WOMEN'S LANGUAGE AND EXPERIENCE, 1500-1940
Women's Diaries and Related Sources

Part 5: Sources from the Essex Record Office

Extracts

Reel 1

D/DRu/F10 Diary of a young girl, 1769-1776

She records her social outings and visitors:

“This Journall began March the 17th 1769

Friday in the morn: Papa called out… sister & I called upon Mrs Saxtons & Miss Robinson came & dined with us

18th Saturday in the morn Mr Downing called here Mama and I called upon Mrs Robinson & Papa Mama & sister drank tea at Charlton left sister there….”

She notes when she wears a new article of clothing:

“I put on my white and gold shoes 1772 July 28th

I put on my apron with the net edging 1772 September 13th

I put on a new pair of pockets September the 20th 1772”

D/DRh/F26 Diary of Miss Caswall, 1825-1830

Miss Caswall, an unmarried lady records the minutiae of her health and life. She would appear to be sickly as she notes in her diary the pills she takes everyday:

“Sunday Jan 23rd 1825 London On account of having taken medicine did not go to Berkeley Chapel Mr Edward Walpole called as did Lady Hanhope I dined & drank Tea alone Took two Pills.

Thursday Jan 27th 1825 London I din’d & drank Tea alone From Mrs G Caswall received a small Turkey & some Potatoes Took 2 pills.

Tuesday March 8th 1825 London Mrs Round & Children called In the carridge went to Mrs E Tremonger. took her out called on Mrs Wilkinson then on Mrs Bolt & at Misses Drummond. I dined & drank Tea alone. took a Pill.”

She was in sole charge of running the house and often comments on work being done such as painting, repairing the water closet, sweeping the chimney, polishing the furniture:

“Thursday Oct 27th 1826 London Hogan began third Coat of Plaister on Ceiling in further Drawing Room. The whole of the Day its never ceased Raining. Did not go out in this Morning or Evening.”

D/DJg/Z23 Travel Journals of Caroline Wilkinson, 1817-1840

She describes her travels in the South of England. In the following extracts she records visits to Nettley Abbey, the ship Nelson and to the Isle of Wight.

“20 May 1822 visited Nettley Abbey and in our way thither we stopt at Wickam at which place a fair was held on that day, after a short stay we proceeded to the abbey and arrived at it about 2PM. These beautiful ruins of a Gothic structure stand on a rising ground and are surrounded by trees….

3 of June 1822 went by water to Portsmouth stopt on our passage to see the ship called the Nelson - her complement is 925 men - her tonnage amounts to 14,00 goods - her stern is beautifully carved, on either is a beautiful column fluted of the Corinthian order and entwined with oak leaves & acorns and beside them are various figures representing Victory, Fame, Hercules etc….”

5 July Tues 1824 Went by the steam packet to Ryde and from thence to Newport where we lodged. We made several excursions round the island to the different beautifully romantic spots…. On Saturday 9 July returned by the same way accomplishing the voyage between Ryde and Portsmouth in about 40 minutes – and so home to Portchester - which made the trip, in all, comprising about 90 miles”

Reel 3

D/DRu/F12/8 Diary of Ann Eliza Branfill, 1833

Many of Mrs Branfill’s early diaries are concerned with the health of her family:

“January 1833 All the children got the whooping cough….
5th C began to ? The cough less frequent & easier.
Leila decidedly worse on the 3rd - loss of appetite - thirst - low spirits & frequent violent cough increased daily till 7th in bed all day cough strained head & chest….

May 1833 All the children got the Influenza…. I have been ill nearly a week & no better - Papa has escaped as yet….”

Reel 4

D/DRu/F12/17 Diary of Ann Eliza Branfill, 1843

In the following extract she vividly describes the death of her cook:

“7 November 1843 Poor cook died & turned black and blue directly. Her coffin made….
8 and 9 November Coffin left open till this morn. She was in a dreadful state up to the shoulders in blood. Coffin filled with bran & sent off by her mother’s wish in a van. Mrs Bowman going with the mother.”

Reel 5

D/DRu/F12/19 Diary of Ann Eliza Branfill, 1845

Activities related to the farm business are also described:

“30 Sept 1845 Agricultural Society Meeting in our grounds. Attendance very numerous.

6 Dec 1845 To Brentwood to see Wall & give a statement of our income….”

Reel 9

D/Du/758/6/1-2 Diaries of Katharine Maud Pearson, 1870-1872 and 880-1887

The early diaries, written for her fiancé John Heath Pearson who was at sea, describe her busy social life in London and the South of England and also chronicle her family’s health. In the following extract she describes the family’s reaction to the illness of the Prince of Wales:

“11 December Monday 1871 We are in such a way about the Prince of Wales; he is dying of typhoid. Yesterday a telegram came during Church to say he had had a good morning, but all Saturday, he was very ill, & last night he was much worse. I cannot help thinking how dreadful it would be if you began….”

In the following she gives her opinions on a good host:

“17 July Wednesday 1872 We had croquet party and match between Stockton and here; drawn game…. Edw is such a good host, I wonder if you will make a good one. I shall watch the first opportunity. It makes a party go off so much better. Ed goes about among everyone & waits a great deal at tea. One great thing is never to appear tired….”

Later diaries record her daily routine and her social life and Christmas celebrations:

“1880

March 25 K went to Ambulance Class where two ladies fainted.
26 Good Friday JHP went to Epping Forest with J Formby.
Lovely day.
28 Easter Day We walked to S Tottenham
29 Easter Monday We spent the day at Crystal Palace, very nice and fine

April 1 Ambulance class. Got to know Miss Chambers
2 Dined at the Holborn with J Mills, who took us to Madame Angot at Drury Lane.
3 K got Mary’s toys in Edgware Rd. Got mincing machine & watering pot….
1883

6th Edward had to attend a hanging as Under - Sheriff.
1st day of the Tournament

7th Milly & Aunt C went to see Bader & Milly lunched with Edith Warner.
1883

Mr Knight’s house was broken into, & £150 in watch & jewellery taken. The thieves brought a ladder while the Ks were at dinner & got into their bedroom…. Jack and I went to the Fisheries Exhibition one night & he bought me a set of sea snails studs & brooch & a fisch broach. It was very pretty….

1886 Christmas

25 Xmas Day Very fine, slight frost. Went to Church. Mrs Coupland died.
Milly has sent a hamper containing a Yule log from the Poplar Tree, a plush pin cushion, & a capital parcel weighter for me - painted match box for Jack, brass pin cushion for FEP knitted jacket for Lucy, & mittens for Con & crackers for the servants. The children got far too many presents. We filled their stockings, Aunt Mary sent them cards, Miss Woodward a doll. Mary Colpitts a purse for Lucy & a book for Con & a lot of cards from various people….”

Reel 10

D/Dcc/F18 Diary of Lady Smith of Stapleford Tawney, 1830

The diaries of Lady Smith recount her personal activities and travels and those of her family:

“ Tuesday 11 May Left London at ½ past 10 with Charles & the children for the Vine where we arrived at ½ past 6. Changed horses at Hounslow, Staines, Bagshot.

Wednesday 12 May Caroline was very ill all day. Walked out with the children.

…. Saturday 15 May Went in the open carriage to visit Mr Bramton, but only found Miss Groves at home….”

Reel 10

D/Dcc/F19 Diary of Lady Smith of Stapleford Tawney, 1832

“Monday 17 September Walked out for the first time with Georgina….
Tuesday 18 September Left Beckhampton at 11 dined in London, & arrived at Suttons at 6. William came at seven.

Wednesday 19 September William went out shooting….”

Reel 10

D/Dcc/F20 Diary of Lady Smith of Stapleford Tawney, 1833

“Wednesday 6 February Breakfasted with Robert & Georgina and went to see William who was very unwell. My father called on me. Left London at two o’clock.

Monday 23 September Went to the sewing school.

Wednesday 25 September Went out in the open carriage with Mrs Smith, Fanny & Miss Austin we called on Lady Bridgwater who was at home.

Friday 27 September Lady Bridgwater and Mr Harbord called. Walked in the park.

Sunday 29 Went to church twice, in the morning I took the Sacrament, in the afternoon Charles went….”

Reel 12

D/DLu/14/4 Diary of Clarissa Bramston, 1829

Social life and aspirations for her family are discussed:

“Tuesday 17 Mr Boyle paid me a long visit of two hours. We talked of dear Marston. Spent the evening at the Palmelles - all very lowspirited & desponding about their unhappy Country - a most affe letter from ‘dear Dickie’. Read of poor Mrs Debarry’s death.

Wednesday 18 It is settled that dear Albert is to leave us on Saturday for Belfast where he is to reside - his present salary £50 p an but Mr Sric? has given him hope of early promotion. I feel so proud & thankful because it is the first time in my life that I have been of real use to anyone, and I trust that my repeated requests to Mr Sr have proved the means with God’s blessing of laying the foundation of dear Albert’s fortune….”

Reel 12

D/DLu/14/6 Diary of Clarissa Bramston, 1832

“Wednesday January 11 Left Marlboro’ - felt almost sorry to exchange our uninterrupted quiet for the ‘busy haunts of man’ and woman. I was a little reconciled when we arrived at Welford where I was introduced to Mrs Houblyn and her very nice ladylike & sensible daughters. - They seem to be a most content and happy family.

Thursday January 12 Took leave of our kind cousins of whom I hope to know more hereafter - pleasant journey lo London and a most warm welcome from Mr Blaasnow who loves my dear husband more as a brother than as a nephew. - I was most anxious to hear of dearest father….”

Reel 14

D/Dlu/14/15 Diary of Clarissa Bramston, 1841

“ Tuesday 5 January Mrs L W Luard and their two daughters dined with us - the eldest Henrietta plays remarkably well…. They both were amicable and pleasing.

Thursday 7 January Visits from Mrs & Miss Japan? - pleased with drawing…. Drew church & vicarage for J Walford Vicarage from Church yard for Lawrence - Letters from Albert & MA. Mrs Bramston has again been ill….”

Reel 15

D/DLu/15/3 Travel Journal of Clarissa Bramston to Brittany, 1816

An early visit to the Continent is described:

“…. It was a Market day when we passed through the ancient Town of Rennes, and we had an opportunity of observing many wild looking Bas Bretons in the Crowd, clothed in goat skin cloaks….

In language stature and even in their characteristic obstinacy the Bas Bretons are said greatly to resemble the Welsh - the women are very inferior in personal beauty to their Norman neighbours and the men, with their lank hair falling on their shoulders, long beards and shaggy cloaks have scarcely the appearance of civilisation…”

Reel 15

D/DLu/15/5 Diary of Clarissa Bramston, 1829

Clarissa describes a visit she paid to Hannah More who was then elderly.

“My last visit to H More

June 8 1829 I spent half an hour this day tête à tête with Hannah More, and although her memory is rapidly declining, and her mind much impaired, still it must be acknowledged that even her rocdotage? is well worth the uncommon sense of the world in general - she has so much tact that she can in a moment recal her wandering thoughts or turn the conversation when she finds herself at a loss. Hannah More is still Hannah More, but she is also a woman - an old woman and strange to say that vanity and the love of praise are so intermingled with her better feelings and have been so fosterd by the artificial atmosphere of flattery and admiration that they have made her in her old age an Egotist….”

Reel 17

D/DU/1545/2 Diary of Mrs Susannah Gilbert, 1842

She records her daily activities and news:

“Tuesday 15 February Miss L & I walked to Stutford to call on Marguerette?, John came to dinner, a large public meeting in town (fine). John & I played chefs - had a bad night.

Wednesday 16 Beautiful day. Miss L & I walked to Chorlton - heard bad news of poor Liz, heard also from Joe & Henry.

Wednesday 30 March Very busy getting the house straight Miss Churchill left at 11 in the morning , Joe & I went after tea to Mrs Bennett’s….”

Reel 18

D/DU/1545/13 Diary of Mrs Susannah Gilbert, 1861

“Sunday 7 April Beautiful day. Mr Prentice called & we walked with him to Chapel I rode home with Mrs Baines; Mr French called in afternoon; we went with the Miss Lees to the Parish Church in evening rode both these 2 back.

Monday 8 April Dull J at the Birchalls - Mrs E ? called - J came home at 4, & we had a long walk, returning for a late tea - Read & wrote in evening….”

Reel 19

D/DU/758/9/1 Diary of Lucy Marion Heath Pearson, 1892

The extract below is taken from her first diary written at the age of 11:

“ The 1st diary she ever kept. This diary was kept during my illness (Typhoid) & perhaps it is the most interesting I shall ever keep.

March 6th I had a big egg for breakfast. It is daddy’s birthday today. He did not have breakfast till 11. Aunt Milly gave him some preserved strawberries, Mommy some toffee, & I a cake the receipt for which I made up. I had a pancake for dinner; it was perfect. The Mortons called this afternoon & stayed for dinner. I had some bread-&-butter & sugar for tea. They had for supper Cold Roast Beef. Rhubarb Tart Blanchmange & Orange Compôte. I had some Blancmange….”

Reel 19

D/DU/758/9/2 Journal of Lucy Maron Heath Pearson, 1895

She describes her difficulties dealing with a teenage infatuation in the following excerpt:

“…. I have dreadful headaches nearly every day. I believe my brain is diseased Mother thinks they are from my eyes but they are really from broken heart & worry about something I have mentioned before I am sure it is that because whenever I have seen him they go away Also I am troubled about the state of my soul - I cannot pray properly. Oh how I wish I could speak to a clergyman about my religious life….”

Reel 19

D/DU/758/9/4 Journal of Lucy Marion Heath Pearson, 1899

Prominent events of the period are commented on:

“All Saints 1899
Since I last wrote my diary, the English have beaten the Boers at Mafeking, Glencoe, Elandes, Laagte & Dunder.
Ladysmith is being besieged & alas Kimberly with Rhodes inside! At Glencoe the Dublin Fusiliers made a splendid dash….”

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