.

 

February 11  Saw Mr Oldred about it and arranged time etc.

 

February 23  Sacred concert at Alford Inkersoll Tenor

 

February 25 Prepared drawing of Esquimaux houses to illustrate lecture.

 

March 1  Tuesday Delivered my lecture this evening to a very full room; this was my maiden appearance in public.  Dr West on the platform Mr Oldred (Vicar) in the chair.

 

March 10  Closed night school, taught all winter.

 

March 15 (shorthand or some other code- ed)

 

March 19  Finished picture of “Heat” (water colour) making a pair with “Cold” gave them to Iley both my composition.

 

March 25  Good Friday spent at Rigsby, a beautiful day, running and jumping in the meadows in the morning with W Mason.

 

March 30  My cousin Miss Cooke daughter of Evelyn married Coney.

 

April 4  Dined at Spilsby at Mrs Brackenbury’s met Capt Warren, Wm Brackenbury and Lang.

 

April 21 Commenced course of rifle shooting practice.

 

May 2  Went to Boston on business purchased a bible and prayer book bound in one volume, staid all night.

 

May 3  Returned to Alford.  An old man was quoting Scripture in the train, and desiring to have a correct quotation of a passage from St Peter asked a lady in the carriage if she had a bible or testament with her, which she had not.  After some hesitation I offered him the new one I had bought and after using it he returned it to me with thanks, and expressed himself well pleased to find that I carried such a guide with me.  I never felt more ashamed in my life for it was by the merest chance I had it, and I had only looked at the binding and printing.  I had for some time past been living very fast, and he was taking away the notion that I was very good.  I formed however a resolution to know more of the Scriptures that I might not be so ignorant when others talked of it, but at first without any other motive, afterwards I came to think I would at the same time try to reform my ways.

 

The following is a copy of a special entry made on the date “From this day I date my conversion to the knowledge and love of God, who alone worketh great marvels” and “This opinion is confirmed after six months experience.  Fred D Cooke 16 Nov 1864", and I can now add (11 February 1972) that I am still in the same mind after many fluctuations.

 

May 4  Went to Nottingham for the first time.  Saw the “Ticket of leave Man” at Boston.

 

May 7  Went to Ashby (the late Mr Pearce’s) to arrange for sale.

 

May 13  Received of xxx £1.15.0 the first fairly earned money I ever received from anyone not a relation.  This was for law writing.

 

May 19  Completed an oil painting of “The catch” a deer hound at the flank of a red stag taken from a small plate.  This took 6 weeks doing and I gave it to Mrs Brackenbury.

 

June 7  My 21st birthday received a legacy of £20 re Tonge’s Trust.

 

June 9  Commenced teaching children to sing at Rigsby to start a choir

 

June 18  Went to the first ‘Speech day’ ever held at the Alford Grammar school.  Mr Dasent now headmaster.

 

July 4  Went to see Mrs Green who is dying from cancer in the head.

 

July 7  At Rigsby shooting for Rifle prizes.  Capt Higgins offered me a ride home in his Dog cart, and as he did not stop I ran behind and jumped on the footboard, but as soon as my weight fell on it the shafts broke and the trap fell back turning us all out.  Fortunately no one was hurt.

 

August 4  My sister Polly married to Barnes Walker.  A very quiet wedding only Lizzie and his “best man” Adcock to Breakfast.  Went to Sutton to spend the day.  Wrote and told Fred Cooke at Boston.

 

August 13  Aunt Bradley’s birthday.  Went down to Chapel to spend the day.  Drove Lizzie home at night with grey pony, had an accident at Milgates Bridge but not hurt.

 

August 19  To Mr R Mason’s at Keddington for the first time enjoyed my day very much.

 

August 22 Spent the day at Mablethorpe with the Masons, Spratts and others (Masons’ party).

 

August 23  First entertained the idea of marriage with J.

 

August 29  My first visit to Mr Bompas; spent the evening with him.  Consulted him about marriage and he advised not.

 

September first  Had an interview with Mr Oldred, he thought I might, in course of time!

 

September 19  Father asked me to write to Charles Mason of Bilsby with a formal notice not to trespass again in pursuit of game, where Father has the right of shooting; and to make some strong remarks on what he had done.  I succeeded however in persuading him to try another course first, and to call and ask him (CM) to have a day’s shooting with him (so letting him see that Father’s right was absolute) at the same time giving him to understand that he (Father) was aware of the trespass already done.  This he did much to the confusion of the Rev’d gentleman (Charles Mason) and to his own ultimate comfort, as the difficulty was thus finally settled.

 

September 20  Had a long talk with John Higgins on the subject of conversion, and went home with him to Claxby and staid all night.

 

September 22 Arranged for a regular course of reading Greek Testament with Mr Bompas.

 

September 28 Went with Mr Rhodes to opening of Ludford Church.  Bishop Jackson preached.  Text “We preach Christ crucified.”

 

October 3  Staid all night again at Claxby.

 

October fourth Tuesday Rode one horse, on business, fifty miles in seven hours.

 

October 18  Dr Ogle came from Derby and gave a lecture in the Mechanics institute on “The Human Frame”.

 

October 28  Anniversary of Brackenbury’s wedding.

 

November 3 Went to London as a witness in the case of West and Sylvester, as to Mrs Tonge’s will.  Dined at Spikes’s boarding house in Doctors’ Commons, with Sylvester.  Staid at Ridley’s Old Bell Holburn, with Lizzie and Mrs Portington.  Went with Lizzie to hear Titius in Norma.  Dixon’s daughter born.

 

November 5  Case part heard, I was examined and cross-examined by Sir John Karslake. 

 

November 8 Gave Lottie Mason my water colour drawing of “a dining lion”.

 

November 9  Case finally heard decided against Sylvester.

 

November 14  Lottie Mason’s birthday, went there to a party.  Miller the murderer hanged after confessing his guilt.

 

December 13 Gave Annie Mason water colour drawing ‘Lioness and cubs’.

 

December 20 Went on business to a place named Irby.  It is near another place called Orby, but the people there call them Ereby and Irby respectively so that when I asked the way to Irby they sent me to Orby.

 

Finis I came of age on 7 June this year and received a legacy of £20 under Mr Tonge’s will my first money in my own right.

 

 

Notes on the year made 18 February 1872

This year by God’s grace I learned to know the error of my youthful ways and strenuously endeavoured to amend.  Though I still do much that I would not do, I have not yet lost my knowledge of the ‘heart’s love and trust, and I hope I never may.

 

In this year I also first ‘took note’ of Annie Mason, now my dear wife, while teaching a choir at Rigsby.

 

1865

 

January thirteenth Friday  Refused Mrs Thimbleby’s invitation to their ball as I felt it would be leading me back to my old memories before I was sure I could resist the desire to return altogether.

 

January 19  Uncle Bradley gave a tea or supper (6 pm) to the Alford Church choir.  I was chief master of ceremonies for him, and conducted the singing.  A very pleasant evening.

 

January 20  Delivered lecture to Rifle Corps on “Theoretical Principals” with diagrams.

 

January 28  Began to desire to get rid of my marriage promises.

 

February eight Wednesday Mrs Oldred died.

 

February 15  T.A Peacock came to the office to be articled.

 

February 21 Changed my office hours from 9 to 7 to nine to 6 with only one hour for dinner instead of one and a half, that I may have more time to read law at home.

 

February 24 Finished reading all through Paradise Lost!

 

February 27 Will Bradley’s 21st birthday, went to a party there at night.

 

April 4  Helped a man up who was lying by the road side very drunk, and he called himself “deficient”.

 

April 10 Annie Mason 21 today sent her a piece of music anonymously.

 

April 26 President Lincoln assassinated.

 

May 2 Arranged with P ...1/6

 

May 29 Aunt John Cooke’s anniversary of birthday.

 

June 3  Harry Walker (my nephew) born.

June 7  Commenced course of reading for final examination in Law.

 

June 22  Anniversary Polly’s birthday.

 

July 1  Broke off promises made to J.V.

 

July 4  First attack of Rheumatism from riding a restive horse.

 

July 7  Wrote to Mrs Harrel to thank her for card of Lady Crawford’s death and work since.

 

July 11  At Bradley’s (Chapel) met Misses Grantham.  Jumped out of the rigging of a coal vessel about half a mile at sea, for practice, fell about 10 or 12 foot.  Sailed in Uncle Bradley’s little boat the “Bill” from Chapel (St Leonards) to Sutton (on Sea) 7 miles along the coast in a thunderstorm and violent rain.

 

The head of the coastguard station at Chapel accompanied me and returned at night in a heavier storm by himself.  He had to steer with one arm and bail with the other and arrived at home about 2 a.m.

 

July 21 Went to Rigsby and to Thoresby to a cricket match, with Miss Stainforth Annie and Fanny Mason.

 

July 29  Determined to break with J.

 

August 2  Engaged to play the organ at church on Sunday next tho’ I have practised very little.

 

August 3 Went to Grimsby to shoot rifle match but it rained so we could do nothing dined at Royal Dock Hotel.

 

August 5  Last visit to Mr and Mrs V.

 

August 16  Had business near Louth and called on Mr R Mason at Kiddington.  He was not at home.  Met Annie at Louth at her Uncle T Masons.

 

August 21 Sylvester wrote to J.V for me to end matters.

 

September 8  Poor old Joe Bucknall (farm bailiff 29/12/33 AM Cooke) killed at Rigsby by a Bull.

 

September 11 Metcalfe died.

 

September 16 Willie Cooke’s birthday

 

September 23 Brodie dined with us and walked with me to Rigsby after.

 

September 26 Tuesday Second attack of Rheumatism.

 

October 11 End of fourth year of my time under articles.

October 19 Attended opening of night school.

 

October 20 Rifle shooting at Rigsby for prizes; got £1 prize.

 

November 7 Tuesday last interview with J.V. when finally arranged to sep.

 

November 9 Had a long talk with Father about it he approved.

 

November 13 Annie Mason went to Hull.

 

November 16  Fred Alder and Jenny Higgins married.

 

November 22 Rode to Ludford.  Lunched with Robert Martin at Asterby.  Slept at W Bradley’s farm at Ludford.

 

November 23 Further round again finishing at Louth.

 

November 24  Home - had gallop with hounds on the way.

 

November 25 Went to Thornton near Grimsby on business and looked over the ruins of the abbey.  Afterwards on to Hull.  A.M. there.

 

November 26 Met Annie at church and called at Spratts with her.

 

November 27 Returned home with ? Bradley

 

1866

 

January 4  Thursday Went to Tattershall by train and met Jabez Turner for the first time during the last 2 or 3 years.

 

January 5  My nephew Harry Barnes Walker Christened.  Harry Walker and myself God Fathers.  Sister Fanny God Mother.  They had a dinner party.  Grandfather John Walker, Mr and Mrs Harry Walker, Fanny Mother and myself, and a few more in the evening.

 

January 6 The South Wold hounds met at Spilsby it being the morning after the ball.  I rode my sister Polly’s (Mrs Walker) mare, breakfast at Tom Thimbleby’s and had a 20 minutes run.  I had a fall over a brook, the pony fell and whilst trying to release myself, she plunged and upset me.

 

The solicitors at Alford commenced the Saturday half holiday movement this day; the church bells were rung etc.

 

January 8  Copy note “Though I have an inward craving to return to my old mode of life my spirit cleaves to the sure anchor of hope, which I feared but a little time since was slipping its hold.  This year will probably be a year of change for me, and fraught with care.  If I live to see another Christmas I shall have completed my term of service under articles, and I trust, earning money for myself, and so lessening the burthen cast upon my parents.  If ever in my life I have had need of a Saviour’s help and love surely it is now.  Oh! that the power of my flesh may be subdued by Him who alone can conquer, that I may be enabled to put on his whole armour and fight the battle manfully; that conquering by His strength I may live more nearly as He requires me to live.  I command myself for the new year to his care who never slumbers nor sleeps, who can turn the hearts of all men, and can call me from darkness to His marvellous light.”

 

January 10  Went with Cavic to Rigsby to practise glees for a ‘penny readings’ at Thoresby next Thursday.

 

January 11  Went to Thoresby penny readings which passed off very well, and supper at the Rev Mr Wright’s afterwards.

 

Annie sat up to speak to me after we arrived at Rigsby; she thought she had offended me.

 

January 12  Met Annie and the Rigsby party at Henry Brown’s and made it all up with her.

 

January 19 Went hunting bad sport.

 

January 26 Delivered lecture on ‘Theoretical principles’ to Rifle Corps.

 

January 30  Raised to rank of Corporal.

 

February 4  Asked Will’s favour upon my desires towards Annie, and he expressed himself favourably to me.

 

February 21 Wrote to Mr T Mason.

 

February 26  Coursing at Rigsby with Bradley’s party.

 

March first Thursday Fast day, ordered in consequence of the cattle plague went to Church etc.

 

March 10  Received reply from Mr T Mason making appointment to meet me at Rigsby.

 

March 12 Met Mr T Mason when he expressed an opinion favourable to myself, but advised that I should postpone any declaration until I was more settled as to the future.

 

March 26  Gave notice of my intention to present myself for examination in June.

 

March 30  Good Friday Spent the day at Rigsby.  Mr and Mrs Eardley (Mason) Miss Stainforth Fanny Will Annie and I had a long walk in the afternoon, A and I strayed somewhat from the party gathering flowers!

 

April 4  Mrs Hurrell of Burgh house died.  She was my half cousin.

 

May 23  Went up to London for my final examination, next week.  Staid with Charles French at Grays.

May 25 Went up to town at night with Iley Bradley to hear ‘Elijah’ at Exeter Hall.  Saniton Dobby, Parepa, Sims Reeves, and Santley, principal vocalists.

 

May 28 Went for a walk with C French, Iley, Miss Law, and Miss Steel; Miss Law in climbing over a gate, put her foot through a good new silk dress!

 

May 29 First day of Exam.  Staid at Spikes’s coffee house, Doctors’ Commons.

 

May 30  Second (final) day of Exam. Went to Royal Academy, and in the evening to Miss Hogarth’s concert St James’ Hall.

 

May 31 Returned to Grays to await news of the result of exam.

 

June 2  Heard Ilma de Murska in ‘Dinorah’

 

June 5  Received notice of having passed.  Telegraphed home.

 

June 8  Returned home.  Siggie Brackenbury confirmed this morning. Little ‘Maude’.

 

June 9  Spent the day calling on friends.

 

June 16  To Rigsby and asked Annie for a private chat on Wednesday.

 

June 20  Proposed!  Accepted!  Engaged!

 

June 22  Speech day at Alford Grammar School.  Dasent Headmaster.  Met Annie then walked about the garden with her and took her in to lunch.  After Mrs D’s talking it was odd that our engagement should be finally made public in her house.

 

June 23  Engaged with James Tonge balancing accounts producing books and vouchers etc

 

June 29  To Rigsby and met all Annie’s uncles there together: they only went there about once a year!

 

July 2 Wharton Cavic died.

 

July 4  Mrs West ditto.

 

July 7  Vaccinated, much small pox about, took well.

 

August 6  To Chapel for a short visit.

 

August 13  Mrs Bradley’s birthday

 

August 15  Had a ride on “Bird on the Wing”, now belonging to Brackenbury.  (He took first prize at Islington last year 1871 - FDC 4/3/72)

 

August 16  Told Annie all.

August 21  W. N. Mason accepted tenant of Rigsby.

 

August 25  Rev Oldred married.  His wife 35 years his junior.

                 Sister Fanny’s first visit to Rigsby.

 

September 8  Gave Lottie M.  illuminated copy “Old Scarleit’s Tablet, copied from Peterboro Cathedral.

 

September 18  Annie gave me locket.

 

October 9  Uncle Bradley lent me £50 to start me in the world and pay my admittance fees etc  without security, simply on note.

 

October 12  To London to take admittance and stay a short time with Charles French.

 

October 18  Made an arrangement for a conveyancing managing clerkship with Mr J Beard (now one of the undersheriffs for London 1872 F.D.C.)  For £120 per annum 1st year but was never able to take it from illness.

 

October 19 Admitted in all the Common Law Courts by Baron Martin in Chambers.

 

October 31 First commencement of illness, a sort of prostration from overwork.

 

November 3 Went to Chapel for rest and sea air.

 

November 15  Returned home.

 

November 19 Went to visit at Rigsby

 

December 7  Weighed 10st 13 lbs this day.

 

December 11  Will Mason’s case as to Mr Haugh footpath heard, withdrawn on his agreeing to leave path in ploughing.

 

December 18  Accompanied Mrs Brackenbury to the Magistrates office where she gave evidence against Mrs Simpson alias Hayes for obtaining money under false pretences.  I had previously got her convicted for the like fault.  She was again convicted.

 

December 20  Attended with Annie at Brackenbury’s office and signed release of Rigsby trusts.

 

December 26  Went to Boston to visit my great uncle Fred Cooke where he promised to assist me as much as he could.  Staid all night.

 

December 27  Went with Charles Holland over the Church to see Xmas decorations.

Received an invitation from Mr Marcus Huish of Castle Donington (Leicester?) to visit him and arrange for a clerkship or partnership.

 

December 28 Went there accordingly and found it a very nice place.

 

December 29 Young John Huish drove me into Derby.  My first visit.

 

December 31 Commenced duties under Mr Huish.  Salary 1st year £120 and promise of partnership at expiration thereof on terms to be arranged 3 months notice on either side.  My duties to take management of office at Derby.

 

1867

 

January first Monday.  Commenced work at the Derby office.

 

January 16  Went to lodge at Mrs Allerstone’s 28 Osmaston Street.

 

January 31  To London and admitted in Chancery.

 

February 1  Home to Lincolnshire.

 

February 7  Returned to Derby, lunched at Fred Cooke’s (Boston) on the way.

 

February 8  Joined Choral Union.

 

February 11 Mr Huish appointed Undersheriff and he made me acting ditto, for him.

 

February 14  Called on Turners.  Friargate.

 

February 18  Fred Cooke (Boston) died very suddenly.

 

February 19 Went to Boston to see if I could assist.

 

March 4  Sang in Grammar school concert.

 

March 5  Wrote letter of condolence to Mrs F. Cooke.

 

March 6  Rode in Mr Chandos Ble’s procession to meet the judge.

 

March 7  Assizes attended with Ward etc.

 

March 8 Wagener (?) found guilty of murder and sentenced to be hanged..

 

I made an amusing mistake today.  As acting undersheriff I had to conduct the judge of the Criminal Court to his lodgings to lunch, and going into the corridor I pushed the door back on someone who looked like an old fashioned country gentleman, and told him to hold it for the judge and keep out of the passage.  He was Lord Denman!

 

March 15  Went to stay at Castle Donington until Monday.

 

March 16  Walked in the Marquis of Hastings Park very beautiful.

March 28  Commenced an account at Derby and Derbyshire Bank.

 

April 4  Rheumatism settled into my ankle, very bad.

 

April 12  Consulted Dr Gisborne.  So bad I had to crawl to bed on my knees.

 

April 13  To the Hallam’s of Burton near Loughborough to stay until Monday.

 

April 30  Partnership Huish and Eddowes expired.

 

May 2  Went to Burslem on business for the first time and should not mind if it were the last.

 

May 4  Spent the afternoon at Mr Huish’s at Duffield.

 

May 9  My first County Court case.  Hooley at the suit of Green, at Belper Court, damage to drain etc for defendant, won. 

 

May 12  Met Mrs Portington and Fanny Cavic at Turner’s.

 

May 18  To Hallam’s to stay until Monday.

 

May 28  Met Reverend, Mrs and Miss Bourne and Mrs Overton at Huish’s, Duffield.

 

June 3  To Heanor had lunch at Mr Bay’s (met J Huish and Mr Law) afterwards to a land sale.

 

June 8 Met R Simpson S Leach H Topham and J C Cox at Huish’s (Duffield) for the first time.

 

June 18  Had a case at Derby County Court against John Huish Barrister Moore v Midland Railway Companyy - detaining sheep etc judgement reserved.

 

June 27  Met Mr and Miss North casually in the Town on their way to Burton on Trent shewed them about.

 

July 13  To Hallams till Monday.  A party there tonight.

 

July 18  Commission day of Assizes.

 

July 22 Whole Sheriff’s cortege had likeness taken - I have two copies.

 

August 10  To Alford, and in the afternoon to Rigsby, Annie met me in the fields and did not know me!

 

August 13  Cook at Rigsby taken ill of a bad fever.

 

August 16  Went to Chapel

 

August 21  Returned home.  Saw Annie for a few minutes, the only opportunity this visit to Lincolnshire as they had a servant ill with a bad fever, and she ultimately died there.  It is eight months since I have seen her and now only for two afternoons, it is a heavy trial.

 

August 24  Back to Derby.

 

August 31  To Buxton till Monday for the first time, met Lang there.

 

September 7  To Matlock.  Met young Bellow son of the celebrated Reader R M Bellow ex parson.

 

21 September  Saturday To Hallams till Monday.

 

September 23  Gave Mr Huish notice to leave at Xmas if no new arrangement made.

 

October 6  Sunday Sang solo (tenor) anthem at St Alkmund’s Church first trial.

 

October 25  Practising with Choral Union ‘Samson’; The females all struck as they would not sing chorus

“To man God’s universal law

Gave pow’r to keep his wife in awe;

Thus shall his life be ne’er dismay’d

By female usurpation sway’d.”

 

 (Written later) My wife says they were idiots!

 

November 8  Sang “Great Dagon” at choral Union.

 

November 23  To dinner with Mr Huish at Duffield.

 

December 8  Assize Sunday attended church.  Keating judge.

 

December 19  To sing at a concert at Melbourn and play flute.  With H Bemrose Coulson Naylor and Dodd.  Played two solos.

 

December 21  Home for Xmas.  Staid at Rigsby.

 

December 28  To supper at Rhodes’s with W. D. Bradley.

 

December 30  Back to Derby, very pleasant visit nothing particular to note.

 

1868

January third- Friday- Mr Huish taken very ill.

Fenian riots in different parts; between 4 & 5 hundred Special Constables sworn in for the Borough.

 

February 1  G D’A Clark took his place in the office as partner, he had not been told that I was going to leave.

February 9  Mr Huish died early this morning.

 

February 14  Called on Rev’d J.G. Bourne at Castle Donington.  Went to serve a subpoena on the Marquis of Hastings but he was not at home.

 

February 15  Attended Mr Huish’s funeral at Breadsal church.

 

February 22  To Buxton till Monday.

 

March 9  Taken very ill sent for Dr Goode.

 

March 12  Out again for first time “Peritonitis”.

 

April 2  First interview with Gamble about partnership.

 

April 4  Arranged with him “To try for 3 months at £200 per annum afterwards partnership if business increases sufficiently.”

 

April 9  To Alford.

 

April 10  Good Friday.  To Rigsby to stay a week.

 

April 20  Still at Rigsby went to amateur concert at Brinkhill.

 

April 22  Taken ill again same as 9 March.

 

April 26  Out of bed for first time.  Mother and Fanny came.

 

April 28  To Alford, a little better.

 

May 7  Returned to Derby.

 

May 12  Clark (G D’A) married.

 

May 19 Commenced water colour copy of Chromo Leth (?) Of Lock (sic) Lomond.

 

May 23  To Burton taken ill again there.

 

June 1  Returned to Derby, have been in bed a week.

 

June 8  Uncle John fetched me home.

 

July 1  Recovered sufficiently to go to Chapel for sea air, stayed with Brackenbury’s.

 

July 15  To Rigsby.

 

July 27  To Bradley’s at Chapel my last visit before his death.  He came on

 

August 10  to fetch me home and drove me, ....on the way with old Mrs Lenton at Sloothby. 

 Speaking of someone else whom she recognised from a description she had of him by letter, she said that she knew him “by the prescriptions” that he was a man of about my uncle’s “statute” and age with a white beard.  Afterwards in describing her pleasure in his company (with some of his friends) she said “she never enjoyed no gentleman so much since her ring was put on nigh 30 years ago”.  He also told me the story of John Deal the Yorkshire man, and his gutted oysters.  This was the last long chat I had with him.  He was indeed a kind friend to me at all times.

 

August 15  Returned to Derby, Will Mason with me.

 

August 17  Commenced with Gamble.

 

September 11 Ordered my first barrel of beer!

 

September 12  Introduced to Mrs Gamble.

 

September 26  To Burton till Monday. 

 

October first - Thursday- Uncle Bradley died suddenly.

 

October 10  To Alford and Rigsby.

 

October 11  Attended Uncle Bradley’s funeral at Rigsby Church.

 

October 12  Returned to Derby.

 

October 15  To Gamble’s House first time, to see Mr J.S Wilkinson - afterwards to dancing party there.  Met Captain and Miss Prince two Misses Balguy and others.

 

October 21  To dinner party at J S Wilkinson’s at Repton, slept at Prince’s.  Began to be very thick with Dolman.

 

November 26  To Bakewell as deputy sheriff.

 

November 29  To Repton to J.S Wilkinson’s.

 

December 2  Returned to Derby

 

December 24  Home and to Rigsby for Xmas.

 

1869

 

January one - Friday- At Rigsby Misses North there. Kissed Miss L North under the mistletoe.  We were all weighed.  I weighed 10st 11 lbs.  Annie 10st 5 lb.  Lottie 10st 6 lb.

 

January 5  Returned to Derby.

 

January 12  Gamble and Dolman dined with me.

 

January 18  Sang at St Peters ‘readings’.

 

January 30  Gamble and Dolman dined with me and afterwards Dolman and I went to a Church Bazaar in Parliament Street got up by the Rev’d Lyal of St Luke’s, brother of Lyal of the Imperial Insurance office.  We met Miss Balguy and Miss Allan there.

 

January 31  Met Miss Stuart at Turner’s for the first time.

 

February 1  Read Tennyson’s “Norther Farmer” at St Peter’s Penny Readings.

 

February 4  To another concert at Melbourn.

 

February 5  To Masonic Ball enjoyed very much.

 

February 9  To Cox’s party at Assembly Rooms.  Willie Cox 21st “coming of age”.  About 120 there.

 

February 10  To London re Woollatt.  Staid at Exeter Hall Hotel.

 

February 12 Returned to Derby.

 

February 22  To Mansfield re Wilkinson, called on Mr Woodcock Mr Wrights Solicitor and afterwards on Mr Wright.  A very pretty place; staid there till 7pm.  Mrs Gamble there.  Miss Wright a very nice girl.  Sang etc etc.

 

March 4  To Newark on business for the first time, staid at Clinton arms.

 

March 8  Took Mrs Gamble Miss Allan and Miss Wright to lunch at Lowe’s had great fun.

 

March 18  Grammar School concert.  Sang “Twilight is dark’ning”

 

March 24  Home to Alford and Rigsby.

 

March 29  Returned to Derby and Annie accompanied me to stay at Gambles.  Met Tom Wright quite unexpectedly at Grantham station.  Never seen him since I left school at Sherboro’ House eight years since.  He is going to Nottingham as second master at the High school.

 

April 10  To a Christening dinner at the Simpson’s.  Met Col’ Moon Mrs and Miss Dunn, Mr and Mrs J J Simpson, Mr and Mrs Gamble and Annie.

 

April 19  Went ro see Siamese Twins, American giantess (Miss Swann) and Mlle Luti the Circassian ‘the most beautiful girl in Europe’.

 

April 21  To London took Annie to Miss Staniforths at Harewood Square.

 

April 22  Spent day with Annie at Christal (sic) Palace first time for 9 years.  To Huegenots at night.

 

Margarita = Ilena di Murska

Valentina = Titiens

San Bris = Santley

de Nevers = Cotogni

Raul = Mougini

Marcello = Bagagiolo

 

April 23  Returned to Derby

 

May 7  First learned to ride velocipede.

 

May 8  To Buxton to meet Lang.

 

May 10  Returned to Derby.

 

May 15  To London again to see Annie.

 

May 19  Returned to Derby after a very pleasant visit.  Staid Tavistock.  Annie at Miss Stainforth’s  Harewood Square.

 

June 8  Gamble Forrest and Knipton dined with me.

 

June 19  To Alford and Rigsby.

 

June 22  Returned to Derby.

 

June 26  Settled partnership terms with Gamble and signed same - to commence as from 24th inst.

 

July 17  Went to Sheffield for first time on business re Topham.

 

July 28  Home to Alford and Rigsby for short holiday and to arrange as to marriage.

 

August 2  Returned to Derby.

 

August 23  Sang Wherewithal shall a ? man cleanse his ways at St Alkmund’s church - a tenor solo.

 

August 29 To Lincs again till Monday.  Staid at Rigsby.  Dolman went with me.  Obtained license from Rev’d Oldred - ready for next week.  Dined at Alford with Father on Saturday.

 

August 31  Returned to Derby by 9pm train.  Staid till morning at Flying Horse Nottingham.

 

September 4  To Alford again.  Staid with Father and Mother till

 

September 6  Monday when Dolman came, made all preparations for wedding.  Went to Rigsby in the afternoon with Dolman and staid till about 12 at night, then walked back to Father’s.

 

September 7 -Tuesday- To Rigsby at 10.30 in a fly with Dolman direct to the Church.  Rev’d Lawrent, and Oldred officiated.  Uncle Dick gave Annie away. 

Bridesmaids Lottie, Fanny C., Fanny Mason, Ellen Mason (Louth).  A large concourse to see wedding, the church full.  Service went off very well.  Walked across to the house to breakfast at 11 a.m. a large party there: Father and mother, Brackenbury’s, Mrs Walker, Annie’s uncles Richard and Henry Mason, W A Mason Louth for Uncle J Mason.  Tom and Charlie Mason, Ellen, Mr and Mrs Oldred, Mr Lawrent, Dolman.  Bridesmaids and groomsman W.N Mason host.  Not much speechifying.  Left at 2.30 for Burgh station to Peterboro’; staid all night at Great Northern Hotel.

 

September 8  To Lowestoft and staid at Royal Hotel till (spent one day at Yarmouth)

 

September 24 when we returned to Derby after a very pleasant outing.  Lottie and Fanny (Cooke) came to our house The Elms Duffield Road Derby to receive us and found the house about half furnished, but we made the best of it.

 

Gambles, Simpsons, Copestakes, Gisbom’s (H.J.) Turners, Rogers, Forrests, Abneys Vicar, Beresford (curate), Rev’d Hope (St Peters), Cox (Major) and Mrs Clarkes, (The Elms, Kedleston Road)- Dr and Mrs Goode - Kimptons- called as “wedding callers”.  Haywood’s (solicitor).

 

October 2  Outing to Matlock Lottie Fanny Dolman and Naylor.  Nothing particular occurred to the end of the year when on

 

December 23 we went to Alford to stay at Alford and Rigsby - spent a pleasant visit and returned to Derby 3 January 1870.

 

1870

 

January 3  Returned to Derby.

 

January 12  To London on business returned

 

January 18  to J. Clarke’s dinner party, met (amongst others) Williams the new secretary to the Midland Railway Company.

 

April 21 Barnes Walker died after a long illness, he leaves two little children for Polly to bring up.

 

We have lived very quietly since our return, been to one or two dances, a dinner party or two and are getting well settled down to ordinary life.

 

May 5  The Midland Fine Art Exhibition opened at the Drill Hall by the Duke of Devonshire, a very grand day.  We took season tickets.  The pictures were excellent including Landseer’s “Laying down the Law”, “Bolton Abbey in the Olden time”, Rosa Bonham’s “Cattle Drive”, many of Wrights of Derby, some of Hunt’s, a great deal of plate machinery and all kinds of articles.

 

May 25  Lent my new wheelbarrow to a man working for Crump, and after he finished his work he decamped with Crump’s spade and rake and my barrow and was never heard of more.

 

June 2 - Thursday- Dolman married Lottie Mason.  We could not go to the wedding, Annie was not well, and I would not go without her.  We gave them a timepiece as a wedding present.

 

June 25  Little Earnest (sic) born.

 

July 16  Commencement of violent attack of Rheumatic ceritis (?) Which lasted a month.

 

August 9  First able to come out of a dark room- my left eye has been very bad.

 

September I have no diary during this period and only sketch incidents.  We could not go out anywhere this autumn. 

 

September16  Baby christened, Brackenbury and self godfathers, Fanny Mason godmother - dinner party.  Brackenbury, Mr and Mrs R Simpson, Miss Rogers, Mr and Mrs Dolman.  Brackenbury gave him silver spoon and fork.

 

Exhibition closed this month, it paid very well.

 

October 20  Took Annie to London for a few days and we enjoyed it very much.  I consulted Sydney Jones, and he said I was overworked.

 

Nothing particular occurred till we went into Lincolnshire on

 

December 21  for Xmas to stay at Alford leaving Eardley at Derby who has been assisting me in the office some time.  I staid until a day or two after Xmas and then returned to Derby leaving Baby and Annie at Father’s.

 

1871

 

January first  Returned to Derby last night and being delayed on the way spent the old year out and new year in at Trent station, when I was nearly starved to death the thermometer being about 18 o below freezing point.  I also heard there of poor old Alderman John Gamble’s sudden death yesterday.  I arrived at home to find everything frozen except Mrs Kirkland who is too large and fat to freeze and everything holding water burst - lead pipes, vases, everything!

 

This is the first time I have left my wife since we were married, and what with the weather and her absence, I am like something else “frozen up”.

 

January 7  Returned to Lincs to fetch Annie and Baby home.  The change seems to have done them both good.  Baby has been most delicate and we never expected to keep him alive but he now seems to improve a little, he only weighed 7lbs when he was 4 months old.

 

March 19  Baby cut his first tooth.  I have no regular diary this year but note up such memoranda as I have and anything that occurs to me as I do so.

 

April 12  Went to Buxton with Annie and Iley Bradley who is staying with us, to see Uncle John Cooke.  The weather very cold there, but we had a nice day.

 

April 19 Went to a large dancing party at Rogers’.

 

May 6  Drove through to Matlock for the first time.  Annie, Nelly Mason and Gertie Gamble, a fine day and enjoyed it much.

 

May 30 Annie and I went to London for a week’s spree.

 

June 1  Dolmans joined us, and to Exhibition South Kensington - Christal palace - Opera etc etc.  Staid 5 days at the Bedford Covent Garden.

 

July 2  Took a party to Chee-dale enjoyed the afternoon very much, Lizzie Mason with us.

 

July 8  Journey to London on business.

 

July 10 Annie and I went over to Alford till Monday to arrange for going to stay at the sea.

 

July 22  Took Annie, Baby and three servants to stay at Robbins’ lodgings at Chapel, when we staid until

 

August 10  We had beautiful weather after the first 5 or 6 days which were show’ry and cold, and enjoyed ourselves very much.  Fanny Mason, Fanny Cooke and Mother staid some time with us.  Annie and Fanny M learned to swim.  We had a dinner party on 7 August Lang and Lizzie, Colonel Sanderson, J Higgins, W.N. Mason and our own party.  We had a great shrimp fishing expedition, and ended by tearing the net in two.  Lang drove his pony so far out that they got into soft sand and nearly all disappeared, but no accident occurred.  We had a very pleasant day.

 

During our stay I made a good many sketches both in water and oil.

 

August 10  Left Chapel and went up to Rigsby and staid there till we left Lincs on the 16th.  Will and I had a long day trout fishing with Uncle John at Aby but the water was so bright and the weather so hot as never had a run.  It rained during the night however and the next day at Thoresby in Chas North’s park we had some excellent sport.  He caught 5 brace and I 3 ½ brace.

 

August 19  We returned to Derby without any special incident by the way.  Whilst in Lincs we spent the 15th at Uncle Richard’s at Kiddington.

 

September 19  Had an afternoon’s pike fishing at Weston-on-Trent but the weather was too cold and I caught nothing.

 

October 7  Bought piano from Orne £42.  We have had it on hire for 2 years and it seems a very good one.

 

November Miss Stainforth staid a week with us.

 

December One - Friday- Earl of Chesterfield died and I obtained through Dolman a retainer on behalf of the successor.

 

December 8  Journey to London to see the late Earl’s solicitors and on other matters.  Whilst in London I bought a Dodd’s peerage and left it in the cab which conveyed me from the Tavistock to the station and never recovered it.

 

December 23  Went to Alford for Christmas - had very merry greetings and staid till

 

December 27 when we returned bringing Fanny Mason with us.  We went to Boston Church to see the decorations which are very fine, and arrived without any particular incident.

 

 

 

Reflections 13 March 1872

 

The above closes the record compiled from notes made at the times of the happening of the various events, which are for the most part entered verbatim, except during the latter portion when I did not keep a regular diary.  The originals are now all burnt as they contained many things I should not have cared to have had read after my death should I die suddenly.

 

Looking back on the period included, the changes which have occurred seem almost marvellous.  To begin with I was expecting to be educated as a farmer and to succeed to the Tothby Farm, but tiring after a short trial I took to Law; then came times of difficulty for my poor Father, - loss of cattle from infectious disease, - of corn from extremely wet seasons 3 in succession and other matters which ended in a general selling out - since which he has retired from business; for which, a long illness every summer from ‘hay-fever’ would under any circumstances almost entirely incapacitate him.  Next I got into great difficulties from youthful follies, and was within an ace of making an unfortunate marriage, from bad advice received in the quarter whence it was to be least expected.  This however I escaped with honour unsullied and under a peaceable arrangement, but not without much remorse and anguish of spirit. Next I formed an attachment for my now dear wife which I pursued with unwavering determination to a mutual engagement, which did not however actually take place until my full admission to practise in all branches of the law.

 

Our engagement was under the circumstances necessarily a long one, but not so long as was generally expected by our friends; we were married in 3 years and 3 months from our engagement, and during that time my income had increased from that of clerk at first at £120 per annum to £350 which with an addition from my wife’s fortune made us a comfortable competency.

Our wedded life has been to this moment an unbroken run of happiness (I believe mutual) and long may it continue; we also find ourselves ‘increasing in riches’ although we have added to our one maid of all work with whom we commenced a nurse maid and housemaid and are now thinking of taking a larger house in anticipation of x x x.

 

I don’t know that I have much more worth adding and I conclude by thanking God for all His mercies and may the knowledge and love of Him never pass from amongst us.