- 1 9 11 -

I. {1 (I.,
- 1 9 1 1 -
Sun., 1st January.
Having a cold I stayed in bed till 4, when Hicking and Colley rode over
from Brackenhurst and did not come in. At 8 I left for Lincoln and stayed
the night at the G.N. Hotel.
Hon., 2nd Jan.
At 8.30 to Market Rasen and being sno\~ with fine intervals I took a
brougham and pair for Kelstern going first to Cotes Grange and then the Hall.
Dined at the Grange and home late.
Tues. ,3rd Jan.
To Newark for the audit and home at 4.
\oleds. ,4th Jan.
In the afternoon drove with Lucas to Ossington and home late.
Fri., 6th Jan.
To Oxton for the audit and had tea with the Captain.
Sat., 7th Jan.
To Nottingham, busy but in the afternoon showed Colonel Hurray and Capt.
Riley the dungeons at the Castle.
Sun., 8th Jan.
At home. Hay preached.
Hon., 9th Jan. 1 ~ ') IO~"JOAA...
Hrs. Fm.,.ler' s children's party. To Adbolton meet and dre"'l as far as
Wiverton but no sport so cantered home down the Foss. Ploughboys acting in
the evening.
\ieds • , J,l?'t!1 J an •• I /'1
To Newark and lunched with Charlie and let Park Lidgetts.
Thurs.Rt1l Jan. 1'- 'f"
In the evening Lady Ley having asked Polly to chaperone her party to
the Southwell Assembly Dance by motor with Miss M~100d Farnham and Christopher
Ley. A good dance of 30 couples.
Fri.,J2'th Jan. I J-;t..
Frost and some snow. A village tea party in the evening at the Schools,
over 100 there, very good. I left at 8 and called in at the Browns who have
our old cottage for a smoke. In the evening called on Burrows and Mother
who are not well.
Sat., M'fh Jan. 14 1-
To Nottingham and to the Club in the afternoon and home and to see Mother •.
 ~,
Sun.,15th Jan.
Charlie motored over in the afternoon. Patrick getting better with his leg.
Uon.,16th Jan.
At home and did much pruning in the orchard. Heard the merry widows have not
sold their house. Hrs. Charles Hill "banished obsession", a pretty ,,,oman, also
Hrs. Paget, Mrs. England 'vants no make up as a fairy tale ,·ritch. They dress smart
and are not unagreeable but their cheek makes their intimacy not very desirable.
Tues., 17th Jan.
Early to Lichfield and put up at the George where about 30 senior officers
of the Division came for a week's instruction. General Hamilton came but the conduct
was under his chief of staff Colonel Thompson. Capt. Powell, D.A.A.G., our Brigadier
Col. ~lurray, Capt. Ryley, Brigade Hajor Col. Williams, Stafford's Brigadier and
Major Doyle Brigade Major also there •. Called on the Hodsons at Abnalls and then
to see Mrs. Roby Thorpe and the Bensons at Stowe, where a large party among whom
Mrs. Archdale a pretty woman and wife of our late General. Dinner at the hotel
and lecture after.
\'1eds. ,18th Jan.
After morning lecture to Maple Hayes scheming a bivouac for a brigade.
Col. Foljambe, Capt. Brazies Creagh and self to Abnalls after for coffee.
Lecture in evening.
Thurs., 19th Jan.
By train to Armitage and schemed an advance of a brigade in presence of
enemy to Rugeley, ending at Capt. Powell's house for lunch. She a charming woman,
the house has a nice collection of water colours. Dined at Stowe House.

Fri., 20th Jan.

DDoing an outpost scheme in front of Maple Hayes. The house now belongs to
the Worthingtons but is classic ground as the residence once of Erasmus Darwin.
Dr. Johnson and Garrick his contemporaries were reared at Lichfield, a quaint
old town with a fine cathedral.
Sat., 21st Jan.
Home and to bed where I remained Sunday and Monday.
Tues.,24th Jan.
To Toton.
\veds. ,25th Jan.
Hounds met at the Hut, LO"rdham and ,,,e had a long day andlittle hunting,
scent being poor. I was just turning in when hounds came by the village and I
followed and finished at Thnrgarton Priory.
rrhurs. ,26th Jan.
Polly and I drove by the Plains to Mapperley and thence to the theatre where
Capt. Jeffcock's private company gave "Liberty Hall". Quite a society function.
The beautiful Duchess of Portland present. The Leys motored us home and as
Richardson sent us our tickets we had a cheap outing which I was glad of being
rather short just now. I made up my accounts last night and found I had an income
 3,
last year of over £1200 besides my house and saved £200, but having invested
£400 my reserve of cash "laS down at £300 and my private bank account nil,
though £3000 to credit in my business account.
Fri.,27th Jan.

10 mile ride to the meet at AslQc~ton. Charlie out also some of the
Belvoir, a find resulted in fast gallop and .at 8 mile run lost beyond Staunton.
I came home with Mrs. H. Sherbrooke. ~

Sat., 28th Jan.

G-~V\-~~
To Nottingham. Held our 6~imthQppe Bridge meeting.

Sun., 29th Jan.

To Gonalston for tea and dinner with the Squire, where Capt. Philip
Francklin R.N. and his young pretty wife. Edith had on an engagement ring
so knew that the report of her engagement to Capt. Onslow, R.N. was correct
and congratulated.
Mon., 30th Jan.
Rode to Sherl.,.ood Lodge to see Frank Seely.,
Tues. ,.3lst Jan.
To Mrs. Francklin's Primrose League party at Lowdham where I was Chairman.
Between tea and the Concert smoked a cigar with old Haslam in his kitchen.
Thurs. ,2nd Feb.
To Ruddington, a long walk and walked into Nottingham for tea at the Club.
Fr., 3rd Feb.
A long drive to Ossington to see the Squire.
Sat., 4th Feb.
To the opening of·the short range at Carlton and back to the Club for tea
,.,.here Col. Foljambe, Capts. Hume and Ryley. Ryley came to spend Sunday and
William just home from Vienna came also.
Sun. ,5th Feb.
Called at Gonalston and William to supper talking of conscription and
of the German menace till 1.
Mon. ,6th Feb.
Drove round by Southwell with Ryley house hunting.
Tues.,7th Feb.
Net Woolley at Lincoln and motored to Carnby to see a farm for T~ving's
Trust security and tea in the Close coming back.
lveds. ,8th Feb.
Hunting from Fiskerton, a short gallop at Halloughton and running a'ring
round Epperstone Park.
Thurs. ,9th Feb.
Rode to Farndon for lunch with Annie and to see Patrick laid up in
bed with hip trouble, and tea at Syerston Hall returning.
Fri. ,lOth Feb.
To the meet at 2. Bridgford Hall (Miss Fox) and a friend and smart
gallop on the Hills and so on after many foxes to Stoke. Harry Sherbrooke
and his ''life out. Gibbs, Capt. Hodgkins from our side of Trent.
Sat. ,11th Feb.
Lunched with Eve in the Park where Elliot the Duke of Newcastle's agent.

Sun. ,12th Feb.

At home and to Church in the evening.
Hon. ,13th Feb.

By first train and missed it so to Ratcliffe and picked up the train to

Peterboro. Drove from Yaxley to Stilton where hounds were and saw Arthur
Lascelles who was out with them. Let the Oaks farm and then a long walk over
\Jashingley, calling on Speechley and Caldecot and at Folksworth Gee drove me
to Yaxley station.
Tues. ,14th Feb.
To the Rufford meet at Oxton and found at Ha~lood OW{S and a fast 20 minutes
over the sands but no scent on the clays, though we found at Halloughton.
Out Ld. Han~ers and Lady Cicely Pierrepoint, the Lombes, Col. and Miss Foljambe,
Capts. Hume and Hodgkin, Harry and Hrs. Sherbrooke, R. Francklin, Philip i-Janrick,
the Gibbs, etc.
ileds. ,15th Feb.
Exercised my horse to the meet at Oxton and drove with Polly to Hexgreave
in the afternoon.
~urs.,16th Feb. Rode up to Calverton.

Fr., 17th Feb.

Hunting at Aslockton but did not find till we got to Farndon and ran
fast to Balderton. Back through Newarkand Kelham with Hodgkin who came to tea.
Sat.,18th Feb.
To Nottingham and home late. Hargie to the party at Thurgarton Priory.
Sun. ,19th Feb.
To Church in the morning. In the afternoon Barrow motored over with Revd.
Handford to look at the Rectory. Lucas_, Eve and Ernest also to tea.
Tues. ,21st Feb.
To the meet at Cogreave, wet and stormy but soon found near Holme Pierpoint
and ran to the \lolds and PaBt O,...thorpe to the Canal and back to ~lolds \-/here after
running about the woods we killed on the Foss. Home wittl the Pearsons.
 vleds. ,22nd Feb.
With Margie, Kathleen and Polly to Nottingham. Drove to Mapperley and then
by train. The road py Mapperley which lies on a high ridge and has views for 20
miles round is now much spoiled with building which spoils the views. Formerly
we could see Nottingham below us. To the theatre to see Peter Pan, where Muriel
and Tomm~ and a big tea party after at Crowshaws.
Fri. ,24th Feb.
&~1h~
Bent my horse on to ~rimtherpe and hacked after and then to the meet at
Farndon, looked into see Patrick laid up with hip trouble. No sport much and
coming home had tea with Count Arco.
Sat., 25th Feb.
To Nottingham and to the Club in the afternoon, talking of the numerous
burglaries lately.

Mon. ,27th Feb.

To Nottingham and met Sir Charles Seely and Miss Seely at the Vic.Hotel.
Tues. ,28th Feb.
Was going to Ossington but weather came on sto~y.

\·leds. ,1st Mar.

Very windy. Rode toille meet at Calverton and found at Hoore's Gorse but not
much sport. L eft at Oxton but heard there was a fair run from Graves Lane.
At 4 a line of motors were standing in Epperstone for the hunting people.
Thurs. ;2nd Har.
Rode to Ossington. The Rufford were meeting at Winkburn and I met Gibbs
and Broadhurst but saw no more. I was with Mr. Denison a long while about
raising rents. Home at 7.
Fri., 3rd Mar. Gf.,(..11.--rk~
A real good hunting day. Sent my horse on to GP4mtbor~ Bridge and hacked
on after. Passed the merry widows, Capt. Hodgkin, Gibbs, pere at fils, also l1rs. Harry
Sherbrooke, Miss Francklin and Mrs. Upton, the Pearsons from our side. Met the
hunB arossing Car Colston Green and found at Scarrington and ran to ground at
Kneeton. Count L. Arco and Miss Milward here on foot. I wonder if a match will
result. \oJhat a delight to Vir. and Hrs. Hilward. Found at Syerston ~llQgecr~-roffs~V\.
~across to Sibthorpe, then to Shelton and crossed the Devon and for Staunton
Grange Gorse but no check, here several drew rein, but we continued over big
pastures leaving little Normanton cover on our right, well into the Belvoir
domains, then I stopped as did many from our side and I saw the hounds run
f
out of scent on the plough half mile further. However, I got hold of pretty ~

t
little Miss Pearson for a ride home and we spelt our way by bridlepaths past
Staunton Hall, to Thornton. We had 18 miles to ride home and passed Hodgkin
on foot at the Bridge, his horse quite done. It was quite the best of the season.

- . s.~V) 1" r
. ~
tj-+-
-------------- -tlJ~
 Heds. ,8th Har.
ler /1 -
Sb:Jhr~ Met at Thurgarton Priory and found at once with a circular run by
" , . ~RllQ wood, Thistley Coppice, etc. Found at Rosselle Wood and ran straight
to Mortimers farm, to g~ound, bolted and back again, then to Epperstone Park
and lost near Oxton. Good scent.
IO~
Fri., ~ Har.
".
Rode the little mare to the meet at E. Bridgford. At 6.30 Percy called
for me in his motor and to the Hop Pole, Oller~ where the officers of the
8th meet for an instruction tour under the Brigadier. About 16 in all in
another
,,~
room and equal number of N.C.O's made merry. Dinner at 7.45.
"

Sat.,~ Mar.
Breakfast at 8. A fine morning. Our first scheme a line of outposts from
Rufford to Boughton. Percy motored myself, Col. Foljambe and Brig. Murray.
Hume and Riley and the others cycled. AfteI'\vards our advanceguard scheme
as far as Kirtons. The Hop Pole a fine old 18th century house, has a good
collection of pictures and 18th century prints.
I remember 20 years ago Charlie and I dined here when on the road to
Lady Man~ers ball at Thoresby, a very cold night and a brilliant ball. The
then Duchess brides of Portland and Newcastle there: the Duchess of St. Blbans
brought the beautiful Beauclerks, especially Lady Moyra (now Cavendish).
Lord Henry Bentinck just engaged to Lady Beatrix Taylour: the beautiful
Lady Beatrice, Georgina Lady DUdley: one of the guests died suddenly but
we did not know till afterwards. Th~st and hoar frost was so confusing
that some lost their way home in the forest. Sir E. Paget's daughter, now
Mrs. Tylney, was a belle there also.
However, to return, we got back to Epperstone to tea and Percy stayed
till the following Tuesday. The trip cost me 27/- and I hope to drrov over
£3 for it.
Sun. ,ath Harch.
Percy entertained us with his good box gramophone so we enjoyed a
good concert at our leisure.

* He:. ,12th I1ar.,W2h.)J/' %~ Co1~~

The Rufford hounds (Ld. Man~ers.M.F.H.) meet at Cdg~ave in our country,
a great show meet of 300 collected from ours, the RUfford, Belvoir and Quorn
countries. We found in the woods at once and a good scent carried us through
Owthorpe Borders towards Hickling, but turned left and along the hills just
missing Dobbins Gorse, where I made a lucky point and came in leading at
Cropwell Hoe Hill where he got to ground but bolted and made for Wiverton
Hall between which places I had 2 falls: over the Smite, through Stokes Gorse
and lost near Vhatton. I came home but there was another good run later.
\'leds. ,~th Har./~
To see Frank Seely at Calverton and then to the meet at Bestwood where
I had not been since the family left. Came home early and at 2 to Nottingham
to an address on the Roman finds at E. Bridgford.
\Y
,*MoV\,) MeuJ;...I;'~· 10 S~v.rood...~.JL~ /~~ S~ ck.~ J
V~~')~~" .
 IG~ 7 - u r l l ..
Thurs.,~ Har.
P9~~y had a successful drawingroom meeting for Home Missions. Lady Elinor
Dennison to lunch. (Her husband's grandfather and Polly's grandmother - Mrs.
Champneys, nee Miss Hornby)- were brother and sister). -We had about 50 and
tea after. Margie and Kathleen her cousin collected. 1r~ aft~.
Fri.,~ Har.~ J T 12->
To Syerston early and the hounds met later: poor little Patrick came
in his invalid chair, it was his 14th birthdaY~,~~ie wheeled him all the way
from Farndon. Churlie out with Miss Rawn&ty of~h. Her father just succeeded
to the Burnside property of over 20,000£ yeurly: he was well off before: there
is only this girl and a boy.
An eurly find and a good first rather dodging, and then a straight
point to Devon Gorse to ground: bolted but ran out of scent near Shelton.
Hon., 2~th Har.
The Point to Point races at Woodboro: a sunny cold day. Polly and Hargie
I left at home but 11iss Bond and Y~thleen went and I walked over jnst in time
for the first race. The fine amphitheatre of hills enables one to see the whole
course from a centre hill which was crowded. The ladies race a great event.
Miss Elison, a girl of 16 riding astride in scarlet habit was scratch and one,
Miss Hamilton, with pinl{ band, second: Miss Hooley in sky blue, }lrs. Hill with
white coat, Mrs. Harry Sherbrooke, etc. Afte~1ards a paper chase under the
Sherbrooke and Francklin auspices ended at Oxton.
Tues., 21st Har.
To lunch at She~100d Lodge with Sir Charles Seely where a large family party,
Hajor and Hrs Leach and daughter, Franlc Seely and Hrs. Franlc, Mrs. Starkey and
Hiss S. and Hiss Seely.
v/eds. ,22nd Har.
Hunting at Oxton.
Thurs.,23rd Har.
Very rainy so stayed at home.
Fri., 24th Hur.
A fine Harch day and rode to Hansfield to meet Col. Foljambe and Hellish
about regimental matters. The collieries now come up to the west of the town
and viewed from Berry Hill it makes me sad to see a colliery chimney between
me and the distant view of Edwinstowe spire, white against the dark line of
Sherwood Forest which stretches several miles here. Down hill I rode back
mostly by bridle road or forest way, 11 miles to Epperstone without passing
through even a village.
Sat. ,25th Har.
Sitting on Income Tax appeals at Nottingham and at 3 rode along the Trent
banks, a snow squally ride to Syerston for tea with Hrs. Fillingham.
Sun. ,26th Har.
Spent the afternoon and eVening with the old Squire of Gonalston:
Edith Francklin a little piece of Dresden china engaged to Capt. Onslow:
A pretty Miss Onslow there also and John Hole (18 years, 6ft.7ins.)

Hon. ,27th Har.

To lunch at Sherwood Lodge.
Tues. ,28th Mar.
FRaser a new pupil came to look at his lodgings at the Den and approved
and in the evening dined with Miss Fox at East Bridgford Hall before a
meeting for enrolling recruits.
"leds. ,29th Mar.
To the meet at Thurgarton. Charlie, Col. Birkin, Miss Francklin,
Mrs. H. Sherbrooke, Capt. Coventry, Count Arco (a handsome fellow and well
liked, brother-in-law of Lichnovski, the German Ambassador). Found soon at
Thistley Coppice and excellent scent though misty over Epperstone hills,
then the Park Wood without a check over Oxton Park through Roselle Wood,
over the hill farms towards Thurgarton but turned sharp for Halloughton Wood,
here hounds ran clean away from everyone over Halam to Greaves Lane across Oxton
and \'1ere found in the Pleasure Grounds near the Hall.
Thurs. ,30th Har.
Rode over to Hexgreave, saw the Wilsons and the new tenant.
Fri. ,31st Mar.
Sent my horse on to Red Lodge and hacked my little mare and rode on to the
meet at Devon Bridge. Many out, among whom 2 horrible Jews from Nottingham
(Vorkhardt and Kahn, after\'1ards knighted 1929lll Inhan Kahn became H.F.H.Burton
in 1925lll) w~o run a hire furnishing business as near a robbery as may be,
and its these fellows that slum dwellers take for gentry and aristocrats.
After a short run found again near Red Lodge and ran fast over Kneeton to
the Trent Hills 25 minutes.
Sat., 1st Apr.
Called on Mr. Johnson in the Park after his wife's death.
Sun., 2nd Apr.
Capt. Riley spent with me.
Hon., 3rd Apr.
To Sher\'1ood Lodge for lunch.
Tues. ,4th Apr.
To the meet at Cropwell Bishop. Hajor Robertson out. We found at Colston
Bassett and had some sport • It was the last day of the season on this side.
Drove to East Bridgford for dinner with Miss Fox at the Hall and had a territorial
recruiting meeting after.
 1,,1/1-
\-leds. ,5th Apr.
To Newark early to meet Mr. Denison and back at 12. Mounted and rode to
find hounds. I came on their track at Plowman's Wood and saw them running
at Holy Hill and came up with them at Bestwood. At Moore's Gorse near
Calverton we said our last farewell for this season.
Thurs.,6th Apr.
Heavy snow storm so did not go to LangQr.
Fri.,7th Apr.
My new pupil Fraser (nephew of Sir E.F. of Nottingham) came and we drove
for lunch at Hexgreave. Fraser puts up at the Den \'lith Lucas. Madge Spencer
comes to stay with us and Lucas and Fraser come in the evening.
Sat., 8th Apr.
Sitting on the Income Tax Commission at Nottingham and we co-opted Edge
of Stre11ey and Bagna11-Wy1d of W. Leake from our list. We fortunately have
a good waiting list selected When a property qualification was required so
not yet at the mercy of the radical lions and tigers put on the Land Tax
Commission by the recent Act.
Sun., 9th Apr.
Wi11iam War\1ick and his wife and their son Arthur motored for tea from
Ba1derton. Their first visit since we got here as W. used to stay much here
over 50 years ago when Father was a boy, recalled many memories. Charlie and
Annie also over from Farndon in their new motor.
Hon. lOth Apr.
I drove dO\1n to Arnold and then on to Shervl00d Lodge for lunch.
Tues.,llth Apr.
Being delayed I drove to Syerston for the audit and lunch with r~s.Fi11ingham.
After a walle with George, a lovely afternoon, about the village.
\'1eds. ,12th Apr.
Rode over to Hexgreave and lunched with the Wilsons.
Thurs.13th Apr.
Drove with Po11y' to the Council at Southwe1l. Parish Council Meeting at 8.
Fine weather. 49th birthday.
Good Friday, 14th Apr.
William from town and Ernest are staying with Mother, so Madge Spencer is
well off for young men. D~ove to Ca1verton but to Service in the afternoon and
for tea to the Squire of~ona1ston. His eldest daughter now Lady de la Rue.
How well connected all this family though only moderately estated. ~10 brothers-
in-lat'l Lords Harris and St. Vincent, 2 daughters vle11 married, one to Sir Ernest
de la Rue of great wealth and one to Harry Sherbrooke heir to Oxton. Edith
engaged to Capt. Ons10w, R.N., Philip married Admiral Sir - Walker's daughter,
Ed~ard to Miss Poo1e of Marbury in Coeshire, Dick, a grand-daughter of Earl Howe.
 I 0,

A sister of the Squi~was wife to Dean Hole whose son of Caunton married
{r tI-
a Markham heiress, another to Burnaby Atkins, a wealthy Kent squire, a
niece also is Countess of Guildford.
,
Home for dinner at 8. Wi11iam and Ernest coming in.
When a small boy I genera1JYspent in John Bar1oi'is cottage, all
,vr
r;i! groim
in the Toad Hole while Mother spring cleaned the Manor.
Sat. ,15th Apr.
By train to Long Eaton, cycled to Toton and late home, calling on Percy
en route, where Edward and Dick from tOim.
Sun. ,16th Apr.
All this holiday fine. To Church in the morning. Later Edvrard came to
stay with us to Madge's content. Both he and Vi11iam being members of the Great
World, W. with a European acquaintance in fact.
Hon. ,17th Apr.
To11e~10od Lodge for lunch. Percy motored all his party over for the day.
Tues.,18th Apr.
In the evening Mr. Vi1son and Sugden motored over from Hexgreave: after
I returned from Toton.
Veds.,19th Apr.
A long drive to Ossington, and back by Hexgreave. Very wintry. It has
been a very fine holiday and my clerks returned to-day.
Thurs.,20th Apr.
Early by train to Peterboro and Washing1ey. Had tea at the Fox at Folkesworth,
a delightful old time little village with thatch and whitewashed cottages and
a last remnant of the old time labourer, honest and shrewd7simp1icity.
Vi11iam still here and thinks Mother very ill.
Fri. ,21st Apr.
Drove Fraser over to Langar picking up Marshal1 of Sheffield who is
reviewing his valuation. For some years the Hall has been a summer house
for Percy and his family but is now leased for 6 years.
Sat. ,22nd Apr.
~o lIottingham and was at the County Club most of the afternoon.
Sun. ,23rd Apr.
Spent at home.
Hon. ,24th Apr.
Lunch at Sherwood Lodge.
Tues. ,25th Apr.
Drove Fraser over to Hexgreave i'ihere \'ie lunched.
Weds. ,26th Apr.
Saw Po11y with Hargie and little Kath1een Champneys off to L1andudno.
 J I•
Thurs.,27th Apr.
In the afternoon to our regimental officers meeting at Newark at the
TOVTn Hall and dinner after. Ld. Man~ers, Col. Mnrray (Brigadier) present.
Sat between Ta11ents and Arthur VaM1ick, two of our retired officers.
Fri. ,28th Apr.
To the District Council meeting at Southwe11 and dinner after at the Crown.
Sat. ,29th Apr. To Nottingham.

Sun. ,30th Apr.

Cycled to.Farndon and lunched with Char1ie and had tea on boardcUsborne's
yacht, a neat little vessel with good cabin cutter rigged. He built it himself
a year ago and did much cruising round the coasts.
Hon. ,1st Hay.
Lunched at She~vood Lodge with the See1ys, the Hy1ton See1ys there with
their children. Rode back by Arno1d.
Tues. ,2nd Hay.
To HincY~ey for the audit with Lucas.
Heds. ,3rd Hay.
To Nottingham to bank the rents and later to Ne\'lark and \</alked out to
Ba1derton and had tea with the Varwicks, Madge Spencer seems to have been
much admired at the Newark dance.
Fri. ,5th Hay.
By 11 train to C1ixby near Caistor in Lincs. where a corner of the ~ianor
House is dangerous, the walls being very old. Had a \-lalk in the Hoods \'v'ith
Spilman the tenant.
Sat. ,Gth Hay.
To Nottingham and heard the matinee of the opera i1 Trovatore.
The new hobble skirts are very becoming to slight figures with good feet
and ankles: the dish hat added makes them like "Hrs Noah". The fat or matronly
woman is quite routed in this new fashion.
Sun. 7th Hay.
Lunched at Canon G1aister with the Pratts, a pretty daughter~on the
Comedy stage, the Miss Wi1sons of Hexgreave, very hobbled and loom well,
Sugden \'1., Capt. Hume and Philip Har\'v'ick. Tea and dinner \.. . ith the Francklins
at Gona1ston.
Hon. ,8th Hay.
Lunch with Sir Charles at She~. . ood Lodge.
Tues.9th Hay.
Driving round Winkburn and Caunton.
 1?- •
Heds. ,lOth Hay.
To Ne\·rark and in the evening dined \'lith the Francklins at Gonalston,
Canon Ferris there. Edith to be married to Capt. Onslow R.N. in the autumn.
Thurs.llth May. At home.
Fri. ,12th Hay.
To the Council at Southwell, returning my tyre burst at .Thurgarton so I
only got home after Polly and the children had got in from Llandudno. They had
a perfectly fine spring time inaeed, so far May isiperfect with good promise of
fruit.
Sat., 13th May.
Returned from Nottingham and Polly met me and we drove to call on the
Shutes new vicar at Bleasby and tea with the Kelhams. Gardening in the evening.
Very fine.
Sun. ,14th Hay.
Church in the morning. Little Francis Boyd Carpenter fresh from Cairo
delighted to meet Margaret. Walked in the Manor garden after with Lady Ley,
discussing Coronation festivities to be held here.
I noticed yesterday some gorse well in flower at Pearsons: the most
remarkable show I remember was in Ireland, Co. Cork, 8 or 9 years ago. It was
a remarkable year for bloom and as all the banks there are lined with gorse
the country looked like gold and the air quite heavy with scent. It was a trip
I enjoyed much. I had several properties and tenants to see and made my H.Q. at
Cork spending Sunday at Glenmire with the Russels and Mrs. Dring. One fine trip
I made/from Skibbeream along the coast by Castle Townsend to Glandon, a fairy spot.
Returning I had the luck to see a summer landscape with Snowdon in snow caused by
a snow squall. I stayed at Llandudno where Polly was with her sisters, old
Admiral Gough and his wife there also and later after going home rejoined
Polly I believe at Clifford or Hereford and then for a cruise in the Channel
with my friend Fowler in the Wanderer, the last of a long series I had with
him. I was very lucky for outings that spring and my father being then alive
was mor~ free to get away.
Hon.,15th Hay.
To Nottingham for Making Canteen arrangements for camp.
Tues.,16th Hay.
Drove to Ossington, called at Park Lidgetts and home in time for the meeting
about Coronation festivities in l1rs.Burrows Vinery, Lady Ley and a large meeting.
Weds. ,17th Hay.
To Widmerpool and cycled round by Stanton. In the evening to Bleasby Hall
(Capt. Kelhams) for dinner and sat next a Miss Russell, a cousin of my friend
Russell of Glanmaire.
Thurs.18th Hay.
I3·
Went to St. Nary's, Nottingham with Mr. Francklin for Elmsley Coke's
funeral service before·his interment at Widmerpool. Then a walk up Chilwell
Brook with Pearson as Co~missioner of Sewers, a pretty walk. Tea at the Club
where Capt. Riley.
Fri.,19th Hay.
,,~bh-
Driving round by ~nwclele, Arnold and Woodboro Park with Fraser.

Sat. ,20th Hay.

v/ent to the theatre in afternoon to see "When Knights vlere Bold".
Very. amusing. Sat next the Leys. Our new Rector McLean came to stay with us
the Sunday.

Sunday, 21st May.

Weather perfect as it has been all Hay. A large party for tea. Percy
Muriel and Family, Ernest, Eve and Conran. .
Hon., 22nd May.
Lunched with Sir Charles who had been unwell. A fine sunny ride.
Tues. ,23rd Hay.
To Nottingham in the afternoon.
\'1eds. ,24th Hay.
To Newark and aften1ards to Ossington with Morris.
Thurs. ,25th Hay.
To Widmerpool and walked on to Wysall. Lunched with Hajor Robertson.
A lovely spring day, indeed all 11ay has been bright and the flowers wonderful.
We have got £70 for Coronation festivities and propose fine doings in June.
Fri., 26th Hay.
The prospect of the summer saved by a most kindly rain. To Toton and
the County Club for tea where Sir E.Birkin.
Sat. ,27th Hay.
To the Nottingham Theatre matinee "The Arcadiansll a pretty and amusing
musical play. Some showers.
Sun. ,28th Hay.
Glorious weather. To Church in the morning. Asleep on the la\in all afternoon
and for tea to the Squire's at Gonalston, where Capt. Onslow, engaged to pretty
Edith. Onslow was Lieutenant on the Terrible during its China days when the
crew relieved Peki~. Admiral Seymour had his flag on her. Capt. (now Sir Percy)
Scott, Capt. Ogilvy, all I have met and all no Adonises but very strong looking
seamen for all that.
 I 4- · LtJII,
Hon. ,29th Hay.

Sir Charles wired me not to go to him so took Polly and the 2 children
by rail to Rolleston for the Races. Patrick giving a luncheon. Scarce any
carriages but 2 or 3 score motors: old Brockton on his hack the last repre-
sentative of the spectators on horseback: once the usual way for men to see
races. Got away before the last race to escape the rush and met Col. Thompson,
chief of staff to the Division (N. Midland) in the train.
Tues., 30th May.
About home. Tennis in full swing.
\'leds., 31st Hay.
Drove to Ossington to meet 11r. Denison. A storm in front of me returning
but did not get into it. About London and south of Peterboro this storm most
violent. A record Hay for sun.
Thurs.,lst June.
\'Jith Lucas to He\'lark .and thence to Peterboro. Put up at Norman Cross
and had tea and the Cottagers Audit at the Fox, Folksworth, a quaint thatch
and whitewash village, fast becoming a past record, a vanishing most
picturesque England.
Fri., 2nd June.
Driving round the estate and the audit at 1. Returning later.
Sat.,3rdJune.
To Nottingham for meeting of Income Tax Commissioners. Back at 2 with
Col. Foljambe. We have a small weekend camp on the Range of 8th She~100d
Foresters (old Notts. volunteers) with Capt. Fowler and Lieut. White. White
brother of Sir Archibald of Wallin~1ells, his ancestor raised the original
volunteers as far back as Queen Mary I, at his own charge, against the Duke
of Northumberland's rising. Again 240 years later another \ihite re-raised
the regiment at his o~rn expense against Napolean's threatened invasion.
The officers to dinner with me and at 9 for night operations over the wooded
hills south of us. A pretty and lively camp.
Sun. ,4th June. Uhit Sunday.
The soldiers ~o Church, very gay. The officers to lunch and supper.
Some of the old "fifty-niners" at Church. Old Sir Francis Ley looked bad.
Hume the Rdjutant came in the afternoon and pitched a small Tent D'Abris for himself.
Mon. ,5th June.
Quite a gay Whit Monday with the iittle camp (which struck at 2) and
shooting all the morning. The Club to Church with the Calverton Band and dinner
at the Cross Keys as it has benn since 1839. Burrows the churchwarden called.
Curry the locum tenens present. Parr and Hurt organising everything. At 4.30
the band and club went round the principal houses beginning with mine, then
the doctor's, the Rock, Mrs. Dufty's, who has seen this scene from the beginning
almost, and then the Hanor, the gardens of which looked very well. Margie and
Kathleen would have me go round and we did not get in again till 8.30. My father
\'Jas a great supporter of this ~lhit Monday Fete. On each Imm many danced to the Band:.
 IS-, U, /1 '
Tues. ,6th June.
The new Rector here for lunch, he and I to see Sir Francis Ley about
water supply. Later cycled to Hazleford ferry and wall{ed across to Syerston
Hall for tea.
Wednesday, 7th June.
To the Black Boy for the Toton audit. The building in picturesque mediaeval
English style acts as the Farmers Club and since the breakup of the George most
new audits have come here.
Thurs.,8th June.
Driving with Fraser about Calverton and to Colonel Burnell at Winkburn
in the evening.
Fri., 9th June.
To Farnsfield for the Hexgreave audit.
Sat. ,10th June.
To Nottingham.
Sun.,llth June.
Charlie, Annie and Patrick motored over for tea. Also ~ector and others.
Hon. ,12th June.
At home chiefly.
Tues.,13th June.
To Ruddincton for the audit, always a cheerful affair.
Weds.,14th June.
To jhe Black Boy for the Widmerpool audit. Later to the sale at Beeston
(Hursts) in Bridlesmith Gate where this land close to town and station could not
realise its low reserves of £70 per acre, which 10 years ago would have sold for
£200, a result of the Budget. The London Solicitor with me to the Club for tea.

Thurs.,15th June.
To Leicester with Dickens to see Midland Valuer as to Hinckley values.
I expect our intervals in earning a living'will be spent in future in wrangles
\li th the Revenue.
Fri.,l6th June.
In the evening to the Calverton audit, over 40 tenants present, a veIl
cooked dinner marked by the uncouth manners of the guests so marked in Calverton,
but very hearty. One man recalled the great Tea Party for Chartists about 1840
\-,hen Fergus O'Connor came and kis,sed Mrs. Anthony. Hany thousands present and
not a crumb was left in Calverton so next morning was no breakfast or dinner.
It was held in the long field south of the Roeite chapel, now Parker's Barn.
Sat.,17th June.
To the Black Boy for Sir Charles Seely's audit.
 I~.
Sun. ,18th June.
To tea at Gonalston with the Francklins.
Hon. ,19th June.
Rode to Winkburn. Lucas had the audit at the Inn but I stayed later for
a talk with the Colonel.
Tues.,20th June.
At 6 to Skating Rink in Nottingham for Capt. Morrison's dinner to Notts
War Veterans at which about 2000. They mustered in. the Harket Place in 16 companies
under command of territorial officers and marched to the hall. Officers were in
uniform, also many men. Sir E. Fraser spoke well. Colonel, just to-day made, Sir
Lancelot Rolleston K.C.B. received an ovation. Walking back to station noticed
the illuminated gables of the old Flying Horse, the last of the original 10th
century great inns here.
Ueds.,2lst June.
To Newark to meet Reed about Fenton farm. Charlie had gone to London for
the Coronation day.
Thursday, Coronation Day.
At 2 I drove Polly and the little girls over to Basford Park to spend the after-
noon with old friends the Fowlers who had a large party of grandchildren. Everyone had
evidently gone into Nottingham so the country roads and even the streets of Basford
were quite deserted. My friend Godfrey Benson has been made a Peer.
Fri., 22nd June.
Spent the day with Sir Charles at Sherwood Lodge.
Sat., 23rd June.
To Nottingham. Heavy rain after a drought since the beginning of May. The
great Naval Review at Portsmouth and many gone. I gave the Wilsons my 2 tickets
at the Admiralty arch. Charlie was there and sat next them.
Sun. ,24th June.
At home. 36 hours rain, it stopped this afternoon, so to Gonalston and
spent the evening with the Squire and his lady.
Hon. ,25th June.
Lunched with Sir Charles and Miss Seely and driving about with Sir Charles
by Blidworth and Newstead, a stormy afternoon. The great Naval Review was fine
though so wet here.
Tues.,27th June.
The Coronation festivities at Epperstone. The tents to hold the total
population were at the Lower part of the Manor Park and no prettier site could
be wished for. The children were early astir preparing their flags. We were to
go in procession at my house at 10 and I do not think more than a dozen people
in the whole parish were absent from Church. The day began with a wedding. It
was our new Rector's pretty wife's introduction to the village. Directly after
the cricket match between married and single began and ultimately ended in favour
of the married and in my speech at tea I recalled how Sir Francis led the married
men to victory in the great Jubilee of 1897 when &ordon, Charlie, Percy and I were
among the single men.
 Jl·
Gordon Ley and his family had come over: also Char1ie and Percy and their
families. The dinner excellent, all down in one tent over 300 in all. Margie
won the girls' race and I tied in the veteran's race over 45 years. Our charming
locum tenens Currey had a presentation so well liked had he made himself in his
short time, a quaint character almost mediaeval type.

The day was fine-and sunny and with a concert to conclude it was after 11
before we broke up. It was a real happy gathering and does much to provoke unity.
Wednesday, 28th June.
To a pastoral p1ayllPan and the Pixiesll at Thurgarton Priory. Hrs. Greem-lood
came to stay.
Thurs. ,29th June.
To Toton and cycled all the way home.
Fri. ,30th June.
Rain last night and though not hot June is a great improvement on last year.
Po11y, Hrs. G. and the children to a party at Shenlood Lodge. I rode after

Sat., 1st July.

Edith Champneys left having come last Thursday. To Nottingham and home
at 5.30.
Sun., 2nd July.
Intending to 80 to Lincoln at night I found trains convenient for tomorrow
instead, so Lucas and Fraser to supper.
Hon. ,3rd July.
Hrs. Greem-lood left and Hadge Champneys came, IlSHcet 17". By 7.40 'vrith
Fraser to Lincoln uhere \"le breakfasted and on to Harket Rasen \'lhere \'le got a
wagonette and pair and gave an engineer a lift to Ludford and on to Ke1stern
Grange: about the estate all day - it is high summer nOH, and back by last train.
Tues., 4th July.
To Ne\'lark for the Ossington audit.
Vleds. ,5th July.
Drove to Ossington, the promise of harvest excellent.
Thurs.,6"th July.
11argie's lOth birthday. To Nottingham on the grand Jury at 11, only one case.
Margie's party: Mr. and Mrs. Fowler brought 3 grandchildren and there \'lere 12 other
children besides parents. }ladge Champneys much admired.
Fri., 7th July.
To Oxton for the audit.
Sat., 8th July.
Little Margie and Kathleen to lunch at the Palace at Southwel1. In the evening
drove Po11y and Madge to Southwell for the plays in the Prebenda1 Garden - the
Fanaticks, an amusing piece by Rostand with "Dresden chin~~ figures and dresses,
and the rlasque of Como excellently done though I heard some old ladies of
the precincts rather shoCked at the young ladies joining in Como'o drunken
rout, but the ballet excellent, the wild figures and flying hair and torcheo
in a wild carambole. The piece ended with a pretty 110rris dance by courting
swains and maidens and the audience rapturous.
Heds. ,12th July.
\vith Polly an.d her nie.ce 1'1adge Champneys to lunch at Hexgreave.
Thurs. ,13th July.
Cycled over in the evening to see Colonel Burne11 at Winkburn.
Fri. ,14th July.
Drove to Calverton in the-morning with Fraser and Madge.
Sat. ,15th July.
Income Tax Commissioners at 11. Court of Sewers in the Shire Hall at 12
and superintending the territorial shooting at Epperstone in the afternoon.
A very official day.
Sun. ,16th July.
At home. Charles Hill of Woodbro called in the afternoon.
Hon. ,17th July.
To lunch at Sheniood Lodge.
Tues. ,18th July.
By 11 to Clixby in Lincolnshire where the old walls of the Manor in danger.

\feds. ,19th July.

To Newark and lunched with Becher. I forgot to say on Tuesday,llth, at 7
was our new Rector's induction service, very quaint. The Rural Dean, Honble.A.
Bertie officiated and we had the Rector of Gonalston (Ferris) and the Vicarsof
Woodbro (Bond), Oxton (Laycock) Ca1verton (Snith). Burrows and I led the procession
as churchwardens when the Rector tolled the bell and seized the latch, etc.
Thurs.,20th July.
Polly had a tennis party and at 6 pretty Rosie Jardine, our Queensland friend,
came and gave us net·m of Harry there.
Fri.,2ls.t July.
Drove Rosie and Hadge to the Barrm.. s party at Southwell. With two pretty
girls we find the young men flock round. These lovely summer evenings we sit late
in the garden. Lucas and Fraser came in bringing F's sister and brother-in-lm....
Sat., 22nd July.
Superintending the shooting on the Epperstone range. Becher also there.
Polly, Rosie and Madge brought me tea and stayed all the time.
Sun. ,23rd July.
Drove Rosie and Madge to the Church parade at Southwell Cathedral and lunched
with the I. Bechers after. Capt. Hume there. A picturesque service with a typical
Southwell congregation. The Canons, the D'Oyley Ransoms at the Palace staying and
the Bishop, our Member, Starkey, Bechers and Barrows, etc.
Hon. ,24th J:uly.
A ne\'1 chapter in the ~lorld's history. We were all up at 5 and had early
tea and up the Hagg Lane Hill to see the £10,000 Flying race round England and
Scotland. There came over the village first a biplane, came up over Lowdharn and
over our heads at 6. At 9 I heard a hum and ran out and Sa\'1 a monoplane passing
straight overhead, which we heard after went from Hendon to Harrogate at 60 miles
an hour. A third, baby biplane, passed at 12. Two I heard of at Linden Hill and
one alighted to get petrol at Kelham. A perfect summer morning with the fields
ripening to harvest. In the valley motors and cycles passed by the hundred.
Capt. Hume stopped in his motor for breakfast. Rode to Sherwood Lodge for lunch.
Sir Chalres tells me his son, Under Secretary for War in conversation
with his old friend General Botha, Botha told him he and Lord Kitchener had
all arranged to finish the War a year earlier but Lord Milner would treat them
as rebels and his attitude cauBed the War to drag on another year.
We had a party for tea and supper, Madge a 17 year old merry girl, Rosie Jardine,
Capt. Hume. Lucas, Fraser and 2 Bonds.
The effect of seeing the first aeroplane over our retired village was
mysteriously impressive. For the first time we were in the main track of a World
Event. We were all getting ready 7.30 for dinner when another buzz waS heard
co~ing up from Lowdham. We rushed, Margie and Kathleen in their dressinB gowns~
and saw another biplane flying north. Dur:img dinner another buzz \'1as heard and
servants~ guests and all at once forsook the table and rushed across the Court
·to the village street. The two little girls jumped out of bed and rushed out in
their nightdresses, but it was a passing wagonette only.
Tues. ,25th Tues.
Rosie Jardine went away at 4. I enjoyed a day at home this lovely summer
weather. Miss Percy is at the Cottage with my mother so to see her aud after tea
with Polly and children to the Rectory and looked all round the church while P.
was playing the organ. Foreign affairs with Germany and our constitutional crisis
look ugly. I tallted with Polly about laying in stores of groceries, etc. in case
of trouble as no doubt supplies will be short.
Fri., 28th July.
My pretty niece Madge Champneys and her sister Kathleen returned to Kent,
so Polly, Margie and I were left alone after a happy July.
Sun., 31st July.
After breakfast off to Camp at Scarboro. Joined the half battalion train with L
Knight and 2 horses at LO'vldham and taking detachments up all the \"lay to Langley
Mill arrived at Scarboro at.3.30. Here we \laited the other companies before our
two mile march to the Race Course. The Robin Hoods arrive later but two Derbyshire
battalions already in, also the Hedical Corps and the Army Service Co. The Yory..s.
 2. o.
Howij;zer Battery is camped nearer the to\ln. Our officers Col. Foljambe, Col.
Hellish and self (Major), Capts. Tylden Uright, Fow~r, Becher, Cecil Clark,
Wordsworth, Appleby , Johnson, Lieuts. Martin, Ashwell, \ihite, AlIen, Pegler,
Cursham and the Chaplain Collinson.
Our great day was the following Wednesday when the Duke of Portland presented
our colours. The Robins kept the ground and their green uniform made an e~cellent
setting to our scarlet. Our former Lt.Col. and no\'! Col. Earu. M~ers, led us in
the march past. Polly and Margie motored over from Lealholm \'1i th Lady Ley vlho \...as much
impressed with the ceremony. Our two Lieutenants, \ihite and Pegler being 6 ft.
high looked well with the colours. White, brother of Sir Archibald , who carried
the King's Colour, descends from Hhites of T\...iford and \'1alling\'!ells \...ho tHice
raised the regiment at their own expense. First in Queen Elizabeth's day and
again in Geo~III, when the baronetcy was conferred. We now have a very nice
lot of young officers. \'Ie gave a lunch after. Our camp is a\"lay at the far end
of the lines against the moorside.
The following Friday we had night operations on the moor \"lhich was so silent.
that for 10 minutes I was lost although within 200 yards of 800 men in scattered
formation.
I renewed acquaintance with Scarboro and the 'Grand but how inferior the class
of company to those here 35 years ago in the days of John Leech.
The follo\"ling \"leek I sprained my ankle on the moor so was little able to
walk except on a crutch and only just to ride. It \"las this week we had so many
generals to see us, Gen. Sir L. Oliphant, Gen. Hamilton, etc. On the Thursday
night \"lhen our battalion was on duty we had an alarm at 10 and found a great
moor fire close to us and stood by, sending 4 companies who got the fire under.
It \"las a splendid blaze as it got the gorse bushes: next day I spent all afternoon
in bed with a chill and was not well all Saturday. On the Sunday at 12 we returned
'home and found uhile vie had had a good deal of \'let and cold there had been no
cessation of the intense summer inland.
It \'las this time a Great \'Iar \'lith Germany nearly broke out and the labour
troubles \'lere proably managed by German agents.
Hon. ,14th Aug.
The harvest over at a date \'lhen it generally only commences. Very glad I
have stocked the house with supplies as the Labour riots are most menacing and
stop supplies. To Nottingham vrith P. for lunch with Hrs. Draycott Smith at the
Victoria. P. drove \"lith her after to Thrumpton.
Tues.,15th Aug.
Spent at home, Sir Charles being in the Isle of Uight.
Weds. ,16th Aug.
Drove in the evening to Hilli(burn for a long talk with Col. Burnell, vlhom I
met walking in the garden, and so through the quaint Norman church \"lith its 17th
century pews and old monuments. He the last of the Burnells, \"lhen he goes Vinkburn
as a last relic of old England will go also. The country is going down in a lower
savage scale led by arrogant ignorant "\'lat Tylers".
Godfrey Benson chose his title Lord Charn\"lood of Castle Donington.
 ~/.
lrhurs.,17thAug.
As Margie \'lent to spend the day at \'loodbro Vicarage I persuaded P. to drive
with me to Plumtree to look at a property. \'le stopped for lunch at· Tollerton
Bark Corner, pulling up on the grass and lighted our kettle, but the greater
part of the afternoon lie spent at the Tarn Hills at Normanton House, a most pleasant
place. The great railway strike commenced this evening. The Government have
pandered to mob rule for the last 5 years and we are in the throes of revolution
before anyone was aware of anything pending.
Fri. ,18th Aug.
Drove with Polly over to Southwell Board: put up at the Rodney where
Herryfield now is and the best managed place here since he left the Saracen's Head.
Sat. ,19th Aug.
To Nottingham and lunch at the Club with Col. Shipley and Major Morris.
Had to drive to and from tramways on account of strike. Saw a company of Northants.
pass to guard the raib.rays, \'lhilst at lunch. Unity House " permits ll the mails to
go through in true Committee du-Salut Publiquenstyle.
Sun. ',20th Aug.
To tea with the Squire at Gonalston. Home just in front of a violent
thunderstorm, so to church with cloaks for Polly and Margie.
Hon. ,21st Aug.
Last night's rain refreshed the country and it still rains, the first rain
since June except 4 hours about 3 weeks ago. In most parts a plague of wasps.
Four nests taken in my garden.
Tues. ,22nd Aug.
Drove to Ossington and saw the Squire and Lady Elinor Denison.
~/eds. ,23rd
Aug.
At 7 to Thistley Coppice and Thurgarton, cubbing and killed a brace.
There were out the Master Ld. Harrington, WaIter Gibbs with.Mavis and George,
Richard Francklin from Oxton, Hrs. Usborne, Denis Bayley, the Squire of
Gonalston on foot. Home at 9 and to Nottingham. Called on the Rector.
Thurs. ,24th Aug.
Anti-Jellish riots in Wales. At 10 Richard F. and I started to stay at
Netherhal1, Maryport in Cumber1and. There was a truce in the strike but at
Chesterfield and on stations in the Erewash valley there were still military
guards at the stations. Arrived at Maryport 5 in time for tea. Hrs. Senhouse
a handsome \'/oman of 50, her son Guy and a little son Roger, a married daughter
Hrs. Clutterbuck and her husband a Captain in the Coldstreams, and Hiss HcCann
were staying in the house. Miss McCann, whose mother is French with an estate on
the Atlas, Algeria, a pretty girl with auburn hair. Richard and I wallced
:!."<9~ the docks. The Hall, built round an old Peel TOvler very interesting and
full of portraits, the Senhouses going back to Moss trooping days. The Park
 ;i1.. utI/.
well wooded is close to Maryport a to~m of 10,000 people neatlybuiltbn the estate.
Fifty or so years ago the small estate of 1000 acres perhaps "'forth £1.500. The
proprietor built a dock and brought trade to the town till his revenues were
£9000 a year. Now the dock empty, ship building over and revenue declined'to
£6000 and threatens to go lower. My opinion is required.
Fri. ,25th Aug.
Watcijed Guy S. and Capt. C. and Roger tickling for trout in the stream
after the tide left. On the cliffs in afternoon a fine view of Scotland which
on this coast is more mountainous than I thought and also of Skiddaw and the
lakeland mountains. Hr. and Hrs. McCann arrive at the house after dinner.
Sat., 26th Aug.
After a final walk in the town R. and I left after lunch and R. motored
me home from Nottingham at 9.
Sun., 27th Aug.
Nearly lost Blunderbus who got his leg fast in iron gate and it took
much trouble to free him.
Hon. ,28th Aug.
To She~100d Lodge. Was told that the Home Office called in Ld. Kitchener
who moved the troops and we were within a few hours of a dictatorship., So much
for a damned democratic House of Commons.
Tues. ,29th Aug.
To Ossington.
Weds. ,30th Aug.
To Toton and cycled home.
Thurs.,3lst Aug.
Drove to Calverton.
Fri., 1st Sept.
Rode to Southwell for the District Council going and coming by the bridle
way. In the evening presided over our Parish Council. 'Wrote Colonel Foljambe that in event
of another strike practically an attempt at social revolution, whether he should not
dra\l all his arms into Ne\;,ark uith a vie\;, to making that place a garrison and refuge
in event of possible jacquerries: that the place being by nature double fossed by
the Trent on the danger side, by the Devon on the south and by the railways on the
unexposed side to complete the enciente was as good, in the absence of mddern .
artillery, as a base in the days of the cavaliers. That from that place he could
~atrol and protect the country districts from raids.

Sat., 2nd Sept.

To Nottingham.
Snn., 3rd Sept.
Percy and his family over and left Geoffry to stay for a week.
 :L 3.
Hon. ,4th Sept.
A smart storm in the morning, very welcome after so much fine weather.
To Washingley by Newark, train late so had to stop in Peterboro for over two
hours till 1. Gee met me at Yaxley and I had 3 hours drive round the estate,
the day having cleared.
Tues.,5th Sept.
Cycled to Arnold and lunched with the Seely's at She~vood Lodge. Had 'tea
\lith our Rector whose father-in-law and wife were there. Foljambe wrote he had
been thinking over what to do in a crisis and seemed to approve my idea.

\·leds. ,6th Sept.

At 7 to Halloughton wood to meet hounds. Mr. and 11rs.R. Francltlin out,
2 Broadhursts and the Gibbs, Ne\'lIDan and Hon. C. Pearson from El\vaston.
Thurs. ,7th Sept.
Drove by myself to Shelton Hall for Mrs. Vere Wright's party. Canon Jackson's
daughter very pretty. Het Mrs. Fillingham.
Fri. ,8th Sept.
By pephew Geoffry a nice boy and excellent companion for Hargie. To Toton
in the morning, cycled back to Nottingham and home by train. A storm at night
after great heat.
Sat. ,ik9th Sept.
To Nottingham.
Sun.lOth Sept.
Percy and his party again over for the day by motor. The Rectory party to tea.
Hon. ,11th Sept.
To She~'lood Lodge. Hrs. Hylton Seely and family were over. She \'las dining
last week ~lith Princess Beatrice who was pessimistic over the threatening War business.
Tues.,12th Sept.
Hostly at home, harvesting pears and apples. Polly's garden party very
successful.
\'1eds.,13th Sept.
Lunched with Charlie and Becher at Newark. Wandered round this pretty to\in
especially with regard to our views as to making a defence base here. Explored the
old grammar school now vacant. It would mclce an excellent depot for our regiment in
mobilising. Cycled to Syerston for tea. Kathleen Champneys arrived from Kent
and Edith Champneys, P's sister, is at Hrs. DUfty's.
Thurs.,14th Sept.
Hargie'busy in church decorating for the harvest festival uhich took place
at 3. At 5 we all to tea at the school. A lively topic of conversation \1aB the
appearance of the merry widows last Monday.
Old Burrows (82) churchwarden presided over the tea and Mrs. Dufty (85)
I sat by. So old Victorian Epperstone \'las \-lell remembered and these festivals \'lhen
Hrs. Champneys inaugurated them in the early seventies. Later a concert and dance.
Geoffr~ ie~~~ :b,y motor.
 Fri. ,15th Sept.
To Newark for Court of Sewers. Then to Boswell Lodge and cycled home
15 miles. Fine but cold this evening and had a small fire, the first all this
summer which has been a record for heat and sun. I only regret that I have
not tlli~en 6 months holiday to thoroughly enjoy it for it has been continuous
since the beginning of May and so dry, not muggy, and with breezes quite pleasant.
Ve~y little thunder. and harvest has been in here 5 weeks. '68 was an earlier
harvest even but not so long a summer. In April \le \-Tere a month late and \'le
have even yet time for another summer.
Sat. ,16th Sept.
To Nottingham but home for half battalion prize meeting on the range.
A lovely day. Southwell, Newark, Carlton, etc. and Kimberly company sent teams
and I had 54 to tea in the laundry. The Brigade Major and his wife over for tennis,
Lucas, Ernest, Capts. Fowler, Beecher and Appleby, in fact 12 to tea in the
diningroom besides our household.
Sun. ,17th Sept.
To church in the evening. Percy and his family over for tea.
l1on.,18th Sept.
To Newark and on at 2 to Cro\l Park. Then to Carlton and left a card
on Mrs. Skeffington Craig who was out. Being lovely weather I cycled on to
!iewark and examined the approaches to the town with reference to the report
to George Foljambe as to m~ng that to\-m a garrison in event of a general
strike and a condition of civil war. Double fossed by the Trent on the side
of danger, by the Devon on the south and the railways completing a line of
? circumabiation; it is in the absence of artillery as excellent a place for
a garrison and base as the Cavalier line. \'le can muster 1000 stand of arms
and 170,000 rounds of ammunition in our depot without creating suspicion
and with volunteer and staff sergeants could form a nucleous garrison to expand
as occasion arose. We could·use the old grammar school now empty close to the
church as barracks and the church tower makes a good look out close by and the
enemy?scolliers and big to\1US) are 20 miles away. I think we have escaped war
with Germany but it has been a near thing and all our instructions for mobilisation
were given out: but the worst enemy is the socialist agitation fermenting a class war.
Trained home fromrNewark at 4 and home 4.30.
Tues. ,19th Sept •
. Lucy and Edith Champneys, Polly's sisters, arrived to spend 10 days. They
have a house at Llandudno but take a house elsewhere for the summer every year.
Weds.,20th Sept.
Percy arrived in his motor at 11 and I went for a 3 day trip in Lincolnshire
to acquaint myself with the highways, very useful in case of a German invasion.
War has been imminent for 5 weeks past and great preparations have been secretly made.
We went to Newark and Norton Disney, Bassingham where our ancestors, the
Lambes, had the Manor House for generations before moving to Anbourn Hall in
Charles II time where they were for 200 years. Passed Somerton Castle, Navenby
across the heath to the Green l1an some miles along the Blankney Avenue to the Hall
once poor old Chaplin's till Londesborough foreclosed and livies there now.
Then to Tattershall Castle, a magnificent piece of bricIDvork, 2 of the famous
fireplaces cut out and one left. Here we lunched and looked also at the church
close by, very large. Thence by Coningsby and ~oke's place at Scrivelsby,
Horncastle to the Wold to Somerby. Thompson's old house, situated in Happy
Valley or dish in the Wolds, a world to itself. We had tea on the high ground
overlooking it and then through Louth to Cleethorpes to look at the sea and then
to the Royal at Grimsby, a most comfortable h~tel. Gave ourselves a good dinner
and then to the Music Hall, very good.
Thurs., 21st Sept.
The busy docks did not disturb my sleep and after breakfast left myself
and Percy who motored about on business, 2 or 3 hours at Cleethorpes where Spurn
stood out clear. At 3 we came and got as far from the to\VU as we could on the sands
and had a snooze. Then drove a fine looking old lady over the Wolds to Caistor
and back. Dined and to the theatre, liThe Fatal \~eddinglla Yankee melodrama. Rather
scandalised at last scene inside 5th Avenue Church, choristers processing singing
the Voice that breathed o'er Eden, enter 2 comic characters in pantomime get up
and have a scene in the chancel in front of altar.
Fri., 22nd Sept.
Looked round docks. Yesterday in the morning we had been over to Immingham
to see the new big docks there, and then to Cleethorpes. After lunch about 5 miles
off and then home by Brigg, Gainsbro, Retford and Ollerton. A fine lovely time.
Sat., 23rd Sept.
Back for tennis party in afternoon.
Sun., 24th Sept.
To church with Lucy and Edith and the two children Kathleen Champneys and
my little Margaret. Charlie over for tea.
Hon. ,25th Sept.
Rode to Ruddington and got back at 4 to find Polly had a succession
of callers.
Tues. ,26th Sept.
Drove round by Calverton and Arnold with Polly, Distinctly more autumnal
so we may say summer ended as now tennis nets are cleared away though ground
still hard, yet at 6 nights dra\'[ in. '-le may say that ';le have only had one
really wet day since 1st May and that in June which saved the summer as 2 inches
fell in 24 hours. We had a few night showers, the heat all along very great but
not muggy and an absence of flies and insects most delightful. Harvest of fruit
escellent.
'-leds. ,27th Sept.
Joined hounds at 8 at Oxton and dre\'/ to Thurgarton and home. Got 11 flue" •
Thurs.,28th Sept.
Lucy and Edith returned to Llandudno. Stayed in all day uith IIflue". ''le are
having a fine succession of pears just now and indeed have provided an excellent
varied dessert from our garden for 3 months past and a promise of 3 months to come.
Sat. ,30th Sept.
To Nottingham by 11 train and a\'JaY again at 3. Just looked in at the Club
to see the papers.

Sun. ,1st Oct.

Stayed in bed most of the day.

Hon. ,2nd Oct.

At home all day. Walking in the Manor Park to admire the autumn tints.
Tues. ,3rd Oct.
To Toton to meet the railway agent about fire damage, who I found to be
Clay, ~n officer in the 5th S.F. Tea at the Club where Morris and Lomas on a
staff tour with ~eneral Hamilton, their H.Q. being the Flying Horse.
Weds. ,4th Oct.
Rainy but to Ne\'lark and home at 3.
Thurs. ,5th Oct.
Drove to Halam with Fraser to see Greaves Farm, where is an old gargoyle
of a piper showing that bagpipes were played hereabouts in the Middle Ages.
Fri., 6th Oct. G~~
Rode in the afternoon to GiiMtho:rpG and by the Trent side to Burton Joyce
a road I had never been before and very pretty. Rode through the Nottingham
Sewage Farm buildings, a very extensive and extravagant set of buildings and
evidently designed by engineers.

Sat., 7th Oct.

To Nottingham which full for Goose Fair but out by 2 to attend Poole's
funeral at Woodboro where Sir Charles Seely. Thirty years ago I met Poole
who was selling up at the Park Farm, ruined by the bad seasons. He became
Sir Charles' bailiff then and aften'lards at Richmonds near Shervlood Lodge
and some 15 years ago again became tenant of the Park Farm and throve well.
On the first occasion it was 140 acres plough and Gb grass, but after 140
grass and 6Oplough. To dinner at the Rectory, our new Rector and his pretty
wife and an old friend Mrs. Bartlett who had motored from Sheeh, Vi Brett
and Mr. and Mrs. Combe motored over from Clipston. Combes and I recalled old
days when Clara Warwick our old friend lived at Burgage Manor. Commenced
pruning trees.
Suil. ,8th Oct.
A lovely autumn day and a \v'arm Hind from the north so \v'e may expect a
fine autumn. After church the Rectory party and the Broi'lns came round my garden.
Hon., 9th Oct.
We had a school managers meeting at Burrows' house to put in the Rector.
A full meeting, Polly, Hurt, Burrows, Dr. Simpson ana myself.
Tues. ,lOth Oct.
Rode in the afternoon, the aerial effects surprising and the clouds with
queer contorted shapes. A dark circular cloud overhung me but all around was
bright sunshine so the effect on the shaded part gave a glow like deep green
velvet on vegitation. Beyond on the horizon where banks of clouds shaped like giant
cliffs. I rode through our beautiful Park \lood to the ridge bet\'ieen Oxton and
Epperstone parishes where I could get a wide circular view for miles. I rode to
Calverton Hall for tea with the Frank Seelys.
\'leds. ,11th Oct.
My fruit room is giving us a fine succession of pears~

Thurs. ,12th Oct.

Drove to Syerston Hall for audit and lunched with Mrs. Fillingham. \'lalking
about the pretty village with George her son in afternoon. Polly gave a successful
little dinner party to our Rector and ~lrs. McLean and their friend Mrs. Bartlett,
Muriel Vilson motored over for it and stayed the night, looked very pretty. Proud
of my dessert from my own garden. Grapes (Black Hambro) Pears, Apples (P.Pearmain),
Greengages, Filberts and hazelnuts.
Fri.,13th Oct.
Rode at 7.30 to meet of hounds at Hawksworth (10 m.) but so foggy we could
not do much. Free afternoon.
Sat. ,14th Oct.
To Nottingham.
Sun. ,15th Oct.
Fine and very lively. To Church \'1ith Polly, Hargie and Kathleen. We had
Percy's boy for lunch, Percy and Huriel being \'lith ItHall at the cottage for lunch
where Richard and Ernest were for the SUnday. Later arrived by motor Charlie
and Annie and their party from Farndon. Spent the evening with the Squire at
Gonalston and at dinner sampled some fine old sherry from Edge of Strelley's
famous cellar.
Hon.,16hh Oct.
To lunch at Shen'iood Lodge arid aftervlards there was a children's party for
IIBetty'slt birthday. Polly and her little party came and \'le had a famous football
match, mostly girls, very jolly. An old friend of Polly's, Miss Ethel Balgrey,
came for a visit, very pleased\'Tith our establishment. She and Polly used to
be much together as girls at Geraldine Harker's in Gloucestershire.
Tues. ,17th Oct.
Drove with f'raser 9 miles to beyond Blidworth: this forest country looked
•
perfect this fine autumn day. Alas I saw far off from the ridge beyond Bltdworth
the works of the new pit on Clipston Forest, our last moorland in I{otts. which I
solemnly cursed, much to Fraser's amusement. We arranged with Kir~and about
using 5 acres for an oa.k\100d. Hrs. Kirkland was with my grandmother as nurse
40 years or sO ago sO an old friend. Drove back by Newstead Park and Long Dale
making 20 miles of pure country drive which much interested Fraser who had never
seen it. Lucas and Fraser came to dinner.
\oJeds. ,18th Oct.
ur 11-
To Newark and lunched with Charlie and Becher.
Thurs.,19th Oct.
At 9 to Nottingham anq met the Miss Pagets, 2 old maiden ladies, with
a niece Miss Swain, and drove out to Ruddington. Lunched at the Vicarage
but I left after and went on to Carlisle for the night, putting up at the
Station Hotel. Pleasant companion in the train.
Fri. ,20th Oct.
Richard Francklin had arrived early in the morning and we breakfasted
together and then to Maryport and went to the Senhouses at Maryport Nether Hall,
a fine old house., A pleasant house party of the 2 sons, Miss Eva Denison from
Eaton (Col. Denison's daughter), Lady McPherson Grant and a Miss McCann, very
pretty, sister of her I met here last. Irish Italian and housed in Algeria.
This with the darkest chestnut hair.
Mrs. Stenhouse took us to her Laundry, now grO\in into a large concern in
connection with a training home. So pretty situated and converted from an old
mill in the Park. One of her proteges quite a beauty.
cHaryport~s in a bad Vlay and as the to\ffi belongs to the Stenhouses I am
afraid it will affect their income. It was misty but.the place looked well
from the High Bro\~s over the sea and the docks look livelier than last time.
A pleasant dinner party but at tea I met Mrs. S's sister Lady Lawson, wife of
Sir Wilfred of ~sel. Among Miss McCann's beauties are a most perfect regular
row of teeth. She was bewitchingly gowned.
Sat., 21st Oct.
Very stormy. Watched by the docks and iron works on the sea shore. We left
at 7.15 for Carlisle, dined and travelled through the night to Nottingham.
Dick's motor left me at home at 6 on Sunday morning.
Sun., 22nd Oct.
Spent most of the morning in bed. Rainy. Alas since Thursday the leaves
have come down off many trees so we can no longer call it summer of 1911,the
best and most perfect I remember. But it is still very mild and I wore flannels
as if summer.
The day being so fine I regretted not staying at Nether Hall. My hostess is
a handsome widow, Irish with generous feelings so with her past large income I
do not suppose she saved. Fifteen years ago the estate produced between £1000
and £1500 a year, now £600 is as much as can be expected. Her son succeeded to
the Ashby st. Leger's estate in Northants which he sold and £30,000 went to
relieve the docks of a claim but I believe he has other property. The family
is very ancient at this place and the house is full of portraits and tapestries.
Miss McCann who was staying in the house I admire even more than her sister, her
hair might be taken for black but in light is seen to be chocolate. Lady Grant
was very pleasant and liked conversation. Our talk turned on Puzzi Smith's
"Our Inheritance in the Gt. Pyramid" which she and I considerably credit. I
said I had read it as a boy in '79 (urged by Mrs. Wright) and noticed he laid
great stress on the Mark at 1882.6 in the gallery and that his surmise that it
foretold an important event. I watched the approach of the period and 101 in
August without design or warning we were in EgyptJwhich if the English were
the heirs and descendents of the original builders is an important event in the
h~story ilif the building. Mrs. Se~ouse joined in that the McCanns were formerly
K1ngs of Armagh one of whom marr1ed the Princess of the House of Judah and she
could trace descent to David the King. '
Hon. ,23rd Oct.

To Derby at 2.
Tues. ,24th Oct.
To lunch with Sir Charles Seely. Frank came in and said he liked my designs
for the vicarage.
Vleds. ,25th Oct.
To the meet at Greaves Lane and met Gibbs going. Just arrived in time and
a good run past Farnsfield, Hexgreave Park to Beltern Park.

Thurs. ,26th Oct.

Intended to cycle to Ossington but at Southwell it rained hard so turned back.
Saw pretty Miss Gladys Vilson.
Fri., 27th Oct.
Rode over to the Council at Southwell. The Honbl. G. Valsh there. Looked in
at the Minster at 2 and chatted with the verger on the screen. There is a fresh
beauty in these old buildings every time you see them.
Sat. ,28th Oct.
To Nottingham and at 2 to the Club where I was till 6 talking \'Ii th one and
then another. My Colonel in and chatted over our narrow escape of War. The Scots
Greys had 1000 horses awaiting them in France: and 6 divisions were to go to the
Rhine. Old Hr. Francklin told me our fleet lost touch "lith the German fleet for
a short period which gave our admirals anxiety and their destroyer fleet was in
the North Sea. Harry Sherbrooke told me that that night the fleet spent at quarters,
torpedo nets out, guns shotted and ammunition on deck.
Sun., 29th Oct.
Charlie, Annie, Patrick with Hajor and Mrs. Bryan motored over for tea.
Hon. ,30th Oct.
Rode over to Ossington.
Tues. ,31st Oct.
Drove with Polly for lunch at Hexgreave taking our Rector. Canon Glaistor,
the Rector of Bilsthorpe and his wife, also there. Gordon Ley called in the evening.

\'Jeds. ,1st Nov.

The opening meet at the Manor, a merry party. Honbl.F. Foljambe and his wife
(nee Holden), Harry Sherbrooke and his \,life, the Richard Francklins, Gordon Ley,
Col. Birkin, Hardy Crossley, Potter, etc. A good gallop for 2 miles and then left.
Fri. ,3rd Nov.
Rode to 11ansfield via the Bogs, Fishpool and the bridle road by Hadlow Wood,
12 miles without passing through a village. At the Swan met the Council of Tenant-
right Valuers and lunched after~
eat.,4th Nov.
To Nottingham at 6to Basford Park to stay \iith myoId friends the Fowlers.
 30 ..
Sun, 5th Nov.
Recalled our old yachting days ",lith my host in the "nineties" \'lhen every Spring
I had a delightful cruise out of Poole down the Channel. Fowler goes to live
in War\'lickshire directly to be near his collieries.
Hon. ,6th Nov.
Knight met me at Basford and I drove home,mounted and rode to Sherwood Lodge
where a small party, Canon and Mrs. Ferris, Dr. Francis and his wife.
3:!ues. ,7th Nov.
To Hinckley for audit with Lucas. The old Hinckley passing a\'lay to a new
Hinckley no\'l.
\1eds. ,8th Nov.
I went out for a short time with the hounds at Woodbro.
Thurs.,9th Nov.
At 12 want over to Widmerpool on my bicycle trained f~om Nottingham. The
old fosse WSy here after centuries of decay and being only a grasstrack is
being remetalled.
Fri. , lOth Nov.
Sent Knight on vTith my hunter to the Fosse Hay and -later followed on
my hack: then through Car Colston to the meet at Shelton 12 miles from home.
\'lent in for breakfast at Hemsleys. Colonel Storey,C.B., Hrs. Hinching and
Lady Augusta Fane (nee Rous) who I had not seen for 9 years. Count Arco, etc.
A good run from Herrods holt and west to Little Normanton Cross. 18 miles ride
home where I find Polly with a bridge party. The Wilson girls, Mrs. Milward,
the Kelhams, Lucas and Fraser. Jervis Milward engaged to Elsie }lusters of
Annesley and Willoughby to Muriel HicY~ng, I am told.
Sat.,llth Nov.
To Nottingham, very foggy and home at 4. I could hardly see to drive from
LO\"ldhafu. '~.

Sun. ,12th Nov.

'To Church in morning. Heard of Vicar of Calverton's sudden death this morning.
Poor Mrs. Smith left with two such pretty children. Belles and Ernest to tea.
B. \'laS in my office 9 years in the "nineties". A man of some fortune nm'l one of
the Government Valuers.
Hon. ,13th Nov.
Rode to She~'lood Lodge for lunch.
Tues.,14th Nov.
,A long ride to Ossington and back 35 miles. The Squire shooting Highwood,
on to Crm'l Park.
Heds.,15th Nov.
To the meet at Fiskerton. Not much sport. Tea at Rectory.
~1iu£s.16th Nov.

At home.
Fri.,17th Nov.
Sent Knight on to Car Colston Vicarage with the horse and hacked the mare there.
Then to the meet at Hawksworth. Ran through Balderton Hall park. Left hounds at
Farndon and 14 miles home.
Sat. ,18th Nov.
To Nottingham and returning to Gonalston for tea with the Squire.
Sun.,19th Nov.
At home and to church in the evening.
Hon. ,20th Nov.
Rode over to Winkburn. Met Hume in the High St.,Southwell who spoke of the
coming Staff tour.
Tues.,21st Nov.
To Shen100d Lodge for lunch. Mr. and Mrs. Hylton Seely there, 2 girls and boy.
~leds. ,22nd Nov.
To the meet at Graves Lane. Found and ran by Oxton. No scent but had some
scampers about Thurgarton and Gonalston.

Thurs.,23rd Nov.
About home. To tea with lirs. Dufty and Vi Brent with Polly. l1rs. D. now 86,
a long link with old Epperstone. Her husband succeeded to the house and property
of the Barnards. The Dufty's came into the village in Charles II's reign and
apparently were stewards of the Howes for over 100 years. She has many old interesting
pieces oi furniture and trinkets.
Old Hr. Burro\"/S, churchvlarden, I \"laS talking to in the morning. 81, 60 of
which he has spent in the village.
Our new Rector's wife was referring to her idea, the unnecessary peal of
the church bells every Sunday morning at 8. I told the Rector it was a most
ancient custom here, mediaeval in fact, and I believed was first rung in honour
of the Virgin.
Fri., 24th Nov.
To the meet at E. Bridgford. A large meet and a good day. Charlie brought
a friend, Commander \'lilson (of "flying" experience). Colonel Charlie Birkin had a
pretty ~ughter out. Found and ran to Syerston along the hills: then to Sibthorpe,
Shelton to ~ ground~ in Sibthorpe Gorse.
A

Hrs. Cart\1right and her husband, an.

Drove to E.Bridgford Hall for dinner with Polly. Hiss Fox's house. Her sister
old Notts. family, also Hr. Hildyard of
Flinsham, Caversham his vicar and the Dean of st. David's, Ian Smith. A Church
Defence meeting followed in the village hall.
Sat. ,25th Nov.
Sitting on Income Tax appeals with Mr. Francklin of Gonalston, Dobson, Edge
of Strelley and Bagnall Viild ofE. Leake. Sa\1 Sir T. Birkin as to land for sale near
Toton, so to Long Eaton to view it. Walked by the footpath to Stapleford and just
caught the train back so I was not 2 hours gone. Walked from Station, a beautiful
afternoon.
 32.. ur 1/-
Sun.,2Gth Nov.
Wallced in garden at 10, very fine but it after came in very wet for rest
of day. Still when fine our beautiful clear blue sIdes of last summer linger,
the air is so clear of moisture.
Hon. ,27th Nov.
By 11.40 train to Newark with Lucas and thence by G.N. to Yaxley near
Peterboro. Here \-le drove to Norman Cross Hotel. At 3 \"le \"Ialked to Follcsvlorth
and at the Fox I left Lucas for the audit and walked by Washingley to Bucks Lodge
and Caldecot. A lovely evening amid woodlands. At 5 I came to the Fox for tea.
Old Slote the tenant at a farm came to see me about giving up his farm to his
son. He is turned 80. We dined at 8 at the Hotel with a good bottle of burgundy.
Tues. ,28th Nov.
Walked in the morning to Skilton and at one for the audit and dinner.
Left at 4 for home.
\·leds.,29th Nov.
To the meet at Oxton Bridge. A small field, very foggy. Ld. Harrington late.
He brought Lady St.Clair Colville, Capt. Sherbrooke out also Mrs. Harry Sherbrooke,
the Richard Francklins, Sir Lancelot Rolleston, W.N. Hicking, Mrs. Upton and Mrs.
Gibbs. Found in the bogs but so foggy that although the Master and I came away
with them at the Calverton end 've soon lost them and did not find them for near
an hour. Uhen Golland had them in the Park. It then cleared and we found near
Oxton and ran for Rosselle Wood but the Master decided it prudent to be home early.
Thurs.,30th Nov.
To Nottingham and found General Hamilton and staff. G.O.C. of the N.Midland
Division, with his brigadiers and senior officers and had a days instruction in
operations from Watnall to Annesley. Dear old Annesley, the Broadridge Hall of
\'lashington Irving, I had not been to for years. \1e put up at the Flying Horse,
a merry party of 30.

Fri.,lst Dec.
'-
. Breakfast at 8.30 in the room \"Ihere during the first part of last century,
indeed quite do,m to 1870, a most select "ordinary" 'vas had every Saturday
presided over by old Joe Whittaker of Rafnsdale. l1y grandfather often attended.
It ended on establishing the County Club near to • We wentqtq~tbP Drill Hall
for musketry lectures by Cap. Lucock of the School at Hythe~gave one last
evening at 6 on our arriving from Annes1y. During the inter~a1 at 11 I took
Moseley of the 5th Derbies fora glass of beer at the Jerusalem Inn.
At 12 Brevill took us over the new brigade depot in Derby Road, a fine
building. Later in the day we had a competition for practical demonstration.
Two teams of staff sergeants in attendance, a team of the Regular Officers
and a team of Territorial Officers, and the Territorials led \"Iell in both events
and we did not play our trump card Mellish. This was with the Morris Tube.
We dined at 7.30 and had lecture from ~.O.C. after.
 33,
Saturday, 2nd Dec.
Early to the open range <:30 yards) at Carlton. He had a similar competition
and again \le territorials had the lead. Then a "knock out" at clay figures
against the Regular Officers and led again. Returning I lionised Col. Ratcliffe
(H.P. for Burton-on-Trent) through Narro,'1 Harsh and ''1ere honoured uith old Sally
Clay's attentions, really very witty. She has been up before magistrates over
100 times, but no harm in her. To the theatre in afternoon "A Butterfly in the
iVhee~', the Court scene well done.
Sun. ,3rd Dec.
Spent at home.
Hon. ,4th Dec·.
To Sir Charles Seely's for lunch. Dined at the REctory.
Tues.,5th Dec.
Sent Knight on to Radcliffe with horse and cantered over on the mare.
Then on to the meet at Tollerton with Mrs. Harry Sherbrooke. We found at
Blackberry Hill and ran about the Holds -"pinch me near Forest" ''le nickname it.
Left at Cropwell Bishop for home.
I'leds. ,6th Dec.
To the Toton audit at the Black Boy.
Thurs.,7th Dec.
Rode to Ossington and back. Saw Hugh Hole at Caunton returning.
Fri.,8th Dec.
To Farnsfield for the audit.
Sat.,9th Dec.
Ernest gave children lunch at Cra''1shaus and then \'1ith Polly, Hargie,
Kath1een, Hiss Bond, Annie and her boy Patrick to Bastock's "Jungle", very
good especially the tamed animals: the lady, the lion, horse and dog excellent.
In Ne\'t York an attendant threu the stray dog to the Lion v,ho licked all the
hair off and so took to the dog that it mopes if parted so they are aluays
together and the lion became most tractib1e, and certainly lion, lady, dog
and horse seemed quite at home.
Sun.10th Dec.
Very cold. To church in morning.
Hon.llth Dec.
I uent to Toton via Long Eaton, a pleasant walk.
Tues.,12th Dec.
To the Ruddington audit. Walked on to see the new coltage building.
Congratulated ironically radical Greenuood on the InSllrance Bill. He frothed
with indignation against L10yd George.
Weds.,13th Dec • .
To the Black Boy in Nottingham Harket Place for the Hidmerpool audit.
lhurs.,14th Dec.
To Oxton for the audit and called on the Captain in the evening.
The Vicar showed me the rare books he.had found in the Sherbrooke's library
at the Hall, one an M.S. 13th century bible. These books had been collected
by a Cuthbert Sherbrooke in the reign of Philip and 11ary. One book vas bound
with a parchment of an illuminated M.S. with,music extracts (Gregorian).
Fri. ,15th Dec.
To Mansfield by train and presided over the annual meeting of Notts.
Tenanright Valuers. A good dinner. Brad\'!ell motored me to Nottingham and put
up at Percy's. A party of 7 and one pretty girl. Thence to the Hospital Ball
at the Victoria Hall, over 300 present.
Sat.16th Dec.
Returned home at 3. Very wet.
Sun.,17th. Very wet.
110n.,18th Dec.
To Vinkburn for the audit.
Tues.,19th Dec.
To Sir Charles Seely for lunch. In the evening to the audit at Calverton.
\-leds. ,20th Dec.
To the Black Boy for Sir C. Seely's audit.
Thurs. ,21st Dec.
To Newark and looked at the Chantry where was a sale. Then to Ossington
and sm'! the Squire.
Fri. ,22nd Dec.
Sent Knight on to Red Lodge and hacked on, passed George and Mavis Gibbs,
then over to Elston for the meet. Found at once at Herrods Holt and ran by
Shelton, forded 2 rivers in flood and to Staunton and on to Long Bennington
where fox foiled us in gardens, he only just saved his brush but \'1e held a
line to Dry Doddington and then gave in. To Balderton osiers where I left
and returned with Pearson, Vyles and Cartwright.
Sat., 23rd Dec.
Closed the office in the morning and then began to prepare for our visitors.
To Nottingham by 2 train and to the County Club. The town swarming with holiday folic.
Met the London train but could not see my pretty little niece, Madge Champneys.
Ho\.,rever another train came up 5 minutes after and there "lere Harold and Nell, so
to the tea room. Shortly after Harold found Hadge and as we got in the 6 train
Dick turned up. At 8 the Rector and his wife joined us for dinner and also Ernest,
so sat do~m 9 to dinner. My house most en gnand tenue and we expect a large
addition tomorrow.
 3 S-: .
Sun. ,24th Dec.
Haro1d and Ne11 are in the Haunted Room. In the afternoon the other guests
arrived in motors in relays. \le said it reminded us of Sir I. Gilbert's pictures
of Christmas only up-to-date motors in place of pillions, etc. As yesterday our
company gathered at the modern equivalent of the Wayside Inn, i.e. the oak tea
room at the Midland. First arrived in a fine 1audau1ette, 11urie1 and the little
boy Leonard lITommy Teddie" and the luggage. Percy fo110\'1ed close in another car
\'lith Geoffry and the gramophone box. No sooner ,.,rere these cars l;g:;;;;e. ,,~':~ j21'"h~1ltak.
up arriveS Char1ie in his car \.,rith Annie and their boy Patrick~ Then~(: .".:~ ~~
and a call on mother in her little house and at 8 ,.,re had a great~· .. ,ni!ri1~~ "A
~ the party. Ernest and Dick at the Cottage. The absent ones Harry, ~<,~~ f)~ cf- ~I
Mi11y and children in Australia, Edward gone to Cannes andWi11iam still in Vienna.

Bonday, Christmas Day.

It was snowing hard early. The waits had sung round the house at 2. At 9 we
assembled for breakfast and then a great muster for church. Our pew would have
made a picture in the old church, the window painted in memory of my father,
the bronze wall tablet to my grandfather. Po11y at the organ. Then I, Geoffry (11),
Hargie (10) Pretty Badge Champneys (17) "Tommie" (4), Hurie1, Percy and Patrick
all in a row. Char1ie just in front by the font and in the back seat Haro1d, Ne11,
Ernest and Dick. The children's dinner at 1, we danced 1ater,after a motor ride to
F~don to rescue t~e oysters. Most of us dined with mother at 7.30, but at 10 we
had all gathered again in my big drawingroom and danced till after 12. A real
old fashioned Christma~.
Tues. ,26th Dec. B.....-r&tr
Char1ie motored to join his horse at the meet at Cropwe11 B1l~~iS and I rode
my little mare. In the Foss our big motor passed with Ne11, Murie1, Madge Champneys
and all the children. I rode \·Tiththe hourlds as far as O\·,thorpe Borders. Ne11 and
Haro1d left at 5 for to~m where they have a flat. R~.is now promoted Fleet Surgeon
so his pay is good. After dinner we danced again, indeed we began at 6 for Margie
said she must have a party and dressed and so did we all as she said it looked more
like a party and all the children stayed up to dinner. But we kept it going li11
12 practising for next week's balls.
Heds. ,27th Dec.
To the meet of hounds at Thurgarton and found at once. Got m·ray ,.,re11 and
ran by Thist1ey wood up the dumb1es to Rosse110.Wood. Char1ie, Annie and Patrick
and Dick left us, also Ernest, so we are a reduced party, but we danced again in the
evening.
Thurs.,28th Dec.
We still had Percy's party with us and danced in the evening.
Fri., 29th Dec.
Lady Ley had an amateur pantomime at the Schools and Margie played fairy.
Sat., 30th Dec.
To Nottingham.
Sun., 31st Dec.
I left our merry party in the evening and stayed the night at Lincoln.
 - 1 9 1 1 -

I commence this book in continuation of the others having been

in this house of my grandfather's now 2 years since our return to it
with my wife and daughter Margaret (9) and niece Kathleen Champneys (10)
who iS"being educated here, with 2 maids in the house, 2 men outside and
3 horses in the stable: my laun~loman is the gardener's wife and my
coachman's wife comes in on occasion as parlour maid and was maid to my
grandmother 20 years ago. My housemaid Ethel Barker is now the 4th
generation of that family in our service. My mother lives in a pretty
little house near to and my own house is a pretty gabled building
round a courtyard in a gothic style partly. I am halfway to independence
of means but can keep house from my profession having the management of
several estates aggregating over 35,000 acres.

, Thos. W. Huskinson.