Monday 21 September Annie Lilian and self to Liverpool left 6.55am arrived 10.30.  Last visit 24 September 1894 with Harry.  Went in morning to New Brighton weather fine but windy.  Back to dinner 2pm at Paradise St.  After on Electric Railway to Alexandra Dock.  Cephalonia unloading.  Then to Picture Exhibition.  Many Academy Exhibits there.  “The Leper’s Wife” etc.

 

Across to Birkenhead 5pm but rain came on not heavy.  Left for home 8pm.  Arrived in house 12 midnight.

 

30 September Annie and self to Willington 2.25pm.  Lovely afternoon.  Strolled down fields.

Nothing particular all through October.  Weather very bad.

 

November 3 Annie Rosa Harry Lil Laura and self to ‘Artist’s Model’ at Theatre.

 

November 4 Annie and self walk to Little Eaton and back by train.

 

November 5 Annie and self to Willington.  Lovely afternoon.

 

November 11 Annie and self by bus to old Normanton.  Nice walk.

 

November 19 Annie and self to Duffield by train.  Walked to Little Eaton and home by train.

 

November 25 Annie and self to Duffield.  Walked to Hazlebrow etc.

 

December 18 Harry a week’s exam Cambridge Local.  Laura in Music took Honours 91 out of 100 marks.

 

December 25 Slight frost.  Annie and self and 3 girls to 8am Communion at St Luke’s.  Ernest and Walter came last night.

 

December 26 Heavy rain.

 

December 29 Annie and self to Duffield by train walked back.  3 days more or less rain.

 

Edward Soulby still very unsettled in mind.  Lizzie has taken charge of Fred Soulby’s little girl at Southport.  Mother keeps wonderful.

 

The past year has been quiet and fairly prosperous.  Business has slightly increased.  Mother and Aunt Bradley have continued wonderfully well for their ages.

 

1 January 1897 Friday

Year began with a fine day.  Thermometer 40 degrees.

 

2 January Saturday Fog.  Annie and self walk to station and tea.

 

3 January To church morning.

 

Wednesday 6 January Annie and I walked to Breadsall and Little Eaton.  Home by train.  Cold East wind.

 

Saturday 9 January East wind and snow all day but thawing.

 

Monday 11 January Snow gone.

 

Thursday 14 January Annie and self to Duffield by train and walked back.

 

Saturday 16 January Rosa and self to Birmingham.  To Pantomime Cinderella.  Very good.

 

Wednesday 20 January Laura 16th Birthday.  Gave her silver watch and gilt chain.

 

Friday 29 January Lil and Laura went by 8.32am train to Alford to their Grandma’s for 10 days.

 

3 February Been snow and thaw for 2 or 3 days.  Very rough weather.

 

9 February Annie and I went to Duffield by 2.15 train and walked back.

 

15 February To “private” performance by invitation to Grinetti’s circus to see ‘Apollo’ the strong man.

 

17 February Annie and self by train to Mickleover and walked back.  Old Carnel died last week.

 

19 February Rosa and self to Theatre “Grand Duchess” by Derby Amateurs.  Very good.

 

22 February Annie and self to concert for St Peter’s church rebuilding fund.  Very good.

 

27 February Harry has passed “Cambridge Local Exam”.

 

March 2 With Harry to Railway Orphanage concert.  Heard Ben Davies (Tenor) first time.  He is nearest to Louis Reeves at his best that I have ever heard.  Very good concert.

 

March 13 Annie Lil and self to Egginton.  Lovely sunset behind Tutbury castle.

 

March 24 Annie and self to Egginton.  Walked to Willington and back by ?  Pretty walk.

 

March 25 Slight attack of bronchitis and cold.

 

1 April 1897

At home all day.  Not well yet.

 

3 April At home all day and Sunday not out.

 

8 April Annie and self to Etwall.  Lovely afternoon.  Saw crow bowing to mate like a pigeon.

 

9 April Lord Chancellor Haldbury came down to open new County Courts.  Attended in robes.  Judge Langley principal.  Went off very well.

 

18 April Easter Sunday  Annie and self to 8am Communion.  All family to service 11am.  Not out after.

 

19 April Office for letters.  Walk afternoon with Annie.  Mill Hill Normanton Rose Hill etc.

 

20 April Annie and self to Willington walked to Egginton.  Train to Burton.

 

29 April Rosa Lil and self to Mikado good company.

 

May 6 (Thursday) Annie and self to Willington walked to Egginton.

 

May 15 Saturday Annie and self to Ambergate walk by canal - a lovely afternoon.

 

May 22 Annie and self to West Hallam in afternoon.

 

May 27 Thursday Annie and self to Willington. Sketch.

 

May 31 Annie and self by 7.58am special to Skegness.  Saw old “Geo” a Porter at Boston been there over 34 years to my knowledge.  Arrived 11.20am.  Very fine and calm.  Low water 12.  Walked South till dinner 2pm.  Table d’Hote at Pier Hotel - very nice.  An hour’s drive by Addlethorpe after dinner on pier till tea and home 6.20pm.  Very nice day.  Breeze in afternoon from East very refreshing.

Painted kitchens this month.

 

June 5 Walter Pratt came for Whitsun holiday.

 

June 7 My 54th Birthday anniversary.  Annie and self in afternoon to Willington.  Dull, cold day E wind.  Rain 7pm.

 

8 June Rain all morning.  Dull cold afternoon.

 

9 June Wednesday   Pratt left for Lancaster.  Fred Mason left Derby to go to Cook and son, London Tourist Agents - in Banking department.  He has been 5 years in Derby this month and lived with us 4 years (nearly) to last July.

Rain all day.

 

12 June Temperature 82 degrees.  Went over Sanger’s circus stables.  Horses and animals in very good condition.

 

16 June Rain during night.

 

17 June Thursday At 4am had violent attack of colic lasted until after 10.  Dr McKay 6am.

 

22 June Tuesday Jubilee Day -great fetes all over the kingdom.  Self still in bed.  Mending slowly.

 

25 June Friday Rain during night.

 

26 June Saturday Up at 4pm first time down stairs.

 

30 June Wednesday Down town morning 1st time.

 

3 July Saturday At home all day.  Dr called.

 

6 July Tuesday Rosa married to W.E. Pratt.  Went to Torquay.  Mr Mrs and Miss Pratt, Rev Currey, Mr Wood, Ernest, Fred and own family and Vinny Briggs.  Many presents.  Went off very well.

 

7 July Ernest and Fred went back to London 5.55am.  Roe’s Timber Yard burnt down 6.30pm - went to see it.

 

8 July Thursday Annie and self to Long Eaton.  Business.

 

10 July Laura passed exam in Theory of Music 85 out of 100 marks.

Lil and self to Buxton.  Very pleasant.  Drove out to Long Hill Point, on Manchester Road.  Lovely view.

 

Tuesday 13 July Rosa and Walter stayed all night on return from Torquay.  14th went on to Lancaster.

 

20 July Over a month of hot dry weather.  Drizzly rain today but I do not think it will be much.  Wind N.

 

21 July Annie and self by 8.35am G.N.R. train to Skegness arrived 11.40am.  Lizzie Brackenbury and Grace Soulby coming.  Telegraphed Lizzie would meet her.  They did not come until 4.45pm.  Lizzie looks well - have not seen her since 1887.  She has been away when I have gone to Alford.  Grace Soulby about 16 is very delicate fear consumption.  They have been all winter at Bournemouth and will have to go there again this winter.  Had tea with them and left 6.35pm -should have arrived Derby 9.34pm - did so really at 10.40pm!!

 

Very fine sunny day light E breeze - lovely.  Began to be cloudy when we got to Firsby, to rain at Sibsey, and tremendous thunderstorm at Boston, rain in torrents.  Clear again at Bottesford, not a drop at Derby, but thunderstorm at Loughborough.

 

29 July Thursday Annie self and Laura to Egginton, very hot.

 

31 July Saturday Laura and self to Skegness 8.30am.  Met Lizzie and Grace and Charles Soulby.  NE breeze.  Cloudy and cool.  At Derby and inland blazing hot all day - 76 degrees in the shade!  Left 8.25pm.

 

2 August Bank Holiday.  Very hot.  In House all day.  Lottie Dolman very ill - heart disease.

 

4 August Lilian to London to stay with Polly Soulby.  She moved to Croydon a month or so since.

7 August Saturday Annie and self to Skegness to stay until Monday week.  Arrived 12 noon at Hildred’s Hotel now managed by Mr and Mrs Taylor.

 

I saw Lizzie (Brackenbury) and Grace Soulby before dinner - Grace looks better.  After dinner Annie and I went out about 6 miles by Boston steam packet - very pleasant.

 

8 August Sunday Wet day.  Went out South before breakfast past Vine House.  Got wet legs, back 9am.  To see Lizzie afternoon and evening - and on pier.

 

9 August Monday 6am to 8am on beach, lovely morning.  Paced length of pier 750 paces (pace about 30 inches).

 

Annie and I drove nearly to Colonel Kray’s, North from Skegness.  She sat on beach.  I walked to point beyond.  Afternoon on pier.  Fine day.

 

10 August Tuesday 6am to shore, coffee and egg.  To Alford 8.25am - to Mother’s.  Found her wonderfully well, looking better than when I last saw her, Oct ‘95.  She walked with Fanny and me to Aunt Bradley’s.  She was 89 on 5th August.  Aunt Bradley is better from a shock of paralysis, but in bed (she has been out of bed since).  I saw her too.  She is 90 on 15 August.  Connie and Maud Brackenbury were there too.  They look well, but are under Doctors.

 

Fanny looks wonderfully well.  Called on Mrs Eardley Mason, saw the three girls.  Also Will Mason, and Iley.  He looks very thin and ill and nervous.  Iley rheumatic.  I spoke to Charles Brooks, Lewis and Mrs J Higgins.  Saw J Sergeant.  Back to Skegness 5.45pm.

 

11 August Wednesday 5.50am to shore.  Walked on North Shore with Lizzie Brackenbury in morning.  She found a large piece of quartz and gave me it.  Pier afternoon.  Heavy thunderstorm in evening.

 

12 August Thursday 6am To shore.  High tide - lovely morning.  Weighed: Annie 8st 9lbs; self 12st 11lbs; Lizzie 10st 10lbs.  I weighed 13st 10lbs before I was ill.

 

Walk Annie on shore in morning.  Pier afternoon.

 

13 August Friday 6.10am To shore.  High tide - Coffee man (Hall) flooded a little.

 

Fanny came to dinner with us, and we all had tea with Lizzie.  Fine day.  Met George Walker of Spilsby.  Not seen him since Polly’s wedding to E Soulby.  Raining in afternoon S.E wind.

 

Saturday 14 August 6.15am To shore.  Higher tide, sketched old man’s booth.

Lizzie and Grace joined in trap to Colonel Kray’s.  Annie and Grace sat on tank.  Lizzie and I walked past Colonel Kray’s, to the shore where the sea broke in about 20 years ago, still unreclaimed.  Hot day.  Pier evening.

 

Sunday 15 August 6.45am To shore.  High tide.  To church 11am.  Joe Tomlinson at Hotel.  Storms from 5pm.

 

Monday 16 August 6.10am to shore. Very fine morning.  High tide.  10.30 Drove with Annie nearly to Gibraltar Point.  A miserable shore - soft wet sand.  With Lizzie.  Left for Home 6.25pm.  Done us both much good.  Very pleasant visit.

 

Saturday 21 August Annie Laura and self to Matlock 1.50pm.  Nothing doing.  Went up to Heights of Jacob.  Had tea at Hodgkinson’s Hotel and back 7pm.  Thunder storms all the time.

 

Wednesday 1 September Lil returned from 1 month’s visit to Polly - done her good.

 

Friday 3 September Annie weak and poorly again so went this morning 8.35am to Skegness and on at 12.17 to Alford to stay all night.  Mother capital.  I walked with Fanny in the afternoon to Well Park and by the High Lawn (?) home again.  Very clear and lovely view.

 

Gave Fanny large Picture of the “Winnats”.

 

Saturday 4 September Walked to Well foot crossing over railway 7am.  Very cold.  Came back by Turner’s old brick pits, now disused and growing up.  We used to swim here.

 

At 10.20 on to Skegness.

Gave Lizzie large sea picture “The Needles”

Gave Grace “Skegness”

Gave Connie two little sketches of Skegness.

 

Rain came on 5pm.  Spent evening with Lizzie B.

 

Sunday 5 September Very wet and stormy.  7am to shore.

 

Monday 6 September Fine, bright.  6am on shore.  On Pier morning.  Annie poorly.  Afternoon to golf links, storm clouds all around but fine.

 

Tuesday 7 September Anniversary of our wedding in 1869.  6am on shore.  Bright, fine.

Annie Lizzie and I went to Ingoldmills Point.  Waves very fine.  North wind.  Decided to stay till Thursday and telegraphed Harry.  John Bancroft fell dead in his lodgings.

 

Wednesday 8 September 6am Walk on shore.  Annie Lizzie Grace and I drove to Ingoldmills Point in afternoon - cold but fine.  Waves smaller.  To a swimming exhibition and races in Baths at night - council’s benefit.

 

Thursday 9 September 5.50am On shore first.  Very bright and fine.  Clouds lovely.  N.E.  Left Skegness 6.35pm.  Home to time.  Ernest at Derby.

 

Saturday 11 September Ernest and Harry to Alford and Skegness for the day.  Ernest not seen Mother since he went to America 7 years ago.

 

Thursday 16 September Annie and I went by train to Willington.  Ernest and Harry by bicycles met us there.  Rowed on river.  Wandered through Eadie’s gardens by mistake, nobody stopped us.

Saturday 25 September Lil and self to Skegness - very nice day with Lizzie B.  Likenesses taken.  Last visit this year.  Lizzie leaves next week for Isle of Wight- Sandown.

 

Wednesday 6 October Annie and I went to Melbourne to look over Wenfield’s Houses - very bad condition.

 

Tuesday 19 October L.M. Dolman died (Lottie? -ed).

 

Thursday 21 October Annie Lil and self to Burton - nice visit.

 

Thursday 28 October Annie and self to Willington to view Mrs Sherratt’s House.

 

Monday 1 November Borough Election Arboretum ward at St Thomas School.

 

Tuesday 9 November Nil.

 

Wednesday 10 November 1897 Annie and self to Chellaston very nice afternoon.

 

Tuesday 16 November 1897 Eardley Mason came to tea and spent the evening.  Does not seem very well.

 

Saturday 20 November 1897 Fred Mason came to stay for a week.

 

Saturday 27 November 1897 Examined by Dr Greaves for Insurance proposal to Hand in Hand - report not satisfactory owing to rheumatism and heart action weak.

 

Friday 24 December Rosa and Walter came.  Also Ernest.

 

Saturday 25 December Nice white frost.  All family together and Vinnie Briggs- afternoon.

Church morning - not out after.

 

Tuesday 28 December Ernest left.

 

Wednesday 29 December Annie Laura and self with Walter and Rosa to Pantomime.

 

Thursday 30 December  Walter went back.

 

Very happy Xmas.  Business much better last 4 months.  Harry was articled in October.

 

Friday 31 December Saw Mrs Leighton of Skegness in Derby.

 

1898

Saturday 1 January 1898 Annie and Rosa went to Lancaster.  Annie and I have not been separated since 1892.

 

4 January Mrs Richards died.

 

Thursday 13 January 1898 Kathy Mason came to stay for first time.

Friday 14 January 1898  I went 12.50 train to Lancaster to fetch Annie.  Arrived there 6pm.  Walter met me at station.  Annie and Rosa better - they have had colds.

 

Saturday 15 January 1898 Annie Rosa and I went to Morecambe in morning, very misty could not see more than ½ a mile.  Went on Pier and into Pavilion.  Back 1pm.  In afternoon we all four went over the Castle and about the town, and down by the river.

 

Sunday 16 January 1898 To Church in morning the old Parish Church a lovely building and very nice service - full congregation.  Walter and I walked to Morecambe in afternoon and returned by train - very misty - dry and warm for season.  Not out after tea.

 

Monday 17 January Shopping and drove to park in the morning - left at 6pm - arrived Derby 12.40am both better for the change.

 

Tuesday 25 January Derby Law Society dinner at Midland Hotel.  Very nice party.

 

Thursday 27 January Healds to tea first time - newly married.

 

Tuesday 15 February Annie and self to Theatre - “Yeomen of the Guard” by Derby Amateurs.  Very well done.

 

Sunday 20 February Letter from Fanny - Mother very poorly.

 

Wednesday 23 February Weather this month been very stormy and wet.  Sharp frosts last 3 nights.  January very dry and warm.  Mother better.

 

Friday 25 February Laura Mason (Eardley’s daughter) came to stay.

 

March 1 Mother has been ill from cold but is better.

 

March 2 Went to Newton near Tibshelf for County Council election.

 

March 9 Annie Laura Mason and self to Egginton in afternoon, lovely day.

 

March 24 Snowstorms and sunshine.  N.E.

 

March 25 Very stormy.

 

March 26 Went to Tamworth on business.  First visit.  A nice quaint old town.

 

March 31 Annie and self to Etwall nice outing.

 

April 8 Good Friday Ernest and Fred Mason down.

 

April 9 Harry went to visit Rosa.

 

April 11 Rainy day.  Painted etc.

 

April 12 Annie and self to Chelleston to look over house Bernard has taken.

 

April 23 Annie and self to Willington.  Lovely afternoon.

War commenced between America and Spain.

 

April 28 Thursday Mr and Mrs Heald and 2 Miss Fosters of Clifton near Ashbourne to tea.  Pleasant evening.

 

May 2 Monday Annie and self by first day trip to Skegness.  Looked showery on leaving at 8am, rained at Sleaford but cleared off and had fine day.  Dined at Pier Hotel not many there yet.  Pier opened to walk on but no shops etc.  Easterly breeze, sea moderate.  Enjoyed the day very much.  Left 6.20pm.  Hilldred’s Hotel pulled down and rebuilding, nearly up to first joists.  From Colwick to Derby home only one carriage.

 

First sea fight America Spain at Manilla.  Spaniards beaten - 1 May.

 

May 6 Had the 3 crystals Lizzie B sent me from Sandown polished and set in gold pin.  Very pretty.

 

May 14 Bernard went to Lancaster to Rosa’s for 2 days.

 

16 May Harry 21 today.  No party.

 

18 May Annie and self to Willington.  Nice afternoon.

 

19 May Gladstone died 5am this morning.

Our bedroom, spare bedroom, dining room and kitchen ceilings washed - Chambers.

14 years today since Father’s death.

 

27 May Friday Annie self Lil and Laura to Skegness - 8.32am by ordinary train (weekend 5/- tickets - to Tuesday).  Arrived 2pm (should have been 1.15pm!)  Went to lodge Mrs Hall 67 Dumby Road very nice place.  At 3.15pm I went by train to Alford arrived 4.15pm.  Mother very little altered she is in her usual health now.  Yesterday she walked to Aunt Bradley’s and back!  Over ½ mile each way.

 

Left Alford 7.10pm.  Got out at Burgh 7.30pm.  Walked on through Burgh.  Annie met me with trap from Skegness just outside Burgh 8pm.  Came on rain 9pm just after we arrived and rained several hours.  Saw Will and Iley Mason at Alford short time.

 

May 28 On shore 6.30am to 7.30.  Lovely morning.  Breakfast 8am.  All on shore and Pier till dinner.  Connie Brackenbury was to come but did not.  Harry Liston performing in Pier Pavilion.

Harry came 11.45am.

 

May 29 Sunday Church morning.  Showery afternoon.  On Pier.  Band concert.  7pm rain.

 

May 30 6.15am On shore Lil and Laura 7.30am.  Fred, Norton Laura and Kathy Mason came over with some friends (Harris and sister).  Showery day.

May 31 6am On shore, Fred Mason Lil and Laura (Cooke) came 7am. 

11am Fred, Norton, self Lil and Laura went an hour’s run on steam boat.

Fanny Cooke and Connie Brackenbury came at noon.  Dinner, Pier, left at 3.15pm.  Connie had never seen Laura before!

 

We all left 6.30pm arrived home 10.55pm.  Very pleasant visit.  Weather catchy.  Great many trippers on Monday (Whit Monday).  Several Derby people there.  The beach was very much changed by last November’s storm.

 

Friday 3 June 1898 Lil went 8am to Rosa’s at Lancaster.

 

Saturday 4 June Young Cook, son of Dr T.D. Cook formerly of Spilsby to tea.  Dr William Iliffe died suddenly.

 

Tuesday 7 June 55th Birthday Anniversary.  Letters from Fanny, Polly, Lizzie, Rosa, Lil and Ernest.

At office all morning.  Annie and I went to Nottingham by 3.15pm train.  Strolled about, looking at new buildings and streets, new Grand Central Railway works and to Arboretum and home 7.15pm, Lovely day and very pleasant outing.

 

Thursday 9 June Laura and I went to Nottingham to see Barnum’s show - it is immense!  Very fine day and enjoyed ourselves very much.

 

Wednesday 15 June Annie, Laura and I went by 2.20pm train to Chellaston to see Bernard’s furniture in his new house.  Vinnie also there.  Very nice.

 

Tuesday 21 June Bernard married to Vinnie Briggs at St Luke’s 9am.  Quiet wedding.  T Heath (solicitor) uncle gave her away.  Little Gwennie Briggs Bridesmaid.  Harry Best man.  Slightly showery when we went but fine on leaving church.  Mrs and Lillie Briggs, W Birkinshaw and his Fiancée, Annie Barpile and several friends there, Annie I and Laura.  No breakfast.  They went by 10.30 train to Torquay. Rev Currey officiated.

 

June 22 Annie and I went by 3.45pm to Etwall.  Showery weather and when we arrived a thunderstorm was about.  We stayed in the station and in about ½ hour an empty train came up.  The guard looked out and said “Do you want to go?  I said “Yes”.  He stopped the train and we went on to Derby, the sole passengers!!

 

June 26 Sunday Thunder all round all afternoon.  15 cows killed by lightening under a tree at Shardlow - by one flash.

 

June 28 Annie Laura and self to cricket match Derby v Leicester.  Derby won (2nd day).  Not been to a match for a long time.

 

July 6 Annie and I went to see the end of cricket match Derby v Essex at 2.30pm but they went out just as we reached the gate 2nd day.  Derby 166 - 155 Essex 497 for 8 wickets!

 

July 7 Annie and I went to Bernard’s 4pm train to Alvaston and walked over.  Home by 7.50 train.  They are very comfortable and nicely furnished.

July 9 Lil came home 8pm.  Been at Rosa’s 5 weeks.  Rosa improving.

 

July 10 Sunday morning Annie and I went to St Andrew’s.  Rev Erskine Clarke preached.  Not seen him for years - he is quite white and aged.

 

July 20 Annie and self to Willington lovely afternoon.  Sat by river.

Rosa’s doctor at Lancaster is Dr W Saul, he is one of the Sibsey Sauls - a distant cousin.  I gave him a leaded cane 30 years ago and he has it now!

 

July 24 Sunday Bernard and Vinnie came yesterday to stay until Tuesday morning.

 

July 28 Thursday 8.20am Annie and self to Skegness.

 

5 August Friday Annie and I spent the day with Mother - her 90th birthday.  Connie and Maud there.  Also saw Aunt Bradley.  91 on 15 August.

 

11 August Thursday Return, for account of visit see supplementary sheets (not included - ed),

 

16 August Lil went to Miss Pratt’s wedding (Walter’s only sister) as bridesmaid.

 

18 August Annie in bed poorly.  Cold I think.

 

21 August Annie up again, better.

 

22 August Heavy thunder storms 8pm to 3am.

 

27 August Harry went to Skegness for 10 days to Mrs Hall’s Asgarby House.

 

3 September Walter and Rosa came for a fortnight.

 

7 September Very sunny and hot.  29th anniversary of our Wedding.  Jolly day.

Walter and self to Derby Agricultural show in afternoon.  Very hot.

 

8 September Same.

 

10 September Saturday Ernest came for “two weeks”.

 

12 September Monday Annie self Ernest Walter Rosa Harry Lil and Laura to Skegness for the day.  Perfect weather.  Dined and tea at Mrs Hall’s.  Saw a school of porpoises just off Pier Head.  All had likenesses taken.

Very hot weather since 22nd August.

 

15 September Thursday Mrs Pratt came to tea.

 

19 September Monday Ernest went with me to Nottingham on business.  Home by 5pm train.

 

2 October Sunday Had fall down stairs going after cat 2am.  Bad shake.

 

5 October Wednesday Annie and I went to theatre ‘Geisha’ good but too feeble imitation of Mikado.

 

10 October Monday  Met Tom Heddelsey at Midland station with his wife for ½ an hour.  They are on the way to Birmingham.  Although I have not seen him for 33 years I knew him at once.  He is not altered in manner.

 

12 October Wednesday Annie and I went for the afternoon to Ambergate lovely weather and enjoyed it very much.

 

14 October Friday Barnum and Bailey’s Show at Derby.  Lil Harry and I went, with A Wright accompanying us.  Very good 13000 there.

 

26 October Annie and self to Etwall nice outing.

 

27 October Thomas Smith solicitor very ill.  Called at Midland Hotel to ? . He lives there.

 

31 October I went to Belper on business.  Annie went too.

 

2 November Merton’s concert.  Banjos and Mandolins Harry and Lil playing.  Very good.

 

12 November Saturday Annie and I went to Skegness.  Started 8am arrived 1.20pm.  Dinner and out on sands and Pier.  Lovely afternoon.  Stopped 1½ hour at Boston.

 

13 November Church morning and evening.  Walk in afternoon.  Rather misty.

 

14 November On shore before breakfast.  Walk sketching donkeys, then on sands in morning.  Afternoon drove to Ingoldwell’s Point.  Put horse up at Colonel Kray’s.  Now Allgarth’s.  Weather lovely.  Mr Dishowe the Vicar came up and spoke.

 

15 November Tuesday On shore before breakfast.  Saw 3 large flights of ducks going south.  After, Annie and I walked to Allgarth’s and back 5 miles before dinner.  Left for home at 3.15pm.  Lovely weather.  Enjoyed it very much.  Done both of us good.  Annie slipped at Grantham going down steps and sprained her ankle a bit.  Caught the Midland 8.25pm and so home at 9.15 instead of 11pm.

Stayed at Mrs Halls, Asgarty House.

 

23 November Wednesday About 4 ins snow, but went off.

 

26 November 1898 Saturday John Smith solicitor Official Receiver died - an old friend.

 

8 December 1898 Took part in St Luke’s Bazaar - very pretty.

 

10 December 1898 Saturday With Harry to football match Derby v Liverpool.  1st match I have been to.

 

25 December 1898 Sunday Xmas day.  Ernest came and also Fred Mason.

 

26 December 1898 Monday All to Football match.

 

30 December Rosa came.

 

1899

Tuesday 3 January 1899 Rosa Annie and self to Circus.  Rosa is better.

 

6 January Rosa left.  Walter had to go back to work.

 

Wednesday 11 January To St Luke’s choir supper.  Very nice.

 

Friday 13 January Annie and self to concert by Coldstream Guards.

 

Saturday 28 January To London for day with Clark on business.  Met Ernest 1pm.  Spent evening with him.  To Empire etc.  Not been there for some time before.

 

Tuesday 31 January Lil went to stay with Polly at Norwood.  Had very heavy winds during month.

 

Thursday 2 February to 7th In House slight attack of bronchitis.

 

Saturday 11 February To Football match Derby v Wolverhampton.

 

Saturday 18 February Annie and Laura and self to Football.  Derby v Notts County.

 

Saturday 4 March Harry and self to Football.  Derby v Aston Villa.

 

Wednesday 8 March Annie and self to Etwall.  First outing this spring.  Showery.

 

Saturday 11 March Annie Laura Harry and self to Football Match Derby Reserves v ?

 

Monday 13 March Consulted Dr Wright Normanton for heart complaint.

 

Tuesday 14 March Lil Laura and self to Steeple Chases.  No incidents.

 

Saturday 18 March Harry and self to Wolverhampton, first time, to Football Match Derby v Stoke semi final for cup - Derby 3 Stoke 1 - a splendid game.  Archie Goodall out of play for first time suspended for betting.  Dr Wright with us.  Rev Rolf (?) also. 24500 people there.  Splendid ground.

 

Monday 20 March Snow storm.  Ground covered.

 

Saturday 25 March Been snow storms and frosts until last night.  Wind 5 degrees this morning - change.  Annie Lil Lau and self to Football Derby Reserves 3 Mexboro 0.

 

Thursday 30 March 1899 Harry and self to Football (at Derby) Liverpool v Sheffield United 4th game for semi-final for cup - very good game.

 

Friday 31 March Good Friday At home all day - wet.

 

Saturday 1 April 1899 To football.  Derby Reserves v Chesterfield for Derbyshire cup.  Chesterfield won 3 to 1.  In morning.  In afternoon Annie Laura and self to League match Derby County v Preston North End.  Derby won 1 to 0.  Good game.  Fred Mason came 8pm.

 

Sunday 2 April To 8am Communion St Luke’s with Annie Lil Laura and Fred.  Not out after.  Fine day.

 

Monday 3 April Easter Monday.  Not out morning.  Afternoon Annie Lil Laura Harry Fred and self to football Derby Reserves v Leicester Fosse Reserve.  Derby won.  Good game.  Fred left midnight.

 

Tuesday 4 April Wet morning.  Ernest stayed in London this Easter.  Rosa and Walter remained in Lancaster.

 

Wednesday 13 April Had thunderstorms and hail.

 

Saturday 15 April Derby County v Sheffield United F.B. Clubs final for the English Cup at Crystal Palace.  74000 spectators.  United 4 Derby 1 - much disappointed - did not go.

 

Thursday 20 April Derby County 2 v Notts Forest 0 - we all went - a good game.

 

Saturday 22 April Derby County 1 v Sheffield United 0 League Match - grand game reversing last Saturday

 

Monday 24 April Derby County Reserves 2 v Chesterfield 0 Reserves did the same thing (see above 1st April).

 

25 April Geo Whuldon  Kedleston Road died - been ill a long time.

 

Saturday 29 April Last Football match.  Annie Lil Laura and self - Derby Reserves v Long Eaton Rangers.  Only 7 Long Eaton turned up.  Made up a scratch 11.  Showery.  Poor game.

 

Saturday 6 May Annie and self to Chellaston to Bernard’s.

 

Wednesday 10 May Annie and self to Etwall.  First outing for afternoon this spring.

 

Friday 12 May Barnum and Bailey’s show here.  Did not go and missed the procession.

 

Monday 22 May Whit Monday. Annie and self to Skegness left 7.15am arrived 11.15am an hour late.  Cold E wind.  Shops on Pier open.  Showery at 4pm, and slight drizzle at times after.  Enjoyed the day.  Not so many there as last year.  Rainy early morning inland.  Rain nearly all day at Derby.  Archie Wright and Harry to Scarborough, Harry’s first visit.

 

Tuesday 23 May Very showery with thunder.

Sunday 28 May Annie and I went to St Andrew’s in morning.

 

Wednesday 30 May Annie and I to Willington.  Hot but very lovely.

 

Saturday 3 June Annie Lil Laura Harry and self to Base Ball match Derby v Notts Forest.  Not seen the game before.  Seems a good game.

 

Wednesday 7 June Birthday 56.  Annie and self to Ambergate.  Walked through woods on other side of river.  Very fine day.

 

Thursday 8 June Clark and self on business to Wirksworth then down to Alport and put up ? Hotel.  Walked through Lathkildale.  Very pretty.  First time I have been there.  Then down to Matlock and home by train.  Lovely day.

 

Tuesday 13 June No rain since 25 May, very hot at times, East wind.  Annie Lil Laura Harry and self to Dr Wright’s reception on their 25th Wedding Anniversary (Silver Wedding) - a large party music etc 7 to 11pm.  The young people stayed after.

 

Wednesday 14 June Annie and I went 3.45pm to Egginton.  Missed the 5.53pm train and walked to Willington back from there 8.30pm.  Very fine day.

 

Saturday 17 June Annie Laura Harry and self to Baseball Derby v Ilkeston.  Derby won 29 to 12.

 

Sunday 18 June Rain began about 4pm.  1st rain since 23 May.

 

Tuesday 20 June went to London on business.  Met Ernest 2.15pm at his office.  Caught sight of Mr Woodward (Boss).  Went to Academy 1 ½ hours.  About average.  Then to Earl’s Court.  Zulus and other South African tribes there  - about 170.  A son of King Lolezyula.  Imitation battles - death of Major Wilson etc.  Wonderful display.  Gnus, zebras and antelopes on the arena.  Boers etc.

 

Saturday 1 July All went to baseball match, but a thunderstorm commenced just before the start, and the game was abandoned until next week.  Derby v Notts Forest.

 

Wednesday 5 July Annie and I went to Egginton, walked for first time to the banks of the Dove, very pretty.  Lovely fall over weir and trees and track beyond.  Made sketch in book 9.  Back to station 5.53 just missed as train went out as we went in.  Walked to Etwall.  Lovely sunset.  Home 8.30pm.

 

Heavy thunderstorms on Wednesday 28 June and broken weather since.  Seems to be settling again.

 

Thursday 13 July Laura went to visit Pratts.  Annie and I went to tea at Bernard’s.

 

Monday 17 July Been very hot and fine until this afternoon.  Thunderstorm.

 

Wednesday 19 July Annie and self to Egginton till 8pm.  Very hot.

 

Saturday 22 July Rainy day.  Sunday fine.

 

Saturday 29 July To baseball.

 

Tuesday 1 August Very hot day.

 

Friday 4 August Laura to Mrs Eardly Mason’s, Alford.

Thunderstorm 5pm struck house Osmaston Road.

 

Saturday 5 August Baseball.  Fred Mason came for Bank Holiday.

 

Monday 7 August Annie and self to cricket match.  Lil and others to Allestree flower show.

 

Thursday 10 August Archie Wright engaged to Lil!!

 

Saturday 12 August To Alford by Sutton.  To Mother’s.  Slept at White Horse Hotel.  Lizzie, Connie and Maud Brackenbury there.  Very hot.  The train was nearly 1 hr late into Sutton but I caught the bus to Alford, and rode outside a very pleasant drive the evening being cooler.  I have not been on this road since 1885, when the old teams were running, but there is very little alteration.  I have not been to Sutton since September 1895, and some new houses have been built.  Mother appears as well bodily as last autumn but her mind is less clear.  Aunt Bradley gets more childish.

 

Sunday 13 August 1899  Up 7am.  Nobody about so let myself out.  Brewster Hibbitt the landlord died a few weeks ago.  His widow (née Miss Christian) and son carry it on.  Walked around Tothby fields (Park Lane way) before breakfast.  In afternoon Laura, Lizzie Brackenbury and Maud and I walked to Well - round church and in park.  First time Laura has been.

Laura has been to Somersby!

To church in morning.  New clergyman very quiet and nice.  Evening Fanny and I walked round Tothby fields.  Met John Higgins and Louie Soulby.

 

Monday 14 August  Up 6am.  Cloudy slight drizzle.  Walked round South End and up Farlsthorpe Road.  In Town in morning.  Met W Allenby - called on L Stephenson but he was out.

 

In afternoon Fanny, Lizzie B, Maud Connie and Laura and I walked into Tothby Home fields, by sincere pond - dry- into Raff yard - through the yard and back by House.  Mr Brown the new Tenant was in the yard but did not come to us.  The front of the House is unaltered, the round horse pit and gravel pit filled in.  Nearly all the kitchen garden is abandoned and weed grown.  New buildings have been added near the house.

 

Of the trees planted by Father in 1859 only six remain, in the home field - 5 sycamores and 1 walnut.  They are not so large as I should have expected but look well.

 

The weather cleared and was warm and lovely.  Home by 5.45pm train with Laura arrived an hour late.

Friday 18 August Archie Wright’s 21st birthday.  Lil and he engaged.  All went to party 8pm.

 

Saturday 19 August Baseball match.  Derby v Notts Forest for silver challenge cup given by Mr Lee.  Derby won.

1st football public practice game after - very good game.

 

Saturday 2 September First League match Derby 0 v Notts County 1 - very poor play.  Thunderstorm 2pm fine after.

 

Wednesday 6 September Heavy rains some thunder.  Tic bad.

 

Thursday 7 September 30th anniversary of our Wedding.  Happy day.

 

Saturday 9 September Football.  Derby Reserves 1 Wellingboro 0.

 

13 and 14 September Agricultural Show.  Fine weather.  Large gates.  Good show.

 

Saturday 16 September Football (Laura and self) Derby 0 Sheffield United 1.  Derby played well.

 

Monday 18 September Ernest came for the week.  Been at Rosa’s.

 

Thursday 21 September Met Charlie and Tom Soulby unexpectedly 5pm on their way to Bromsgrove School.  Took them home for tea.

 

Friday 22 September Heavy wind NW storm all night.

 

Saturday 23 September Football.  Annie Lil and self.  Derby Reserves 2 v Ilkeston 0.

 

Saturday 30 September Football Annie Lil and self Aston Villa 0 Derby 2.  Splendid game.

 

Thursday October 5 Annie and self to Egginton.  Very fine.  Calm.

 

Saturday 7 October 1899 Annie Laura and self to Football Derby Reserves 5 Northampton 1.  A very good game.  Allice improved.  Derby County at Liverpool won by 2 to 0.

 

Wednesday 11 October Boers declare war.

 

Friday 13 October Party at Dr Wright’s - all family there.

 

Saturday 14 October Annie Laura and self to Football Derby 4 Burnley 1.  Very good game.

 

Wednesday 18 October To Football.  Derby Reserves v Kaffirs 6-6 very amusing.

 

Friday 20 October Annie and self to Lancaster to Rosa’s - 8am very foggy.  Late at Leeds missed North train.  Dined in town Saracen’s Head, and went on at 2.5pm.  So thick in Leeds couldn’t see across streets - and thick until past Settle -arrived 4.45pm Rosa met us.

 

Saturday 21 October Walter Rosa Annie and self to Morecambe.  Very misty but nice day.

 

Sunday 22 October All to church in morning.  Walter and I walked by river in afternoon.  Not out after.

 

Monday 23 October Rosa Annie and self to Morecambe in afternoon.  Still and misty tide low.  Walk in morning.

 

Tuesday 24 October Rosa Annie and self to Morecambe in morning after my mackintosh.  Clear lovely views.  Walked on to Bare and Hest Bank.  Made sketches.

 

Wednesday 25 October Rosa Annie and self 8am to Blackpool for the day.  Walter could not leave.  Calm and very misty over the water.  Eiffel Tower and menagerie etc open.  Shops closed afternoon.  Enjoyed the day very much.  Good sands no shells sea calm.  Home 5.40pm.

 

Thursday 26 October Showery day.  In Lancaster all day.  Met Walter at works at 5.30pm.

 

Friday 27 October Wet day.  In House most of day.

 

Saturday 28 October Showery day.  In Town morning alone.  Walter and I went to Association football in afternoon.  Skerton v Blackburn North Road - Lancaster combination.  Skerton 2 Blackburn 1.  Painted water colour “Bare” for Rosa.

 

Sunday 29 October Church in morning.  Showery.  Walter and I went by train to Morecambe 2.30pm.  Raining.  Low water.  Misty back 5pm.

 

Monday 30 October Called on Dr William Wingate Saul 9.15am.  He is very white.  He was surprised at my looking so much younger.  We had a nice chat for half an hour.  Wanted me to lunch or dine but we were leaving.  Left Rosa’s at 4.15pm arrived home 9.15 - very pleasant visit.

Lost my mackintosh!

 

Friday 3 November Sudden storm and rain 3.30pm.  Pinnacle blown off Congregational church Victoria Street.

 

Saturday 4 November All to Football.  Derby Reserves 6 v Newark 1.

 

Wednesday 8 November Derby Reserves (Army) sent off to Portsmouth for South Africa.  Tremendous crown to see them off.  Lil Laura and I went opposite Infirmary and saw them.

 

Thursday 9 November Annie and I called on Dr and Mrs Wright.  Saw Mrs had a pleasant chat.

 

Saturday 11 November Derby 2 v Stoke 0.  Annie Laura and I went.  Heavy showers but good game.

 

Saturday 18 November Fog so thick no football.

 

Saturday 25 November Annie and self.  Derby 4 West Bromwich Albion 1.

 

December 9 Annie and self.  Derby 0 Blackburn Rovers 2.

 

December 12 Snow for first time.

 

December 15 10pm 12 degrees frost.

 

December 16 Thaw.  Annie and self.  Derby 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers 2.

 

December 23 Annie and self.  Derby Reserves 0 Sheffield United Reserves 0.

Walter Pratt and Rosa arrived at 9pm.

Sat up for Ernest and Emily Pipe until 2am.  They left London 7.15pm and should have arrived Derby about 10.40pm.  All to bed 3.15am Sunday morning.

 

Sunday 24 December 1899 Church in morning.  Not out after.

 

Monday 25 December Xmas.  To dinner Annie and self, Ernest, Emily Pipe, Bernard, Vinnie, Walter, Rosa, Harry, Laura.  Lil and Archie at Dr Wright’s, came in evening.  To church in morning.

 

Afternoon 2.15pm to football Derby 3 Liverpool 2.  Splendid game.  Dinner 4.30pm.  Not out after.

 

Tuesday 26 December Walk with Pratt down Town morning.  Early dinner and at 2.15 to football Annie Rosa Lau and self.  Derby 4 Glossop 1.

Ernest and Emily left 7pm.

 

Dr Wright Mrs Wright and family in evening - made large party.  Supper and games.

 

Wednesday 27 December Annie and self to Derby 1 v Corinthians 3 first time of seeing Corinthians.  Play beautiful, but after a short time fog spoiled view.

 

Thursday 28 December Annie and self and Party to Pantomime.  Very poor.  Wilson and Neale came in after.

 

Friday 29 December Walter left for Liverpool.  Stormy day.  Ethel Wright and Neale to supper.

 

Saturday 30 December Harry and self to Nottingham 12.30.  Derby 0 Notts County 0 a strong game and we ought to have won.  To “Empire” after.  Jolly afternoon and evening.

 

Monday 1 January 1900

Friday 5 January 1900 Rosa went back to Lancaster.

 

Saturday 6 January Annie and self to Football Derby 0 Manchester 0 - a good game in heavy rain.

Monday 9 January 1900 Dear Mother taken very ill - telegram from Fanny.

 

Tuesday 10 January Further telegram “sinking”.

 

Wednesday 11 January Dear Mother died 9.30am aged 91 last August.  I was not able to go over.

 

Monday 15 January 1900 Dear Mother buried at Rigsby.  Fanny, Lizzie and Connie all have influenza, and Mr Northy next door; I have a cold and finally decided under Dr Wright’s advice not to go.  Annie and I wrote and sent wreath.  Very sorry I could not go.  Her end was calm and peaceful.  She has been a dear good mother to me.

 

Tuesday 16 January Northey schoolmaster Alford died.  I have known him since he began there.  A very worthy man.

 

Saturday 27 January Derby 2 Sunderland 2.  Cup tie 1st round.  Laura with me and Harry.  Annie not very well.  Fine morning heavy snow storm during game.  Should have won.  Lost on replaying at Sunderland.

 

Sunday 4 February Annie still bad with tic.

 

Saturday 10 February Laura and self to Nottingham Football Notts Forest and Sunderland cup tie 2nd round 3 - 0.  Ground frozen.  Very good game.

 

Sunday 11 February 2 ½ ins of snow.  Got bronchitis.  Not out.

 

Monday 12 February Sharp frost.  Harry and Laura skating.  Not out.

 

Tuesday 13 February Still frost.  Not out.

 

Wednesday 14 February Snow 5 ins deep now, not out.

 

Thursday 15 February Snow and rain - not out - a fearful day.

 

Saturday 17 February Rather damp.  Not out.

 

Sunday 18 February Frosty then rain.  Not out.

 

Monday 19 February Rain.  Out.  Better.

 

Friday 23 February Walk with Annie to station 1st time since 2nd Feb.  She has had rheumatic neuralgia bad.

 

Wednesday 28 February Kimberley relieved from Boer siege.  Cronje surrendered.

 

Thursday March 1 Ladysmith ditto.

 

Saturday 3 March Lill Harry and self to Nottingham football Derby 1 Notts Forest 4.

Saturday 10 March Received my drawings etc from Alford.

 

Friday 23 March Also silver etc.

 

Saturday 31 March Annie and self to Nottingham afternoon football.  Notts Forest 2.

 

Wednesday 2 April Annie and self to football Derby 2 Preston North End 0.

 

Saturday 7 April Rosa Pratt Boy born 3.30am the first.  Annie went by 12.55pm to Lancaster.

 

Thursday 12 April To Lancaster for Easter.  Left Derby 12.55pm arrived 6.40pm - behind time.

 

Friday 13 April Good Friday Walter and self to Morecambe 10am.  High wind - back to dinner - low tide.

 

Saturday 14 April In town morning.  To rugby football match with Walter afternoon.  To Morecambe 3pm - strong wind.

 

Monday 15 April Easter Monday Walter and self to Morecambe 11am.  High tide 12.  Strong wind, rough sea!  Returned 5pm.

 

Tuesday 16 April Rainy morning.  Left for Derby 4.18pm arrived 9.35pm.

 

Saturday 21 April Laura and self to Nottingham football.  Notts County 2 Everton 2.

 

Tuesday 24 April Laura Harry and self to Carl Rosa Opera Company Tanhauser - first time of hearing - very fine.

 

Thursday 26 April Laura and self to Bernard’s Chellaston to see their new house.  Very nice and comfortable.

 

Saturday 28 April Laura and self to football last match.  Derby 3 Bury 0, the cup winners.

Annie returned 7.12pm.  Train punctual.  Better for outing.

 

May 1 Tuesday Lil went to Rosa’s.  Archie to London.

 

May 4 Friday Lizzie’s birthday sent her postcard and promised letter.

Aunt Bradley died aged 92 after long illness.

 

May 19 Annie Laura and self to Base ball match Derby 21 Notts Forest 10.

Mafeking relieved yesterday.  Great rejoicings.

 

May 24 Town Half holiday for Queen’s Birthday and Mafeking.  Parade troops, bands, bonfires etc.

 

Friday 25 May Fanny came for visit.

Saturday 2 June Ernest and Emmie came for visit.

 

Sunday 3 June Archie and Ethel Wright, Ernest, Emmie, Fanny and selves supper party.

 

Monday 4 June Annie, Fanny, Laura and self to Bernard’s also Archie and Ethel Wright and Harry.  Lovely day.  Went to Swarkestone etc.  Ernest and Em back to London.

 

Tuesday 5 June Pretoria occupied.

 

Wednesday 6 June Annie, Fanny, Laura and self drove to yeomanry camp and athletic sports at Aston.  Pleasant afternoon.

 

Monday 18 June Annie Fanny and self to Bernard’s for afternoon.

 

Monday 26 June Fanny left.

 

Thursday 5 July Annie and self to Egginton.

 

Wednesday 11 July Annie Lil Laura and self to Skegness.  Very fine pleasant day.

 

Friday 20 July Very severe thunder storm and hail.

 

Saturday 21 July Lil 21st birthday.  Archie and Ethel Bernard and Vinnie.  Not out weather wet.

 

Saturday 28 July Eardley here for the day.

 

Thursday 2 August Annie and self to Nottingham and Colwick.

 

Saturday 4 August Rosa Walter and Baby came.  He is a bonny bright little chap 4 months old.

 

Monday 6 August  Wet. About town.

 

Saturday 11 August Rosa and self to Bernard’s for afternoon.

 

Wednesday 15 August Rosa and self to Skegness for the day.  Enjoyed it very much.

 

Thursday 16 August Rosa and Walter and Baby to Bernard’s.

 

Wednesday 22 August Annie and self to Chellaston afternoon.

 

Tuesday 28 August Annie Lil Laura Harry Rosa Walter Archie and self to Skegness for the day.  Very fine.  Enjoyed it very much.

 

Wednesday 29 August Walter and self to Colwick and Nottingham.  Empire etc.

 

Saturday 1 September Laura Harry and self to Nottingham football.  Notts County 2 Sunderland 2.  Our team away at Bolton.

 

Saturday 8 September Ernest came.  All to football Derby 2 Notts County 1.

 

Wednesday 12 September Laura and self to Agricultural Show.  Good show.

 

Thursday 13 September Annie and self ditto.

 

Wednesday 19 September Annie and self to Skegness for day.  Very pleasant.  Drove to point.

 

Saturday 22 September Annie and self to football Derby 4 Wolverhampton 5.  An extraordinary game Derby ought to have won by 4 to 1.  Fryer injured early.

 

Sunday 23 September New vicar Mr Davies commenced.

 

Saturday 29 September Annie Laura and self to Birmingham 1.20pm to football.  Derby 1 Aston Villa 2..  Very good game.  To opera after “The Jewess”.

 

Tuesday 2 October Annie and self to Wombwell’s menagerie - good show in old style.

 

Wednesday 3 October Derby Parliamentary Election.  Sir H Bemrose and Drap (?) thrown out.  Sir T Roe and Bell railway guard elected!

 

Friday 5 October Harry and self at Ilkeston election Presiding Officer and Clerk.  Old member Sir W Foster elected.

 

Saturday 6 October Football.  Derby 2 Liverpool 3.  Bromage in goal no good - ought to have won.

 

Friday 12 October Lil went to stay at Lancaster.

 

Sunday 14 October Harry and self to Claycross on Election.

 

Wednesday 24 October Reception tea by Mr Davies new vicar of St Luke’s.  Annie and I went.  Very pleasant evening.

 

Saturday 27 October Bernard and Vinnie came to stay till Tuesday.

 

Thursday 8 November To Ley’s Base ball smoking concert.  Very pleasant.  Reminded Ley of our shooting party.

 

Saturday 10 November Notts Forest 1 Derby 0.

 

24 November To Nottingham.  Notts Forest v Notts County.  Home 7pm.

 

December 12 Harry and Bernard papered kitchen.  Had Drawing room papered etc this autumn.

Thursday 20 December Rosa came for Xmas with Baby Norman.  He is growing a bright little chap.

 

Saturday 22 December Walter and Ernest arrived.

 

Tuesday 25 December Annie, self, Rosa and Laura to 8am Communion.  Bernard and Vinnie to dinner and Archie and Lil in evening.

 

Wednesday 26 December Fred Mason came.  Ernest left.  Lovely day.  All to Football.  Derby 1 Sunderland 1.

 

Thursday 27 December Mrs Wright and Archie to supper.  Dr Wright poorly.

 

Saturday 29 December All to Football.  Derby 4 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0.

 

Had a very happy and lively Xmas.  All the family together.  Weather wet and stormy.

 

Monday 31 December Walter Rosa and Baby left 3.15pm train.  Fred Mason and Laura went to Nottingham Pantomime.

 

1901

Saturday January 5 To Nottingham Football match Derby 0 v Notts County 2

Harry. Lil and Archie also.  Lovely weather ground very heavy.  Bloomer away.

Fred left 1st January.

 

Monday 7 January Went with Laura to London for her Matriculation Trinity College.  Two days and exam for Associate 1 day.  Left Derby 8am arrived St Pancras 11.  Drove to Nash’s Hotel (private) Manchester St at once.  Had lunch and Laura went to College Manchester Square (close by) at 1 to 4.30pm.  I went over the Wallace Collection of pictures, plate china, bric a brac, prints etc in Manchester Square - very fine.

 

5pm met Laura back to Hotel, then walked by Oxford St, Bond St, Burlington Arcade and to Criterion.  Had dinner there and walked by Regent St and Baker St to Madame Tussaud’s until 10 then to Hotel and bed.

 

Tuesday 8 January Laura 10am and all day at exam.  I had to go on business to Pitsed near Tilbury to meet Mrs Eaton.  Not been on that line since I was at Charles French’s (Grays) in 1866 when I passed the final ? Law exam.  I was sorry the train did not go to Tilbury - it turned off past Rainham - a new branch.  I got back 4pm called on Ernest at Woodward and Grosvenors Newgate Street, and he went with me by the new Electric Underground (“Tuppeny Tube”) to Bond Street Station and to Laura at the Hotel.  We all then returned Laura and I to Chancery Lane, and he went on to the City and home, to meet us again with Emmie on Thursday night.  Heavy snow today.

 

Laura and I dined in Holburn, close by Chancery Lane, walked down Chancery Lane, and the Strand to Charing Cross and Westminster, in a regular blizzard of wind and snow, and so to the Aquarium and stayed there till 10pm then by bus back to Hotel.

 

She passed this exam with Honours.

 

Wednesday 9 January Laura to exam (music) for all the day.  I went by 10.40am train from Victoria to see Polly at Norwood.  Had dinner with her and Louie.  After Lizzie and Connie came in.  We three Lizzie Polly and self have not met altogether for ---  years.  Back to Laura at 5pm.  Moved to Haxell’s Hotel.  Ernest and Emmie joined us 8pm, and all went together to the ---- theatre.

 

Laura and I returned home by 12 midnight train.  Laura passed the music exam and is now A. T. C. L. (Associate Trinity College London).!

 

Saturday 12 January Football Derby 1 v Preston North End 1

 

Friday 20 January Laura 20th birthday anniversary.

 

Tuesday 22 January Queen Victoria died - 6.30pm.

 

Thursday 24 January Proclamation Edward VII.

 

Saturday 2 February Queen’s funeral.  Not out - weather bad.

 

Wednesday 6 February Lizzie Brackenbury came - first time she has been since we left Holton House 1879.

 

Saturday 9 February To Bolton.  Derby County v Bolton Wanderers 1st round of cup tie.  Ground very bad after frost.  Derby lost 1-0.  Dr Roe and Mr Rolfe with me.  Holloway of Duffield and I came back together.  Bad business for County funds.  First time I have been in Manchester.  Dined at Victoria Hotel Grill room.

 

Tuesday 12 February Annie, Lizzie and self to Nottingham afternoon returned 7.15pm train.  Went over castle etc.

 

Wednesday 13 February Annie Lizzie and I went to Bernard’s for the afternoon.  Very cold.

 

Saturday 16 February Football Derby County 1 v Newcastle United 1.  Lizzie went with us.

 

Saturday 23 February Harry and I went to

 

(Here the diary ends for 1901 and several blank pages follow titled only with the year as if they were to be filled in later - ed.)