192 2

\.
-1922-
Sunday, 1st January.
To Church in the morning and so ends a year unhappy in the loss of Polly
and in the country through mass of unemployment, the end of 'that "Aaron" Lloyd
George's golden dreams.
Mon. ,2nd Jan.
Margaret came home.' My two men Knight and Barker and'2 maids Emily
\Vhitehead and Dolly Jameson my household. Emily has ,been with us 16 years since'
she \'las 15". Dolly's grandmother \'las my mother's cook at the Manor in old days
and Knight and Barker were with us all our married life. Barker's grandfather'
and father, being in my grandfather's service.
Tues. ,3rd Jan.
Margaret ill and in bed. Morris and- Elwyn to, lunch. They own 1000 acres here.
\'leds. ,4th Jan.
Thurs. ,5th\'J1Jl).'.;,t;~
Breedon over about Netherfieldfarm and LaurenceWilson of Hexgreave Park
to lunch~
Fri., 6th Jan.
Hard frost since Tuesday, i.e. in the strong north wind. Cycled to Norwood
(soft wind) to see Starkey and to the ,Council at Southwell. Margaret very sick and ill,
jaundice. '
Sat. ,7th Jan.
To Nottingham, home at 2 and walked back over the hill by Lowdham church.
Margeret rather better. To call on Colonel Cockburn now in one of my cottages
for the winter. He manager of Cammel Lairds great foundry at Nottingham.Wife and
3 children, can't get a house. My dear wife's illness, probate etc. will take £500
to enable me to get in the straight again, my last year's savings and more and with
rates and taxation now taking half one's income retrenchment is hardly possible -
many must be ruined and Germany prospers exceedingly and has \'lon. That ignoramus
charlatan Ll. George is in a fog - he is only an addition of Lenin, but is now very
sick. He is surrounded by Jews and Greeks who advise him.
Sun.,8th Jan.
Hargaret vmak but better. Mild as Hay and sunny. To Church in morning.
Tues.,lOth Jan.
Robert (Rupert) Sherbrooke came of age and so to lunch with tenants at
Oxton, at the top table~ Rupert, his handsome mother, father, ,the Vicar and his
wife, the Hon. Mrs. Francklin (grandmother) Richard Francklin and his wife and
myself. About 200 present. I made the opening speech. Sunny day.
vleds. ,11th Jan.
To the meet at Sherwood Lodge. Sir Chanes greeted me and so went on to pay
my compliments and had some 'talk with beautiful Lady Petersham who I had met as
Miss Seton three years ago. Foxes but no scent and left at Calverton.
 Fri.,13th Jan.
To Stanton-on-Wolds by train and walked on to Widme~pool for a talk with
che Major and just missing the train and with 2-a- hours to "rait, "rent to ,New Inn
and had an enjoyable talk with the tenant Brookes, whose house from its name is
often invaded - it was formerly a posting house on the Fosse and must have been
comfy quarters for belated travellers.' Yesterday I had cycled toWinkburn
being full moon. .
Sat. ,14th Jan.
Heavy snow and so snow and frost"till Thursday, so stayed at home. Sent my
article on finance to the Surveyors Institute ,pointing out, the flm-rin the Bank.
Charter as the source of our trouble, the Exbhanges'beingall.chaos and 2 million
unemployed. . 0

Fri. ,20th Jan. '

Last \'lednesday is 2 months since dear,Polly's death. Today to \'lilfred Hill to ',' '
the funeral of Sir T. Birkin,' died in his 9lst year. All his 9 children my contemporaries.
Miss May B. very, overcome. Ld. Chet\-.ryndI met again. ,I~ "ras, sunny here'but all else "
, fog and I had some difficulty getting home.
Sat., 21st Jan.
Rain and so at home. Last Thursday a pretty "morality" playat the Schools
no\.. . being acted round by a lot of young ladies.
Sun. ,22nd Jan.
Some frost but sunny so Margaret had a good walk out for the first time.
Sir D. Bayley's eldest girl,17, caught a chill after flu which taking to her eyes
she has lost her sight~ Terrible, a pretty 'girl, too. (Recovere~after 7 weeks).
Newspaper cutting:
THE COST OF LIVING.
Sir, From time to time one notices complaints - there was one recently
in your correspondence columns - that while'official figures go to show
that the cost of living has greatly decreased, in reality there is very
little reduction in the \.. .orking man's budget~ . .' '
The following figures, not supplied by the Board of Trade,but by Mr.
J. Baylis, secretary of the Denaby Main.Co-Operative Society, near Rotherham,
and received from a member, may perhaps convince some of those critics that
their statements are incorrect.
It is evident that the weekly bills 'are no less, the purchaser is
either buying larger quantities or is purchasing a bigger variety of articles.
Dec. 1920. Dec. 1921.
. 4 lb. flour £1. O. O. " lls.4d•
6 lb. sugar 5. o. ' 3s. 3d.
1 lb. tea 3. 6. 3s. o.
2 lb. lard 3. 4. ' , ls'.lO.
2 ~b. Danish butter S, o. ~s. 4.
2 'tins syrup . 4. 6.' 3s. o.
5 lb. soap 4. 4i 3s~ 4.
1 'tin pears 3. 6. 2s. 6.
1 tin salmon 2. 2. ' Is. 6.
1 lb. currants 1.2. 10.
2 lb. sago 1. 6. Is. O.
1 lb. .ground ri ce ' 7-a-5. '
2 jellies . , 1. 3. Is. 1. \

\
3.
I tin cocoa 1c8-~
. 8.1. .
2,
. I lb. baking pmvder lOde 7d.
I lb. candles Is.Od. 9d.
i doz. matches 6d. 6d.
2 lb. home.fed bacon 6s.8d. 3s.4d.
I lb~ Cheshire cheese 2s.6d. .ls.6d.

·£3.10s.4i £2.4s.~}d,
These figures practically agree with official Government returns.
I am, sir, &c.
. John Freeland.

Fri. ,27th Jan.

To the meet at Hazleford Ferrynow'snow had rapidly gone, but it was very
misty. Amusing to watch a heron that leaving its pitch fora lower place was
chased off by another who evidently considered he was· a poacher.· Found and
killed after a short run at Bleasby but later from Car Holt had good sport and
for the first time I rode over the high hill between Goha1ston and Lowdham,
the Dove Beck· preventing any direct approach. Lost at Thistley Coppice and
the two Wi1sons afterwards.100ked in at my house.
Sat. ,28th Jan.
Capt. and Mrs. Mi1ward and 2 of his brothers·to:tea. Richard recently
from the auxilliary R.I-C. Ireland, said as between CrO\Vll Forces and I- Republican
Army it \-Jas' 6'lOf one and half dozenro~the other, both were shooting at sight
and probably of those we kil1ed·not ~~ were murderers but the unbearable state
drove on to a settlement. .
Hon. ,30th Jan.
To meet hounds at Gedling, good sport but a nasty blind country, only out
a short time.
\'ieds. ,1st Feb.
To.the meet at Oxton and half a day with them, a good circular run over
Oxton from Graves Lane. Margaret and Mrs. Bo:urne leaving their car got to the
Fal10ws farm just as we swept by, a good field. There was also a first class
run after I left but I wan~ to go out Friday.
Thurs. ,2nd Feb.
To Nottingham. Last Monday evening I omitted to say I drove to the
Saracens Head at Southwell to dine \vith Col. Cha1liner, he \'las at Trinity \vith
Hontagu (Samuel) the Jew Indian Secretary who was let alone.by his compeers as·
a wrong 'un. Challinor was fairly intimate and one evening M. commenting how was
passed by said a time should come when they shall pay for it - this explains his
present policy to me and recalls Prince Windisgratz's remark on Andrassy's leading
the Bolshevic revolution at Buda because formerly girls of the nobility not '
approving him refused to dance with him and he declared he would be revenged.
Fri. ,3rd Feb.
To the meet at Car Colston where Percy did us well and to Staunton Grange
to draw 14 miles from home, found and ran beyond Allington where I left 20 miles
from home and so across a grass track to Bottesford home via Car Colston Green and
~ictl~r~ Bridge. Sandy Hogarthand his horse arrived.
G~11-t..~ .
 Sat.,4th Feb.
Snow during night though so mild y~sterday;yFatrick and his pretty wife
Mollyto stay for Sunday and with Ernest (brother), Sandy and Margaret a merry
party and played Odds On, a form of Put and Take now all the rage •
. Sun., 5th Feb •
. Frost. All to church. P.· and M.left after supper •
. IilJn. ,6th Feb.
Drove Rowe who is to be bailiff· to No~~ood Park and met Lee the builder
as to.repairs. My letter and recipes for Foot and Mouth Disease now general
attracts attention. A great hoar frost· and flawless sl~. To Rectory for tea •.
Tues. 'Ith Feb.
Met Sands, C.E.about putting·a stand pipe to our borehole at Netherfield
for local supply and after walked to Lowdham Grange •.
,.,reds. ,8th Feb.
To the Shire Hall on the Grand Jury.
Thurs. ,'th Feb.
To the Ram, Newark for Tenantl1ight Valuers dinner and to the Tudor Hall
after for Thornton Society. le?ture.
Fri.i9th Feb.
Still frost and at home. Margarets first dinner party. Sandy, Ernest
and Gervase Milward.Last Weds. we all to the Manor for dinner.
Sat.,Ilfth Feb.
To Nottingham. S. and Margaret left 'for Nottingham so alone at night.
My favourite patch of snowdrops in the copse at west end ,of garden coming into
flower as als~ on Polly's grave where I planted them.
Sun. ,l~th Feb.
Walked ove~ to Woodbro Hall for tea to get Chas. Hill's signature for
Col. Seely's nomination to'County Council. IITorinnyll Hill:and,his wife and Mr.
and Mrs. Budd (daughter) there.
Hon. ,13th Feb.,'
To meet hounds at Gedling.Some sport •.
Tues. ,14th Feb.
Riding by Lambley on C.C. Election business.Col. Potter has much improved
inside of Lambley House and has a nice place with fine views. He farms largely.
vleds. ,15th Feb.
To Nottingham and then to Newark and thence by bus to Balderton and tea
with Cousin Emily Warwick at the Hall, who recalled her memories of dear Polly
as a bright pretty girl, the soul of Epperstone. .
5".
Fri. ,17th Feb. ,_
With Sandy to ~eet-hounds'at Bestwood, foggy. Margaret had gone on in Mrs.·
Bourne's motor. Some sport from Epperstone Park to Halloughton Wood.
Sat., 18th Feb.
From Nottingham at 3 and walked,over Barker Hill with its fine views to Gonalston
where I met Margaret for tea,with th~ Dowager' Francklin."
Tues. ,21st Feb.
Drove to Hexgreave ,!or lunch.
\veds.,22nd Feb.
Hounds met at Epperstone Manor. Mrs. Roberts the Master's wife out 'and she and
her husband to tea with us. We had 1 hourl 40 mins. from Gonalston osiers~
Fri. ,24th Feb.
To the meet at PapplewickHall with Sandy. Houfton (new money) here now, a perfect
18th century house, very compact stone and green slates with superb decoration by .
Adams, the house moderate though in the grand style, probably by Chambers and a superb
salon. Found and away to NewsteadPark where after ,an hour lost. '
"Sat. ,25th Feb.
Spent the day- at Norwood P~rk andSouthwell wi th Star~ey ~ Sandy' and Hargaret
left for Nottingham till Tuesday.
Tues. ,28th Feb.
To meet hounds at Car Colston \..,here P~rry gave us hospitality. But" I",'l~ft
at Devon gorse when they found, being 14 miles from home." Sandy's horse went lame.
Weds., 1st March.
, ,

Met at Oxton Hall, many of the Ruffordout. After some, blank draws found in the
100 acre in front of the Hall and away by the Park \vood, just missed it, and by
Rosselle v/ood, Epperstone Village, Martins Hill over the Brockwoods to Gonalstone
osiers, 5 of us having hounds to ourselves for a mile or so, to groUnd close to
Thurgarton Priory, very fast 35 mintues, raining. My house then a rendezvous,
Margaret much amused first one disgusted at being thrown out: another delighted
at being in it. 6 second horsemen at tea in the saddle room and we, the Master
and Mrs. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Wright and Miss Brocton, sister of Lady ~asham from
the Bedale, hunting being stopped there from F. & M. disease •. Sandy and Hargaret
to Nottingham at 6., S. leaving to rejoin his regiment.- '
Fri., 3rd Mar~

To meet hounds at Gedling and 2 smart gallops to Plo\oJman Wood and back.
Sat. ,4th Mar.
To Nottingham but back at 2 and walked my favourite way by Lowdham church
and from the hill there the view of Epperstone superb. To see Polly's grave, .
the snowdrop~ thereon in bloom.
b.
Sun. ,5th Mar.
Arthur Warwick and his bride and his Mother over for tea and Cousin Emily
and my Mother had a long talk, being'friends from girlhood.
Mon. ,6th Har.
To Nottingham to meet Derbyshire to offer him the Beauchief estate near
Sheffield for 400 years the Burnell's. Margaret to London.
Tues. ,7th Har.,
To Long Eaton and Perks motored me to Toton to see Col. Gregson and Cockburn
about land occupied but not bought by the War Office; 90 acres one mass of guns
and limbers and stores: the shell filling factory now a city of the dead'compared
to its 11,000 of life during the war. By Stapleford to Trent and home.
i'/eds. ,8th Mar.
To bed, I expect with flu.
Fri.,lOth'Har.
To hounds at Gedling and a great hunt, 2~ hours, 10 mile point from Gedling
Wood and 20 miles as they ran~ found it Broughton Park to Gedling Wood and back by
Lowdham Gragge, Epperstone Wash Bridge to Gonalston osiers, turned to Car Holt,
over Barker Hill to Laythorpe village and turned via Hoveringham over Thurgarton
Park, missing Thistley Coppice to Halloughton Dumble, turned to ground at
Thurgarton Priory wood. ' "
Sat. ,11th Har.
Cycled to Norwood. Montagu, Indian Secretary, dOVlIl and ,out with cheers. Bolshevic
War in S. Africa quelled Smuts with General Deventer and Beves. I think Beves is
Gordon Beves, an old friend of ours, a fine looking man, 6.3 who married Hrs.
Sherlock of these parts and settled in S. Africa, an old officer in the Robin
Hoods,35 years ago.
Sun. ,12th Mar.
Tea x the Rectory.
Hon. ,13th Mar.
A 9arish Meeting to elect a Council, no competition.
Tues. ,14th Har.
Meet at Red Lodge and so by Shelton, Farndon and Stoke. I home by the
Trent Hills, a run after I left. Dinner at the Hollands.
Thurs. ,16th Mar.
Tea with Hrs. Milwards to see alterations to house~ once Hrs. Dufty's,
with 2 centuries of Epperstone history behind her.Polly and I certainly lived
all our lives in idyllic surroundings in this lovely unspoilt neighbourhood,
welcomed from Hall to cottage, a great blessing. "Brogress" sQ~called, I loathe.
Fri. ,17th Mar. G v.N\-1'l-..~
Meet at ~t~gp~O and a good Dun in afternoon from Car ,Holt, Miss Brockton
and ~rs. Jaques,Col. Jaque's wife to tea on returning, and I had Woodward ,huntsman ,
and his whip for a cheering cup.
Sat. ,18th Mar.
To Nottingham and then to Newarkand Balderton and let that 90 acres which·
was causing me anxiety, and so to tea at the Hall with Cousin Emily, Arhhur and his
\·,rife. Home at 8.
Sun. ,19th Har.
To see Mother early as she has been suffering bleeding of the nose severely
for 10 days, and lost much last night. At ~ she seemed herself again. To tea at
Vi Brett's.
Tues. ,21st Mar.
Severe N.E. winds and scuds of snow. To meet hounds at Gedling Wood and
running to ground in the scarp about Burton JoyceVicarage a severe snow storm came on
whilst we were on the ridge above. I had observed a heavy cloud 10 miles in front
moving slowly up and snow falling in the Trent Valley as it moved, a wall of bright.
light with the sun on it. .
\'leds.,22nd Mar.

To Nottingham as Income Tax Commissioner and home at 3, walking my favourite

way over the hill by Lowdham church, the views in the clear cold air fine.

Thurs.,23rd Mar.
To meet hounds at Lowuram, found in the Park Wood and to gr9und~

Fri. ,24th Bar.

To see Mr. Burrows, now 93, in bed and he gave~any straw he had supplied
me with.
Sat. ,25th Mar.
Cycled to Norwood Park and with Starkey to Gold Hill. Revd.Gfiffiths,
curate at the Minster, to lunch at the Hall. When at Thurgarton remembered I~ad
left papers behind so back and the chain broke near Southwell so left cycle for
repair while I walked on to the Park. This is noted for unusually old and fine oak.
Called on Lady Hicking for tea returning. Put clocks on 1 hour this evening to my
housekeeper's disgust. Letter from Margaret. . .
Sun. ,26th Mar.
To church. Primroses flowering on Polly's grave. vfuat a sacred place to me this
church and yard is, carrying one's memory back to happy days of 50 years.
Tues.28th Mar.
To the meet at Papplewick Hall, a good example of mid 18th century and Adams
tinterior, a staircase winds round the Hall, good diningroom to left. Large drawing
'room in front, 3 windows and Library next!5 windows to the front stone and green slate).
Found at Newstead and to ground but found in Longdale and fair hunt with poor scent
to Syke Breck, all on forest soil~ .
Weds. ,29th Har.
To Nottingham and cycled to Ruddington to see 4 widows cottages of Miss Paget
and called to see Hiss Birkin at the Grange.
 4
Tues. ,jth Apr.
Rode to Winkburn and by Park Springs Wood, came on the Rufford hounds,
poor scent, very cold east winds 'and frosts at night as it has been 3 weeks past.
Margaret yesterday from London.
Thurs. ,6th Apr.
To the Pilgrim Oak at Newstead to meet Lord ~etersham's hounds, some sport.
Sat. ,8th Apr.
Income Tax Commissioners met at Nottingham~ DuchefsD'Alranteessaid
Augerstein was son of Empress Catherine by Thompson the handsome Englishman
who brought him up and made, a huge fortune. Buying 36,000 acres in Lincs.
n@ar Harket Rasen I knew of, and rental once £40,000> a yeax,but in the
Agricultural ruin dropped to £15,000 and the then Augerstein heir had to sell.
Good landlords.
Mon.,lOth Apr.
Cycled to Norwood Park.
v/eds. ,12th Apr.
Point to point races at Oxton and Percy motored over for Margaret
and myself. Came with Leonard, Pat Ashwell, Huriel and,pretty Mrs. Wrey.
Mrs. Wrey's husband is heir to his brother the baronet of lovely Tawstock,
Devon, and the FitzWaryn ancient peerage is dormant with them, there being,no
evidence of marriage of the 5th Baronet, but a "negative" is hard to prove.
A large gathering. Victor'Seely had a bad fall. Closed in'rain but was fair
till after last race. ' ,
Thurs.,13th'Apr.
Hy 60th birthday. Rode to' the Council at SotithvJel;L" our"valley Water Scheme
to go through and will add 2/6 at least to rates of my house. Last year rates and
taxes thereon were £25, Rates,£15, Income Tax,£2 inhabt.house duty, £8 sched.B.
on garden, total £;0. Hy grandfather had only £5 to find. The country mad with
extravagance. Parish Council 7.30 to appoint overseers and mad'against·the
Water Scheme as unnecessary.
Good Fri.,14th Apr.
At home except to church at 2.30 for an hour~

Sat.,15th Apr.
·Sandy who 'came on Thurs.took Margie off to Nottingham so I to tea at
Gonalston with the Dm.,rager Francklin and saw the NaIl children, the· baby a fine boy.
Sun.,16th Apr.
To early service and supper at the Rectory where Ernest and Jack Brett.
Mon.,17thApr.
A merry day at Langar Hall where Muriel had a young p~ty to picnic lunch in
the kitchen viewed the fine church that, adjoins the hou~e, as if part of,it and gives
it so fine a chateau air. ~.,ro pretty American girls an,d Geo.Wright who as Bealbyis
celebrated in Grand Guignol plays.
~. 112.2
'rues. ,18th Apr.
Rode to Winkburn to see the Colonel and for tea, going through the woods
carpeted with primroses.
Thurs.,20th Apr.
Lunched at Lowdham Grange after going over the Wood farm with Tenantright
Valuers.
'Sat. ,22nd Apr.
To Nottingham sitting on Income Tax appeals and with Margie to lunch at
Mrs. Hombergers, Sandy's aunt, and a lady in enjoyment of over £20,000 a year.
Sun.,23rd Apr.
Col. Nall,M.P. to lunch, told me the secret of our unfortunate backing of
Greek policy. Zaharoff hadp~rsuad~~ the Oreek government to spend 8 million pounds
on quays amd warehouses at Piroeus, McAlpines did the work and payment doubtful
except at Turkey's defeat. McAlpine's daughter married young Ll.George.
Mon. ,24th Apr.
Spent all day at Southwell. and Norwood.
Tues. ,25th Apr.f{~d.~
Rode to R~in61~Ato see Seely.
Fri.,28th Apr.
Rode to Hexgreave and spent the day with L. Wilson on his, farm.
Sun.,30th Apr.
News that Patrick's wife had a daughter, this makes 28 boys and 5 girls in
4 generations. No plum or pear blossom and hedges and elms bare, a very late spring, but
fine the last few days •.
Tues. ,2nd May.
By train toYaxley near Peterbro and so over the Stilton Washingley and
Folksworth estate, drove 4 miles over it and walked 6, ending with a good egg
and toast tea at Gossiping old Mrs. Freeman's at the Fox Inn, Folksworth, a fine
day and back by Newark to see Charlie as "Grandpa.pa".'
\veds. ,3rd May.
To Nottingham to'pay churchwardens dues to the Archdeacon's office, 12/6.
Fri. ,5th May.
To \"lidmerpool and to call at the Hall on Maj'or Robertson ,.. here tea, he commenting
in his amusing way on me~ and things, on the silly boom after the war, following
LI.George's speech of his vision of the dawn over the mountain tops. I wish I had
made a list of his falsified visions, for instance lithe bulging corn bins of' Russi~'~etc.
Sat. ,6th May.
To Nottingham for Income Tax.Commissioners. I see my neighbour B. declared his
income as £37,000 and has evidently lost £2000 farming this year as I signed warrant for
repayment of tax over £700. Margie drove to Brackenhurst for dinner, 6 miles with
Muriel Hicking, where her sister Hrs. \villoughby and Capt. vi. ,R.N. ,Alastair Crewdson
of my old.8th Sherwoods, who was in the Colstreams in the War, and Manley of the
Grenadiers.
10. l1'2-2.
Sun.,7th Hay.
A real burst of Spring, plum in bloom and pears full budding. Percyand his son
Geoff over at 12 for ~ an hour. A wonderful year for dandelions. "
Hon. ,3rd Hay •.. ','

With Margaretto tea at WoodbroHall.

vleds. , lOth May.
, '
, . Cited at St. Mary's Nottingham as Churchwarden and stayed'for sermon.
Lunched at the Club 'and to Newark for Nicholson's meeting, 5% 'dividend' declared.
, Sun. ,14th M~y.:, ' ' .
'Margaret and I to Gonalsfon Hall,for t~a.
Hon. ,15th May. ,. '
. . . . .
'To Fiskerton to' examine' the\Trent wall with the Council Committee.
Had port with old Mr~ \'1right:. Theri, in 2 boats - Simpson, the '2\'lrights, . :
Kelham, Sands the engineer and Ellis clerk and Morris surveyor, drifted,imile
down.stream. Returning had' tea with KelhamsatBleasby Hall.
Tues. ,16th MaY. .'
.A long day'at Stanton andWidmerpooland tea with Mrs. Hill at Normanton.
Weds.,17th May~
Our first' thunderstorm, so early. in the season I have observed frees us from
summer ones and.broken weather in, consequence •.
Thurs. and Fri~18th& 19th . ,
To \'Jashi~gley nearPeterbro for the audits, put'up at Norman Cross. The North
Road so deserted 20'years ago now alive with motors, a,battery of, armoured cars
, went.by for Scotland. A pleasant evening at Folksworth and stayed up late talking'
to a government-School Inspector, indignant at the huge expense of· teachers mostly
£10 per head per child which other costs raises ',to £20 and the result poor.'
Returningi met Chutney Baily whose interests are in S. Africa, but has to keep
moving to avoid double Income Tax. Told me General Bevis who suppressed the Bolshevic
rising' in S. Africa to/as brother of Gordon. Lkne\o/ both - quite a colony of my
contemporaries in Notts there now. '
Sat. ,20th May.
To Nottingham to the Bank with £1200. Ido not approve the Potsdam barrack for
Nurses at the Hospital, surely the fringe of old residences would' have served, been
cheaper and looked,better.
Mon. ,22nd May.
Cycled to Winkburn and walked in the north woqds and to see the War Farm
seeded to grass this year. Just reached stables when a tropical rain came on
suddenly for 2 hours whilst I had tea at the Hall and talked to Col.Burnell. It
had been sunny and the evening was lovely. This rain much wanted.
,Tues.,23rd May.
To the pretty wedding at Halam between Helen Starkey and - Parker Jervis, they
go tothe Cameroons. Margie had a tennis party and I talked to Aunt Kate, a wealthy
widow of £25,000 a year of income.
11.
Heds. ,24th Hay.
To Nottingham and then to Newark to meeting of Nicholson. Except the Nicholsons
Arthur Wood, Charlie and I the only outside proprietors.
Fri. ,26th Hay.
To the Council at Southwell and then to Starkey's audit at the Cro\,m £l.fter
which my two clerks and Knight and I had a substantial.tea ~ Ion after to 'NOly'IOOd
Park.
'. Sat.,29th Hay.
Income Tax Commissioners sitting in morning, a~d Parish Council at 8.
Sun. ,28th Hay.
To the Hanor. This year the most remarkable for May blossom and all flowers,
wisteria, lilac, laburnam all out at once.
Tues. ,.30th May.
Belt and I cycled up to Oxton to meet Richard Francklin to make out a balance
of the farms in hand, a heavy loss and so claim .deduction of Income Tax now 81- in £,
not counting super tax. I reckon rates and. taxes take now what I got in rent when my
house was let to Charles Richardson from 1890 to 1909.
Sun. ,4th June. Whit Sunday.
Margaret in Nottingham. I went to early church and to the Manor for tea with
the Bournes, their friends the Knox' s there ,the Hogarths vii th Margaret and Mrs.
Homberger. Bourne is Vice-Chairman'of Courtaulds and his income~to tax over £37,000.
r,trs. Homberger (Aunt Kate) has £25,000 a year gross.
Whit Monday, 5th June.
Superb weather. Parr had his band over and gave the children tea and went round
the gardens, a very large party dancing - a fete day, a relic of the Club feast that
ended at the War. It is 4 years since the War and Ireland is in civil war and things
no better.. . .
~nrit Tues.,6th June.
A lazy day at home.
Weds.,7th June.
To the Black Boy, Nottingham, for the Widmerpool audit.
Fri.,9th June.
To the Oxton audit, 2 large farmers want rent reducing, the fall of prices heavy
but still above the 1870 level, that golden age of the 19th century from 1854 to 1873.
Sat. ,10th Uune.
Dobson and I as Income Tax Commissioners very busy all morning. Margaret presses
me in the evening to help to water the garden. Percy and Ernest off on a pleasant
week's motor tour.
Sun. ,11th lIune.
At supper a Dr.O'Brien and his pretty young wife in motor called, he was helping
Dr. Simpson here 30 years ago, and was a pleasant man. In "vetting" Ernest in London in
1915 for the War he remembered the name and so now renewed acquaintance, is doing well.
I?- .
Tues. ,13th June.
Cold and very wet, the first for 3 weeks and very welcome. To Ruddington for
the audit and a merry tea after in Mrs. llicholson's farm house. She has a superb
~Bt~ cehtury coloured prin~.
Weds.,14th June.
To Nottingham to catch the fast 11 train to Newark.and to the Saracen's Head
for a rent audit, it was fine.
Thurs~,15th June.
A perfect day. The memorial headstone for Polly·put up to-day:
In loving memory of Mary Margaret·Champneys,
\·Jife of Thomas W. Huski~son, died 17th November, 1921. .
Recalling it was only i hour of midnight of Nov.16th, the anniversary of our
wedding day, 22 years 'before. To see Hr. BurrovlS nO\~ '93, he had, some stroke
on Sunday and this must be his death bed, he cannot last long, but his mind
clear. ~lith him, Polly and Mrs •. Dufty who died last year aged 96, passes
the chief links with a happy' rural 19thcentury.:Epperstone, perhaps the wealthiest
family then never exceeded £2000 a year income, perhaps Rectory Champneys at his
best had £2500, my father gnd grandfather between them £3500 at best, Dufty £800,
the Clarkes £400, Parkyns of Woodbro Hall £3000,.' Stores of Lo\'ldham Grange perhaps
£1500, Francklin £400 gross rent and Sherbrookes£8000 gross' rent,' say £3000 and
£4000 nett. We all had our home farms and bred our horses, cost to keep £50 a head
or so. £200 or £250 kept a decent stable~'The Champneys cousins of the Derbys and
Astleys'and the others our intimate society of better class if not boasting present
wealth of some people. But £1000 a year went further.then than £2000 now.
Fri.,16th June.
Cycled to Farnsfield for Hexgreave audit. John Wilson R.H.A. is engaged to
Phyllis Colyer-Fergusson and to be married end of month from IgthamHoat her
father's seat. She has been a land' girl at Oxtonsince 1916 at Mrs. Sherbrooke's
ladies farm, dressed in the picturesque "Morlan.d" costume. Jolu1 bo:ught Farnsfield
House and 150 acres sandy l'and for £2400~ .
Hon. , 19th June •
Winkburn for the audit and to see the Colonel and tea with Miss Burnell
aftervlards.
Tlles.,20th June.
To Newark and settled up accounts of Polly's estate valued at £5300 and
cost me £250 in tax and fees, and £500 previously, £750 in all. \,roodat the Bank·
said Col.Burnell had sold Beauchief an.d 500 acres for £50,000. This will nearly
clear him and leave \,rinkburn and Clixby and sundry farms in Yorks anq Derbys~
5000 acres and about £3000 a year nett. .
Thurs.,22nd June.
Met Laurence Wilson to stake out bowling 'green. Hexgreavenow has rental
£2100 a year and house and woods extra, but the family rich besides.
, '3 I

Fri.,23rd June •
. Grand Jury and 12 cases, we were not done till 1.30. Sir C. Seely, 2nd Bart.,
our Foreman, Sir Stanley and Col. Birkin, Charlton of Chihrell, S. McRae and John
,Warwick of Newark, my end of table General Burn, Murdock also there.
Sat., 24th June.
At home and walked to Netherfield farm whence glorious views of village and
valley. -
Sun. ,25th June.
Margaret to tennis and I to tea finding a larger party than I expected among
vlhom Hubert DO\'1son \'1ho has just bought ltloodbro Hall of Chas.' Hill, an old house
mostly Jacobean, was Mansfield Parkyn's the former great African traveller iri
my youth, with 8 pretty daughters- his wife daughter of 1st Lord Westbury.
The Parkyhs family were then among the large .county proprietors with estates
at Ruddington, Bradmore, Bunny, Leake and Thorpe of £15,000 a year rent,
large for those days. M. Parkyns' brother was Sir Thomas of Ruddington and his,
cousin Lord Rancliffe at Bunny. Dowson is a sqlicitor and Hi~l a manufacturer
so socially it is a drop.
Hon. ,26th June.
Dull and slight showers asfor'lO days past and so good for farming. Cycled
to Winkburn and a long walk by Hol~'1ell and Dilliner Wood. .'
Tues. ,27th June. , '. . Me- t~
Margaret had a merry party of girls with pretty~s.Phyllis MeBiith for tennis
and strawberry tea. General Wilson's assassination in-London shows our danger from
Ireland. The Engineers strike iS'settled, men, beaten but did not cause the upset'
of the railway and colliers strikes.
Sat.,lst July. ~1\~
A meeting of directors of Grimt;Q,QJ?¥o Bridge, the increase of tolls through
motors so great we are declaring 5~dividend. We had a meeting at church as to
spending balance of our War Memorial fund and decide on a tablet in the church wall,
the churchyard being 15 feet or more above the street has a retaining wall, and
opposite are the entrances and arch to the Manor forecourt built by my grandf~ther.
Non. ,3rd July. R~sd.Jsz, _
In the evening fine and cycled by Rai~~. Frank-Seely has 1600 acres and
his brother 5000 acres on Sherwood forest as was and still largely woodland.
Tues. ,4th July.
To Nottingham for money and to see F. Seely after tea. Pat was- over for tea with us.
Weds.,5th July.
Spent the whole day at Widmerpool and with Major Robertson and got home just as .
it rained.
Thurs. ,6thJuly.
Hargaret's 21st birthday, she had many presents, a \'1hite fur coat and stole
(Mrs. Hogarth and the family) Aunt Katel a diamond pin and £5. It rained li inches
last night and did not clear t~ll 12, but at 4 the la~m was dry enough for tennis.
/4, ' . . '12-2-
My nephew Patrick and Molly from Cranwell, Mrs. Hom (Aunt Kate),'and Mrs. Hogarth,
Percy, Nell; Ernest and all to supper af'ter. Soup, salmon, lamb, "George" the
cockerell and Emily's excellent sweets and d~ssert - a very cheerful party.
How time goes -'her· mother gone last yearl Sunday we expectPatrick and Molly
with their baby to be chr{stened. '
Fri. ,7th July.
Cycled to the Council at Southwell and got home with a shower though
storms right-and left my weather luck.
Sat. ,8th July.
Walked to Lowdham Grange to Mrs. Gibbs and to Nottingham. At tea the
Milwards, Mrs. Hogarth, Miss Taylor and Ernest.
Sun. ,9th July.
Raining as it has done almost continuously so since Weds., 'but it ~ ,
turned out sunny later an~ pretty ceremony at 3.15 of christening Patrick's
and Molly's baby (my nephe~); Patricia Diane at the church and a good rally 'of
the family ~ \oJe vlere 12 at tea.
Tues. ,11th July.
I went on pilgrimage with the Thornton Society to Newark,a fine sunny day, '
the most remarkable sights the Great Tithe Barn and the Sconce Hills or old fort.
Lunch at the new Cinema built alas on the site of the beautiful Chantry with its
front by Vanbrugh. vie also visited the Friary \oJhere my old friend Mrs. Branston
receivedus,and Major Robertson explored the beautiful garden. My greatgrandmother
Huskinson was a Clay of Newark whose ancestor was Mayor in the Civil War. His arms
are in the. church'.
Thurs.13th July.
Showery but I trained to Nether Broughton and cycled back to Widmerpool Hall.
Sat. ,15th July.
Margie to the Manor for the day and I to Bulcote for tea with Lt.Co1.Bailey.
Mon. ,17th July.
To Norwood Park but Starkey being in London returning called at Brackenhbrst
and Lady Hicking showed me her garden. Margaret also to.London. 01dSeardeson 89
is dead.
Thurs. ,20th July •
. To Nottingham and then by fast train t~ Newark with a party of the Surveyors
Inst. to spend the day viewing the new sugar factor and estate at Kelham, sho\~ in
by Collier the farms manager and Mowbray a Canadian. The factory must remain idle
this winter as the Government were too late in announcing freedom from Sugar Tax
to allow contracts to be made with farmers for growing sugar beet or collect ,
working cash. The usual mess on government delay. 5000 to Gooo acres Beet will
put the factory in full work, i.e. 50,000 ton,making 6000 ton sugar value £50
per ton.' Lunched at Ke1ham, Sir R. Jardine host. Hon. -.Strutt there, who welcomed
me, milks 1500 cows on hE brother Lord Rayleigh's estate in Essex. Here 300 dairy cows.
Tea at the Clinton,Newark, and took Goddard, our lnst.Secretpry to see the 8th
Sherwood's chapel in the fine old parish church.
Sat. ,22nd July~
Edith Champneys and my brother Leonard came, he before leaving for Rome
in 2 "ieekS.
Mon. ,24th July.
Margaret returned from London after a gay week and 3 visits to Sandy at
Windsor, stayed since Wednesday with Mrs. Hom at Claridges.
Tues. ,25th July
Margaret to the youngest Barrow girls wedding at.Southwell Minster and
after to Notmanton Hall.. A pretty wedding.-Mrs. Barrow I knew in hunting field
40 years ago. Divorced 1926 but the little lady has a charm of her own.
Weds.,26th July.
Nottingham and sa"l Mra. Smi'th ~nd the sub-editor of Nottingh~ Guardian
on my letter on German reparations, a Scotchman very intelligent. To sale of
Hills property of 900 acres at \voodbro. Big company did not _buy.
frL,28th July.
Cycled to Norwood Park to see Starkey and lunched there. Last night William
had us all to dinner at his lodgings, excellently done. Edith, Margie, Ernest and I,
the two James girls and their friend, very merry and.Mrs. Hu~ey in after to tell Ykl{
fortunes by cards, much thought of by Spookists, and she was too nearly correct· ~
with me to be pleasant.
Sat.29th· July V I.f.t.:)l'f~

Cycled to Hexgreate and let Stanton Hills Farm to Fogg. William and Edith
Champneys left and my nephew Capt. Patrick and Molly, baby and nurse, arrived
for a fortnight.
Sun. ,30th July.
All to Church and to my mother after.
Mon. ,31st July.
Mrs •. Gibbs to see me, she probably to New Zealand to see her son and I to
look after her farm as I manage her estate.
Tue.s. ,1st Aug.
Stanton and cycled on to Percy's at Langar for tea.
Weds.,2nd Aug. ~~~~
To Nottingham for the 6rimtho~pe Bridge meeting of Directors. William told
me as evidence of Ll.George' s influence with the King and his "Leftll sympathies -r4.~r
altnou~the Grand Duchess Zenia is the King's cousin and earns her living in
London, on P.M.'s advice neither the King nor the Royal Family have taken any notice
of her.
Fri. ,4th Aug.
To the Council at Southwell. All Percy's party for tea from Langar and for tennis.
Last Tuesday cycling from Stanton to Langar I looked at Owthorpe church where 3 monuments'
of the Hutchinsons but no relic left of their hall. The old ruined church of Colston
Bassett has 2 Saxon columns and capitals embodded in the north wall with 18th century
/6.
windows, the church was large and a fine one, the tower intact, a chapel transept
has still some memorials of the Goldings, Squires here 17th century. Pat had motored
Molly and Margie over to Langar also.
Sat. ,5th Aug.
A busy morning in Nottingham. Margie had. a tennis party.' Sandy Hogarth arrived
for dinner. He was in the recent Guards rag at a restaurant in Tottenham Court Road,
'a policeman struck him and S. knocked him down, being one of the best box~ers in '.'
the Guards and recollecting. this was serious bolted, bailing his brother officers
out after at 1 in the morning, so next Morning Parade at Wirldsor had a small number
of officers. The 5 delinquents caught the next ~orning attired in grey frock coats,
tall hats, check ties and black gold knobbed sticks,' attended,the Beak's Court,
marching in a la Beauty Chorus, answering in chorus, got £3 f~ne apiece for contempt.
The Rad.papers made much of it but young officers with war records are allowed to be
irresponsible at times by Authority. '
Sun. ,6th Aug.
Molly and I to church. Some hot sun as yesterday but this summer aince middle
of June cold and much wet~ My country house life pleasant but can I keep it up?
Rates and Taxation~ swallow all saving, the last 2 years I was £500 to the good but
I see no possibility of saving this year. Rubber has disappointed for by now it
would have given in addition to my income in land and gilt edged an independence
and neither the times nor age can promise much to business and those I act as agent
for are most of' great a g e . '
Hon. ,7th Aug.
Raining hard ~l night. At 10 to the Post Office for letters but the Order
Beck close to the house though half-full foretold no danger, but a great sudden
rush in half an hour it overflowed and flooded yards and stables and pantries
and the Imm one lake. It ,.,.as 18" in the street and Perkins nearly lost his pigs.
Sandy and Patrick were busy rescuing beasts and sheep in the fields but at 2 it
had subs~ded. I must build another pillar in the village bridge just outside my
gate to prevent these rushes which have not occurred 25 years past. Sandy left us
in the evening. .
Tues. ,8th Aug.
To Hexgreave to lunch being fine~ Oxton had had considerable flood. Returning
'at 7 sheltered at Clifton House from a short violent storm.
Weds. ,9th Aug.
Patrick and Holly left us.
Thurs. ,lOth Aug.
To Nottingham and for tea to Lowdham Grange. Hrs. Gibbs going. to New Zealand
and Havis marrying against her wishes.
Fri. ,11th Aug.
Cycled to Winkburn,some showers.
Sat. ,12th Aug.
Huriel came in her car ,.,.ith Patri~k and Holly and a young Smith and took Hargie
and myself on to Welbeck for the review of the Sherwoods T.F. Brigade. General Hoskyns
recruiting. It'was fortunately a fine interval ~ though wet all day. The review
ground was the cricket ground just south of the Abbey and the house par~YB to see it.
 In this vast park are 3 brigade camps of the N. Midland 46th Division, each
about 4 miles apart, indeed hereabouts is 10 miles square of wood and forest
and our journey from Epperstone after passing Oxton for 20 miles we only passed
*'through one.village of Edwinstowe. To lunch with the officers of myoId regiment
:D50 8th Sherwoods, Col. Bertram Smit~(of the great banking family) about 50 sat down
including the Duchess of Portland end her house party of whom I knew Lady Victoria
Welmys (nee Bentinck) and the Countess Baillet la Tour who I met in the early part
of the war. Mrs.Bertram Smith was Lord Sudeley's daughter, friends of my brother
Leonard. Mrs. Bertie Branston had 2 pretty daughters. Charlie and Annie were there,
C. in uniform and his War medals. Most of the officers ha~ taken part in the War
and all the N.C.O. Very rainy so home early.
Tues. ,15th Aug.
Early M~rgaret went to stay with the Hogarths at Seacroft and I. with her to
Grantham where I branched off for Yaxley.,Gee met me and drove to Stilton. I walked
by Caldecot Manor and the Hall at Washingley to Folksworth where Mrs. Freeman
gave me tea2at the Fox. Home at 8 via Newark.
Vleds. ,16th Aug.
At 12 via Lincoln to New Holland and crossed the Ferry to Hull at 4.
The Station Hotel full so put up at Whitehouse (Bed; dinner and breakfast 13/-)
To the Theatre and saw "~lhen Knights were bold" an evergreen.
Thurs. ,l~th Aug.
At 10 to Whitedale where Fisher met me and drove me to Thorpe Garth, busy
considering repairs. After dinner we to the sands with his widowed niece and 3 .
children girls. 3 miles south the woods Of Grimston where Polly, Margie and I spent
an incomparable Aug. week with Percy's party in 1913, and I saw the opening of the
War in 1914. The oil from ships polutes the sea'so much that Fisher has caught
many gulls who canno~ use their wings when fouled by it. Stayed in Hull.
Fri. ,18th Aug.
Back by Doncaster meeting Esam, Charlie's partner, and seeing Richardson at
Newark. A fine· and enjoyable outing.
Sat. ,19th Aug.
To Nottingham at 2 and tea with Miss Johnson.
Sun. ,20th Aug.
Up late and at 11 cycled to Langar \'1ith Percy's party. Willie Randall, Pat,
Holly and Mrs. Qaaell and boy, she a widow, lovely with titian red hair, about
28 or 30. A lovely day and Langarat its best. As all were for Elton for tea
I got home early. .
Hon. ,21st Aug.
To Ruddington cycling from Nottingham, then to Wysall through Bradmore.
Bradmore and Bunny for 3 centuries the seat of the Parkyns who about .Queen Anne's
time nearly rebuilt the 2 villages in substantial style. I spent the afternoon
with Major Robertson looking round his garden. Three fine estates adjoining his
have been sold in lots the past few years, Bunny 4000 acres with its fine hall and
park (Barkyns), Thorpe (Warners) and Kinwalton (Nevills).
Tues. ,22nd Aug.
To the Puppy Show at Gedling Kennels, going attended Mavis Gibbs wedding at
Lowdham church to Curtis.Her mother was unkind and provided nothing.
vleds. ,23rd Aug.,
To Lowdham Grange to see the f~m and making arrangements against Mrs.Gibbs
leaving for N.Zealand next week.
Thurs. ,24th Aug.
To Newark at 12 where, Charlieand Wood met and motored me 94 miles to
Charlie's Lodge in Nidderdale arriving for tea. 'ihat life has returned to the
Great North Road.
Fri. ,25th Aug •
. A day on Sigsworth Moor for the Grouse shooting, 10 guns,'70 brace- a drizzle
turned fine with views across to Whecnside,'Greenbow Hill and Simon's Seat near
Bolton Abbey. The 'company mostly Leeds men and a good lunch. It is a pretty moor
on the hill side and the woods and fairy dell by the Lodge charming. Charlie has
electric light and central heating and Anniehas it most comfortable and made a
good garden. "lood \vaS ,put.up..,in the i6th century cottage annexe in the courtyard.
Sat. ,26th Aug.
Charlie to the Bench in the morning, having the Commission of the Peace for
York ,and the ancient Liberty of Ripon.He bought the Chairman Metcalfe to lunch
whom I had not met since we were at Oli~er Mount School, Scarbro, in 1879. In the
afternoon to.Fountains Abbey which surpassed all expectations, both for approach by the
dell ,like a garden of Le Notre, the roofless but otherwise nearly perfect Abbey
of Norman times, the Hall and the fine vista of Ripon's Minster down the avenue.
Little now remains of the late great "lar camps, then the largest in England.
Sun. ,27th Aug. '
To Pateley Bridge for church and Brewster to call 'on me in the afternoon.
He nephew of old Fred who left him near half a million.
Hon. ,28th Aug.
After lunch to How Stern to see the remarkable gorge made by a stream issuing
.from a "Hells Mouth", though low the water boiled in cauldrons in the rocks of
its own making and almost green in colour in places. Then to the church and village
of Hiddlesmoor,stone built and paved streets, most irregularly, a "1ittle Londtln"
and a last outpost of Nidderdale on a lofty knoll and among the great fells.
At Lofthouse a War Memorialfountain with an inscription to the brave fallen on one
side and a "drink puppy, drink" poem of local authorship in praise of water on the
other. Home where Miss Yorke of Beverley for tea,with Miss Harker, a younger sister
of an old school fellow of mine. Drove them back to Beverley Hall, old Squire Yorke
now 90 years, who has a large.estate here 10 miles long. Dallowgyll (Lord Ripons)
and Masham Moors (Ld. Masham's) also adjoins Charlie's moor.'
Tues. ,29th Aug.
Charlie and Annie motored me 16 miles to Harrogate for home, Miss Bourne
in the train. Margaretdoes not return till Thursday.
Weds.,30th Aug.
Mrs. Gibbs late to make final arrangements before leaving for I{ew Zealand
and find I am responsible for farm and house in which is left a maid married to
a Perkins yesterday and the groom gardener.
Thurs.,31st Aug.
Margaret returned from her visit to Seacroft.
Fri.,lst Sept.
To the Council at Southwell and then to Norwood to seeStarkey and just home
before a violent storm which damaged oats and apples.
Mon.,~tli Sept.
To Newark and on to Caunton cycling. At Muskham a farmer said they feared a sale of
Lord Middleton's property to pay death duties, these villainous taxes carry dismay into
a countryside living happily for centuries under a good landlord. The tenants of
Kelham kicked out by the government to carry out ruinous failures say the Germans
would not have treated them worse.
Weds.,9th Sept.
To Gonalston Hall for a small'party.
Thurs.,7th Sept.
Margaret had a party of girls for tennis. Mrs. Bourne and Mrs. Hogarth.
A Miss Buck from Spain knew my brother William who spent some winters in
Cadiz and Seville.
Fri.,8th Sept.
To Stanton-on-Wolds, and then to .Widmerpool to see Major Robertson who
had Harry Story and his wife to lunch. Cycled back to Nottingham looking at
the fine church of W. 'Bridgford, new and old well combined. I kriew this place
before even the railway crossed and except, the old village and Trent Bridge Inn
not a house, now 8000 people but a pleasant suburb.
Sat. ,9th Sept.
To Nottingham re taxes. Farmers lost heavily last year but really in
valuations so the old ones had really no cash loss but those who went in with
inflated prices 3 years ago, one third of their ,capital.
Sun.,lOth Sept~

To Church. Eva Richardson staying at the Cottage. The Edisons 2 days ago
run over by Stubbley in his motor, he had been'9 months in gaol for killing a
policeman. Helen's leg broken, thrown 10 yards by the impact. I to the Rectory
for tea. Margaret to the Manor.
Tues.,12th Sept.
To Newark and met Laurence Wilson to see water engineer to supply Cochell's
farm. Took L. into the church to see the 8th Sherwood's chapel - the Mad Eighth
in France - we are the one regiment ,to have their special chapel now at each end
of this glorious church. Florrie Branston,got us the keys of the Town Hall.
;2. 0,
Thurs.,14th Sept •.
Mrs. Bounne took Margie and myself to the wedding of Lisa D'Oyley Ransom
at Plumtree church. Very wet.
Fri.,15th Sept. . '
To the Council at Southwell and then -to Norvlood Park to see Starkey •.
Sat. ,16th Sept •
. To Nottingham for Income Tax Commissioners and Sewers' Commissioners meeting •.
Met Col. NaIl and arranged to go hunting for artillery camp ground on Monday.
Hon.,18th Sept.
NaIl called in his-motor and away 13 miles to Mansfield Woodhouse where Warner
Turner gave us a pass for the Welbeck drives. In the Park saw. the large herd of
\'1hite deer, the stags horns still in white velvet looking all like a delicate group
of living \'1hite china. \ve drove 5 or 6 miles through this park and so to Birklands
glades with its old oaks wherein we lunched and then back to:ThQrsby where Argles
gave us hope of getting the camp ground wanted, the miles of woodland tracks being
delightful for artillery trial treks. NaIl tells me Dudley Ward and Freddie Guest
are broke and are responsible for the sale of honours replenishing.their purses
on a commission on sales. Lloyd George cannot work long with anyone and Sutherland
his secretary could not stand him. Webber an ignorant fellow prepares Ll~G's
speeches he~e the lIdropped bricks".
"
\·leds. ,20th Sept.
Early \'1alked \d th Margie and Joan Campbell vtho came here Monday to PlovlIDan
Wood to' meet hounds. Col. Birkin, Charlie Wright, 2 Seelys out •. To Nottingham
and then to tea at Gonalston and home at 7 when.lfound Margie,who had been to
lunch at Brackenhurst with Joan, had been sent for by Mrs. Hogarth and taken to
London as Sandy with 140 men of the 3rd Grenadiers had been sent to the 2nd
Grenadiers who are under,orders for Turkey on Friday. Danger of War. Ll. George's
fake move in backing Greece the cause - France and Italy refusing to support our
policy.
Thurs.,21st Sept.
Followed Margie to London and found Mrs. Hogarth at Claridges, then to see
Nell and Harold in their new flat at Westminster Palace Gardens, 2nd floor just over the
door and very nice, 6 rooms and good balconies in'recess. Called on my publisher King, .
I had not called on for 8 years. Says my book B~ of E. Charters is quoted as an
authority and gave 'me hope of the 4 articles now prepared for L.A.Record.may be printed
cheap as pamphlets and circulated in proper quarters. Then on to Firth's flat at
Harcourt House, Cavendish Square where Sandy, Mrs.Hogarthand Margie were for lunch.
Sandy leaves that night. Home at 9.30.
Fri. ,22nd Sept.
Joan and I walked to the Park Wood;, alovely sun getting red. Margie brought
home unexpectedly by Mrs. Bourne. MyoId friend and neighbour Mr. Burrows died
yesterday, 93. Had been churchwarden 40 years and I joined him the last 12 ~~
Rector's churchwarden. 3 times we had. been sequestrators of the living,some 15
months in all, once 9 months together. He began life as a boy on farm but is now
wealthy and well-to-do 60 years past or more as corn factor. '
'-.I.Cfj2,,-z..
Sat. ,23rd Sept.
Tea party at the Rectory.
Sun. ,24th Sept.
Percy over for dinner and all for tennis at the Manor after where the Hogarths
and Aunt Kate. \'le hope no .war. Ernest to supper.' :.
Hon. ,25th Sept.
Joan Campbell left us - her father General Campbell was in command of troops
in Punjab when Dyer, under him, suppressed the murderous riot at Amritzar and for
which saving'of India both fell under the displeasure of the Jew regime' then
ruling England and India. To Mr. Burrows funeral at 3 and later Milwardtook
me to ~n8!~ at 7 for the tenants dinner and Jim Seely's coming of age.
120 satR~n~
\
Heds. ,27th Sept.
Margie and I breakfasted early and walked to Woodbro Lane End where were
hounds and so to the Park Wood, the morning .all an autumn mqrning should be,
and these wooded uplands of ours perfect. Bachelor is huntsman, was whip here
20 years ago. Mrs. Sherbrooke and Miss Stapleton on foot in their picturesque
Land Girl costume, both handsome, riding with the Master, Sheila Seelyand 2
·brothers. Dick Francklin's wife and Lavender, Miss Smith of Oxton, the baru~'s
daughter, Edward ,and Judy Francklin were on foot as v/ere ourselves. Thougha
sunny morning it turned to storm in evening and so· all next day. A miserable
summer. I think German exchang~ is affecting price of potatoes and apples.
Germans sell manufactures to Holland where £1 at discount, and buy potatoes and
ship here to buy so called sterling exchange. Cattle low last Southwell Fair
but sheep dear.
Fri., ,29th Sept.
Cycled to the Council and to Nottingham in afternoon.
Sun. ,1st October.
'Percy to lunch.
&n. ,2nd Oct.
Newark at 12 and cycled to Washingbro to see a farm of 70 acres on which I have
£1000 mortgage and was well pleased. Dry Doddington I passed with a curious leaning
to~er and spire 13th century church standing unfenced on the Green. Washingbro
has a very fine church with early 18th century Rectory and the Witham makes cibeautiful
stream close by. Thence by bridle road to Long Bennington and crossed the river where
another fine church, mostly 14th century, just a mile off and in.view of the last.
All these churches seemed designed to speak to'eachother and were undoubtedly the
pride of each village. Tea at Newark Friary with the Dowager Branston and her two
daughters, pretty girls. A pleasant day.
Tues. ,3rd Oct. '
Cycled to Hexgreave for lunch with Wilson and his son and discussing question
of a water supply. Their estate 1700 acres here.
 , '

~eds. ,4th Oct.

To tea at Gonalston Hall \'lhere Margaret played tennis. Ed.. l ard is the next heir
and has lease o~ Hall and. shooting, the estate being in Lunacy. But Mrs. E. was a
Miss Poole of Marbury and is a wealthy woman. The Francklins have about 1200 acres
and the patronage of the Rectory here, 300 acres at Caunton and 1500 acres in Bedfordshire
the final remainder and only male of the next generation is Philip's boy. P. waS.
Cradock's flag captain and went down at our disastrous battle of Coronal in the
Pacific. His pretty wife' is Lady Brocknow, wife of the great Admiral,Beaty's
chief of staff, and now in command of the Mediterranean Fleet,a present centre of
interest. All the. family for 30 years past have been niy very dea.l\friends.'Jervis
through the mother the dowager, they have that particular charm of that family now
historical.
Thurs. ,5th Oct.
The government enquiry as to the necessity of ~he Water, Supply in this valley,
imposed by the Council 10 years ago in obedience to a government crockett then. A big
array of Counsel, every village opposing.
Fri. ,6th Oct.
To Nottingham and went to Goose Fair to see Wombwell's good show of animals.
Sat. ,7th Oct.
To Nottingham chiefly to meet Major Robertson at the Club. Home by 2.30 train
and met~tts. Burness at the station, formerly Tiny Branston of Wenthorpe
whom I had not seen 25 years , though now a grandmother looks young. Walked back
my favourite way by Lowdham church in perfect autumn weather. 'From the hill north
of church you get a view of Epperstone so full of trees, that it seems one wood from
here to the far end of the Park Wood 3 miles off. Alone as Margie went to Nottingham
yesterday till Monday so I to Vi Brett's for tea where the whole Rectory party and
old Mr. and Mrs. Brown and Jack Brett who leaves for W. Australia on Monday. This
secluded cottage has a lovely view - quite Mrs. Gaskell's "Cranford" mileau.
Poor Jack seemed regretful at losing it all for since 1914 when he went into the
Arm~ it has been his home.

Hon. ,9th Oct.

To Nottingham to see'Hargie who had left me on Friday and was now laid up with
a cold at Sandy's Aunt Kate's and in the lap of luxury. Thence to Newark to see the
water engineer as to water to a Hexgreavefarm. Evening a.Church Council and'
sustained the peerogative of Warden and refused to be bound by resolutions of
a Council under a 2 year old "hole and corner" act \'1hereas we and the Vestry have
a history of over 1200 years.
Tues. ,lOth Oct.,
A walk to Plowman,Wood and in the evening our late Rector Tomlinson now
of Accrington and his wife to stay with me. Hiss James to dinner.
Weds. ,11th Oct.
I had intended hunting but instead to Nottingham and then to Newark to attend
the Conservative meeting to adopt the Marquis of Tichfield as candidate. The Bournes
moyored me home and to tea with them. I had known Lord T. well before the War and he
had a few words with me. Also Lady Elinor Denison of Ossington. My guests enjoying
themselves with numerous calls. Ernest to dinner.
Thurs.,12th Oct.
Rode this m orning the first time since last March. Our Harvest Festival and a
village tea after the first since before the war. 'Charlie and C. Richardson motored
over, and all merry •. Margaret returned but kept her bed. Charlie has recently been .
to France at dedication of 46th Division memorial at Bellenglise. Saw at st. Quintin
cathedral holes 3 11 x 24 11 *bored in the pillar's, .the Germans putting dynamite therein
at last moment intending to destroy this superb building but our 46th Division: ..
were through their lines unexpectedly and thebrutes~fled too precipitately to'
effect it. . , ' "
Fri.,13th Oct.
My guests left and I to the Council 'at Southwell. Lunched in Park south of .
Cathedral to study it in bright sunshine.: ~
Sat. ,14th Oct.
. . ,

To Nottingham to funeral of Willie Bradwell a late eminent auctioneer and

later to Daybrook to attend that of the late 90unty Chief Constable, Sir Wm.
Tomasson. Walked with the Governor of the.Gaol, it may give me consequence with
the 300 fine police present. Lord Galway, Lord and Lady Savile \vere present,
she not so pretty as I had heard but it maybe due to unbecoming hat.
Sun. ,15th Oct.
To. early Service. Molly and Patrick from Cranwell,for lunch and sent them
back with a load of pears,nuts and grapes. P. expects to go to Andover Staff
College. Sandy in Constantinople~
Hon. ,16th Oct.
A'l!tended Thornton Society's Committee at Bromley.House in, Nottingham Market
Place, early 18th century room with' fine moulded panels.
\1eds. ,18th .Oct •.
To meet hounds at Gedling Woods, several foxes which kept circling round
these rather extensive woods.
Fri., 20th Oct.
To Newark, and Sat. to Nottingham.
Mon. ,23rd Oct.
Rode to Winkburn by the bridleway.
~ues. ,24th Oct.,
Nottingham.
Weds. ,25th Oct.
Old Leeke my cobbler died, 87. He had 5 cats,one found crying by the body
was killed and buried with him. Met hounds at Gedling and afterwards cycled to
Norwood Park to see Starkey who now ceases to be our Member of Parliament.
Thurs.,26th Oct.
Cycled to the great ploughing match at Hockerton and to lunch after sitting
well retired with the Francklins, Sherbrooke party, the KirklingtonHall party close
by. Hiss Bennett and Miss Douglas Pennant engaged to young Bennett~ 2 pretty girls.
:L 4.
Lord Tichfield introduced me to his wife, a pretty woman but older than he some
6 years. He fell in love with her as a boy of 14. He is coming forward to
represent our Newark division (25 miles long), mostly small country villages.
The Milwards to dinner.
Fri. ,27th Oct.
To Beeston and lunched with Miss Percy, a handsome woman in her seventies,
her father and my grandfather friends. Walked by cutthroat lane to Nottingham
and to the Revenue Office to sign Collectors '\~arrants.'
Sat. ,28th Oct.
To meet hounds at Lambley. The Master introduced me to the Duc ·de Curzol
\.,.ho stays with him, a Master of Hounds in France near Ramboillet. I had much
talk v/ith and expressed my sympathy with France as against Ll. George's
unsympathetic attitude. A good 45 minutes run from Plov~an Wood to Broughton
Park, Lambley and back to ground. At 2 to Nottingham to meet Hubbard at the
Club, he a great dealer in shire horses and bought several hundred acres of
the ThW{e of Rutland's land. Mrs. Homberger motored me back to tea with Mrs.
Hogarth and Mrs. Firth her sisters and Mrs. Bourne came in, 4 handsome women.
Margie had got back from Brackenhurst where she had 'stayed the night with
Huriel Hicking.
Sun. ,29th Oct.
Percy at 10 with splendid motor and took Margie and I to the 8th Sherwood's
parade Service at Newark so I in uniform. We strolled across to the Town Hall
and ~Lord Tichfield coming up I introduced Margaret. Our old Colonel Lord
Man~ers'there, Charlie, Col. Beetram Smith and several officers and the ,
Corporation, our band and a half company and so to the splendid church close by.
Hrs. Becher and her mother-in-law, the Hrindfords, Mrs. Fowler' who all lost in
the Great War husband and sons. After Service we loitered in the church to see
. our 'Chapel and in the Market Place for a short parade, and then to the Friary,
I walking with Mrs •. Branston and Mrs. Fowler, where wine, biscuits and a delightful
reunion of old friends. Bertie Branston, his wife and pretty daughter, Mrs.Banner
and her sister Mrs~ Broadbent,formerly Maggie and Harrie Branston, with memories
of us at the Manor 40' and 50 years since. Harrie very handsome in the Madonna
style. Cecil Clark, Mayor, his wife, Col. Smith and the E~ton Branstons and
so home to dinner via Southwell. Muriel and Willie Randall after and discussed
IThristmas plans. The hymn HO Valiant Hearts" sung on these occasions is one
throb of emotion in word and song, the finest we have, its author unknown but
I was told today that both were by a connection of our Padre Rales, who preached,
a Mr. Arkwright, but hehides his auth~rship and it is really unkno\vn.
Tues. ,31st Oct.
Cycled to Hexgreave.
Thurs. ,2nd Nov.
Rode to meet Rufford hounds in Graves 'Lane but not finding them there to
Norwood Park near which I found them. Lord ManWers and his 2 daughters out
but I left early.
Fri.,3rd Nov.
Cycled.to Winkburn to see the Colonel and tea with Miss Burnell.
SaID .4th Nov. '
~-t;eick cnil-Moll y to ll:l:Rek. From Nottingham to 1;lidmerpool at 2 and had a
chat with Major Robertson and looked round his, family portraits,2 of his grandmother
Robertson nee Parker of Mansfield Woodhouse, one with child, a beautiful woman with
chesnut hair, by Hopner, her boy, by Green, a handsomeboy,the Major's father
afte~~ards in the Iiavy, a fine one of Miss Parker's father, with heavy eyebrows
and piercing eye like the Major, 'and an elderly couple, he in bob-wig and she
doubled chinned, are the first Robertsons in Notts and came from Scotland,
his parents and sisters in 2 portraits light tonedareby Sir - Smith, a great
Scots artist at time of Geo.II and Ill. The small one in uniform, scarlet and
blue facings, probably the Royal Sherwoods is a Burnside. The Major leaving I to
the Rectory for tea and home with 2 gUests, a durate and Miss Davies, Vicar of
St. Thomas' daughter who left me at Nottingham.
tt,
~lA."t.- 1 , 5'"7'"' O"f. pof........ch. d--~ l L'1 -r-o l ~ ..
ues. , 7th ~ov.
To the opening meet at Holme Pierrepoint but left early after a kill in
the meado\vs. '
\'leds. ,8th Nov.
The Bournes away so met in the village street, a gay throng and to Oxton Bogs, .
and a good circular run. I left at Plov~an Wood.
Fri. , lOth Nov.
To Norwood to see Starkey and Margie to a ball at Newark with the Bournes.
Sat. ,11th Nov.
Income Tax appeals.
Mon.,13th Nov. '
Cycled to Calverton to view cottages in St. George's Lane, Col. Seely wanted
to buy, and then to see him. General Seely and his wife there on election business
but did not see them.
Thurs. ,14th Nov.
Cycled to Hexgreave for lunch.
vleds. ,15th Nov.
~he General Election Day, very quiet. Margie went with me to our school
"'lhere I voted for Lord Tichfield. "
Thurs. ,16th Nov.
At the office with our big audit,' Col-Seely's,' the Rector"s, Morris's and Mrs.Gibbs
and my tenants. Report the Labour man in, and Hrs. Dean and Mrs."yson delighted.
Fri. ,17th Nov. ''1t;~ .
T
News Lord Tichfield in with over 7000 majority. Collapse of Mrs.D. and ••
The Conservatives in with 80 over all parties. England nearly all Conservative,
Scotland nearly all, and Wales, all Liberal~ 'iLl.George but Labour patches in
the coal fields, and Glasgow, one-third Bolshevic.
Sat. ,18th Nov.
Riding to see Pogson at Edingley, returning met Morris and shooting party
near Rosel1e Wood.
 \·leds. ,22nd Nov.
To meet hounds at Gedling and a good run via Lambley to Plowmans Wood.
Fri., 24th Nov.
Held the Norwood Park audit at the Crown at' Southwell and called on the
Dowager Francklin when returning. Bought the Calverton.cottages.
Sat.,25th Nov.
Nottingham on Income Tax Commission.
Mon. ,26th Nov.
Spent at Hexgreave. MaudWilson is engaged to Honeywood,2nd son of Sir -
. Honeyv/ood and in the 12th Lancers. A Roman pervert and she must join. Margie
away all week.
Heds. ,28th Nov.
To the meet at Newstead Abbey a picturesque group, no' scent but plenty of foxes.
Thurs.& Fir.29th & 30th Nov.
To Peterbro and walked round the Abbey and so missed my train and motored
to Norman Cross. Inn where I stayed. Tea at the 'Fox at Folksworth with gossiping
Mrs. Freeman. Huntingdon an agricultural county is afilWted with the North Road
with its continual stream of outside motor traffic, lets it go to potholes.
The government are making a new road faced with a sort of felt rubber and pitch.
After the audit returned home by Newark. Coles of Stilton the most improving
tenant I have.
Sat. ,1st Dec •
. To Nottingham to the Bank with rents. Patrick my nephew and Molly to spend
Sunday and left for Cranwell, his station, by motor on Sunday night.
Tues.,5th Dec.
To the Ruddington audit. Travelled-with Mrs. Sherbrooke~ has no opinion of
Lord Beattie who she termed a gambler. I expressed my admiration of. Lord Jellico
who by Fabian tactics saved the country. She agreed and her large naval connections
give the clue to naval opinion. Lord Fisher was an intimate friend. I said that as
machines our ships,.shells and range finding were no match for the Germans who were
doubtful fortunately of the human element and Lord Jellico knew it. Sturdees victory
was no measure for he took our latest cruisers built to correct past errors. She
said the reasonSturdee was passed by for a peerage was that he at the Admiralty in
Lord Fisher's absence sent Cradock and his tin pots to his death. Lord Fisher on his
return said 'you have ma~e a mistake, go and rectify it'. Falklands was our one
undoubted victory at sea. A stand. up fight between the Grand Fleets would have
possibly put our fleet hors de combat.
At Ruddington I found poor Linches blind but went over his farm to see
state of dykes. A merry tea after audit at Mrs. Nicholsons and'home at 5.
\'leds~ ,6th Dec.
Burrows house sold for £690 to Nurcombe a lace manufacturer, a poor h~use .
and one acre opposite mine. Met hounds at Calverton, a large field and some Rufforders,
Mrs. Barber out, I had not met since she hunted here 20 years ago~ Found,at Moore's
Gorse and quick burst to ground near Red Hill. Found at Oxton Bogs arid about 2 hours
round Oxton and Epperstone Park, but lost. Out Capt. Sherbrooke, R.N., the Richard
Francklins, Mrs. Kyrle Smith and daughters, Philip Barber, C. Wright, John Hodgson
\iilson (Farnsfield) Major Clarke and the Lsitilor Bennett from Kirklington, Hiss
Broadhurst from Upton. .
. Fri. ,8th Dec.
To the Oxton audit. The late government in a hole by denying knOW2 dge of
the Greek S.O.S. but it was brought'home to them - it tried to involve Lord
Curzon who however was proved right.
Sat. ,9th Dec.
To Nottingham with money and on to Widmerpool where the late Elmsley Coke's
son and his wife, he was in R.E. and now at Cambridge with ,high honours in
University. Had a chat with Major Robertson after. Frosty and foggy this morning.
Sun. ,10th Dec.
One of Rector's long services, 1 hour 35 mins.
Hon.,llth Dec.
After a morning \./i th le'tters I vlalked up to Plmmtan Wood and farm to talk
with Strong the bailiff. This farm MDS. Gibbs, now in New Zealand, has in hand.
Her property here about' 400 acres with Grange Farm and £200 a year from other sources.
,Tues.;12th Dec. ,
To the meet at Fiskerton, found in the. osiers and ran to ground at Bleasby
Gorse. Back to the Osiers, found, and by Morton and crossed the line and to the
Greet by Upton Mill-to which the Huntsman and Whip had to ourselves. The field
a-large one here rejoined~ and hunting south of Upton in close country I was
persuaded to make for bnythorpe so lost hounds which ran six miles on to ground
at Caunton. Rode home with a French guest of Charles Birkin and at tea he, Capt.
Blew Jones, R.H.G., and the Wrights joined us. A great day.
\veds. ,13th Dec.
The Widmerpool audit,at Nottingham and, to stay at Percy's North Lodge with
Hargaret,a hrge party in the house, Patrick and Molly and Miss "Fanny" Hm'ikins,
the pretty Texas girl, 2 D'Oyley Ransome girls came to dinner. A most pretty ball
at the Victoria Hotel, the many alcoves round the floor furnished as drawingrooms,
300 guests and we did not leave till near 4, after 2 breakfasts at 2 and 3, supper
being at 12. I never saw so many pretty girls together, the dresses longer and
very simply draped. '
Thurs.,14th Dec.
I sat hearing Income Tax Appeals. Margaret stayed at the Manor to go with
their party to the Bennetts ball at Kirklington Hall, 200 guests a great success,
they nice people, he has an immense income from Perce Copper mines.
Fri. ,15th Dec.
To Farnsfield for the Hexgreaveaudit, but Margaret to Percy's for the Hospital
Ball, .500 guests. These Ball tickets now 2 gns. as against pr.e-war I gn. make it
expensive. A fog made the county rather late in arriving.
Sat. ,16th Dec.
To Percy's at lunch time to see the "Dead and Dyingll after 3 nights
consecutive dancing. At the Manor they were-asleep at 12 in the morning.
Sun. ,17th Dec.
Percy's party of 6 over, Teddie, Percy, Muriel, lIFunnyll, Pat Ashwell
and Willie Randall. A long talk with Mother after tea, she had not had a nose
bleeding 3 days though no doubt it saves a stroke. Margie in bed till 12 and back
again at 6 to rest after her strenuous week.
Hon. ,18th Dec.
To Winkburn for the audit with my cashier Belt in Clarke's motor bus,
all paid and no complaints, a chat with Col. Burnell and tea with Hiss Burnell, .
and I left 10/- with Miss Moore at the School for the children. This school had
8 different Inspectors lately in 1 day -4 in motor cars. No wonder at burdensome
rates.
Weds. ,20th Dec.
To lfewark for an audit at the Saracen's Head, the.diningroom panelled.in
Pitt's time about 1790 with his bust over the mantel I admire so. The to\in busy
with Christmas shoppers. Thence to Widmerpool Hall for the night.
Thurs. ,21st Dec.
Major Hobertsondrove me to the Golf links at Stanton to meet the Secretary.
But we cannot separate the links from Page's farm. Looking through the valuable
collection of water colours after.
Fri. ,22nd Dec.
Tq the meet at Shelford Manor and a long draw, leaving hounds at Sibthorpe
where It brace were put, up but it was too late to follow' and '16 miles from home,
it was long after 5 before I reached home. Rode home with Capt. Sherbrooke and
Boot, Sir Jesse's son.
Sat. ,23rd Dec.
Rode to Norwood Park and a walk with Capt. Starkey and home for tea where
my nephew Patrick and his wife'Molly had come for Christmas. At 8 all to the Manor
where the Bournes had a dinner party of 20 and a dance after. Aylrner Jolland .
14 looked sweet, several handsome women among whom a widow Mrs. Coke of Brookhill.
Sunday,24th Dec. Christmas Eve.
All the Manor party and Percy's party to mid-day dinner. We sat down 14 and very
merry. My champagne (Binet 1911) voted excellent. Very mild and sunny.
Monday, Christmas Day.
Rain. To early church and also at 11 with Pat and Holly and at 6 P~rcy's
motor came to take us and Ernest to North Lodge for dinner. Muriel was unwell
but we sat dO\in 10 and very merry till near 12. I went to see Mother in the
morning who was cheerful •

. ..
•
~7'
Tues. ,26th Dec.
Percy's motor with P. and his 2 boys came at 12 and we all went to the
meet at Bingham Green, a huge concourse of motors and a large field, and after
running through Cropwell Bishop to seethe hunt we stopped to view the old church
in ruins at Colston Bassettand the real scene of G~ay's.Elegy. Then to Elton
for lunch with Pinder,a very Ally Sloper in looks, and we had some difficulty
in avoiding a surplus of wine and then for tea at Langar Hall, which Sir Dennis
Bayley, Percy's brother-in-law,. has for the winter. We sat down a mixed party'
of all ages of 15. After dropping' us at Epperstone Margaret went on'to spay'
with the Hogarth's. .
\veds. ,27th Dec.
Pat and Molly left at 9 to go to Charlie's, his. fathers, at Wath near
Pateley Bridge, and in heavy rain I to the meet at Oxton Hall, a large field
and party in the Hall. I talked to Mrs. Rosita Forbes (Mrs. Margrathe).the
traveller in the Sahara.' ,Margie and Mrs. Hogarth q;here in Mrs. Horn's carriage
car and with her Mrs. Firth. A find in the;l?ogs and a run. of 7 miles to·near
Halam. Then to the Bogs again and found and· ran hard to Graves Lane. and to ground.
Thoroughly wet I had difficulty in getting out of my boots from wet, for it rained
all day. Miss Hubberty and the Master came in for tea which we had in the Hall
which always looks well in firelight, and so ~nds a cheerful Christmas holiday.'
Sun. ,31st ,Dec.
Ernest to supper as usual and we had champagne to drink good fortune to
the New Yar. The past wet 2 weeks made up our rain average and more. Great storm
. just before Christmas.