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[xx] = Diary page numbering Click the F/N button for numbered footnotes.
Weymouth in the late 19th century, a holiday resort empowered by the railways. A six sided beach hut survives to this day as a piece of decorative street furniture in Weymouth. August 9th After a charming day's picnic in Stoneleigh Grounds yesterday - about 26 in number Skipwiths, Townsends, Caves Musgraves, Whelers, Miss Chester etc. - dinner and tea in the large Summerhouse, Boating fishing etc. till past 8 - we devoted Wednesday to visiting packing etc. and on Thursday morning left Newbold for Weymouth - The old birds and five young ones! I see I closed my last journal with Colonel and Mrs Pratt's departure for Malta - but they only got as far as Algiers, where they passed the winter he getting gradually worse - till June when they returned home in a dying state, and only survived 7 weeks - never [2] leaving his room till he expired on the 1st of August / the very day of our Archery party!  F/N 1, / and was buried today in Norfolk -. But to return to our own adventures - We left home, and our gay and pretty garden with some regret, at 10.15. Stopped at Didcot 3/4 of an hour and again at Swindon a very handsome station and refreshment room - the day was cool and pleasant, and no rain - rather unusual. From Chippenham it grew tedious, as we stopped at every small station and did not arrive at Weymouth till near 6  F/N 2, - We walked up to our house, which is a very nice, airey, clean and convenient one - quite a contrast to the wretched accommodation we had at Ryde last year. We walked out a little before tea. It is a fine Bay but rather dull looking, having so few boats in it and the shipping rather distant. - [3] Walked on the Pier a little paying 1/2 each way - but it was getting late, so we returned home to a heavy Tea and went to bed early, very tired.
10th A fine bright eastern sun shining in at our windows, which looks cheering - Emily and Selina went out foraging for the Skipwiths. Mr Musgrave and Christopher came to see us - the latter looking most deplorably thin and weak - but better than he has been, after the Malta fever and rheumatism! There seem to be excellent shops, and provisions good and reasonable, as far as we can judge at present - Went out to select a Pianoforte from Mr Rooke who we found a most respectable and intelligent man. Went also to inspect the Skipwiths lodgings at Mr Braquiers / our House agent [4] in Johnson's buildings, close to the sea and very clean looking F/N 3, - After luncheon we strolled along the Lulworth road towards the preventive station, and home by the beach very heavy shingle there. The country is marshy and ugly full about the Town, but the headlands are fine St Albans head and Portland. Kenelm and the girls went to meet the Skipwiths at the station - I forgot to insert that Miss Chester announced her intended marriage to Mr Fitzgerald a Bucks. friend - yesterday -. She will make an excellent wife, and has our best wishes - a little rain this Evening - but Humberstone came to see us, so they are all arrived safe and afterwards Julia and Humfry came to tea - All went to bed at 10 -
11th I went to call on the Musgraves at the Royal Hotel - found Christopher rather better but still looking miserably [5] thin and ill -. Then went with the Skips to look for lodgings for the Morewoods. brilliant day - After luncheon we took a Phaeton and went with Louy Mary, and Lizzy Skipwith to Portland past the curious chisel (Chesil) beach where last October a man driving a carriage was blown over and nearly drowned by the rushing of the sea over the beach. F/N 4, We went to the Breakwater and walked along the boards for a mile and a half - it is a wonderful undertaking and the tram roads conveying the stone backwards and forwards every five minutes. It is a mile and 3/4 now - but will be twice as long when finished, if we ever live to see it! F/N 5, I received Captain Blackburn's wedding cards this morning - to Miss Buchanan. The rest of the girls went with the Skips to the Cliffs and towards Wyke which we also passed in our drive - [6] St Johns Church and Waterloo and Brunswick Buildings; The Market House. St Marys Church [7]
12th Sunday - Five of our party went up to St John's the new Church on the Dorchester road - a very neat one, and the service very respectably performed by a Mr Stephenson it was crowded but nobody we knew except the Musgraves. A fine day, and several yachts are moored in the bay for tomorrow's regatta - Emily, Mary and Julia went to Trinity Church in St Thomas Street. Went to St Mary's Church in (the) afternoon very old fashioned high pews - ceilings and sash windows - The Curate Mr Waspington read prayers very well - but they say Mr Greaves the Rector is excellent. So we must hear him next Sunday. Met the Skipwiths, and went to sit on the Pier with them and enjoyed it much reading the German prayers with Humfry. Mr E Bullen King met us on the Esplanade. 13th Went with Julia to buy a Guide and some views etc. - called on the Skips - Today is the Regatta and the bay looks to great advantage full of Vessels decked [8] with flags, and crowds of excursionists both by Trains and Steamers, enliven the whole place - A very stormy night, but Humfry came to Tea and to play at Whist -. 14th A letter this morning. from dear Fred saying he will be with us tomorrow rather an Invalid, having had a blister on, which makes us rather uneasy F/N 6,
- A most brilliant day - Went to see the Musgraves again to ask about Doctors - he recommends Dr Smith but I hope we may get on without him. At 3 o'clock I went with Emily to St Mary's Church, to take her first lesson on the Organ from Mr Rooke - then went on the Pier to see our party return with the Skipwiths from Portland, where they had been on the steamer without landing - too full to be pleasant they said - Louy and Julia went sketching - Kenelm gave me some beautiful opera glasses. [9]
15th A most lovely morning, and we sat out on the Beach, Humfry learning his Italian lesson - A boat was ordered for the party but such a squall came on from the South East, and the waves rose so high dashing against the shore that we had our first Specimen of a fine Sea at Weymouth - Poor dear Fred arrived by the 4 o'clock train looking quite an Invalid, with a large blister on. He seems to have had something of Pleurisy, and went up to consult Dr. Cumming in London! I hope the sea air may be beneficial. 16th Dear Fred seems a little better this morning, but still not well enough to go on without advice so we sent for Dr. Smith who pronounces it to be congestion of the right Lung and that Dr Cumming [10] prescriptions / tho' very powerful / were quite the right thing for him - He is to lie down entirely, and live on slops. I went out with Humfry and Lizzie and Emily and Selina for a sail round the Breakwater into Portland roads - we all enjoyed it extremely and proved very respectable sailors a lovely day. - I had a letter from Miss Kaye who is going to Llandudno F/N 7, as they do not at all like Folkestone and are devoured there, which is some consolation to our friends here. A tolerable band plays everyday in some part of the Esplanade - We received Wedding cards from Mr Marjoribanks and Miss Dupper and also from Miss Bonham and Col0nel Peak. Emily Selina and Julia went out on Donkeys in the Evening -.
17th Fine day but windy - After a French lesson with Julia on the beach while Humfry took his Italian one. [11][12] 
Left: The White Horse. The doctor came again to Fred and put another blister on and keeps him in bed - and he is to go on with strong calomel pills F/N 8, every four hours! So trust the congestion will soon be subdued! I took a drive to Radipole Church F/N 9, with Louy and Julia Skipwith, and then to the 'White horse'F/N 10, and pretty village of PrestonF/N 11, - The downs are really very nice and we found a few trees which is a treat Emily took another lesson on the Organ and a long walk in the Evening. I had a letter from Mrs Forbes at MalvernF/N 12, - going on to South Wales.
18th Dr. Smith reports favourably of his patient today but does not relax his strong discipline yet. I went out to the Pier and got a famous blow, and an amusing Scene of hats blowing off etc. - it is difficult to stem the breeze! - [13] 19th Sunday - Rather stormy again but not so bad as yesterday - Dr Smith gave a favourable report of his Patient, tho' the disease is not yet conquered, and the mercury continued. I went to St Mary's / the Parish Church / with Mary and Julia - We had a sermon for the National Schools from Mr Greaves the Rector, but he was too Evangelical and flowery to please me - and a vulgar dialect. Still the matter was good - on the 'Love of God' and of our neighbour. the latter necessarily proceeding from the former like a Spring Supplying the rivers and brooks etc. The weather improved in the afternoon and the Sun came out - Emily Julia and Selina walked to Wyke Church  F/N 13, with Humfry - and the others went to Trinity - Kenelm and I stayed at home with poor Fred till four [14] when we took a walk over the Bridge to the Cemetery and round by the head of the Harbour, and went in to look at Trinity Church, which is a very neat one, built only 25 years ago - Home by St Thomas's street the girls returned much pleased with Wyke Church.
20th Dear Fred going on favourably. Went with Selina and Emily, Humfry and Lizzie in a Sailing boat Ebeneezer for two hours - towards the Breakwater were caught in a Squall and enveloped ourselves in a Sail - Stowing away the hats in the Cabin and pinning cloaks over their heads, causing a great deal of amusement. - The Skips and Humfry came up to tea and Whist - Mr Musgrave and Christopher called and we sat on the Beach as usual. [15] Trinity Church, bridge and National Schools, Weymouth; Weymouth from the Nothe [16] 21st Mr Custard the Drawing Master came to teach Louy and Julia, and was very much approved. Kenelm and Louy, Humfry and Julia went to Wombwell's Managerie F/N 14, by St John's Church - I took a drive with Lizzy to Sandsfoot CastleF/N 15, - the drive reminded me very much of the Isle of Wight and was very pretty. The Castle is small but picturesque ruin not more than 11/2 miles off. Emily had her Organ lesson with a large Audience - and then they adjourned to the Boat and rowed about in the Bay till near seven. Dinner and bed - I had a long letter from Hugh at Lucerne, where they seem to have more rain than we have - but he enjoys the scenery and walks over the Mountains with his Alpen Stock - also a letter [17][18]
from Mrs Arkwright announcing Emma Willes's marriage to a Mr Dudley Smith, which gives great pleasure to them all - I am, very glad of it - .
Left: Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth. 22nd After a pouring night and misty morning, it cleared about 10 and Humfry came up to make arrangements about Lulworth - It was settled that Emily, Selina, Julia, and I, were to join him and his sisters at 11-30 - which we did, but when we got on board the steamer, we found it was not going to Lulworth, but only to Portland, as the landing at the former is so bad. We therefore made the best of it, and payed our £s to go to Portland - landed there and engaged a Wagonette which took us all up the hill very steep and strong but a beautiful view at the top - The Chiswell beach and a fine sea surf dashing against it [19][20] 
Pennsylvania Castle Portland F/N 16, or Bow and Arrow Castle  F/N 17, - a modern house on a precipitous rock overhanging the sea, with a wood down to the water - it is now uninhabited but we went into a handsome circular drawing room, with some beautiful old carved oak furniture in it and ate our sandwiches there - Emily and Julia rushed down among the rocks to get some ferns, and Humfry and Selina to the old ruin which is small, but very picturesque, and will make a beautiful sketch - and is a prefect spot for a picnic! From thence we drove on to the Quarries, got some specimens of petrified wood and waterF/N 18, - saw the outside of the Prison and all the Offices of the establishment. We saw some of the Convicts at workF/N 19. Altogether it was a curious and interesting drive, to say nothing of [21][22]
Portland Prison - see footnote 19. Church Hope Cove, Portland; Portland Prison, Dorset [24] 23rd Poor dear Fred was very unwell all night in consequence of his Medicine being too strong for him - We sent for Dr Smith who soon relieved him, but it has pulled him down considerably and he will not be able to get up today as we hoped. - The girls bathed and took their Italian lesson on the beach and afterwards a long walk - Dr Smith came a second time to Fred and found him decidedly better in every way. I took a solitary walk to the Cemetery to enliven me - very strong Wind - and rain in the Evening - Emily and Selina went to tea with the Skips. 24th A cloudy gloomy day, after a stormy night - I had a long letter from Mrs Manning in London en route to Torquay and Lynmouth. I find Mr Dudley Smith, is John Abel's son / 2nd / and comfortably off - [25] Weymouth Cemetery; Royal Terrace, Esplanade, Weymouth [26] The day was only fit for Drawing lesson, and organ etc. After which the Miss Skipwith's came, and we struggled down against wind and rain to the Pier, where we found Humfry and the three girls - Sat there some time, and then went on to the Quay to see the Guernsey steamer come in - they did not look near so miserable as we expected and hoped F/N 20, and as it began to rain we came home Mr Morewood surprised us by a visit - just arrived from Leamington where the weather is worse than here. He and his wife and child are in a Lodging in St Mary's street which they find very clean and comfortable.
25th The Morewoods called this morning, and as it is still raining and enveloped in mist, their impression of the place, cannot be very pleasing but we must hope for brighter days. Humfry came for his Italian lesson as usual and stayed to luncheon upon some of Fred’s grouse which he received [27] yesterday, from Bolton Abbey, D and Cavendish in beautiful order. I heard from Mrs Somerville F/N 21, and yesterday from Lady Cartwright, who is come to England, and settles at North Aston with Tom and Lady Elizabeth - I went out shopping in the afternoon with Louy, and to the Pier to see the Skips Morewoods etc off to Portland. They afterwards walked up the NotheF/N 22, and came back wet and dirty as usual - The Dr. pronounces Fred gaining ground very slowly. He is very patient, and ate his Grouse with appetite - he reads and works all day - calomel still continued. Humfry came to Whist in the Evening.
26th Sunday - a brilliant morning some of us went to St John's Church, a new and very pretty one - and Louy and Selina to Trinity - met the Skipwiths and Morewoods afterwards - Mary and Julia walked with Humfry in the afternoon [28] to the pretty Village Church of Preston two miles off near the White Horse F/N 23. Kenelm Louy and I went to Trinity and had a Sermon for the addition Cards from Mr Toy, the Secretary - Selina walked with the Miss Skips and goes to St Johns with them in the Evening. The Preston party came in very wet and dirty and tired, as it came on to rain. Humfry did not keep his promise of coming to dinner.
27th The Doctor pronounces dear Fred. much better, and making satisfactory progress, and hopes he may get up on Wednesday - Various discussion about going to Dorchester or Portland and at last it was decided for the latter, so Kenelm goes with them to the breakwater at 3-30 and Louy Mary, Lizzie and I who have seen it go out for a drive -. We drove on the Wareham road to Preston, a very pretty little Village in a Valley. [29] Went to see the Church  F/N 24, which was restored about five years ago - and has a beautiful Window / the Crucifixion / the Pews, Pulpit and encaustic tiling all as nice as possible and in short quite a model Village Church. We then drove on to Osmington, also a very pretty Village, with a dear little retired Church on a hill, and adjoining it a very pretty looking Parsonage, all looking so well cared for, and belonging to Sir George Phillips, who has the LivingF/N 25. About a mile and a half further on is Osmington Mills, famous for Prawns and Lobsters, but non were ready for us - the road down to it was so bad, that we left Lizzie in a field and walked down to the Pic Nic Inn and up to the flagstaff, where you get a beautiful view of Portland Island and such a fine sea viewF/N 26, - We must try to come and spend a day there. The Town was enlivened today by a Procession of odd Fellowes and Freemasons [30] with their band, they stopped to cheer the M.P. Sir William Priestone who lives a few doors below us - The old Gentleman came out and made a speech and bowed, and then they adjourned to a field near Radipole, where they were regaled and came home very merry at night. The Breakwater party did not return till past 7, rather tired with the monotony of it and the long walk to the end; but glad to have seen it once. Humfry walked in to Tea and Whist as usual.
28th A fine morning - Selina and Emily went to breakfast with the Skipwiths, and afterwards to fish with the Morewoods and Lizzie and Humfry - they caught 30 Whiting and were well pleased - came home to luncheon, and then we all adjourned to the organ lesson at St Mary's - I found Emily wonderfully improved, and they played Mozart's Masses etc. It rained afterwards, so we only called [31] on the Morewoods, and found them at home with their little boy in a nice Lodging in St Mary's street. Poured all Evening and night -. 29th A fine morning but still windy. We had hoped to have accomplished the Excursion to Lulworth, but it was too rough for the steamer to start so we conglomerated with the Skipwiths and decided all to go to Dorchester and get that Lion over - We all met / ten in number, including Mrs Morewood /  at the station at one, and were only 1/4 of an hour going. Took an omnibus to the Inn, and then went to the Confectioners and stocked ourselves with Bath buns Chocolate etc. - Then to look at St Peter's Church oppositeF/N 27, - an old Saxon building restored about three years ago, extremely well, with a [32] handsome painted window given by some Lady, and one or more curious Monuments to a Mr Williams who seems to be the great man of Dorchester F/N 28, and built a new organ to preserve his own monument. On enquiry we found there was nothing to be seen in the Town, so we ordered the Omnibus again and drove two miles to a very large old Roman encampment, which must be interesting to Archaeologists but as we none of us could boast of any Knowledge of that Science we were previously disappointed to find that 'Maiden Castle' was simply a Castle in the Air!F/N 29, The road was miserable, and the country frightful, miserable green cornfields, showing the poverty of the land, and not a tree or hedge - At last we arrived at the Encampment [33] which consists of grassy hills surrounded by deep moats, with a panoramic view over which we considered the dullest County in England, including the capitol. Humfry and the girls however afforded great sport by sliding down the Hills in to the Moat, to the great detriment of their clothes rolling over and over! After an hour spent in this dignified amusement we returned to the omnibus, and jolted back again to Dorchester stopped to look at the old Roman AmphitheatreF/N 30, which was not very interesting either, and then went to the stationF/N 31, and amused ourselves by weighing the whole party! Returned home by 6, having had quite enough of Dorchester -. On our return we found letters [34]
Dorchester from the Eastern Avenue; Maiden Castle (the largest Roman Camp in the Kingdom) [35] from Hugh, Emma Willes etc. The former writes from Geneva where he has seen the mountain torrent in great perfection after the rains, and seems much delighted with the country. He was going on to Paris and will soon be at home I hope - Emma Willes is to be married on the 26th September at Packington then go abroad before she settles at her new home in Yorkshire 5 miles from Hull - I also heard from Mrs Wequelin, announcing the intended marriage of her daughter Iona, which we are truly rejoiced to hear - it is such an object to her to make a comfortable home. It is to a Captain Northcote cousin of Sir Stafford Northcote and nephew to General Robbins - and seems to give them all entire satisfaction no end to marriage, [36] amongst all our friends, but we contrive to escape the infection -. We found Major Galton's card on our return -. 30th Dear Fred improving daily got into the Dining room today for the first time and bore it wonderfully well. The Miss Skipwiths came to luncheon and we had ordered a Carriage for the Chesil beach to see the surf breaking over it, but Kenelm was afraid of the high wind for his rheumatism, so Louy and I and the two Skips took a drive to the Villages of Broadway, and Upwey the latter extremely pretty with a beautiful clear stream, the source of the Wey - and most delicious water, sold by the Village children  F/N 32. There are some good houses and Trees and a pretty Church and altogether a charming little spot - Archdeacon [37] is the Clergyman, and the Squire a Mr Goodun -. On our return we found Humfry with Fred very tired after a long day at Portland with the Convicts - Mary and Julia went to Portland with the Morewoods and Major Galton, and Captain Jacob, and walked on the Chesil beach which was very fine they said.
Upwey Wishing Well. Upwey Church near Weymouth; Corfe Castle, Dorset [39] way up the Nothe which I had never yet been up - and I was really enchanted with the view from the top - taking in Portland and Sandsfoot, and the beautiful bay shipping etc., all looking so clear and bright - it was a most charming and interesting walk, and Humfry and Selina were playing all sorts of tricks - till he at last walked off with Emily, and they sat at the bottom of some wooden steps in a newly made road, gazing at nothing but each other - while Selina Mary and I sat at the top, admiring the view and wondering what they could be talking about - tho' we had little doubt upon the subject in our own minds - When we joined them at the Ferry, they both looked grave but happy, and we soon ascertained [40] from Emily that the momentous question had been asked in that dry ditch, in a hasty moment! What will be the result remains yet to be proved! He came to dine with us, and we gazed at the glorious full moon on the water in delight. They played at Chess and Whist and I believe we all had sleepless nights. They have my most earnest prayers for their happiness, and I believe the words have been hanging on his lips for the last five years poor fellow! We arranged with the Morewoods and Erasmus, a party to drive to Corfe Castle 16 miles and back on Monday -. Sept 1st A most glorious day for the harvest and for every thing and I trust it may continue for some weeks, and save the country from almost famine. Mrs Morewood called while we were at breakfast, and carried Mary and Julia off to see Mr Morewood - shoot over a farm. [41] As the girls were bathing, this morning they were startled by seeing a young Elephant disporting himself in the water tossing up his Trunk and enjoying himself - He belongs to Homer Cushen's horsemanship - and a grand procession passed through the Town afterwards - Kenelm and I went to see Christopher Musgrave, who is getting on famously under Dr Smith - Mary and Julia went with Mrs Morewood to see Mr Morewood shoot his first partridge - Emily and Selina drove with the Skipwiths to Upwey, while Kenelm, Mary Selina and I walked up the Nothe across the Ferry, and back by the bridge retracing nearly the steps of yesterday and the view was equally clear and lovely. On our return, who should we meet but Hugh, just arrived from Geneva - via Paris and Havre, very much bronzed, but delighted with [42] his tour. He looks very bronzed. Humfry came in to play at Whist after dining with Mr Ramsden - 2nd Sunday - Emily and Selina went early to teach the Schools with Humfry - but found the boys rather impracticable - Went to St John's Church, where he performed the Communion Service very impressively Fred much better, but Kenelm rather invalided today -. After luncheon I went to hear the schooling going on, and Humfry's admirable catechising - and then walked on the Pier with them all till it began to thunder, which frightened us home - but did not come to much - Fred and Erasmus walked to the White horse - Fred had visits from Kit Musgrave, Mr Morewood etc. - The girls and Skipwiths to Evening Church, and called in for our final decision about Corfe Castle tomorrow - The storm went off. [43] Sept 3rd Anniversary of our 27th Wedding day - Kenelm all right again - a brilliant morning, so at 10 o'clock the covered Wagon arrived to carry our party of 12 to the pic nic at Corfe Castle - the Skipwiths were late, and found the Morewoods and Erasmus and our six all waiting at the door. It turned out that the Lodging house cat had stolen the Duck they had provided, so they were obliged to wait till another was cooked! Well then came another difficulty they found out that / as the Guide told us / it was 22 miles to Corfe instead of 16, and that the 4 horses could not take us that distance and back, so we should have to change Horses at Wareham, and not see Lulworth after all - so that we had much better had kept to our original plan, of going by Rail to Wareham, [44] and four miles on to Corfe by carriage. However the only plan was to make the best of a decidedly bad bargain, and start at once determined to amuse themselves in some way or other! 6 Somervilles including Hugh - 3 Skipwiths, 2 Morewoods and Erasmus, who provided the Wine Sherry and Champagne - We expect them back about 8. - Dr Smith came, and gave a famous report of Fred and has allowed him to go out for 1/4 hour, which he seemed to enjoy, with his father - just along the pavement - It is a great blessing to see him getting on so well and nothing can exceed the kindness, likerbility, and skill of Dr Smith! - Fred came into the drawing room too for the first time - two great steps towards recovery - reading Hugh's journal was our chief amusement [45] I went out for a little shopping and sat on the Pier in solitude rather haste? Kenelm and I dine at half past 6 with Fred and at 1/2 past 8 the jolly party returned in the Wagon by moonlight, having enjoyed their day extremely, and raving of the beautiful heather clad hills and rocks, and the picturesque old Corfe Castle - they changed horses at Wareham, and went 4 miles on - and in spite of the Cat and the Duck, seemed to have faired sumptuously! 4th Mrs Morewood / came to luncheon I sat on the beach with the Skipwiths and superintended the Italian lesson. Humfry called, and after luncheon had a private interview with Kenelm, which resulted in an indefinite engagement with Emily, which I trust may be for the happiness of all parties, and end happily sometime or other! It is a very great blessing to me to feel that he is [46] now so nearly connected with us - and has always been the earnest wish of my heart to have him for a son in law! After luncheon we went to hear Emily play on the Organ Mozart's Masses etc, Luoy and Mrs Morewood singing, and the Skipwiths listening and then all took a walk up the Nothe where after a long conversation, all was happily and rationally arranged, tho' the prospects are very vague. Came home to dinner and Hugh joined us after having been over the Convict Establishment at Portland, and the Breakwater - Fred went out twice, and is much better. 5th Alas! All our hopes of yesterday are put an end to - Poor Humberstone came up here / having passed a sleepless night conning over future prospects, and came to the decision that it would be selfish and unfair to tie Emily down by an [47] engagement, and after another consultation with Kenelm / who was all kindness / it was decided to put an end to it! No doubt it is prudent, but my heart aches for dear Emily, who has become so much more deeply attached to him the last few weeks! but it must be submitted to with resignation! Her first trial in life. - We agreed all to meet at the steamer, and go to Lulworth with the Morewoods and Major Galton. We had a very pleasant voyage of an hour / quite calm / but the vessel very crowded, and as soon as we landed Erasmus jumped into a carriage and secured it for us, to go up to the Castle. It is a pretty drive of 3 miles with fine views of the hills and sea, and a shady lane - We got out and walked to a very ugly ill kept Church - all the party except myself ascended the Town and had a fine view of the Isle of [48][49] 
Lulworth Castle - now a popular wedding venue. F/N 33, - We went in to the Roman Catholic Chapel - but that [50] too is all tinsel and trumpery, and in bad taste, and we were glad to get back into our Wagonette, and return to the little Inn in the Village to refresh ourselves - Here we were a merry party of 8, and hunger enabled us to eat the worse mutton chops and tongue, and to wind up with Cheese and plenty of better beer, with which Mary and Selina made rather too free, and went into immoderate fits of laughter. We afterwards mounted the Cliffs, and sat contemplating the Cove and the sea while the girls and Humfry explored the hills, and amused themselves by climbing and slipping about till the steamer entered the little Cove at 6 - and there was a grand scramble for the landing board! We had a very tranquil trip back of an hour, and I left the girls to drink tea with the [51] Skipwiths, while Humfry walked home with me, and we parted in real sorrow at our door / Well, all is for the best, and these trials must be born with submission! He walked home with the girls at 10-30 by moonlight and thus ends our intercourse with this most aimiable and excellent of men!
6th Fine warm day - Dr Smith came to see Fred and gave a very favourable report indeed - but there is still a little congestion left, so he must persevere in his present treatment. All the world turned out for the Weymouth Races, which are very indifferent I fear but Hugh enjoyed the Ball and stayed till 5. - Poor dear Humfry started at one for Teignmouth, to join the Fullertons, where I trust he may find comfort and peace in time - Emily walked with Julia up the Nothe and the girls went to the school fete with Mrs Morewood and Lizzy - [52][53] 
Left: Portland Castle Dorsetshire. 7th Called on the Morewoods - Major Galton and Captain Donald called about a horse for us - but it was too slight. Emily and Selina went to the organ lesson and Louy and Julia to their drawing - Mary with Kenelm and one joined Morewoods, Skipwiths and Erasmus in an Excursion round the Breakwater and Bill of Portland. It was a most lovely clear day, and we saw everything to perfection - passing the old Castle, Light houses, and very fine rocks, which with the famous race of Portland, must make it very dangerous navigation - On our return we came close to the Colossus a 74 ship returning to the roads, playing 'home sweet home', which we returned with Rule Britannia - She is a small ship and not very clean or in first rate order. We got home at 6, much pleased with our trip - Lizzy and Julia came to dine and drink tea with us - played at chess, and backgammon - Sir Thomas sent us five brace of grouse today – [54] 8th A misty sea fog, but no rain. Sat on the beach with the Skipwiths who have heard of Humberstone's safe arrival at Teignmouth at 8 last night and going with them to see Torquay etc. After luncheon I went with Kenelm and Emily to call on the Stevensons at St Johns - found them at Home in a pretty new house close to the Church - we then went on the Pier and up the Town. Met the Musgraves - but no news. The Skips and Erasmus dined with us Hugh did not return from Mr Radcliffe's / near Wareham / where he went yesterday, as we expected. 9th Sunday - A most stormy boisterous N.E. wind - but Emily and Selina went early to the School, and we got to St Johns Church with difficulty and back, very wet - It cleared in the afternoon and I went with Louy to Trinity Church and got a blow on the Esplanade -/ met the Skipwiths - Mary and Julia went to St Marys - Hugh came back [55][56] from Mr Radcliffes Hyde near Wareham, much pleased with his cat hunting -. 10th Still a strong East wind and a fine surf - the Skipwiths called and sat on the beach with the girls. Emily had a very touching letter from H.S. a sort of leave taking, as he goes abroad in ten days / Emily and I drove to Sandsfoot, with the Miss Skipwiths - Mary, Julia, and I walked to Wyke. Hugh went on board the Colossus with the Musgraves. Poor Fred could not get out, it was so cold - a farewell letter from poor H.S. - 11th This is my 56th birthday - and I found a charming present of a Swiss Chamois Hunter from my five dear daughters - Again a cold wind and rough sea - Emily's last lesson on the organ after hearing which with the [57] Skips, I called with Kenelm upon Mr and Mrs Greaves to return their visit. He is the Clergyman of St Marys. We then walked up the Nothe. - The views were most lovely - such light and shade on the cliffs and so clear - The day improved very much - Louy and Julia went sketching on the Dorchester road - and Emily Selina and J Skipwith walked to Chickerell F/N 34. Henry Head arrived by train from Dartmouth - Letter from Mrs Manning at Lynmouth, and from Miss Kaye at Smethick in Lancashire.
12th A bright clear cold day again. Henry Head came to see us, looking very well - he is at the Royal - Met and walked with Captain Donald. The girls went with Julia Skip to sketch at Preston - Mary Selina and I went on the Pier, and amused ourselves with looking at the little boys fishing and at an Excursion boat coming in. Henry dined with us.[58] Website: Click Here ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Click Website above to return to the diaries Index Page. The diary continues....
13th Beautiful day - So at 12 Louy, Mary, Julia Hugh and I started in a Phaeton for Abbotsbury by Mottington, Portisham etc. - The country is rather pretty in its way, downy hills and valleys with sheltered villages in them - We found on arriving at Abbotsbury / 9 miles off / that it was only a small Village with thatched houses, and a small Inn called the Ship - there are some new Gothic Schools just built close to it, which are rather pretty  The King and Queen have a small Lake of their own, from which they chase all the others, and whenever either of them die, the other chooses a new Mate from the flock! About May and June there are as many as 600 congregated there, but they are now all dispersed about the country so we saw very few - They build nests for them of the dried reeds and wood  F/N 39. The Decoy is made by a little stream covered with a net stretched over arched sticks and very narrow at the end, so that in frosty weather the poor Wild Ducks are enticed in, and then dogs set at them to frighten them back, so that they cannot escape but find themselves PrisonersF/N 40, - We did not go on the Chesil beach as our time was short there is a pole 22 feet high in the meadow showing the height of the tide in 1824 when it washed [62] over the Chesil beach - We returned to our little Inn for the carriage and coming back by a shorter road near Wyke, we got home at half past 6 very well amused with our trip - Hugh's hat blew off twice, and gave him a good chase for it - Emily and Selina went out with the Skipwiths in the steamer to Portland Bill with Captain Donald and Henry. The Skips drank tea with us / as they go to Leamington tomorrow, accompanied by poor Humfry, who meets them at Yeovil, for a few days - He is still most miserable I fear but I trust time will reconcile him to his disappointment, as well as our dear Emily - Poor Fred was not so well today, having caught a little chill from the cold winds, but nothing serious I am thankful to say only muscular.
14th Cold day again - Christopher Musgrave [63] came and sat with Fred. After going with Emily to the organ / her last lesson we went to meet the Morewoods / coming back from Guernsey and Jersey after a very rough and cold passage two hours late - We walked with her to her house to wait for some suere de pomme - but Mr Morewood came without it, and was very wroth, so we came away. A long letter Lady Errol at Lyndhurst and from Charlotte Somerville F/N 41, who has been at Bournewouth with Mrs Daniell. Henry dined with us.
15th Windy and stormy night new moon. The Morewoods called to show us their views of Guernsey and Jersey - we took a walk with them round the backwater and in search of carnations, while the girls sketched the old Town Hall, Hugh went to London this morning. Letter from Mrs Manning at Exeter, and going to Torquay for a fortnight- 16th Sunday - Very cold and rainy again. Went to St John's Church, Emily and Selina [64] to their schools again - Mr Stephenson is sorry to loose them, as they are just getting accustomed to their work! However it has I trust laid a good foundation for themselves. Could not get out again even to Church it poured the whole Evening - but the girls went to St John's, and Henry Head dined with us -. 16th Dr Smith came to pay his last visit to Fred who he pronounces nearly well, but still a slight dulness in one part of the Lungs - A long letter from Harriet Sympson at Thur F/N 42, where she seems very happy, and has met Miss Heron, the Halfields and several other English friends - She is going to Nice for the winter. Letters also from the Townsends at Culver, and going to Ryde -.
17th Raining most of the day but we got out a little in the Town - met Erasmus and the Musgraves - [65] Mr Stephenson called - busy packing for our departure tomorrow - 18th A brilliant morning, and we all left Weymouth with great regret at 9 o'clock - had a most tedious journey to Didcot stopping at every little station - Amused ourselves with dinner on the Train and refreshments at Swindon with coffee etc. - At Didcot we met Mr Bagley / Kenelm's man of business / and had a talk with him - then took a walk into the Village of Didcot - got the key of the Church from the Clergyman and went into it - lately restored and repaired, and made very nice in every way - After waiting 1 3/4 hours we got again into the Train / having secured a carriage which took us the whole way through and then came in at a famous pace via Oxford to Leamington - found the house only [66] just ready to receive us - having been fresh papered and varnished etc. It feels very damp and chilly after the sea, and we lit all the fires and made ourselves comfortable - a heavy tea at 7 in the dining room - Hugh joined us from London about 8 - Fred non the worse for his journey. The Miss Skipwiths met us at the Station, and put a long letter into my hand from poor dear Humfry - a most kind and touching one, and gave me rather a sleepless night! So ends Lady Somerville's trip to Weymouth, her diary continues for a few weeks below detailing her activities in Leamington. 19th Busy arranging out things and looking at the Garden which is sadly washed by all the rain they have had! Walked into the Town with Louy, thro' Jephson Gardens  F/N 43, - Emily drove to Stoneleigh and Aston with Lizzie Skipwith -
20th Went to see old Thomas, and Mrs Coles and all the poor people - also to [67] call on Jane Stacen, who has lately married a journeyman tailor / called on poor Mrs Pratt who bears her affliction with true resignation - is going with her sister to Norfolk. Louy, Emily, and Selina went to Kenilworth to play at Croquet with the Caves. I walked round by Lillington and had a long walk with the Skipwiths and talked over all this sad business. Called to enquire for Mrs Charles Wise who is going on well. 21st Called on poor Mrs Pratt, who was much affected at seeing me, and is going with her sister to Norfolk then on the Skipwiths, and had a long and sad discussion with them on late events - and then took a long walk - Hugh and the girls went over to Kenilworth, to play at croquet with the Caves, and enjoyed it. 22nd A lovely day - Mr Jones came to examine Fred and insists upon [68] another month's leave - he says the lungs are nearly right, but great debility still - Fred drove me to Warwick - Emily spent the day with Miss Skipwiths, and Louy Mary and Selina went with Hugh and the Caves, to run from Emsede to Warwick - taking their luncheon a most Cockney affair! - Called on Mrs Kenedy and went to hear the Volunteer band in the Jephson Gardens -. 22nd Went with Selina to Mr Horderns about her teeth. Emily Mary and Julia, drove to call on Emma Willes at Halton - She is to become Mrs Dudley Smith on Wednesday I went with Kenelm to call on Mrs Des Voeux and Lady Cecilia - met Mrs Granville Berkeley there - Hugh rode over to Styvechele - found Mrs G at home, but Frank is in Scotland [69] 23rd Sunday Went twice to the Episcopal Dr Beckmore - walked with Mrs Des Vœux, and Julia Skipwith very fine day - Emily and Mary went to Whitmarsh in the afternoon -. 24th Miss Ford called - I drove with Emily and Selina to Baginton found the Gooches and Miss Peel - Emily played on the Organ in the Church very poor, after the grand one at Weymouth - Called on Mrs Scott at the Hall, but she was out, and came home by 8 - the Gooch baby is a very fine child - the boy still a baby tho' nearly 6 years old! Lovely day - . Letter from Mrs Manning at Torquay - ill with Diarrhoea - 25th A pouring wet morning but it cleared at one and I went to the Dentist with Selina - Mrs Morewood came up, but as we had appointed to go and see poor dear Humfry at his sister's we only walked back with her. [70] Poor H.S. met us at the door and tried as usual to smile and look cheerful - but it was a terrible struggle, and he looked aged and worn, and has let his beard grow quite long! They had much to do, so we parted I trust with mutual affection and good will, in spite of all that has past and he goes tomorrow via Southampton to embark on the 'Tagus', for Lisbon Cadiz etc etc - Selina and Mary went out driving with them to Stoneleigh at his earnest request, and I could not refuse him at such a moment any thing that would give him pleasure. Julia and I walked and shopped, and met the Wyndhams, Mrs Moseley etc. and finally Sir Theophilus F/N 44, just returned from Scotland and going into Derbyshire tomorrow - Louy, and poor dear Emily drove in the Pony carriage to Willesbourne etc. to drive away care! [71]
26th Went with Louy to call on Mrs Pratt, Mrs Davenport, Mrs Sam Steward and others. - Fred rode with the Morewoods - called at Shrublands but they were out - Emily went to see the Miss Skipwiths off to Lutterworth - Humberstone went to Southampton to embark tomorrow in the Tagus for Lisbon F/N 45.
27th Paid a round of visits with Louy to Miss Wheelers, Lady Cambell Mrs Granville Berkeley, Cunliffe, Riddells etc. - Fred drove with Mary and Selina, but was driven back by the rain, which we had not - Miss Baxter came from Oxford to stay with us - 28th Mr Gooch came to luncheon. Went with Emily to play the organ at the Temperance stall and then to the schools with her - very cold N.E. wind - Called on Charlotte Tainor [72] Mrs Begland etc. - Dr and Mrs Jephson sat with us -. 29th Went a round of poor people with Emily - and after luncheon drove Louy to call on the old Bracebridges. Sat with them some time, and they gave me their photographs very like - Mrs Des Voeux tells me that Sir William Denison is made Govenor of Madras - a great honour. 30th Sunday - Went twice to Church at the Episcopal. Dr Beckman walked with Mrs Des Voeux after some of the girls went to Lillington. Oct 1st - All busy paying bills etc. Fine mild day - Fred and Mary and I drove to Long Itchington - I went with Emily to the organ, and then visiting. Called on Miss Vansettart, - met Mrs Louther Thompson there - also in Mrs Des Voeux - met Lady Hariet Bentinck. [73] 2nd Walked with Kenelm a lovely October day - Miss Baxter and Julia went to the Mat. Willes Letter from Miss Kaye at Appleby. 3rd Hugh drove me and Selina to Grove Park - found Lady Dormer and Miss Hibbert at home very fine day - Mary rode with the Morewoods. 3rd I went to call on Dr Jephson met old Lady Queensbury there. Miss Baxter and the girls went to sketch at Guy's Cliffe. Colonel Skipwith dined and played a Rubber with us - 4th Colonel Wyndham and Mr Hill called. Fred shot another Hare after a long baske? - Miss Baxter and the girls went by train to sketch at Kenelworth. Met Mrs Steward. [74] Dined at Lady Campbells with Kenelm Louy and Hugh, met Colonel and Mrs Lyons, Captain and Mrs Filey Mr Morewood, Lady Riddell and Miss Vansettart, Miss Cunliffe and Mr and Mrs Sherer in the Evening Music -, but very hot. 6th Miss Baxter left us, to stay with Mrs Parker at Barford a most lovely day - I sat in the Garden reading the exciting story of the 'Woman in White' Fred rode to Tachbrook. 7th Went twice to the Episcopal stayed the Sacrament with Mary and Kenelm - Walked with Mrs Pratt. [75] Mrs Morewood called and Miss Bonham - then Colonel and Lady Cartwright Met Mrs Bracebridge - and had a long talk with her - Dear Fred's 20th birthday, and we drank his health in Champagne - The girls went out sketching - and I called on Mrs Des Voeux, and Lady Bruce. 9th Bitter cold and squaly - I drove Louy to Willesbourne. - lunched with Lady Charles Parker and Harriet Granville - called on old Miss Watts, and on Mrs E. Sheldon - The boys and girls went to the Barclay Minstral but they did not perform. 10th Pouring day - but Kenelm and I with Hugh and Mary, went to Arbury in the carriage - arrived [76] there at 6 - found Mr and Mrs Yorke and son and two daughters - Mr and Mrs Parker Reading, Mr Tower Mr Bryant and Captain Bonchurch a very pleasant party - and we had some charming music in the Evening. 11th This is dear Hugh's 21st birthday, and he was warmly greeted by the whole party on the occasion. He went out shooting, while I drove with Mrs Newdigate and Mr Yorke to call upon Mrs Carden at Higham on the Hill, about five miles from Arbury - found her at home, and too very fine boys. - In the Evening music mufti and dancing - in honour of Hugh - I danced the Lancers with Mr Newdigate F/N 46, Mrs Packe played -
12th A fine morning [77] So we all went out to see the Horses and Garden etc. and then I walked with Mr Yorke to Astley and found him very agreeable. Dr and Mrs Macmex dined - he is the Rector of Coton. - Music and whist. Mr Newdigate dined at Bemingham -. Mr Delke came to dinner, and we like him. 13th The Packes departed early to Leicestershire - and the Yorkes followed and then ourselves - inshort the whole party dispersed with regret! The Yorkes came to lunch with us, and we had some music, and made all the young ones acquainted - They have taken a house here / which we are glad of in Beauchamp Square for two years - [78] I called on Julia Skipwith and went with her to see Miss Vansittart - Julia has heard from Humfry at Lisbon he and Mr Knipe are getting on very well together and going to Gibraltar and Paris. 15th Very wet day, and a bad cold prevented my stirring out, so I wrote letters to Mrs Manning etc. - Kenelm and the girls went to look for a house for the Yorkes, but failed. Emily went to her organ - very bad accounts of Mrs William Cartwright  F/N 47.
16th Went to a sort of Choral Concert from Lichfield - not good - 17th Colonel Digby came to stay with us. 18th Colonel Digby drove me to Mr. [79] 18th Hugh went to Reading and Oxford. Very stormy day. I did not go out. Colonel Digby came to us - 20th Colonel Digby drove me to Baggington - found only Mrs Gooch and her fine baby - a great contrast to the eldest poor little animal. 21st Stephen Cartwright came to us still very anxious about poor Mrs William Cartwright. Mr Jones sleeps there every night! 22nd Stephen went to Flore all a little more hopeful - Mrs Aide called. 23rd The Henry Jennings came to see us - 24th Stephen and his dear little Augusta left us - she has been her a fortnight, and is most engaging clever little child - [80] 29th Mrs George Phillimore and her two nice little girls called. 31st Kenelm went to London to see Mr Bennett on business, and Hugh on to Brighton to stay with Henry Head. 1st November Kenelm returned from London - Miss Kaye came to stay with us from Cheshire. Heard from Fred at Aldershot he keeps well I am thankful to say - . 3rd The George Granvilles came to luncheon Miss Ford Colonel Wyndham and others called. 6th Twisleton Weekes and Bowyer Cave and Mr Fiennes dined with us. 7th Miss Kaye left us to our regret. Met Mr. Percy - called [81] on Mrs Manning who is still confined to the house - The accounts from Flore very disheartening. 13th Called at Guy's Cliffe - met Mrs Cowan and Miss Leigh. 15th Dined at the Townsends to meet the Tredcrofts and Mr Ramsay who is to marry Emily T - a very quiet amiable man. Our poor dear friend Mrs William Cartwright died this day at Flore! F/N 48, to the great grief of all her family and friends by whom she was so justly beloved. The poor dear General braced up wonderfully - but I cannot imagine how he will live without her!
17th Snowing all day - Julia went up with Anne to stay with Miss Kaye for a fortnight. Emily is still at Beech Hill very happy she returns on the 28th and the.... F/N 49.
[FINIS] - transcribed by Bruce Osborne 2001 LANDSCAPE Country town/village REGION England - Southern |
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Belvidere is a row of terraced substantial houses built between 1818 and the 1850s. Number 15, now the Langham Hotel is second from the end on the right hand side looking from the beach.
