Transcript of Rachel Anne Ketton’s Diary

MS/109 1863

July - December 1869 July Thursday 1st July Horticultural. Wind north with frequent storms of drizzle. Priscilla and the four girls went. Anna gave away the prizes. The great man made things as unpleasant for her as he could but as she rather expected it she was not taken unawares. Half of the nuisance of being president got over today.

Friday 2nd July Cold drizzle all day. No one called. Toothache rather better.

Saturday 3rd July Very cold; John went to . Mr Mott called to enquire for us. Toothache better but felt very queer and bilious.

Sunday 4th July A fine day; letter from Margaret saying she was not coming to till Monday. Felbrigge in the afternoon; Mr Fisher preached for the IPG. At in the morning;l Mr Mills preached a very objectionable sermon on David and Bathsheba. Did not go at all but toothache better. No fire tonight, the first time this year.

Monday 5th July Three of the girls went to bathe but found the water very cold. All the afternoon and evening a succession of heavy thunder storms; did not go out.

Tuesday 6th July John sent a telegram that he received last night from Mr Soanes that Margaret was not coming as she promised that day. The Holt Horticultural show; Priscilla, Anna and Minnie went. PT was there and they settled matters all but reference to ‘Pater’. The company generally congratulating and looking on. The great man congratulating Anna and asked pardon for his behaviour at Baconsthorpe. We took two second prizes for cherries and pelargoniums.

Wednesday 7th July Letter from Margaret that she was not coming till today to Norwich. Letter at 5 o’clock from PT to John; Do [ditto] to Anna from him and his brother and sister dined with the Dolphin’s and had a pleasant evening.

Thursday 8th July (different handwriting) Day very fine. Mr Pellew, Georgie and Mary Anderson walked over to our great surprise and had 5 o’clock tea. The Pellews staying at Metton for a fortnight. Old lady Buxton called but did not see her as I was driving with John.

Friday 9th July Went to Norwich to bring Margaret home.

Saturday 10th July Day fine; the girls went to and brought Georgie Pellew back to tea. Letter from PT wanting to see John in the evening. Brought Margaret back from Norwich. Robert came to stay a week with us.

Sunday 11th July Percy Fiz at Felbrigge Church. Scolded Margaret well. Very tired, did not go to Aylmerton church. Mr Cremer came to see John and settled matters with him. Glad it is settled. Felt very triumphant. Scolded Ellen and Minnie for objecting to it. Blew up Prissie who did not take it in a right spirit!!!

Monday 12th July Went to tea at Metton with 3 of the girls. Percy Fiz called. Was not too civil to him. Don’t want detrimentals? after my daughters. Such a mother as I’ve been to them and such a beginning as Anna has made!! The Rogers came to 5 o’clock tea. Anna went for a ride with Cremer.

Tuesday 13th July The Pellews and Mary A to luncheon. Felt rather ill. Bella and Vernon and Mary Wilson called. Vernon screamed the whole time.

Wednesday 14th July John, Anna, Ellen and I went to a croquet party at . Very slow, felt very tired and bored and hungry and expressed myself quite as I felt. Was congratulated by everyone, the only pleasant part of the entertainment!!

Thursday 15th July Felt very ill. Kept in bed all day.

Friday 16th July We had a croquet party. Rogers, Beauchamps, Andersons, Pellews and Cremers, Lady Buxton called. Did not see her as I did not get up till 5 and had some tea under the Cedar. Felt very ill after it. Sat in the Cabinet and told Mrs Anderson a ‘few things’. Went to bed again at 6.

Saturday 17th July Lady Buxton and Rosalind called. Did not see them. Cremer came to supper.

Sunday 18th July Stopped in bed all day

Monday 19th July Cremer came to supper, did not see him. Felt ill.

Tuesday 20th July 4 of the girls went to tea on the lawn at .

Wednesday 21st July Kept in bed all day. Anderson, Mills and Fisher and the Dolphins came to luncheon. Cremer came today.

Thursday 22nd July The Motts had a picnic on the Lighthouse Hills. Prissie, three of the girls and Cremer went.

Friday 23rd July Felt better and came down in the afternoon. The girls went to the Metton school treat.

Saturday 24th July Felt much better. The girls went to call on Miss Custance.

Sunday 25th July in the morning. Did not go. Hard rain in the afternoon.

Monday 26th July Bella, Mary Wilson and Minnie Norgate came to luncheon. Tuesday 27th July Hard rain all day; did not go out.

Wednesday 28th July Prissie and Margaret dined at Metton; met the Wilsons.

Thursday 29th July Went to tea at Beeston. Told Mrs Bosworth my views on things in general. Bobbie came home.

Friday 30th July Day fine; Prissie and the girls went to call on Mrs Mortimer.

Saturday 31st July Mrs Mott and Gertrude came to tea. They were going to Scotland for a month.

August Sunday 1st August Aylmerton church in the morning; did not go to Felbrigge.

Monday 2nd August Went to tea at Beeston; Norgates, Mrs Mortimer, the Rogers etc, etc there. Miss Bevan sang and some other people played. Was much amused at the whole thing.

Tuesday 3rd August Rain all the afternoon; did not go out.

Wednesday 4th August Rained all day; went nowhere.

Thursday 5th August The girls drove to Cromer, no-one called.

Friday 6th August A croquet party at Holt; Prissie, Anna, Minnie and Bobbie and Cremer went; a dance afterwards.

Saturday 7th August Mr and Mrs and the Miss Fowlers called. Stayed at home all day.

Sunday 8th August

Felbrigge in the afternoon. Did not go. Monday 9th August Mrs Fish and Miss Shepherd came to lunch. It rained hard all day.

Tuesday 10th August A picnic at the water. Rain so hard we were obliged to have lunch in the orange house. 53 people came. Should have had more but the weather stopped them.

Wednesday 11th August A very cold day; Prissie and the girls went to ‘Me Wife’s’ School Treat. Did not go out.

Thursday 12th August Rainy nasty day. Lady Buxton and Isabella called.

Friday 13th August Mrs Beauchamp and Mr and Miss Beauchamp came to 5 o’clock tea. Did not see them as I had to take Bobbie to Aylsham to be measured. Scolded Todd for making his things badly.

Saturday 14th August Hard rain all day. Mr Fish and Miss S. came to 5 o’clock tea and brought the parrot a new cage.

Sunday 15th August Felbrigg in the morning. Mr Wilson lunched with us.

Monday 16th August Day cold; did not go out.

Tuesday 17th August Mr Cremer called; went into the garden.

Wednesday 18th August Mr Fisher called. The girls went to see Miss Custance.

Thursday 19th August Mr and Mrs Wilson called. Prissie, Margaret, Minnie and Bobbie went to play croquet at Wickmere.

Friday 20th August A lot of clan and Upchers called. Went to Norwich with John, Anna and Margaret.

Saturday 20th August Aunt ‘Cat’, the Beauchamps and Andersons came to 5 o’clock tea. Day fine; Anna and Margaret came back [from] Norwich with Mr Cremer.

Sunday 22nd August Felbrigge in the morning; Mr Griffiths preached.

Monday 23rd August Mr and Mrs Feilden and the children came to 5 o’clock tea and to arrange about the show.

Tuesday 24th August Lambert and Wilson left. Tea on the lawn at Northrepps; very slow.

Wednesday 25th August Prissie and Anna called at ; no-one at home. Mrs Upcher better.

Thursday 26th August Prissie and the girls went to Mr Fish’s to see the sewing machine and to play bowls; were not home till 8.30.

Friday 27th August Prissie and Margaret went to dinner at the Dolphin’s; a very pleasant party.

Saturday 28th August Mr and Mrs I Hoare and Mr ‘Cove’; called. Came back from Norwich. Jane Varvill, Emma Everitt came.

Sunday 29th August Felbrigge in the afternoon; was going but thought it would rain.

Monday 30th August Caroline gave warning. Made some calls; went to Northrepps, found the old lady at home. Said it was pleasant to have seen me. Saw old Mrs Birkbeck; was not much impressed by her manners and appearance. Called on the Wollaston Blakes. Began late dinners.

Tuesday 31st August Major Ind and ‘Bits’ called. Another detrimental for Margaret!! Conrad got loose, could not catch it.

September Wednesday 1st September Beginning of the hateful shooting, but thank goodness it doesn’t signify this year! Cremer and Bobbie went to Beeston to shoot and Anna and Prissie went to have lunch with them. Mr and Mrs Barclay and Ada called. The ‘Brethren’ came to tea and Piggy – Conrad was caught. Maria Frost came home.

Thursday 2nd September Cremer and Bobbie went shooting. Day very cold. No-one called.

Friday 3rd September Day showery; the Blakes and Cat called. Arabella and Vernon and Mrs Shipper came to tea.

Saturday 4th September Anna had a wedding present from the I Hoares. Did not think much of it. Sent off Isabella Johnston’s present. No one called.

Sunday 5th September Felbrigge in the Morning Piggy preached a good sermon for a wonder. Prissie and some of the girls and Cremer went to hear Blackwood in the Coachhouse.

Monday 6th September Heavy rain; went to tea at Mrs Mortimers; was much amused.

Tuesday 7th September Prissie and the girls went to see Isabelle Johnston married. Bobbie went back to school. Went to Northrepps in the afternoon. Heard an address from Mr Blackwood and had tea and wedding cake. Gratifying.

Wednesday 8th September Went to with Anna and Cremer. Got there quite safe. The girls went to Cromer. Reached the Charing X at 9.40. Cremer went to the ‘Tavistock’.

Thursday 9th September (different handwriting) 2 thunderstorms in the night. The Coffee room at the Charing X crowded at breakfast. Cremer came and presented Anna with a bouquet from Covent Garden. Shopping from 10 till 5. C came after dinner with another bouquet and wanted us to go and see ‘Formosa’ – refused, so he went alone.

Friday 10th September C came and was glad we did not see ‘Formosa’ as he was disgusted with it; persuaded him to go to Cambridge as he was no use in London. With Anna at 10.30 to try on her wedding dress and continued shopping till 6.30. When all was completed much to our delight - dinner and packed up Fire in the Strand near us.

Saturday 11th September Left the Charing X at 9.30. Came down with Mr Beauchamp who had sent his wife to Malvern to see Miss Pearson. Picked up Cremer at Cambridge – carriage waiting at the station – brought Mr Beauchamp to Aylsham. Reached home at seven; Cremer went home at 10.30.

Sunday 12th September Pouring rainy day; did not go out having caught a bad cold in London – very tired. Cremer did not come but sent a note and a testimonial from Miss Day.

Monday 13th September Mr Fielden called to see if the tent had arrived; very stormy. Cremer got wet through shooting. Sent a note six brace of birds and a plover.

Tuesday 14th September Mr and Mrs Feilden and Mr Beauchamp came to help to decorate the tent a great many of the ‘brethren’ came too and had 5 o’clock tea in the school room. Mr and Mrs Feilden and Mr Beauchamp stayed with us; Mrs Feilden sang all the evening the rest played cards.

Wednesday 15th September The Baconsthorpe Show held in our park. Breakfast at 8.15 – lunch at one with the Dolphin’s; the rest of the committee lunched afterwards. A very large attendance; about 200 in to tea. Weather not so bad though the high wind was trying. Supper and singing in the evening from Mrs Fielden. Lady F Keir and 3 of her daughters at the show. Mrs Dalton died.

Thursday 16th September The Feildens departed directly after breakfast. Mr Cremer went to Beeston and coming back was thrown off Vivian who his knees [sic] – Cremer much bruised and rode with Anna to see Cooper who said he had broken one of his ribs.

Friday 17th September Sent for Cooper in the morning who said the rib was not broken and ordered a hot bath. C drove Anna to Cromer and Beeston. Miss Cremer and Vernon came to luncheon. Went with Priscilla to call at Metton and propose to ‘James’ that they Minnie and Gertie should be prepared for Confirmation in the same way as their sisters. He took time to consider of it. Mrs Mason came.

Saturday 18th September Very tired, spent the morning with Mrs Mason and the afternoon in my own room. Cremer drove Anna to call on Mrs Herring and to Buxton. Brought home ‘ My Brothers’s testimonial’.

Sunday 19th September Cremer went with me, Margaret and Minnie to hear ‘Piggy’ and liked him very much. Spurgin at Aylmerton in the afternoon for the IPG. Very bad sermon.

Monday 20th September John and Cremer went justicing. Went with 3 of the girls to lunch at Wickmere; only Mr Beauchamp at home. Went mushrooming in the afternoon. Mr Groucock drove through the park. Anna Buxton brought Lady Sidney Montague and went over the house when all of us were out. Mr Mickle Hare came to Northrepps.

Tuesday 21st September Anna went to Cromer to see a cook. Went with Margaret to Rectory to call on the Meyricks who were at home. Mr Cremer went home and found Mrs Blackwood and the duchess and their children fishing – kitchen maid gave warning. Groucock again through the park.

Wednesday 22nd September Engaged the Beeston Kitchen maid – Priscilla and Anna went to lunch with Cremer in the Cromer Hall woods.

Thursday 23rd September Went at 10am with Priscilla, Anna, Margaret and Cremer to Baconsthorpe church – full choral service and a very large congregation – sacrament – and lunch in a tent at 2. got home at 4 very tired. Feilden, Mott, Hopper and the architect returned thanks and made speeches. £48 collected in the morning.

Friday 24th September John, Priscilla and Anna went to Norwich. Cremer went home as the Jones were coming to stay till Monday. Sent Bunting out and had high tea. Mrs Upcher and Mrs H Upcher called and E Anderson to take leave before going to India. Saw none of them as I felt very ill from the fatigue of yesterday. Sent for Caroline to pay her wages but she said she had another week to stay – allowed her to stay though she was wrong. Invited the Heavisides to the wedding.

Saturday 25th September Mr Cremer sent 10 brace of birds and 2 hares and two more ‘testimonials’ he had received. Mr F Micklethaite left his card., Anna brought home two testimonials from Robert and Ellen. Felt very ill all day. Asked the Beauchamps.

Sunday 26th September Letter from Mrs Heaviside declining to come to the wedding as the Canon was in residence. Sacrament at Aylmerton and Harvest sermon at Felbrigge for the benefit of the Hospital. Cremer

came unexpectedly in the afternoon but was obliged to return to dinner as the Jones were staying there. Mr Wollaston Blake was at Felbrigge church and came to tea and they walked to the lodges with him.

Monday 27th September Anna went to Cromer and engaged a cook and Cremer came after lunch and rode with her to see Mrs Jones – Mr Gurney Hoare called with Mr Edward and Mrs Richard Hoare. G K wrote to Cremer asking for his custom. Mr and Mrs Mills called on their way to the Missionary dinner at Gurney Hoare’s and told us Mr Mott had just called and invited them to dinner on Thursday, but they were going to Norwich. He also read a letter from Lady Buxton asking his forgiveness. Minnie and Ellen sent their confirmation papers to Mr Anderson.

Tuesday 28th September Miss Cremer and Mr Herbert Jones called; Mr Cremer went to Metton to ask Mr Anderson for the use of the church for the13th – present of a flower vase from Mrs Anderson and ???? ???? from Mr Anderson to Anna.

Wednesday 29th September Maria Frost and Emma Everitt left having been here a month. Confirmation tickets sent to Minnie and Gertie.

Wednesday 29th September Margaret went to Cromer to invite Mrs Wilmore to lunch tomorrow but found she had left Cromer. Called with Minnie on the Gurney, Edward and Frank Hoares, who were all out; on the Jollie’s who were at dinner and at Northrepps, saw the Dowager who asked if I was not fretting at the approaching wedding and how Anna’s spirits were. Mrs Fowell Buxton then came in and made similar enquiries. Mrs Charles was in mourning for a nephew who had just been drowned at her house. Cremer came to dinner and to stay till Saturday.

Thursday 30th September Mr Upcher and Russell called to ask Cremer to shoot with them and Mr Blake tomorrow but he was going to shoot at Cromer so refused. Mrs Birbeck sen. called.

October Friday 1st October Present from A M Buxton to Anna. Went to the farm to see Lady Sondes new calf. Cremer shot at Cromer Hall. Priscilla, Anna and Margaret took luncheon to him. Mr Davids and Mr Bosworth-Smith the keeper remarked to Mr Davids that love making and shooting did not go well together. Mrs Gurney Buxton and Kate Hoare called. Andersons went to Felsham.

Saturday 2nd October S Rudd left Cromer went home and did not return till 5.30. Priscilla and 3 of the girls went to Mr Fish’s but only found Miss Shepherd at home. Lady Buxton – Mrs Fowell and Barclay called. The old Dowager asked twice if dear Anna was quite happy! Mr and Mrs Wollaston Blake called. Cremer brought his new horse while they were here – which they and we all admired. E Lawson and I Gostling came home – the former brought the bridesmaids dresses. [Eliza Lawson]

Sunday 3rd October Sacrament at Felbrigg. Present for Anna from Mr and Mrs Rogers and one for Cremer from Mr and Mrs Winter. John went to Aylmerton church and turned faint and was led out by Spencer and Fuller.

Monday 4th October John much better but did not go justicing. Cremer went and then went home for good. Miss Fuller brought testimonials from her mother and herself and saw the orange house.

Tuesday 5th October Mrs J Hoare called to enquire for John. Mr Buxton and Mr and Mrs C Buxton called and had 5 o’clock tea in the schoolroom. Cremer did not come but sent some game.

Wednesday 6th October Fresh row with Winter and John sent a very sharp letter and then went to the N Walsham Agricultural show – but did not stay to the dinner. Priscilla, Anna, Margaret and Ellen took luncheon to Cremer at the Hall woods. Mrs Hutton (who came last night) and Bella joined them, the latter gave Anna a brooch. Miss Custance sent a testimonial and A M Buxton’s arrived at Beeston and gave great satisfaction to Cremer.

Thursday 7th October Dowager Lady Buxton sent Anna a ‘Life of Sir F Buxton’ and offered the use of her carriage for the wedding. Cremer sent a trout and a mullet and rode to N Walsham with Anna to get the licence. Mr and Mrs Feilden called and told us the Motts and Upchers were very angry at not being asked to the wedding. Mr Fitch sent one of Miss Colson’s views of Cromer as a wedding gift to Cremer. John much annoyed at the number of rabbits on Felbrigge heath and put Everitt on to catch them. A note from Micklethorpe? in the evening.

Friday 8th October Letter from Coaks to say he would come on Tuesday, when the settlements could be signed. Anna’s dresses came from London. The wedding dress much too large and the travelling do [ditto] short instead of long as ordered. Anna much annoyed at. Wrote and accepted the Dowager’s offer of her carriage. Mrs Hutton and Bella came to see the dresses. Priscilla and Anna went to Beeston. Cremer sent 8 brace of pheasants. Mr and Mrs Mills sent a testimonial.

Saturday 9th October Testimonial from Mrs Heaviside. John went to Kelling. Mrs G Hoare called but saw only Priscilla. Letter from Mrs Curtis offering to dress the young ladies as she was in the habit of dressing the nobility. Bobbie came home for a week. Dodd came after dinner at 9.40 and brought a large brogue? owl, a present from Mr Billington. Mr Leighton came

Sunday 10th October Anna played at Aylmerton for the last time. Cremer came in the afternoon ill and much worried and had been to Cooper. Piggy gave a sermon from the Song of Solomon ‘This is my friend’. After church Priscilla made him understand he was not wanted at the wedding. Mr and Mrs Blake came to tea.

Monday 11th October Anna arranged all the presents. Priscilla, Anna and Margaret took lunch to the Hall woods. Cremer and Billington came to dinner – very dull evening. All the girls dressing the church. The wedding cake and presents from Pris. Johnston and Mrs Walker came at night.

Tuesday 12th October Mr Fish brought some lovely flowers. All busy finishing the church. Miss Cremer came to call with Mr Billington. Mr Winter and Mr ???? came about the settlement – Mr Coaks and Mr and Mrs Norgate came and Cremer. The settlements were signed and Cremer and Billington went away. Anna played to

Mr Norgate all the evening. Cook and John came. Mr Frost sent grapes and Mr Coaks brought a present.

Wednesday 13th October ‘The Wedding Day’ – dressed early and so did the bridesmaids. When Bobbie compared them to the five foolish virgins – Cremer and Billington came at 10.45 and had their favors put on and went to the church. The Cremers kept us waiting but at last came and the procession set off – the bridesmaids went in Lady Buxton’s carriage – the church and churchyard crowded. Hutton kept us waiting but at last it was got over and we went home at 12.5 Spent the interval till one in looking over the presents. The breakfast a great success. Mr Feilden gave the health of the Bride and Bridegroom in which he compared them to the ivy and oak. Cremer returned thanks in a very appropriate manner. Mr Rogers gave the health of the bridesmaids and Mr Billington responded; the ladies then retired. The Bride changed her dress and the happy pair left at 3 o’clock and a shower of old shoes. A dinner party of 20 and a dance in the breakfast room finished the day. Mr and Mrs Feilden, Mr and Mrs Beauchamp and Mr and Mrs Rogers were the only people not related who came except Mr Coaks – Mrs Fisher and Mrs Beauchamp and Lady Buxton sent testimonials and Mr H Jones sent Cremer a testimonial.

Thursday 14th October Breakfast at 9; everyone very tired. John and Mr Coaks left soon after breakfast and Mr and Mrs Norgate soon after. Invitation from Mrs Windham Walker to the festivities at Hanworth on the 20th and to a private dinner afterwards. Sent Vincent to Cromer to see Cook, Arthurton and Mrs Singleton off by the coach. Priscilla and the three girls went to dine at Beeston and danced afterwards. Began fires in the library in the evening.

Friday 15th October Bobbie went shooting at the Hall with J Cremer; Priscilla, Margaret and Ellen with Miss Billington, Bella and Emmie went to take them lunch. Mrs G Hoare and Mrs R Hoare called and saw the presents. Mr Hutton, Mr Billington, Mr J Cremer, Miss Billington and Bella dined with us and had a dance afterwards.

Saturday 16th October Raining all the morning, but Bobbie went to shoot at Beeston. Joint letter of a romantic nature from the Bride and Bridegroom; another from the Dowager. In the afternoon Mrs J Hoare, the three Lady Buxtons and Anna, the three Wollaston Blake’s and Mrs Darrer (The wife of Major Darrer and widow of Col. Willoughby a noted man at the siege of Delhi as Mrs Blake informed me) called. Very tired indeed. Weather very cold.

Sunday 17th October Felbrigge in the morning. Mr Bosworth did duty and came in the Beeston pony car. Most bitterly cold. Mr and Mrs Fleetwood Pellew with the Andersons; Mr Hutton preached at Aylmerton and mentioned in his sermon ‘that it was a special providence had brought him to Aylmerton’. Mr and Miss Billington were there and the church was crowded.

Monday 18th October Very cold rainy day. John went justicing. Letter from Anna who was at Cambridge. Bobbie went back to school. Prince of Wales came to Gunton.

Tuesday 19th October Felbrigge Cottage rent Audit – the highest sea at Cromer ever seen. Priscilla and all the girls went to see it. A ship wrecked at Sheringham and Cromer. Half the largest beech by the kitchen garden and several yards of the wall broken. Torrents of rain and hailstorm all day; most bitterly cold.

Wednesday 20th October Went to the farm and saw Mrs Cothill; called with Margaret at Sheringham and went in but were told that Mrs Upcher had walked? and Mrs Buxton had gone to her room – saw Mr Upcher. Mr Buxton and Russell shooting. Mr Upcher made many enquiries about the Bride and was inclined to be very jocular on the subject of their losing their way. Called at Beeston, found Emmie Buxton, Mr and Mrs Winter and Mr and Miss Billington drinking coffee. The day of the Hanworth entertainment which went off very badly in drunkenness and fighting.

Thursday 21st October Went with Minnie and Gertie to return Mr Fish’s box and take Miss Shepherd a piece of wedding cake. Very cold and rainy. Letter from Anna and Cremer who were going from Oxford to Ilfracombe. The Mills, Winters and Mrs F Hoare called while I was out.

Friday 22nd October Micklethaite came at 10.30 and had an interview with John who was very angry with Meering for cutting some trees and went and told his wife he would have him put to prison for 3 months frightening her very much. Mr and Miss Billington, Mrs Hutton, Bella, John and Mr and Mrs Winter and Sophie came to luncheon. John got out of the way till 3 and then would not go down to dinner. Bella took a final adieu and went away crying and said she did not wish any of us to call again; had to send Mr and Miss B home in the Brougham. Mr B on taking leave hoped it would not be his last visit to ; sent Mrs B some cake. Bad night.

Saturday 23rd October John very troublesome, but was gradually talked into a better state of mind and wrote a conciliatory letter to Micklethaite. The girls called on Miss Custance. Miss Colson and G Fitch called and had tea and saw the presents.

Sunday 24th October Joint letter from Tom and Anna who were at Ilfracombe. Mr Griffiths at Felbrigge in the afternoon.

Monday 25th October Letter from Cremer again asking me to go to Beeston. Priscilla and Margaret went and found he had written to Mrs Skipper who was ‘rampaging’ but could not do much till Mrs Hutton and her children were gone and they were to leave today. Mrs Heaviside wrote to know what use they could be to us at the Confirmation. Mrs Rogers and her daughters called and stayed some time and saw the presents.

Tuesday 26th October Continued heavy snow and hail storms. Made two cloaks for the confirmation. No one called. A large beech felled by the kitchen garden – which broke in the late gale.

Wednesday 27th October Letters from the Dodds; snow and hail all day. No one able to go out.

Thursday 28th October (different handwriting) Snow all the morning. Went to Norwich in the afternoon. No one went out. Arabella and John left Beeston.

Friday 29th October A very fine day. Prissie, Margaret and Ellen went down to Beeston Went over the house; everything very dirty. Mrs Barclay and Miss Smith called in the afternoon.

Saturday 30th October (different handwriting) Day showery had a letter from ‘cousin’. Came home in the evening after a very trying time. Minnie and Gertie confirmed yesterday. Lunched with Canon H. Continual storms with ‘junior’. Will signed at Coaks’ office. Mud and sheets of rain all day; went with Gertie to Bridgemans at 10.30; Minnie had a headache.

Sunday 31st October Very cold foggy day. Mr Mills out for his holidays. Mr George at Aylmerton for the SPG. Too ill and miserable to go out.

November Monday 1st November Letter from Cremer to say Anna was ill, very anxious about her. Priscilla and two of the girls went to Beeston and found everything out or order. The Dodds coming home on Wednesday. Worked hard all day to get the toilet cushions ready.

Tuesday 2nd November Letters from T and A to say the latter was better. Letter from Mr Soanes telling us of the dangerous ways? of his father. News arrived of the failure of Wrights of . Priscilla and 3 of the girls went to Beeston after breakfast to take some of the presents etc and found Mrs Bosworth there. The small rent audit took place today.

Wednesday 3rd November John went to Norwich by the 10.30 coach. All the rest of us went to Beeston to see the newly married come home. A grand triumphal arch was erected over the gate with ‘Welcome Home and Health and Happiness’ and about a hundred men dragged the carriage the last mile. Mr Hankinson called and said though he was in Switzerland he knew the day they were married and was with them in spirit. Mrs Markham and the orphans came as soon as they were home.

Thursday 4th November Took up the billiard room carpet. Priscilla, Margaret and Ellen went to Beeston to take the remainder of the presents and help Anna to alter the arrangement of the drawing room which they did and stayed to lunch. Mrs Buxton, Emmie and Mrs Pigott called but saw only Minnie and Gertie. Mr Fish and Miss Shepherd called and had 5 o’clock tea. Wind so trying we could not keep a fire anywhere.

Friday 5th November Very trying letter from I. Went to the farm in the morning and to Aylmerton church. Pouring rain all the afternoon. T and A came to dinner in a dog cart. Priscilla and Margaret went to Norwich.

Saturday 6th November Ellen and Minnie went to Cromer for the wages cheque and saw Anna doing her first shopping there. Most bitterly cold – did not go out all day. John came home at night.

Sunday 7th November Susan Steward died aged 57. No service at Aylmerton in the morning. Went to Felbrigge in the afternoon. Priscilla, Margaret and Ellen went to Aylmerton in the evening.

Monday 8th November Priscilla and Margaret went to Beeston after breakfast. The Wallaston Blakes called and said they were leaving next week. Invitation to dinner from Mrs G Hoare which I refused as John would be out.

Tuesday 9th November John went to Norwich for the rest of the week. It rained heavily all the… - Mrs Mortimer and a niece and two little boys called during heavy rain.

Wednesday 10th November Priscilla and the girls went out for a walk in the morning; sharp wind frost. We had a brace of woodcock for lunch that Cremer sent us and just as we had finished them Mr and Mrs Beauchamp came to lunch. Took Ellen to stay a few days at Beeston – took 5 o’clock tea there and brought Lawson home.

Thursday 11th November Minnie rode Confidence the first time for some months and went to Beeston and stayed to lunch and helped Anna to arrange her drawers. Went with Margaret to Northrepps found the Dowager rather ill; Margaret ill and fretting all day. Ellen wrote from Beeston to say she ‘liked the tone of the house’.

Friday 12th November Letter from Mrs H saying she could not offer I a home, as I suggested – one from John about the misery of being detained in Norwich – I sent some grapes to the Dowager, the first this season and heard she was better. Called with Priscilla upon the Andersons and Miss Custance. The Cremers and Ellen called after I came home and stayed a quarter of an hour.

Saturday 13th November Very wet, windy day. Priscilla and Gertie went to the farm. Mrs, Miss and Captain Dolphin called; John came home at night.

Sunday 14th November Went to Felbrigge church in the morning, all the servants dressed in the most absurd way with a bunch of flowers on the top of their heads and large chignons. Walked with John in the afternoon. Felt very ill and miserable all day. Mr Mills home again.

Monday 15th November Went to Beeston at 11.30 – Anna not down, not being very well. Brought Ellen back with me. Rained all the afternoon. Robins died today of a stroke of paralysis – working for us up to Saturday.

Tuesday 16th November A very fine day, went to the farm in the morning and walked about all the afternoon. Mrs Cable came to say that Paul had been operated upon by Mr Cadge, but could not leave the hospital till Saturday. Margaret and Ellen went to dine at the Rogers and stayed the night.

Wednesday 17th November John went to Norwich for the rest of the week. Priscilla and Minnie went to the Fishers church opening – very ill all day, not able to eat and a pain at my heart. At 2.30 a note came from Cremer asking Priscilla to come and stay the night as Anna was very ill and he had sent for Cooper, sent her as soon as she returned from Fishers. Cooper thought it a violent attack of indigestion; they had dined at the G Hoares and the Rogers and were to have gone to the Aylsham Bree? Did not close my eyes all night.

Thursday 18th November Very ill all day; Priscilla came back; Anna better. Mr Mills came to lunch and told us the result of the parish meeting. Mrs Symonds came to ask Miss Blake to speak to her husband who had just turned her out of doors. Priscilla, Margaret and Minnie went to a dance at the Girdlestone’s and did not get home till three.

Friday 19th November Went with Ellen to the practising, Priscilla went to Beeston and brought Anna back to lunch. Tom came for her – very ill and depressed myself all day but hope soon to shake it off.

Saturday 20th November A very cold day, went to the farm with Gertie; severe hail storms all the afternoon. Priscilla went to Beeston to lunch. John came home by coach in the evening. Dreadfully depressed all day.

Sunday 21st November A most bitterly cold bright day – went to Felbrigge church in the afternoon, still feeling very ill, weak and nervous.

Monday 22nd November Went with John to lunch at Beeston; a very wet bad day. Mr Langford came uninvited and stayed the whole afternoon. Mrs Rogers and Mrs Lloyd called and Mrs Andrew and Pris Johnston.

Tuesday 23rd November A very wet gloomy day – the Dowager Lady Buxton and Mr Hankinson called.

Wednesday 24th November (different handwriting) The girls went to Cromer. Cremer and Anna called; glad to see them but felt very unwell.

Thursday 25th November Went to Norwich with Ellen and John as I felt very unwell; saw Mr Cadge; did not say much. Prissy and Margaret went to the sale; had lunch at Wickmere. Mr and Mrs Beauchamp quarrelled all luncheon time – not exactly ‘con amore’. We had a children’s party. The Fishers and Moores and Mr Mills.

Friday 26th November Anna Cremer came to lunch

Saturday 27th November Came back from Norwich – very ill.

Sunday 28th November No letter – rather worse

Monday 29th November Gertie and Margaret went to Beeston in the morning. Mr and Mrs Megrick called – still ill.

Tuesday 30th November Margaret went to dinner at Beeston and stayed the night.

December Wednesday 1st December Margaret came home – snowing.

Thursday 2nd December Gertie went to stay at Bracondale. Mr and Mrs Jolly called – still very ill.

Friday 3rd December John came back from Norwich. Cook came!!

Saturday 4th December Anna Cremer called. Very cold.

Sunday 5th December The girls went to Felbrigge church.

Monday 6th December Anna Cremer called. Mrs Anderson called

Tuesday 7th December Anna came to the day. Mr Upcher and Laura came.

Wednesday 8th December Ellen and Minnie went to Beeston and from there to Barningham to dinner. A pleasant party – 11 ladies and 6 gentlemen. The dolphins, Major Bourchin. Piggots and ‘Young Walpole’.

Thursday 9th December John came from Norwich; the girls came home.

Friday 10th December Anna came. Mr Mills and the 2 Lady Buxtons called. Mr Cadge came to see me.

Saturday 11th December Anna came; the Buxtons and Motts called.

Sunday 12th December Dodds called; the girls went to Felbrigge and to Aylmerton. Mr Cooper came

Monday 13th December Went to lunch at Beeston with Minnie. Crane came. Very ill.

Tuesday 14th December Anna came to lunch. Went to the Village. Mr Cooper came.

Wednesday 15th December Priscilla Johnston and the Buxtons called.

Thursday 16th December Lady Buxton called. Ellen and Margaret went to call on the Girdlestones.

Friday 17th December Went to Aylmerton practising. Anna Cremer called!!!!

Saturday 18th December Raining all day; high wind. Still very ill.

Sunday 19th December The girls went to Felbrigge and Aylmerton.

Monday 20th December Anna spent the day; went with the girls to call at Northrepps and Colne House- very ill.

Tuesday 21st December John went to Norwich to bring back Gertie and Bobbie.

Wednesday 22nd December Mr and Mrs Mills and Anna came to lunch and to help to make decorations for the church. The girls had all the ? ‘Choir’ to an entertainment in the Servants Hall, gave away old hats and clothes. The Dowager Lady Buxton and Anna called.

Thursday 23rd December Ellen and Margaret went to lunch at Beeston met Anna Mary Buxton. Helped the Mills to dress up Aylmerton church. Mr Cooper came.

Friday 24th December The girls helped the Andersons to dress up Felbrigge church; they all came to lunch.

Saturday 25th December – Xmas Day The Cremers and Mr and Mrs Mills to dinner. I was too ill to appear. Snowing hard.

Sunday 26th December Margaret and Anna and Gertie went to Felbrigge in the afternoon. Dodds and Bobbie went to Beeston.

Monday 27th December Bobbie and ‘Snail’ went to Beeston to shoot.

Tuesday 28th December Margaret went to Beeston with Anna. Went to dinner at Sheringham – still very ill.

Wednesday 29th December Anna and Dodd came to stay the night. John’s rent Audit Dinner – rather slow as the farmers would not talk, but they smoked, so did John!!

Thursday 30th December Anna went home, the four girls went to dinner at Northrepps a very pleasant party. Mr Cadge came.

Friday 31st December The girls went to the Aylmerton practising.