').

- 1 9 16-
 - 191 6 -
Sl1t., 1st Jan.
The third yeqr of War. Dick and Sergt. Woods at the Den but dine with me.
Tues. ,4th Jan.
Drove to Southwell Cathedral for the memorial service to Major Becher D.S.O.
Sergt. Sheppard D.C.M. and Coryl. Townshend who of the Southwell Company fell
at taking the Hohenzollern Redoubt. About 50 of the Company now in England
were there under C apt. Lane and several of the 8th Sherwood Officers and a large
gathering that filled the Norman Nave. The Bishop gave the address and referred to
the Service in August 1914 when Becher and his men left for Newark. This to 1909
was my old Company which in Scarlet I used for great ceremonials to line the Nave
aisle and nicknamed the Pope's Body guard. This cathedral has seen some stirring
Services of late years and the clank of military array it has not had since
the days of the Civil Wars or its Norman builders. I had a word with several
of my old men.

\'leds.,5th Jan.
To the meet at Thurgartoni then I turned into the Butt Field to see the
detachments nm'l quartered in Lo'",dham at machine gun practice. Quite a good field
for the times, Ld. Harrington brought Mrs. Myndy of Shipley, Mrs. Sherbrooke and
Rupert, Miss Francklin, Mrs. Upton, Harry Loyles, T. Potter and Gibbs. An
engineer officer in the retreat from Mons I talked much to. We had an excellent
run on the Hills north of Epperstone.
Thurs.,6th Jan.
With Stanley Birkin to Toton.
Fri.,7th Jan.
Riding about Halam.
Sat.,8th Jan.
The first fine day since the storm of nearly 4 weeks duration with little
intermission. To Nottingham. Margaret who had been staying with Uncle Percy
in Nottingham for the week, returned to-day.
Hon.10th Jan.
Hill and Rona to dinner.
Tues. ,11th Jan. M~V..R-..f";:f

To the meet at Southwell of the Rufford Hounds. Ld. ~~~Re~6 and Lady Sybil
Pierrepoint, Mrs. Sherbrooke and Rupert, Mrs. Upton, Mrs. Barrow the bride, Hrs. Wagstaff
Capt. Starkey's son a mere boy ind many soldiers present, and I talked with some of
the 8th on leave from France. Found in Halam osiers and a good run nearly to
Halloughton where I saw hounds turn right back throwing out the field. We raced
over Halam to Graves Lane where I was alone with three hounds and Kames brought
up the pack and san so on to Coombs Wood.
Thurs.,12th Jan.
To lunch at Sherwood Lodge with Sir Charles and riding over this pretty country.
Dined with Hill at Woodbro Hall.
Fri.,13th Jan.
To Southwell with Polly to the Council and then on to Hexgreave for lunch
~h~~~ Canon Glaister and Capt. Berry invalided from France. His wife Maud Wilson
as was, a happy occasion.
Sat.,14th Jan.
To Nottingham and to the Cattle Market talking to the farmers about the
scarcity of labour. Lunched at the Club and in the afternoon met and congratulated
Pat Ashwell on his D.S.O.
Sun.,19th Jan.
Ernest over and goes to Scarbro for a course of instruction. To bea with
the Leys. Afternoon services instituted to comply with the lighting order.
Until 25 years ago afternoon services were the rule in the country, which
gave us the evening at home in winter and for walks in the summer. Christopher
Ley home from Gallipoli.
Mon.,16th Jan.
Geoffry Champneys left to join the Inns of Court officers training corps.
Rode to Rainsdale to see Colonel F. Seely invalided from Gallipoli.
This afternoon died Sir Francis Ley Bart., 23 years ago he bought the
Manor and a part of our estate from my father: a good sportsman his hunting
dinners to the farmers in the Schools during the nineties were a feature of our
winter season, over 100 sitting down. In '98 he gave a successful ball. We were
very gay in winter in those days.
Amyan Champneys came to help me in the office.
Tues.,18th Jan.
Boyd Carpenter said Lady Ley would like if if I attended the funeral at
Lealholm and ,to be guest at a hotel at Whitby with others.
Thurs.,20th Jan.
Left by 9 train for Newark, the Leys going by special with the body.
I saw Esam, Mather, and my old friend Chas. Richardson at Newark. Thence to
York where 2 hours wait and to see the Minster and on to Scarboro' which station
very full being market day. A company of troops drilling on the excursion platform.
Then by the coast route to vfuitby to enjoy the sea views, the moon rising like
a red sun over the sea, after which all blinds were pulled down as lighting orders
require no lights to be seen. \f.hitby completely'dark and no carriages so had to
carry my bag to the Royal but was directed to the New Metropole and but for the
moon should have been hard put to it to find my way. I then walked to see the
Abbey and the old town but military patrols told me not to walk on the front.
The Abbey a scene of fallen greatness, first of the Middle Ages in the church dnd
then of the Grand Seignem period of the Stearts with the roof1ess manor house
and 300 feet of empty stables. Dinner alone but 8 others came in at 10. Woo11ey
the solicitor, Jobson, brother-in-law, Gray partner, etc.
Fri.,21st Jan.
A walk before breakfast and then with Jobson to the old to\in and Abbey, he being
interested in these things. To Lealholm au 2 and~ter the funeral just time to catch
the train to York and stayed at the Station Hotel now full of officers.
). Sat. , 22nd Jan.

In the town and much struck with the clerestory windows of St.Martins
Coney Street, the light delicate colouring like jewels. To the Guildhall and
had an amusing talk \llith "the Esquire" who by charter of R.II is commander of troops
, in York so a Colonel and his Major coming up I told them and I saluted: then to
the Minster chancel wandering round when it appears I had transgressed rules,
a civil messenger from the Dean said, in being without a verger. Home by 4 train.
Sun. ,23rd Jan.
Geoffrey Champneys passed his riding test 3 only out of 8. We have afternoon
Service now after an interval of 25 years and after with Polly for tea with Mrs.
Francklin (senior) where Edith and Mrs. Sherbrooke.
Mon. ,24th Jan.
Riding by Farnsfield and Hallam and home by the bridle way. Pretty Violet
being at home this past month at Otterpool Manor, Patrick flies from Dover to
see her, that is the new way. P. Is now Lieut in the Flying Corps.
Tues. ,25th Jan.
Spent at Oxton with Mrs. Sherbrooke on the estate, a fine one of 5000 acres
and walked home by the Park wood, my favourite way, a fine view west over Sherwood
Forest and then a mile through this fine oak wood with its diversified surface and
ancient yews and hoililies at intervals it is an old natural wood, the ash stools were
probably planted but are now huge and venerable, the old yews the finest I know.
The weather perfect.
Weds. ,26th Jan.
Rode to Reddup Farm and then to the meet at Oxton. We did not find till
afternoon at Thistley Coppice and then a good run but my sport spoilt at the finish
by a fastened gate in the Rifle Butts.
Fri.,28th Jan.
To Southwell for the Council and later to Norwood Park to see Starkey and
walk with him round his estate, and rode ho~e at dusk across the fields.
Sat. ,29th Jan.
To Nottingham but home at 2.
Sun.30th Jan.
At home and to the afternoon service.
Mon. ,31st Jan.
Many neighbours put to scorn for scorning Ine about my paritcular ideas
for lights for lain lithe Kruger" of the village, for this evening about ~ to 8
a Zeppelin was seen by several flying by the Church and several passed over about
this time and later. Our first experience of war.
Tues. ,1st Feb.
To Nottingham by driving to the Frac~ines and reinsured my house and
furniture against Zaps for £4000 and to the Bank for my private pass book which
having £700 credit balance I would keep by me in case the Bank. premises were destroyed.
Lt. '1 16,.-
Met Cecil Clark, Major and A.P.M. here, who told me 7 Zeps were in the raid
sighted at Cromer at 4 yesterday afternoon and then by Sleaford and Newark.
No bombs dropped in Nottingham but searched for the High Explosive bombs
at" Chilwell which they failed to find. But damage done at Loughbro-Derby-
Stanton,etc. and several killed. Met Capt. Starkey at the Club and home at 1.
Walked up with \Vhite who farms Eastwood farm. Later came in Stocks about his
son \.,rho was "starred" not to be enlisted, yet is called up to the colours and gone.
Waking about 1 I thought I heard a Zeppelin which afte~.,rards I found to be
correct, it was seen from Lowdham. Somewhat disturbing if we are in the main
track of their raids. "
Weds. ,2nd Feb.
Rode to Riddings Farm by Oxton and chatting with Elridge in the Green
Lanes near station made me late for the meet at Halloughton Wood for coming
on the Rampur I met a second horseman who said they had gone away sharp and very
fast, so down to Westhorpe and came up with Ld.Harrington at Brackenhurst with
some tail hounds, the main pack got to Bleasby Gorse. After this scent failed
all day although we had foxes from the Gorse and Gonalstone osiers. The Vicar
of Lowdham and Vi Brett to tea and in came·Mrs. Francklin, Edith and a friend.
Thurs. ,3rd Feb.
At home all day. A gale sprang up.
Fri. ,4th Feb.
To the meet at E. Bridgford. Lord H. introduced me to his niece Lady Cynthia
Colville, a good looking pleasant woman, to whom I talked as we drew the 10vely
Trent banks to Stoke, the flying lights lit up at intervals the spire of Newark.
At Stoke I left to lunch with Mrs. Fillingham at Syerston Hall to talk over taxes.
Was lucky enough leaving here at 2.30 to fall in with ~ounds and finish a run
to ground in Stoke Field where the great battle, the last of the War of the Roses
was fought. Only Earp, the whips, Ld. H., Lady Cyntmia and myself, and I enjoyed
the ride home along the banks with most lovely evening lights but missed Canon
Glaister or the Robinsons whom I wanted to see.
Sat. ,5th Feb.
To Nottingham and after the Cattle Market to lunch with Percy who in the
afternoon motored Muriel, Randall and I to Derby to see the Zep damages. A classroom at
Hallan church had been completely biown out. A Mothers meeting was customarily
held in it at the time, but it providentially happened that afternoon the
Vicar's wife having a cold had sent for the women to come to the Vicarage, otherv/ise
the whole party would have been killed.
We came on Lrd. H!s hounds drawing a cover and got to see it and then to Derby
to see the damage near Rolls Royce Works, but really very trivial for it is evident
that if the bomb does not fall in the house and blow the walls out in the open it
does little more damage than a great gale and that only near to,incendiary bombs
do more damage. Zeps have been over the country every night till last and at 9
came a message from our Post Office that Zeps were across the coast line again.
Sun. ,6th Feb.
Miss Francklin wrote me a note so over to Gonalston to tea to meet Capt.
Richardson, a Victorian Ansae, Mrs. Sherbrooke also there. R. does not believe
the yarn we bought our way out of Gallipoli. It was cleverly done,thousands
landed at dawn so the Turks thought we were re-inforcing our line.
Mon.,7th Feb.
~o Oxton and lunched with Mrs. Sherbrooke and enjoyed my favourite walk home
through the Wood with a lovely sunset.
Tues. ,8th Feb.
To the Council at Southwell to elect the new Tribunal for service men under
the new Act,calling all single men to the colours, and rode home by Halam.
\'1eds.,9th Feb.
To Shervlood Lodge for lunch with Sir C.H. Seely and Wickham.
Thurs.,lOth Feb.
To Norwood Park for tea. A Zep alarm at 9 but none came inland unless one
by us to Mansfield.
Fri.,llth Feb.
To General Cemetery Notts. for old Mr. Tucker's funeral. Lunch at the Club with
Eve, talking on the Death Duties. The Duke of P., Sir Harvey Barns, Starkey and the
Bishop there.
Sat. ,12th Feb.
2tdXX3~!:pa>;xD!md~ltDaiwu~~mhixx~mcEifmr
Rode at 9, a lovely morning, down the Fosse to Widmerpool for meet of the Quorn.
3 motor cars, Capt. Forester and 2 whips in scarlet, bro\in cords and black tops.
Miss Hamilton and Mrs. Philips, Najor Robertson, Craddock and some 6 others, a
change to the pageant of other days but more cosy. Found in Wysall and across a
bad ford over Widmerpool park, a quick circle back and then drawing covers to
Rowhive and another and over Stan ton. I left at Lodge-in-~e-Wolds and them came on
Cecil Willoughby's party having a rabbit drive on Lord Man~ers' estate. So home 12
miles. l~II~)
Sun. ,13th Feb.
Ernest came after a month at Scarbro and reforms his regiment tomorrow. No
lights allowed anywhere now on account of Zeps which have been over 4 or 5 times
the last fortnight and killed and wounded 160.
Mon.,14th Feb.
Rode ~o Hexgreave a wild day with lambing storms. At Edingley Moor Farm
sheltered from a most violent one. Lunched with the Wilsons.
Tues. ,15th Feb~
Rode to Halam and let Gold Hill to Elvidge.
Weds. ,16th Feb.
To the meet at Fiskerton. My Lord, Lady Cynthia Colville, Duchess of Newcastle,
Mrs. Upton, Miss Barrow, Colone~ Birkin and Capt. Sherbrooke R.N. Found at Bleasby
but tooh2ild for scent. At 2 to Nottingham and took Polly and Margie to see Benson
in "As You Like It". Polly not tiell and has lost much \'ieight. She consulted Dr.Jacob.
Thurs. ,17th Feb.
To Oxton in morning to see Capt. Sherbrooke.
Fri.,18th Feb.
To the meet ab Red Lodge, a drizzling day. Lady Cynthia out, Mrs. Upton, Miss Pratt
Barlow, Gus Williamson, Farr and Gibbs, a good scent in grass and a find at Flintham
to Stoke and back to Elston.
~, t1/~-
Sat. ,19th Feb.
To Nottingham and back at 2. Margie and I have a game of Besique each
evening and crow at our victories. Amyan and my mother enjoy themselves likewise.
Sun. ,20th Feb.
A frost. Church in the morning and then our usual call on old Mrs. Dufty
and Mother.
Mon. ,21st Feb.
Drove up to Oxton to get farm agreements signed and then back by my favourite
walk through the Park v/ood.
Tues. ,22nd Feb.
To Toton. The towers of the new High Explosive works are coloured irregularly
green, yellow and red for invisibility and makes them look picturesque. Tea at the Club
where Colonels Mellish, Thackeray and Battersby. Snow storms.
\veds. ,23rd Feb.
To the meet at Oxton. My Lord, George Williamson, Capt. and Mrs.Sherbrooke
and myself alone and a f±ndnat the bogs, the scent lying well on the light sprinkle
of snow, through the Park Wood and all round it and over Epperstone Hill to Eastwood
where the Maxim gun practice at the Butts headed the fox back to our village
where lost. It was found later by a farmer in his pig stye and got away. Then on
to the Leys Gorse and Plowman Wood, a blizzard of light snow going on, and found
and ran by Lambley Gorse to the Plains Road. So home.
Thurs.,24th Feb.
To Gonalston Hall and lunched with Edward Francklin, the snow falling heavily.
This snow storm lasted through Friday and Saturday and covered the ground for 8 inches
or more and if it had not been thawing as it fell it would have been phenominal.
Many trees were broken and the great cedar in the churchyard lost several branches.
Sun. ,27th Feb.
Deep snow. To church in the morning and stayed Holy Communion and again
to service in afternoon.
Mon. ,28th Feb.
Kept at home by snow. The conscription threatens a serious crisis for farmers
by stripping us of all our ploughmen, already very few.
Tues. ,29th Feb.
To Nottingham and Park House Mapperley to lunch with Stanley Birkin. His
second boy came in now in the 8th Sherwoods (Robin Hoods) of which his uncle Charles
is Colonel of the 1st Battalion.
\veds. ,1st March.
Kept at home by the attrocious weather.
Thurs.,2nd March.
Thawing fast. Called on Lady Ley and to the church with her as· to cutting damaged
boughs from the great cedar. Floods.
Tt Fg. ,3rd Mar.
G-1M1..
Rode to Farndon and had great difficulty getting through the floods at
~thorpe Bridge nor did the hounds attempt it. Ld. Harrington came. Had some
lunch at Charlie's though only an old woman in, so on to Newark and bated at
the ClintonArms and strolled across the Market Place where Annie and Miss Lucas
were busy in the old parlour over Cherrington's Chemist Shop preparing Red Cross
sttres fbr Russia. These old parlours had a most cheerful aspect looking over
the market square full of life, the ubiquitous soldier and pretty girl, and if
the back bedrooms were more cheerful and there was a garden at the back I
would live over my shop and not in a villa if I was a shop keeper: but the old
garden courts have been filled with buildings. Rode back by Muskham and
Southwell on account of floods.
Sat. ,4th Mar.

To Nottingham. All available troops have gone during the night into
Lincolnshire as an intended invasion was expected.
Sun. ,5th Mar.
Still "lambing" storms. A Zep raid this night in direction of Birn:ingham.
To Church morning and afternoon.

Hon. ,6th Mar.

Drove to No~~ood Park and caught in a big snow storm on the Rampur.
Tea with the family. Heard 3 Zeppelins had been about last night and so the
noise Margie heard and came to me about was the Nottingham hooters giving
warning and the humming noise I heard at midnight was probably the one in the
Vale, over 40 people killed and injured, chiefly I think at Hull.
Tues.,7th Mar.
A white world, the snow had never really gone from the hills all this time.
Several snow storms but thawing fast.
Weds.,and Thurs.,8 & 9th Mar.
At home, the weather bad, snow at intervals.
Fri. , lOth Mar.
To the meet of the hounds at Sibthorpe, much water about and a small field,
Mrs. Lister and sisters, Gibbs, Ben Capon,formerly huntsman to the Duke of
Rutland. About 400 men of the 3rd Line N.Midland Territorial Division are now
quartered about Lowdham and G~Drpe and a miniature range is just made in
the bank south of G~thorpe bridge.
Vh
Sat.,llth Mar.
Snow at night and the weather so bad I stayed at home.
Sun. ,12th Har.
Weather bad but to Gonalst~n Hall in the afternoon. Edward Francklin's
little girl Judith, 9, very pretty. All this family and connections noted for
their looks. May, Lady de la Rue, "Beejy" Mrs. Sherbrooke, Edith F., Lady Guildford
and sister, the Burnaby Atkins, etc.
~,
Mon. ,13th -Mar.
Mrs. Senhouse's agent called on for service will create a difficulty at
. Maryport. But all our prospects uncertain. Seely's agency lost to me but additions
of Capt. Starkey' s softens the blo\"l. I am lucky to have lived \vell \'Ii thin my
income the last two years and since 1904 my income has not fallen yet below £1200
a year and at times £1400 or £1500 a year. We live very quietly. I have still 2
horses and 2 men servants.
Tues. ,14th Har.
Drove to Nottingham to get a successor for Penrice at Maryport and saw Mrs.
Nixon, old McCoy's daughter, about her husband who was at Eton with Frank Curzon
and afterwards at Brasenose, a man who seems to have suffered reverses in fortune •
At the Club, Thomasson very pessimistic as to Verdun.

\·leds. ,15th Har.

Drove in the afternoon, very rainy, to Widmerpool Hall to stay with Major
Robertson.
Thurs. ,16th Mar.
To North Lodge and settled with Brookes and Lewin about the farms they took,
the conscription having unsettled them, but they determined to keep on. Major R.
asked me to stay till Friday.
Fri~17th Mar.
Left Widmerpool,floods all out by the Trent, a Spring day so mounted Teddy Bear
and rode to Newstead and met the Hunt by Pilgrim Oak and spent the day in the Park
and Harlowe woods. 3 foxes found but a woodland hunt, the woods here continuous
covering over 4000 acres, but very pretty.
Sat. ,18th Har.
To Nottingham with Polly and Margie and to the Cattle Market, lunched at the
Club \vith Sands and Capt. Baines. Ernest to dinner. In transferring brigades to Egypt
one regiment got forgotten there and spent some months in peaceful picnic, no
orders, nn generals to bother.
Sun. ,19th Har.
A stormy day.
Hon. ,20th Har.
The same but drove up to Oxton.
\·leds. ,22nd Har.
Met Captain Brighton at the Victoria and brought him along to the County Club
where we discussed rent allowances for land taxes for the High Expplosive Works
at Toton. Motored through to them and saw Lord'Chetwynd who showed me his sketch
plan on a sheet of notes made 6 months ago when all these huge worksl Lunched
at L. Eaton and back to the Club.
Thurs.23rd Mar.
To Ruddington in afternoon and had tea with Hrs. Wrey Hunt, aunt of Sir Arthur
Markham, who gave me illustrations of what a little "snob" Tommy Bowles is.
Fri. ,24th Mar.
Rode to the Council at Southwell. Lunched at the Crown and then to Norwood
Park walking about with Capt. Starkey. At tea was Mrs. Darwin of Elston Hall,
who took such a fancy to Polly last year when at Epperstone as a Pilgrim. She
said the "Calililpe" \·,ras in the Tyne damaged but had sunk the sister of the "Moeive".
Sat. ,25th Mar.
To meet the Quorn at Lodge on-Wolds where quite a large meet for these times,
mostly girls and very pretty. Major Robertson out, E boys from Eaton en route
for Sandhurst, a leave officer, the rest all of us old ones. Found at Owthorpe
Borders and around by all these big woods here. Heard troop trains were running
north all last night. A German raid is expected 'any time.
Sun. ,26th Mar.
Spent at home quietly.
Mon. ,27th Mar.
With Amyan by 8 train to Derby where we got the Ashbourne motor bus which
dropped us at the gate of Osmaston Manor for the estate of which I am to make
a valuation. We caught the bus at 12.30 travelling from Derby with the Bishop
and Colonel Woodforde and to the Club before returning.
Tues. ,28th Har.
A most remarkable gale all day of wind and snow. Our valley being sheltered
did not get the full force but after we heard telegraph communication was almost
suspended and not likely to be amended for weeks. All the trains from London
blocked for nearly 2 days, several feet of snow having fallen in places.
At Mansfield as new fallen the snow lay 5 feet deep.
Weds. ,29th Mar.
We had snow 3 or 4 inches, it never falls deep in S. Notts, so·to Ruddington
in afternoon.
Thurs. ,30th Har.
k-t-S'
To Woodbro Hall to see Mr. Hill and then tried to drive to Ra.dale but snow
lay 2 feet on roads on the hills. Drove to Hexgreave.
~cu--sc1~
Fri. ,31st Mar.
Although snow still lies on the hills to the Trent at Sibthorpe and a good
run from Elston to the Trent Hills and along these beautiful woods to ground at
Kneeton.
Sat. ,1st April.
Very warm. A Zep raid last night and the bombs heard from Collingham, one
shot down in Essex. Helmsley found an unexploded bomb at Shelton dropped two
weeks since. Lunched with Stanlmy Birkin, his wife and pretty daughter.
Sun. ,2nd Apr.
To Church. Perfect Spring. The Hon. Frank Curzon motored over from Kedleston
for lunch. Said his brother opposed advance to Kut, knowing the country, but was
ignored and advised putting our forces into Salonika and the Balkans last spring,
ignored. Thus our government go from blunder to blunder.
10.
Hon. ,3rd Apr. .
A i'\.1I\..l.R.. .
To Newark and saw y,'Jl :'~I\at tHe Rod Cross Rooms in the Market Place
to congratulate her on Patrick getting his Wings in the R. Flying Corps.
Then to Balderton Hall for lunch with Cousin Emmie. Arthur Wan~ick, Mrs. Harvey
and family whose pretty governess was at Ghent when war broke out.

Tues.,4th Apr. A d
R..~d.P-<.R.-
Drove to Re;n~~al~ to see Mrs.F. Seely.
/\
Weds.,5th Apr.
To the meet at Bleasby. Hrs. Sherbrooke, Mrs. Upton, Mrs. Lister*and sister,
Willoughby and Davies· from the front, Charlie Wright and Gibbs. Plenty of foxes
but poor scent. Government commandeer all corn and hay. .

* Hon. Mrs. Lister, afterwards Lady Hasham, M.F.H. Bedale, very red hair.
Plain but very popular.

Thurs. ,6th Apr.

Drove to Southwell and with Lee to Halam about repairs.
Fri.,7th Apr.
To Washingley near Peterbro. Snow still in places from the great storm.
Scibliers repairing the telegraphs at Stilton although the poles leaning ove~.
Had tea at the Fox at Folksworth where still the old and now unfamiliar thatch
roofs. Travelled in the guards van to Grantham nearly missing the train by
getting in a wrong carriage. We begin to feel the pinch of war, coal difficult
to get, sugar also. I have hay for a month and oats for 3 and house stores
otherwise I should be very short.

Sat. ,8th Apr.

To Nottingham on Income Tax Commission but home at 2 and with Polly and Margie
to Mr. Francklin's to tea.

Bun. 9th Apr.

To Church in the morning. Gordon Ley asked me to look after his property here
but affairs get difficult to manage.
Mon.,lOth Apr.
Old Hr. Burrows not being well I rode to Southwell and appealed successfully
at the Tribunal for his ploughman and got him off conscription for the Army till
October, with leave to appeal again.
Tues. ,11th Apr.
Drove for the audit and lunch at Syerston Hall.
\veds. ,12th Apr.
Rode across the fields to Had~Jell in Graves Lane 5 miles to see the new
tenant Johnson.
11.
Thurs.,13th Apr.
My 54th birthday and in the same house I was born, so far in spite of war
my circumstances well though we economise prodigously as Income Tax is now 5/-
in £1. My wife and daughter Margaret, 14 years, my wife's nephew Amyan Champneys (17)
and 2 maids in house, 2 men servants, Knight and Barker, and Mrs. Barker laundrymaid,
my cashier Bel~ 2 horses in stable. My mother and 2 maids in her cottage some 200
yards away. Of my brothers Charlieis Staff Colonel in France and his boy Patrick
flyingfuere. Harry (2nd) and Arthur (3rd) in Australia, the latter married with
2 boys and a girl. Harold (5th) and his wife now Fleet surgeon at Dartmouth.
Percy, his wife and 2 boys in Nottingham Park, William (7th) wires from Petrograd
returning from Pekin. Ernest (8th) with his regiment on the Lincolnshire coast,
Edward and his wife and Dick (lOth) in London.

At 12 I rode to Oxton for the meet of the hounds, we had no. sport though
drawing all Oxton. There was a large field for the times. 3 Player children, the
eldest girl very like her mother, Mrs. Sherbrooke and Rupert, Col. F.E.Seely
and ~ boys.
Fri.,14th Apr.
To the meet of the hounds at Harlowe Wood in which large wood of 1000 acres
we found and had a brisk run though short. I came on some snow left after the
big storm on 28th March.
Sat.,15th Apr.
To the theatre at Nottingham and saw "Charlie's Aunt" which has had a continuous
run ~somewheresince I saw it over 25 years ago.
Sun. ,16th Apr.
We went to tea at ~iss Browne's.
Mon.,17th Apr.
Drove to Southwell and then to NO~100d Park for tea. Mrs. Parker, with whom
I travelled on Saturday there. She was Miss Starkey, pretty, her husband of the
Macclesfield family is in the Shropshires stationed at Pembroke.
Tues.,18th Apr.
To Ruddington.
\'I'eds. ,19th Apr.
To Newark to the meeting of Nicholson's Works, also saw Richardson after.
Poor account all round of our condition, the waste quite 000 millions of our War
bill thrown away, our home army on the Lincolnshire coast to repel a raid not one
quarter armed with worn out rifles, Japanese or Martines with buckshot cartridges.
The move to the coast merely to make people believe we are secure. A rumour of a
naval success in North Sea 3 weeks ago. At t ea time we saw an aeroplane flying
north.
Good Friday, 21st Apr.
Bad weather and stayed at home as yesterday when I got wet en a ride
to Oxton.
Sat. , 22nd Apr.
The hounds met at Gonalston for Lord Harris who is staying there and a
fairly large field out. Col. Seely and his 2 delightful boys from Ra~~dale,
Mrs. Sherbrooke, Rupert, The Crosleys, Player girls, Davies family frSffi Nottingham
and Gibbs and his son. \'1e had a good day but it is really too late and there \.,ras
some grumbling by farmers men to be placated in cash. Nevertheless there was a
feeling to make the most of present opportunities lest the future leave us no
cash to hunt with.
Easter Sunday, 23rd Apr.
A sunny morning. Polly and I to early communion at 8 and again to Service
at 11. To tea with Hill.
Easter Monday, 24th Apr.
Some rain so with Amyan instead of Margie drove to Langar Hall to lunch
with Percy and his family. The troops have all left LO\'ldham and GlSithorpe.
l..("t,.
Tues. ,25th Apr.
J.1'\.
To Ra~sdale Park riding to see Col. F. Seely, his boys practising jumping.
Much news this evening of yesterday - Dublin in rebel hands, a naval fight off
Lowestoft, a Zep raid at night and to-day a secret session of Parliament.
\'1eds. ,26th Apr.
To Derby to meet Fisher, Superintendent Valuer, and also to look at the
dismantled Hall at Osmanton, the north Park where the R. Agricultural show was a
few years ago now all Midland Works. I talked with the gardener tenant who had
some fine bull mastiffs. He tells me Prince Charlie in 1745 lodged in Full St.
Derby, not ±~ ~hi8 ~ine old house. Lovely spring.
Thurs. ,27th Apr.
Perfect weather and riding all round Winkburn. The north part of the park
here all going back to natural forest. Coming through Kirklington Park met
Mrs. Bainbridge, the pretty young widow, Lady White of Wallingwells and her boy.
Then on to Osmanthorpe to see Basilico and home by Rosselle Wood. Of this 30
mile drive 20 by field, wood and bridleway.
Fri.,28th Apr.
At home for the Epperstone audits of the Manor and Rectory properties.
Sat. ,29th Apr.
To Nottingham and met George Fellowes at Weekday Cross, a co-Income Tax
Commissioner, signing warrants for 6011ectors.
Tues. ,2nd May.
The North Midland Division 2 line Territorials had left Watford for
Dublin and lost heavily in the fighting. To Hinckley and'had an interesting
talk with Mr. Goode, a big hosiery manufacturer, how he and others met Sir
Guy Grant, late Manager of the Hidland Railway, and called to help the Board
of Trade, on a trade grievance. Sir Guy said when he took the post he thought
he had administrative functions but he found he was merely put between the official
fool and his folly. "I am really here to prevent you gentlemen getting access to him".
So much for State management. Heard a Zep at 9 and heard in the morning a big
vaid and several casualties.
J3. lq/~,.
Thurs.,4th May.-
To Osmaston Manor near Ashbourne to meet Major Hardinge. A rainy day.
IXi.,5th May.
Wrote Mrs. Kent, our governess, to ask her if she would help in the office
if Belt'werecalled up. Wet.
Sat.,6th May.
To Nottingham and in the afternoon to the theatre. Muriel, my sister-in-law,
has measles.
Sun.,7th May.
Sir Gordon Ley at church. He home on leave from Egypt on urgent business
affairs. Had tea with Alison Lady Ley and Miss Marwood. She said that the last
raid of Zeps 2'or 3 bombs dropped at Lealhome and one farm house slightly damaged.
Mon.,8th May.
With Polly to Derby by 9 train and got a motor to Osmanton and went round
by Shirley where the Ford stopped us, so round by Longford Park to Wyaston and
then to Ashbourne to see the church. I was here about 1883 staying at the Green
Man some days with my grandfather on the same job, valuing the estate, when Sir
Andrew Walker bought it. Then back and walked through Shirley Park and back to
Derby for tea. A cold dull day.
Tues.,9th May.
Rode to Lower Hexgreave and got wet through coming back.
Weds.,lOth May.
Went into St. Mary's church at Nottingham to meet the Archdeacon and be
accepted as Rector's churchwarden. Met Percy at 10.30 and motored out to Epperstone
where we took up Polly, Margie and luggage and away by the old Rufford Road, via
Bawtry and Thorn and stopped for lunch in a lane outside the park of Carlton Towers.
A sunny cold day. We reached Canon Greenwood's house at Kirby vfuarf aft 3 and had tea.
He is Margie's godfather and had not seen her since the christening at Epperstone
nearly 15 years ago. He also married P and I at St. Andrew's, Ashley Place, •
on 16th Nov.,1899. His wife gave us tea and after a stroll to the church. We
left via Tadcaster, York and Market Weighton and put up at the Beverley Arms at
~ Beverley at 7 o'clock where only just room as the house was full of officers
and their wives,2 very pretty ones we saw. After a stroll through the town, which is
swarming with troops, to see the fine Minster and back for dinner. There are two
regiments of cavalry, 2 of infantry and endless mules besides a Flying Station
on the race course, all in support of the troops on the coast. Morley the Master
and his brother great racing men and knew many I knew, the Brocktons, Garner just
dead, Danny Maker, Sir John Robinson, Hibbert, etc.
* Canon Greenwood married Margie at Epperstone to Sandy Hogarth in 1923
and christened Veronica 1924.
Thurs.,llth May.
Early the endless tramp of cavalry and mules woke me. We had much difficulty
in getting petrol and only solved by my military pass and rank as Major. After a
look at the church we left for Thorpe Garth near Aldeboro, at which place we got more
petrol and then I round by the farm with Fisher while my party to the sands.
1Lf.
Afu11 company of Tyneside Scottish digging trenches here and I showed my pass
to the Major. Lunch at the farmhome, but as Fisher would not let me off we did
not get away till 3.30 and then along by Hornsea and Skipsea coast road passing
large camps at intervals evidently 2 brigades, and then turned through Beeford
where Char1ie Reed lies in the churchyard, my/old pupil. Through Driffie1d full
of troops and tea at We twang a good inn and ppor service, reached Harkers Hotel
at York about 6. A walk on the Walls, dinner and very tired to bed. York swarms
with troops. 4 miles south of Thorpe Garth lies Grimston Castle where I was the
Sunday before the War and where in 1913 when this place was lent Percy we all
spent a glorious week in August, either motoring or bathing on the sands, which
we had all to ourselves. Grimston now a cavalry station and will probably go to ruin.
Fri. ,12th May.
After bxeakfast a stroll through York to see the windows of St. Martins, the
Town Hall '''here rene,,,ed the acquaintance of lithe Esquire ll an old 10th Huzzar
and the youngest man of 60 Iknow, he looks 40; his mother died 3 months ago
at 101. Then to the Cathedral and chocolate at Terry's shop, one of the
institutions of York, and left at 1. Lunched beyond Thorn and explored this
~eird country so out of beaten tracks. CrowJ1e, Epworth with its wide open
fields, also Haxey as it was in the Middle Ages, and then off the beaten
tracks by Sturton, the Levertons, Dar1ton, Tuxford, across the open fields
of Laxton to We110w, Rufford and home at 6, all very tired. The War is not
going well, in fact we are losing. 4 or 5 miles south of Se1by and about
2 miles east of our road we observed the building of an enormous hangar which
looks like a Zep shed, so it appears we are building some. .
Sat. ,13th May.
\'li11iam came to stay a few days. He had arrived in London about 2 '''eeks
since from Pekin and Petrograd. At A1deboro e~cept a crab boat we observed no
ships on the sea at all.
Sun. ,14th Hay.
Old Tom Willies died today, he had been gardener to my grandfather and
afterwards to the Richardsons when tenants of this house close on 20 years,
and when I returned he had a roving commission to work for me and my mother.
Dined at 1 with Mother and Wi11iam at her house.
Hon. ,15th Hay.
Rode in the afternoon to tea with Mrs. Fi11ingham at Syerston, a sunny
evening riding home.
Tues.,16th MQY.
In the afternoon drove to call on the new Rector at Southwe11, Conybeare,
but he out so to tea at Norwood Park.
It/eds. ,17th May.
Weather changed to real spring. Attended our old servant Tom Willies'
funeral at 3, father-in-law of my coachman Knight. In the evening a drive to
Arno1d, a very hilly road and attended on the Tribunal to get Martin the farm
bailiff at Ra~~da1e exemption from military service, which was granted.
Stansfie1d, Co,~ng and others there to. get their men off and as we had some
time to wait we chatted in the street. Yesterday my governess Mrs. Kent
started training in the office in case Be1rhas to go on military service.
Thurs.,18th May.
Perfect weather. To lunch with Lady Ley where the Bishop of Southwell, his
daughter, our Rector and his wife and in the afternoon an impressive little
Confirmation Service, 11 boys and 12 girls. From the Rectory a little procession
Bill Cooper (Hamlet's sexton to life) led, Alford of Lowdham and his curate,
Canon Ferris of Gonalston, Davies of St. Thomas,Nottingham, then Parr and I
as wardens, the Bishop and last our Rector. The visitors admired our little
church and yard with its fine cedar and yews. The Bishop said the men in the
trenches were confirmed to the sound of guns, Hales of the 8th Sherwoods had a
class of 140 confirmed lately and 200 on a previous occasion. The Armies were
full of the spirit of Crusaders against Satan's forces.
Bri. ,19th May.
Rode across the fields to Southwell to attend the Council and dinner there.
Sat. ,20th May.
. To Nottingham. Called to see Muriel at North Lodge after her illness and
sat in the garden with Randall. Harold Bayley ,.,.ith her. Met Cursham of the 8th
wounded from Dublin. The women there as bad as the men, stabbing our wounded with
knives. Boys and girls of 12 joining also in the fighting. Lunch at the Club and
back at 6 and at Lo,.,.dham met Polly, Margie and Amyan who had been spending the
day with Annie at Farndon. Charlie~ has been flying with Patrick over the
German lines. Put on all our clocks an hour to comply with the Daylight
Saving Act.
Sun. ,21st May.
To early church with Polly, Margie and Amyan, 23 present. Tea in the
garden for the first time this year. Ernest on leave here to supper. His Sqlt/"", -rI tJ
company consists of the old 1/8th men from France who remember me. Saltfle~ ~~~
a haven near to them said to be a place Germans might land, they stood to arms
several nights.
Hon. ,22nd Hay.
Ernest and Polly at 6.30 to church for communion service which Ernest wished
to have in the old church before leaving for France. I had breakfast with him and
left at 7.30. At 10 I to Nottingham and on to Stathern, cycled thence to see the
Ironstone workings at Eaton. The number of wasps for the time of year is
extraorlil.inary.
Tues.23rd Hay.
Frank Seely's audit held at my office at Epperstone.
\-Jeds. ,24th Hay.
Riding by Oxton saw Hrs. Sherbrooke and her niece Susan very busy repa~r~ng
the old Manor there opposite the church. Then on through the fields by the
ancient village site and the Graves Lane Woods to see Starkey's farms there.
Thurs.,25th Hay.
To Yaxley near Peterbro and on to Norman Cross hotel for the night. Tea at
the Fox at Folksworth and looking at the old fashioned houses of this pretty
village. Before dinner at 8 a long convoy of motor lorries belonging to the
Flying Corps halted a few minutes by the hotel, at which a motor party had
stopped for the night. Walked to see the new monument to the French who died
here as prisoners of war over 100 years ago.
I c"
Fri. , 26th HaY.
Gee came and drove me round the estate, a perfect morning. At the Hall
Harry Gee the keeper is the only man left and the Squire does much of the gardening.
I met the tenants at dinner at 2 and left at 4 for Peterbro where I strolled into
the Cathedral and Palace grounds. At Grantham observed 2 large hut camps.
Sat.,27th May.
mo Nottingham sitting on the Income Tax Commission and to Toton at 3 to
meet Stanley Birkin with whom his son Tom, who had been out in Galli~oli and
.6alom'ka uith the S. Notts Hussars and now has a commission in the Kings Dragoon
Guards.
Sun. ,28th May.
To Church in the afternoon. Charlie (on leave) and Annie motored over, also
Percy, Muriel and boy. Charlie had his first flight with Patrick over the Lines
from La Bassee to Loos and showed us his photos of the Hohenzollern Redoubt now lost.
A record first flight for a father and son. On leaving Mrs. Sherbrooke and Miss
Francklin motored up and had a chat. The Army in France afraid of the politicians
coming to a premature peace.
Mon. ,29th May.
Riding to Syerston my ho!e came down in a grip on the grass of the Foss
Road by Flintham Park and gav~me a serious fall nearly breaking my old maimed
left arm and leg. I had to rest some time to recover a fainting feeling. Tea
at the Hall where Sir Patrick Blake, her brother who has an estate in Suffolk
and in the West Indies. He told me his family from 1788 to 1~32 used to draw
15 to 18,000£ a year from the West Indian estate, which explains the style old
country gentry with such estates could live in. This position may recover if
sugar keeps its price and as these estates are free of infamous death duties
may support many families otherwise under the heel of the Westminster Jacobins.

Tues. ,30th May.

Our governess, Mrs. Kent, is training in the office against Bel~going to
the Army. Pol1y drove me to Hexgreave for tea with the Wilsons, my arm and leg
being bad. Dr. Faulkner, wife and a Miss Ormarod there from Ollerton. He Irish.
\'leds. ,31st May.
Ernest left for France yesterday to join 1/8th S.F. To Newark for an audit
ut the C1inton, the Market Place gay with the weekly market. Saw several of the
old 8th who were with me. Young Soar, whose sight is in danger, Lovett who was
wheeling his chair, Sergt. Smith of Calverton from France and recently from
Ireland. At 3 to our Depot where Ben nett in charge, an artist from London.
The town is full of R. Engineers of whom 2000 in huts on the Sconce Hills.
Three balloons over our valley today.
Tburs.,lst June.
At home all day. A gale of wind.
Fri. ,2nd June.
Drove with Bel~and Mrs. Kent to the CrO\iU at Southwell to hold the Starkey's
audit. The first time a lady taken in clerk's capacity. The Bank opposite have Miss
Basilie as clerk. At 3 we all had a good tea with poached eggs, and then I took
them round the Minster.
Sat. ,3rd June.
I was at home. News of the Great Sea fight on the 31st which though missed
being a "Trafalgar" ",las a glorious 6th June. He lost nearly 600 men.
Sun. ,4th Juna.
A wet stormy day, so a fire in the drawingroom.
Hon. ,5th June.
A fire in the hall, but it clearing P. and I walked to Gonalston for tea
",li th the Ed",lard Francklins.
Tues.,6th June.
To the Ruddington audit, taking Mrs. Kent. Terrible news of Lord Kitchener
lost at sea. A superb evening and walked over the fields to the church and
through the manor gardens, for 30 years my home, and back by my fields.
Heds.,7th June.
To Nottingham Income Tax Commission and the Toton audit at the Black Boy.
Thurs. ,8th June.
My clerk, Ne",~an, of the 7th S.F. from France came to lunch.

Fri.,9th June.
Drove to Oxton for the audit. \'lalking in the street my ankle gave '-lay and
brought me down as if shot and lamed me. Tea with Mrs. Sherbrooke and drove home.
Gunner Bates (blind) R.H.A. from St. Dunstans in Regents Park came with his
pretty bride to spend the honeymoon at the Den. Government commandeers all wool.
Sat.,lOth June.
Diokcbrou@ht a blind soldier, Glue of the Ansacs, a handsome boy, to spend the
weekend. The blinded soldiers are the saddest side of the war, but very cheerful
in themselves.
Sun.,llth June.
My foot being bad I stayed in. We had a large party for midday dinner, my
little nephe,... IlTommy Teddie ll who stays here some days, Dick, Glue, Bates and his
bride, besides ourselves. Very wet and cold as yesterday.

Mon. ,12th lIune.

No Bank Holiday by order. Drove at 4 to Winkburn. The Colonel's gardens left
with one man, lawns all unshorn. Very dull showery day, a miserable summer so far.
Great Russian successes reported.
Heds.,14th June.
To Nottingham to the Black Boy for the Widmerpool audit, NkHx which agency
we have had since 1843 as also Oxton, a long history. My clerk Ne\.,rman to the dinner
on long leave from France. He is in the Robin Hoods and now on the observing station.
Fri.,16th June.
To Farnsfield for the Hexgreave audit and then on to tea at Norwood Park with
the Starkeys.
 -.
I f5 . Iqlro ".

Sat.,17th June. r;.--~

To Nottingham for a meeting of G~tho~e Bridge Directors and our tolls so
fallen off through the War that we shall declare no dividend. To the theatre to
see "Mr. Wu" a harrouing play on China. Lunched "/ith Muriel.
Mon.,19th June.
To the \-Jinkburn audit and to see the Colonel afteI'\.,rards. Tea ,.,ri th Hiss
Hoore at the School house.
Tues.,20th June.
To Hexgreave and afterwards drove down the Rufford Road, a lovely wild
way 7 miles to Ra~sdale Park to see Sir Charles and Col. F. Seely.
R.a.~ola&,
\·Jeds. ,21st June.
Sitting with Income Tax Commissioners to hear appeals and about Nottingham
all afternoon and at the Club talking to Revd. Hutt of Bingham, an interesting
man. Stanley Birkin, Cols. Thackerwray and others.

Thurs.,22nd June.
To Toton to the Hunition Works just built, a wonderful sight where
I saw Lord Chetwynd and to Nottingham to the County Club.

Fri. ,23rd June.

Letters from Ernest now at the front and very cheerful. He described his
impressive approach to the trenches, the regiment marching in the gloaming through
a wood, the men looking like green shades whilst beyond star shells lit up the
ground below and spits of fire and the roar of guns. Mrs. Collinson gave her
garden fete at the Rectory for the Waifs and Strays.
Sat.,24th June.
At home. In the evening walking by the stream came on Col. F. Seely
fishing and his family party.

Sun. ,25th June.

To see Christopher Ley after church and to tea at Mothers where Percy
and Huriel.
Hon. ,26th June.
Cycled to the station and by rail to Widmerpool and cycled to Stanton
to see the effect of basic slag on the Hills farm most excellent. Called to
see Bryan and the Lewises and then to the Hall to enquire of the Major now in
NOI'\'/ay •
Tues.,27th June.
Driving to Hexgreave.
Fri.,30th June.
~lykeham to see lID and then driving to Halam and to NOI'\.,rood. Many beautiful
auburn haired children at the Halam school. The coldest June I remember with
continuous dull weather.
Sat., 1st July.
To Nottingham. News of the great Push begun in France, where Ernest is now.
Sun. ,2nd July.
To church, fine and warm.
Weds. ,5th July.
Po11y and I cycled to Gona1ston but Mrs. Francklin gone to Oxton.
Thurs.,6th July.
Margie's 15th birthday. She had many presents. Polly gave her a new bicycle
and I 15 gns. In the afternoon Muriel brought over 15 wounded soldiers from the
Bayley Hospital and as it rained we played cards. Percy also came and Annie from
Farndon. Miss Browne, Mavis Gibbs, Violet Brett and Mrs. Kent helped. Showery
afternoon.
Sat.,7th July.
To Nottingham on business. Lunched at Muriels and called on Browne in a
nursing hom~.
Sun.,8th July.
To tea at Gonalston with Mrs. Francklin and her daughter where Mrs.Sherbrooke.
Mon.,9th July.
Walked up by the Park Farm.
Tues. ,lOth July.
Walked in the morning with Po11y to Rosselle Wood and in the afternoon to
see Launce Wilson in hospital with eye trouble. News that Patrick had been given
the Military Cross for gallant flying service in France.
Vleds. ,12th July.
To Widmerpool and at 5 to tea with Major Robertson just home from Norway.
Cycled to Nottingham and looked in at Edwalton church and village. I remember
this country. when there were no houses between Edwalton and Trent Bridge save
the Toll Bar and no railways across the Trent, indeed save a side line from
Syston to Melton you could go 60 miles from Trent Bridge to Kettering before
coming across a railway. A fine hunting ind farming country. Every farmer finding
horse and man for the Yeomanry, the best mounted country. Pretty Madge Champneys
came to stay.
Thurs.,13th July.
Ernest has had hard fighting with the 8th. A large party of wounded soldiers
from Bagthorpe came to tea and Annie brought Patrick who is home on leave.
We played bowls and tennis. Patrick showed me photos (from the sky) and prints
of the German lines. He had the Wings and ribbon of the Military Cross on his
right breast. Petrol is scarce and can only be got on permit.
Fri.,14th July.
A card from Ernest who is in rest camp and the Division has lost so heavily
during 2 weeks' that I think it will be held up for some time to refit. I to Southwe11
to the Council and to lunch at the Crown after viewing the Cathedral where Miss
Hoskyns the Bishop's daughter. I met the Bishop, Dr. Handford,who lost two sons
in the 8th at the Hohenzo11ern and Capt. Starkey who congratulated on Patrick's
winning the Cross, a very gallant action, he flew low some miles behind the
German and so damaged a line that they could not get their reserves up in time
and prevent our success. He got back the machine riddled with bullets but he
and his observer escaped.
I on to Norwood with Marsha11 about timber for military requirements.
Patrick spent the whole day at Epperstone, where was a young party. Pretty
Madge (21) and her brother Amyan (17), Margie (15) and P (19), a fine day and
playing tennis and eating strm</berries and cream, which makes a happy ending
to this volume of historic interest, and I will end it there.
 - 1 9 1 6 - (contd.)
Sat. ,15th July.
This is the third summer of Armageddon. Patrick to London en route to reform
the Flying Corps in France next week, having earned the Military Cross. I in my
house at Epperstone, as in my grandfather's days, my daughter Margaret, Po1ly's
niece and nephew Magda1en and Amyan Champneys.
To the Court of Sewers at the Shire Hall, Know1es of Co1ston Bassett in the
Chair, Major Robertson, Smith of Cropwe11, :~~ self Commissioners. Old Mr.
Ta11ents of Newark our clerk. Then to the ~ridge meeting of which I
chairman and declare no dividend as tolls have fallen ~~ through' so few
on the roads now for pleasure. Lunched at Percy's and to see Mr. Browne at a
Nursing Home (Dr. Anderson's).

sun16th Ju~V.
Rainy. To tea with Lady Ley at the Manor.
Mon. ,17th July.
An extra dull day and Scotch mist. We have now had 10 weeks of cold, dull and
rainy weather.
Tues. ,18th JUly.
The first summer day since first week in May. A small baggage train through
the village in the morning. In the afternoon a Navy ba100n passed to accustome men
to high altitudes against the appearance of our new Air Fleet. To Ra~dale Park
and after tea with Margie and Madge to help Thornhi11 with his hay in1rris pretty
little meadow near the stream. Lady Ley and Miss Marwood came for me at 7 to see
the new cottages.
Weds.,l5lth July.
Making hay with the two girls all the morning and after tea in Thornhill's
field and each day I send off my coachman Knight and gardener Barker to help neighbours,
which they like as they get my pay and harvest pay.
Thurs.,20th July.
Hall, the County Surveyor, calling in the morning and go after lunch to Nottm.
and he motors me to Attenboro to see the first setting out of our new road, the High
Explosive Works having closed the old main road from Long Eaton to Nottingham.
Fri., :2lst JUly.
Cycled via Halam marking trees to NOr\'lood Park, where shortly our Member
Starkey from London, where he says the Ministry had a nasty shake over mismanagement
at Gallipoli and Mesopotamia, especially in lack of hospital supp1ies,and the Black
Hole train from Karachi in which many died from heat rouses anger. Col.Battersby
told me it was sheer manslaughter to send troops in such conditions. Had a talk with
Miss Gordon in Southwe11, coming back overtook Mrs. Mi1ward near Thurgarton who had
4 sons in the War.
Sat. ,22nd July.
Saw Olive Hind in Nottingham whose brother Laurence was C.O. Robin Hoods at
Gommecourt and was killed. The attack was to hold the Prussian Guards from going
against our main attack and succeeded but as 500 of the men and all officers were
killed and wounded and left in front of the lines, the Prussians at night threw bombs
to kill off all lying there and so the loss to Nottingham heavy. Thanks that the 8th
wit~ Ernest were in reserve at this job.
 Lif I' ...
Sun. ,23rd July.

Perfect summer and like to be settled. Madge and Margie to tea with old
Mrs. Dufty (94) but she seems failing lately, though can read small print without
glasses. She is one of the few who can remember when there were no railways in
Notts and before Nottingham became n manUfacturing town. The Dufty's have been resident
here since Charles 11 time as their tombstones testify and for 150 years were stewards
mf the Scroop Howes. '
Mon. ,24th JumM.
The weather perfect. I spent chiefly at home and playing tennis with Madge
as partner and beat Po11y and Amyan. My third set this year all of which I have won.
Tues.,25th July.
The Pearsons and Miss Browne to tea and tennis.
Weds. ,26th July.
Drove with Madge to Mapper1ey and then on to lunch with Stan1ey Birkin where
Ceci1 vli110ughby and his daughter and returned by railway to Lowdham, where Hrs.
Gibbs in a motor took me to Gona1ston to Mrs. Franck1ins where Hrs. Cherry (Hiss
Hall) and her husband, wounded by accident through the new stupid arrangement of
having no "cut offs" to the magazines of rifles, from which many accidents come.
Thurs.,27th July.
Madge and ~yan Champneys left for Kent. A heavy storm at 1. Margie in
wild expectation of her journey to Dartmouth tomorrow.
Fri. ,28th July.
Went to see Po11y and Margie off to Dartmouth to stay with Haro1d and Nell
at the Naval College there. Then cycled to the Council meeting at Southwel1, dined
there with the members of the Tribunal and sat with Canon G1aister in his garden.
Then on to Hexgreave where all the Wi1sons except the 2 boys at the War and was
pressed for dinner but came a\'lay.
Sat. ,29th July.
To Nottingham and first to the Cattle Market which was thinly attended
but saw many I wished to see. After a visit to Browne's office, the Bank and Warrens
to sign Tax Warrants by tram and cycled to Thurgarton to the opening of the Children's
Consumptive Home. The Duchess of Portland there in a certainly "not a war economy"
costume. Pretty Mrs. Hicking and many others. I made the acquaintance of the new
Rector of Southwell and his wife and Ivens the Editor of the Nottingham Guardian.
I heard of Edith Franck1in's engagement to Major Na1l, an old friend of ours,
of Hoveringham Hall. Returning came on the Francklin party in the hay fields with
Edwards pretty little children with whom I stayed and helped a little and then on
to Hoveringham Hall to see the Cherrys where I stayed till after 7 and home for dinner.
I hear my cashier Belt's case comes before the Tribunal next Friday. Very aWID'lard if
he goes but he is passed not fit for foreign service. A big Zep raid last night,
heard here at 2 but no damage I hear.
Sun. , ;3Oth July.
Cycled to the Station P.O. with letters and in the afternoon to Oxton first
to see Mrs. Sherbrooke to enquire of Susan Bryan who had a jaw broken by a pony kick.
Then to tea ~ith Mrs. Richard Franklin at aher new place the Old Hanor. Richard is
at Salonika. I lunched with mother in her pretty cottage.
Mon. ,31st July.
A letter from Margie: there is quite a little local colony at Dartmouth
Rupert Sherbrooke, Guy Usborne, grandson of Mrs. Upton of Thurgarton, Mrs. Boyd
Carpenter and family (daughter of Sir F. Ley of this place) besides Harold and
Nell. Mrs. B.C. and Alison greeted Polly and Margie at the station.

Blues.,lst Aug.
A machine gun regiment passed through the village early and halted beyond
Hash Bridge for breakfast. I passed them as I ''lent to Lowdhom. To Peterbro and
Yaxley and cycled to Folksworth and Washingley. Later I cycled to Longthorpe
to see the house mentioned in Evelyn's diary built by one of Cromwell's Luds.
St.John, this place has a tower and manor house of Edward I time, a large
Elizabethan farm house and a fudor private residence. At Grantham I saw my
regiment just arriving after 30 or 40 miles from Clipston Camp. The trains
and stations full of soldiers and officers.

Weds. ,2nd Aug.

Two years ago I had obeyed the summons and rode to Newark to join the
Regiment. To-day by train ,and cycled to Fenton where I saw one of the bomb
holes from a Zep last Sat. and got a piece of the shell. At Newark saw Annie
at the Market Cross Depot and took her to tea at Oldhams.

Thurs. ,3rd Aug.

Spent all morning at Oxton with Mrs. Sherbrooke arranging about lumber sale
and lunched with her.

Fri. ,4th Aug. D _ ,J

"""......$ cJA.Ul-
Drove this morning 4 miles to Rainsdale- Park where Frank Seely home and
at 2 by train to Attenboro walking by the Trent to the Ferry and came across
Aleck Birkin and the keeper Brailsford and so to Bates at Toton. These new
munition works have so far cost l~ million·pounds.
Sat.,5th Aug.
To Park House to see Stanley Birkin and came into the luncheon where
Cecil W~lloughby and Ld. Chetwynd who carried out the Chilwell works and his
t,'lO boys.
Sun. ,5th Aug.
Dull and cold for the first time for 3 weeks during which the hay harvest
got in well. To lunch at Hexgreave but I evidently had a chill and was all in a
dither so Mrs. Wilson put brandy in my tea and I cycled home feeling badly and
got to bed. .
Mon.,7th Aug.
Still feeling the effect of yesterday's chill I spent quietly at home.
Tues. ,8th Aug.
I drove to Syerston for tea, the weather as perfect as it has been for 3 weeks
and hay harvest nears completion. The Vale looked lovely.
\'1eds. ,9th Aug.
To Oxton in the afternoon to meet Mrs. Bryan and see her paintings.
Thurs. , lOth Aug.
A long ride by Grave's Lane to Norwoodfor tea where a small tennis party
with some engineer officers from Newark. Mrs. Launce Becher, Lady Ada Wilmot.
~t Mrs. Becher coming back and so home by the bridle way from Halloughton.
Fri. ,11th Aug.
To the Council at Southwell and attending the Tribunal after, got my
confidential clerk BelJCoff military service till January. Called on Miss
Gordon and then catching the train at LOlddham met Polly and Margie at Nottingham
returning from Dartmouth. Came back with Major NaIl who marries next week.
He has seen action with his battery at Suez in 1914 and Gallipoli where, as he
stated, he caught the last tram home, and his lighter getting adrift nearly
landed again.

Sat. ,12th Aug.

Polly took our present to Gonalston, a ladies' toilet box in old Permian
lacquer. To Nottingham to meet Birkin and home at 3. Frank Seely left me a \'fild
duck and brace of trout. A slight shower. Very hot.
Sun.,13th Aug.
Polly and Margie to early church and I with them at 11 and to Mrs.Dufty's
after.
Mon.;14th Aug.
To Barton Ferry to see Sarson the ferrYman about a complaint as to his ferry
charges to munition workers but no fault in him. This quiet corner of Notts a
favourite walk from Attenbro to Barton for tea dt Thrumpton. Near by in the woods
is a searchlight station and aircraft gun to protect the great shell filling
factory whose towers and buildings painted in varied colours are scarce visible
half mile off. To the County Club for tea where Cols. Battersby and Story,
Capt. 3rhommason, Chief Constable. .
IDues. ,15th Aug.
A Vestry Meeting at the Church to pass the tablets to be erected to Sir
F. Ley and his son in the chancel, which being the Rector's is rather an intrusion.
\veds. ,16th Aug.
Drove Margie to Langar Hall my sister Muriel's pretty place in the Vale
and the country glorious. H. to stay there 2 weeks. Geoff, "T.T." and Randle there.
Drove home between and escaping 2 storms of rain.
Thurs.,17th Aug.
v
Drove Polly at 10 to Gonalston for our friend Major NaIl's (of H veringham
Hall) marriage to Edith Francklin and so I have now seen all marri. ed o~f,
Francklins and their many connections, Sherbrookes, etc. all so merry a party in
the late nineties: the girls more than pretty, Lady de la Rue, Mrs. Sherbrooke,
Lady Guildford, Lady Powerscourt, Mrs. Hingston, Mrs. Popert, Mrs. Bryan, Lady
Elgin (Sherbrookes) Lady Maxwell, etc. etc. As old friends we were the only ones
asked outside the family party, except the WilloughOS and Milwards. eretty Mrs.
Philip F. (the widow) Hrs. Sherbrooke and Rupert, ~s. R. Francklin, Susan Bryan,
Mrs. Howard and her boy, Lord and Lady Harris, Col. St. ·Leger Jervis, }~s.
Burnaby Atkins (the late Squire's sister) all the tenants came to an al fresco
"levener" after. The bridesmaids, Lavender (Richard F's girl), the 2 pretty
~S-. (f~e-h.{':-) l7tfo_
little girls of Edward~ at the Hall and Lady de la Rue's little daughter. Edith is
29 and NaIl, who commands a battery and been at Suez and Gallipoli the same age,
so she remembers me w4en I was a bachelor and may be said to be the last of that gay party
of my bachelor days, our glorious hunting parties and dances of the later "nineties"
of which I was, however, an elder member, the girls being 15 years or more younger.
Fri.,18th Aug.
To Nottingham on sudden telegram from Sir C. Seely. Heard to-day of
the death of Miss Yule at the age of 97. When I used to spend my Augusts in
about 1890 at Cawsand she lived between there and Raine Rectory where my uncle Evans
was. Her father was on the Victory at Tra~algar and comes in the historic picture
of Nelson's death, which old Miss Yule showed me. I remember meeting her nephew
(by marriage) Major Chard V.C, of Rorke's Drmft there, one of the most romantic
beautiful corners of England. The Boyles had a large house overlooking the sea,
the last on the way to Picklecombe (I believe now a hotel), the General and his
sister Mrs. Crossley, 4 girls, Roger (now a General in France), Gratton and
Clarence in the Navy, and all their Cayley cousins from Yorkshire, the Tgackwells
and Kitcats from Gloucestershire, merry Constance Dawson, sister of Sir Trevor,
then in the Navy. Here I met Ella and then onlyl7 in 1890. I had a letter from
Ella. She was back from India with her husband who was now improvising new heavy
batteries for France at Aldershot.
Sat. ,19th Aug.
Lunched with Stanley Birkin by himself, his family being all away. The
house which stands in a good garden in what was once Mapperley Park, has a very
good panelled Hall, belongs and was built by Sir John Robinson. I remember when
this, now all villas, was a Park belonging to the Wrights whose house was in it.
My friends the Tylden Wrights were the last tenants and occupants.
Sun. ,20th Aug.
At home.
Mon. ,21st Aug.
Spent \.Ji th Marshall selling timber at Halam and Norwood Park. Marshall motored
me over, a privelege now as petrol is so scarce.

Tues. ,22nd Aug.

To Barton Ferry. In the wood on the hill is a searchlight and aircraft gun
to protect the great shell factory. The ferryman was a radical pro-German when war
commenced. We were then honeycombed with poisonous political propaganda to form
pacifists and conscientious objectors.
Weds. ,23rd Aug.
To Newark to meet Freestone to let if possible the Winkburn Moor Farm.
The present tenant is a rotter and does not attempt to cultivate.
Thurs.,24th Aug.
Drove to spend a day or two ~~~ myoId friend Major Robertson at Widmerpool
Hall, driving my little mare over "'''''thorpe Bridge and dO\ffi the Fosse i·lay. The Rector,
Palmer, whose family was away also stayed at the Hall, has lost a son in France. We
enjoyed the pictures, china, etc. in this beautiful house. U
Fri.,25th Aug. ~

Walking over famrs in the morning and in the afternoon involved with the
Major about poultry claims, to see the "Lady of the Manor"' of Lodge-on-the-\~olds,
a good looking widow of 40 with some gipsy blood I guess. This family of Fletcher
owned Lodge-on-Wolds which though only 25 acres and a homestead was a separate
independent township to about 1900, but in the '94 election the British
Constitution was nearly upset by the fact the whole voting power was in prison
and as the proclamation had to be posted in each township by a free man
Fletcher had to be pardoned to let him out of gaol. So this place was later
merged in Cotgrave.
sun. ,27th Aug.
To early church on a bright morning. At 12 a machine gun company marche,d
through halting at Wash Bridge for lunch, the many carriages drawn by fine mules.
Ernest is now on General Shipley's staff. Rain in afternoon.
Mon. ,28th Aug.
To see Randall on Seely's estate Duty Valuations, and returning at 2 ~k
went with Polly to call on Mrs. Francklin at Gonalston and then to Mrs. Edwarutf..-r-c~/0
at the Hall where Major Nall's sister, Mrs. Cherry, Capt. Cherry, Miss Nall
and Hrs. Warrand. \~e had tea in the garden and later had chat \'1ith Canon Ferris
and a walk round the R~ctory garden. The Rectory, one of those compapt 18th
century houses with neat stables with stalls for ",six, speaks of old, days of
hospitality when you wanted good accommodation for your friends' horses. The
18th century was eminently social. '.
Tues.,29th Aug.
Met Capt. Brighton and to Toton to see Lord ChetWYnd at the new shell
factory and then having passes saw much of the shedding and shells sending off
for France. A year ago this undreampt of and all fields and woods, now l-t million
spent on it and 140,000 shells a week sent off. Lunched at the County Club.
\'leds. ,30th Aug.
Drove to Langar to bring Maegie home. Wet morning and heavy rain last night.
Thurs.,3lst Aug.
Cycled to Winkburn and a long walk in these wild fields and woods which
Running wild witness to the severe depression from 1874 to this War time. Saw
Colonel Burnell at 6.
Fri.,lst Sept.
Cycled to Moor Farm, Oxton, to see Rook. No shooting parties out.
Harold and Nell from Dartmouth for a stay.
Sat. ,2nd Sept.
To the Income Tax Commission at Nottingham. Dobson and myself sitting.
Home at 3 where William from London for the day. My nephew Geoffry staying
here also. Mrs.Popert and daughter and Rupert Sherbrooke from Oxton. Zeps
at Retford. .
Sun. ,3rd Sept.
Percy motored all his party over to tea.
Mon. ,4th Sept.
To Toton.
Tues.,5thSept.
Drove Nell to Southwell and tea with Miss Gordon. Fine weather again.
\~eds.,6th Sept.
Nell and Harold go to Percy's, and Margie with them.
Thurs.,7th Sept.
In the evening I drove to Winkburn for a long talk with Colonel Burnell.
Fri. ,8th Sept.
To the Council at Southwell and lunched at the Crown, cycling on to
Norwood Park and Gold Hill.
Sat. ,9th Sept.
To lunch with Stanley Birkin where also Cecil Willoughby.
Sun.lOth Sept.
To Gonalston te tea with Mrs. Francklin where Hrs. Sherbrooke and her
sister Mrs. Popert, Mrs. Philip Francklin,all pretty women. Major and Mrs. NaIl
came in also Edward and his wife, so a large merry party and I on to Hoveringham.
Hall to dine with the Nalls.
Mon. ,11th Sept.
Walked to Brockwood and let \'linkburn Lodge to Bingham, 'all this,lOO acre
was once wood and cut by my grandfather in the "forties". During the Crimean \'lar
he made £1500 a year profit above 3QP~ an acre rent out of this and. the Eastwood
Farm.about 450 acres. Those were a golden age and for 24 years, after was the
greatest agricultural prosperity. During this time the Manor was built which
my father sold in '93 to Sir Francis Ley. It was 30 years my home, but I am well
content with my own in which indeed my grandfather kept hospitable house for 50 years.
fDues.,12th Sept.
Cycled to Edingley and thence walked over the Moor farm to Hexgreave where
Lawrence and Maud Wilson in and shortly Capt. Berry from Clipston Camp to see
his wife and the Vicar of Bilsthorpe and his wife.
Weds.,13th Sept.
In the evening to a little property sale at Edingley but did not buy.
A lovely evening.
Thurs.,14th Sept.
Train to Toton and then to the Club at Nottingham where Col. Mellish who
confirmed that General Stuart Wortley was sent home. He succeeded myoId friend
Hubert Hamilton in the N. Midland Division" At Gommecourt the Robins half routed
and 2 Stafford Battalions sent forward and never again heard of. He was not
liked and the heavylosses at various times due to ill timed attacks.
Fri.,15th Sept.
To NOI'\'1ood Park and after a walk with Capt. Starkey to tea there with
his family.
Sat. ,16th Sept.
Spent at home and a glorious day, the last 3 days being abnormally cold
and often dull. I hear the Manor is for sale so the Ley regime has not lasted
long and I am sorry.
Sun.17th Sept'.
Harold and Nell being w~th us I stayed at home.
Tues.,19th Sept.
Harold and Nell, Polly and I walked over to \voodbro Hall for tea "lith Hill •
. Weds. ,20th Sept.
My first morning out with hounds at Bleasby Gorse: out were George Gibbs,
Rupert Sherbrooke, Frank Seely's two boys, Mrs~Upton, Ld. H's brother in the
motor, Miss Woodward on bicycle. A bright autumn morning and plenty of foxes.
He drew Thurgarton Dumble and Thistley Wood. The Flying Corps are forming a
station on Thurgarton Hill.

Thurs.,2lst Sept.
Harold and Nell left us for Dartmouth College R.N. Polly and I drove to
Bleasby to call on the Kelhams who being out we had tea with Mrs. Francklin
returning.
Fri. ,2~nd Sept.
To Nottingham all day, very busy.
Sat. ,23rd Sept.
To the Court of Sewers at the Shire Hall and picking up Margie at the
Bromley House Library we two to the theatre to see Terry' in fSweet Nell of
Old Drury".
Sun. ,24th Sept.
Margie into our room at 1 saying Zeps were about and I heard what I
thought was a door banging and went to sleep: but in th~ morning found 2
had passed over .us and a raid made on Nottingham with damage and loss of life.
Mon. ,25th Sept.
Rode to Riddings Farm and Greaves Lane.
Tues.,26th Sept.
To Widmerpool and lunched late with Major Robertson. Returning through
Nottingham viewed the damage abou~Pnti' kgl~ Street. Haddens Warehouse wrecked

month {eptember.
Weds.,27th Sept. .
*'
and a house in Castle Gate and much lesser damage. It is suggested to call this
/+f' h.v-N1~ 5t~
To the meet of the hounds at Greaves Lane and ended at Le~svGorse close by.
Mrs. Sherbrooke and I made the field. To tea at the Rectory where King to arrange
about the Church National Mission.
Thurs.,28th Sept.
Hurt gave notice to quit the Park Farm, the family have been there over 100
years. At 12 to Newark. Charlie Wright and Turner in train going as I was to
Mr.Denisons's funeral at Ossington. Met Mrs. Branston by the Friary Gate. The Old
Chantry, one of Vanburgh's best designs, is now the R.E. Officers' quarters.
Reggie Woolley at the Station. At Carlton the Ossington motor took me to the
Hall where I saw Lady Elinor and going into the Library had half an hour's
conversation with those there, Revd. McKenzie, Col. Denison of Bedworth, Sir
Robert Phillemore, Lord Amherst, Sir Alfred Denison and the Prebend. We went
to the church for the funeral. I met myoId Kelsterne friends and Mr. Sharpley
motored me to Newark where I caught the fast 4 train home. A lovely autumn day.
Sat. ,30th Sept.
Drove Polly to Syerston to spend the afternoon with Mrs. Fillingham.
Sun., 1st Oct.
Last night I put all the clocks back an hour to normal or winter t~e.
I spent the afternoon with the Edward Francklins at Gonalston Hall, where
young Pearson , in the Inns of Court O.T.C. grown a fine fellow, Mr. and Mrs.
Kelham of Bleasby HaU.. I stayed to dinner.
Mon. ,2nd Oct.
To the Lands Office at Nottingham to meet Randall on Seely's Estate Duties.
Last night we heard the weird sound of the Nottingham hooters warning us Zeps
were about but did not come our way. Margie slept with us.
Tues. ,3rd Oct.
By early train to London and put up at St. Pancras and at 1.15 to Hanley
Wood to attend the funeral of Miss Ann Paget who died last week aged 85. Many
pleasant days have been spent with her and her sister on their estate at Ruddington.
\ve returned to tea at their house \'lhere was Miss Paget on her sofa and Miss Hev~M"II~'
her companion and a large family circle of nephews and nieces, Mr. Alfred MelIor .
an old friend of my grandfathers - of the SwaynesrMrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Barrington, Mrs.
Stanley, Capt. Pidgin H.A.C. and his wife, and the Hudsons of Lichfield, with whom
I talked of the Charnwoods, indeed was received as if of the family. The train was
so crowded returning through sightseers who had gone to see the wrecked Zep at
Potters Bar we all travelled i~ the guards van.
At 7 I got to Chelsea (76 Holbein House) and there Ella who was from India,
her husband at Aldershot, now Colonel of Heavy guns. Colonel Stewart's sister, Mrs.
Norman, was there, she a pretty and young looking woman was 23 years younger than
Ella's father. Edyth Stewart coming in Ella and I to dinner at an Italian Restaurant
in Sloane Square, no\'l the mode with "the Souls" (\villiam) Leonard coming in with
Borisco of the Rumanian Legation was surprised and afterwards took Ella and I to his
flat where we spent the evening looking at his splendid Chinese things.
Weds. ,4th Oct.
Talking to a Frenchman at breakfast and then to Edward in Chester Terrace
and with him to the Temple. At 11 to see Monica, at 12 to Ella and with her all day,
trying vainly to get into Ciro's we lunched at the R.A.C. in Pall Mall. At Ciro's,
a sort of club behind Leicester Square, very retired, War youth enjoys itself and
a string of the more youthful War Office staff was en route there as we came away,
and "dreamy peachy creamy visions of sweet delight". Small and impromptu dances
are much the vogue: so the young so?iety girl gets her innings and a husband from
the Leave Officers instead of the opera girl. To my country eyes used to darkness,
darkened London was no difficulty and indeed the streets easier to get about in
owing to absence of traffic. Ella came on to St. Pancras with me and saw me
off at 5 and I got home at 8.10.
3 o.
Thurs. ,5th Oct.
To the Revd. Nevil Sherbrooke's funeral at O~ton. Younger' son of the old
Squire he married three times, Lord Howe's daughter~~~rd Cairns' daughter Lilias,
and Miss Smith of Wi1ford, daughter of W.H.Smith the Banker. Lady A1ice (his first
wife) had £100,000 and 3 children. My old friend Penn, Mrs. Duncombe, Mrs.
Richard Franck1in - Lady Li1ias had £10,000 and 4 children. Colonel Hugli the
eldest son was there to whom I spoke aften~ards, an old friend Mrs. Nevi1 No. 3
had £120,000 of fortune and one girl. Before the Service I was talking to Revd.
Holden of Nutta1 Temple, of Sir Wi11iam Robertson who began life as a page boy
in the Lincolnshire Hall of a friend of his. Sir Wi11iam now the greatest man
for power in England married a rich wife, ergo - but as he left another girl
for her heA§ls not popular in India. Whist talking Mrs. Frank Smith motored
up from CiiOrton, with her married daughter to whom she introduced and a nice
boy her son. This is the third funeral I have attended in a week and the only
pleasant part that whereas at each I was the solitary stranger in a family
circle, our old friendships welcomed me as one of the family.
Fri.,6th Oct.
To Norwood Park walking with Capt. Starkey planning vistas through
the trees of the Park to view from the Prospect arbour the Cathedral,
Newark spire and distant Lincoln. Southwe11 and its splendid minster are
but a short mile away.
Sat.,7th Oct.
Lunched with the Stan1ey Birkins at Park House where also Cecil Wi110ughby,
very merry, and home at 6 where Edward and my pretty sister-in-law Monica so
a bottle of port up.
Sun. ,8th Oct.
To Church in the morning.
Mon. ,9th Oct.
Edward and Honica left us at 10 for town. I riling all about tl}e Epperstone
back woods in the afternoon. The Park Wood rides very overgrown and many pleasant
rides in this large wood lost, so to Stubbins Farm and the Brockwoods, a fine
autumn afternoon.
Tues. ,10th Oct.
Rode to Hexgreave for lunch with Laurence to see Beevers who has given
notice for his large farm.
Weds. ,11th Oct.
Met Stan1ey Birkin and 01iver Hind in Nottingham relative to proposed
purchase of Toton land for the shell factory. At the Land Office in the afternoon.
Lunched at the Club with Col. Mel1ish~
Thurs.,12th Oct.
Rode to Syerston for lunch and back after tea.
Fri.,13th Oct.
Busy at home. Teddy Bear lame on a splint I believe.
31.
Sat. ,14th Oct •.
To Nottingham sitting with Mr. Bagna11 Wild as Income Tax Commissioner
hearing. appeals and to my office at the old Friary where I met two applicants
for the Stilton farm where I stand to get higher rents. To Percy's for a snack
and home at 7, the lamps in 'the Nottingham'side streets are not lighted at all
and very few in the Market Place. At Enfield's office in Low Pavement a bomb
fell in the garden burying itself unexp1oded. This is the old 18th century
Enfield's to\~ house and the offices and courts here quiteQ the p1easantest
in Nottingham except my old Friary garden.
Sun. ,15th Oct.
As Mr. King of St. Anne's was preaching in the Mission of Repentence
and Hope, to early.service, it being a lovely morning. To 'avoid lights we had
the evening service at 5 after tea at the Rectory.
Mon.,16th Oct.
To Derby to meet the District Valuer and settled the Osmaston Estate Value
for Duties at £147,000, and then to Woolley, Ley's solicitor, opposite to whose
office is a fine old town house of the Osborns, 18th century when the Squirearchy used
their county towns especially for winter residence. A fine wrought iron gate to the
forecourt. It is now a Baptist chapel. Derby has remains of several of these fin~
old houses, especially ~ston Hall.
Thurs.,19th Oct.
To Attenboroto see Day making enqu1r1es against the government buying
the land of the munition works near by.
Fri. ,20th Oct.
Cycled to Oxton where I saw Mrs. Sherbrooke and so on to the Council at
Southwell and returning by Gonalston came on the hounds with Earp, Ld. H. having
an accident. Sad news of the death of Col. Hobbs, once adjutant of the 8th Sherwoods.
Hobbs. - Died of wounds, Lieut.Colonel C.J.W. Hobbs,D.S.O.
.
JV~~ Sherwood Foresters, aged forty, ·eldest surviving
~ C-€.-~ son of Capt. and Hrs. Hobbs, Kylemore, Malvern,
-- -. and dearly loved husband of Dorothy Hobbs, 20
Tisbury Road, Hove.
Sat. ,21st Oct.
Knight has his papers to join on 1st November. To Nottingham and meeting
Marshall about Oxton timber, I was walking with him.in Queens Walk when meeting a
soldier, Anderson, discharged from wounds, he knew,I engaged him as groom. Met
Private Kiddy by the Shambles of the 8th from France, remembered me and said the old
hands still talk in the trenches of the tea parties I gave after shooting matches.
Back at 2 and being perfect sunny weather walked home by Lowdham church and over the
hill where so fine a view of our peaceful valley with its still summer foliage.
Sun. , 22nd Oct.
A severe frost and for the first time the landscape looked autumnal, for
chestnut, walnuts and elm fast shed leaves but all else in summer green. We had a
curious year for weather. A January of summer weather and then wet, cheerless cold
weather till nearly end of July except one hot week in May. One of the coldest
summers I remember,from July 20 for a month the weather magnificent and then off
and on in September with a fine but cold October.
 We had our first afternoon service at 3 for the season as we must
be careful of lights on account of Zep raids. 2000ld houses were destroyed
at Sheffield and 97 people killed the last oni. So after tea Polly, Margie,
Amyan and I a walk round by Woodbro Mill and the Manor Park.
Thurs.,2pfh Oct.
Cycled to Langar but at E. Bridgford a tyre burst which I got renewed at
Bingham. Back by Cropwell Butter where 'our family lived from Philip & Mary's
time ~o Geo.III when my great grandfather imigrated to G~thorpe in a house
pulled down near the church but from part of an old wall was probably of some
consequence. and Manor house. My grandfather to the Lower House at Epperstone
where we have been since 1842. It was a lovely day.
Fri. ,27th Oct.
At home.
Sat. ,28th Oct.
On Income Tax appeals, 3 farmers and as I was the agriculturalist sitting
made the calculations of profit and had it all my O~nl way.
Sun. ,29th Oct.
The Rector staying with us and to Church twice.
Tues., 31st Oct.
To Nottingham Shire Hall on the Grand Jury and to lunch with the Stanley
Birkins. The son Tom in from hunting on leave being in the Flying Corps.

\'leds. ,1st Nov.

Very wet but to the meet at Halloughton Wood but my Lord would not
ride on account of his accident so Earp hunted hounds and so to. draw Thurgarton.
Mrs. Upton, Mrs. Sherbrooke, Captain Barker and Gibbs, the only company and quite
a good day enjoying the luxury of a pack of hounds all to our few selves.
Thurs. ,2nd Nov.
Riding about Oxton.·
Fri., 3rd Nov.
Rode to the Council at Southwell. Lunched at the Cro\in and met Beevers
and settled with him to continue his big farm.
Sat., 4th Nov.
Spent at home which is unusual. .
Sun.,5th Nov.
Hopelessly \'/et.
Mon.,6th Nov.
To Toton, Marshall motoring me from Nottingham and sold him a lot of ash,
Tues.,7th Nov.
To Hinckley and met Mr. Green of the Bank whose father was Agent to the
Duke of Rutland at Belvoir.
33.
vleds. ,8th Nov.
To the meet at Lambley House where quite a good c~~yany, finding in the gorse
a fast gallop to Fox \'lood, but then I to lunch at Ra:*.aale with the Seelys. lR..~I..a1..t.)
Capt. Theo Spencer to stay, he invalided from France, ~o claret, port and - gout.

Thurs.,9th Nov.
To Oxton looking at the larch to cut and lunch with Mrs. Sherbrooke and
walked home.
Fri.,lOth Nov.
To the meet at Halloughton Wood and a find; a fast 4 mile gallop to the
new flying ground on Thurgarton Hill, back over Brockwood, up the Dumbles to
Thurgarton quarters and to ground in Halam Dumble. Theo left us by 3.25
train and I with him to meet the Seelys in Nottingham.

Sat. ,11th Nov.

A long ride by Halam to Norwood Park where I stayed some time and for tea
with the Starkeys.
Sun.,12th Nov.

With Polly after. afternoon service to Gonalston Hall for tea.

Mon. ,13th Nov.
All the last 4 days bright like Spring. A good ride to see Mrs. S. at Oxton
and round by Cochcliffe Hill.
\veds. ,15th Nov.
Rode up the Long Dale, crossing the bogs by Bawford Steps, to the Pilgrim Oak
at Newstead for the meet. Ld. H., Col. L. Birkin, Col. F. Seely, ~~s.Sherbrooke,
Plumb and Moss out and a long morning in the woods around the Abbey and found in
Thieves Wood with some running about these wild woodlands now all a blaze of russett,
later I left by the large woodland of Harlow across by Fountains dale and the bridle
road, Epperstone Park wood home, a glorious autumn evening.
Thurs.,16th Nov.
To Nottingham by train and later to Ruddington, walking as far as Gotham
Boundary, the new railway spoils somewhat the quiet of this corner miles even
from a public road, until this railway came there was none nearer than Nottingham.
Called on Mrs.; Wrey Hunt, an aunt of the late Arthur Markham. She lives in part of
the Manor House where my grandfather often was in Sir T. Parkyn's time, 60 years ago.
The Parkyns at one time owned and ruled nearly all this fertile valley, being seated
at the old Hall at Bunny, owning all Bunny, and Ruddington with Thorpe in glebe
and parts of W. Leake.
Fri.,17th Nov.
Drove to Halam to Tom Starkey's funeral, youngest son of the late Squire of
Norwood Park, a contemporary and frequent hunting companion of mine. Capt. Starkey,
Col. Starkey, who I had not met for years, Mrs. Armitage (once Warwick) ,F. Seely,
Joe Whittaker of Rainsworth, Hollins of Berry Hill, Wilsons of Hexgreave, Warrand
of Westhorpe, Kyrle Smith all there.
31+·
Sat.,18th Nov.
To Nottingham with Enfield to the Land Office, a long morning on See1y estate
duties, the iniquitous system of taxing wttele was designed by the Germanj paid
Parliaments of 1909,1910 to ruin old E~glish families, and will.
Later in uniform to stay the night with Percy for the review by Lord French
tomorrow of the new Notts Volunteers. Very wet.
Sun. ,19th Nov.
Wretched weather. Randal1 came for Percy and Murie1 and I later to the Forest
where we found 3000 on parade under Sir L. Ro11eston, Major Holden, Cols. Story and
See1y and Major Walker. The Lord Lieutenant I had a few words with, young Alastair
Cre\'idson, Margie's old dancing partner, just in his guards uniform, a small but
noteable company. Left for home at 8, very dark.
Mon. ,20th Nov.
To Nottingham for our blind Australian friend Glew. I hear Williams'play
the'Widows Migh~'at the Haymarket a great success.
Tues.,21st Nov.
G.~~
Riding over Oxton and taught Casino and Jiaib , " by? G1ev. in evening.
fo'l
Weds. ,22nd Nov. •
Hunting from Lowdham to Ploughman Wood and found·but no scent, so to Lambley
Gorse, found and scent better, hadua modest run over Woodbro to Fox Wood and back
into the valley. With Polly and lew walked for tea with the Gibbs at Lowdham Grange.
Thurs.,23rd Nov.
By train to Southwell and cycled to Winkburn and being early at 3 to the little
old church by the Hall to a Service of the Mission, the children sang very prettily
and the little white bearlded clergyman fitted the Jacobean pulpit well. Miss Burnell
near 80 in the high-sided Hall pew, a real piece altogether of the 17th century
s~tol1ed into the 20th. Later I to tea with the Colonel. Very rough and rainy
returning and glad I got to the train at Southwe11 and a tail wind blew me up from
Lowdham station.
Fri.,24th Nov.
To the Starkey, audit at the Crown at Southwell with Mrs. Kent training for clerk
and Be1r. As the Bank closes now at 3 I only just in time stepped over the threshold
as Miss Bashco drew ,in the mat. Drove on to Norwood for tea with the Starkeys where
I met Miss Seely whom I had not seen since the funeral of her father at Brooke, I.O.W.
Glew left us for Grantham. .
Sat. ,25th Nov.
To Nottingham and later to the theatre.
Sun.,26th Nov.
At home.
Hon.,27th Nov.
Rode to Ha1am to see Burne11's farm,I am Se11ing~HOme by the hills.
Tues. ,28th Nov.
To Nottingham and to the Land Agents meeting at the Victoria where Goddard
of London and later to the Club.
J:':.
\veds. ,29th Nov.
To the meet at Newstead and spent the day in this large woodland park just
north of which is the bare wild of Kirkby Forest now used as golf links. At 4.30 to
Nottingham to meet Stanley Birkin at the Club, where Col. Leslie I had parted
from at the Pilgrim Oak, where he gave a drink of excellent port.
Thurs. ,30th Nov.
To Norman Cross near Peterboro and after meeting the small tenants at the
Fox at Folksworth where the gossiping Mrs. Freeman gave me tea, I dined and slept.
Fri., 1st Dec.
Walked by Caldecot to Stilton village, very cold and then held the audit
at Norman Cross leaving at 4 for Pete'rboro ,.. here I had a \'lalk round the Cathedral
close, most impressive in the twilight and just looked in where one bright lamp
lit up the massive nave. From Grantham a pleasant, young Captain in the Gordons_
Patrick (R.F.C.) is home from France on leave, but Charlie is in hospital at
Etaples. I missed young Gerald Clark from France who rode over to see me.
Sat. ,2nd Dec.
To Nottingham to the Bank with £3000 in money. Home at 2 and met Burrows
of Winkburn to fill up his appeal form.
Sun'.-,3rd Dec.-
Fine day and to church morning and afternoon. Chatted with the Rector
in the porch there. Wrote to NaIl in Egypt and Ne,...man in France. Wheat -75/-_but
Barley, Oats and Beans at double prices.
Mon. ',4th Dec.
To Chilwell Shell Factory to see Lord Chet\'r,r.nd. At the gate a Boy Scout
on duty took me to the office and after a talk Ld. C. sent Tarring the Traffic
Manager to show me the shell shed, one of the most remarkable sights I ever saw,
6 acres in extent I saw ~ million filled shells ready for France and being loaded
on to trucks from 16 inch shells to 64 pounders, most of the work done by girls
in brown overalls, their pretty feet and funny little woman legs most quaint,
the flying electric cranes overhead all worked by girls, most quite pretty. We
then went onto see the canteens. About 10,000 people are at work and the meals
most excellent. I then walked along the Erewash.
ll1ues. 5th Dec.
Hearing Charlie and his boy Patrick were at Farndon on leave from France
I took Polly and Margaret down to Rolleston and then walked across the fields' to
the Trent and by ferrY to Farndon. A bright frosty day. Charlie very seedy after
flue and should not have come out of hospital. Patrick was out shooting after
hunting yesterday but as we walked back into Newark he overtook us on his motor bike.
He looked very well and is Captain in a fortnight at l~ years. He has had many
narrow escapes flying and I trust he will come through for he is an excellent high
spirited boy.
The Rector and his wife to dinner. The War being bungled in true Parliamentary
style. We are losing.
310
Weds.,6th Dec.
To the Black Boy at Nottingham where busy with several callers and then
to Toton audit and home by the 4.40 as a thick fog had come on.
Thurs.,7th Dec.
To Ruddington for the audit of the Paget tenants. A thick fog settling
I got Oldershaw from the Bank to fetch a taxi and so got the 4.40 train.
Over 30 years ago here with Adamson and my father, leaving the ~lhite Hart at
5.30 driving we had to walk all the way home 12 miles.

Fri.,8th Dec.
To Oxton for the audit and after to tea with Mrs. Sherbrooke and walked
home by misty moonlight by the footway down the wooded Park valley.

Sat. ,9th Dec.

. .
Randall from the Land Office to breakfast and after settling valuations
all morning to Gonalston for tea with Mrs. Francklin.
Sun. ,lOth Dec.
In bed all day with a chill.
Mon. ,11th Dec.
To Winkburn for the audit and after to the Hall for a talk with Colonel
Burnell but got home early.
Tues, 12th Dec. .
Rode 11 miles to Cropwell ButAer for the meet and spent the day on the wild
wooded wolds. Gibbs of Lowdham Grange died last night suddenly. Charlie and
Patrick left for France today and Ernest, now Staff Captain to General Kemp~
137 Brig. arrived from France and had dinner with us. Ernest the origin of the
story that on his first arrival in the trenches and walking one morning "early
commented on the twittering of the birds. "Thems not birdsll says his sergeant,
"Thems bulletsll •
Weds.,13th Dec.
To the Black Boy, Nottingham, for the vlidmerpool audit and home early
on account of fog.
Thurs.,14th Dec.
To Lowdham church at 2 for Gibbs funeral. Sir Lancelot Rolleston there
and we talked of the times, he was M.F.H. of the Rufford (1881-1900) and Gibbs
an ardent follower.
Fri.,15th Dec.
To Farnsfield for the audit, riding. Ernest came home after London where
a family party , Edward and Monica, Leonard and Percy. Leonard's play brings him
in £3 to £5 a night. ~ ~~) ~~~ H~~C1"V\./~~ e.~
Sat. ,16th Dec. \INIl,'a.-,..
Fog again, never such a month for fog. To Nottingham and lunched with Stanley ~G.
Birkin and then to North Lodge and being so foggy stayed the night there. Ernest
and Randall and a merry dinner party. .
37- 1

Sun.,17th Dec.
Goodbye to Ernest and by train to Arnold church and walked home 6 miles by
the fields, a fine frosty day and.very pretty walk all by footpath through delightful
valleys and the Wo~bro village.
Mon.,18th Dec.
A very stormy night. In the afternoon to Lowdham Grange to see Mrs. Gibbs on
her affairs, where Sheldon of Shelford who may take her farm. The lights and mist
made the valley and village from this hill look charming. As Frith's recent
itinery states it Epperstone is the daintiest little village in the county.
Tues.,lgth Dec.
Snowing hard all morning SO walked to Lowdham station and so to Southwell
at 12 to the Tribunal to appeal against Burrows the Winkburn farm steward and
Knight my coachman being taken for National Service and gained my point.
The Government (new) seem rather hysterical and no wonder if we are short of
wheat, which is due to the late government which buying millions in India and
Australia left it~ere. Private enterprise being fearful of importing and storing
v/hen this might be "dumped" under cost at any time, as occurred once last year,
to the ruin of enterprise, also the silly newspaper propaganda raising prejudice
agmst holders of stocks, as "profiteers", "foodhoggers", etc. \~e are a foolish
people. Lunched with the Tribunal and a call on Mrs. Wordsworth and home, meeting
D'Oyley Ransome and Mrs. Russell.
\veds. ,20th Dec.
To the Clinton at Newark to meet tenants and then to see Annie who with Mrs
McRae are busy at Red Cross work in the big room over Cherrington's chemist shop
overlooking this prqtty market place. Charlie better and Patrick is now at H.Q.
Pilot to his General R.F.C. Then to the Brewery to see Richardson who looks 20
years younger.
List of relatives in the Army and Navy:
Brothers: Charlie, Colonel.
Harold, R.N. Fleet Surgeon.
Ernest, 8th S.F. Lt.
Nephew: Patrick, 1st S.F. Lt. attached R.F.C.
Cousill$: T. Croft, Canadians
Harry Warwick, Col. 5th Northumberlands
Hugh vlarvlick, Major R.A.
Philip War\'lick, Major, Notts Hussars.
Norman \~ar\'dck, East African F.F.
(Col. Lane, married Elsie W.)
(Major Jones," Kathleen \'1'.
John WarwiCk's son Vivian, R.A.
" . third son Cedric. Lt. S.N. Hussars.
Polly's nephew: Geoffry Champneys, Lt. R.A.
" cousins: Alec A~tley, Major 14th Hussars.
" Commander Rushton, R.N.
Thurs. ,21st ·Dec.
Snow kept me at home.
Fri., 22nd Dec.
Frost and tp Bouthwell at 2, and later to Norwood Park for tea with a merry
party of the family.
Sat., 23rd Dec.
A drear snowy day. To Nottingham to meet Elnor, lunched at the Club and
out at 2, very difficult ''lalking home with snow and ice •. Tea with Lady Ley and
walking home with the snowy ground, mist and half light causing those curious
optical impressions that an imaginative Dickens could create into spirits of
past Christmases.
Sun. ,24th Dec.
To Church. A quiet Christmas Eve compared to our merry Christmas times before
the war. Margaret however decorated the hall with holly and we expect Percy and his
family tomorrow. Our third War Christmas, I am thankful I still keep my little
household so complete intact.
Christmas Day.
A hard frost and roads a sheet of ice. Polly, Margie'and I to church in
the morning. In the afternoon I carefully rolled the snow in the long kitchen
garden path and watered it so it was soon a sheet of ice and fit for skating.
At 3.30 Percy, Muriel and their 2 boys arrived by motor having had a difficult
journey, so we were a merry party at tea and later at dinner, with charades and
dancing after in the great drawingroom.
(Ques. ,26th Dec.
Very hard frost and the children were skating in the garden and toboganning
down Hagg Lane. Several aeroplanes passed over this morning.
\'leds. ,27th Dec.
Very cold and with Percyand the children wandering over the fields by the
stream or skating in the garden. Percy and Muriel left us at 3 but left us the
two boys.
Thurs.,28th Dec.
The children'skating in the monring and I about the village. In the
afternoon a decided thaw set in with rain. A most curious December frost, snow, fogs,
most of the month. Germany asks for "Feace".
Fri.,29th Dec.
Every vestige of ice gone by the morning, the most extraordinary thaw I
remember. At 10 I rode by the bridle way to Southwell for the Council. Geoffry and
"Tommy Teddy" left at 2.
Sat., 30th Dec.
To Nottingham with Mrs. Bryan from Oxton who left for Lon don. I to lunch
at the Club with Hanson and "Chm'l1es" Wright. As leather is commandeered I bought
a lot GX to sole boots and also bought 2 pairs boots and shoes.
Sun. ,31st December, 1916.
p
,

As mild as May and to church with Polly and Margie and after to see my
Mother as usual who seemed far from well.
And so ends a very solemn year and no decision yet arrived in the war,
indeed except that ourselves and France are better prepared the German empire
has so far car±ied all before it and the U-boat is a very pressing danger •
. At home I still keep my compact little establishment in our picturesque
old home which was my grandfather's over 70 years since, my two maids, my two
men, Mrs •. Barker as laundry maid and our old parlour maid Mrs. Knight,
coachman's wife~ on occasion. My two horses, good supplies of flour, groceries,
wines, etc. for "things" are now worth more than mop-eYe Indeed my past year
has been more peaceful and successful than any yet. The financial situation
of the country has an obscure future and we may all be beggared.
" .
Wheat is 80/- per quarter, Barley over 70/-, Oats 60/- Beans 80/-
Eggs 3 a 1/- Beef" sirloin 1/6d.per lb. Butter 2/- per lb. Stilton cheese 2/-
Milking cows up to £40 each. Col. Mellish sold a boar pig to kill for £25.