- 1 9 15-

I· t '11 c~
- 1 915 -
Fri., 1st Jan.
A world at War. I am still living peacefully in my house and hope
to be left there: but anything may happen.
Drove to Southwe11 for the Council Meeting and at 1 to lunch at the
Crown with 4 or 5 others where for 2/- a most excellent dinner. Roast beef,
and vegetables, a glass of beer, apple tart and cheese. If only other places
made such reasonable charge they would be well patronised.
Sat. ,2nd Jan.
To Nottingham and to the Club in the afternoon. Murie1 still poorly&,
I called on.
Sun. ,3rd Jan.
By train to Newark and· then to Farndon to see Char1le, Colonel of the
8th Sherwood Foresters now at Bocking in Essex. He home on. sick leave. There
are 50 miles of trenches dug in Essex, one through a churchyard and coffins
used to prop earth: gardens, lawns, trees, nothing respected. The floods
are over and raining still•.
300 girls in Ne\.,rark said -to be "expecting". A libel - business not
even "as usual", the Bishop enquired and 2 girls in family way, less than normal.
Mon. ,4th Jan~
Drove to Oxton, still ra~n~ng: then rode with Capt. Sherbrooke and
lunched with the family, Mr. and Mrs. Bryan (sister) and her boy and Rupert S.
Walked home through the Park Wood.
Tues.,5th Jan.
At home. Called on Lady Ley. His boy Maurice was killed at Ypres after
five days campagning.
\~eds. ,6th Jan.
To Nottingham to see Stanley Birkin and then also to call on Murie1.
I saw about 100 Belgians marching, training for their army.
Thurs. ,7th Jan.
Driving to Oxton with Mr. Clarke to see if the Home Farm would suit him.
Fri.,8th Jan.
To Wysall and returning called in to see Major Robertson who had the flue
for the first time.
Sat.,9th Jan.
To Nottingham and going to the Club at 2 a large company among whom the
Duke of Portland with whom I had some talk and asked after Lord~chfield who
has just returned to the front. Last Wednesday I saw He,yman who is home wounded:
both were in the retreat from Mons. Heyman was clearing a wood of Germans who
had broken through our lines near the Aisne, one got up and fired within 5 yds.
at his stomach. He raised his arm to fAitd it and the bullet took out some of
the bone above the wrist and glanced off. The town is full of khaki clad soldiers.
Arrangements have been made in case of invasion to bring all Lincolnshire our side
of the Trent.
 { '1/ 5 ,
Talking with Elliott of old Nottingham. In the Plantagenet times the
Castle was a royal one and the Kings resided there for long periods, partly
for hunting in the Forest which came up to the walls of the Tower where
Parliament St. now is: the great barons had many of their grand mansions in
the town which afterwards, in Tudor times, became Inns as the Castle was given
up by the Kings. In the sociable 18th century it was the greatest place of
fashion except Bath outside London. The Dukes of Newcastle lived at the Castle:
the season was a winter one from Goose Fair till the Spring, the Dukes of St.
Albansht Bestwood, the Dukes of Kingston at Holme Pierpoint, Ld. Middleton at
Colletton, the Cliftons of Clifton and Musters at Colwick, besides smaller
halls, all being within 3 or 4 miles of the town, where were numerous fine town
houses of the county families who came for the winter. Many of these still exist
in Castle Gate and the Pavement. Bromley House in the Market Place is a fine
specimen built in Queen Anna's time. Marshal Tullard lived at Neudigate House
then and Willoughby House and Enfield Place and the Women's Hospital are fine
specimens. After Waterloo these local centres rapidly declined as places of
fashion and the hunting which was much indulged, there being a pack of fox
hounds, stag hounds and harriers, bacame scarcely good enough to compete with
Melton and Market Harborough where igh Society congregated through the winters
of the 19th century. This war time-gone are the gay throngs in the Shires.
Sun. ,10th Jan.
To church and rain again, a record winter for rain. It was noted in
Geo II reign that Nottingham then only 9000 people had 500 saddle horses of
private residents. Patrick over from Farndon says his father returned to the
regiment in Essex yesterday. Yesterday Hylton Seely asked me to take command
of the National Reserve at Nottingham, but business prevents it. This body,
all old soldiers, does the ground duties and are now embodied and equipped, a
fine body of men. I might no doubt have the 3rd Battalion of the 8th S.F.
which is going to be formed if I asked for it.
Mon.llth Jun. p..~
Rode by ~inoo.al~ Park to enquire of Col. Frank Seely who had a fall from
his horse resulting in an abscess near the spine, and then on to Arhold to see
the Grove, once the home of the Tarbutts, a picturesque 18th century house with
its garden, orangery, carriage barn and stable for 8 horses, now in much decay
and used as a farm house. Then on to Syke Breck to see the new nursery for
trees being made there.
Tues.,12th Jan.
At 12 to the Victoria Hotel at Nottingham for a meeting of Land Agents
after attending the Directors meeting of ~~iffitfte%pe Bridge and then for tea at
the Club. GIArA.~~
vleds. ,13th Jan.
At home except for a drive to Woodbro. Yesterday morning at 2.30 p.m. the
Vicar of Stoke near Newark declared they saw a Zeppelin, people jeered, but as one
was officially reported off Grimsby at 5 p.m. the~ening previous it is not
unlikely, a reconnaisance.
Thurs.14th Jan.
Drove to Syerston Hall for lunch.
3, ''lIS:
Fri.,15th Jan.
In uniform to Nottingham to stay with Percy and lectured on outposts to
the National Volunteers.
Sat.,16th Jan.
To see Sir T. Birkin and at 2 carried out an outpost scheme at Clifton
about 90 on parade.
Sun. ,17th Jan.
Bulkeley to tea, also Ernest.
Hon.,18th Jan.
To Toton by train and returned for tea at the Club where Tidman who said
the Quorn field rarely over 25 and "rat catcher" kit, only huntsmen and whips
in "pink" now and subs down from £fi)oo to £2000. Forester will probably hunt
hounds himself next season.
Tues.,19th Jan.
Ri~ng round by Oxton. Rainsdale Park and \voodbro. F. Seely's 2 boys at
Bro::mdstairs can hear the sound of the guns in Belgium.
\'lads. ,20th Jan."
News of a Zeppelin raid on Norfolk on Monday night from Yarmouth to Lynn.
4 killed and much damage. To the meet at Lambley House, Lrd.H.,Capt.Sherbrooke,
Mrs. Sherbrooke, Miss Francklin, Mrs. Upton, Gibbs, young Elnor, self and about
half dozen grooms the field. Found in the gorse and a good scent to \'loodbro.
In Epperstone Pnrk Wood 2 foxes and in spite of scent no sport. To the Rector's
lecture with lantern slides at 6.30. Last night he and Mrs. Tomlinson, Charles
Hill of WoodbroHall and Rona to dinner with me.
Thurs. ,21st Jan.
Walked in the afternoon to Lowdham Grange: the valley looking so peaceful.
May it be spared raids.
Fri. ,22nd Jan.
Rode to Upton Hall to see my cousin John Warwick's house. Vivian in
uniform having just got a commission in the Royal Field Artillery. Rode by
the south side of the Parks at Southwell whence so fine a view of the Minster.
Upton has fine features and a good ball room. In Sept. 1899 John and Gerty gave
a great house warming and great fun. Harold and Nell there and I engaged but
not declared looked on as a hopeless bachelor. I was married 16th November
follo.. l ing.
Sat., 23rd Jan.
To Nottingham and in the afternoon to the theatre where I sat next
Mrs. Tommason. Sir M. Bromley and a party of officers in the box opposite.
Sun. ,24th Jan.
Walked over to Gonalston for tea with the squire. Mrs. Sherbrooke came in:
the Captain has got a shire billet, a watch on the coast from the Thames to the
\vash.
 I CjJ5",
Mon. ,25th Jan.
News of another success by Beatty in the North Sea, one German battle
cruiser s~ and 2 damaged. Rode up by Darcliffe Hill, Sykes Breck and Epperstone
Park.
Tues. ,26th Jan.
Spent a pleasant day with Mrs. Sherbrooke about Oxton and after lunch walked
to Epperstone Park Wood to see the woodmen now at the highest point in this
wood. Just before parting the sun had come out just before setting a blood red
in a purple cloud and tinted all the oaks in "pantomime" colours. 1;1alked home
through the wood and fields to Epperstone.
1;1eds. ,27th Jan.
To the meet of the hounds at Halloughton Wood. l;fuat a difference in the
field to former peace days: to-day there is my Lord, kennel huntsman, 2 whips
and a second huntsman, Gibbs and I alone to represent the hunt. Wagstaffe the
farmer from Hockerton with a girl~ Miss Brodhurst from Upton, Miss Barrow from
Southwell, Mrs. Sherbrooke of exton, Mrs. Upton and a groom from Thurgarton Priory.
We found in the wood and had 2~ hours good hunting round by Greaves Lane, over
Oxton lordship, down Thurgarton dumble nearly to Thistley Coppice, back to
Halloughton wood and again the same line running to ground by Thurgarton Priory.
My little mare went well.
A concert in the School in the evening, very good. Mrs. Oswald singing,
Dr. Oswald our suspected German spy. He has a government appointment but his
parents German and his degree German and two or three years ago travelled six
months in Armenia and wrote a book thereon in German.
Thurs.,28th Jan.
By train to Toton and then to the Club where Charles Wright and Capt.
Tommasson, both of the bear order.
Fri.,29th Jan.
To the Council at Southwell, riding. I have planted a yew hedge on the south
side of the kitchen garden which when grown will enclose that garden with clipped
'yew hedges as the other three sides now are.
To the School in the evening for the prize giving by Mrs. Edward Francklin
and an amusing entertainment by the children. Lady Ley and many present.
Sat. ,30th Jan.
With Pally and Margie to Nottingham and at 2 to a private box with them at
the Empire for a pantomime. Tea at Muriels.
Sun. ,31st Jan.
To church. First evidences of spring in. Aconites and snowdrops. To tea at
Gonalston Hall with the Edward Francklins. They have two such prptty girls and
the youngest, aged 7, promises exceeding beauty.
Mon. ,1st Feb.
Bad news of sinking of 5 merchant ships by submarines. Cycled to Grimesmoor
in the morning and riding in the afternoon at the same place with Mrs. Sherbrooke.
\'leds. ,3rd Feb.
To the meet of the hounds (Rufford) at Oxton North Gate: mainly all ladies,
Duchess of NeVlcastle, the Ladies Cicely and Mary Pierrepont, Mrs. Bambridge,
Lady White, Mrs. Sherbrooke, Miss ,Brodhursts ,(3) ~iss Gladys ~~ilson of Hexgreave
\'lho is to be married next week to Capt. Berry (Y ...& L. Regt.) another of the
numerous and popular khaki weddings, in fact civilian weddings are "off", Mrs.
Upton from Thurgarton, a yeoman, 3 or 4 grooms, Lucas Brodhurst, Ld •. Man~er~~~)
and myself the only men. We found in Combe's Wood and scent good, ran fo~2 hours.
Fri. ,5th Feb.
To the Grand Jury at Nottingham. Kyrle Smith Sherrif. Our duties over at 1,
only 4 cases. Returning a card from Ella to say she was away to India on Monday
and suggested seeing her off.
Sat. ,6th Feb.
To Nottingham and returning found wire from Ella in answer to mine to say
that Tuesday from N~wport, Mon., was the day.

Sun.,7th Feb. /
The Boyd Carpenters with the Manor party 'a:-dl church. Boyd Carpenter walked
with me after, he is representing the Egyptian Ministry aft the Foreign Office.
I commented on the fashion that whilst we the common herd in town wore mufti,
government officials religiously stuck to the tall silk hat and frock coat of
19th century civilization whilst all the military wore uniform.
To Gonalston to enquire of the Squire and tea with the Edward Francklins
and Edith at the Hall.
Hon.,7th Feb.
To London at 10 travelling to Nottingham with a cousin of Mrs. Laycock's
and his'wife, he an official at Mombasa. On the way up at every town evidences of the
new armies, transports in parks and men drilling. Heavy rains made the country a
swamp but the sun came out on arriving in town so to Paddington by underground and
put up in the Railway Hotel, very good, and walked across the Park to my Club in
St. James's and then at 4 toElla's flat at Chelsea for tea, Edith coming in
and later Eileen. We dined at a little Italian Restaurant near'to them and
returned and I saw Eileen to her flat.
Tues. ,8th Feb.
To meet Ella at 8, Edith saw us off. We got a compartment to ourselves
and breakfasted. At Newport it came on fine and sunny. Elly wired to her husband
at Allahabad. Getting a taxi with a pile of luggage we had 4 miles to get the
Dewana P. & O. in the outer dock. The sun lit up the Honmouth and Forest of Dean
moUntains and a sunlit sea south till one's eyes rested on Exmoor. A pass had to
be got to enter the dockyard. Not many going out, about a dozen nurses, an officers
wife or two, some N.C.O. and families, a few officers. Ella got the cabin she
desired and after an hours stroll and chat we bid farewell and her little figure
stood waving her hand till I got my taxi and left to train for-home via Bristol
and Defby. So ends a memorable interlude in my life of 3 years of frequent meetings.
 vT.hen she 17 at Plymouth where her father had a high command I had two weeks
such as seldom comes, I then 29. Her marriage and a long absence and silence
till she was near 40, .I met her again as piquantly pretty as before, and my strong
recollection brought me into great favour. Last July we were at the memorable gala
night of the Russian opera at Drury Lane, 8 days only before the \var, when all that
was brilliant in London aas there, a last flare up of the great and bright society
of the Long Peace since 1815 Waterloo, for all the intervening wars never brought
war near our shores or stirred the nation to its depths. Our suppers at the Automobile
Club and the Carlton, our strolls in Parks and Gardens and picnic days in London are
a past memory. If we meet again a ne.. , \"orld ..., ill have come and no one can hazard
what is in store in this world war.
\-leds. ,10th Feb.
To meet of Ld. Harrington's hounds at Oxton. Mrs. Sherbrooke, Mrs. Upton,
Ld. H., some 5 or 6 whips and grooms, Gibbs and myself the field. A find in the
bogs and a good run round Oxton to ground in the Park and then to Greaves Lane
and Halloughton wood where a find but I came home •
. Thurs. ,FeEl.llth.
A Local Government Board Enquiry as to the necessity of a water supply for
our valley, very unnecessary as we have good water from wells and springs and
epidemics unknown. Our official doctor who has a fad reported so~years ago that
it was wanted and although the District Council and all the villages concerned
protested, official pressure forces it on. Expenditure is profitable to officials.
Our one chance is the pressure of War expenditure.
Sat. ,13th Feb.
To Nottingham. Colwick Hall and Park has a regiment of Yeomanry, a yorlcshire
Brigade I hear· is to be quartered in Nottingham. The 2/?th and 2/8th S.F.(Territorials)
have gone into Hertfordshire.
Sun. ,14th Feb.
To tea at the Manor.
Mon.,15th Feb. K ~ ~
Rode by Raillseb1e and on to Hexgreave.
Tues. ,16th Feb.
To Nottingham and walked to \-lillwell Farm at Ruddington by Wilford.
\veds. ,17th Feb.
To Stephen Armitage's funeral at the church cemetary Nottingham.
Fri.,18th Feb.
To Stanton-on-the Wolds to see Page's young horse. Then to Nottingham to
see a ridiculous melodrama called "Castel~'lthat 40 years ago had a great run as
a comedy.
Sun. ,20th Feb.
For the feast week able to read the papers in bed before getting up (as I
usually do) by daylight. Fine and cold. Charlie wrote last week his division to go
to France next Friday and he to have command of the Base Camp.
1-. lq/t'_
Mon. ,21st Feb.·
-r
Page bought the· young horse over.
"
\'1eds. ,23rd Feb.
Being frosty I did not hunt. Rode out at 12 meeting Col. Les1ie Birkin's
horses returning, the groom said hounds had gone home. By 2 train to Toton and
tea at Long Eaton Vicarage (Revd. McLean).
Thurs.,24th Feb.
By 2 train to Nottingham and on to Basford Hall for tea vii th my old yachting
friend George Fowler.
Fri. ,25th Feb.
To the meet at Red Lodge, only Mrs. Upton and Gibbs out. I viewed a fox at
E. Bridg-ford and ran to Kneeton where my mare turned lame, so had to vla1k alongside
her home.
Sat., 26th Har.
Heard that Char1ie and the whole N. Midland Division were at Harve safely
under General Stuart Wort1ey.My old Brigadsa is granted the title of She~vood
Foresters Brigade and is the 1st Brigade of 1st (Territorial) Division. (Known
as 46 North Midland Division T.A. broke the line at Be11eng1ise 1918). The 2nd
Notts Hussars marched through Epperstone at 12 en route for Co1wick Hall to their
new quarters at Ollerton, 400 strong. The first time a regiment has been through
since the civil wars when a force is said to have come through from Mansfie1d to
Avecham and were attacked at Thurgarton by Sir Roger Cooper who had a garrison
at the Priory, which was then stormed by Col. Hutchinson.
Sun. ,28th Feb.
Percy and his party motored over and left Ne11 to stay with us.

Mon.lst Harch.
Weather very bad so stayed at home.
Tues. ,2nd Mar •
.Rode my little mare to Arnold to meet Harring about repairs to the Grove
and then on to Red Hill where I lunched with Hardy and back by Rainsda1e Park.
Heds. ,3rd Mar.
To Nottingham and saw Denis Bay1ey \-Tho returns to France to-day \vhere he
looks after his ambulance, but he also takes back a seismagraph from his colliery
to help to detect mining near trenches.
Thurs. ,4th Mar.
Rode over to Winkburn and had a long talk with the Colonel so not back till
near 10 and a dark night.
Fri. ,5th Har.
To Hal10ughton riding my new chestnut horse 3 year old, the hounds passed
my gate as I came out so \-Tith them. It was the first day the horse had been with hounds
and \vas much admired as promising. A find in the \vood and out towards Halam but back
nearly to Thistley Coppice and then over Epperstone, past the Park Farm, over Oxton
100 acre to Greaves Lane and back to ground at Rose11e Wood. Nel1 left us.
S,
Sat. ,6th Mar.
Percy came in his motor and took Polly and Margie off for a weekend at
Oundle to see Geoff at School. I to Nottingham and in afternoon to the theatre
to see Lewis Waller in Monsieur Beauclair. Full house and of those I knew and
spoke to Mrs. Wrey Hunt and Daughter, Mollie Wales, Sir Launcelot and Lady Maud
Rolleston, the Mundy's of Shipley, and I sat next to Mrs. Tinsley Lindley, a
pretty woman and daughter of late editor of Punch.
SunJ:'th Mar.
Up late and home all day.
Mon.,8th Mar.
Rode up to Oxton and with Geoffrey Champneys and Mrs. Sherbrooke rode round
the estate. Polly and Margie home in the evening: they spent yesterday afternoon
at Lidford looking at the birds.
Tues. ,9th Mar.
With Stanley Birkin and motored to Toton. Charlie has a promotion on the
staff. I see Bobbie Wordsworth of ours at 25 is gazetted Major and seconded for
staff duties, what luck for a boy. At the Club. The West Riding officers are free
of the Club.
\'leds. ,10th Mar.
To Toton marking timber for felling.
Thurs.,llth Mar.
Rode to Syerston in afternoon and tea with Mrs.Fillingham.
Fri. ,12th Mar.
To the meet at Bleasley a most satisfactory day: on the move all the time
about Halloughton, Gonalston, Hoveringham and finished off after crossing the
sewage farm at Bulcote.
Sat. ,13th Mar.
"Hobbs" took us to station, the chestnut "Stanton" very stiff. To the Club
in the afternoon. The 7th (Robin Hoods) and 8th Sherwood Foresters went straight
into trenches and have been in action twice near Armentiers and La Bassu.
Sun. ,14th Mar.
Today and yesterday the first two days of Spring and fine warm weather
after the wettest and most wretched winter on record since the middle of Oct.
So wet that in France no forward move could be attempted as transport would get
bogged.
Mon. ,15th Mar.
I rode round by SherwoOd Lodge. Sir Charles still in Isle of Wight.
Our pleasant luncheon parties here seem a thing of the past. Very fine and warm.
Tues. ,16th Mar.
By train to Holne near Peterbro taking my cycle and thence to Connington
Castle, a seat of the Heathcotes, largly Tudor work, to Steeple Gidding over a very
thinly inhabited upland where I saw a farmer, Stevenson, who I wanted for Stanton
Lodge. Thence on to Great Gidding and missing the Bullock Road went in by
Luddington and Lutton, through a country with buildings redolent of the days of
the Cavaliers to Washingley and straight on to Peterbro. This place full of troops.
 \'leds. ,17th Har.
To the meet at Oxton and came up with them in the bogs and a fairly good day.
Thurs.,18th Har.
Rode by bridle way to Kelham where I met Herbert Sutton and.Walker and on
to Newark. The fine Chantry House is now taken as a quarter for officers.
\ihat changes since the 8th Sherwood Foresters left under Charlie on that fine
August morning and marched to Derby. Afterwards they went to Luton by rail
and marched to Harpenden, where the 2/8th now is, afterwards marched to Braintree
. in Essex and left for Ypres 3 weeks ago. Lunched at Balderton Hall with Cousin
Emily Warwick. Arthur there also his sister Hrs. Rupert Beaumont and her husband.
Rode back by Hawton Bridle Way, called to see Annie at Farndon and home in a
blizzard of snow down the Fo 9 se.
Fri. ,19th Har.
The heavy snow last night made the country white and the drifts very deep.
Sat. ,20th Har.
To Nottingham and at 2 to the Theatre to see 2he Man who stayed at Home,
very good and well acted. In the mesh of German spying here.
Sun. ,21st Mar.
To Gonalston for tea with the Squire.
Hon. ,22nd Har.
Rode to Widmerpool to meet the Stevensons and saw Major Robertson before
he left for the meet at New Inn. Riding back I came on the hunt at Lodge on the
Wolds and saw the Quorn in War time,'how no longer the brilliant crowd but some
dozen ladies, half dozen officers in uniform mostly of the Scottish horse at
Melton and 2 old gentlemen.
Tues.,23rd Har.
Around the Seely farms in hand all day with Cowing which comprise nearly
3000 acres and did not get home till 10.
Weds. ,24th Mar.
To the meet at Thurgarton Priory, Mrs. Upton, Mrs. SAerbrooke, Miss Francklin,
C. Wright, Wyles, Gibbs and self. A good day and stayed for tea at Gonalston Hall
with the Edward Feancklins where Major Heathcote D.S.O. and his wife, he wounded
from France. .
Thurs. ,25th Mar.f\~cL~
Rode to B&iftsd&le Park to see the farm stock.
Fri. ,2Gth Mar.
To Nottingham driving to Carlton and took the new train to Sneinton,
this I remember had no houses from the foot at Carlton till Sneniton Market and
had magnificent views, the environs of Nottingham being very varied, the old
town being on a cliff surrounded by an amphitheatre of high hills. To Lloyds
Bank for a meeting of our Crimean Veterans.
to,
Sat. ,27th Mar.-
To Nottingham and at 2 with Polly and Margie to see Sullivans and Gilbert's
opera The Yeoman of the Guard, these witty operas never having lost their favour
since I first saw them 35 years ago and our neighbour Mrs. Louis Ransome acted in them.
At the County Club for tea where Brigade Major Birch, Heyman of the Worcesters
wounded from ypres, Hardy, Revd. H. Warrand now a lieutenant in the Territorial Force
Reserve, and much war talk. So far as Neuve Chapelle a success, it is said to be
a failure but the men don't know it.
Sun. ,28th Mar.
To Church at 11 and afterwards to Mrs. Dufty's, a fine morning but snow storms
later. Charlie is in camp behind firing line, commanding Divisional Base with 2500
Guardsman under his immediate command. Other drafts always coming in to be sent
on to the front. To bed early having what I think is flue.
Mon. ,29th Mar.
In bed most of the day, as also Tuesday.
vleds. ,31st Mar.
Although weak I went to the meet of hounds at Lowdham Grange, a larger field
than usual. Mrs. Sherbrooke, Miss Francklin, the Gibbs, Miss Catt from Duffield and
the Vyvian Harmsworths (Northcliffe's nephew), some fair running about Epperstone
Park. Home and to bed.
Thurs. ,1st Apr.
At home.
Fri. ,2nd Apr.
In the afternoon Percy and his family motored over to stay for Easter.
Sat. ,3rd Apr.
Ernest and Randall to stay with mother at the cottage, also William from Paris,
where he has been all winter. The war drags on but Joffre will not move till he has
3 million shell in reserve. Rain all day.
Sun. ,4th Apr.
Lovely spring day. To early church at 8 with Polly, Ernest, Geoffry Champneys
and in the afternoon the whole party of us walked to the Park Wood by the fields. Most
of the fine oaks on the hill property of Elwynes are, I am afraid, doomed, in fact
in few things has England lost so much the last 50 years than in its monster oaks
that used to be scattered en neglige about the fields, which new buyers cut down.
Bulgaria joins Germany and invades Servia, the news just through and Yankee Doodle is
officially very tiresome. .
Mon. ,5th Apr.
A fine day. Percy, William, Ernest and I started in P's Daimler motor, first
dO\in the Fosse, past Langar and. through the Belvoir woods to Knighton where we came
on one of the Brigades from Grantham on march for Leicester: then along an unmetnlled
road for Buckminster and so to Stamford, where half a brigade Essex Territorials are
and the luncheon room at the hotel full of officers. I also was in uniform to make
our expedition look less of a Joy Ride. We then to the old garden gate at Uffington
immortalised in M. Stone's picture, and back to Oakham, where Percy and the others
fl,
went to revive memories of old school days, the School being in a pretty square
close to the church, and the School sports being on they met many old friends.
We got home at 5.30 and all dined at my house.
Tues.,6th Apr.
William left for London intending to go by' North Sea to Bergen for Russia
and China. lkQ the Vestry which adjourned to old Mr. Burrow's, present the Rector,
Parr, Coopet the sexton and Lady Ley. Percy and his party left us.
Weds.,7th Apr. -
Hunting the last day of the season for me. Met at Papplewick waterworks
in the centre of Sherwood Forest or rather what it was, though the whole
neighbourhood is fast going back to woodland. Capt. Robert Sherbrooke out,
who had been wounded at Ypres. We drew at Newstead Park, all wood about 3000
acres and found a brace but poor scent and did get into the Harlowe Wood, a
great 1000 acre wood close by, now rather spoilt by so much of its oak being
cut - it was all oak - and larch and fir being planted which does not so well
accord with our English landscape. I left in the big woods in the Long Dale.
Thurs.,8th Apr.
Rode to Syerston Hall and lunched with Mrs. Fillingham after the audit
and after walked dO\in by the Trent. George arrived from Ollerton before I left
where the 2nd Notts Hussars are quartered.
Fri~,9th Apr.
To Southwell Board.
Sat.,lOth Apr.
To Nottingham and to the theatre matinee to see an American play, amusing
but Yankee with their legend of merciless Russian government. Tea at Muriel's
and brought Margaret from there home.
Sun.llth Apr.
Edward and Monica staying at Farndon, came over in the afternoon. M. pretty
and stylish.
Mon.,12th Apr.
Rode to Calverton in afternoon stock taking at Oxton, and tea with Mrs.Sherbrooke
where a party of children. Susan Bryan,14,growing very pretty.
Tues.,13th Apr.
To Long Eaton and Toton and then to Nottingham for the Club. Revd. Warrand
now a lieutenant in 8th Reserve Officers there. My 53rd birthday.
Weds.,14th Apr.
Rode by bridle way to Newark via Kelham for Nicholson's meeting to get
2~~ dividend on my shares, then to the Drill Hall where Col. Foljambe with whom
I lunched at his lodgings in Castle Gate. Troops all left save a platoon of
Manchesters. He is Colonel of the 3/8th S.F. but exempt his adjutant and an
orderly room clerk none in and I think only about 50 men now with 2/8th at Luton.
He and his adjutant rode with me part of the way down the Fosse, a splendidly sunny day.
Margie to stay with her uncle Percy to go to the theatre tonight.
1~ I /'1/5"
Fri. f5th Apr.
At home writing letters all morning. Margie returned. Sir Charles Seely died.
Sat. ,16th Apr. RQ.~ U
To Nottingham first to 310; l'Jftcl iJre Park to see Mrs. Frank Seely about the
funeral and arranging in the afternoon with Mr. Farrel at Daybrook for a memorial
service. I shall miss all our pleasant lunches and afternoon drives Sir Charles
and I had together. He was born in 1833, Member for W. Notts at one time and a
keen volunteer, first as Capt. of one of the Companies of what is now the 8th S.F.
he was for many years Colonel of the Robin Hoods. He had 53 grand children,
26 boys and 27 girls, and not one sick or sorry one among them.
Sun.17th Apr.
Spent at home.
Mon.,18th Apr.
By 10 train. Polly and Margie off to Clifford for a fortnight and I toi.London
staying at St. Pancras. No season in London and the traffic not half of normal
times. At 6.30 I men Enfield at the hotel and walked to the Troc for dinner and
then to the Empire.
Tues.,19th Apr.
At 10.15 to Waterloo Station, such a scene of soldiers going and coming from
the front, an~ then to Lyrnington where by boat to Yarmouth. Here Stanley Birkin,
Hancock, Col. Dalbiac (son-in-law), Oliver Evans, a cheery little bachelor brother-
in-law and others. Lunched at Yarmouth and motored to Brook church for the funeral.
Afterwards to tea at the house, a meeting of old friends. General Seely left early.
He is sanguine of an early termination of the war, but I cannot see any reason to
hope that.
At Yarmouth a flotilla of torpedo boats and "mother" ships engaged in
submarine hunts and far off at Cowes a fleet of war ships and transports.
The torpedo boats old friends of 30 years ago, and since put on one side for
Destroyers. I was glad to see them out again. These waters I knew well in the
"nineties" when yearly I had a cruise with Mr. Fowler in his 50 ton yawl
"\'[anderer". Once \'lhen anchored off Lyrnington River I was bathing off the yacht
and being caught by the tide had the greatest difficulty getting back. We had
a long wait at Brockenhurst and several went to see the Indians encampment
but I talked to Col. and lirs. Dalbiac. We dined on train and reached town 10.30.
The southern line a succession of camps.
\'1eds. ,20th Apr.
To the City making calls and at 1 to Chelsea. for Edyth Stewart for lunch at
the Automobile Club and home for dinner. Last Monday I by chance met my prptty
cousin Kathleen Percy Jones, her husband in the Artillery in France, whom I had
not seen since her marriage 8 or 9 years ago. She married at 17.
Thurs. ,21st Apr.
A long ride to Stanton-on-Wolds and coming back met Geoffry Champneys~
breakin~ my new purchase/Teddy Bear)to trains.
Fri. ,22nd Apr.
Writing letters and at 1 to Toton. At the Club met Stanley Birkin.
/3 ~
Sat. ,23rd Apr.
To Nottingham and in the afternoon to the The.atre to see "Betty".
Tea at Percy's where Dick from tovrn. A letter from my clerk Ne\iIDan from
the trenches.
Sun. ,25th Apr.
To see Mother in the morning instead of to church, and in the afternoon
to tea with the old Squire at Gonalston, now much invalided.
Hon. ,26th Apr.
A ride by Greaves Lane to see some land. In the afternoon to old Mr.
T( :t
~~
Hurt's funeral. He had the Park farm, which his people have had ever since
it was made a farm. Later to see Sir Francis Ley, also a great invalid.
Tues.,27th Apr.
~ ~ie wrote me of the 8th. Charlie had been with them last Thursday when
~ Lieut.Edison (Retford) was killed and 3 men and 5 wounded. Later Captain
1 Hodgkinson (Newark) and 8 others casualties. Rode after lunch to Arnold and
O~so to Ra~dale Park and home by Spindle Lane on the ridge between Calverton
~. and Woodbro, a tree fringed grass lane with views over half the country, the
'=J two villages nestling in orchards below it. Still no view of town or collieries.
A cool north-east wind but brilliant sun. The most backward spring I remember,
the blackthorn is only just in blossom and the hedges barely green, all else
winter.
vleds.,28th Apr.
To Nottingham to sit as Income Tax Commissioner with Mr. Bagnall Wyld. Saw
Percy and home by 3, walking from Lowdham by the pathway by the church beyond
which on the hill are the wide views up and down the valley, the orchards now
all bright with plum and pear blosom. Epperstone on its knoll nestling amid
trees and orchards li miles north, backed by the long line of the Park Wood on
the hill beyond. To call to enquire of our Rector and also on Mrs. Dufty.
Had a letter from Sir Hylton Seely that after a few months his brother-in-law
would take that agency and that put a finish to all my quiet prosperity.
Colonel Mellish also writes to ask me to take over the C.O. of the Territorial
Administrative centre at New~k from Col. Foljambe.
Thurs.,29th Apr.
Cycled to Syerston to take stock on the Home Farm, crossing the Trent at
Hazleford Ferry. Then to Newark to see Foljambe who says he has got WaIter
Need of Winthorpe Hall to take his place for which I am glad. He, Foljambe,
is posted Colonel of 3/8th Shen~ood Foresters which when raised will probably.
camp and be brigaded in which case he expects to be brigadier and then I may
be asked to take the colonelsy. The 8th are engaged south of Ypres and already
lost 1 officer killed and 2 wounded and about 50 others killed and wounded.
They were at Neuve'Chapelle, so will get that bar and honour on the Flag.
Home by 2 train. To see Sir F. Ley who much better.
Fri.,30th Apr.
. Drove to Winkburn, a beautiful day and a lovely walk by Park and Woods coming
~t #'fJ to Nuttall, a regular early 18th century house and indeed establishment floated
into this murderous 20th. Met the old Miss Burnells walking in the gardens and then
for a long talk to the Colonel and home for dinner at 10.
Sat., 1st May.
Very anxious and determine to sell my house and reduce and hope if successful
to secure £500 a year as private income and still a fair agency business as times go. *
* No change made and I am still here in 1932 when Margie, her two little daughters
and nurses stayed all summer. The Guards were in Egypt. (Margie had married
Hogarth of the Guards and spent two winters in Cairo. She and· the children spent
3 summers with me).
I have indeed had a calm before" a storm:for the last 6 years in our old
house no one could have been more easily comfortable, still I regret my little
cottage now the Browne's, where I was secure against business vicissetudes. To
Nottingham and called at the Club in the afternoon and to see Mother on my
return at 5.
Sun. ,2nd Hay.
I dined with old Mr. Burrows at 1. He 83 and talking of old Epperstone
days. He one of the '59 volunteers and reminiscences of the old regiment when
the Crimean and Hutiny veterans commanded it from 1865 to 1882. To Church at 3 •
In ... old days to 1891, when the Rector Champneys died, we in the country never
had evening services and this afternoon one appealed to me strongly calling up
old memories. Canon Ferris of Gonalston took the Service and then to tea at the
Browne's in myoId cottage. I think my happiest and most prosperous time when
I lived there,~_~~t cosy corner. As my time will now be mostly of anxieties
and no Pleasure;:r'wJ.lJ' end my diary here. *
* My most prosperous period followed my daughter's wedding in 1924 till 1930
when I saw my favourite goddaughter married to Jaff Atlenby, heir to that Viscounty(A/~)
and in the 11th Hussars. Margaret married into the Guards and had a house in 'J
Chester Square.
Mon. ,3rd May.
Trivett over to look at Grimesmoor land. Polly and Maegie return from
Clifford.
Tues. ,4th May.
To Hinckley and walked to Burbage. Saw the old musical instrument maker
who bought his garden and made his cottage perfect thereby.
\veds. ,5th May.
To Toton.
Thurs.6th May.
To meet Sir H. Seely at Sherwood Lodge.
Fri.,7th May.
At home.
Ueds. ,13th May.
With Burrows to St. Mary's Nottingham for the churchwardens'citation.
Very picturesque scene.
Mon. ,17th May.
Returning from Nottingham met W. Francklin who returned from France and
is Lieutenant now in 2nd Notts Hussars and with him to tea at Gonalston.
15'.
Tues. ,18th May.-
Violet Champneys a pretty girl of 17 and Katie Spencer have been staying here
the past week and wilh them and Polly to see the tulips at the Nurseries at
Lowdham and tea at Duncan Paarson's.
Heds. ,19th May.
To Toton.
Thurs. ,20th May.
Lunch at Shervlood Lodge with Sir E. Seely and Hickham. Patrick had been
with us the last two or three days having great times with Violet. He had been
to France to stay with his father at Etaples and withhim to the trenches with
the 8th S.F. near Ypres within 70 yards of the German trenches. Charlie brought
down a sniper. P. goes to Sandhurst tomorrow.
Fri. ,21st May.
To Southwell, a campiot NOrvlood Park gate.
Sat. ,22nd Hay.
To Nottingham.
Whit Sun.,23rd May.
Perfect weather. To early service at 8 and at 11. The Leys a large party.
\fuit Monday, 24th Maj.
Formerly always a fete day in Epperstone but this year limited to the Benefi~
Club Dinner only and in the afternoon to the Manor. The dry sunny weather continues
till the last week in June with cold east winds and a drought threatened, but
timely rains avoided this.
I was in London Tues.22nd June to 23rd, to oppose the Nottingham Navigation
Bill but made terms for G~thorpe Bridge. I put up with AlIen at St. Ermines
Hotel in Westminster, where Polly was married to me from in 1899 (16th Nov.)
and near St. Andrews, Ashley Place, where the wedding was.
The hearing was in the Lords Committee Rooms looking over Lambeth Palace.
Ld. Ribblesdale in the chair with the Duke of Buccleugh and Lords Digby,
Colchester (Abbott) and Clarendon. I had a chance of seeing also an opening
of a hearing before the Lords with Ld. Chancellor Buckmaster who has just
succeeded to the Lying Haldane, and charmed at the informal manner this highest
Court proceeds, the other four Lords stroll in in ordinary dress while the
appellants \'lait at the bar. Next day Lady Charnwood carried me off to her
tea party on the Terrace.~e returned and dined on G.Central train where Dennis
Bayley from France. London very quiet and few at the hotel, mostly French.
Sun. ,4th July.
Thunder at 4 a.m. and rolled round us continuously all day till 8 o'clock
with heavy rain mostly. Just coming down the aisle at church after
collecting I was surprised to see Charlie by the font, he on 4 days leave
from France and motoring round with Annie and Patrick from Sandhurst. Charlie
got a good billet command at base at Etaples with pay at £750 a year, 2 servants
and a motor. Charlie had a narrow squeak near La Bassee, a piece of shell just
cutting the peak of his cap.
(0. '1/£"
It was certainly a picturesque episode thedark sky, the faint evening light
through the window to my Father on our pew as a small group gathered in the
aisle after service, the khaki clad soldier from the front, Po11y and I,
the Rector and his wife and the old sexton whilst the thunder rolled round
just like the guns in France, Char1ie said.
Tues. ,6th July.
Margie's 14th birthday and for her party had a party of 10 of the wounded
soldiers from the Bay1ey Hospital with a pretty nurse, who all enjoyed tennis
and bO\o/ls.
Thurs.,8th July.
Last afternoon to see Col. Burne11 and to-day Washing1ey. The old village
of Yax1ey, 17th and 18th century cottages, lies at the foot of a hill protecting
it from north winds and the long winding street a succession of pictures,
all \'1orking people \'/hose particular " S \.,rank" are front gardens, nO\.,r one blaze
of roses, i mile north on the bleak ridge is a'new 19th century village
brick and slate, fencing with no roses. \fhat a contrast.
Fri.-,9th July.
Returning from Eaton and got off at Barnston and cycled to Wiverton Hall
where my old friend Penn Sherbrooke is seriously ill. I fear cancer. A party
of Musters there, Mrs. Milward, Mrs. Pattinson and Anthony, R.F.A. home after
serious wound at the Aisne.
Sun.18th July.
Last week met Major Robertaon safe home from Norway for the submarines make
sea travel a danger. Several of the officers of the 8th have been home from
France lately on short leave. Talking afterwards at Widmerpool the Major said
the ships were stopped by German submarines going and coming, he strongly
suspected an "American" as a German spy, so no doubt this gave a safe conduct.
The ships were Norwegian and no English war ship seen going or coming. We seem
to hang fire terribly.
Mon. ,26th July.
A Mr. Tudsbury of Sutton-in-Ashfie1d came in the morning to give us a motor
run. His \.,rife was parlour maid at the Rectory in former days and Polly had kept
up a friendship. She after married this well to do man, a hosiery manufacturer.
We went by Mansfie1d via Rainworth, now rather a picturesque collier town this
5 years, but I remember this spot - Three Thorn Hollow - before even the railway
the loveliest and prettiest part of Notts and on the neighbouring ponds in 1876,
as a boy of 8, spending a long picnic day with the o\olner Capt. Francis Hall of
Park Hall fishing and lunching off the trout in the fishing lodge,built of larch,
on the bank. Many times also have I visited Joseph \fhittaker the naturalist at
his pretty place close by Rainworth Lodge, the cell of Friar Tuck and close by
where the curtail friar dropped Robin in the water. It was a precarious crossing
over what was a swamp and Newstead Abbey stationed a Brother here to guide travellers
across to get to the great road from York to Nottingham. At the same spot Robin
trapped the Bishop of Hereford. The lamps began after Mansfie1d and near
C1ipston a hut camp to be permanent for 30,000 men is built and some 12,000 men
were training on the adjacent forest and parks. At ThQ~1by \.,ras camped a Cavalry
brigade. Lunched at Sutton and then to see the factory and church. Hrs. Tudsbury
motored us home and so quick were we out of the coal country that as soon as we
passed the Midland Railway we had "nothing but the forest woods and parks for 12
miles till we came to Calverton.
Ir'
Tues.,27th July.
lCj/s,

Polly and I drove for calls at Southwell and had tea at Archdeacon Hackings
where a party of girls at tennis 'with his son and Basil Handford * both officers
of the 8th S.F. home for 5 days leave. From this quiet scene a view of the
Cathedral and the tOVnl of Upton and Newark spire in the vista cut through
the surrounding trees. July is a thoroughly wet month.
* Killed at taking the Hohenzollen redoubt the following October, and also
his brother and his brother-in-law Becher.
v/eds. ,28th July.
\ihilst talking to Mrs. Sherbrooke at Oxton up motored from Bristol her uncle
Nevile SherbDooke, his wife and daughter whom I had not seen for years.
Tues. ,lOth Aug.
Very cold and dismal weather from July 1st till to-day when it promised to amend
like a spring after winter. Drove the Rector to Canon Madan's funeral at Bleasby, a
good neighbour gone, his wife had died in the spring. Our late Rector and his pretty
\dfe and family staying with the Bro\mes and Edisons. Yesterday Muriel brought some
of her wounded. Hallam a fine young fellow blinfiedat Hazebrook and was a prisoner
in Germany. He, was never attended to save by a Belgian doctor, never had a bath
till he got to England after 4 months, and bayonetted several times in fleshy parts
whilst being taken to Namur. I had a game of bowls with him, guiding him by a
tinkle of a bell and he beat both Percy and myself.

Mon.,16th Aug.
Polly, Margie and I left for a week of Weddings at Clifford in Herefordshire
on the borders of Wales. We had a comfortable 1st carriage but if the doors had
not been locked the crowd would have invaded us at Birmingham. My weather luck
came for after a stormy August we had bright summer weather during our stay
and in this lovely country, in view of the Black Mountains, 2800 feet, I enjoyed it.
Besides the Spencer family were Anthony Neligan, Kitty's fiance, and Eva Boughton
Leigh. On a summer evening on the Tuesday Neligan left for Hay to stay the night
and Katie Spencer (Mother) Polly and I strolled down to meet Kitty where Katie's
estate runs to the Hay and Whitney Road, a lovely walk, and met Kitty returning.
Next morning Kitty and Neligan were married in the church of Clifford, an ideal
scene for an ideal marriage and we came back to the Priory for breakfast a party
of 20 or so. The pair went by motor to Chester en route to Ireland and I strolled
up to the Vicarage for a smoke with the Vicar. Next morning Madge and I to Hay
to meet Neligan's 3 aunts the Miss Dennys of Co. Kerry and saw them off by train
and spent the day in enjoying the nooks and crannies about. Friday afternoon we
all left for Birmingham and put up at the Queens,where Theo Spencer joined us for dinner
and in the evening to the theatre, a screaming farce "Baby Mine".
Next day at 10 Theo was married to Miss Couchman at St.George's. She
a pretty girl. Theo is adjutant of the 1st Birminghams. After lunch with
the Boughton Leigh party we left for home.
The Mons Angels story has corrobvration from Berlin. As to the truth of it
is much conje'cture for whilst some in a state of exhaltation could see Angels,
others could not under any circumstances, so mere denial of seeing is inconclusive.
In Berlin at the time a cavalry regiment got into great disgrace and was sent home.
By the account of the men whilst advancing they were stopped apparently through no
cause and their horses in fright turned and broke.
l~,
Weds. ,25th Aug.
To Nottingham to meet Sir C. Seely and while on the platform M.R.Station
Colonel Charles Birkin came up to chat, he wounded at Ypres in the head, fracturing
the skull and so got 10 weeks leave. Home at 11, and after lunch drove to Westhorpe
to call on John Becher, Major now 8th S.F., and home for 5 days leave. He in, wife
and 2 little children and his cousins Wulkers of Avesham. The Regiment has earned
undying fame, especially in the recent fight at Hooge.
Thurs. ,26th Aug.
We had a large luncheon party and a sunny day as it has been the past fortnight.
At 12 came our late Rector McLean, now Vicar of Long Eaton, and his wife whom her
father and stepmother brought over in their motor. We went to see the cottage which
McLean took of me for his children to come to. At 1 Major Robertson motored over
from Widmerpool. He is Margie's godfather and had not been since her christening.
In the afternoon the pretty Pearson girls and Miss Brown came for tennis, so with
Geoff Champneys and ourselves we were a large cheerful party which did not break
up till after 6.
Fri. ,27th Aug.
Drove to Nottingham and from Victoria to York and then by Malton over the
picturesque line to Whitby, changed at Grosmount and to Lealholm by 6. Here Miss
Ma.r\'lOod and we "'talked up to the Lodge. Sir F. out fishing. My Lady and Miss P. Grey.
got back for dinner.
Sat. ,28th Aug.
Close below the Lodge and you walk into it from the terrace is the most
beautiful ghyll I know of. It has drained the great Danby Lake above: there is
a band of shale in the rock and the water percolated a passage and in time brought
down the rocks above till now there is a gorge with rocks 200 feet high feathered
with trees, about i mile long and shaped like a horse shoe. After lunch drove with
Sir Francis along his river and had tea at a tenants farm. The Jobsons arrived
from Northumberland.
Sun. ,29th Aug.
The village here from the terrace reminds me of a toy, a toy station, eng~ne
trucks, toy church, toy school and village. It lies all below us. The morning I spent
with Jobson,a Master in Chancery and brother of Lady Ley, in the Ghyll. In the
afternoon to the church. After tea Miss Gray, Mrs. Jobson, Miss Mar\'lood walked to
the beacon on the moor, north of us, and one of the views of England. We could see down
on Cleveland and the sea from the Hartlepools to Whitby and all the moors for miles
round Lealholm. The " old lake" of Danby very apparent with its island in the middle.
I do not think any district is quite so impressive as the east Yorks.moors.
Mon. ,30th Aug.
All our party at 12 to Whitby and after the pier to church and abbey. I will
say this for the Germans, they appeared to have aimed at the coast guard station
and never hit it, the damage happened behind, the Abbey doorway gone, 2 very clean
holes through the stable yard wall and the explosion evidently sent the tiles flying
off the stables, but these old walls stand the knocks better than the new, simply
clean holes and mere explosion no matter, the real loss was the carved doo~~ay.
Tues. ,31st Aug.
Returned from Lealhome via Newark. Yesterday I saw plenty of our sea traffic.
l4' Fri. , ·3rd Sept. LCf/S',
The Neligans came from Clifford to spend a weekend before leaving for
Teheran, and Miss Fanny Percy was staying at the cottage.
Sat. ,25th Sept.
Edward and Monica motored from town to stay a few days. She gro~m very pretty,
about 20 years old now.
Sun. ,26th Sept.
In the morning played chess with Edward and in the afternoon all the North
Lodge party came with Nell. Nell had seen a Zeppelin over her square in London
and heard the falling bombs.
Hon. ,27th Sept.•
After lunch Edward motored us first to Rainworth Lodge to see \Vhittaker's
park and birds, and then round by Clipstone camp through the Forest to the Hop
Pole at Ollerton for tea and back by Rufford Gate.
Tues. ,28th Sept.
Edward and Monica left us at 12 and I with them as far as Nottingham.
\Yeds~,29th Sept.
Ernest to tea after a visit to Norfolk. Dereham was much damaged by ~eppelin
raid, a fair was on and the lights brought it, about 6 people killed and 13 injured.
My· old regiment has distinguished itself very much in the fights at Hooge beginning
of August. Becher is D.S.O., Vann Hilitary Cross, Sergt. Shepherd D.C.M., also two
privates all in myoId company.
Sun. ,3rd Oct.
Lucy Champneys came to us on Thursday for a visit and Edith came yesterday.
Four Lady Pilgrims are in the village tramping from Rainsworth on Friday to hold
prayer meetings. They were at Church this morning and are picturesquely garbed in
a blue whimple with white cross in front and a blue cotton garment, overall white
and light blue cross on breast. One of them is Mrs. Dan~en of Elston Hall, GV
handsome woman. She has 2 sons serving, one a lieutenant in the Superb battleship
the other a lieutenant in the Coldstreams, was in it since Mons. These ladies go
from village to village staying two days and living with the cottagers. They were
much pleased at their reception among the colliers at Rainworth.
To tea at Gonalston Hall with the Edward Francklins, where the old Squire,
Hrs. Francklin, Mrs. Richard and the children, four little girls about 7.
Frosty this past week but fine.
Mon. ,4th Oct.
Had a pleasant day at Ruddingt?n a~~ w~~@a ~Rpo Nottingham. At Tirlford
I called in at the picturesque Crimean Veterans Club (Boots Almshouses) for a
chat to old veterans and to pay my subscription'. I heard their comments on
the war and that the deeds of the past did not exceed those of the present.
To tea at the. County Club. Geoffry Champneys went home,'not well. The Canadian
camp is all round Ollerpool Manor on Edvlard' s land and his prEItty girls, the
youngest nicknamed "Curly", are great favourites.
~,
Fri.,8th Oct.
To Syerston for lunch and walking in the afternoon over the property I crossed
by the footpath to see Sibthorpe church and the old monks' dovecot. It was a
perfect day.
Mon.llth Oct.
To Hinckley by train and returning had tea at the County Club at Nottingham.
I met a recruiting party of the 8th at the station, non-coms wounded from the
trenches.
Tues. ,12th Oct.
The Hospital Anniversary. We assembled at the phirehall. Mayor of the to~m
and Corporation in state, the High Sheriff of the county, Earl M~ers, etc.
and proceeded in procession to St. Mary's. The Bishop of London preached a good
sermon.
\1eds. ,13th Oct.
A perfect day with golden tints. I breakfasted at 7.15 and rode to Gonalston.
But hounds not meeting till 9. Edward Francklin asked me in to breakfast.
Ld. Harrington came up at 9 and we drew Thistley Coppice and many foxes and indeed had a
run to Carr Holt. Mrs. Sherbrooke and groom, Mrs. Upton and groom, Miss Francklin and
myself the field. Mrs. Francklin, the Edward F's and their 2 pretty little girls on
foot. Annie motored over for tea with news of Charlie and Patrick and good reports
of the war, but the Balkan fiasco will take some getting over and the expense
threatens absolute ruin to all we private individuals if it runs a year or two
longer. The incompetence of the ministry, except Lord. Kitchener, is a universal
comment.
Fri. ,15th Oct.
Met. Mr. Brocklehurst at the Clinton to view land in security for clients
of his at Caunton. "\ie motored by Earlshaw Farm and then walked by the woods there,
rejoining our motor we went on to Winkburn where I showed him the quaint church
and walked through the Park and then on by Kirklington to Halam to see the old Farm
there and back by South\oJell and Ne\oJark. He much taken by the sylvan beauties, the
rural solitude and the grey cathedral, such an Anthony Trollopey neighbourhood.
Mon. ,18th Oct.
To Widmerpool and drove on to Ke~oJorth and there lunch with Major Robertson.
In the afternoon walked over the land on the Wysall side and noticed the improvement
in the grass since we seeded down over 30 years ago. Back to the Hall for tea.
These days I always enjoy.
\"leds. ,20th Oct.
To Oxton hunting at Greaves Lane Woods. Mrs. Sherbrooke out and besides this
none but 3 or 4 and left them at Halloughton Wood. Yesterday I rode to Southwell
to enquire of Mrs. Becher how her son and Major Becher D.S.O. was. Last week the
North Midland Division T.F. took by assault the Hohenzollern redoubt near Loos
and suffered greatly. It was, said the Morning Post, "the finest feat of arms
of this or any War". The 8th Sherwoods lost their splendid Colonel, Bertie Fowler,
my old yachting friend's son, killed also the 2 Handford boys 21 and 20. Fisher of
Arrow Vale mortally and wounded Pat Ashwell, Edge of Shelley and 400 casualties,
fortunately only few killed. The Robin Hoods went with them to fill the gap caused
by the almost annihilation of the Lincolns and Leicesters.
 L'/1 t',
Fri. ,22nd Oct.
Patrick came over to see us before joining the flying school at Farnboro.
He is commissioned in the 1st Sherwood Foresters. Our next generation of the
family, 7 in all, is few. Pray he may come to no harm. Sugden Wilson whilst
fly~ng in Flanders wounded and a prisoner.

Sat. ,23rd Oct.

To the Memorial Service to Bertie Fowler, Kerby, Major Cecil Clarke,
James of-the 8th there wounded or invalided from the War.
Sun. ,24th Oct.
To Gonalston to enquire of myoId friend Squire Francklin who had taken
to his death bed.
Mon. ,25th Oct.
Walked from Nottingham to Ruddington and returning turned into the Club Room
of our Crimean Veterans homes where~ being Balaclava Day our old Veteran, one of
the thin red line of Colin Campbell's brigade, drank to its memory.
Tues. ,26th Oct.
To Toton to see progress of the new High Explosive Works which cover many
acres and back to the Club where Stanley Birkin.
vleds. ,27th Oct.
A perfect autumn morning, rode to meet hounds in Gedling Woods, by my
old friend Roby Thorpe's msnot house at Woodbro, where many a jovial evening was
spent in the "eighties". The light driving mists made Lambley look like a fairy
town in the sun. Talking to Potter, \fuitehall management is appalling. Vickers
of Vickers Maxims going to see the chief for munition supply at the War Office
said as he came away that if his office boy knew no more of munitions than the
man he saw, he would scrap him.
This evening died myoId friend, Squire Francklin. Educated at Harrow
and Brasenose, he succeeded to his estates of some 3000 acres in Notts and
Bedford and these worth £4000 a year as a boy. Master of the Craven, Rufford
and S. Notts Hounds in the "sixties" and long an officer in the S. Notts Hussars,
he was the last to have the sacial manners of the IlDandies", a class that believed
in itself yet as friendly with his labourers as one of the same family. His son
Capt. Philip went down with the Good Hope Flagship, fighting von Speea squadron.
Richard and William are both on active service with the S. Notts Hussars. Richard
now at Salonica.
Sat.30th 6ct.
To the funeral at Gonalston, a large gathering, Lords Harris and St.Vincent
in the family, Sir E. de la Rue, Harry Sherbrooke and William in uniform. Last Sat.
we had all the glory of summer: this day we had jumped into autumn owing to a frost.
Tues. ,2nd Nov.
To the Assize sitting on Grand Jury and to the High Sheriff luncheon
sitting next the Clerk of Assize Bancroft, son of Sir- Squire Bancroft the actor
and son-in-law of Sir - Hare, another great actor.
This day the Jddges arrived by motor car, a concession to War economy.
~leds. ,3rd Nov.

Bleasby hunting, only Mrs. Upton (71) Gibbs and I the field: but with the old
lord and his train a noble way of hunting with no crushing or elbowing.
Thurs. ,4th Nov.
Riding over to Oxton and Greaves Lane and home through the Wood. Yesterday
I neglected to say we had a run about Epperston~ coming through the Rectory garden.
Fri. ,5th Nov.
Rain again but in the afternoon to see my old yachting friend,Mr. Fowler,
whose son Bertie, Colonel of the 8th Sherwoods, recently killed taking the
Hohenzollern Redoubt. .
Sat. ,6th Nov.
Ernest gazetted to the 8th Sherwoods, so of our family at the War Harold with
the Grand Fleet, Charlie in France, Patricck Flying Corps and Ernest.
Sun. ,7th Nov.
/
Major Cecil Clarke and Nesta Branston, a pretty little girl and fiancee,
walked over for tea. 4 years ago we were all dancing at Nesta's coming out ball.
Mon.,8th Nov.
Rode to Sherwood to meet Harwood.
Tues.,9th Nov.
By train with Belt to Hinckley.
\>leds. ,10th Nov •.
All day at Toton with Captain Brighton as to land taken for shell factory.
Thurs.,llth Nov.
With Stanley Birkin and lunched with Lord Chet\Y,1nd who is carrying out
this enormous work in quick time, he trained as a civil engineer and 15 years
director of Vickers and Maxims, just the man for it, a most capable man and
like others contemptuous of government methods.
Fri.,12th Nov.
The heaviest rain all day, so nowhere.
Sat. ,13th Nov •
. To Nottingham and later to the Club. Home at 5.
Sun. ,14th Nov.
Annie and Patrick motored over in the afternoon. P. now at the Flying School
at Farnboro, says 20 Botha's new motors from S. Africa are rotting in the open
under: no care.,
Mon. ,16th Nov.
Scaree 3 weeks ago it was blazing summer with scarce a change in leaf. To-day
first frost and snow and a short work made of autumn as except the oak in woods
the leaf is all gone.
\·leds. ,17th Nov.
To oxton walking with Mrs. Sherbrooke and lunched with, walking home through
the Park Wood, the oak in every shade of russett in this hilly upland woodS
through which one walks over a mile home.
Thurs.,18th Nov.
To Nottingham and lunched at the Club where Capt. Starkey our Member
asked me to take the management of his estate.
Fri.,19th Nov.
Wykeham to see me this morning as to Seely's estate affairs.
Last Tuesday Polly and I made our call on Mrs. Francklin the widow of my
old friend.
Sat. ,20th Nov.
To Nottingham and tea at Percy's where Ernest now with the 8th Shenyoods
at Belton camp and looks well in uniform. Bulkeley who is also joining. Randall
and Stanley Bourne of the party. Came back with Frank Hodgkinson of the 8th and
Black of the7th, both from France. Vickers of the 7th has the V.C.
Sun.,21st Nov.
At home. Milder weather.
Mon. ,22nd Nov.
Drove to Norwood Park and arranged with Capt. Starkey to manage his estates.
Tues. ,23rd Nov.
At 9 tm meet Mr. Birkin at Mapperley and motored with him to Toton and later
to Thurgarton where Knight met me and I drove to Winkburn for a talk with Col.Burnell.
Thurs.,25th Nov.
By train to Peterbro and thence to Norman Cross for the night taking an audit
at the Fox at Folkesworth in the afternoon.
Fri.,26th Nov.
Walking over part of the estate. A train of heavy transport passed my Inn.
Tues. ,30th Nov.
A pleasant walk with Polly to Woodoboro to the Vicarage about letting the
Glebe, where Polly left me and I on to Lambley and back through Ploughmans ~lood
near which I met Pearson, Rector of L, riding and so home.
Weds. ,:'lst Dec.
At Toton audit all day with Belt at the Black Boy.
Thurs. ,2nd Dec.
Riding by Rainsdale Park and saw Mrs. Frank Seely and her brother who has
a bullet in his brain.
Fri. ,3rd Dec.
To the meet at Red Lodge, very foggy but rode on to Syerston for lunch
where George Fillingham under orders for Egypt. Home at 4 and drove on to Norwood
Place to see Starkey.
Mon.,6th Dec.
{er /5,
One of my old days riding to Halam by bridle road.
Tues.,7th Dec.
Riding all day from 10 till 5 by Greaves Lane, Edingley and South Newell.
Vieds. ,8th Dec.
Took the Widmerpool audit at the Black Boy.
Thurs.,9th Dec.-
To Ruddingham for the audit.
Fri.,lOth Dec.
To Farnsfield for the audit.
Sat.,llth Dec.
Nottingham and in the afternoon took an Illustrated London News of 1855
and gave it to the Crimean Veterans Club at Wilford.
Sun. ,12th Dec.
Snow at night so a white Sunday, to 8 o'clock Service. Charlie on leave
from France. Pat from Dover where he is with the Flying Corps, and Annie over
to tea.
Hon. ,13th Dec.
To Oxton audit. Frost and blue sky so the country looked well. At 5 to see
Mrs. Sherbrooke where all the Gonalston party and Edward F. motored me home.
Tues.,14th Dec.
Polly's birthday.• Snow all gone but a dull stormy day, hlt \'1alked to Calverton
and back by the fields by the stream side. Vi Brett for tea.
Heds. ,15th Dec.
Belrand I drove to Southwell for our first audit of Capt. Starkey's rents
and put up at the Crown at 12 and just finished in time for me to run across to
the Bank at the corner at 3. Banks now closing at 3 instead of 4 as their staffs
are depleted. Talked to two men of the 8th in front of the Saracen's Head just
home from France on leave, and then Belrand I had a good egg and toast tea.
Did not go as usual to gaze on the grand old Minster.
Thurs.,16th Dec.
Fine and at 10 to Nottingham and walked to Ruddington and to the Club at 3
where the Duke of P. with whom I had some talk. Moniack the General of our
successful attack at Hooge I hear. Drove home from the Tramway and at Mapperley
calling for Polly and Margie at Woodbro Hall.
Fri. ,17th De.c.
To Nottingham and dined at the Black Boy with Seely's bigger tenants.
Sun. ,20th Dec.
At home. Called on Lady Ley who has returned to the Manor.
Hon. ,21st Dec.
Drove to Hinkburn for the audit.
Tues. ,21st Dec. -, ,.'
Madge Champneys, pretty 17 year old Madge of our merry Christmas in 1911,
has come last Sunday evening from Kent, and left us today for Skersdale Park,
Penrith, her cousin's Mrs. Gandy, and I saw her off at Nottingham.
The Rifle Range is now used for machine gun practice and officers and
men all now billetted in Lowdham.
\'leds. , 22nd Dec.
To Newark for appointments at the Clinton where I stayed 2 hours.
The pretty little town and market place very gay for Christmas marketting.
Saw W.F.E. Denison and the Branstons and back with Heyman who told me his
front ,in France was once 17 days without ammunition to reply to German fire.
Thurs.,23rd Dec.
To Toton and along the River Bank to Barton. The new High Explosive factory
grows apace and pretty Moor Wood is quite gone. As the new lighting order preclude
white lights, all lights are clouded with colour, pink, red, green, blue, etc.
and the result in Nottingham most pretty like a Chinese Feast of Lanterns.
The place is swarming with troops and wounded and no girl considers herself
complete without a'military cavalier. The "swank" of young wives of officers
is delicious.
Christmas Eve.
Very foggy and wet but I rode out to Riddings in Graves Lane crossing the
fields and woods there and by the quaint lane home at Hartswell.
Christmas Day.
Margie to see usearly, a brilliant sunny morning turning to rain in the
afternoon. Annie and Patrick, now in the Royal Flying Corps, motored over from
Farndon immediately after breakfast so we all to Church. The Leys a large party,
Johnny Hurt, straight from the trenches after more than a year since he left,
in the choir~ Thornhill in the Naval Armour Car Corps and Patrick all in uniform.
Called on old Mrs. Dufty, 93, a wonderfully preserved old lady, and on Mother.
Lunched expecting a large addition to our party this afternoon, which arrived in
due course and \ve sat down 10 for dinner. Annie and her boy Patrick (on leave)
Ernest (in the 8th S.F. on leave), Percy, Muriel and their boys Geoffrey and
Leonard, Polly, Margie and myself.
Sun. ,26th Dec.
Most of us to Church in the morning and in the evening when the mothers
were at church Patrick and I had a great Rag over the house with the children.
Very stormy.
Hon. ,27th Dec.
Very stormy till at 10 it cleared to a perfect blue sky with a mild breeze
of spring till 2 when the storm recommenced. I walked over to lunch with the
Edward Francklins where Lady Walker and pretty Mrs. Phi2I~p and her children.
Johnny Hurt left for France, Percy, Muriel and the res~Aleft but the two boys.
Tues.,Weds.,Thurs. Stormy.
Fri.,31st Dec.
Great storm which cleared to sunny weather for 3 hours at 1. I joined
hounds at Oxton leaving at Ploughman Wood. Dick brought a blinded New Zealand
Sergt.for lunch and dinner.