Extracts from the Diary of William Bray

Transcribed from the 1876 Spottiswoode & Co. edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
1756–1800
AND HIS SUBSEQUENT MEMORANDA
Printed by SPOTTISWOODE & CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE, LONDON 1876
These extracts are printed for the gratification of Mr. Bray’s descendants; who will see in them a remarkable instance of a life of sociability and amusement, combined with great and successful industry.
More extracts would have only shewn the same activity and pursuits.
He died from weakness, and without any disorder, on the 21st of December, 1832, having entered his 97th year on the 15th of the preceding month.
His habits before marriage did not promise either an industrious or a very long life. He spent almost every night at cards, and many of his mornings in other amusements. After his marriage he became more attentive to his professional business; but he continued for many years to live more like a bachelor than a married man, spending most of his evenings in the society of his numerous friends, or at a coffee-house. He was very hospitable both in bed and board, but in the plainest way. His surplus income was laid out in purchases at Shere and in planting, and he left no personal property except his life insurances. The family estate devolved on his death to his grandson Edward, who lived at Shere, and died in 1866, at the age of 72.
7 th .—Drank tea at Mrs. Westbrook’s. Mr. and Mrs. Fortery there: they played at quadrille. I went home for an hour, and went again, played and supped there. Home a little before 12.
12 th .—With Mr. Martyr in his postchaise to London, to Clare, and drank tea with him. To Drury Lane playhouse, but could not get in, so we went to the Robin Hood Society, and stayed till after 10. The question was, whether the increase of unmarried people was owing to the men’s greater bashfulness, or women’s greater coyness, than formerly.
13 th .—Went to Drury Lane house: ‘Tancred and Sigismunda.’ Garrick, Tancred; Mrs. Cibber, Sigismunda.