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Thurs.,lst January
Snow, but not very deep. Elsewhere it is a heavy fall.
Fri., 2nd Jan.
Drove to Southwell for the District Council.
Sat., 3rd Jan.
(}IAM-~ To Hr. Goddards, my dentist, and after\'1ards as Chairman to the
A Gricth9FPQ Bridge Directors Meeting. The opening up of the Fosse Way has
made this bridge the freest road to the North and last August und September
the motors north had already put our tolls up nearly £40. Called to see
how the old Squire of Gonalston gets on. Hear his son Edward is likely to
take the Hall.
Sun. ,4th Jan.
At home.
Hon. ,5th Jan.
Drove with Polly to the Bishop's party and tea at the Palace,Southwell.
Some most excellent music and the scene in (Wolsey's) Great Hall very bright.
It was a social rather than a clerical gathering for the leading lay people
in the county. Mrs. Hoskyns is cousin of our friend Lord Charnworth.
Tues.,6th Jan.
Frost and snow sufficiently gone to ride my little mare to the meet
at Shelford Manor, a remnant of the house, the original home of the Stanhopes,
of which the M.F~H., Lord H., is a branch. No sport and left at Stragglethorpe
cross-roads.
\'leds.,7th Jan.
Too frosty for hunting but at 8 to the Ball at Southwell given by
the Hon. Mrs. Handford (Lord Belper's mister) and Mrs. Barrow at the Assembly
Rooms, part of the old Saracen's Head was utilised including the room occupied
by Charles I before his surrender at Newark.Lady Ley brought a party from
the Manor, in fact a large party and excellent dance.
Fri.,8th Jan.
Margie went yesterday to the fancy dress dance at Brackenhurst.
This morning the frost quite gone. I rode my new Irish mare to Holme
Pierrepont where we assembled to give a casket and an address to our
Master on his 70th birthday - on his coming of age as he termed it. V
He has hunted these hounds at his own expense for 32 years. Lord Man.ers
gave the speech. A large and merry party. Arthur Lascelles out. I greeted
and recalled old hunting days 20 years since. Lady Cole and Hiss Hunday from
the Derbyshire side. Count L. Arco, Major Robertson of Widmerpool among those
not often seen on this side the country. The scent was poor though we found
at Colston Bassett and ran towards Long Clawson and back to Owthorpe. In the
wild woods hereabouts we had some sport and then rode home do\.,rn the Fosse Way.
Sc!lt. ,10th Jan.
Again to the dentist, and then rather busy day till the 5 train.
Sun. ,11th Jan.
To early service at 8 and stopped at home rest of day.
Hon. ,12th Jan.
Rode to Oxton, saw Hrs. Bryan after by Calverton and Woodbro Park, a drear
day and trying to snow. Drove up to tea at Woodbro Hall later and then to
Burrows"at 6.30 for a School meeting.
Thurs.,15th Jan.
Margie gave a dance 6 to 10. Percy brought his family party and our supper
voted excellent. The grown-ups after the children and 2 hot dishes and PiperHeidseck.
Sun. ,18th Jan.
Having a cold took advantage of it to be lazy in bed all day, having an
interesting book to read.
Hon. ,19th Jan. R q,V\-1A~
Hargie to the Seely' s party at -R-ail1odedo-e- Park.
Tues. ,20th Jan.
Polly got a chill yesterday so kept in bed and I took Margie to Starkey's
children's party at NO~100d Lodge Park.
Fri. ,23rd Jan.
To Shelton Manor to the meet. Ld. Harrington brought his nephews Stanhopes
and Lady Cole. A good run then a second find in Devon Gorse out to Colham and
nearly to Balderton, turned back by Hawton across the. Devon and north of Farndon
to the Trent. Fox and hounds crossed and raced to He\"lark \"lhere \'1e crossed by
the Mills: Fox crossed again and we killed in Mill Gate. I rode home by Kelham.
Sat. ,24th Jan.
Took Margie to the matinee Pantomime.
Hon. ,26th Jan.
Riding most of day, Oxton and Calverton.
Tues.,27th Jan.
12 miles to meet at Tollerton. Found at Blackberry Hill and crossed the
Fos~e to Kinno~on?and
,. .. across the Vale to Kaye Wood where hounds came away
after a fast run w~th a fresh fox to Colston Bassett, 12 miles home.
\'leds. ,28th Jan.
To the meet at Bistwood. Found Epperstone Park and very fast run to
Bleasby Gorse.
Thurs. ,29th Jan.
With Polly to the theatre matinee ·at 2, for Armstrong's, the conductorf
benefit. Duchess of Portland there and a full house, orchestral for a start,
then Miss Vowles dancing scholars, mostly children of the gentry, most pretty
and pleasing and a long programme of beautiful ballets. Major Jeffcock's party
gave the Dream of Ouida to finish. The celebrated pantomimist Tom Foy broke in
with amusing interludes, especially when he conducted the band.
3.
Fri., Jan.30th
To the meet at Screveton, found at Herod's Holt and ran by Elston to
Flintham Park very fast. Rode home most of way with Lady Cole.
Sat., 31st Jan.
G- lNM,1"k. o-rj>.JZ..
Sitting as Income T~~ Commissioner: then to Gr;a+bQ?pe Bridge meeting.
This a good link with North since Fosse Way was remetalled, and our tolls increased.
Hon, 2nd Feb.
Rode to Blidworth.
Tues. ,3rd Feb.
Calls at Southwell with Polly and tea at Canon Glaisters.
Weds. ,4th Feb.
To the meet at Fiskerton but just as they found at Gonalston osiers my
mare went lame, so home.
Thurs.,5th Feb.
l1are sound again. Cycled for Hexgreave but at top of Oxton Hill the free
wheel failed, so home by Rosselle Wood walking.

Fri., 6th Feb.

To Burbage near Hinckley by train.
Sat.,7th Feb.
On Grand Jury and to Sheriff's (W.N. Hicking of Brackenhurst) lunch,
after very gay for 2 hours. To North Lodge and found Edward, Monica and Dick
staying weekend with Muriel and Percy. At 7 to the Boy Scouts Organisers
dinner at the Victoria, about 200 present. The Duke of Portland presiding.
I four seats off between Hylton Seely and General Burn Hurdock and had to
propose a toast though I have not yet taken part in the movement. The Sheriff
motored me home at 11.
Sun. ,8th Feb.
To Church in morning. To tea at Gonalston with the Francklins. Edward and
William there from London. The noticeable part of the winter has been the
mildness and sunny weather throughout except one week bitter east wind three
weeks ago. A few night rains.
Hon.,9th Feb.
At home in morning and then rode to Hexgreave and Osmanthorpe. Little
mare lame on return.
Tues.,lOth Feb.
At 10 to Netherhall, Haryport. Lunched on train \'1here a pleasant man,
Gregor. On Frida~·he was at Paris, Sat., at Berlin, Sunday London and now to
Glasgow. Mrs. Senhouse and her sister Lady Lawson at tea in the great library.
4· , &] I 4--
\'1eds. ,11th Feb.
By train to vfuitehaven. A great gale in the night made a rough sea but
the air clear so the hills of Scotland clear across the Firth. After seeing
Messrs. Bro\vu, solicitors fot the colliery, I went on to the Lonsdale estate
office, a fine 18th century house and Mr. Nanson the agent took me over the
Castle, chiefly a James II house, a fine gallery upstairs with tapestry and
large drawingroom and diningroom opening out of it at each end, the likeness
of the 1st earl to the present very great. Back at 3 and a walk by the docks
and sea. Played bridge with Guy Senhouse and his mother after dinner.

Thurs.,12th Feb.
Spent about Maryport. The colliery here closed and Mrs. S. is retrenching.
Fri. ,13th Feb.
Left at 10 for Cockermouth to see Mr. Watson, Lord Leconfield's agent
at the Castle, where fine remains of this stronghold of the Percies. My
nearest approach to the mountains which were in snow. On to Carlisle,
dined on the train and home at 10.
Sat., 14th Feb.
To Nottingham. Home at 3 and to bed where I remained till Monday with
a cold. Monday and Tuesday at home getting over effect.
~leds. ,18th
Feb.
To meet at Greave Lane but did not find till we reached Halloughton wood
but whipped off as it was a vixen. Found at Gonalston osiers but my mare went
lame. Mrs. Upton out after her broken leg, wonderful for a lady of 70. The Earl
brought Leicester Stanhope, Mrs. Morland and Viscountess Cole. Capt. Sherbrooke,
Hrs. Harry S., D±ck Francklin also out.
Thurs.,19th Feb.
Drove to Winkburn in afternoon to see Col. Burnell.
Fri. ,20th Feb.
To Toton and then to Nottingha m ,,,,here a long talk to Turner about Eaton
Ironstone.
Sat., 21st Feb.
To Nottingham and walked up as usual by Lowdham Church path at 3.30.
JOhnson came to see mare which is declared to have a splint.
Sun. ,22nd Feb.
At home. Fine after hail stor~ early. To church in morning. Our new
Rector's name, TOlfllinson of Brasenose posted in the porch. Mother poorly with flue.
Mon. ,a3rd Feb.
Off to London and arrived at my Club in St. James's St. at 1.30 where I
got a bedroom. Called in Eaton Square on the Charnwoods, Lady C. out but just
saw Godfrey C. and with Mrs. Thorpe had half an hour's chat. At 4 to the
Surveyors Institute in Gt. George St. for Christopher Turner's address on
the Radical Land Report. Weigan there I met and talked to. At 7 to the ~fuitehall
Rooms for the Surveyors Dinner, myoId friend Ed Voolley in the Chair. I nearly
opposite with Rogers our old secretary on one side and Rolleston on the other,
and Reggie Woolley near to. After with Rolleston to the Junior Carlton and to
bed at 1.
s.
Tues. ,24th Feb.
Bre~{fast with Edward and Monica in Chester Square and after to the City,
called on Linklaters and then to the London City and Midland Bank in Threadneedle
St. where Sir Edward Holden came down and chatted for half an hour. Then to London
Wall to Prince's office about the Netherhall Colliery and back to Piccadilly
,,,here I lunched \'lith Hr. Kiddy, Editor of the Bankers Hagazine and talked of
my economic views. Then free at 4 I off to 37 Elm Park Mansions in Chelsea
where Ella has a flat with her sister in her husband Major Corbett's absence
in India. We to the theatre, the Playhouse, to see Marie Tempest. Eva Richardson
very near us and much interested in seeing Ella of whom she remembered my plans
for years ago. We finished the evening with supper at the Royal Automobile Club
in Pall Hall and I did not get to bed till 2.
\'leds. ,25th Feb.
Again to bre~ast with Edward and 110nica and after called on pretty Mrs. R.
who looked as young and pretty as when at Epperstone. Then for a picnic day with
Ella at 12. To the City and lunched at the Cri grill at 3, leaving her at Chelsea
after teaTuhere and seeing Eileen. I met Ella at Dalys Theatre for the I1arriage
Harket and finished up again with supper at the R.A.C.

Thurs. ,26th Feb.

Breakfast at Club and to Barts Hospital:'but find "Tommy" (Hadge) Spencer
gone away to Clifford, so at 1 to Ella and she came to lunch and we passed our
time together till I left St. Pancras at 5 for home ,,,,here I dined at 8. It is nm'/
nearly 2 years since I met Ella after an absence of sight and news of 16 years.

Fri. ,27th Feb.

To the meet at Bingham Green, found at Stokes Gorse near Wiverton and
ran nearly to Plungar, losing by \ihatton Manor. Montague Hall in the Fark
and while talking to him my impatient horse nearly threw me. Back by Wiverton
House the view of which is improved by removing some trees. It contains the old
gatehouse and some walls of the house garrisoned by Lord Ch~",orth in the Civil
\lars and still belongs to the Chaworth Husters. Left for home here.
Sat. ,28th Feb.
To Nottingham and as Polly and Margie were to the Palace at Southwell I to
the theatre to see \ihere the Rainbow Ends.
Sun. ,1st Har.
In the afternoon to Gonalston for tea where Mrs. Hole, widow of the late Dean
of Rochester, We tallted of the Parkyns once so notable a family in Notts at
Bunny, Ruddington and \oloodbro.
Mon. ,2nd Mar.
Polly and I to Hexgreave and found all the Wilsons in.
Tues. ,3rd Har.
To the great meet (by invitation) of the Rufford at Colgrave. About 300 horse,
but some waiting as hounds were late, so talked to the Wilson girls, Ld. Titchfield,etc.
A long circular run in the 'v/oods on, the ,,,olds. Lett at 2 and got my trap at Lime Kiln
Inn and drove for Harold Bayley at Braunston and so to Langar. Finished the day at a
Territorial recruiting meeting at Woodbro Schools.
Weds. ,4th Mar.
Walked with Polly and Margie to the meet· at Lo\-ldham Grange and so through
Plo\'lII1an wood.
Thurs. ,5th Mar.
To lunch at Widmerpool with Major Robertson, who had hurt himself hunting.
Yesterday Hon. H. Scott of Knipton who I knew well died whilst huriting with
the Belvoir and on Tuesday poor Bainbridge broke his pelvis at Cotgrave.
\f.hat a chapter of disaster.
Fri. ,6th Mar.
To the meet at Stoke, a quick short run to ground and as a great gale
sprang up home at 3.30. At 4 the great elm in my Mother's grounds collapsed.
It \-las the biggest elm I know of and must have been 90 ft. high.Amid a group
of elms it looked in summer a perfect mountain of foliage. Mary Bond came to
stay yesterday.
Sat.,7th Mar.
To Nottingham and sitting on Income Tax Appeals till near 2. Home at 4
and to Mrs. Dufty's for tea. The past winter the finest and warmest on record.
Sun. ,8th Har.
Raining all night but cleared before church.
Mon.,9th Mar.
By train to Arley in Warwickshire where Mr. Fowler's groom and dog cart
met me and so to Arley Village where Holden, son of Holden of Nuttall Temple,
whose case I heard on Saturday, met me and we went over Arley Wood and Hall
Farm on which I am to report. Very stormy and ground wet. I drove thence for
9 miles to Coleshill Park which my friend has ta1en on lease from the Digby's,
a fine large house about a mile from Coleshill situate on a hill, where I arrive
for tea in the great hall at 5. Mrs. Fowler, her daughter Mrs. \'1. Ransom and
her two little girls, and her daughter Mrs. DfOyley Ransom the party.
Tues. ,10th Mar.
A fine day and drove to Arley where I was all day going over other farms.
A pretty wooded country. Back to the Park at 5. We played bridge in the evenings.
Weds. ,11th Mar.
Again to Arley and through the wood, so having time to spare I walked on
to Ansley church wqere Polly's grandmother Mrs. Astley and her Ludford ancestors
have a chapel and are buried, there are many hatchments and monuments to the
family. The family married into the Neudigates of Arbury, the sister of the
last baronet and indeed Mrs. Astley had a right to that estate if it had been
urged. The Rector showed me the church and I walked on a mile to the Hall,
once a fine place but now a miner's institute, a colliery close by. Polly's
uncle was the last to live here and he died in 1898 leaving Polly and her
sisters his residuary legatees, so for a few months after our marriage we
were part owners of this fine property which was sold to the Colliery. Of
the fine timber in the Park shown· in my pictures of 100 years ago only one
or two shattered remains: the deer went about 1b years ago and the park is
divided but a few of the old riven pales of fencing remain. The house is partly
gabled of time of Elizabeth and part brick and stone 18th century built round
a courtyard. Drove back to Coleshill Park early so walked in the town and
admired the fine view from churchyard.
Thurs. ,12th Mar •.
Returned via Nottingham with Mrs. Fowler and Mrs. D'Oyley and home
not I;lell.
Fri.,13th Mar.
Under doctor's advice retired to bed at 4.
Sat. ,14th Mar.
In bed all day.
Sun. ,15th Mar.
In bed till 4 but well looked after by Polly and Margie.
Mon. ,l&'th Mar.
At home.
Tues.,17th Mar.
Rode to Knapthorpe and round by Newark where I met the new Adjutant
Collins and his wife and on to Syerston where I was to lunch but the mare
lame dn the splint so ''lent straight home.
Weds. ,18th Mar.
The mare sound so to the meet at Oxton, found at Halloughton wood and
had a quick run over the Epperstone hills and to ground at Lady Well. Found
at Gonalston Hill osiers and a quick burst over Thurgarton Park to Bleasby.
Fri.,20th Mar.
To the meet at Shelford, no sport and very wet.
Sat. ,21st Mar.
In Nottingham. Katie Spencer staying with us.
Sun. ,22nd Mar.
To Church.
Mon. ,23rd Har.
At home.
Tues. ,24th Har.
Tp tije ~eet at Edwalton. The mare bucked me off at Lowdham Station going
on the asphalt and I had a near shave of bad fall. Not much sport so galloped
home by the bridle road from Ratcliffe.
\'leds. ,25th Mar.
To the meet at Newstead, a beautiful woodland country. Found in the
Long Dale woods and a quick burst to Oxton bogs where hounds divided. Drew
Epperstone Park blank. A bridge party after tea, the Hortimers there. Our
new Rector arrived to-day.
Thurs. ,26th Har.
A long day with Cowing over Sr. Charles Seely's farm. Got home at
i past 9.
Fri. ,27th Mar.
Rode to Southwell for the Local Co~cil and was beaten on our Water business.
Strolled by the Cathedral.
s,
Sat., 28th Mar.
To the last meet in Notts. at Cotgrave. Katie Spencer took a photo
before starting at ~ past 9. Some sport in the woodlands about Cotgrave and
Owthorpe' and as at ~ past 3 my mare was trying to buck me off for standing
. still I gave her 12 mile gallop home which I did under the hour. Charles Hill
to dinner. TtJ,e l'itt~e 6rosley girl took my photo as we had a merry little
lunch at her car.
Sun. ,29th Mar.
Dmr mew Rector Tomlinson in Church but Hodgson preached. To Gonalston
for tea where also Lord Harris, Mrs. Harry Sherbrooke and the Richard
Francklins. Talking over the government's infamous attempt to force a war
on the Ulster Volunteers.
Mon. ,30th Mar.
To Toton and after to the Vicarage at Long Eaton where I found our
late Rector, McLean, in and had tea with. We now amuse ourselves with
Bridge in the evening.
Tues. ,31st Mar.
Rode after breakfast to Dockett Hind to see the farm stock. Then drove
to Woodbro Hall for lunch with Hill at 12. Later Polly and Margie, Col Storey also
there, Desmond Bayley, Mrs. Owen Taylor and 2 girls. Mrs. Taylor's sister
Miss Cherry was on the Titanic when it wrecked and with her cousin the Countess
of Rother was saved, Lady R. taking command of their boat. We were going on
to the Hunt Races over the hill but were so long at lunch missed the start
and only got to see the finish of the first race. A very large meeting. Miss
Hamilton won the ladies race, beating Adeline Elnora girl of 18 who has won
4 times. Miss H. led off very fast and so far that Miss Elnor forgot all about
her being in front. George Fillingham, Charlie and Annie and the Wilson girls
to tea.
Weds. ,1st Apr.
A long ride to Balderton Hall by the Vale of Belvoir. Just saw
Cousin Emily.
Thurs. ,2nd Apr.
To Ruddington. Called on Mrs. Wrey Hunt.
Fri. ,3rd Apr.
Katie Spencer left us. Rode to Ca1verton to see Mr. Stan1ey.
Called on the Starkeys at Norwood Park with Polly. Starkey was in the House when
Winston Churchill made his speech after the failed coup d'etat on Ulster and
said his expression was diabolical. The Ministers lied from end to end.
Called on our new Rector and his wife. ?leasant people but very poor.
Sat.,4th Apr.
To Nottingham to see Sir Thomas and Stanley Birkin on Toton affairs.
Sun. ,5th Apr.
To church in morning. Mrs. Boyd Carpenter has returned. Very wet in
evening.
1- Mon. ,6th Apr. 11/4.;
To Sherwood Lodge for lunch. I had not seen Sir Charles since Dec.
He seemed not to approve his son's, Jack, attempt at an Ulster St.Bartho10mew,
in fact was angry. Wet day.
Tues. ,7th Apr. ,
To Washing1y by first train where it was dry and fine. Threatening rain once
I went into old Hadnam's cottage in Packs Lane, and had some excellent blackberry
wine.
Thurs.,9th Apr.
Rode to Syerston for lunch and about this pretty village with George.
The view in the Vale I like, as the villages are clustered rqund their churches
and few isolated houses.
Fri. ,10th Apr. Good Friday
To Church and in the afternoon Percy and Murie1 with their family party
arrived by motor to spend Easter with us. The Hills to tea.
Sat. ,11th Apr.
I started to hunt but my mare felt her splint so turned back. Wet d~ till
afternoon when Percy, I and the three children motored to Nottingham Castle ·to
see the dungeons and Morti~ers Hole.
Sun. ,12th Apr. Easter Sunday
Bright Spring and to Church. Char1ie came to Mother's on Friday to stay
as Patrick had measles.
Easter Monday,11th Apr.
My 52nd birthday and in the same house I was born in. We motored at 12 to
Hawton for golf, Sir Maurice Brom1ey Wi1son joining us there. To escape the
mqtors dovnl.the Fosse Way we came back by Cottam and the Vale villages, not
meeting even a bicycle till East Bridgford. l'
We had been invited to the great County Ball at We1beck on Lord)tichfie1d's
coming of age, so at 9 Percy's newest Daimler motor, a beautiful car, came for us.
Po11y in cerise with diamonds. Murie1 looked well. Char1ie and I in hunting pink.
Percy motored 22 miles through the forest. Thesuen~baff1es description. We had over
200 yards of galleries lined with old portraits and furniture before reaching the
ball room 260 ft. by 80 ft. in the underground palace. Beyond 150 yards of corridorl
banked in flowers with sitting out places led to the Rose Bower all in full bloom.
~er Boo guests and 500 attendants. The Duchess, Duke andltichfie1d received us.
Ld. Henry Bentinck came up to speak, I remember seeing 24 years ago in this very room
when first used for a ball and he courting Lady Henry. Then we all arrived in
carriages. Only 5 years ago when we/went to the Ball there when the King of Spain
was present, half were carriages, but tonight my man told me only 3 carriages
and 400 motors, but in many ways motors have spoilt social gatherings shortening
their duration. However we did not leave till 4. I saw Lady Dianta Manners, whose
wit and waywardness cause her to be~a great attraction, a fair edition of my
favourate Peggy Turner whom our~~utht on leaving, hidden in the far corner of
the Library, my stopping to talk to Mr. Gou1ding the Librarian and to show Murie1
some curious finds led us to her corner to her dismay.
/0,
TuesY,14th·Apr.
Percy carried us off in his open motor to the Rufford P. to P. races and we
were joined by ~he Hill party (4) in their motor. We arrived an hour too soon so
walked the course. A large party all in motors and not above a dozen spectators
on horsegack, so different to a few years ago. Polly, Margie and myself won 3 out
of 4 of our sweepstakes. We came back bye ways to miss motors and then to Woodbro
Hall for tea. At Epperstone Church at 7 to induct our new Rector and at
8 to Woodbro for dinner.
\veds. ,15th Apr. h.~~
Intended to ~ but near vlhitepost my horse went dead lame.
Thurs.,16th Apr.
1110 Winkburn at 12 to see Col. Burnell and back at 9. Our party left us
this morning.

Fri.,17th Apr.
Drove Margie to Langar Hall for tea with the Wadworths who are tenants there
and interested Margie in wterton Hall so gave her Mrs. Muster's book "A Cavalier
Stronghold", all about the history of these parts. To the Parish Council meeting.
Sat.,18th Apr.
To Nottingham and saw Percy about a trip to Herefordshire. Home for tea.
Sun.,19th Apr.
At home. Beautiful spring since last Sunday.
Mon. ,20th Apr.
To lunch at Sherwood Lodge where also Colonels Hylton and Frank Seely. Just
missed Colonel John who had motored to Lincoln with his children. A wire came at
lunch to call him to London. The Ulster business most mysterious.
Tues. 21st Apr.
To Burbage near Hinckley to meet members of the Parish Council and Crump the
surveyor of Hinckley about a site for a water tower and expressed a hope that its
outlines would not mar the neighbouring beautiful spire and tower. Adjourning to
the Club, a large georgian house with bowling green behind, said to be the birthplace
of Canning. In the church a fine monument to Grey, Earl of Kent of Elizabeth's time,
who lived here in the then humble position of Vicar. My wife's distant cousin Stratford
Dugdale has a fine manor house here.
Weds. ,22nd Apr.
To Newark where Arthur Warwick motored me to Balderton Hall which he wants to
selle. I wish my late cousin had desired a smaller house and a larger estate to go in
the blood. As it is some £4000 a year in a brewery is their support and legislation
has destroyed several similar incomes. Their big business is however very prudently
managed.
Thurs.,23rd Apr.
To Ruddington in the evening to attend a small land sale. Polly and Margie
left to stay at Clifford.
11.
Fri. ,24th Apr.
Percy having wired me we left by motor with little Geoff (12) and at 30
to 45 miles an hour by the new Foss were soon at Coventry. At such places as
Lutterworth we asked Geoffry questions in history. Geoffry and I went over
the two churches and Town Hall and about which is a bit of picturesque old
Coventry smothered in a shapeless new town. The great feature is the endless
procession of perambulators in the streets mostly with 2 babies.
English roadS are laid out by two orders of engineers, the straight roads
laid out by the Romans and the winding ones laid out by the cow. We left by ~
a straight road over a piece of common and through a fine avenue of teees.
A fine approach for the old England we were to enjoy. We paused at Kenilworth
to see the Castle and after a tour round Warwick returned to Leamington for
the night and discussed a bottle of '93 Chambertin.
Sat.,25th Apr.
Left at 8 and did Shakespeare country before breakfast at Stratford.
We turned down to the old bridge at Warwick Castle and wandered in a garden
there. We began now to leave suburbia behind us and pausing at the front of
Charlcote to admire house and old wood deer fence we came to the old Inn and
ordered breakfast, going out to see Shakespeare's house whilst it was prepared.
A dear old lady showed us round and we amused ourselves by pretending to lean
towards the Bacon theory.
The weather perfect and the very glory of spring. We passed Evesham and
paused at Tewkesbury to see the Abbey. We are now in Old England, no chimneys,
collieries, factories, villas or other town nuisances. Percy delighted at the
sight of the Malverns, I prayed him to keep his ecstasies till he saw the Black
Mountains. Ledbury delighted him and at Hereford we lunched and saw the
Coningsby Hospital and the Cathedral. Then away by Bredwardine to Clifford
Priory which we reached at 4.30. The Black Mountains obscured by haze came
now into view. We are a party of 11 in the house.
Sun. ,26th April.
Obsessed by the mountins, instead of going to church 8 of us went in Percy's
motor to the far end of Cusop. Percy, Kitty Spencer, Margie and Geoff, Theo
Spencer,~adge, Miss Saunders and self. A walk of l~ miles brought us to the
last sheer 800 ft. rise. These mountains 14 miles square in plan and level ridged
so it is a great wall to Herefordshire are from 2000 feet, 2300 feet where we
climed to 2660 a little west of us. The view then over Herefordshire and the
Valley of the Upper Wye surprised Percy. We basked in the sun and ate our cake
but having no drink regaled ourselves with imagination of silver goblets full of
foaming cider, which we got on our return, Gerald having a lot 26'years in stock,
and unapproached, Percy said, by any 'wine less than the best Champagne. We scattered
in the perfect evening to Clifford Church and Hardwick Chapel, Polly, Margie, Percy,
Katie and I to Clifford where I met my old companion here, Trumper, the Vicar who,
and whose uncle before him, must have been here 60 or70 years as vicars. With best
cider and port our evening meal closed a merry day.
Mon. ,27th Apr.
Left at 10 and did not pause till we lunched at Warwick but made a detour
round by Broadway and the lower reach of the Cotswolds. We had tea at Coventry.
How dreary looked the Leicestershire landscape after the perfect England under
perfect conditions which we had seen. Left Nottingham by ~rain and home at 8.
I;L ,
Tues. ,28th Apr.
Lunched at Sherwood Lodge where four of John Seely's children.
Weds. ,29th Apr.
After a sitting with Edge of Strelly on Income Tax Commission I went
to Toton.
Thurs.,30th Apr.
Drove to Th~esby for Wordsworth's funeral. A large company and stayed later
with Argles in his pretty house outside the Park and admired his horses. Drove
home to dinnerat 8. Saw George Fuljambe just home from India. Charlie and
Becher with me.

Fri., 1st May.

In afternoon rode by Blidworth Bottom and the Long Dales where telegraph poles in
heaps testify to spoiling this lovely country which was, is fast becoming again,
and will be a forest country, but dear old Notts. is now threatened by the loathsome
town and blighting colliery. Nottingham and Mansfield have both disappeared from
the list of civilized but Nottingham I will restore for in the main it is still
a garden city.
Sat. ,2nd May. .
To Nottingham and tea with Muriel where Nell who engaged me to lunch Sunday.
Sun. ,3rd May.
To Hoveringham Hall for lunch with Nell and in the evening cycled back for
dinner with the Francklins where Jack and William F.
Tues. ,5th May.
To Hinckley for the audit and a long walk over Wyken farm with tenant.
Weds. ,6th May.
In afternoon to Syerston and called on the Vicar. Car Colston on returning.
Thurs. ,7th May.
Sherwood Lodge.
Fri. ,8th May.
Rode to Southwell for Board meeting and afterwards to Hexgreave. 16 0 frost
this night.
Sat.,9th May.
Polly and Margie return from Clifford.
Sun. ,lOth May.
At home.
Mon.,llth May.
At home, riding around, etc.
Tues.,12th May.
Met Sir Charles at Calverton.
13.
vleds. ,13th May.
To Nottingham and met pretty Madge Ch~pneys to stay here for 10 days.
Thurs. ,14th May.
All day at Widmerpool and lunched with Major R. Dined with Mother where
Ernest, Percy and William who was just returned from Pekin where he had been
staying the winter with ~b~renski the Russian Minister there. They came by
the Siberian Railway in the Imperial Train in great state. He says the prestige
of England much sunk owing to our present political regime and unrest. Russia
now a more liveable country than this.
Fri.,15th May.
With Madge to Ruddington to see Shelton's cattle and he drove us after to
the Trent Bridges where we 2 had tea and watched the cricket match. William to
dinner.
Sat. ,16th May.
To Nottingham and returned at 4 where Polly had a small tennis party, the
Rector and his wife, Mavis Gibbs, Ernest and a friend Chamberlain, Charlie and
Annie. William left for London and Paris.
Sun. ,17th May.
At home. Lovely weather, indeed little break in fine weather since first
week in April.
Mon. ,18th May •.
To Sher\'/ood for lunch. Mrs. Edward Champneys came to stay.
Thurs.,21st May.
Pretty Madge drovecme up to Calverton. We had tennis in the evening which
game I am playing again after leaving it alone 20 years.
Fri., 22nd· May ~
Mrs. Champneys left us for her brother at Lancaster but pretty Madge stays.
I rode to Southwell for the District Council.
Sat. ,23rd May.
Nottingham and as my party to the Bishop of Southwell's I went to the theatre
matinee "A Great Adventure", put down as comedy but a farcical plot.
Sun. ,24th May.
To Church in morning but at home rest of day with Madge and Margie. Madge
now has second home with her cousin Mrs. Gaudy of Skirsgill Park near Penrith.
Very fortunate as the eldest of a remarkably handsome but portionless family. *
* 1930 note. All married very well, the youngest to the heir of the AllQnby Viscounty.
Mon. ,25th May.
Madge left us today for Lancaster and I with her to Nottingham and then on to
Widmerpool. Heavy rains last two nights most welcome.
Tues. ,26th May.
A hard frost to put an end to fruit. Mrs. Champneys, my sister-in-law,
returned here.
\·leds. ,27th May.
Rode in morning to Winkburn, about 30 miles returning by Rossell Wmod at 4.
Not more than 7 miles of my ride on the highway, and Notts looking its best with
the "old Cathedral of Southwell as a central feature.
ThUrs.,28th Mar.
Cycled to Bingham, by rail to Harby and then to Eaton Lodge. Cycled home
20 miles calling at Langar ~ith the churchyard to see my old friend Mrs.Bayley's
grave
Fri. ,29th May.
Mrs. Champneys left for her home Otterpool Manor where Edward has a small
estate, the wreck of a considerable one. Their pedigree can be traced accurately
to 1160 when Sir Amyan Champneys married a daughter of Courtney. My sister-in-
law Nell came.
Sat. ,oClth May.
Home by 2 from Nottingham and played tennis.
Sun. ,31st May.Whit Sunday.
In the afternoon to tea with the Francklins at Gonalston where a pretty
daughter of Lord st. Vincent's. Nell told me that last year Harold, to confirm
carrent gossip, asked his Captain, then in Scotland and asked to dine on the
Enchantress with Churchill and Asquith, to keep is eye on Askwith. On his
return that night to the Blenheim he told H. he had rarely seen anyone put
away so much liquor of which he jotted a list on paper - 5 glasses of sherry -
hock - champagne, seven glasses liquer brandy, a bottle of port and he left
him at his whisky and cigar looking dazed.
Mon. 1st June.
A fete day here, the Benefit Ciliub to church and I to their dinner and the
evening spent with the band visiting the gardens of the place as has been done
sinc 1839.
Tues. ,2nd June.
Hr. and Mrs. Fowler motored to tea and after I drove to Winkburn:!Or a
talk with Colonel Burnell.
vleds.,3rd June.
To the Black Boy in Nottingham Market Place for the Toton audit. Old Mr. Morley
arrived rather faint but recovered by dinner time.
Thurs.,4th June.
rJo/M~
Bell and I to Notman Cross in Hunts" for 2 days for the Washingley audits.
This evening the audit at the Fox in Folkaworth but I walked over the proper~.
A fine promise of harvest.
Fri., 5th June.
Awaked at 5 by the Northants Yeomanry clattering up and down the North road
concluding night operations. Got home at 8."
/5,
Sat. ,6th June.
To Nottingham.
Sun. ,7th June.
At home. We1comriin last Friday for the season is splendid.
Mon.,8th June.
To Oxton for the audit. Walked home in the evening through the Park Wood.
Tues.,9th June.
Welcome rain.
Weds.,lOth June.
To the Clinton Arms in Newark Market Place for an audit and then by train
to Nottingham and Toton. Had tea with Lawrence Birkin.
Thurs.,llth June.
To Ruddington for the audit. Drove back to Nottingham.
Fri. ,12th June •. 4~1W-~~?
To Hexgreave for the audit and drove back for the audit. The old grass
Rufford Road is being remade.
Sat. ,13th June.
To Nottingham Black Boy for the Widmerpool audit. Walked home from Lowdham by
Lowdham church and the footway to enjoy the views up the valley, as usual when fine.
Sun. ,14th June.
Cycled to Brackenhurst for lunch with the Hickings where were Judge and Mrs.
AlIen. Mr.vlarrand and Frank Hodgkinson for tea and going home spent theevening
with the Francklins at Gonalston. Capt. Sherbrooke seriously ill at Buxton.

Mon. ,15th June.

To Winkburn for the audit and after tea with Miss Moore to a long talk with
~ol. Burnell.
Tues.,16th June.
To Ca1verton in the evening to the audit. Oldersham from the Bank arriving
for dinner. and took our cash back.
Weds.,17th June.
To the Black Boy at Nottingham for the Seely's audit,the last of the series,
as the Clixby rents come by post.
Thurs.,18th June.
At home. Drove with Po11y to call on the Lees at Thurgarton.
Fri.,19th June.
Rode to Southwe11 for the Council Meeting where our water case up so made a
speech against it.
flo.
San. ,20th. June.
Drove with Polly to Farndon for lunch with Annie and Charlie, where Col.
Foljambe and his daughter, a lovely girl just back from a stay in N. Zealand with
her cousins the Liverpools. Col. Shipley, Brigadier of the N.M., Col and Mrs. Crofton
Atkins (95th Regt.) and Major and Mrs. Morris. We motored in to Newark Town Hall
at 3to see the Freedom given to the Duke of Portland. All we men in uniform and
the market place with military bands and boy scouts very gay. After to the new
drill hall opening. Mayor and corporation in full regalia. Duke, Duchess, Ladies,
Guards of Honour, etc. Annie gave the Company tea after the ceremony. A very
successful function and a brilliant day. Kitty Spencer arrived yesterday on
a visit.
Sun. 21st June.
Showery. A succession of visitors in afternoon. Charlie and party and
Percy and party.
Mon. ,22nd June.
I was riding most of the day to Oxton and Salterford. At Oxton Hall saw Kyrle
Smith and his wife and chatted. He is High Sheriff this year.
Tues., 23rd June .:f1,,~
To the ~ ~ Bridge meeting at Goodall's office and then to Toton.
Returning walked through Nottingham to see the decorations against the King and
Queen's arrival tomorrow.
Weds.,24th June.
A holiday. Kitty with the Brownes by train to Nottingham. Polly, Margie and
I drove by the Plains. Rather mournful at the way suburbia springs up along the
Plains road and reaches within 3 miles of our valley whilst 12 years ago it was
asquiet and deserted as any road in Notts with superb views on either hand.
We put up at the Horse repository and then to Percy's house at North Lodge.
The others to seats looking on the market place and I to see the 8th S.F. muster
in Parkinson St. after seeing the Robin Hoods at the Drill Hall and talking to .
pretty Mrs. Wrey and her children. Charlie and his officers looked well. I viewed
the King and Queen's arrival from Carringtons. He was with his host the Duke of
Portland and then made a short cut to Bromley House Library whence with field glasses
I could see all that went on on the dais where presentations were made to the King and
Queen. A merry lunch at Muriels and in their pretty garden which is on a high terrace
overlooking the Derby Road we saw the return of the party after luncheon with Lord and
Lady Middleton at Wollaton Hall. Charlie's regiment lined the road in front of us and
he placed his colour party in the North Gate entrance to the Park with the band behind
which played close by us. Later several officers came in to tea. But the best part of
the entertainment was to see the returning troops, etc. Charlie with the 8th Sherwood
Foresters, Charlie Birkin with the Robin Hoods, Frank Seely with the S. Notts Hussars,
Leslie Birkin with the Legion of Erontiersmen, Hylton Seely with his National Reserve
over 1000 strong. The Mutiny and rimean Veterans in breaks, Major Williams with 1500
boy scouts, the nurses, the artillery, special reserves formerly the Militia made a
fine show, with gay crowds and meeting many friends. Brigadier Shipley had command
and General Plumer and staff Sir Lancelot Rolleston in gay uniforms. After tea we
watched the 8th march off, the first time the regiment has marched through Nottingham,
and Percy motored us to the station where they leave for camp at Mansfield for
tomorrow's function there. After which we drove hOm(in the loveliest evening light
after a fine day, 9 miles to our pretty and sequestered wooded valley.
Thurs.,25th June.
At home all day with business and finished thinning my grapes .in the evening.
The party playing tennis most of the "day.
Fri.,26th June.
To Newark and motored with Need to Fenton and he sent me back to station.
Sat.,27th June.
To Nottingham.
Sun. ,28th JUne.
At home.
Mon. ,29th June.
Rode to Southwell to meet a committee to consider what action to take about a
water scheme the ~ocal Government Board are forcing on our district - damn them.
Thurs. ,2nd July.
To Toton in afternoon. Great heat.
Fri., 3rd July.
Rode to Southwell for Guardian's meeting.
Sat. ,4th July.
To Nottingham but home early. Percy, William, Edward and Monica in two motors
called in. W. is off soon to St. Petersburgh.
Sun. ,5th July.
To tea with the Francklins at Gonalston where also Hugh Hole •. Ella has written
to say she is again in England.
Mon. ,6th July.
Margie 13th birthday and a tennis party for her.
Tues.,7th July.
Polly and I drove to the Actons for dinner and Hill motored us home as far as
Woodbro. Acton has a fine house at Mapperley, a resiential quarter in Nottingham.
\
v/eds. ,8th July.
Polly, Kitty Spencer and I to dinner with Hill at Woodbro Hall.
I

Thurs.,9th July.
Polly's Fete in the garden and sale of the Mother's Meeting work for 2 years,
realised £50 and Sir F. Ley sent £25 added to go to the Organ Fund. Lady Robinson
opened the sale.
Fri. ,lOth July.
Kitty Spencer left us for the Nurses Camp at Birbright and then on to Scotland
till Sept. Polly and I drove to Bleasby Ha~ for Canon and Mrs. Madan's little party.
(Both died next year, very good friends).
Sat. ,11th July.
Am~ Boyle came to stay.
Sun. ,12th July.

At home. Amy and I talked of our Ca\'lsand days long ago when I went several
years to stay there where her father, General Boyle, kept house, and the merry
sailing and boating parties we had. 15 or 16 young people.
Mon.,13th July.
Drove Polly and Amy a round of calls at E. Bridgford.
Tues.,14th July.
Drove Amy by Calverton and Woodbro, she struck with the beauty and seclusion of our
country and its fine woods and timber.
Weds. ,15th July.
To Nottingham to buy Miss C's wedding present.
Thurs.,16th July.
A long ride to Winkburn.
Fri. ,17th July.
Rode to Southwell for Council meeting.
Sat.,18th July. r;k""'~
To Nottingham for the ~pimtQO*pe Bridge meeting of which I am chairman,
and then to the Council of Sewers. Met Theo Spencer at the Station, he staying
till Monday, and a tennis party this afternoon.
Sun. ,19th July.
All at church.
Mon. ,20th July.
Theo and I by early train. Amy left later. I to London and at 12 to Chelsea
for Ella and we went for lunch to the R. Automobile Club. I am in St. James's
Place, No.7. We motored in the afternoon through Richmond Park, turning into
Piccadilly Hugh Hole saluted us. Returning we walked into Battersea Park to
see the herbaceous garden and from the dribble of fashionable folk there it is
quite a vogue. Ella gave me tea at the flat. I called for her at 7 and then to
Drury Lane for the Russian opera and ballet which is the rage o£ the town, a .
very wonderful and living picture of old Russia. The Duchess of Bedford, with
Balfour and partyin the ducal box which I had last time here, and the ~chess
of Rutland and her family near to, whom I had seen last at Welbeck. vJ.t=i did not
leave till 12 and till 2 were at supper at the R.A.C. when I saw Ella home.
Tues. ,21st July.
To the City and had half an hours talk with Sir Edward Holden on banking
affairs. I had asked him if he was prepared for a scheme fo; emergency currency
as I had foretold our system would crash before a shot was fired. At 12 to Chelsea
for Ella and after lunch returned for her sister Edith Stewararand we went to see
the new Mappin Terraces at the Zoo. From here nothing of London can be seen, you
could scarce credit that the largest city lay around. To the R.A.C. for tea and
Edith left us and El1a came to get my luggage and see me off from Marylebone Station.
Home at 10.
 tJj/4_
vleds.,22nd July.
Percy in his motor took us off to Annesley for the marriage of Lina Chaworth
Musters. (Her husband killed 6 weeks later in retreat from Mons. She had twin
girls born after, pretty and in Epperstone Christmas 1929). Annesley is the
original of Washington Irving's Bracebridge Hall. It also appears in D'Israeli's Venetia
and was the home of the bride's great-great-grandmother. Patrick Musters, in the 60th,
said he had seen me in the R.A.C. on Monday evening and Peggy Turner was also there.
Thurs., 23rd July.
Spent the day with Major Robertson at Widmerpool.
Sat.,25th July.
To the Fox's party at E. Bridgford.
Weds. ,29th July.
Margie acting as a middy in Rupert Sherbrooke's uniform in.the play
"\'1here the Rainbow Endsll at Gonalston in the open air. Scathing attack on
slackers.
Thurs.,30th July.
The same play given in the evening with limelight effects most successful.

Fri.,31st ~ J~ I

Percy, Ernest and Randall to dinner. Got £180 in gold in the house, drawing
£80 to-day.

Sat. ,1st Aug.

Left at 5.15 with Percy in his motor with Randall for Grimston Garth on the
sea coast 15 miles from Hull. Arrived 129 miles before 9 o'clock for breakfast,
averaging 36 miles. Met no vehicle of any kind till the Bridge at Selby. Rain
till past Rufford when my usual good weather luck came. At Beverley at 8 where
morning papers announcing outbreak of the Great War. The fine castle at Grimston full
with Dennis Bayley's establishment, we slept 27 in the house. Horses, motor cars, etc.
Mrs. Dennis just had a miscarriage and Muriel also threatens so both in bed. P~cy
has his two boys here. The evening news most alarming. Bank Rate l~~ so determine .
to return on Sunday. We drank the King's health at dessert in the Banquetting Hall.
The Hexagon, the evening seen streaming through the west window, lighting the
scutcheons on the wall, the glass and silver on the table. Little Geoff peeping
in and affected returned to his mother and said it was "like an advertisement for
whisky". (At this time Whisky adverts were real works of art, generally some
inspiring scene in some Scotch castle). G.e.efIYf
L~t~~ G--~ ~1?'8.
Sun. ,2nd Aug.
Left Hull at 11.40, at Selby a train of cavalry remounts passed. Home at 6.30.
Mon. ,3rd Aug.
To Nottingham and in afternoon to Gonalston. Mrs. Philip Francklin whose
husband is Capt. of Admiral Craddock's flagship and Mrs. Harry Sherebrooke agree
with me that the news of the German fleet beingapassed into the North Sea implies
an attempted raid here. I have three months of supplies in my house and a good
supply of money.

Nfff-e-. 1u-r4. rt1A'/tt F<d/lAvklv:.. aj~O-~ ~~

A~ ~ £. k B~v~B-rO~.
 LCf 14-
Tues.,4th AUgust.
Polly drove to Lowdham for meat and I rode to Nottingham via the bridle
road and Lambley Gorse. All the Banks are closed by proclamation till Friday,
though doubtless cheques by post are being cleared. The Pawnbroker was closed,
evidently classing himself as a banker, but other shops are open. To the Club
for lunch, the Yeomanry officers were all congregated together but as Tommason
says they will probably be reduced to foot. I sat with Capt. Tommason, the
County Chief Constable. Hicking, late Sheriff and a banker, who said £1 notes
and 10/- notes would be issued on Friday. Hanson the brewer and Lindley the
barrister who brought in Bailey of the Robin Hoods. We were expecting orders
to mobilise the army hourly. The territorials who were at camp are kept embodied
at H.Q. and War is to be declared tonight to protect Holland~elgium. There is
really little excitement.
Wire from Adjutant at 8 to be at H.Q. 8th Sherwood Foresters Newark. It
has begun. I was the only one from Epperstone in his proper place though later
nearly 40 were called up, of whom 13 volunteered.
\'Ieds. ,5th Aug.
"Mobilise". I got into service uniform and rode my little mare to Newark,
starting at ~ to' 8 by Bridae road' , on to Kelham and reported at the new drill
hall at 9.45. Bertie Fowler gave me the orders to organise the transport for the
8th Sherwood Foresters, so about the town all day and rode out to Farndon to
Charlie's hORse for dinner and the night.
Thurs.,6th Aug.
~ frustrated attempt to blow up the G.N. Railway bridge north of town
by Germans. Over 13 aeroplanes fIe'" over town during the day. Buying horses and
waggons all day. At 5 a great parade of horses and carts I had commandeered for
inspection by the Vicarage. Hales at dinner and to stay, the Chaplain of the
Battalion. Lunched.at the Clinto~with the Colonel of the 4th Notss S.F,. Special
Reservists who mobilised today and left at night to garrison S.ShieldS. Reports
of gun firing being heard off the east coast but no news. Papers 'all silent.
Fri.,7th Aug.
The Companies arrived from their H.Q. during the morning and'by noon Charlie
had 1000 men in billets. Magnus School and ground is for Quartermasters Stores
and transport and one company billetted much to Edward Nicholson's disgust who
is an educationist crank. All day the hotels full of luncheon parties coming
from the North in motors, mostly Americans on tour throwing interested glances
at the soldiers.
Newark has never seen such times since the days of the Cavaliers when it stood
3 sieges. No war fever but a look of stern determination on the men's faces. My
~nephew Patrick, Charlie's boy, of the Officers Training Corps at Harrow, 17 years,
enlists as a private and his father gives him a motor cycle to act as despatch rider.
Charlie's position is a fine one. Motoring all round the country buying horses.
Showery day. The main guard is at the Town Hall, the officers mess at Clarkes
Rooms in Stedman Street, a strong guard on all the railway bridges day and night
as the German plot to paralyse our ~obilisation becomes apparent. Good news of a
defeat of Germans by Belgians at Liege. 8 nations at,war, the German has raised a
hornet's nest: he must be mad. Working till after 10.
d-' .
Sat. ,8tH Aug.
t-o;/4-
An army corps passed Newark in the night to the North and disappeared off
the G.N. System at York in 95 trai~~Whither? Denmark? No one knows where our
army and navy is, only all rumours. The people are splendid. Gone is civil
war and the humbug of lying politicians and the country now as one. I surmised
a raid and that we should be off in the afternoon. However no news came. I had
a steak at the Clinton and did not get back to Farndon till 10. During my dinner
the band played in the Market Square where the people walked about, the main
guard hanging over the balcony of the Town Hall, girls in light dresses and
later the bells of the fine old church rang for service.

Sun.,9th Aug.
Rode in at 9 and at 10 a drum head service in the market place. At 11 I went
to pick up our 21 horses from the government depot and found only 13 allotted
so Bertie Fowler and I with a vet to Bingham by motor, Car Colston and Newton
and bought 14 horses to complete, fine animals. Frank Perry supplying two *
hunters. Tea at Clarkes wh~re Allen said he was on guard on the G.N.R. on
Friday night and in the signal box and 95 troop trains passed in the night
and disappeared beyond York. Back to Farndon at 9 for supper.
* I scrounged all Col. Laycock's picked horses and left him our cobs,
so the 8th have the best horse transport of any.

Mon. ,10th Aug.

Off at 9 and saw Transport and then to the muster in the market place,
8th Shen~ood Foresters ~080 st~ong in front of the Town Hall, the Mayor and
Corporation in full regalia on a dais and a procession very large of clergy
and choristers wended from the church and ranged themselves in front of the
dais, and a short service was held, a most impressive and most memorable day
in Newark's history since it surrendered at King Charles' order to the Parliament
army in 1645. Then off the Regiment marched down the ~oss_At the last moment I
had to commandeer 2 drays for the day. Trotted down the Foss and came up with
the column at Red Lodge. The cross-ways full of people to see the regiment pass.
Margie was waiting with a party from Epperstone at the Toll Bar House at Bridgford
and Patrick motored on to tell her of the approach. He told Margie he was a
lieutenant, an amusing bit of boyish "swank". I left here for home.
Tues.,12th Aug. ~~~
I drove to ~ Park and met Mrs. Frank Seely and offered our house
for.a hospital. Later to Nottingham and saw the Mounted Brigade Ambulance and
S.N Hussars who off tonight to'Norfolk. Met Philip Wanjick and congratulated him
on his first born.

vleds. ,13th Aug.

To Nottingham and the Club. Harvest being well got in and glorious weather.
Thurs. ,14th Aug.
Called back to the Depot at Newark to relieve Col. Foljambe. Hooley, the
County Surveyor there, formerly Cqpt. in Robin Hoods and giving great help.
A message from the Mayor with a ~ from the Capt.Superintendent of G.N.R.
Police asking if our railway guard is being removed. This report evidently due to some
fussiness from unofficial sources so I reassured them and wired to Kings Cross that
the Company on duty would not be removed without acquainting the Mayor and the Police.
 Lct 1 4-
The false reports in the papers this morning amusing. They brought all the
pretty girls from Southwe11 to Newark to see their sweethearts who they heard
were off abroad that night. Hoo1ey and I got on well, previously there had been
some coldness. Had tea in Colonel App1eby's garden at Barn1ey Gate House and
a peaceful scene for war time. Returned at 8.
Fri.,15th Aug.
Rode to Southwe11 to inspect the Company depot. Yesterday at Newark we
sent off 12 men with Sergt. Suddington equipped to join the 8th at Derby but
still have 20 men for whom we have none in store and so out are we that
stationery is short even to recruit attestation forms. Magnificent weather.
The 8th move on Sat. - whither? The fog of war is complete for no news leaks
out either where our troops or ships are. But I believe the authorities are
apprehensive of a raid. Wi11iam has arrived in Venice. Percy writes that
troops are all round Grimston Garth; but they see few warships but heard the
sound of gun fire at sea. Late in the evening Mrs. Harry Sherbrook called to
say her father-in-law Capt. Sherbrooke R.N. had died that afternoon, another
figure of Victorian England gone. He was just 70 years of age.
Sat. ,16th Aug.
To Nottingham and hear our brigade move from Derby to Luton. Back by
2 train and called at Gona1ston to see the Squire now so infirm and the last in
our valley of the old Victorian England. \ihat pleasant reunions we have had at
Oxton and Gona1ston, especially during the "nineties".
Sun. ,17th Aug.
Drove with Po11y to Capt. Sherbrooke's funeral at Oxton. His three daughters
there, Mrs. Bryan, Mrs. Popert and Lady Elgin. Capt. Harry R.N. (now Captain of
* the cruiser battleship Tiger at Glasgow), his wife and boy Rupert, Capt. and Mrs.
Jarvis (sister) of Doddington. Mrs. Pattinson there, only a bride last month at
Annes1ey, her husband gone to the War. The weather most lovely. ( ~ ~ ~
Hon.,18th Aug. R~ ~(crvJ'. 're)
Spent at home till afternoon when I cycled over to Winkburn to see Co1.Burne11. ;1
Tues. ,19th Aug.
Harvest going on merrily.
tleds. ,20th Aug.
By 11 train to Toton. Met Mrs. Sherbrooke and Mrs. Propert at the station.
To the recruiting office at Nottingham where they are recruiting for the New Army.
At the Depot I was told uniforms come in slowly. No troops in Nottingham and guards
done by National Reserve. I had tea with McLeans at Long Eaton.

Thurs.,31st Aug.

At home. With Percy at tea at the Cottage when a wire from Williim he
was at Geneva en route for Paris.

* Harry Sherbrooke,Capt.,R.N.,D.S.O. with his flotilla the first into Bagdad later on.
 Fri. ,22nd Aug.

Drove with Margie to Fishpool and while returning a partial eclipse of the
sun ~~9kplace which shed a weird light. Annie came over in the afternoon, said
tha~~lie N. Midland Division arrived at Luton 70,000 troops 'vere already there;
the officers of the 8th lived in a shed but 2 days ago marched for Harpenden,
Louth, Bosoon, Harwich, are all entrenched. .
Sat. ,23rd Aug.
To Nottingham and got some of the new 10/- notes. Lunched with Percy and
family fresh from Grimston Garth. He said that the control of the sea became
very apparent. At first not a ship to be seen but the last week any time 10 to 30
merchant coasters could be seen from the Tower. At Grimsby Immingham Hall search-
lights played all night.
Mon. ,24th Aug.
Drove Margie to Oxton to the Sherbrookes where a young party. After a storm
I drove back at 6 and stayed an hour talking with Mrs. Bryan.
Tues. ,25th Aug.
At home. War news depressing. To Gonalston to tea where Willie Francklin
from London with better news that our line held its own and German successes apocryphal.
Mrs. Milward and daughter there and laughed at Count L. Arco's disappearance.
\'leds. ,26th Aug.
Hp~~;In the afternoon to Newark to our depot where Col. Foljambe. With him to
Re=' ~ house at Castle Gate, a detac~ed Queen Anne house looking dO\in the North
Road where my great aunt Warwick lived 40 years and whose doors were ever open to
me on my frequent visits, especially as a boy, when coming and returning from school.
It has a pleasant green court in the rear between the house and stables beyond which
the tall graceful church spire is seen. Tea at Col. Appleby's in Barnby Gate. A
succession of recruits fmr the 4th S.F. being examined and a fair sprinkle of Khaki
clad soldiers in the streets. Troop trains were running south through Newark all
last night.
Thurs.,27th Aug.
Heard report that troop trains were running south on all main lines full of
Russian troops (~)
Fri. ,28th Aug.
The above report spreads.
Sat. ,29th Sept.
Still the above report. To Nottingham and lunch with Percy. Harold Bayley
just arrived from Switzerland and got from Paris to the coast by the last train.
Recruiting increasing rapidly. The country just awaking to the danger.
Sun. ,30th Aug.
No real news. But the 60 troop trains expected by Nottingham Midland did not
pass.
Mon. ,31st Aug.
Cycled to Sherwood Lodge to lunch with Sir Charles. Col. Hylton Seely came after.
He thinks in spite of the ridicule of the Daily Mail the phantom Russian Army through
England may yet materialise. The weather lovely and harvest most abounding
practically in.
Tues.,lstSept.
To Nottingham to see if I could get accurate news of the phantom army.
To tea at Percy's where Edith Champneys (now with us), Polly and Margie. Shewn
a letter from Harold on the Thunderer evidently from very far north. Mysterious
Admiralty order that all ships passing the Channel (Dover) go inside the downs.
Did the transports go straight to France on Sunday instead of by the trains which
never came? We surmise so.
Weds. ,2nd Sept.
Card from Harold dated 31st Aug. so he is evidently close to coast.
Was the fleet convoying transports? Does this explain the Destroyers' attack
off Heligoland.
Thurs.,3rd Sept.
~ In uniform to Hoveringham and across the Trent up the beautiful banks at
Kne~ton to make enquiries of C~unt Arco at his house, he gone but will exonerate
him from spying. Our peaches are in profusion. To church at 7.30. Our church
bell now rings at noon to remind people to pray as in ancient days. ~
Sat.,5th Sept. . J-;-tt~~~ ~r-e-&I:O<~,

To Nottingham and returning saw the troop train returning to Newark with
260 men, either hot strong enough or un~illing to campaign abroad, the latter
were called the "Kaiser's Own". The weather wonderfUl and with the uncertain
future I make as much of a peaceful home as possible. Edith Champneysis staying
here. Was at Crewe Station seeing ViQlet Off by the 11 train when an official
said she was lucky as no further trains to London that day as the line up north
was all cleared for the Russian troops. Yet there is no certain knowledge of
these and of course no news where any of our troops are.
Sun. ,6th Sept.
Collection for the Prince of Wales fund made over £14.
Mon.,7th Sept.

To lunch at Sherwood Lodge with Sir Charles who is converting several of

his big rooms into hospital wards. He and Mrs. Seely to Calverton to see our
new approach to the cricket ground.
Tues. ,8th Sept.

Cycled to Syerston and met Charlie and Annie who were motoring to Epperstone
Charlie has recruited nearly up to full strength for abroad.
v/eds. ,9th Sept.
To Ruddington cycling from Nottingham. Lucy Champneys came today.
Peaches still plentiful.

Thurs.,lOth Sept.
Patrick came over. He is 17 and has been attached to the 8th as Despatch
Rider and is much disgusted at having to return to Harrow instead of going to
France with the Regiment. The men most comfortable at Harpendon and indeed fare
better· than the officers whose messing isbad. 70,000 troops about Harpendon and
Luton. P. motored two or three tmmes to London which looks a strange city, few
motor busses and troops all about.
Fri.,llth Sept.
In the afternoon walked by Payne's Mill and over the fields at Calverton by the
Dover Beck, a very out of the way country, 'boggy with trees and alders and like a
wood, and thus home through the Park Wood.
Sat. ,12th Sept.
To Nottingham and lunched at Percy's.
Sun. ,13th Sept.
News of our great success on the Marne and harrowing stories of German
devilry. To Oxton to call on Mrs. Bryan and to tea with the Sherbrookes. Capt.
Sherbrooke home on leave 8 days asked me to look after all matters if Dick
Francklin'nejoins the Yeomanry.
Hon.,14th Sept.
Lunch at Sher\iood Lodge and then to meet Col. Frank Seely just off to rejoin
his Yeomanry now under orders for abroad.
Tues.,15th Sept.
To tea at Woodbro Hall, a little Belgian boy there, one of a family staying
with Tom Hill at Normanton, refugees. The Hills had stayed with them last year
as guests of some conference, a case of "angels Una\iares".
Weds.,16th Sept.
As Sir Francis had offered home for 14 convalescents, Lady Ley urging the
village to take part of the charge: but as the annual charge will be under £800
a year and the Works at Derby "chock a block" . .l ith Admiralty orders increasing
Sir F's big. profits many thousa~ a year, not any response. We have 12 from
Epperstone with the Colawes, about 4% of the population.
Thurs.,17th Sept.
To Toton.

Fri. ,18th Sept.

Edith Champneys leaves us and self to Farhdon with my field glasses which
I gave Annie to take to Harpenden for the Regiment's use, now under orders for
France. Sent £5 for the new field kitchens. Our subn. at church last Sunday for
P. of W. Fund over £14.
Sat. ,19th Sept.
To see Percy, with Nell from Nobfolk. Harold so far safe. As regards spies,
Nell was talking to a coast guard near Sherringham who said inhabitants of bungalows
not known to be Germans had a young lady staying: he noticed her sketching but would
not have considered so usual an employment if she had not crawled to change position:
so watched 2 hours and then arrested her. That night the house was raided at 2.
The man gone but wife in and the whole place full of papers with information for
invaders.
William ~ame to the Cottage after his long journey from Russia. Stayed at
~aris and moto~~to Amiens with a Belgian friend to enquire after the latter's
lost wife, they ran into the firing line not expecting Germans nearer than Belgium.
 Sun. ,20th Sept.
William to supper and a long talk of the War and whether the.phantom
Russian army did go through England or no. Jack Brett \.,.ho has been 5 years
in Canada and has been spending the summer here, enlisted with our Hussar
regiment for the War, wrote 2 weeks ago that 25,000 of the Russians were
on Salisbury Plain. Seeing how defenceless the country is owing to the poisonous
radical tail wagging of the government, I reckon there will be a reckoning with
them after the War.
Mon. ,21st Sept.

William left us and being at the Station where also were Mrs. Bryan and
Susan I introduced him. Met Sir Charles near FOx\·IOOd. A lovely autumn day,
but really our flawless spring and summer ended 8 days ago when we had a great
gale and rain on and off for some days and a great drop in temperature, and
now the wind is north and cold.

Tues. 22nd Sept.

Lovely weather and evidently in for another spell of fine weather. Had
the last of pur peaches for breakfast having gathered 620 in all. Cycled to
Gonalston at 12 with Margie and Polly to take grapes and enquire after the
old Squire. Geoffry Champneys (17) comes to-day, so with Mrs. Kent in the day
time to teach Margie we are a large party.
Weds.,23rd Sept.
Sad news of sinking of 3 of our cruisers by submarines off the Hook of
Holland. A pair of pure white swallows on our houserooof and flying about
against the pure blue sky, the parents feeding them on the wing. There seemed
.f1_. I. great excitement among the swallOWS and martins who were flying in clusters oJ'~~
I~ ~~~and ~a my mind not in a friendly spirit but the youngsters were strong on ,
i~ tr:.d4 the wing and apparently could look after themselves. At 12 the disturbance
evidently aroused the rooks~ who rose cawing and mustered from several quarters,
fairly charged through the swallows and after playing among themselves settled
themselves in my big oaks.
Thurs.,24th Sept.
Spent t~e morning at Calverton. Lovely autumn day.
Fri. ,25th Sept.
Cycled to Southwell for the Guardians meeting. Subscribed 2/6d. to
8th S.F. field ovens to which I had already given £5, but this list got
over £7 from the Guardians. Cycled by Rolleston to Farndon where Polly,
Annie and Patrick, and back by train. Col. Foljambe has heard of his son
from a convent where he lies wounded.
Sat. ,26th Sept.
To Nottingham with Bell and Geoffry to see Sir T. Birkin and then to
the Court of Sewers. To North Lodge. All Percy's party motored out to Epperstone
for tea, but I by train with a Lincs.Artilleryofficer.
 Sun. ,27th Sept.
To Church. Johnson of S.N.H. on leave. Heard that the Campania ,...hich sank
off Hebrides had the Russian ammunition. That Army still a mystery. Most assert it
a fiction.
Mon. ,28th Sept.
Drove to the Pilgrim Oak at Newstead Park Gate and met Mr. Smith of Darley
Dale as to planting 80 acres of waste near by. Motored after by Syke Breck and
H~. .ood Oaks to Sherwood Lodge for lunch. Lucy Champneys left us this morning
for Llandudno.
Tues. ,29th Sept.
\'lc:iked in the morning to Lowdham Grange whence beautiful views all round on
what is becoming an autumn Jandscape, for tints begin here and there. Terrible to
think of the desolation in Belgium and France amid such scenes of peace, the grey
church tower and spire, the gabled manor close by, the cottages in orchards dOvm
the slopp, the tall gothic gable of Brown roofs of my housecpmid its oaks and
trim yew hedges,backed by the great park wood and green uplands studded with trees
and woods and the forest of Sherwood blue at the upper end of the valley.
We have 14 with the colours out of a population of 360.
1. Fleet Surgeon Harold Huskinson, R.N. H.M.S. Thunderer.
2. Colonel Charles John Huskinson, 8th Sherwood Foresters.
3. Major Gordon Ley, S. Notts Yeomanry.
4. 2nd Lt. Christopher Ley.
5. 2nd Lt. Maurice Ley (killed in action)
6. 2nd Lt. Gordon Burrows, Sherwood Foresters. Grandson of old Burrows our churchwarden.
7. Pvt. Hunt of Nonlood Farm, S.N.Y.
8. Pvt. Arthur Smith, son of Mrs. Dufty's coachman.
9. Pvt. Leonard Roberts.
10. Pvt. Arthur Stanley S.N.Y.
11. Pvt. Lindley, S.N.Y. of Rickett Wood Farm.
12. Pvt. Hudson, Sherwood Foresters.. .
1 13. John Bract, l8thHUssars, grandson of Mrs. Dufty, enlisted for \olar. Has been
5 years in Canada.
(Nov. 24th list increased to 20. Myself, Major on Army list have not been attached,
too old.
3"
MtU"c..l.A- U1 /£0 fM.1.~ .
l1arch 1915, humber 27. 1917, 50.) (NM.e.: !JaV'. 4- .lq 1:( • No 34)
Canon Glaister drove over from Southwell bringing his niece, Miss de Grouchy,
a very Pretty girl. She was in Russia when war broke out and had some difficulty in
getting away via Sweden. The first bit of England she saw was H.M.S. Inflexible on
the North Sea which stopped the ship and directed it to Leith. She is a a gt.gt.gt.niece
of F.Marshall Grouchy, Napoleon's Marshal~ Before we declared war the Russian friends
\.. ould laugh and say 110 yes, 0 yes, we know you English, you will do nothing till it
is nearly over and then come in and bag everythingll • However, there ,.. as great relief
when we did declare war.
Weds. ,30th Sept.
Cycled to \'linkburn and then round by Maplebeck to Earlshaw Farm. Here there
is a small moat where a grange 100 ft. square stood anciently the home. of the
Mathers. Wheeled the cycle across the fields to Park Springs and so home by
South\vell.
Oct. ,1st ,Thursday.
At 4 drove to Winkburn for a talk with the Colonel.
Fri. ,2nd Oct.
Cycled down the Foss to Widmerpool and back to Nottingham for tea at the
Club and home by the Plains.
Sat.,3rd Oct.
To Nottingham. Goose Fair going on and as usual I went to seee the menagerie,
a small hippo being a feature. To Percy's at 2, where Nell and he motored me out.
The weather and autumn tints delightful. At Nottingham saw about 200 of the Robin
Hood Reserve Battn. (in mufti). The nation is in the greatest straits for rifles and
equipment. At present we can make but ~OOO rifles a week, not more than the wastage
of War. No saddlery cloth. Seely told m~ that in the Isle of Wight the C.O. for
500 military posts had 200 rifles. Regiments of 1000 men had 40 or 50 rifles for
practice. To such a helpless state had the vile little Englanders reduced us,
the Cabinet is much to blame for yielding to them.

Sun. ,4th Oct.

To Church in morning and in the afternoon to Gonalston where a large party
the old Squire and Mrs. F. and Edith, Cecil Jervis, Mrs. Harry Sherbrooke, Mr. and
Mrs. Edward Francklin and Richard F., his wife and Lavender.· The Lo\vdham station-
·master also to tea. Mrs. Harry tpld me German submarines had made several attempts
to blow up the Forth Bridge, our fleet was always at steam ahead even when coaling.
Harry S. goes out with the Tiger for war stores tomorrow.
Mon. ,5th Oct.
To Sherwood Lodge for lunch. Sir Charles Seely alone. He told me he had
heard from Jack at the front and both sides at the Aisne well dug in, hence the
pause. With a good present of game home.
Tues. ,6th Oct.
To Nottingham and to the hospital with a present of grapes for the woudded
just arrived and stayed half an hour chatting with a group of them.
\veds.,7th Oct.
Cycled to Hexgreave, passing Mrs. Harry Sherbrooke and Ld. Harris in Oxton.
Had a long chat with Mrs. Wilson and Gladys. Maud and Miss Starkey are now nursing
in the hospital. Home by Osmanthorpe, Edgingley and Farnsfield.
Thurs. ,8th Oct.
Cycled to Syerston for the audit and then lunched there. Returning called
on Mes. Neale at Kne~on to enquire of Count L. Arco's doings and returned across
Hoveringham ferry.
Fri. ,9th Oct.
Cycled to Gonalston Hall to see Edward Francklin's new improvements. Bought
George Fillingham's 14.3 cob. Jonathan Hurt aged 44 has joined the Sherwood
Foresters.
Sat. ,10th Oct.
To Nottingham arid at 1.30 outside Spaldings shop with Geoff Champneys
Margie and Emily got into Percy's motor for Epperstone. Dick stayed to see
Mother, but we all with Polly off via Rufford gates to She~~ood Forest near
Edwinstow and after a visit to the Major Oak had tea under the old trees.
The day and autumn tints magnificEn t. We then motored all round Thllr~by and
Clumber Park, over 40 mile run. (-rtt
~5frJ )
Sun. ,11th Oct.
Weather beautiful. To church where Mrs. Dufty on her 9lst birthday,
looking quite young and gay, hair not grey and no need for spectacles. We
all congratulated her after church. Antwepp fell yesterday. Our lack of rifles
scandalous. Haldane's criminal policy.
Mon.12th Oct.
Did not go to Sherwpod Lodge and as also my cycle broken down kept at home"
and in the afternoon took grapes to the Sergeant (Fullbridge) convalescent at
the Manor after a wound at the Aisne.
Yesterday Harvest Festival was a contrast to those of 35 years ago before
cycles and motors. Society had then to make the most of its immediate opportunities
and it was the occasion of meeting for the neighbouring squirearchy and clergy.
Mrs. Champneys having often a party of 40 or 50 for tea afte~~ards, while the
whole parish supped and danced at the Schools. We always had a party of the
pretty Miss Parkyns from the Hall at Woodbro, the Streets of Lowdham Grange,
FrQ.ncklins, etc.
Tues.,13th Oct.
To Washingley 8 miles from Peterbro and as the underwood is largely maple
the woods looked superb like pantomime scenes, the underwood and brambles, and
hedges every shade from yellow and lemon to red bronze whilst the large timber
of oaks and ash dark green. In Caldecot Wood is a Sleeping Beauty Palace, "
namely a moat. round \"/hat was a house centuries ago. I saw a party of Lord Lovat' s
Scouts at Peterbro, fine young fellows in Khaki, Ld. Lovat's blue caps and blue
puttees, very smart. At Belton near Grantham 16,000 men are in camp, Kitchener's
ne\v army.
\/eds. ,14th Oct.
I have sent £5 to Lady Jellicoe's navy fund and blankets to Polly's cousin
Lady Maud Wilbraham for Queen Mary's Belgian Hospital at Southend. Rode to Calverton.
Patrick seems recovered and sound.
Thurs. ;15th Oct.
Mrs. Wilson and Maud to tea from Hexgreave.
Fri.,16th Oct.
Rode to Calverton. To a recruiting meeting at Lowdham at 8. Colonel Fuljambe.
Not very good response and going to the Institute after,a man who seemed willing
but anxious about allowance to wife and 5 children seemed indignant at bachelors
not coming forward. Seeing a group of likely fellows at a table, one with a sheaf
of flag favours in his buttonhole I said "There is one \.. .ho \.. .ill give a lead".
The cub remaining sitting smoking on a second enquiry Bu;j:d "Yes, I will join".
As he \'/ould not make a further move I asked "When'?" "Sometime" • "\fuen is that'?"
"\fuen its all over" 111 These fellows should be soundly taxed.
Sat. ,17th Oct.
To Nottingham looking in on Percy I went after to Pontings Livings Pictures
taken during Scott's expedition to the Antarctic and was fortunate to be alongside
myoId yachting friend George Fower and his party. Saw the parade of the Robin
Hood (7th S.F.) Reserve Battalion.

Sun. ,18th Oct.

At home all day.
Mon. ,19th Oct.
Never a more lovely autumn morning, a bright blue sky and the trees in
varying shades of shining gold: the village tower and spire, the stone and brick
walls shining in the sun. To lunch at Sherwood Lodge, Mrs. Dalbriac and a
daughter, Mrs. Hollins and a daughter. Came back to Calverton with Sir Charles
who gave me a hare, brace of pheasant and a wild duck.

Tues. ,20th Oct.

At home. To see the Sergeant, a convalescent at the Manor, with grapes.
\'leds. ,21st Oct.
To London at 10. At Nottingham met Patrick Musters and his son, the latter
an officer in the 60th was wounded in the retreat from Mons by a spent bullet in
the chest, is now all right. Cartwright of the Marine Artillery was there, just
back from Dunkirk. I met and travelled with Rusthoven Smith (of the Banker family)
whom I had not seen since he was my Captain some 16 years ago. Arriving at my Club,
the Royal Societies, in St. J~es's St., I found a message to go to Harpenden
so put off Ella and after a call on Monica left for Harpendon, a pretty place in
Herts. some 30 miles. The officers of the 8th Sherwood Foresters have their mess
at the Gas Works Offices (their stores just opposite). I dined with them. Many
strangers but a nice lot. Tom Hill, Hollins of Berry-Hill and one of Edges of
Strelley among the new local men who joined. I was quartered in the Bowling Alley.
Thurs.,22nd Oct.
I was up at 5.30 just in time to see the 8th parade and see the 7th and 8th
off to Luton. It was a grey morning. I left for London at 8 after a talk to Annie
in her lodgings. My transport is considered very satisfactory. Breakfasted= at
the Royal Societies Club after securing rooms at 7 Little St. James Place and
received a note from Ella to callat 3.30. I called on Nell in Emperors Gate and
talked till lunch time, which failing Monica I had with William at the Windham
Club. He optimistic. Cornwallis West came in as the Club says to show he is not
in gaol as a spy, his wife is suspected to have been in Prussian pay. Had a long
call on Ella where her sister Edith part of the time. To dinner at the R.A.C.
and on walking into the Dining Room Willie Francklin hailed me so I sat down to
table with him. The gloom of London streets was not very noticeable to me, used
to the country and it was quite easy to see one's way about.
 /&;1'-1-
Fr. ,23rd Oct.
I breakfasted with Nell and Dick in Emperor's Gate and later to fetch
Ella to the Automobile Club for lunch. The many officers in uniform give a
war time air. We had a walk in the Park which was very autumnal and after tea
at the R.A.C. motored her to Euston station and I on to Marylebone to return
home. At lunch Mrs. Bryan spied me and came up for a few remarks.
Sat. ,24th Oct.

To Nottingham, also later Polly, Margie and Geoffry Champneys to see

Pontings Arctic Living Pictures. Called at Muriels. Our shortage of rifles
very scandalous and puts us in grave difficulties. I know Haldane to be a
liar and he has acted like a traitor.
Sun. ,25th Oct.
Rainy, so at home except to church. Fine later and Percy to lunch.
Mon. ,26th Oct.
To Sherwood Lodge for lunch. Sir Gharles by himself. He gave me,as
last two weeks, a handsome present of game, a hare, a brace of pheasant
and a wild duck. Walking with Polly and Margie about the village.
Tues. ,27th Oct.
Rode up to Grimes Moor Farm about cutting poplars. After tea we all
walked to Hurts Farm by the Park Wood. It was a lovely evening and the foliage
still full.
\·leds. ,28th Oct.
To meet the hounds at Bulcote and drew the sewage farm and Gedling Woods
where a fallow deer got up. Mrs. Francklin, Mrs. Sherbrooke and Mrs. Upton out,
no men except Mrs. Upton's son-in-~aw, just commissioned for the Royal Horse
Artillery. Killed a brace of foxes, the last from Bulcote Wood, 15 minutes,
and killed at "\'1orldsEnd" at LO\'/dham.
Thurs. ,29th Oct.
At home.
Sat. ,31st Oct.
Very rainy. To Nottingham and took a lot of grapes to the Belgian hospital in C
Clinton Terrace. Miss Birkin in charge. A Belgian lady, Countess de BailIe Latour
was in from Welbeck. About 20 soldiers, a good looking lot.
Sun. ,1st Nov.
Sunny and though ash, oak and willo\'/ in good leaf, yet the landscape wintry.
Percy motored over a lot of Belgians but I missed them. Pinned "a list of Epperstone
men serving with the colours on the church porch (17) six officers also 10 wh had
served though only 4 fit for s~rvice as "last ditchers".
Mon. ,2nd Nov.
Lunched with Sir Charles Seely at Sherwood Lodge. Mrs. Seely and Col. H.
Seely also there. After a drive through the woods of 2 miles returned by Arnold.
 3.1·
Tues. ,3rd-Nov.-
To Hinckley for the audit. The factories for hosiery here very busy with
Army orders and cecruiting slow. A short walk in Leicester on returning.
Weds. ,4th Nov.
To the meet at Oxton, only 3 ladies and myself. Quite a nice run from
Greave Lane Woods about the hills near Halam. Caught the 2 train into Nottingham.
Thurs. ,5th Nov.
Rode to Oxton north gate to meet the Rufford which pack did not come.
Last Monday the Atherston had 25 out, formerly a field of 300 would be there.
Fri.,6th Nov.
To Nottingham to catch the Newark express. Met Harry Warwick who has a
regiment in Bucks. On first coming he met it 1000 strong and one ~fficer and
2 days after a general came to inspect it, the men in rags and many literally
on their bare feet. Falstaff's company a crack corps in comparison. Old army
men sold their clothes expecting a refit not in stock.
To the Tenant Rights Valuerm meeting at the·Saracens Head, a pretty room
for lunch, interesting because panelled when Pitt ruled and we feared the French
invasion. Pitt's bust over the mantel. Now again invasion threatens.
After to the 8th Notts Depot where a lot of men fitting out. Hoolley in
charge. I missed Foljambe. Some Belgian soldiers in hospital here and the R.C.
have their H.Q. at Ossington.
Sat.,7th Nov.
Sad news of our reverse in the Pacific,2 cruisers~gone, my friend and
neighbour Philip Francklin of the Good Hope gone, also a ruce of Clifton and
~Ir/a cousin of my clerk Bel~. Philip and his pretty little wife, his dear old father
~ and mother and Eait~ all dined with.me rather over a year ago, the night before
4L he left to take over his ship as Flag Captain to Admiral Craddock. Only the
~ Sunday before the War I was talking with his wife at Gonalston and pleased he
was outside the extreme danger zone.
To Nottingham and later to Percy's and walking with Mrs. Philip Birkin
on the Avenue Causeway opposite the new Drill Hall, watching the 2nd Robin Hoods
muster. This morning travelled with Mrs. Sherbrooke who was to London to see
her sister-in-law Mrs. P. and to hear if better news. Returned by Gonalston but
the family out.
Sun. ,8th Nov.
To Church. Strange we all so peaceful here. This week shells from German
cruisers fell on Yarmouth beach but no damage. Guns of the great battle of the
Dunes heard at Dover plainly, and gunfiring from Flamboro and Filey.
Mon.,9th Nov.
To Sherwood Lodge for lunch. A large party of children and pretty
Miss Russell.

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Tues. ,10th Nov.
To Newark with Arthur Warwick to Balderton Hall. ~lhi1st waiting for him
in Newark strolled into the fine church and about the market place, seeing the
soldiers and officers coming off parade. Met Tom Hill now in the 8th S.F. and
talked to old Mr. Friend who had recently been at Brid1ington north of which
now entrenchments and many troops. Members of the Town Guard are in blue and
guard the bridges.
After lunch walked round the property and then talk and tea with Cousin
Emi1y who was at Ems when the 1870 \.,rar began and saw there Bismark the King of
Prussia, Moelke and von Falkenberg. Moelke a little grey haired man \.,rou1d
walk with the King and every now and then take him by a button and looking up
talk earnestly, a little man all on wires.
Called at the Drill Hall and saw Col. Fo1jambe and Col. Oates.
The trains now all run with blinds dO~lIl.

Weds. ,11th Nov.

Rode to Syerston this morning and stayed for lunch, a very wet stormy day.
The mare shyeing at a road sign returning threw me.
Thurs.,12th Nov.
To Toton and afterwards to call on the McLeans at the Vicarage, Long Eaton.
They have a third fine boy. Walked with the Vicar to Trent Station for home.
Fri.,13th Nov.
Rode up to Oxton in the afternoon to see Mrs. Sherbrooke. Richard Francklin
is commissioned to the S.N. Hussars so my duties here are increased. Gusty day.
Sat. ;¥tth Nov.
Travelled with Edith Franck1in to Nottingham. She to London to see Mrs.
Phi1ip and bring her to Notts. To Percy's at 1.30. The Robin Hood Reserves mustering
in the road outside.
Sun.,15th Nov.
Epperstone Feast and a heavy fall of snow during the night and early morning.
Within living memory only the second experience of so heavy a fall. Walked to
Gonalston,but the family being out did not stay.
Mon. ,1Gth Nov.
The 15th anniversary of our wedding. A sunny day with beautiful lights but
all leaf gone except on the oaks in the woods. Walked vnth Po11y to Woodbro Hall
to tea with Charles Hill. The Admiralty recently shifted the 5 mile buoy at
Lowestoft an~ 2 miles which deceived the German squadron whose shots thus fell
short and otherwise Lowestoft and Yarmouth had been shelled and much ruined.
02ues.,17th Nov.
To Nottingham on hearing a movement of our division into Essex and to the
drill hall to see Major Bains for news. The movement of troops to the coast had
been considerable yesterday mnd men on leave had to hurry off. Surmised a raid
might be immanent. To the Club \.,rhere Colonel Thackerwray, an old Liberal.
\ihen I told him how we were without any reserve of rifles and our maximum effort
only produced 20,000 a week he looked indignant. In fact these old liberals are
more furious with their leaders on learning this point than we others. The Lord
High Liar Haldane \vill have to answer as Minister of \var for some years until
two years ago. Saving the 'estimates the reason. Home at 2 and then rode out to
the Park Wood. Years ago 'at this season and hour the place might have been alive
with the hunt, now all lonesome. The afternoon lovely, a pearly grey in bright
afternoon sun, the hills and slopes to the south all softly mysterious, a bright
glimmer in the stream below and all round on the north side where I stood the great
woodland, the oaks every shade of russet. How naked would the woods appear at this
season but for the oak foliage. To tea at Mortimer's little cottage.
\'leds.,18th Nov.
To Thurgarton to the meet of hounds and a moderate field, some officer
from Colwick in Khaki gave the military flavour of the times, also out Gibbs
and his son, Miss Barrow from Southwe11, Miss Pratt Bar10w, Mrs. Upton. A good
scent and had 2 good gallops over and around Gonalston and Thurgarton.tSaw Edward
Franck1in's children, the younger girl a perfect little beauty. It was to-day
not yesterday I had tea with the Mortimers, the Rector and his party and Mrs.
Laycock. The Rectoc sang to us. Char1ie's regiment moved to Braintree in Essex
so Annie came back to Farndon.
Thurs.,19th Nov.
A fine dog fox crossed the 1awnnat 8 this morning. Later 2 pheasants
visited us. A dull day but a fine evening and pruning trees after tea.
Fri.,20th Nov.
At 11 to Widmerpool by train to see Lane's young horse but did not buy.
\-lalked thenc with Neep the farm steward to\'I'ards· Brooke' s "hall" and by 4 train
to Nottingham where I met our pretty Madge Champneys arrived from Shirsgi11
Park on her way home for her 21st birthday. Played whist and merry in the evening.
Sat., 21st Nov.
Saw Madge off from Nottingham on her way to Kent. Called to see Sir Thomas
and Stanley Birkin. Lace trade very bad. Then to lunch with M. before her start
at 1.30. Then to Percy's who I met coming away from his house. The 2nd Robin
Hoods mustering near to 1000 strong. To the Club where Know1es of Colston Bassett
and Sir Harvey Bruce.
Sun.,22nd Nov.
To church in the morning with Margie, P. having a cold and at home, after
a walk, rest of-day.
Mon. ,23rd Nov.
To lunch with Sir Charles Seely, Miss See1y there. Col. Frank gone on ~
the Mounted (Yeomanry) Division staff. Sir C. gave me 2 brace of pheasant and a harJ.
Tues. ,24th Nov.
Sold my Syerston mare to Herbert Sutton of Kelham. Countess right again.
She was lame after last Wed. Letter from E11_, her husband still in India.
Char1ie writes a Zeppelin passed over Essex last Friday night. His regiment now
at Bocking in Essex, marching from Harpenden 30 miles first day (the whole division)
10 the 2nd and 15 the 3rd day. It must have been a stirring sight.
where many,and then to call on the Boyles, who were out, so we turned into' the
S. Kensington Museum to see the Chinese dades, and then to tea at the R.A.C.
Ella seeing me off at Marylebone. Rain and storm setting in on reaching Epperstone.
Fri. ,4th Dec.
I had been tempted to stay another day in London but my weather luck was
exempiified for the day was most stormy.
Sat. ,5th Dec.
In uniform again and to Nottingham and stayed the Sunday afternoon with Percy.
In the afternoon to Hollaton Park to see the drill of the "last ditchers" and in
the evening gave them a lecture on "Outposts" l~ hours 'which they heard with interest.
Sun.,6th Dec.
In the morning to Wollaton Park where a muster of 90 and gave them 2 hours drill,
Percy motoring me home at 3.

Mon. ,7th Dec.

To She~vood Lodge for lunch when a great storm, returning it did not rain but
the clouds a magnificent black brown and misty lights here and there in comparison
with the pitchy darkness like subdued sunlight. To the Rector's for tea and
scandalised Canon Ferris by saying first chapter in Ezekiel gave a good description
of a biplane.
Tues.,8th Dec.
Drove to Oxton to see Mrs. Sherbrooke and after rode to the Fields Farm to
see Rook.
Weds.,9th Dec.
To Nottingham Black Boy Hotel for the Widmerpool Audit and to the Club after
with Col.T., Stanley Birkin, and talking over the war.
Thurs.lOth Dec.
To Newark for the Tenantright Valuers dinner at the Saracens Head. This
pretty little town quite a garrison with 1000 of the 2nd 8th Shervlood Foresters,
a large body of Engineers and other details.
Fr. ,11th Dec.
To Farnsfield to the audit and drove hom in the dusk \'lithout lights' \vhich
spoil the impression so of winter twilight. Mother had a letter from Harold. His ship
at Weymouth where Nell now is and he expects a few days leave.
Sat. ,12th Dec.
To Nottingham and to the Council of Sewers in the Grand Jury Room at the Shire
Hall where are some good portraits, Geo.III and Queen Caroline said to be by Reynolds,
the Duke of Newcastle and a bust of Hm. Sherbrooke of Oxton, the last of the m~e line.
The town full of soldiers. Home at 4.
Sun.,13th Dec.
The Hilsons of Hexgreave to lunch. Mr. and Mrs. and Gladys. Lawrence is now in
the Artillery at No~vich, Sugden in the Yeomanry and John at \Voolwich and Naud goes
nursing to France shortly, so that family does its duty. Nuch rain last night and
the stream by my house running strong. Naval victory in the Atlantic good news.
'v/eds. ,25th Nov.-
Rode to the meet at Lambley House where Lord H.,Potter and Col. Leslie
Birkin. We found tn the Gorse and also at Ploughman's Wood and ran down to
Epperstone. After Ley's Gorse was drawn blank I came-home.
Thurs. ,26th Nov.
At 10 to Peterbro for Norman Cross. Whilst at Nottingham Victoria Station
a troop train of Gunners came in and in a corporal I recognised young Weatherall
\.,rho had recently enlisted and looked well in Khaki. He a young man of good
position and fortune. His mother now living at the Hacker's Hall at East Bridgford,
the residence and same house of Col. Hacker of the Ironsides and the place where
the original death warrant of Charles I was found. Young Neal of Kneeton is also
now in the Gunners. After lunch walked round by Stilton to see Francy and then
in the dusk to the Fox at Folksworth where Belf was taking the cottagers rents.
Dinner at Norman Cross.
Fri.,27th Nov.
Walked to Shilton. There a train of R.A.S.C. waggons came up. After the
audit, a record one, home. Peterbro alive with soldiers and sailors.
Sat. ,28th Nov.
To Nottingham and at 12 to the Guildhall for meeting to ask the R.Agricultural
Society to defer their show next year. Radical Heath was for having it, a sort of
sham gentleman, he a farmer at Bestwood. 4Called at North Lodge and home at 3,
vlalked up \'1ith Geoffry Champneys and Mr. -arO\'1n by the field vlay by Lowdham Church,
from the hill such a good view of Epperstbne and the valley. Heard that two spy
lights in the sky have been seen on each side of Nottingham possibly to guide
Zeppelins and tonight the police will try and locate them.
Sun. ,29th Nov.
To church, but few. Percy, Muriel and boy came by motor to tea. Talk whether
we spend Christmas with them.
Mon. ,30th Nov.
Drove to Calverton to meet Sir Charles.
Tues.,lst Dec.
At home.
'v/eds. ,2nd Dec.
To the Black Boy Nottingham for the Toton audit. Last evening I had a walk
in the Park Wood to see the fine moonlight effects.
Thurs. ,3rd Dec.
Although the past week has been a succession of heavy gales and rain at night
and was so last night, my weather luck gave me a bright sunny day and I left early
for London getting there~atlO.40 and taxied to Marylebone to leave my bag and then
qalked to the R.S. Club in St. James. The new useful alteration at Marble Arch
leaves the Arch rather ridiculously situated on an island. A long line of unmounted
"mounted" men passed me in the Park. London is full of uniforms. Called for Ella
in Chelsea and talked there for an hour or more, a Mrs. Henderson, wife of a Navy
Captain, and Edith Stewart coming in. We teo then to lunch at the R.A.C. in Pall Mall
 t. q 1'-1-_
Mon.,14th Dec.
To Oxton for the audit. At 5 called on Mrs. Sherbrooke where also Mrs.
Philip Francklin and her 2 pretty children, the boy heir presumptive to the
Francklin estates which have been centuries in the family and worth £3000 to £4000
a year. For his father's sake he deserves them. Philip went down with the Good Hope
in the naval battle off Chile of which he was Craddock's Flag Capt. Only 40 years
and a promise of high command. She such a pretty fair':'haired "'loman of 25,
daughter of the late Sir Baldwin Walker, Admiral of the Fleet. No money beyond her pension
(Married 2 years after to Adml.Sir - Brook, Chief of Staff, Grand Fleet).
Lady Walker lives at Hampton Court.
Tues. ,15th Dec.
At home.
Heds.,16th Dec.
To the Clinton at Newark for the Balderton and Fenton audits and after to see
Col. Foljambe now at the 8th S.F. Depot and walked with him to Beacon Hill where we
met the 2nd Battn. of the 8th under Col. Oates returning. A Leslie Melville,
Adjutant Bertie Branston, Hugh Woolley, returned officers of my days, in the 8th.
This regiment 1000 strong and 1500 Royal Engineers are quartered in Newark in
billets, 23/6d. a man for board and lodging being paid, an extravagant sum.
Indeed extravagance of the Treasury is our danger. News came in of the German
·fleet bombarding Scarbro, \ihitby and Hartlepool that morning. Over·tOO killed
and wounded, mostly \"lomen and children. A dastardly outrage. Scarbro and \ihitby
are quite unarmed places.
Thurs.,17th Dec.
To Ruddington for the audit.
Fri. ,18th Dec •
. Rode up to Oxton to see Mrs. Sherbrooke, her husband Commander Sherbrooke just
home invalided from the Tiger but he still asleep. In the evening to Calverton for
the audit.
Sat.,19th Dec.
Heard from Nell that Harold was in to"'nl so wired and answered they would put
me up. So after the audit at the Black Boy of the Seely estates I left for London
and at 4 found them in at Emperors Gate,but just going out to dinner \"lith friends
and to the theatre. Harold had 5 days leave from the Thunderer superdreadnaught,
which was at Plymouth repairing. I walked on with Ed\oJard who "'las there to Chester
Terrace and then to the Automobile Club and dined in the Grill Room, so back by tube
and at 11 Harold and Nell and friends returned and "'le stayed up an hour talking.
Sun. ,20th Dec.
Talking to· H. and N. in their bedroom and breakfast. H. and N. leave for Plymouth
at 2 and towards 1 I called for Ella and to lunch at the Automobile where much khaki.-
I left for home at 4 after dropping Ella at the Temple on the way to see an officer
friend wounded at GUy's. Travelled dO,,"nl with a barrister, an entertaining man but
evidently no admirer of Lord High Liar Haldane. P. rather short tempered, a damper
on my pleasant little visit. .
Mon. ,21st Dec.
(1 1 4-
My London day was fine, my usual weather luck for in Notts. it was rain.
Indeed this December the most stormy and rainy since 1874 when there were record
floods, but this year the parched soil drunk up all moisture so the Trent not
more than bank high. To \~inkburn for the audit and in the evening tea with Miss
Moore at the little 18th century school house in the gardens. In fact the place
and people is a pure 18th century relic in the 20th. Aften~ards an hour's talk
with Col. Burnell at the Hall, built in Queen Anne's time alongside the-little
transitional Norma~church of the old Knights Hospitaller who had this place
till HenryJIII exchanged this place for the Burnell's property at Winkburn.
Every year at Christmas a fat bullock is killed here as it has been since Henry VIII's
time and a present of a joint given to every householder, a relic of a time when
only rich people had fat fresh beef in winter. Home at 9. Edith Champneys came
on Sat. to stay till tomorrow.
Tues. ,22nd Dec.
Edith left. My sister-in-law Annie and her boy Patrick to tea. Our
Christmas plans discussed as we keep no Christmas here as usual. Now one regrets
our unusually merry Christmas of 1911 quite the gayest I have ever spent when
pretty 17 year old Madge Champneys came out and ingenu6e like was in my arms.
As the Pink 'un says: These flappers what a lot they do teach us old tuns.
We hope to go to Percy's for Christmas day but he now with flue so the plan
of his motoring over to lunch with Mother and taking us back with him is now
out of question. Charlie, Annie and Patrick who were to be at lunch at Epperstone
all off as no Christmas leaves .are given in case of an invasion now apprehended.
since German affairs are going against them in France and Poland, the Mad Dog
may try a last gambler's throw at the time of highest tide.
vleds. ,23rd Dec.
Geoffrey Champneys left for Kent. I walked to 11.19 train for Nottingham
calling on Cartwrights, Ransome and Sands on business. To Percy's for lunch.
He in bed, "flue", but it is arranged \~e go for Christmas. Called at a nursing
home to see our late adjutant Capt. Huma.He landed in France Nov. 2nd and Left
Nov. 23rd, the trenches and weather completely upsetting his health. Mrs. Hume
came in his motor to fetch him to Edwinstowe while there. I did some Christmas
shopping sending a case of champagne to Percy and then to the Club where several
talking of the war. Hickling who has a son on the Glasgow and in both the Pacific
and Atlantic battle. Charles vlright \~ho also has a son in the Navy, Hardy, Harry
Storey, Sir Launcelot Rolleston anxious for a command though well over 60 but
does not look it.·He talking of Scarbro said his ancestor defended the Castle in
reign of King John against the barons and had granted the "difference~ in their
shield, a leopard couchant on chief gules (one of the 3 royal leopards).
Thurs.,24th Dec.
A lovely day but frosty: closed office at 10, pruning my fruit trees and
called on old Burrows who had been ill. Attended old Mrs. Hurt's funeral at 2.30,
she 83, the Hurts have had the Park Farm now 4 generations, in fact since the
house was built in 18th century; a favourite walk for us to tea, they being
nice old people of the old sort. Last Sat. died also the Revd. Collins at Brighton
for 19 years rector after 1891. A quiet Christmas Eve, firstly with a crescent moon.
Gone our gay Christmas gatherings ~~he past fe,,! years. I sit in my study and
think how Christmas Eve always began with a children's tea when I was a small boy
over 40 years ago.
Fri.,Christmas Day.
For the first time since our return to our old house we woke up with only
our little family party in it. Margie came into our bed early with her presents
and we went to church at 11. Geoffrey, my nephew, arrived by Motor and Patriek
by motor bicycle but both had lunch with Ernest at }lother's house and at 3
we left by Percy's motor to spend the rest of Christmas with Percy with whom
we had a merry party for dinner. Percy, Murie1 and the two boys, Po11y, Margie
and myself, Ernest and a friend Randa11 staying in the house. For the rest of
our visit Murie1 was in bed with flue.

Sat., 26th Dec.

r had intended to have a field day with Percy's volunteers but a heavy rain
storm stopped it. But it cleared at 11 and I took Po11y and Margie and "Tommy
Teddie" into the to\ffi to the big picture palace in the market place. Then lunch
there and then to a box at the Hippodrome at 2.30 where a good programme. The
to\ffi full of soldiers in khaki.

Sun. ,27th Dec.

To Wo11aton Park to the parade of Percy's volunteers at 10, and after lunch
to Lenton Abbey for tea to see Miss Bay1ey-and Dennis's family. Dennis is in France
driving his motor ambulance attached to the Scots Greys.
Mon. ,28th Dec.
In the town most of the day and in the evening 7 of us to the Pantomime, I
in uniform. Next to me Lawson of the 8th.
Tues. ,29th Dec.
Hotored home bringing little "T.T." and in the evenigg to Oxton to see Capt.
Sherbrooke. Mrs. Bryan staying there.
\Yeds. ,30th Dec.
Rode to Calverton and in the evening to Ramnsda1e Park to see Col. F.E.See1y
from Norfolk on leave. His 2 little girls very pretty.
Thurs.31st Dec.
Riding round Oxton with Capt. Sherbrooke andGus Bryan. Our late Rector
McLean and his family spent the day with us. Po11y to church at 7 and so ends
this year of terrible war. For the past \'1eek terrible storms, 9" rain in December.