' ..

- 1 9 2 3 -
(.
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Monday~ 1st January

lam still at the Lower House, Margaret, my two maids, two men and two
horses. My brotherWilliam in Rome, Charlie and Annie in Yorkshire, Harold and
Nel1, Edward and Monica, Richard in London, Percy and Murielat North Lodge and
Langar Hall. Geoffry their boy in London and Leonard at S'choo1. Char1ie' s boy
Capt. Patrick and Molly at Cranwell Flying Station~ Ernest with my Mother 100
yards from me~ Harry in Queensland, Arthur and Mi1ly and 3 children in Adelaide,S.A.
Weds. ,3rd Jan.
To the meet at,Brackenhurst, a large brilliant field, Percy motored Mrs.
Hawkins (of Texas) and her daughter, the elder had not seen a'meet before and
was delighted. Sir W. Hicking dispensed hospitality. Haughton Wood blank, found
in Thist1ey Coppice and a great run via Halloughton village to Bleasby and black
by Ha110ughton to Epperstone and so nearly to Epperstone Park and lost near
Thurgarton, we must have covered 18 miles. Raining hard and my horse being tired
I came home. In 'the evening to Gonalstonfor a flappers' dance at the Hall with
Margie, Capt. Milward and Mrs. Pattinson, formerly a Mustert and home 12.30.
Thurs. ,4th Jan. ' M&.00T...Q..I':S,· ."
I .

Walked to Netherfield farm, rain. Margie to Nottingham for 2 days. Tea

with Vi Brett in her'pretty cottage. Sandy Hogarthis still at San Stafanoand .
news of our relations with Turkey not good.
Fri. ,5th Jan.
Rode to Southwel1 and heavy rain. A murder at Kirklington four weeks
ago and a local man suspected. Charlie over yesterday, talks of Sir D. Bayley's
money position, no one could long maintain his expenditure. Lenton Abbey,is sold
and at'Langar he evidently retrenches. Hurt Manby is for sale near Filey.
Sun.,7th Jan.
Last Weds. ,Capt. \'iilloughby R.N. who was in the Antwerp affair in 1914
told me of Winston Churchill who was puzzled as to what uniform to go in - his
rank as Territorial Capt. might make him a subordinate: besides John See1y was
already there as a Colonel. Scratching his head he chose that of an Elder Brother
of Trinity House, a gorgeous affair in which orie could almost pass as an admiral.
But it puzzled the Belgians who asked what rank to address him. Winston thinking
that "de la maison du Trinit~" might class him as a Bedesman said "Un fr~re
ancient du Trini t~" - literally in French "'God's elder brother" - to the Belgians'
horror.
Mon. ,8th Jan~
Rode to Norwood but Starkey going out shooting.
Weds.,lOth Jan.
Hounds met at the Manor a large field and a fair day. Found in the Bogs
and ran out of scent by Roselle Wood. Found in Gravelly Hollow and a fast burst,',
to ground at Bestwood.
~,
192.3
Thurs.,llth- Jan. -
To Widmerpool and after going to Stanton to the Hall'to see Major Robertson.
Margie to Brackenhurst.
- -Fri. ,12th Jan.
Saw by papers Margaret was with Lady Hicking's party at the Grantham Ball.
To the meet at Red Lodg~ and finding at Sibthorpecame to Stanton where I left."
Sat. ,13th Jan~

Margaret from Brackenhurst to Nottingham was at the Newark Ball last night.
At Nottingham and returning had the first fruits of our new damnable Church Councils
and with Ernest had a serious quarrel. He as secretary saying Wardens were subject to
and had to obey the orders of ,the Council, to which I replied "go to hell and be
damned"._
Sun. ,14th Jan.
At home.
Mon. ,15th Jan. _
Made up my quarrel with Ernest, it is rare we have any words in our family.
Tues. ,16th Jan.
To Oxton with Richard Francklin seeing 2 farmers who short in the rents.
The old difficulties of agricultural distress reviving.
Weds. ,17th Jan.
To the meet at Lambley, but the hunt had moved on to Gedling Wood where found
and to Blowman Wood. Finding again at Heymans Gorse we crossed by 2 deep dumbles
that form the western half of Lambley Parish and was as near bogged at an awkward
crossing as I have ever been. The rains had been heavy this w'inter which has ,'been
unusually mild. Snowdrop and aconite are out. A feature of the year has been the
unusual wealth of holly and hawthorn berry. When the sun was on the hawthorn it
shone bright red that the bush ,looked like 'a huge tropical flower and in shade
a hedge had a deep violet colour.
Fri. ,19th Jan.
To Southwell to the Council and then to Norwood Park, riding.,
Sat. ,20th Jan.
Nottingham to my dentist who said my teeth as good as on my last visit so no
further visit required. ~thorpe Bridge meeting and declared 5% dividend, really
10';6 on my investment andAcarried forward enough for another dividend bedides a
similar sum to our reserve but we expect £400 on repairs this year. To Gonalston
Vicarage to tea.
Sun. ,21st Jan.
Ernest to supper as usual.
Mon. ,22nd Jan.
Rode to Hexgreave and then through Dilliner Woods to Winkburn and saw the
Colonel who is better.
Tuest 23rd Jun.
Nottingham.
 If 23
Weds. ,24th Jan.
To the meet at Thurgarton Priory where our typical war profiteers
Redan entertained us. A good day in the Trent valley, the, fox crossing
the Trent and got away.
Fri. ,26th Jan.
Ernest came home very ill.
Sat.',27th Jan.
, . '

Nottingham and at the Club after lunch, very cheerful with Col.Birkin,
C. Wright and old Sir John Robinson.
Sun. ,28th Jan.
Margaret being away I cycled to Cropwell Butter for lunch with Mrs.Fowler
who has bought the house and farm Dan Maher the jockey had, which was got up
inside by him regardless, he said to have spent £2000 in the bathroom lined with
rare marbles and alabaster. .
Mon. ,29th Jan.
Ernest has pneumonia.
Tues. ,30th Jan.
Alarmed about Ernest. Percy and Muriel over. We got Dr. Rowe over and a nurse.'
\Yeds. ,31st Jan.
To the meet at Newstead, killed in the ~ark,found in Harlowe Wood, a fine bit of
forest 1000 acres, and a good run to Bledworth and back to Newstead, losing our fox.
Dr. Rowe and'Simpson at 5 andPercy and Muriel over and got Miss L. Parr as second
nurse. Ernest's case serious.
Thurs. ,1st Feb.
So mild we had no fire for breakfast or till the evening. Ernest's condition
critical. Charlie came over. Richard arrived to stay with me. I spent the night in
Ernest's room as he was very delirious. Rhoda coming for me just as I had gone to bed.
Fri. ,2nd Feb.
To the meet of hounds at OxtonBridge and a good day. At night Dr. Rowe over at 9
and gave abetter account of Ernest, said he had just a fighting chance, the fever was
over. He drank champagne and smoked a cigarette.
Sat. ,3rd Feb.
Dick came at 4 in the morning and said Ernest wished to see me, so to him.
He expressed some last wishes and shook hands. At 9 the.Doctor's report bad. At 11
I waved my hand to him fDom the garden and he to me, but in Nottingham Percy
phoned he died at 1. The first to go of us 10.
Sun. ,4th Feb •
. I to Church in the morning and I went to see the body, the face a smile.
Percy, Muriel and Dick to dinner. Muriel has been staying with me since Wed.
Mother is heart-broken.
Hon.,5th Feb.
Bpent in all the preparations for to-morrow. A military funeral.
Tues. ,6th Feb., '
Ernest's funeral. The firing party and escort,of the 8th'Sherwood's, 18 file
in all War medals headed and followed the cortege. Then I entertained to tea as
also many brother officers, 400 or 500 people present. The family had Communion
Service at 8~~5.0n Friday Ernest had received Communion in his room and saw
some friends. He said Pol1y and I went for it to Church for the last great fight",
but one greater is coming: alluding to the Early Service Polly and, he had at
Church with ,Rector Tomlinson the morning he left for France,June 191'. The War
had a great attraction for him. A letter from a French liaison officer of his
Division was most sympathetic. The flower wreathes spread like a carpet over his,
his father's and Polly's graves'adjoining.

Newpsper cutting: 7th Feb. 1923.

OFFICER'S LAST WISH
Capt. E.A. Huskinson buried with Military Honours.
Interment at Epperstone
Amid many manifestations of sympathy, the funeral took place in the
Epperstone church graveyard yesterday of Capt. Ernest Amph1ett ifuskinson.
The deceased gentleman, who was the eighth son of the late Mr. W.L.
Huskinson of Epperstone, died on Saturday, after a brief illness, at the
age of 47. He was educated at Oakham School and played with the school
eleven and with the Notts. Amateurs, being a righthanded batsman and a slow
lefthanded bowler. Later he joined the firm of Messrs. Huskinson and 'Sons,
land agents. of which he was junior partner from 1904 to 1910. In the winter
of 1900 and 1901 he was 'in British Somaliland as a guest of Mr. Arthur Keyser,
Consular Agent for BritiSh Somaliland, and with him and Mr. Arthur Pease,M.P.
accompanied Capt.Harrington, British Envoy Extraordinary and a large army escort
and made an expedition to Abyssinia to confer with Menelik as to the joint
English Abyssinian expedition against the Ogdden Somalis. In 1910 he was
appointed Government Valuer in the new Lands Office, and after the outbreak
of War he joined the army and was gazetted second lieutenant in the 8th
battalion Sherwood Foresters (T ••• ) and went to France in 1916. Later he
served as-Staff Captain to the 138th Brigade, 46th North Midland Division.
He went through with the Division in its great activities at Be11englese,
and the crossing of the Canal du Nord on Sept.29th 1918 when there was much
fighting. He was also engaged in the subsequent battles at Ramicourt, Mont Brehain
and Andreay.
Prioe to the interment a Service was held at Epperstone church, the
officiating clergy being the Rev. C.N. James (Rector) and the Rev. J.P.Hales,
D.S.O. (Rector of Cotgrave). The church was crowded with mourners, and many
people had to stand in the aisles, while the porch was also filled. The
organist, Miss P. James, played Adagio (Beethoven) as the mourners entered
the church and at the conclusion of the service the Dead March in "Saul"
(Handel). Reference was also made by Mr. Hales to the wonderful military
career of the deceased gentleman, whose last wish was to have a military
funeral. "Alleluia" and liThe day Thou gavest,Lord, is ended"were the hymns
sung.
).
The coffin which was covered with the Union Jack was carried
to the g raveside with the deceased gentleman's steel helmet and
Mi1itary'Cross resting on it. The burial service was conducted by
the Revd. J.P. Ha1es, assisted by the Revd. C.H.James, and the
mourners sang IlSon of'My Sou11l • After the coffin had been lowered
a firing party from the 8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, in charge
of Lieut. J. Green, fired three volleys over the grave and three buglers
sounded liThe Last Post ll • . . ' ,

The family mourners included MajorT.W. Huskinson (brother) Colonel·

C.J. Huskinson O.B.E. arid Mrs. Huskinson (brother and sister-in~law),
Mr. and Mrs. P~L. Huskinson (brother and sister-in-law), Messrs. K.Huskinson.
and R.K. Huskinson)brothers), Miss MargaretHuskinson (niece) Capt. P.Huskinson,M.C.
and Messrs. G. Husiinson and L. Huskinson (nephews). .
There w~ also a large representative gathering of vario~s organisations
'with which the deceased was'associated, and also officers and men of the
Sherwood Foresters Regiment, many of whom. had come from Newark, Nottingham
and the surrounding villages. Among them were Col. Smith (Officer Commanding
8th Batt. Sherwood Foresters) Col. Sir Dennis Readett~Bay1ey, Co1.P.Warwick,
Major A.L.Ashwe11, Capt. H.A. Crewdson, W.H.C. Ramsden, G, Qursha~, L.Renwick~
R. Whitton, J.K. Lane, G. Wright, W. Archer, C.L. Hill and W.C. Weetman,M.C.
Messrs. A.Wood, A. Warwick; H.E. Branston (Ba1derton Old Hall, Newark),
.' ;,-a~K. Beaumont, 'R. ,Richardson, A.E. E11iott (Worksop) and Revd. E.Robinson,
~:md Messrs. A. Parr, W.Cooper, and R. Wales (Epperstone Institute).
·The floral tributes were numerous and beautiful.

Weds. ,14th Feb.

Snow and thaw.
Thurs. ,15th Feb.
Nottingham to settle price for site of resevoir at Oxton and just called
in at the Hogarths·to say Emi1y very unwell, could M. stay till Saturday.
, Returning called on the Dowager Franck1in. .
Fri. ,16th Feb.
Rode to Southwe11 as I generally do now by the bridle roadito the
Council and then to see Starkey at Norwood Park. Sandy is still at Constantinople
and the situation uncertain. Most English not rotters support France's action in
Germany and our government boneless policy again makes uS perfide A1bion.
&at.,17th Feb.
To Nottingham in hopes to let the Farnsfie1d farm and going by the theatre
in the afternoon looked in to see Gays Beggars Opera. I hear Dowson who is on the
straight laced side left on the first act. The singing charming and girls pretty,
scener.Y. simple which sets off the charming dresses.
Sun. ,18th Feb •. d

..
Snowing all day and 6" on ground. This means 1 or 2 feet in Lincolnshire
and Derbyshire. Weather not cold and there was snow and rain the rest of the
week. So I kept about home.
Sat. ,24th Feb.
Attended the Court of Sewers at Nottinghariland home to meet Elwyn and Morris
who now own so much land in the Parish. '
Tues. ,27th Feb.
Pancakes ·for Shrovetide.
Weds. ,28th Feb.
Margaret to London with Mrs. Hogarthand I to the meet at Woodbro, finding
at, Epperstone Park, a long run towards Hal10ughton back nearly to the' Park and.
then Oxton village to the Bogs' and across the boggy. fields by the Dove Beck "
over the hill to Woodbro and killed in the Manor garden where we had met.
Thurs.,lst March.
Sitting 2 hours on Income Tax appeals.
Fri., 2nd Mar.,
Margaret returned late with a cough.
Sun and Mon~
Heavy rains but spent evening at Oxton., The wettest February for many years.
Tues. ,6th Mar.
Drove to Winkburn Hall for tea and inthe.~orth Park met several of the
Rufford field homeward bound.
Weds.,7th Mar.
Met at Bestwood and killed by Sherwood Lodge. Dr. Hunnard says Margie's cough
is whooping cough, now rife in the village.
Thurs. ,8th Mar.
To Widmerpool to lunch with the Major. Margie in bed.
Fri. ,9th Mar.
& .
,T~ the meet at (unthorpe, found in, Gonalston osiers and killed after a mile.
Found another and ran over Epperstone Netherfields,Thurgarton by Gonalston Hall.
Car Ho1t and over the hill by Lowdham church.,P1owman Wood to Lamb1ey where lost.
Sat. ,10th Har.
, To Nottingham. M. in bed. To-day as yesterday to see my neighbour Mr.A.Browne
on, I expect, his death bed., EdithChampneys came Friday, left to-day.
Sun.,llth Har.
Hrs. Hi1ward, Hrs. Bourne, Percy and Hurie1to see Hargie, still in her room.
37 houses in Epperstonehave sickness.
 Mon. ,12th Mar~ 1'1 23
To lunch at Widmerpool with Major Robertson, going first with him to
see a farm by Curate's Gorse with a view to buy. From the Melton road here
is a fine view of the Vale of Belvoir. The Quorn finished 18 mile run close
to Widmerpool in.the afternoon.
Tues. ,13th Mar.
To. Holme Pierrmpoint for the meet and presentation to Col. Birkin~ late M.F.H.
a long draw to Colston Basset and Owthorpe Borders and I left them as they' found
in the big woods around Blackberry Hill.
Fri. ,16th Mar.
To the meet at Red Lodge and finding near Syerston had a 2 hour run
in the Belvoir country by Staunton and Flawboro and ran out of scent near
Aslocton. A wire in the evening from Constantinople saying Sandy had leave
to be back next Monday and Margie in high spirits.
Sat. ,17th Mar.
To Nottingham and saw the Hospital carnival collecting funds, a long
procession of draws with fancy gDOUpS. The burlesque operating room very
alarming, and several hundred young men and girls on foot in most fantastic
array, very amusing. A letter from Sandy saying he·hoped Margie would marry
him this leave. Percy, Muriel and Dick over. .
Tues. ,20th Mar.
To meet hounds at Sherwood Lodge, found Bestwood and killed at 7 mile house
on the Mansfield Road, this road is like a railway with motors, not the delightful
peaceful road of my youth. How delightful they were in parts wher~ gates and
outriders were still~used. Plumb of Hucknall, he and his partner Moss, were
great mainstays on that side, said 40 years ago a man of £10,000 a year in land
was lItop hole ll man, now his house is too large, half his income goes in tax and
the rest only brings half and he is swamped. A profiteer in funds and no local
responsibility can swim. . .
Thurs. ,22nd Mar.
To the meet at Newstead Hall,'through the Park and Harlowe Woods and the
Long dales. Foxes but no scent. So ends our Season. Sandy arrived here from
. Constantinople and Margie Happy.
, Sat. ,24th Mar.
The Hogarths made trouble at a hurried marriage~ I am vexed at these
postponements. Lady Charnwood offers her home in Eaton Square.
Mon. ,26th Mar.
To Norwood Park to meet Gilbert an accountant who Starkey is asking how to
retrench. His case is that instanced by Plumb.
Tues. ,27th Mar.
A letter from the new tenant of Farnsfield saying owing to error agreement void,
causing me acute anxiety, the farm had caused me great difficulty, and Wilson is a
man if he legally can to place any consequent loss on me. Cycled to Norwood on
yesterday's business and going into Southwell to wire the tenant to see me in
Nottingham at 3. Met S~ray in the Post Office who says his father-in-law Wagstaff of
Hockerton, who married Miss Cator a plain lady of quality, wanted such a place at
 once, and going down street met W. just driving out of the Saracen Head yard
providentially, for I had desired to be early relieved of this anxiety having
already plenty causes for we are taxed to death. They were to meet me tomorrow.
However, I met my tenant in Nottingham and found he did not wish to be off his
agreement, so settled. I found after I would have re-let in 3 directions.
My relief is great.
Weds., 28th Mar.
Sunny and walking with Miss Brett.round her pretty cottage and garden. Col.
Johnson came. Spent afternoon on Nottingham tax papers.
Thurs. ,29th Mar.·
To meet Lord Petersham's hounds at Hucknall which but for that farm settlement
I had not peace of mind to enjoy. Meet at Moss and Plumb's house, Portland Park,
who entertained us. It is really 2 houses semi:detached,-built to look .like one,
and as they married 2 sisters and Plumb the one with the only ~ child,
a daughter, live in great harmony. They are timber merchants and though of no
quality good fellows - they have an estate and celebrated cover in the Vale of
Belvoir. The outlook is over Hucknall which being a town devoid of_factory chimneys
entirely is not unsightly and the woods of Bestwood and Sherwood on hills is the
background. \'le drew Linby banks and Newstead Park blank and as they moved for
Annesley I left for home where I found Sandy and Margaret.
30th Mar. Good Frida;r.-
To early Church at 8. Litany. Only.self and Rector. Enjoyed as I like a
very small congregation. When Polly lived often she and I were alone at early
Service. I sat in Dufty's pew and taking up a book dated Sept. 1855 reflected what
a history of the place had passed since Vi Brett and I now alone represent the
estated families of the time. My. grandfather was then Lord of the Manor with £1500
a year estate on Epperstone andWoodbro and Vi represents the Barnards who had a
scattered £800 a year estate in the Valley. I have still the old Lower House and
some 10 messuages and land left, and Vi her cottage. Margie through her mother
represents Champneys then Rector, nephew of 13th Earl of Derby, and marned an
Astley. We were then in close much with good .circles. Bourne now has the Manor·
and £40,000 a year from Trade, incomes undreamed of before except in ducal circles.
Sat. ,31st March.
Tea with the Dowager Francklin at Gonalston. Col • Nall and his wife and the
R. Francklins.Nall said there was amusement in the house when 3 free trade Members
bore the ~ottingham petition 60,000 signatures for protection of lace.
Easter Sunday, 1st Apr.
To early church and to see Jolland who is recovering in the morning. Sandy
and Margie together. We had the Percy party over and Col. Nall.
Easter Monday, 2nd Apr.
To Gonalston and Nall motored Edward Francklin and myself to see the new lock
on the Trent-at Hazleford now making. Boy Scouts on one side and Girl Guides on the
other failed to meet though much desiring. We then on to Averham Park, the Government
farm they want to sell and are in such a mess with. Nall at Roileston noticed the shop
built by the Government let to Co-Op. vThitehall is full of Socialists and the Co-Op.
movement is being wangled to help their purpose. At the Park is the summer house of Lord
Lexington built to live simply after the Civil Wars. A good hall 30 ft. by 20 ft. panelled
and two smaller rooms each side, a good stair, 3 bedrooms and 2 dressing rooms all panelled.
 Servants offices a little detached now a cottage, some frescoes - place out of
repair but fine views. Government spent £6000 building 6 cottages and now all
with 900 acres could be bought for that. Lunched at Gonalston Hall.
Easter Tues.,3rd Apr.
Vestry Meeting. Jonathan Hurt elected warden vide Burrows decd. warden
over 40 years.
Weds.,4th Apr.
To Ruddington. Called on Miss Birkin returning.
Thurs.,5th Apr.
S.N. Hunt chases at Oxton. Percy came over for Margie and I. Muriel and our
pretty Texas girl, Miss Hawkins, and Percy's boy Leonard. Sandy with Bournes party.
We made one for Sweepstakes 28, Mr. and Mrs. Hogarth with Mrs. Homberger and Mrs.
F~ ~, an immense crowd. The Navy steeplechase 2 events.

Fri.,6th Apr.
To Nottingham as Income Tax Commissioner. Edge and Dobson there, Government
intend to raise Assessment of all occupying owners ~~, a dirty trick. Margie and
Sandy to Nottingham and away till he returns to his Regt. 2nd Grenadier Gds. at .
St.Stefano. Lunched with Mrs. Hom and Margie. ' . '
Sat.,7th Apr,
No more notices to quit. I have had 4 such, no great number. Farming position.
peculiar all but dairymen done badly, corn Unsaleable, foreign alone' wanted.
To Newark and to Balderton Hall to lunch with my cousins as to sale of it.
Tea at Newark Friary with Mrs. Branston and her happy family party.
Sun.,8th Apr.
Home alone. Percy over and tea with the Jollands.
Mon.9th Apr.
To Widmerpool Hall for lunch after going to see Fogg'at Stanton Hill Farm.
Major Robertson·said how the Americans had demoralised Melton, g{ving enormous
prices for houses, horses, servants and tips. They only come for one season to
say they hunted at Melton, speak ,to no one. A succession is expected next season
but it is doubtful if the farmers will stand this sort of hunting.

I here end except occasional notes - the financial position is too anxious
to promise enjoyment. Dr. Hogarth proposed to take my house on lease so I could
retire to a small house, but it fell through, and with other disappoinments in
this I shall continue till after Margie's marriage, Sandy Hogarth being with the
Guards in Turkey and not expected here till October. In June my old gardener
Barker died and Knight undertook the garden, my horses being at grass, and I
cycling or using our tenant Clarke's Sedan motor on special occasions. .
July. Great heat.·Percy took me a tour via Peterbro, Thonney.and Lincolnshire where
I was 4 days enjoying the sea at Cleethorpes. Visited Immingham Docks, the town
never matured and it is strange to see a first class dock and shipping in fields
and purely rural surroundings. Its immediate neighbour the Haven like Impudence to
Dignity, a dozen red. brick and tiled cottages.
10.
Visited Clixby and also old Kelstern, all old tenants gone and
now Straight who farms it. His father passed over the elder and left ~is second
a million, £300,000 death duties absorbed all gilt. edged and now bad times leave
the rest with no income.
Sept.6th. .
. Calling on myoId nurse Mrs. Sam Willies she says my daguerreo~ype
at age 6 months taken at Edwinstowe while my mother stayed with the Horncastles
there. She took me inside the Major Oak in the Forest .close by - then no railway
or town nearer than then little Mansfield 10 miles off.

October.
This Diary closes with Wedding Bells ringing. Sandy Hogarthreturned
with the Guards on the 14th and was soon staying here with the wedding fixed for
Tuesday, 29th, and we were full of preparations. Margie to London about dresses
twice.

17th Oct.
With bicycle to see hounds at the Park Wood and the Bogs~
Thurs.18th Oct.
Col. Aldingsells, the representative of the old family here of Odingselles
\.,rhich held a manor from 1066 to 1820 came with Charlie and enjoyed his day seeing
the old place.
Sat. ,20th Oct.
To the Sherwoods Old Comrades meeting and introduced to General Dorrien
Smith of the old Notts. Banking family descended from Cromwell's Master Gunner.
Thurs. ,25th Oct.
My mister-in-law Annie came and stayed with my Mother to help in our
wedding festivities.
Fri. ,26th Oct.
At an open invitation 90 from the village to a fine tea and wedding cake
and to see the presents. We sat in 2 pa1ties in the diningroom. Joan Campbell,
M's chief bridesmaid came. .,
Sat. ,27th Oct.
Presents come pouring in and M. has also about £300 in cheques. Dr.Hogarth.
gave £100, Canon Greenwood her godfather £100, Major Robertson, also one, £25,
in addition I gave her £200 for trousseau and £30 to give for linen. Lord and
Lady Charnwood and family called, passing to the Palace at Southwell.
Sun. ,28th Oct~
M. and I and Joan to Church in the morning. Charlie and Annie came
to supper.
I1 ~' Monday, 29th October.
Began ou~ festivities. The Hon. Antonia, Lord Charnwood's daughter and
one of the bridesmaids, came in the afternoon. Also Canon Greenwood 1Il0tored
through from York. He had married Polly and myself and had christened M. and
is now over 80, a lifelong friend of the Champneys family. During the day
the presents were sent to the Manor where the reception is to be held.
, At 8 we had a dinner of 22. The drawingroom had been cleared for d<Ulcing.
Lavender Francklin, another bridesmaid, had come and as the four beautiful girls
were hanging round the dear old Canon all our guests arrived in a body and made
a fine show as they came across the polished floor, and as my men guests said
after not a woman but was handsome,rarely so good a show in so large a party.
\Ye paired off to dinner, I and Mrs. Hogarth, the Canon and Mrs. Hom. Col-Charles
and Mrs. Bourne, Bourne and Mrs. Brydges (Astley before by marriage), Molly
(Capt. Pat's wife)'and Capt. Milward, Sandy and Margie in the centre of one side.
Antonia and Capt. Roger Wright{of the 3rdGrenadiers) with Hogarth pere and
Annie at the foot of the table ; and on the round side table Capt. P H~ and
Mrs. Milward, my nephews Geoffry and Leonard with Joan and Lavender. I twitted
the electric lighted householders with the wax candle illumination of'my table
and ball room and indeed a fire in every room and lights in every room, my
house renewed its pristine gaiety. We had clear soup, sole, mutton, pheasant,
sweets, savoury and dessert. Wines, Champagne, liqueur, brandy and port (3 bottles).
Coffee, cigars and cigarettes. Dancing was kept up till 12 and the Canon and I
did not retire till 1 •.
In the meantime all the household had supper in the laundry prepared as
a hall.Tremlebt, the Manor butler, who came in and a man from London engaged
by Mrs. Bourne for her ball tomorrow. Knight my man and Baker the Manor groom,
the Canon and Mrs. Hom's chauffeurs, Brs.Peach who came in as cook, my housekeeper
Emily and Dolly Chamson, Mrs. Knight, Emily's friend Bertha Smith, Mrs.Barker and
Mrs. Jackson who all had helped to wait. I. supplied them liberally with champagne,
port and grapes for dessert.
During the evening my sister-in-law Edith Champneys came in, who stays
with Vi Brett"andfor tea Katie Spencer who stays with Mrs.Francklin at Gonalston.
Mrs. Brydges is at the Manor, Pat and Molly with the Milwards and Charlie and
Muriel at the Cottage. Want of room at table prevented my having all my other
brothers and sisters who are with Percy. .
Tues.,30th October.
. Opened an' auspicious day, dull but fine, the girls all had their'breakfast
in bed so the Canon and I had ours in 'the 'schoolroom. Muriel Hicking motored over
to act as dresser arid going to Margie's room found the girls in dressing gowns
hanging round M., like I said the Queen with the honey bees around her.
Our priceless Sexton Cooper, Hamlet's Sexton without further make-up,
I met, who confessed ignorance of ,a wedding because not officially informed.
I told him to ask "for fees and what you please" which after he did of Capt.
Wright loudly as we were in'the Vestry signing the Registers. I was rather anxious
about the not completed settlements, but Geoffry and Leonard motored up with the
document to which Sandy's signature was soon placed, followed by mine, Margie's
and Patrick's (one of the Trustees), Sandy putting in £5000 Buoenes Ayres Raily
Stock ,:"I .~OO secured on real estate and I am to pay £JOO a year clear of tax.
J).~
As M. has had over £300 in cheques as presents, my £200 for trousseau,-
Ir 23
£146 of mine accumulated each year and some £80 Mrs. Storer's legacy, I think M. will
invest £400 of it. Sandy has also dqne well in money presents and a timely £500
legacy.
" . "

Red and white auning was· put . up from the street to the church and also'·
from our old archway to the Manor where the reception was to be, and Annie had
arranged the very numerous presents. Our lunch in the Diningroomand many
came in. Also at 1 came the Regimental Sergeant ~ajor and 9 other Sergeants of
the Guards in full uniform. .
Motors conveyed the girls to church. Lavender Franckl~n having come fOr'
. lunch, and they' stopped to go and see my Mother en route as did M.:and I.
At the Church steps Guards"MaidS, with'Jim and Angela Bourne, tiny tots to
carry the train, Jim in uniform of Guards ensign of Waterloo period, and
Angela as a lady of the period. The street, church path and church were thronged
and I was after complimented on my slow march which indeed was a necessity
with Jim and Angela hanging on.to .the train. M•. looked sweetly pretty. In
the chancel were the 2 families of ours Col. Chas~ Annie, Harold and Nell,
Percy and Muriel, Edward and Monica, Dick and Katie Spencer, Molly Brydges
and Edith representing Polly's side of the family. I was complimented long
after on the pretty wedding and indeed the scene was perfect English, the old
Church in its grove of yews on 4igh ground, the gabled Manor across the road
which here is a hollow way. It was a walking wedding as.a village wedding should
be and to us above the bridal. procession below between the· Guards and throng .
looked very pretty.
All went well and at 4 M. and S. set off for London and thence on
Friday for Italy.
Our guests numbered 200 and the champggne lasted well., M.cut the cake
with Sandy's sword, the top part being afterwards sent to the village school •.
Sandy's nurse was just outside the church porch and kissed the couple, but great
wonder when I said ~ nurse as a baby was there, Mrs. S. Willies over 80, and
moreover Hrs. Meads who was lady's maid to Margie's. grandmother Champneys (Astley)
These with all our household past and present I had good'seats reserved for in the
front close by the door. Major Robertson, M's other godfather, was in front with Lady
. Hoskyns and my old friends Lord and Lady Charnwood.
Joan, Antonia, the Canon and I had a quiet dinner this night and at 9 to
the Manor for Mrs. Bourne's ball, the long walk from the old archway near the church
to the porch was lit with Chinese lanterns, lit electrically. The Canon stayed till 11
but the' rest of us till after 2, and thus finished perhaps the gayest 2 days of
Epperstone. It was indeed a culmination of an epic; my own and the Champneys
(Polly(s) family and had been Manor and Rectory most of the 19th century, almost
both ruined by the agriculturaldepression. Polly and I had a long wait, she .
devoted to and loved by the village. 'Margie's marriage provoked an unusual interest.
Sandy who had undergone the last 7 months in France in 1918 when only 19, he and M.
had fallen in love at an early age and 4tyears had gone by which threatened to end·
tragically last year when Sandy was ordered to Constantinople at 48 hours notice.
He has been cavalryman, machine gunner and infantryman in succession. At 18 a
lieutenant in the Royal Horse Guards, at 19 in France with the Household Brigade,
Machine Guns, and in. support at Be11inglise to Andreay of my own ever glorious
 '1 .=t3
~6thDivision N. Midland Territorials which first broke tn~ Hindenburg
Line in September 1918. He went to Oxford, took a degree~d joined the
3rd Grenadier Guards with 2 stars and antedated commission of 2 years.
I may now hang on at the Lower House for with M. unmarried I was
in dread of diminishing her little. inheritance and a happy life of 22
years close yet unfortunate.
Next day all my guests lfet and I cannot end a diary on a happier
day. M. looked radiant with happiness as did also Sandy.

1924.
Tuesday, 29th July. f-
Margaret's daughter born 4.45 in the South Room of the Lower House J:
which with more revived prospects I am holding on to. S-

S
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