- 192 0

- 1 9 2 0
Thursday, ·lst January.
The past year fairly prosperous but my expenses equalled my income -
instead, of' Having a good margin.
Bourne lent the Mano~ House· for the Dinner 6 of. us give to the, returned
soldiers in the village, 36:in all. Harold,Ernest and I of our family.
Fri. ,2nd Jan.
Frosty and cycled to Oxton Hill.
Sat. ,3rd Jan.
Rode to Gold Hill and returning called at Norwood Park where Archie
Starkey formerly a brother officer in the 8th S.F. and has been a Colonel
out at Salonika. Harold and Nell left us.
Sun. ,4th Jan.
vlalked over to Hoveringham Hall,- for lunch withthe NaIls and back ,,,ith
them 'to tea with Mrs. Francklin' the Do,..i ager '''here Mrs. Sherbrooke and Lord Harris.
Mon. ,5th Jan.
To Nottingham where I had not been for 2 weeks.
TUes.,to Fri.9th Jan. ' '
By a cold kept at 'home and chiefly in bed. Kathleen Champneys, now a
pretty girl of 20, came, to stay. Has been V.A.D. during the war.
Sat. ,lOth Jan.
All our party and the Bournes to the Pantomime.
Sun.,llthJan.
At home and to church in the morning.'· Peace signed yesterday at Paris.
It is said the Extremists here want to start a Revolution in February and even
in this village some half dozen youths would follow a mob leader, one, a late
naval stoker, is pronouncedly one and has an evil countenance and his family
history is a poor one. "Prince" Barker, my gardener's' sori, ,;/ho is engine cleaner
at C~lton preaches Bolchevism to his family and his brother who was in the 8th
'and ,,,as waggoner to Starkey has the sack for practising Ca Canny. The "Prince"
an ugly lout is 'a, great dude, his S~day clothes, emulate a Lombard'Street Banker
and he earns' the nicknaine.' ,',
Our Sexton Cooper is a treasure, no face with flesh is so like a skull
and as he walks with aplayedfeet he wouid not want get up to act Hamlet's
sexton- in his black robe as he descends'the stoke hole during service to
mend the fire, it is a perfect "Doom"picture. Hargie sm" me laughing and
guessed the cause. I like a man to look his part.
Hon. ,12th Jan.
I was much reminded this evening of a scene in Pride and Prejudice,
my favourite novel. Tomorrow is a big County Ball at Newark and, tonight the two
girls Margie and Kathleen Champneys sat chatting and busy preparing finery.
Tues.,13th Jan.
To Toton.My.o~dfriend Mrs.Duf~y is seriously ill.
 ~leds.,14th Jan.
I started late for the meet but came on the hunt at Thistley Coppice just as
they found and had two hours hard galloping on the Uplands betwee~Epperstone and
Southwell.A large field, Col. Hugh Sherbrooke and 2 girls, the Richard Francklins,
George Hubberty, Capt. BlenJones (2nd Life Gds.) who married N. Birkin, Smith of .
Crop\'lell, vlyles, George \oJ'illiamson, 6 Seelys of Rainedale and. Sherwood, etc. . ..
Lady Seely in her car. ~ ~ cJ...a.1JL'
Thurs.,15th Jan.
So stiff from yesterday~s gallop. Sandy Hogarth to tea.
Fri.,l6"th Jan.
With Kathleen drove to Southwell and on to ~inkburn.

Sat. ,17th Jan.

Lunched with Percy and Muriel~ It· seems Sandy and Margie mean to make a
match of it. 21 and 18 too young, but he is a nice boy and was in France with the
Royal Horse Gds. M.G. Met myoId yachting friend George Fowler and then Hugh
Sherbrooke and on to our Rural De canal Conference to discuss plans to meet the
requirements of the Enabling Bill. Epperstone and Woodbro as two small.rural
parishes vote together as one to the Diocesan Conference.
Tues. ,20th :Jan. ~~da.&
Rode early to Raiu~a~ and later drove to Norwood Park.
Weds., 21st Jan.
Percy in his motor called for me for a 2 day run in Lincolnshire, so fitting
in a good lunch in a basket away by the Rufford road to Retford. After Ollerton
the rain cleared and the rest of our time was spring weather. Crossing the Trent
at Gainsboro we made for Scunthorpe passing some wild heaths. Brumby and
<p Scunthorpe are much grO\in since we were here 8 years ago owing to the huge
~ ironworks here. Thence to Normanby Park, Sir Berkely Sheffield's, a mile north. Sir B. is
~ ,much enriched by these ironstone beds which run some miles here. A futile run to
~ BGw'fopt Burton on Slathe on the Trent cliff with views right up the Ouse, we came
~. back and made for Grimsby by the sea road at Ferriby, with fine views of Yorkshire
~across the Humber. The tide was out fortunately or the sea might have been across
the road. Percy and I are fond of and seek these Land End routes when w~ can.
At Barton I saw the oldest church tower I have seen, near 1100·years old.
At Brocklesby we passed some hunting men coming home.
At Grimsby we put up at the Station Hotel, very clean and good.
Thurs. ,22rid Jan.
Halked through the docks but the only navy boat a "steam drifter". Grimsby
in war time must have been lively but the Zeps left it alone and bombed Hull
unmercifully. We drove round by Old Clee, a hamlet with an old Dutch gabled house
and fine church to Cleethorps 1 mile on. Grimsby, Cleethorpes has no straggling
suburbs, the houses hug the sea shore. The place rolls in money, the humblest
looking houses often fortunes of many thousands, the girls pretty and well dressed
and as the parents only live for money the daughters will take 2 or 3 outings to
London to enjoy the most expensive hotels, restaurants and living.
3.
WhilstPercy was busy I looked at the sea. When here as a boy.of 7
Cleethorpes began at the Station, then of wood, and ended at what is now the
Cliff Hotel. The sky and air was spring. The Boom against submarines is here.
and 2 miles south a n~w battery is built in the sea.
. .
Calling at Headon and failing-to see Capt. Portmanwe made for, Louth but
missed our way, crossed the vlolds down some· dangerous slopes by Binbrook, .'
Bayons Manor wher~ the Tennison-D'Eyncourts havea'grim looking fort.'
To Market Rasen, to Lincoln and home by the Fosse. Left Grimsby 2.30 and,
to tea at Epperstone 4.50. Quite 80'mile 'run. .
Fri. ,23rd Jan. -'
To the meet at East Bridgford Hall and went.into:see the Cartwrights there.
A good field out and drew the Trent Banks 'finding, soon and ran some way and along
the banks to Stoke where I left at Bloody Gap and the scene of Henry VII battle,
"ihen the last seen of' Lord LoveJlwas gallOping over' the' meadO\'/s. to Fiskerton , .
Ford till it was supposed
- .
his remains
'.,.
were.found
,'. '
at
.
Minster
.'
Lovellsome
, , ". .
years
',' ..
ago.
Sat. ,24th Jan.
'G-~~I,.
To Nottingham as Chairman of -G~thGPpe Bridge Meeting and,. declare.d4% Divd.
Sun. ,25th Jan.'
Patrick over for tea. Also Capt. Sherbrooke.-
Mon. ,26th Jan.
Rode to Southwell.
\1eds. ,28th Jan.
Hounds met at Calverton, found at once, a sudden turn and slight fog
threw out huntsman and.field for rest of day, :butCol~ Birkin had the pack
a good run to Plowman Wood but not go in, turned thr~ugh Leys Gorse and along.
the Dove Beck to Darcliffe Hill and across the ~mres~ to ground ~ t ~ ~
Thurs. ,29th Jan. . ..' , ' .. , . . . . . ' '. •
To the Thornton'SocietyTea at Newarkin the ~ld Grammar Scho61~ GUildf~rd
gave an account of Charles I surrender at Newark· fro~ letters he had seen in the
Bodleian and not yet brought to light (no doubt Scotch influence) it was evident
the Scots trapped the King and played a dirty game.
Fri. ,30th Jan. '
To Ruddingtonby train.
"

Sat. ,31st Jan.

Nottingham. Very busy.
Sun. ,1st Feb.
Sandy over from Oxford. Last Monday I forgot to say pretty Kathleen Champneys
left us. Her sister Violet marries out East on Thursday a wealthy Scott - a good
start for these girls~
Mon. ,2nd Feb.
Rode to Hexgreave Park and saw John'Wilsonand so. on to Norwood Park and saw,
Starkey, very pessimistic as to politics.
4-
Tues. ,3rd Feb.
Drove to Winkburn for chat with the Colonel and tea with Miss Burnell.
vleds. ,4th Feb.
Met hounds at bxton, found at Thurgarton and led well for a mile or more:
when my horse had slight over-reach.
Fri. ,5th Feb.
Southwell Council, and to Food Committee, when I called on Fruncklin's
friend James who has bought Beecher's old house. He and Edward were in Child's
Bank, both are well off,buth had noticed and placed my letter. to the Nottingham
Guardian pointing out Peel's flaw in Bank Act, and cause of the ruinous
depreciation of the £ in terms of gold and the remedy. Both approved.
Sat.,7th Feb.
To Nottingham and back at 2,. walking up by Lowdham church and foot\;,ay.
Duncan Pearson has a prett~ daughter seemed throwing goo-goo eyes at Capt.Ernest.
Sun. ,8th Feb.
Mrs. Dufty still lives. To see Burrows in the evening. Jack Brett and
young Kelham to tea.
Hon.,9th Feb.
To the meet.at Gedling and came on. the hunt at Ged!ting wood. A good field.
Found at Broughton Park and to ground near Epperstone. Found at Plo\iffian Wood
and to ground at Hunters Hill.
Weds. ,11th Feb.
Rode to Gold Hill and sm;, Starkey and so back by South\;,ell and Thistley
Coppice.
Fri. ,13th Feb.
To the meet at E. Bridgford old Hall and along the Trent Hills to
Stoke where we found near the Trent opposite Fiskerton and out fast through
Stoke Park to Elston where I left.
Sun. ,15th Feb.
Charlie, Annie and Patrick over for tea.
Hon. ,16th Feb.
Rode over to Non;,ood Park and·getting back all the Wilsons from Hexgreave
over about wire in tenants fences. At 6 to Peterbro going by Newark and put up
at 9 at the Railway Hotel •
. Tues. ,17th Feb.
Had a strollrourid the Cathedral and at 11 to Yaxley where Gee met me in his
cart and so first to Caldecot'Manor to see Humbley who agreed in a rise of rent
and then to Folksworth to meet some tenants and drove on to Stilton ~hence to Yaxley
and home at 8 via Newark. A most perfect spring day, as ,they have been for the past
10 days.
~.. la~
Weds.,18th Feb. ~I ~
, J
To ~he meet at Brackenhurst, Sir Wm. Hickings~ Found at Halloughton wood and
fast to Epperstone Park Wood, through it and to ground in Leys Gorse near Woodbro
Mill, ~going as Capt. Sherbrooke said in myoId style. My thoroughbred though an
easy h~ck is 'not used to our deep soils and moreover I can't afford to exhaust
him, I walk l~ stone. If I had some of myoId weight'carriers I could still
go with the best. "
Thurs.,19th Feb.
To Nottingham all day. Saw at the Castle specimens of the new art so called,
2 were downright good, .the others jokes, though an impression of a convoy in France
near the front at night will do.
Katie Spencer left us today, still regretting Clifford Priory days but.has
. ample means which at the Priory with our now awful taxation would not have been
ample. .
Mr$ Knight my sempstress just dead left £150. We shall miss her. She was 75.
Fri.,20th Feb.
Snow and ground covered.
Mon. ,23rd Feb.
Lunched with Laurence Wilson at Hexgreave and then rode to see and ask
Pogson to remove \.,.ire from fences. Kirklington is sold to Bennet,' who made a v
fortune in Mexico and is taking the Mastership of the Rufford.after Earl Man~ers
who has been Master 20 years. It was with the. previous Master Sir Launcelot
Rolleston~ I had so much hunting with these hounds on my horse Buckjumper which
carried me 14 seasons and not sick or sorry the whole time. I 11. stone then
and he up to 17 or 18 stone I never got to the end of him, a fine fencer
especially over timber. A fine ending to one season I think 2 or 3 and 20
years ago, a last day, the meet at Walesby, 17 miles was too far off but
Arthur Lascelles (one of the Harewood family) rode I slowly to Ossington on
excuse of seeing a farm hoping a turn in our favour. At Moorhouse one met us
to say hounds had run in the opposite direction but we had not turned homewards
100 yards when the fox crossed the road and the hunt close after and to ground'
in High Wood near to. Everyone turned off home but we to Sir Launcelot to explain
our plight.so he drew Wellow Park. Lumley, now Ld. Savile, the only one besides
ourselves and 2 good hours gallop to Ossington, Kneesal and Laxton open fields,
Egmanton Wood and we had to draw off at 6.30 going for Markham Clinton.~ea and
gruel for horses we got at Laxton and slowly home 17 miles by bridle way and sat
down to dinner at 10.30 with a bright fire and good wine.
To-day I left Laurence and Co. at Norwood Park but Starkey away so had tea
with his 2 girls.
Weds. ,25th 'Feb.
The hounds met at the Manor. L. Wilson came over arid we walked up to call
and got our horses after. The Gorse drawn blank, but found at the Park Wood and two
hours hunt fast to Graves Lane where for a time I had hounds to myself but coming
through Margaret Springs a second time close with hounds I had to ease my horse up
the steep hill and on reaching the top all had vanished, the hounds making a sharp
turn towards where field were towards Halam, and turning came right over Graves Lane
again on to the Forest and to ground at Calverton Tithe.
Fri. ;27th Feb.
To NonlOod Park and Saw Starkey and then to Hexgreave for lunch and sm'l
Beevers about wire who was almost at quarrel pitch.
Sat. ,28th Feb. '
To Nottingham and went to see Major Robertson who was 'in a nursing home,
having h~d an acci~ent out shooting.
Sun. ,29th Feb.
My old friend and neighbour, Mrs. Dufty died this evening in her 96th year,
hale and well till 5 weeks ago. The weather is phenomenl~ spring-like and snowdrops
over. Primrose and violet out.
Tues. ,2nd Mar.
R. Francklin to see me and then to Nottingham to see Major Robertson.
\"leds. ,3rd Mar.
To the meet at Lambley and found at Thistley Coppice, but I went home after
the first gallop.
Thurs. ,4th Har.
Lunched with Bradwell and to Toton by motor to meet Stanley Birkin who intends
to sell this estate. Mrs. Dufty buried at Epperstone. An old squirearchical England
is rapidly passing away in the sale of the estates, struggling on low rents through
40 years 0 f Agricultural Depression, crippled by Death Duties designed to ruin it:
it is overwhelmed by taxes, whilst an untaxed democracy riots in unparalled high
wages and Hammon the Manufacturer realises immense war Fortunes.
Fri. ,5th Mar. .
Rode to Southwell and busy some time in this old cathedral village. Polly
left for London (Sutton) to stay with her sisters.
Sat. ,6th Mnr.
Home early and Miss Smith and her sister Cicely (of our banking family)
to call and I took them to see Mrs. Dufty's housei but not likely to suit.
Vi Brett who for so long has looked after"her grandma, Mrs. Dufty, gets all
she could leave but the Epperstone property goes to Colonel Johnson under his
wife's will, who however intends to administer it for the 4 children, so I think
will not be sold: there are some 3 or 4 small homesteads and a dozen cottages
and with the.house let may make £350 a year. Some property at Lowdham going to
the Dufty's, so Vi will have all that good "furniture and may be £1000 or £1500
in shares and with her own £1000 may be· comfortable.
Sun. ,8th Har.
Charlie and Annie came to tea and on Thursday leave for the new home on the
hills near Pateley Bridge.
Weds. ,lOth Mar.
Met hounds at Gonalston and found in the osiers and so away for Thurgarton.
Busy all this week with Toton plans for the sale. "
Sat.,13th Nar.
At the Income Tax Commissioners sitting with Dobson. Heard of the death of Mrs.
Senhouse of Netherhall, Maryport, at whose house I have had some delightful visits.
She a most handsome woman and a d~lightful circle, by marriage aunt to Curzon of Kedlest
K~cl~1'l7l1,.
 Mon. ,15th Mar.
After fine warm weather a day of snow but all gone during the night and
phenomenal spring weather again.
\'leds. ,16th Mar.
Met hounds at Gedling Wood but did not find till we got to Thistley Coppice;
ran a ring by Car Holt and then along ~hurgar~onDumble, through Roselle Wood to
Epperstone.
, Thurs. ,18th Har. '
To Nottingham to see Bradwell the~uctioneer who is hav~ng the time' of his life ,
selling land. Estates being now broken up wholesale, 'and the' old landed families
fading away. Notts. is rich ,with old estates. Holden of Bramcote sold much of his;
200 years or more in family. Charlton of Chilt;lell 200:years, Willoughby, Lord ,', '
*Middleton of \"rollaton, since Edward 11 and by marriage since Conquest. Edge of' '," , , , '
Strelley since the Commonwealth. Rolleston of Watnall for centuries.*~haworth~~~ ,
Musters of Annesley and Wiverton time out of mind.*Cavendish Bentinck,Dukes of , .
Portland 400 years. Fi tzherbe,rts will have, estates.' White of vlallingwells 400 'years. ,
Hellish of Hodsock 300 years.*Moncktons, Lords Galwayri Dukes, of St. Albans', Bestw.oo~
250 years, some centuries at, Sulby.*Foljambe of Osberton,through the Thornhaughs
·for 300 years.*Clinton, Dukes of Newcastle, centuries, pierrepoints;EarlsManirers
at Holme Pierrepoint since Conquest. Lord Savilte at Rufford 400 years, Denison, of
Ossington aoo years, Burnell of Winkburn 400 years, SherUTooke of Oxton 300 years,
Francklin of Gonalston through the Monox 400 years, Bromleyof Stoke 250 years.'
Darwin of Elston, Fillingham of Syerston 200 years, Hildyard of Hinthamthrough the
Thorntons some centuries. Staunton of Staunton from SaXon time~.*Stanhope nOvl Herberts,
Ld~ Chesterfield, 400 years, Robertson ofWidmerpool near 150 years,*Clifton'of Clifton
time out of mind, Ld. Byron of Thrumpton through the Piggots. Lord,Howehas still most
of Gotham through Scroops and Tibtoftssince Edward I. BagnallWylde of Costock 250
years.
* Very large estates, some 17000 to 30,000 acres.
Fri.,19th Har.
Rode Teddy Bear to Southwell, a fine horse but must keep him for carriage work.
Sat., 20th Har.
, ,

To Nottingham to meet Bradwell and Birkin. Lunched at the Club.',

Sun. ,21st Mar.
Perfect Spring. To church in the morning. Margie left us last Thursday to stay
with friends at Skegness.
Mon. ,22nd Mar.
At home in office all day.
Tues. ,23rd Har.
To Nottingham to meet Birkin about selling Toton to Ball the Land jobber.
These land jobbers a curse of the times but death duties and taxes are crushing out
the old aristocracy from land. Margie came home. Sandy Hogarth was, at Skeg and sooner
or later I expect I must recognise an engagement. '
\'leds. ,24th Mar •.
Margie to stay with the Hombergers, she Sandy's aunt. I to the meet at Oxton
but did not go far, my horse not galloping free. I·suspect a.little thrush, my
drawback being Knight is not able, through sciatica, to exercise the horses.
Thurs. ,25th Mar.
. .
In the morning walked up to chat with Vi Brett; Mrs. Dufty's granddaughter who
was looking through old papers and she gave me the Highways A/cBook of 100 years
ago which had evidence that our farm lanes were repaired by the parish.
Sat., 27th Har.
Met Stanley Birkin to talk over the offer of Ball the land jobber of £72,000
for Toton 1036 acres and advise sale. Home by 1.35 train and walked home by the
footpath by Lowdharn church.
Sun. ,28th Har.
The Spring warm and forvJard, plum and blackthorn coming' into bloom. ,Patrick
came over from the Flying Depot atCranwell and he and Ernest stayed for supper
which was merry. P. left at 9 for·Cranwell, 36 miles which he expected to reach
under the hour.
Mon. ,29th Har~

Again to Nottingham and with Bradwell to see S. Birkin who was at the Basford
Forest Factory close to which is the small picturesque house which was the Birkin
residence for 50 or 60 years last century. The family is now one of the wealthiest
in Notts, a large area of land was their's about this house, nO\'1 all built on. Then
open heath. Birkin will take Ball's offer. The Birkins,Sir Thonas' sons, were 6,
3 of whom greatly distinguished themselves in the S.African and Great Wars.
Leslie D.S.O. had a brigade M.I. in Africa, Col.Chas. had the Robin Hoods in France,
is C.M.G. and Major Laurie was with the S.Notts Hussars'in Egypt, Gallipoli,Salonika
and France •. Stanley had 2 sons, 1 killed in the Flying Corps. He married Ld.ChetWYn's
sister. .
\·/eds. ,31st Mar.
To the meet at Newstead Hut coming on Capt.Sherbrooke's party crossing Oxton
Bogs. Ive drew Newstead Park, Harlovle Ivood, Langdale and Epperstone Park \'lood all
blank. Our last day.
Thurs. ,1st Apr.
Rode to Southwell to the Council and in the evening to meet Woodboro Parish
Council on the la~ ju~t let to them, and walked home through the fields and the
Manor Park.
Good Friday, 2nd Apr.
I was busy all morning on Toton Plans. Edward had motored from London and is
staying with my mother.
Sat. ,3rd Apr.
By 10 to Nottingham to. see Birkin' s lawyer with my papers. Edward and Margie .
called for me at the Club and so to Langarin rain and over bad roads. Percy and his
boy came soon,after.·Muriel is planting her garden. Bradwell came and I with him to
Elliot's farm for the Valuation. Geoff motored us back to Epperstone.
Easter Sunday, 4th Apr.
Polly, Hargie and I to early church. Rain. About fIJ communicants.
Sandy Hogarth to lunch.
Easter' Honday.
- ' . .
Clearing in the afternoon Hargie and I.to Gonalston to call on Mrs.Francklin
at the Do\.,rer House where Major and Mrs •. Nall,LordHarris al7d Mrs. §herbrooke and
very merry~
Easter Tuesday.
Fortunately fine as our point to point races 0" events) were held on Mr. Fallows'
farm at Oxton, a remote dale ,'surrounded with \.,rood and hills and C?harmed' all \.,rho rarely
get in this out of the way spot. Never had. we such a company, 4 times as many
people and motors as last in 1914. I rode, Polly motored with Percy's party,
and Hargie with the Hogarths and returned with the Cromptons of Stanton and all
to tea at my house.' 'A most enjoyable day. I met Mrs. Coates, Hiss Po\.,rell as viaS,
a pretty girl who had been nursing in Gibraltar and Malta 5 years past. She must be
in her thirties, but would easy pass as inher'twenties~
At 6 to our Vest~y meeting, and later the new Church Council elected. I don't
like the idea as the congregation wherever from and not the householders of the
tOvmship is the unit. It .will break the constitution of 1500 .years. So far as a .
village is concerned the Church is 'the Vestry and the Vestry is the State which
is as it should be with the church\.,rardens as consuls. ' .
Wednesdny,~th Apr.

Rode to Hexgreave for lunc~where I,spent the day.

Thurs. ,8th Apr.
To Newark and. walked to Balderton Hall for lunch where Cousin Emily and 2
pretty grandchildren. She very reminiscent of the old times especially of her
first meeting with my mother at Ridley's Hotel, High Holborn, a fewweeks.after .
my birth in 1862. Her father and she with a brother and sister met my grandfather,
grandmother, mother and uncle and aunt War\.,rick and boys to see the Exhibition at
Kensington, a merry June party in prosperous days.
Then I went over the property and back for tea where Colonel Harry War\.,rick
and his \.,rife and boy and .shortly Arthur. It is a fine house \'lith fine gardens in
100 acre park 3'miles south of Newark. It rained hard in the, evening.
Fri.,9th Apr.
To Nottingham ior ~eting of the Income TaX Commissioners and· walked up
from Lowdham. Heavy rain.
Sat.,lOth Apr.
Kept at home and again rain. To Vi Brett at 5 and going over a lot of
interesting old books dating back to Charles II"reign,.the acuumulation of an
old establishment.
Sun.llth Apr.
Dr. Hogarth and wife to see if Mrs. Dufty's,willsuit them. Sandy to see Margie.
10.
Mon.12th Apr.
To the Vestry at St. Mary's at Nottingham, a meeting to consider raising
funds for a new Derbyshire Diocese.
Tues.,13th Apr.
My 58th birthday and in the house I was born in.
Thurs.,15th Apr.
YoungSelby of Ne\.,rark to sell the furniture of lithe Den" a cottage used
as an annexe to my father's little house when he sold the Manor in 1893. It
had not been used for 4 years and little since I returned to my grandfather's
old home. .
Fri.,lGth Apr.
Rode to Southwell to the Council and in the evening to our Parish
Council to elect overseers.
Sat. ,17th Apr.
To the Income Tax Commissioners meeting and the Court of Sewers at the
Shire Hall.
Hon.,18th Apr.
To Southwell for the Fair and then on to Norwood Park for tea.
Tues.,19th Apr.
Drove to Winkburn to make up Farm Accounts and tea with Miss Burnell.
\'leds. ,20th Apr.
With Margaret to stay with Percy for the Hunt Ball and a merry dinner before,
our party Percy, Muriel, Margie, self, Patrick, Geoffry, Pat Ashwell, Mrs. Wray.
Ne~nnan's band now s~id to be the best ball band in England. A very good ball.

Thurs., 22nd Apr.

Left Margaret at North Lodge for a few days and another ball. Our first
Church Council at the Rectory held.
Fri. ,23rd Apr.
To see my dentist.
Sat. ,24th Apr.
To Newark. Polly and Margaret to the Golf Club and I to Charlie's for Nicholsons
meeting and 8% free of tax dividend given.
Thurs.,29th Apr.
Called at Oxton to ·see 11rs. Jarvislate of Doddington to see if she will
take Mrs. DUftY"s house and. then rode through the fields to Gold Hill,Halam,
to meet the tenantright valuers.
Sat. ,1st Hay.
We gave had ~9re or less rain for a month though sunny afternoons the last
two weeks. To Nottingham to the Income Tax Commission, Edge of Strelley and I
there, and home at 2. To my mother's and played besique.
/I.
Sun. ,2nd May~
Rain all last night. Po11y, Margaret and I to church in the morning, not many.
The Rector's family, Mrs. Bourne of the Manor, Misses Edison, choir. Old Mrs. Meads
a regular attendant and some old lady lives with her, suffers from palsy.
Tues. ,4th Nay.
To, Nottingham to st. Mary's at 12 to make declaration of office of churchwarden
and waited for the Bishop's address. Major Robertson th~re; and showed him the new,
window to Monica Wade Da1ton who died of, septicpn~umonia, a bride of 7 days. To'my
dentist at 2. ' , '
Thurs. ,6th May.
Rode to Lower Hexgreave at 9 and remained till 7 with the tenantright valuers. Fine.
Sun. ,9th Hay.
With Po11y and Margaret to lunch atWoodbro Ha1~. I walked looking in at the
Bugle Horn opposite the church to see old Sergt .Leafe v/here several of the old'
Thonney Wood Chase Corps and urged them to get the young men ,to j~in the 8th Shenvoods.
Hon. ,10th May.
Arrived London at 2 and had 'a snack at the ,Buffet and so by underground to my
. hotel, the R. Court in Sloane Square. Called on mysister~in-1av/ Monica at her
sisters Mrs. Stan1ey Bou1ter in Sloane Street, both pretty. \'lalked on by Cheyne
i'lalk for tea with E11a. who' came to dinner with' ·me. '

Tues. ,11th Hay.

Early to the City, South Seahouse.to meeting of one of my Rubber Companies
and' rejoiced to hear that we receive a dividend this year, the last 107& 3 years ago,
and then the restriction of imports here and with the U.S.A. put us in a difficulty.
Looked in at Bow Church, a fine 'hall but would look better with glass like the seven
sisters at York. \'lren' s churches look better sombre. A great vandalism threatens in
pulling dO\VIl 19' of the city churches, such havens of peace. For 150 years after the
Reformation practically no churches were built. till London Fire ,when 70 or 80 were
built in a style unique' and magnificent, with unequalled companules,joinery and '
carving. To destroy the companu1es alone could only· be comparable to pulling dO\VIl,
the Parthenon or the destruction'of Rheims. Called at Link1aters the great solicitors
in Bond Court and joined E11a for lunch and spent the afternoon in Kew Gardens. .
To the Surveyors Institution at the Connaught Rooms. L~rd.Pee1 spoke well and clearly,
very amusingly. The Ld.Chief Justice not so audible. The Rural Land Agents not
numerous, the Official Land Officers very numerous, so marches Socialism on.
\·leds. ,12th May.
I was to have breakfasted with the Charnwoods in Eaton Square but a fire there
put all kitchen arrangements out of gear so called at 10 for a chat. Lady C. has
got her portrait as a child by Mil1ais, an excellent, one like a Romney, she \vas
the most lovely ,child but even paint fails to do justice 'to her white skin and
peach bloom, she ,was the most, lovely child I· have ever seen. With E11a to the
Academy and lunched at the R.A.C.,my great palace, in Pall Mall and tea with, her and
Edith Stewartat the latter's flat at Chelsea talking over Cawsand days, the Boy1es,
Cay1eys, etc. and all our merry party there 30 years ago. Left St.pancras 5.30 and
home at 10. " ;
 ,
Thurs. ,13th; May.
Lovely spring day and home all day.
Fri. ,14th May.
With Belt to R. Francklin at Oxton making out a farm balance sheet
and walked home through the Park Wood, my father's great delight.
Sat. ,15th May.
'To Nottingham and home at 2. Though last year we had £1700 of income I
am not better than by £250 in spite of our quiet \-lay of living, \-lhich sho\-ls
the pressure of taxes. Of this some ~O goes in taxes at least, in fact
with rates etc. nearer £500.
sun.16th May.
Patrick to see me from Cranwell Flying College~

Mon. ,17th May.

Sent in my Income Tax return and find last year has been good, my office
profit £1100 out of which I paid my mother £709 Stathern another £200 paid by
business account and in all saved £400 to £500 to the good, as the woodland
sold to advantage. Hy own privat.e income of about £600 is reduced to £400 by
taxation and over another £1300 in. tax on office account.
Tues. ,18th May.
A busy day with an audit at Epperstone, SeelySA, the Rector, Morris.
'{eds. ,19th May.
A busy day at Nottingham. To the Bank, dentist, Agricultural office about
Wilson and Burnell and to the auction at 3, buying 2 acres at Woodboro for Seely.
Thurs. ,20th May.
Drove at 9 to Bingham Station and to Peterbro and after looking round the
Cathedra~ to Yaxley and drove to Norman Cross Hotel. Walked on to Folksworth
where I was till 7 seeing many of the tenants. The North Road is again alive
with motor traffic.
Fri. ,21st May.
A perfect summer day. Drove round this beautiful estate'·and later held
the rent audit" Home by Newark at 8.
Sat. ,22nd May.
Sandy Hogarth from Oxford today,Margaret's sweetheart. Ernest and he talking
of the great 1918 campaign, he.in the Royal Horse Guards, then machine gunners,
and passed through the 46th N.Midland Division (Territorial) at Ramicourt,early
in Oct. Sandy's last battle was at Wassigu~:on 4th Nov. where his corps went back
to Bohain to rest and the \'Jar ended 7 days later. He and Ernest then near each other.
Sun. ,23rd May.
To early church with Margaret at 8~ Perfect summer. Ernest came to supper.
13.
\'ihit Monday, 24th Hay;,
Sauntering about the village and calling at the Rectory. Hrs. Homberger came
in her car for Sandy at 4. A children's fete with band, going round the village
gardens. This is a relic of the old village club day, a solemn occasion in great
rural state,church at 11, dinner at 1, and dancing on the lawns in the evening, .
the Club men in full regalia~ This fell through in the war but a children's f;te",~,
was kept up.' . . . ,.
Tues. ,25th Hay.
To Oxton whence Mrs. Sherbrooke took. me in her motor to \'iinkburn where we
inspected the War Farm, the hill land we were.ordered to plough, so.far with a
loss of £700. Then to tea at the Hall with Miss Burnell and I to see the Colonel.
\'leds. ,2B£h Hay.
\/.
To the Conservative meeting at Newark, Lord Man~ers in the Chair, and tea
with Richardson.
Thurs. ,27th Hay.
By train to Hinckley and Tomlin drove me out to Wyken hamlet where I went
with Thorpe over his farm. Nell came to stay with us.
Fri. ,28th Hay.
Cycled to the Council at Southwell and then to the Norwood audit at the Crown
where Knight had driven my clerks. Then on to Norwood Park for tea with the Starkeys.
Sat. ,29th Hay.
To Nottingham. Heavy thunderstorms;, Lady Ley called, the first time since she
left the Manor. Gordon has bought Lazenby Hall which completes the ring of his
4000 acre estate there and Kirk Oswald where is salmon in the Eden and miles of
trout fishing and 8000 acres shooting on the fells.
Sun. ,30th Hay.
Patrick and Capt. Darwin over from Cranwell. Hy mother had quite a reception
after morning church.
Hon. ,31st May.
Cycled to Bingham and trained to Harby and so to Eaton to see the Ironstone
\vorkings. Saw Hathevl Hubbard who bought his farms, 600 acres, of the Duke of Rutland.
The Duke has sold 13,000 acres about. here but retains 20,000 acres round Belvoir.
The tenants mostly purchased but would have preferred.to remain tenants of the Duke.
The views over the Vale were superb right across to Owthorpe Borders, Langar my
sister's house, on a mound by the great church among its trees in the centre.
The house and church at Langar are so close as to appear one building.
Thurs.,3rd June.
To Ruddington for the audit, Stevenson meeting us to drive us out. Oldershaw
from the Bank came for dinner which we have here. Hy grandfather was agent here in the
"forties". Hiss Paget still alive at.90. The Pagets have a long connection here since
the Parkyns sold the parish. The Parkyns, baronets, o\vued Ruddington, Bradmore,Bunny,
Thorpe in glebe and large part of Leake or Costock and no\v not an ,acre. BUIU;1Y Park and
Bradmore \vent 10 years ago after centuries of O\vuership. Hiss Parkyns the last alive
in a cottage here. .
Fri. ,4th June. ~ /0.-
Margaret left t6stay,with her uncle Charlie at Sigsworth in Ridderdale,
his ne\'l home t with trout fishing and a grouse moor to enjoy. '
\{eds.,9th June.
To Nottingham with Beltror the Widmerpool audit. The cattle show on, after
6 years but did not go. I do not think these, agricultural shov/s much good to
farming and are chiefly promoted by shopkeepers,' auctioneers,' solicitors t, for
advertisement. '
Thurs.,lOth June.
To Newark to meet the Warwicks and Corry's'tenants. To the 8th Sherwood Depot,
a quiet place since our memories of August 1914. 2 ,German 9.5 Howitzers'support '
the entrance.
Fri.,llth June.
Nell"Harold's wife, left usforLondon~·She has an amusing gift of mimicry
which yesterday phe used after, a call at Thurgarton Priory, once the abode of the
Bishop, now a specimen first water, of the ,War Profiteer with the lIindispensible ll
son of 29 ,all complete. To Oxton for the audit. Oldershaw.met me for the money.
Sat.,12th June.
, ,

A complete home day in'lovely weather and to Miss Eddison's and some, cottages
to'admire the gardens.
H.Bn.,14th June.
Drove with Belt to Winkburn for the audit followed by the usual good dinner
at the Burnell Arms, which dinner we were able to have right through the War.
A call at the School v/ith 14 little scholars and so to see the Colonel and tea
with Miss Burnell. ,
Thurs.,17th June.
Early train to Stamford,having to change at Manton, and an hour to spare I
walked to thevvillage to call on Major Adkins, formerly Brigade Major to our Brigade
when Earl Man,ers had it. One of the Sinclair family at the house, a stone built,
one in the middle of the village, 16th century with 17th century front. At Stamford
Hiles motored me to \'lashingley where I sold him timber." Returned by Peterbro and
Nottingham. A lovely day. Margie home. . '
Sun. ,20th June.
Rain. To tea at Lowdham Grange to meet Barnby Sm1ththe Trustee. '
Hon. ,21st June •. _
To Norwood Park early but Starkey leaving for London being. Chairman ,of a H.of C.
Committee.
Tues. ,22nd June ~
Drove with Margieto Woddbro and about that village.
Thurs.,24th June.
At 2 to R~ddingham and tea with the Vicar.
Fri. ,25th June.
To the Southvlell Council. Dined at the Hodney with the Food Committee, and to our
last meeting. Called at Grant House to see James vlho showed me. his garden. Not being
able t~ get house servants he lives with Ed.Francklin, at Gonalston Hall. My coumin'
Philip Warwick has bought the Normanton.Prebend.
IS"·Sat. ,26th June
Sandy Hogarth to lunch and later his mother and a tennis party. Capt.Fowler and
Patrick from Cranwell stayed to dinner. Margie goes next week to Seacroft.
Harold is again at Constantinople with the Revenge,treuble brewing.
Hon. , 2eth June
In the afternoon to Ruddington and had tea with the. Vicar.
Tues.,29th June.
Major Robertson here for lunch.
\leds. ,30th June~
To the Grir'therp& Bridge Directors Meeting and decide to give 4% dividend.
Rain beginsSs~11t<t¥-e
Thurs.,lst July.
Polly, Margie and I to lunch at the Manor where Lady Charles Bentinck, a pretty
pleasant woman, was a Grenfell. In the afternoon a Fete and Sale but the morning
so wet a tent was pitched in the stable yard. Uas fine till 6 and quite a success
realising £200.
Fri. ,2nd July.
Rain all night but better when a merry motor party left us at 1.30 for Seacroft
on the Lincs.coast. Mrs. Bourne's 3 boys, 2 nurses, who took Margie who stays a month
there with Mrs. Hogarth. .
Sat. ,3rd July.
Went to Nottingham and bought fish which is much cheaper. Haddock fresh 7d.per lb.,
turbot lId.
Sun. and Mon.4th & 5th.
Very wet.
Tues. ,6th July
Rode to Hexgreave for lunch, rainy but soon'cleared to a lovely day, rain at night.
It has rained a week and hay is spoiling.
\veds.,7th July
To Nottingham and walked by Wilfordto Ruddington, a lovely walk, and back by
train at 2 for the Thornton Society, meeting at Bromley House, the last old Palace
in the Market Place, now a Proprietory Library of which I am one.
Thurs. ,8th July
The furniture sale that was Mrs. Dufty's, her granddaughter Vi Brett going to
the pretty little house in the garden whilst Gervase Milward, who married Elsie
Musters of Annesley, comes to the larger house. Very unsettled weather. Mrs.Francklin
and Hrs. Edward called.
Fri.9th July
Drove to Gold Hill to see repairs and on to the Council at Southwell which
forced by our squander government we in half hour debate decided to apply for £130,000
loan for houses. Sixteen years ago our district had no debt. To Halam for Laura
Starkey's funeral, 25 years ago often a pleasant dance partner of mine. Polly had a
tea and bridge party. .
/6. , ,

Sat.,lOth JUly.
Rainy and to Nottingham Shire Hall for the Court of Sewers. Paid many bills
and left letters for this 2d.post. It pays to be one's o\~ postman if convenient.
Everyone complains of government control of trade. Home at.3. I have never
kno\m so cold and vlet 'af July. Afe\11 got hay and seeds in in time.
Sun.,llth July'
, ~To early Service, at 8; Ernest has 6 recruits here, for, the 8th Sherwoods
and was drilling them on my lawn this morning.
Mon. ,12th July, '
Drove to Winkbu'rn and vralked round the \var Farm, the land \l1e had to plough
up by order and so far are £750 out of pocket. The crops look promising. This
land lies about the Park Springs and Lady Woods, with fine views of this fine
wooded estate of 4000 acres. To see the Colonel and tea
, ' . with Miss Burnell.
\veds. ,14th July
, To Nevlark 'and met Burrows the \"linkburn bailiff and lunched \l1ith Charlie. A
gay market day.
Thurs.,15th July
Rode Teddy Bear to Farnsfield. Met Capt. Sherbrookeriding a young colt.
Rode home by Graves Lane and the wild secluded hills near here.
Fri. ,16th JUly, '
To Nottingham and iunched at Percy's. Tolly the amateur \vorld Golf
Champion there, friend of Geoff, also hissweethe~ i.e. Geoff's Millicent
Orr-Ewing, Lady Margeret's daughter. Willie Randall. After to the Tennis
Tournament \l1here many lights' of the Tennis \Vorld and a gay company. Margie
still at' Skeg. '
Sa.t.,17th July
Polly with Ernest to the Tennis Tournament.
Sun. ,18th July
Church at 11, but first to Vi Brett's little house with such a pretty
view. The little Holland girls have ,tamed a young swallow, will come at call
and feed.
Hon.,19th July
To Laythorpe Mill in the afternoon to meet Gregory who O\1nS and Lockton
of Newark the Surveyor. of our Swwers Commission and walked the Dove Beck to the
. Trent where a fine view, of that river and the wooded hills on the other side.
Tues.,20th'July
To Widmerpool and walked over Pages farm at Stanton, very badly farmed.
v/eds. ,21st July
To the Grill1therpe Bridge Me'eting at Nottingham and had hard \.,rork to get
our Quorum.' ,~"':-4'\..~
Thurs.22nd' July
Old John Leak the cobbler over 80 a picturesque but dirty figure, once a
great cricketer, born at Epperstone son of William Leak, born at Thurgarton, said
his cousin Richard Leak born at Cross ~eys,Epperstone, son of John Leak born at
Thurgarton, went from Newark 50 years ago to America, was in Branston's'
office and father at Newark then. A Leak of England died in America some 14·
or 15 years ago or more and left 5 millions wanting heirs.
Fr. ,23rd July
Rode to Southwell to the Council, a.dull day, and then Gold. Hill to view repairs.
Starkey not home from London, so home at 4 after getting many mushrooms in the field
used in the War as a landing place for airplines, then an old soldier was in attendance
in a hut near by. At Southwell using BrackenhurstHall tower and at Rabnsdale Park
were watchers (soldiers) .to report and phone movements of German airships at night.
Sir.W. Hicking lent Brackenhurst and Burgage Manor at Southwell as V.A.D.Hospitals
. for convalescent soldiers, Lady Hicking being head of one and Miss Small of the
other (3 pip rank). The Southwell streets lively with the bright blue uniform
and scarlet ties •
. Sat. ,24th July
A Labour Demonstration beginning at Lowdharnas I came from the train-at 2,
banners, bands. I heard of. most revolutionary speakers preaching Class \var and·
a bolshevic revolt. These fellows paid no doubt by some hostile agency while
our silly fools are dupes. It was supposed to be agricultural by the Carlton
Railway cleaners, a nest of revolt were the most numerous and scarcely a man
over 25 among them.
Sun. ,25th July
To early church. To see my Mother at 11.30 .and Vi Bret in her pretty cottage
in the evening.
Mon. ,26th July
Rode to Norwood Park, dark and lowering and much rain, but missed me.
Tues.27th July
Walked across the fields through Woodbro to Woodbro Park Farm and home,
a sunny day, save one shower. Met two of the 8th disabled in the War.
\'leds. ,28th July'
To Nottingham.
Thurs. ,29th July
Margie came home from Seacroft.
Fri.,30th July
Capt.Sherbrooke took me to the Kennels for. the Puppy Show, the Huntsmen of the
Cottesmore and Belvoir to judge~, C. Wright, Major and Mrs. Cooper, Sir W.Hicking
there. The Master, Col.L. Birkin had provided a light lunch and champagne but he,
I am sorry to say, detained ill. Pretty Madge Ch~pneys came.
Sat. ,31st July
Holidays begin. Fine. The last of a wet July. .
1.'3. ,
Sun. ,1st August.
The 8th SheTI~oods off to Scarbro Camp and I got on the train to Nottingham
and back by the 10.30. More than half old War Veterans, as were all the officers.
Col.Bertram Smith joined at Nottingham and I greeted many old ,comrades. Fine.
It seemed refreshing to see a Troop triin again. The situation· is dark with the
Red Invasion of Poland and Civil War in Ireland.
Tues. ,3rd Aug.
To Nottingham and home at 2. Hampton Copnall, the Clerk of the Peace and
County Council and his wife 'to tea' and to see the church.
Thurs.,5th Aug.
Percy and his younger boy motored fro~Langarand taking Polly, Margie and I
by Rufford to the Kennels at~llow for the PuppYvjudging and a lunch given by
the new Mas~er, Bennett of Kirklington. Lord Man~ers, the retiring Master, there.
Bennett has just bought Kirklington and the houds, is immensely rich, a S.American
fortune I think. Noel Clark his Grand Visier. I sat by Morgan for so many years
huntsman to the Grove and Lovd FitzWilliam.
Fri.,6th Aug.
Rode to the Council at'Southwelland then to see Starkey at Norwood.
Sat~, 7th Aug.
To Nottingham to vote for Laurence Wilson for the County Club.
Tues.,lOth Aug.
To Ruddington and tea with the Vicar.
\'leds. ,11th Aug.
To Nottingham.-My brother LeC?ndard (William) came to stay. Poland trouble
looms and our Revolutionary Labour threaten seriously.
Thurs.,12th Aug.
Drove to Winkburn. Rainy. Much hay still uncut, we have not had but once
2 consecutive fine days for 8 weeks. Tea with' Miss Burnell~ A good promise of corn.
Fri. ,13th Aug.
About Oxton with R. Francklin arranging ~ncrease of rents .to many tenants.
Met Mrs. Sherbrooke on her Dony with a bucket and Miss Stapleton in farming dress.
Miss S~ in smock and Mrs. S~ in brown jerkin and said I wish I could make a Morland
print of, them, they were so picturesque.'Polly had a tennis party. Capt. and Mrs.
Milward, Dowager Milward, Captain Sherbrooke who brought his sister Mrs. Popert,
Miss Marsh, Bourne, William. Fine weather set in.
, , '

Sat.~4th Aug.
To Nottingham, fine but misty, which added to the view from the hill above
Lowdham Church on my home walk.
Sunday,15th Aug.
Summer at last.
 Mon. ,16th Aug.
To tea at the Bro\vne's pretty c~ttage where P. and I lived when first married
to meet one of our late Rectors, McLean and his wife, he now Vicar of W. Hackney.
My brother W.Leonard left us to lodge with the Hilleys, he has had an extraordinary
life, travelling and staying with people of. name. I think he was practically an
. unofficial diplomatic agent. For three winters he was guest with Krupenski, the late
Czars Ambassador in Pekin. In Malay with Keyser and SirF. Swett~nham 26 years ago,
one winter ~est of Villatobar, Spanish Ambassador at Washington. In Paris the entre~
of the Faublg~St. Germans, in Vienna with Krupenski, in Russia with Prince Murski,
in Germany ,1ith the Plesses of Hockberg,in Stockholm with Puckler, German Ambassador,
Wd' J 18"11... . .
~, ~Aug.

To Nottingham County Club to meet Sarson, asst. Manager of Cr~pton's gigantic

concern, Stanton,Holwell & Riddings Blast furnaces.
Thurs. ,19th Aug.
Dined with W. Leonard at his rooms, Ernest there. At Scarbro in 1914 the
Germans did not escape scatheless, our small guns got to work and the German ships
lying so near had 200 casualties.
Fri.,20th Aug.
Cycled to Gold Hill where I met Starkey and. then on to Southwell.
Sat. ,21st Aug •
. The little Bourne boys to tea and much merriment.
Tues. ,24th Aug.
Percy and his younger boy Leonard (Tommy Teddy) came to dinner and to stay the
night previous to our expedition to Yorkshire, and Charlie also arriving and with Ernest an
W. Leonard in the village we all to dinner at my house, an unexpected reunion.
Heds. ,25th Aug.
Started at ~ to 7 mn our motor trip, Percy, his boy and I, via Southwell,
Newark, Lincoln and to Brigg near which a leak in the pump caused trouble so patch up
and breakfast (ll/-) at the Angel at Brigg, about 9. Off then by Elsham Park (Astley-
Corbett) and Barton to New Holland Ferry, being stopped at the railway gates. I thought
the hurry of 2 cars in front heralded difficulty which it did, a long platform crawl
behind ~ mile of people, round sharpest corners and dangerous slopes into the boat and
so across to Hull where the Government during the War had installed an electric crane
for motor cars and made landing easier. We then made for the Castle at Grimston Garth
where in 1913 we had all so romantic a visit when Percy had the place lent him, and
in 1914 just before the outbreak of War we paid a hurried ended visit. The Castle
stands so remote in its 100 acre wood fringed park close to the sea and views for
25 miles round from its towers. It had been occupied by troops all the war. Though
18th century Geo.II building it has a good castle outline with its 5 angle towers
and centrQl tower and there. is good work in the house, the whole atmosphere very
Hrs. Kadcliffey.
We then to Aldborough and lunched by the coast guard station. Percy to the
camp of hutments built in the War, a territorial regiment in training there now.
Most desolate and absolutely deserted were the huge air force camps at Carlton
near Lincoln and near Fillingham, 3 years ago teaming with life.
. . '-0,' '. u,/v,
. . Arriving at Bridlington looked at the church, a magnificent naye of
the old Priory church and at 5 had tea at the Quay and a look at the harbour, and so
on to Hummanby Hall to stay \V'ith Percy'.s sister-in-law Lady Bayley, \V'hich \'/i th
8000 acres her husband recently purchased of the Mitford Riddels. The house
built about time of Commonwealth three sides of a court, had in part of this court
a fine 3 storey pavillion of Char~s II time with a number of fine panelled rooms.
I was lodged in the State room. A merry dinner at 7.30, a large party of children
in the house. Lady Bayley showed.us the gardens after, the walled gardens being
extensive. The house. stands in a park embosomed in woods and the forecourt is .
entered from the village green. The 'sea, Filey Bay, is ~ mile off.
Thurs. ,26th Aug.
Lady B. showed us the interesting church by the geeen, mostly Norman,
a beautiful female figure in a monument in the Chancel and so about the village
. and Park till the Bradford Police arrived by charabanc to play the village on
the Park ground but after lunch we all to Filey sands near Sperton Cliff to bathe
and tea, a party of 20. A bright sunny day.
Fri. ,27th Aug.
After a pleasant loafing morning we left after lunch, Percy and I delighted
with our stay where indulged in children's nonsense all the time. Kathleen is 16,
Barbara 12, Tom 14, Elsie ~, and lithe Blimp" a fat fair girl baby of 2. So on to
York to see the Cathedral and buy chocolate at Terry's and then via Knaresboro
Ripley and Pateley Bridge we arrived at Charlie's Lodge at Sigsworth right on the.
Moors.,where Annie and he and a merry dinner for his 55th birthday. In the grounds
is a remarkably pretty fairy glen. C. has 200 acres shooting more than ~ moor
and 200 acres of woods, and 3 miles of trout fishing. .
Sat: .28th Aug.
Up early and walked up the Moor to ne~ Sigsworth Craggs and so got a view to the h
head of Ridder Dale and the vast moors and so back to breakfast and after a loiter we
started for home and Percy taking the wrong turn went over the. hill near Brimington Rocks
to Ripon where we looked in the Cathedral and the view of it from S.E. good. On both
sides we passed huge hut camps now entirely deserted but 2 years ago for 40,000 or
60,000 men. Then via Harrogate in full fashionable tide at noon,Boston Spa, Tadcaster,
a bad road to Selby. Down the Rufford Road,through the Dukeries and Sherwood Forest,
home very tired. A small tennis party with Charlie's son Patrick there, and he,Polly,
Margie and I to Williams rooms for dinner, so ending a busy 4 days.
r,Ion. ,30thAug.
Polly and I to tea at the Rectory to meet Mrs. Jarnes sister who had lived in
Brussells through the War. Her husband was interned.
Tues. ,31st Aug.
Lunch at Hexgreave.
Beds.,lst Sept.
To Nottingham to meet S. Birkinand to lunch at his house, his family now
at Runton in Norfolk. Then to Sands office for our Water Committee.
Thurs.,2nd Sept.
Drove with Margie to Farnsfield where L. Wilson and his father met us to look
at a derelict house of theirs and then on to Graves Lane home. To Gonalston and saw
the NaIl baby, exa~tly like her father.
 Fri. ,3rd Sept.
. .~
. V~olet Champneys and her husband the Hon. Eric Macfadypto stay with us, she
now a geautiful woman of 24, and promises even more.,Pleasan~to see a dowerless
girl provided with a rich husband, and 2 turtledoves.
Sat. ,4th Sept •
. .With Eric .drove to Southwell to see, the Minster and Country. Violet.is
"expecting".
Sun.,5th Sept.
Major Noel Clarke now deputy M.F~H. Rufford to lunch. All Langar party
in morning.,
Hon. ,6th Sept •
"'!.. . , . '.
The Macfadynsleft and I to bed, very seedy and remained invalid rest of week.,
A '
Thurs~,9th,Sept~

Margie's tenn~s party. Mrs. Starkey and daughter, Patrick, Capt.AitkencRelham,

the Rector and daughter •. I \'las kept at home but on Tues.14th ,drove to Gold Hill and
Non1ood, but \'lastOD ill the rest of week to venture out. Kitty Neligahand her boy and
. Irish nurse came and her husband followed on Friday and stayed till Monday, and I also
to my dentist \'lho looked serious and said some teeth affected with pyorrhea were
pouring poison into the stomaph and accounted for illness;so had 4 out at once.
\'leds. , 22ndfSept •.
To the dentist again and lunch at the club with L~ \-Jilson and his father.
Thurs.,23rd Sept.
Hargie had a girls tennis party. It. \ms really 'a summer afternoon. The. first
. since the first week in June. This summer and autumn the,coldestand dullest in
memory.
Fri~,24th Sept.

. . Kitty Nelligan left us. ?andy.Hogarth to lunch. Mrs. Page came from Stanton ' ,
. about the ,Notice to ~it for bad farming;, the:Agricultural'Committee urging the Major
. to it. " " . . . ," . .' . .' ," .
Mon. ,27th Sept •.
To Basford to lunch with my old yachting friend Fowler, now 80.
,Tues.,28thSept}
Drove to Winkburn with Margie for tea with Miss Burnell.·'
v/eds. ,29th Sept.
A busy day in Nottingham signing Collectors warrants, etc. Lunch at the Club
and met Hajor Robertson.
Thurs.,30th Sept.
. Cycled through Graves Lane to see repairs to Youngs farm and· the same at
Gold Hill. Sandy, Hogarth came to stay till tomorrow.

\
.\,
Fri., 1st Oct •
. Cycled to the Council at S~uthwell,a lovely morning after 10 days.fine
but it turned to rain.
Sat., 2nd Oct.
Harold from Scotland for breakfast, the first visit since he left with the
Fleet to Constantinople and th~ East. Sundry Admirals and Brigade ,Generals whose
rank is Major or reverting magnify the situation in reports home so to continue
their position. At, first English were popular with the Turk, now not so in, our support
of the poisonous Greek. Heavy rain at 12.

Thurs. ,7th Oct.

Harold left us last Honday. To-day I early to Yaxley near Peterbro where Gee
met me and I drove all round the Washingley estate in lovely weather. Had some
goats milk at Folksworth, the first I have tasted. I like all the cottage people
about here. Return by Newark and called in to see Charles Richardson •.
Fri. ,8th Oct.
Cub hunting in Epperstone Park.
Hon. 11th Oct.
'Polly we~t to stay with Charlie at Sigsworth Lodge in the middle of the Moors
near Pateley Bridge. I cycled to Winkburn to see the Colonel.
Fri. ,15th Oct.
Rode to Graves Lane to see' the repairs at Youngs Farm.
Sat. ,16th Oct.
To Nottingham and lunched with Muriel and Percy. As P.said .in case of social
trouble his house is the first to be attacked but perched high on a rock is a fairly
good fortress. The coal strike began today which many say is a herald to Bolshevik
rising.
Sun.,17th Oct.
Hargie and I to church at 11 and in the afternoon to tea at Gonalston Hall
with the Francklins.
Hon. ,18th Oct. '
B
To the meet of the Rufford at Oxton North Gate, the Master ennet and Noel
Clarke out, pleasant men, Capt. and Mrs. Sherbrooke, Hrs. R. Francklin, Miss' Kyrle
Smith. Drew the Seely woods at Syke Breck and found. This country getting
forestral again, \'las barren farm land. Hargie to Nottingham, Sandy Hogarth being
home for the day. All pits idle I 'am told.
Tues.,19th Oct.
To Oxton to meet Richard Francl{lin~ he engaged with the Live Stock Officer.
(vlliat a lot of officials we have nowadays). Selling pigs to him for smallholders.
We then walked to Beauford and arranged with some small tenants a rise in rent.
At 1 cycled to Southwell to an emergency Council to name a Food Committee against
the impending attempt at Bolshevik Revolution. Returning had tea with Canon Ferris
at Gonalston, a dear old man.
 ,...r eds. ,20th Oct.
To Nottingham and at 2'Green of Ratcliff and Lockton our Surveyor of Sewers
Court motored to Gotham Moor to decide what area to include in our drainage area.
Thurs.,2lst Oct.
To the Ploughing Match at Moorfields Orton, some 40 teams, besides hedging;
tractors', etc. 2 tents of the County Council for instruction (useless)~md5 high,
pay officials. '
Fri. ,22nd Oct •
. ' To the Meet at E. Bridgford and so along the be~utiful Trent banks to Stoke
and left at Lady I1arsham's covert, 2 finds, and home' vlith hounds and Havis Gibbs along
the Trent hills. A lovely afternoon as we have had tvlO weeks past. Out Capt. Bromley R.N.
and little girl, George Fillingham of Syerston, Major Cooper of Flawbro, Player arid
sister from Staunton, Vera Birkin and Lady C. Bentinck's daughter, Mavis Gibbs, Mrs.
Brockton," Col. Birkin, Geo. Hubber'ty
$'
and, a dozen more., '
'. Hon., 25th Oct. ' , ,
Rising to exerdse my hunter by Woodbro and to the cemetery to admire the view
do\Vll the valley~ My evenings at home after dinner usually have game of besique with
Margie. On one occasion this season I scored 940 points before she scored a point.
Double besique followed 'by sequence in the first few draws and only one card off 2
sequences.
, Thurs. ,28th Oct.
Margaret motored to Oxford \v1th Mrs. Homberger, Sandy's aunt. Itohunt at
Fiskerton, foggy. Miss Broadhurst.and Laurence Wilson both had mishaps and scarred faces.
Fri. ,29th Oct •
.Cycled to the Council at Southwell and to Norwood Park tQ seeStarkey. Margaret
returned home, having had a glowing time with her cousin Geoffry, Sandy and his cousin
Budge Firth. Mrs. H. put up at the I'litre ,;lith her maid. Budge is at "the House".
Sandy at Magdalen and Geoff at University. Only about b undergadshunt now but the
Grind is going. Ruskin College and the Rhodes Scholars don't add to the amenities.'
Sat. ,30th Oct.
To Ruddington, cycling from Nottingham and called to enquire of Sir Thos.
Birkin. Lady Birkin,in, and back to the Club and,home over the Plains, it being
almost a 'freewheel rUn home from Mapperly Hill 7 miles. It has been the finest October
fop 50 years. In the south of England it was actual summer for warmth and foliage.
Non. ,1st Nov.
, To Lowdham Grange in the afternoon and walking round the place with Mrs.Gibbs
discussing trees to cut and so through Plo,;man Wood 60 acres wh~ all the mature
trees are cut but now a promising young woodland.
Vleds.,3rd Nov.
Left home to join hounds at Gedling wood but at Lambley heard them in full
cry for the Gorse where I 'joined them and so to Plowman Vlood a circular run through
Broughton Park and killed near Gtdling Wood.
Fri.,5th Nov.
To Nottingham all day \·d th our \'later Committee as j;cp supply down in Valley
and to the BasfordDistrict. It threatens a 5/- rate. Monstrous.
Sat. ,6th Nov.
To the Income Tax Commission and appointed Be1~my cashier Collector for
Lo'vldham. £50 salary.
Hon. ,8th Nov.
Rode to Hexgreave Park for lunch with the Wi1sons and back by the wild woody country
by Harts \'1e11 and Graves Lane.
fues.,9th Nov.
Het Sheppard and sold £W of timber at LO\'ldham.
\'leds ~ ,10th Nov.
Regular hunting did not commence till yesterday and to-day at Thurgarton Priory,~
a pretty meet, many motors, but small field. Col. Les1ie Birkin M.F.H.,Major G. Hubberty,
Capt. Sherbrooke R.N. and his wife, Dick Franck1in, Laurence Wi1son from Hexgreave, A
Hiss Gibbs, Farr, Kaye, C. Wright and self. Found B1easby and ran to Ha11oughton,
Thurgarton and lost near Gona1ston, SO homeebd the Masters motor not being there
he and Vright in £or drink and chat.
Thurs. ,11th Nov.
The anniversary of the Armistice 2 years ago, to the Shire Hall for the Hospital
Service and then in Procession to St. Mary's, the 7th S.F. Officers in uniform, where
Dr. \'li1de,Bishop of Newcastle an old friend of ours, preached. At 11 there we stood for
the 2 minutes silence. Ernest said at Avesnes 2 years ago the ceasing of gun and rifle
fire at 11, after 4 years incessant fire, seemed so unnatural. The funeral march
played whilst at \'lestminster the Unknown Warrior was bur;ied. Lunch at Club and
then with Col. Jonas to settle' prices to be paid for the land of Shell Factory at
Chilvle11.
:Sri. ,12th Nov.
Met S. Birkin and Jonas and settled price. Lunched at Vic Hotel with Jonas and
E11iott.
Sat. ,13th Nov.
To Court of Sewers at Shire Hall and returnimg to meet Polly at the Dowager
Franck1in's where the Dowager Lady Forester, Canon and Mrs. Ferris also came in for
tea, very merry.
Sun. ,14th Nov.
To early Church and tea at the Manor with the Bournes. Met Mrs. Gervase Hi1'vrard
and her boy in my field going there. Evening wind up and rain but for over a month
\,re hn,ve had none and fine sunny 'vreather and \'larm also.
Tues. ,16th Nov.
Miss Joan Campbe11 a pretty girl of 18 came to stay, a school friend of Margies,
and daughter of General L. Campbe11 now at Rawelpindi.
Weds. ,17th Nov.
Joan and Margie drove with Knight to the meet at Arnold Lodge where I was late,
a fox was found at once in a turnip field and I came on the hunt as it passed Lambley
House. We killed in a field south of Woodbro. We drew woods to Graves Lane, a
heavenly evening returning, lighting up with deep shadows the wooded combes here
about, lit up with the small bright group of hounds and followers.
Thurs. ,18th Nov.
At home for,r considerable rent audit of Seely's,·m~ own, Recotrs, Mrs. Gibbs
and Sir T. BirkinErenants •.
Fri.,19th Nov.
To Nottingham with rents. The Milwards, a young couple, to dinner.
Sat. ,20th Nov.
To tea all our party at Vi Brett's prepty p9~tage.

Hon. ,22nd Nov.

At 10 by train to Norman Cross near Peterbro for the Washingly audits where
I stayed two days. The audit at the Fox, Folksworth, amusing with gossiping Mrs.
Freeman and her good tea. Returning by Newark saw Charlie.whosays he spends
Christmas at Wath so our home Christmas will be a small affair. Only just caught
my last train.
Heds. ,24th Nov.
Hounds met at Epperstone, found in the great Park Wood and ran to Graves
Lane across the RUfford Road on to Sherwood Forest and lost at Sykes Breck.
Thurs. ,25th Nov.
IToan Campbell left us.
Eri. ,26th Nov.
Rode to the Council at Southwell, then to the Starkey audit at the CrO\Vll
where my 2 clerks preceded me. Tea'at NO~iood Park and rode home by ·moonlight.
Sat.,27th Nov.
An afternoon lounge about our church and pretty village and tea at.Vi Brett's
\iith "Hummie" and Hargaret who returned from 2 day visit to the Hogarths.
Mon. ,29th Nov.
Rode to Kirklington Hall but Major Clark who was to have gone round the
Winkburn farmers with me was out so rode to Winkburn and sO'by Dilliner Wood
and the vlild country hereabouts, do"m to LO\ier :.Hexgronve and so across the railway
to Farnsfield Graves Lane, Oxton Fallows and home, 25 miles.
Tues., 30th Nov.
N?ttingham on many jobs till 5.
Heds.,lst Dec.
To the meet at Brackenhurst, Sir W. Hickings,Polly and Margie preceding me
in Mrs. Bourne's motor. Found at Halloughton Wood and quickly away north by Hesthorpe,
NO~iood Park to Gold Hill 5 miles whence turning nearly the same line back and lost.
2.0_ ,
Thurs.',2nd Dec.
To Nottingham. Hrs. Castle' \vray and party to tea.
Fri. ,3rd Dec. '
Hargie had a 'field day with Mrs. Bourne motoring to Nottingham and in the
afternoon to Southwell to the dancing class for children, the Bishop lending the
14th century Great Hall of the old Palace. This seems quite a winter function for the
neighbouring gentry, a weekly reunion and a pretty sight it must be'in so superb
a setting with the Norman Hinster seen through the painted windows., , .'
I TO the Heet. at Red Lodge, a windy day. Out Vera Birkin,Hiss Bentinck,
Col. and Aleck Birkin, Capt. Shetbrooke,R.N.; Hrs. R. Francklin, Hiss Brockton
of Farndon, Hajor Cooper andPell o~ Flawbro, Harry Wyles, C. Wright, Sir W.
Hicking. Found at Lady Hasham's covert but no scent. Called at SyerstonHall
and a'long chat withHrs. Fillingham and got home in the dusk. .'
Hon.,6th D e c . , ., .
Rode to Lowdham Lodge to' settle, TenrofightA"I~dswithHowitt vlho
recently left the Grange. Fine:views·from liere over the Trent Valley •.Rodehome
through the fields by Lowdham Grange, fine views all along.
Tues.,7th Dec.
To Nottingham withmy,two clerks whence to Ruddington for the audit. Called
at the' Grange and a long talk with Hiss Birkin •. A merry dinner with the tenants,
it was my '80th audit •...
v/eds. ,8th Dec.
To Nottingham hearingappeais against Income Tax •
.
Thurs.9th'Dec.
Percy, Geoffry, his son and Richard motored over in afternoon. R. said
St. Dunstans appeal was more to house the staff magnificently than any real
benefit for blinded soldiers.
Fri. ,lOth Dec.
The Oxton audit, my 80th.
Sat. ,11th Dec.
Had to go to Bottingham. Snow came in the evening.
Sun. ,12th Dec.
Much snow. Geoffry to stay at the Cottage and Miss Aldridge to tea, and I
walked back with her to Gonalston Hall.
Hon~ ,13th Dec •.

Kept at home by,snow and frost: and saw pumps etc. made snug against a hard
"/inter. ' . :'
h'eds. ,15th Dec.
With ~elrto the Black Boy at Nottingham for the audit of Widmerpool tenants.
Leaving my' luggage at Percy's house where I stay the night for the Hunt 'Ball,
Hargaret having preceded me. A merry dinner party we had at 'the Snooks at their
house near Lenton where Geoffry, Margaret, the pretty Tew girl, Sandy Hogarth and
Neilson our young people. I in "pink" uniform of the Hunt and at 9.30 to Victoria
Hall for the Ball, 200 there. Stanley Birkin, the Viscountess Chet~~nd, Sir W.
Hicking and Wellesley Colley played Bridge in a corner. I only danced the Lancers
with Lady Hicking and took Mrs. Pierce to supper, sitting by Mrs. Sherbrooke
and General Le Marchant and Bennett, new Rufford M.F.H. and to bed about 4.
Fri. ,17th Dec.
Drove to Farnsfield for the Audit and dinner, the first dinner since we
dropped it in War time. Roads a sheet of ice.
Mon.20th Dec.
All frost gone, drove toWinkburn with Belfmy cashier for the audit.
I walked across the Park to the'War Farm, the grass we were ordered to plough
and so far lost us £800 and no crops. To see the Colonel and tea \'1i th Hiss Burnell
and got a good bunch of mistletoe for home.
\.,reds. ,22nd Dec.
To Newark at 12 to the faracens Head 'to meet tenants. Het Joseph and Mrs,
Branston of \vinthorpe, she much broken" also handsome Mrs. "Bertie" and her
daughter. A Christmas Market at Newark ever a cheerful sight and I have many
memories of this pretty little to\in for over 50 years back and not the least
memorable the \'lar time ones, the last time I was on service.
Thurs. ,23rd DeC.
At 12 to Nottingham to the Bank and to meet the young Pages of Stanton about their
father's farm. He ought to go but the sentimental claim of long tenancy will over-ride
other considerations.
Christmas Eve, 24th Dec.
Rode to the Council at Southwell and in the evening Polly, Margie, Ernest and I to
the Haker for dinner, very merry.
Christmas Day.
A brilliant sun and as mild as May and an equally brilliant moon at night.
To early Church at 8, about 40 there, and later prepared for our party. Percy
and Geoffry walked over for lunch, also Sandy Hogarth. Muriel, ~lillie Randall and
Leonard by motor at 3, and all the Manor party to dinner at quarter to 8 •• Soup,
Turkey, plum pudding, sardine savoury, dessert, Delbrecke's champ~gne and port.
Charades,after called on Burrows (93) to see Mother several times.
The evening passed in Charades, "Nero" the,name word recalled the splendour that was
Rome, whilst (Nap) Waterloo by 4 men and a girl most realistic. In Eillie Randall
and Geoff we had 2 really funny men. It was a me~ry evening.
Sun. ,26th Dec.
Quietly at home. Violent rain at night.
Hon. ,27th Dec.
Clearing at 10 to a sunny day arid rode over to Kneeton to view and value a
farm Neale was buying. Neale a wealthy farmer has 160 acres of his O\in and 200 acres
at Shackerdale on Car Colston of this most fertile land and buys 200 acres more. "
His house mostly of Elizabeth's time, his family has long been settled here, ane
ancestor marrying a Story who inherited the estate of 800 acres from the Knivetons
which is now Lady Carnarvon's. Looked round the church and village which stands
on the high wooded hills bounded west by the church with wide views to the
Shervlood Forest land to Newstead and east over the Vale to Belvoir Castle.
Tues.,28th Dec.
Rode to Ncrwood Park, the land all swimming from.last'night'srain.
Weds.,29th Dec.
To the Meet at Bestwood, u·fair field but u blank day in this and the
large woods of Sherwood Lodge.
Thurs.,30thDec.
At home •.
Fri.,3lst Dec.
Torrents of rain at night, cleare,d at 11, and to the meet at Gonalston Hall, a
fair field of Seelys,Birkins,.Sherbrookes .and Francklins. Found in Thurgarton
Park and onto Bleasby Gorse and Brackenhurst, losing near Brinckley, the
Dumbles so full of raging torrents it was too dangerous to use the fords.
I left as they found at Halloughton, going with Mrs. Pratt, Barlow, Wyles and
Geo. Williamson the famous steeplechaser, and so ends the year. The villagers
had a dance at night at the Schools to which my p~ty went.
. "