Transcribed from the 1876 Spottiswoode & Co. edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
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EXTRACTS
FROM THE
DIARY OF WILLIAM BRAY, ESQ.
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.
MEMOIR.
Mr. Bray was born at Shere, on the 15th of November, 1736. He was the youngest of the three sons who survived their father Edward Bray, Esq. George the eldest, who was in the Church, and the second son Edward, who was in the Army, both died unmarried; and, on the death of George the survivor, in 1803, Mr. Bray succeeded to the possession of the Manors of Shere and Gumshall, which had belonged to his ancestors from the reign of Henry the Eighth. When ten years old he was placed at Rugby, where he remained until he was articled to Mr. Martyr, an Attorney of Guildford. In 1761, he was appointed a Clerk of the Board of Green Cloth, at St. James’s, through the patronage of Sir John Evelyn. His attendance at the Board did not prevent his practising as an Attorney, and it introduced him to many clients. In 1777, he published a ‘Tour in Derbyshire and Yorkshire,’ and a second edition of it in 1783. In 1797, he was chosen one of the Council, and a few years afterwards Treasurer, of the Society of Antiquaries, many of his communications to which are printed in the ‘Archæologia.’ In 1801, on the death of the Revd. Mr. Manning, who had been engaged for some years in compiling the ‘History of Surrey,’ Mr. Bray undertook to complete the work. The first volume was published in 1804, the second in 1809, and the third in 1814. His next and last literary undertaking was the editing of the ‘Evelyn Memoirs,’ which he completed in 1817. [6] Although in his 80th year, he transcribed in his own handwriting nearly the whole of Mr. Evelyn’s Journal.
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.
EXTRACTS.
1756, Jan. 1st.—Called on Miss Stevens [7a] this morning. With Mr. Boughton and Shotter to Mr. Shrubb’s at Shalford, to spend the evening. We played at loo, came home a little after 11.
7th.—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.
9th.—Carried Mr. Haydon his appointment as a Trustee of the Turnpike; he gave me 5s. After the meeting the trustees went to Mr. P. Flutter’s; [7b] they sent for me about 8, to play at cards. [7c] I played at whisk with Mr. Flutter, Mr. J. Martyr, and Mrs. Flutter: won every game. Home about one; won 3s. 6d.
10th.—Mr. Duncumb [7d] dined here. He and I went to Mrs. Wilpley’s, [8a] but she not being at home, we went to the ‘White Hart’ and spent the evening, and supped there.
12th.—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.
13th.—Went to Drury Lane house: ‘Tancred and Sigismunda.’ Garrick, Tancred; Mrs. Cibber, Sigismunda.
14th.—To Covent Garden, ‘Orpheus and Euridice.’
15th.—Drank tea at Mrs. Emily’s [8b]; played at cards. Home at 11.
16th.—Came home with Mr. Martyr in his new chaise by 6.
18th.—Dined at Mr. P. Flutter’s; walked up Berry Field with Miss Flutter’s, Miss Nancy Steere, and Miss Parson.
22nd.—To Mr. Bullen’s to dinner, played at quadrille. Came home about 1.
24th.—Between 6 and 7 with Mr. Duncumb and Mr. Wakeford, to the ‘Tuns’ to drink a glass of wine. Mr. Punter, came in afterwards, Mr. Hallamby, Mr. Stovold and Harry Stovold. Home at 10.
29th.—To the Assembly, but there not being enough to dance, Miss Sally Flutter, Miss Parson, Mr. Ford and I sat down to loo, till between 11 and 12.
31st.—A man having taken a shop in Stoke, sometime ago, and selling goods vastly under the usual price, Mr. Haydon set up a shop against him, of whom I bought this morning four pair of gloves, at 7d. a pair; riding gloves, 9d.; and a pair of other gloves, 8d.
Feb. 2nd.—An hour after dinner, Miss Stevens came in.
6th.—This day being appointed for a public Fast on account of the great earthquake at Lisbon, to Middle Church.
9th.—I was bled this morning for the first time. Mrs. Martyr being about to inoculate Master Jacky, [9a] and I intended to be inoculated at the same time. Drank tea with Mrs. Wilpley, and read the new farce of ‘The Apprentice’ to her. Gave Mr. Haydon for three pair of white silk stockings, 7s. 6d. a pair, being 4s. a pair cheaper than common.
12th.—Turnpike meeting. We all dined and spent the evening at Mr. Flutter’s. Played at Pope Joan till 12.
27th.—This is evening, I, Master Jacky, and the maid were inoculated. [9b]
March 5th.—Master Jacky was taken with the symptoms, and did not come out of his chamber for a week.
7th.—I was quite easy this morning, when the smallpox began appearing; a restless night, a slight fever.
12th.—I was blind to-day, and continued so till the 16th.
April 2nd.—Master Jacky and I went for an airing round the course, in the chaise, to-day.
17th.—To Bramley, breakfasted at the ‘Jolly Farmer,’ paid for breakfast, 6d.
21st.—Walked with Miss Molly Flutter and Miss Parson, beyond Cross Lanes.
29th.—Drank tea at Mrs. Leeves’, with Miss Lavant and Miss More. Walked with them and Miss Leeves up Warwick’s Bench and part of Velvet Walk; then played at quadrille. Home 11.
May 1st.—Drank tea there again. Quadrille.
20th.—Richard the man went for a week to the Peasemarch to be aired; he catched the smallpox coming to us. Paid for a cheesecake for Jacky, 1d.
22nd.—War with France proclaimed at Guildford; the soldiers drawn up in arms, and with music went before the Mayor, &c. Went to see the wire-dancer; he tossed the straw very well, he laid a board on the wire and sat on it himself with three children and a dog in full swing; on the whole quite silly.
23rd, Sunday.—To Stoke Church, afterwards to the Bowling-green, and had a syllabub with Rawlins, Ford, Mellersh, Mersing, W. Parson, Hallomby, and Elkins. Walked up the Velvet Walk with them.
25th.—Sir Charles Howard reviewed his regiment in the Artillery Ground. With Parvish to the ‘White Hart,’ and gave him a bottle of wine, which I owed him for teaching me on the flute.
June 6th, Sunday.—To Lower Church; to the ‘White Hart,’ with Stares, Harbroe and Mellersh, had some cold tankard. Mellersh and I walked up Warwick Bench; and in the hop-ground at the bottom of Velvet Walk, met Rawlins and Ford, who went with us.
9th.—To the Assembly. Danced with Miss Fanny Yalden, who dances very well. Paid Assembly 2s. 6d.; negus, 1s.
10th.—Lost at bowls, 6d. Called on Miss Yalden, at Miss Roker’s. Paid for a lobster for my supper, 3d.
21st.—Went a fishing, with Mr. Adderley and Mr. Mellersh; Miss Sally Flutter went with us; little sport. I got none out of the water.
26th.—Drank tea and supper at Mrs. Leeves’. Played at whisk; I won every game.
28th.—To the Bowling-green. Played seven games. Paid for a scarlet waistcoat, £1. 1s.
July 11th.—To Shalford Church. Afterwards a syllabub. Miss Flutter, Miss Gardner and I walked to Woodbridge.
Aug. 2nd.—After dinner, asked Miss Jeale and Miss Westbrooks to come and drink a syllabub with me, (Mr. and Mrs. Martyr were gone to Chichester[11]), but afterwards Miss Jeale sent me word they could not come, and I must go thither; I did and played at quadrille.
15th, Sunday.—To the Lower Church. Afterwards walked with Mellersh and Ford, Miss Molly and Sally Flutter, and Miss Parson, up Catherine Hill, opposite Mr. Arnold’s; then came back, went up town, Mr. Mersing met us, and walked with us as far as Ganghill Common.
Aug. 29th, Sunday.—To Middle Church. Afterwards to Mr. Weston’s, at West Horsley, to dinner. Gave Mr. Weston’s servants, 2s.
Sept. 3rd.—Mr. Martyr set out at 8 this morning for London. Walked with Miss Molly Flutter and Miss Parson to Chilworth, and fished there. Mrs. Street made us a syllabub.
22nd.—To Mr. Street’s at Chilworth, with Miss Molly and Sally Flutter to dinner. They finished their hopping to-day. About six we began dancing, two Miss Grenville’s, Miss Betsey Smallpeice, Miss Hall, two Stovolds’s, and young Hall, Mr. Street and us; there being one woman too many, we changed our partners, and one woman always sat down. We danced till 3 or 4. All lay there.
23rd.—Went to see the paper-mills. Dined at Mr. Flutter’s. Between 3 and 4 to Mrs. Wilpley’s; played at cards till 12.
28th.—A Turnpike meeting. Dined there with Mr. Edwards, Mr. Skrine, Mr. Fullerton, Mr. John Vincent, Mr. Henry Flutter and Mr. Pinkney.
29th.—Dined at Mr. Mabanke’s. Played at Pope Joan till 12.
Oct. 8th.—Miss Flutters, Miss Parson, Ford and Mellersh supped with me. Very merry till 11, had punch, Miss Molly brought rum.
13th.—Drank tea at Mr. Jeale’s (the Rector), and Mr. and Mrs. Sibthorp there. Played at whist till 11.
19th.—Went to see Farnham Castle, which is very badly furnished, the Bishop never being there.
29th.—Walked, with Miss Sally and Fanny Whitehead, to Ganghill Common.
22nd.—At 7, went with Ford, Mellersh and H. Parson to the Mayor’s (Savage’s) to drink the King’s health. We were too late for any place, but by the door. Paid 1s.
Nov. 14th, Sunday.—To Middle Church. Then to the coffee-house for half an hour. Paid at coffee-house, 1d.
21st.—General Blakeney landed yesterday at Portsmouth, and came this evening to the ‘White Hart.’ A bonfire and illuminations. The mayor and magistrates went to pay their respects to him. I went into the room with them, and had two glasses of claret. Afterwards sat in the next room with Mellersh, Harbroe, Shotter, Horsenell, Elkins, Clifton, H. Parson, and Buckle, to drink his health, from 8 to half-past 10. Paid reckoning, 1s. 6d. Bonfire, 1d.
23rd.—To London with Mr. Martyr. To Covent Garden Theatre; in the pit, paid 3s.
24th.—To Covent Garden Theatre: ‘Henry IV.’—Falstaff, Mr. Shuter; Hotspur, Barry.
26th.—Set out at 6 in the Guildford Machine. Breakfasted at Cobham; in about 2. Breakfast, 1s. 1d. Gave the coachman, 6d,
Dec. 22nd.—Byng went through the town this morning on his way to Portsmouth to take his trial. They tolled the bell, and burnt his effigy on the churchyard-steps.
1757, Jan. 27th.—Rode the black horse to London. Covent Garden Theatre: ‘Richard the Third,’ Barry. Could not get in at Drury Lane.
Feb. 11th.—A Fast: no breakfast. To Middle Church.
17th.—Mr. Ford and Miss Sally Flutter were married this morning.
18th.—Mr. and Mrs. Ford dined here.
24th.—Dined at Mr. Ford’s with all the Flutters.
27th.—To Middle Church. Mrs. Ford made her appearance.
28th.—To the Artillery Ground, to see the Hessians [14a] exercise, and one of them run the gauntlet.
May 7th.—Some people got together at Petworth and thereabouts, and seized some corn belonging to engrossers.
11th.—Wheat £20. 15s. a load.
June 21st.—Paid for half-a-pint of strawberries for Master Jacky and myself, 1½d.
Aug. 6th.—Wheat, under £10.
Sept. 11th, Sunday.—A brief for the repair of the groins at Brighthelmstone; paid 6d.
27th.—Miss Molly Flutter married to Mr. Chandler. [14b]
Oct. 6th.—Miss Jeale married to Mr. Maxhill.
Nov. 7th.—Paid earnest of coach, [14c] 2s. 6d. Wine at the ‘White Hart,’ 6d.
10th.—Paid remainder for coach, 2s. 6d., coachman, 6d.; dinner at chop-house, 10d.; breakfast on the road, 9d.; coffee in the afternoon, 4d.
12th.—To Drury Lane Theatre: ‘King Lear,’ by Garrick. Agreed with the barber for shaving me at 6s. a quarter.
14th.—To the theatre: Garrick as Don Felix, in ‘The Wonder.’
23rd.—At 4 to Drury Lane; the King being there to-night, very much crowded. Miss Gunning and her two sisters and a number of people of quality. ‘The Tempest,’ and ‘Harlequin Ranger’; both very foolish to see. Home at 10.
28th.—I was sworn in to-day in the King’s Bench as an Attorney of that Court. Paid Judges’ clerk, when I went to be examined, 7s.; servant, 1s. Admission on stamp, £6. 6s. At 8 with Jenkins and James [15a] to the Robin Hood Society. Stayed there till past 9, then went into a room below and stayed till 11.
30th.—Paid 10s. 6d. for entering as a pupil of Mons. Prieur, a French master. [15b]
Dec. 1st.—To Covent Garden Theatre. Paid for a fortnight’s board and lodging, £1. 4s.; for a bushel of coals, 1s. 2d. Tea at Prosser’s coffee-house, 4d.; wine after dinner, 3d.; a pound of candles, 7d.
7th.—To chambers (Mr. Adderley’s) till near 7, then James came home with me. At whist till 11.
9th.—To chambers. Home to dinner. At 4 to Drury Lane Theatre: ‘The Careless Husband’—Lord Chalkstone, Mr. Garrick.
10th.—To Mr. Adderley’s till dinner. Thither in the afternoon. At 6 drank tea with Jenkins.
11th.—To chambers; after dinner there again. Home at 7; at 9, Jenkins, James, and Mersing, at whist till 11.
Dec. 12th.—To chambers. Paid for cyder with James, after dinner, 3d.; wine with Mersing at night, 3d.
14th.—At whist with Jenkins, James, and Mersing.
17th.—Jenkins and James came home with me at 7; played at draughts with Jenkins. Afterwards Boughton came and took us to his lodgings; at whist till 11.
21st.—With Boughton and James; mobbed it for the first row of the upper gallery at Drury Lane, which we got.
22nd.—To Drury Lane; an old play of Shirley’s, ‘The Gamesters,’ revived.
23rd.—To chambers; after dinner to do. At 7, home; Jenkins, James, and Boughton, to whist till 11.
25th.—To the Temple Chapel, at the Sacrament. In the afternoon with James and Boughton to the Romish Chapel in Lincoln’s Inn Fields; then to Mrs. Emily’s and drank tea. Home at 8.
27th.—With Boughton to St. Michael’s Church, Cornhill, and heard part of a sermon; afterwards to St. Mildred’s, and heard part of the prayers. At whist with Sibthorpe, Boughton, and Jenkins till near 11.
28th.—To an auction of books [16] at the ‘Robin Hood.’
31st.—Between 9 and 10 Mrs. Mouling sent for me, to play at whist with her son and daughter till 11.
1758, Jan. 2nd.—To chambers at 4 till past 7; then home; Boughton, Daniel, and Mersing came, and played at whist till 12.
The following is written on a slip of paper:—‘Jan. 1st, 1758.—In my pocket, £1. 5s. 5d.; purse, £17. 9s. 6d.; money laid out for my brother, &c. £2. 7s. 7½d.; due from my mother at Christmas, £2. 2s.; in my card purse, [17a] 12s. 2d.; Bank 3 per cent. Reduced Annuities, £100.
‘Of wife and children, debts and taxes clear, £123. 16s. 8½d.’
Jan. 29th, Sunday.—Between 2 and 3 to the Speaker’s to dinner; sat an hour before dinner; paid the servant, 2s.
Feb. 19th, Sunday.—To St. Dunstan’s Church. After dinner called on Mr. Maxwell; then to church at St. Andrew’s, Holborn; called on Mersing; soon after 4 Sam Ford came in; I stayed with him till past 7; then went home and got my fire lighted, and at 9 they came and stayed till 12.
21st.—Took a place in the Godalming Machine.
22nd.—To the ‘New Inn,’ Western Bridge, soon after 6; waited till 7; there being eight passengers, they sent a chaise in which I and a gentleman came; stopped at Cobham; arrived at Guildford [17b] between 3 and 4. Paid coach, 5s.; breakfast at Cobham, 18. coachman, 1s.
April 17th.—At 6 set out in the coach for London. Dined at Kingston; in about 5. With James and Jenkins to Mr. Boughton’s; at whist till 11. Paid coach and man, 5s. 6d.; dinner, 2s.
18th.—To the play: ‘The Provoked Husband,’ Mr. Garrick.
19th.—Breakfasted with James at Johnstone’s Coffee House, Charing Cross. Paid for chocolate and muffin, 2½d.
23rd, Sunday.—To St. Dunstan’s Church; walked in Lincoln’s Inn Gardens; to Mr. Emily’s to dinner; to the chapel in Russell Court; walked in the Park; at Slaughter’s Coffee House for half-an-hour; at 8 called on Boughton.
25th.—To Don Saltero’s at Chelsea; paid for breakfast there, 13½d.; to Marylebone, played at bowls there; at 5, Ford came; he stayed till 7; then I went to the ‘Crown and Rolls.’ Home about 12.
May 1st.—I catched a great cold yesterday; James and I went home with Jenkins; at cribbage till 11.
8th.—Dined in Butcher Row, 9d.; went to hear Green, the Methodist, dispute in Fetter Lane—shameful. With Jenkins at cribbage till past 11.
10th.—Breakfasted with Mr. Street; at 11 to the Bank, and sold £25 stock; [18] at 4 dined with Mr. Adderley at the ‘White Lion,’ in Wych Street; drank tea with Clare; between 7 and 8 Gordon and I went to Covent Garden: ‘Miss in her teens,’ &c. Fribble, Mr. Shuter.
11th.—With Jenkins to Marylebone Bowling green, at bowls. Home at 9; then an hour at the ‘Bell.’
18th.—Breakfasted at home; James dined here; he fetched a pigeon pye; afterwards to Prosser’s, where Pitts came to me; at 6 Emily came; we took boat at the Temple, landed at Lambeth, and walked to Vauxhall; supped there. Home about 12; very pleasant evening; paid for supper at Vauxhall, 2s.; going in, 1s.
19th.—Breakfasted at New Exchange Coffee House; dined at Betty’s with Mr. Gordon; then to Drury Lane—‘The Rehearsal,’ Bayes, Mr. Garrick; paid for breakfast, 6d.; a letter, 3d.; dinner and wine, 1s. 4d.
20th.—Jenkins, James, and I walked to Marylebone; at bowls till 8; then we went to the ‘Sugar Loaf’ in Bell Yard; wine at Marylebone, 6d.; supper, 4½d.
22nd.—Boughton, James, and I to Islington, to a bowling-green there; paid for cyder, ham, &c. 7½d.
26th.—Dined with Mr. Adderley at the ‘White Lion,’ there till 6.
27th.—To the Bowling-green beyond the Foundling Hospital.
29th.—James and I walked to Marylebone, bowls there; between 4 and 5 we went to see ‘Hamlet,’ by Mr. Garrick.
June 6th.—Got up between 4 and 5; Jenkins and James breakfasted with me at the ‘Angel’; at 6, set out in the coach for Guildford; stopped at Kingston; dined at Cobham; in about 4; to Miss Stevens’.
7th.—To the Bowling-green; to Miss Stevens’. [20a]
9th.—Walked with Miss Stevens up Marrow Lane.
July 10th.—Miss Stevens and I drank tea at Mrs. Greenley’s; sat in her pavilion.
Aug. 24th.—Dined with my uncle, Duncumb, at Shere; at 5 to Sir John Evelyn’s, drank tea there; paid my uncle’s servant, 1s.; Sir John’s, 1s.
28th.—Dined with the Mayor at the ‘White Hart.’ A great many gentlemen from all parts of the country; there till 6; received of Mr. Fawkes, making his will, 3s. 6d.
Sept. 2nd.—Dined at the ‘Tuns,’ paid 9d.; drank tea and supped with Miss Stevens; Mrs. Ford came in, and afterwards Miss Adee [20b] and Miss Patty.
7th.—Walked with Miss Stevens to Mr. Emily’s at Clandon; dined there, cards in the evening.
8th.—To Mr. Engelstoft’s; Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Mellersh there; at whist till 12.
12th.—To Sir John Evelyn’s, to breakfast.
17th.—Between 4 and 5 to the Green; played three games, lost two; between 7 and 8 sat down to whist there with Mr. Englestoft, Mr. Mellersh, and Mr. Hunt. Home before 11.
18th.—To the Artillery Ground, to see a pony race; to Mrs. Wilpley’s for half an hour; at 7 to the Bowling-green, Mellersh, Gorman, and Engelstoft there; at whist till 11.
19th.—The Militia sworn in quietly; soldiers ready, but no occasion; to Mr. Engelstoft’s, played at backgammon; then to Mrs. Wilpley’s; fetched Miss Stevens at 4; at quadrille till near 8.
20th.—To Middle Church [21a]; to Mr. Shrubb’s; their home, at whist till near 1.
21st.—To Busbridge, Mr. Webb [21b] not at home; sat an hour with Mrs. and young Mr. Webb; cards at Mr. Brewer’s till past 9.
22nd.—The Visitation; at 7 to Miss Stevens.
23rd.—Dined at the ‘White Lion,’ paid 1s. [21c]; between 3 and 4 to Miss Stevens; Mrs. Wright came in; at quadrille till 9.
24th, Sunday.—To Middle Church. (He did not visit Miss Stevens this day).
25th.—Walked to Mr. Emily’s at Clandon; called on Mrs. Wilpley; between 7 and 8 to Miss Stevens.
26th.—To Mr. Brewer’s, Mr. Thomas there; after tea at Pope Joan till 7; then to Miss Stevens.
27th.—Mr. Brewer came at 10 with a licence; Mr. Martyr bound with me to Mr. Burdett; walked to Mr. Stevens’ at Worplesdon, he not at home, back between 5 and 6; called on Mr. Ralph Ford to bespeak his attendance to-morrow; between 7 and 8 to Mrs. Norwood’s, Betsy Stevens there.
28th.—At 8 went to Mrs. Norwood’s, Miss Adee and Betsy Stevens breakfasted there; they went down the backway to Mr. Brewer’s; I went home and down town; was married; [22a] sent Mr. Brewer’s man for a chaise and came away directly; went afterwards to Mr. Brewer’s and drank chocolate; dined at Epsom; to Mrs. C.’s [22b] at 5; I walked to Hatton Garden and with Mr. Boughton to Lincoln’s Inn Coffee House; then home; at quadrille before supper. [22c]
1758, Sept. 29th.—Called on Adderley; dined at home. Clare and Jenkins came at 5, stayed till 7; at quadrille till 8.
30th.—We went to New Bond Street to the milliner; home to dinner. I drank tea with Mr. Potts, Clare, and Marshall, then home at 8.
Oct. 1st.—To Lothbury Church. Mr. and Mrs. Barrow drank tea with us.
3rd.—Drank tea with Clare, home to supper; after supper quadrille.
4th.—Bolton called; with him to the Antigallican Coffee House till 10.
5th.—Set out in a chaise for Guildford at 1; arrived between 6 and 7.
16th, Monday.—Lady Martha and Mrs. Fitzgerald, Mrs. Spooner, Mrs. and Mr. Burdett drank tea with us. [23a]
Nov. 6th.—Set out at 8 in the Godalming Machine; dined at Esher; in at 5. Called on Mersing; Boughton there; then to Jenkins’, and played at whist till near 11. Coach and man, 5s. 6d.; a glass of capillair, 3d.
8th.—Dined at Prosser’s Coffee House; between 4 and 5 to the play—‘Zara,’ Lusignan, Mr. Garrick.
9th.—With Mersing and Jenkins to the ‘Feathers’ Tavern, where we supped; home at 11.
10th.—Set out at 7 in the Godalming coach; home at 5.
15th.—To the Bowling-green between 6 and 7; at whist there till 10 [23b]; then home. Won 4s. 6d.; paid reckoning at the green, 1s.
17th.—To Mrs. Emily’s to dinner; played at quadrille before dinner; home at 5; then went after my wife and Mrs. Norwood to Mr. Shrubb’s at Shalford; then to the Bowling-green.
1759, Feb. 21st.—To Middle Church. My wife and I walked with Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell in their garden till past 1. At 6 Mr. Ford, Mr. Gorman, and Mr. Mellersh came; at whist till 12.
March 21st.—On Stephens’s horse to London; met Mersing and Jenkins; dined at Betty’s. To Covent Garden—‘The Busybody,’ Marplot, Shuter. [24a] At 10 to the ‘Angel,’ where I lay. Mersing and Jenkins came; we drank one bottle. They went a little after 12.
April 9th.—Having a cold, with a difficulty of breathing, I was bleeded this morning, and found benefit by night.
10th.—At whist till past 11.
May 7th.—On Stephens’s horse to London. To Mr. Adderley’s; at 5 with him to the ‘Feathers’ Tavern, and dined. Away at 8; at 9 Jenkins, Mersing, and Boughton came to me at the ‘Angel’ and stayed till past 12; paid for dinner and wine, 2s. 6d.
9th.—Walked about; called on Adderley; dined with Jenkins; home by Epsom; paid for breakfast at the ‘Angel,’ 8d.; two nights’ lodging, 1s. 6d. maid, 1s.; horse and hostler, 3s. 2d.; turnpike, 4½d. horse hire, 6s.
June 13th.—On Stephens’s horse to Chertsey; breakfasted with Ford, Heath, and wife; to Ascot Races.
22nd.—To the green, and thence with Mr. Russell to the ‘Tuns’ to drink the King’s health; paid drinking, 1s.
27th.—To London; called on Adderley. With him to Clement’s Coffee House till 10; then to the ‘Angel.’ Jenkins came at 11, stayed till 1.
July 6th.—To Sir John Evelyn, at Wotton. Paid horse hire, 2s. [24b]
23rd.—To Sir John Evelyn, with him Colonel Evelyn and young Mr. Budgen. [25a] To the ‘Hatch’ to dinner; Mr. Evelyn, Mr. Godschall, [25b] Mr. Bridges, Mr. Steere, Mr. Spence, [25c] Mr. Courtenay, and Mr. Walsh there; left at 7; paid for dinner and wine, 4s. 6d.
Aug. 6th.—To Wotton Hatch to dinner. Mr. Evelyn, Mr. Bisshop, Mr. Godschall, Mr. Deane, Mr. Carr, Mr. Spence, Mr. Courtenay, Mr. Walsh, and Mr. Hull. [25d]
9th.—To see the fireworks on the good news: Russians and French defeated. The Judges came in the evening.
11th.—The assizes finished.
13th.—To Mr. Brewer’s; at whist; home by 10; won 7s. 6d.
14th.—My wife brought to bed this morning, about five of a boy. Paid Mr. Burdett, 10s. 6d.; midwife and nurse, 10s.
20th.—To Wotton Hatch. [25e] Mr. Talbot, Mr. Spooner, Mr. Bridges, Mr. Walsh, and Mr. Spence. Home about 8.
Sept. 3rd.—Being wet, did not go to Wotton Hatch.
10th.—My wife sat up for company.
11th.—Company again.
Oct. 1st.—To Wotton Hatch: Mr. Budgen, [26a] Mr. Godschall, Mr. Tucker, [26b] Mr. Talbot, Mr. Dormer, Mr. Steere, Mr. Courtenay, Mr. Kerr, Mr. Spence, and Mr. Spooner.
22nd.—With Sir John Evelyn to Milton Court: held court there. Mr. Evelyn with us. To Wotton at 6; danced till past 10. Colonel Evelyn, Mr. Harcourt, the butler, Miss Mary Evelyn, Miss Clark, Miss Duncumb, and three maids. I danced with Miss C. and Miss D.
28th.—Paid for a thing to hang my wig on, 1s. 2d.; a hutch for the child, 8s.
Nov. 26th.—Went to town; spent the evening at Mr. Adderley’s chambers with him and Miss A.
27th.—Jenkins came, and stayed till 12.
28th.—With Boughton and Jenkins; they stayed till 1.
29th.—Home in the Portsmouth fly. Thanksgiving for taking Quebeck.
Dec. 1st.—Illumination for Sir Edward Hawke beating Conflans.
13th.—Ford, Mellersh, and Vincent the clergyman sent for me to the ‘White Hart’ to play at whist.
1760, Jan. 14th.—At 6 to the ‘Red Lion’: Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Russell, Mellersh, and Ford; home at 11.
15th.—Lord Onslow sent for me to dinner; home at 8. Paid Mr. Wilpley bleeding my wife, 2s. 6d.
Feb. 11th.—On Upperton’s mare to London; dined with Adderley at the ‘Feathers.’ At 5 to Covent Garden, ‘Comus,’ singing by Miss Brent. To Clare’s for half-an-hour; then to the ‘Angel’; Jenkins came at 10, stayed till 12.
April 13th.—Paid a man going beyond Ripley to get some leeches to bleed the child. A labourer in the garden one day, 1s. 3d.
July 7th.—To the Club at Wotton Hatch; reckoning, 4s. 6d.
28th.—Mrs. Norwood and my wife drank tea with Mrs. Hole. I went to the Green till past 8. Englestoft came after; played backgammon till near 11.
Nov. 14th.—Between 6 and 7 to the ‘White Lion’ by invitation from the Mayor on the King of Prussia’s success. Stayed till past 11.
17th.—To London; called on Jenkins, dined with him; drank tea with Clare, then to the ‘Angel.’ Jenkins came and stayed till 1.
19th.—In a coach to the Speaker’s; dined at Dr. Adee’s; drank tea with Clare, then to the ‘Angel.’ Jenkins came and stayed till 12.
Dec. 15th.—Mr. Robert Austen [27a] drank tea here, and at 6 went with me to the ‘Red Lion’: Mr. Russell, Mr. Ford, Captain and Mr. C., and Mr. Webb; cards; home at 11. [27b]
June 8th.—Mr. Lane [28a] and Mr. Godschall made a cricket match to-day on Albury Heath. Mrs. Skurray and my wife went in a postchaise, and dined with my mother, and then went to see it. I walked. We drank tea in Mr. Godschall’s tent, Mr. Lane, Mr. King, Mr. Vincent, Mr. Dickinson, Lord Ossory, &c.
July 19th, Sunday.—On Upperton’s horse to London. Dined at Dr. Adee’s. In the afternoon, walked, with Mr. Adderley, Miss Sally Adderley and Miss Williams, to the ‘White Conduit House.’ Jenkins spent the evening with me at the ‘Angel’ till 12.
20th.—Breakfasted with Dr. Adee, dined and drank tea with Adderley; with him and Jenkins to Vauxhall; they supped with me at the ‘Angel,’ and did not go till near 2.
27th.—To Wotton Hatch Club. Paid, 5s. 6d.
Sept. 22nd.—The Coronation. To the Green, played four games. At 7 to the ‘Red Lion,’ to drink the King’s health. To the Mayor at the ‘Tuns.’ Home at 12.
28th.—To Wotton Hatch. Home between 7 and 8.
Oct. 2nd.—To London, to talk with Mr. Evelyn [28b]; called on Jenkins.
3rd.—Breakfasted with Mr. Evelyn.
27th.—To London, with Mr. Evelyn to the Board of Green Cloth. There till 3, dined at Clifton’s Chop House. Paid for dinner, 1s.
28th.—Breakfasted at Dr. Adee’s. The Miss Adee’s walked with me to look for a house. Mr. Jenkins supped with me.
29th.—To the Green Cloth at 11; at 3 to the ‘Angel,’ and dined there. To Covent Garden Theatre, but could not get in. Drank tea at Adderley’s; quadrille. Paid for dinner, 1s. 6d.; rum, 1s. 2d.; orange chips, 3d.; cakes, 2d.
1762, Jan. 18th.—Queen’s Birth-day. We all dined at St. James’s. At 11 home in a chaise; paid for chaise, 1s. 6d.
March 12th.—The General Fast. My wife brought to bed of a boy. [29]
April 24th.—Much out of order with a cold.
25th.—Bled this morning.
26th.—Mr. Stephenson and I, with Mr. Selwyn, at 2, to the Exhibition. Paid for catalogue, 6d.
27th.—At home this morning, taking Jessop’s water. In the afternoon drank tea with Jenkins. Home at 8.
July 29th.—Dined at the ‘King’s Head,’ Dorking, paid for dinner and wine, 2s.; Lord Midleton’s man for venison, 2s. 6d.
Aug. 21st.—To St. James’s with Mrs. Norwood, and three Miss Adee’s to drink caudle. [30a] Went into Kensington Gardens; gave the boy who let us in, 2d.
Sept. 1st.—To Mr. Walters, [30b] called on Mr. Malthus; [30c] dined at Mr. Evelyn’s. Home at 6.
Oct. 2nd.—Dined and lay at Lord Midleton’s; at quadrille, from 4 in the afternoon. Paid servants in the house, 5s.
Nov. 5th.—In the Guildford coach to Guildford. Went to the ‘Tuns’ to drink the King’s health. Home at 12; paid at the ‘Tuns,’ 1s.; coach and man, 6s.
13th.—Dined at Mr. Burdett’s; at whist won 6 rubbers out of 7; won 15s. Home past 12.
1766, Sept. 6th.—Paid for a horse, bought of a Welchman, £6. 6s. 0d.; saddle, bridle, and cloth, £1. 17s. 6d.
Oct. 4th.—With Mrs. N. and Miss Kerr to Drury Lane; ‘Romeo and Juliet.’
5th.—Sunday to Church. To the Coffee-house for half-an-hour. Paid for wine, 6d.
6th.—To Mundy’s Coffee-house, and supped.
7th.—Drank tea with Jenkins.
10th.—With Mrs. Kerr to Drury Lane: ‘Provoked Husband’ and ‘Devil to Pay:’ Mr. Garrick.
11th.—Drank tea with Adderley. To the Coffee-house for half-an-hour.
12th.—Drank tea at Dr. Adee’s.
13th.—With Jenkins to Mundy’s Coffee-house. Paid reckoning, 2s. 6d.
14th.—To the Coffee-house half-an-hour; wine, 6d.
15th.—Drank tea at Mrs. Emily’s, at quadrille.
1767, March 18th.—It pleased God to release my William from his sufferings, when half a year old he was seized with convulsions which never left him.
June 9th.—With Mr. Hollingworth to the Downs Guildford Races. Sir John Evelyn being taken ill, went off the Downs to Wotton.
19th.—Jack was taken with the smallpox, and on the 28th the dear soul died. Polly was taken on the 1st of July, I sent for Mr. Kerr who gave her Sutton’s powders, and she recovered.
Dec. 22nd.—With Mr. Waddington to Drury Lane: ‘Suspicious Husband,’ Mr. Garrick.
23rd.—Mr. Jenkins dined. Coffee-house half-an-hour. Paid for wine, 6d.
24th.—Coffee-house, wine, 6d.; 25th, do.; 26th, do.
1768, Jan. 30th.—My wife brought to bed of a boy. [31]
Feb. 24th.—Dined at Penneck’s, Mr. Astle, Col. Webb, Dr. Solander, &c.
March 1st.—Mr. Penneck, Dr. Solander and Col. Webb, dined here. [32a]
31st.—To Captain Brodrick’s, [32b] and dined; Lady Midleton’s, and Sir Francis Vincent there.
1768, Sept. 9th.—To Neville Court, and had the nerve in both ears cut for the toothache, and received relief in an hour.
1769, Oct. 11th.—To New Inn [32c] till dinner; at 4 again till 6.
19th, Sunday.—To Church; to the Buffalo Coffee House for an hour; paid for wine, 6d.
22nd.—Sir Joseph Ayloffe, Dr. Ducarrell, and Mr. Astle dined here.
March 7th.—To the House of Commons till 3.
10th.—To the House of Commons till 4.
May 15th.—Dined at Lord Onslow’s; to the race. [32d] I paid his servants, 4s.
16th.—With Mr. Powell, curate of Abinger, to the race.
July 30th, Sunday.—Mr. Woods came to tell me that Mr. Sturt [32e] died yesterday. To Dorking to Mr. Budgen, Mr. Talbot, and Mr. Scawen.
Aug. 28th.—Meeting of Mr. Smith’s trustees. I was appointed clerk and treasurer, in the place of Mr. Sturt.
Oct. 16th.—In a chaise with Mr. Jenkins to Reading. [33a]
1770, July 27th.—Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Adderley, and Mr. Pacey dined with me. To the Percy Coffee House for an hour; won 15s. [33b]
Aug. 4th.—We set out at 6 with Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Adderley to Shere; dined at Cobham; saw Claremont and Painshill.
5th, Sunday.—To Church; afterwards by Lonesome [33c] to Leith Hill.
6th.—To Lord Aylesford’s house and garden (Albury Park).
Sept. 6th.—Lord Talbot, at the request of Mr. Gray and Mr. Sacker, gave me the place of Clerk of the Verge. I was sworn in this day.
Nov. 19th.—To New Inn: to Mundy’s Coffee House; [33d] reckoning, 3s.
20th.—At 6 with Ford to the Turk’s Head Coffee House; whist; home at 2; reckoning, 6s.; won 10s.
21st.—Mr. and Mrs. Ford drank tea and supped here; Jenkins and Mersey supped; whist, won 2s. 6d.
23rd.—To the Percy Coffee House; home at 10; reckoning, 1s, 9d.; won, 15s.
30th.—To the Percy Coffee House; reckoning, 2s. won 18s.
1771, Jan. 1st.—At Shere [34a]; drank tea and supped at Mr. Botham’s.
3rd.—Dined at Mr. Godschall’s.
6th.—Walked to Sir Frederick Evelyn’s, and dined.
April 12th.—To Wood Street to see a horse; rode the horse to Islington; paid for it, £25. 4s. [34b]
Nov. 5th.—Dined at the Percy Coffee House, and stayed till 10; whist; lost £1. 3s. 6d.
Dec. 2nd.—To the Percy till 10; won 18s.
1772, Jan. 23rd.—Paid admission fee at the Antiquary Society, £5. 5s.
Feb. 28th.—Dined at Mr. Penneck’s [34c]: Sir Joshua Reynolds, Dr. Stebbing, Mr. Lort, and Mr. Astle. At half-past 5, with Mr. Adderley, to Drury Lane: ‘Much Ado about Nothing,’ Mr. Garrick.
April 6th.—With Jerkins to the meeting of the Laudable Society; dined there; dinner, 5s.
Aug. 24th.—Set out with Mr. Jenkins in a postchaise for Wales.
27th.—Being the races at Hereford, could get no chaise, but got horses, and rode to Monmouth.
31st.—To Llandilo, an excellent inn, and dined; and Mr. Pennoyre Watkins telling us the ford at Llandovery was dangerous, lay there. Whist with him; won 12s.
1773, July 24th.—Rode to the Downs; saw part of a great cricket match.
26th.—Dined at Mr. Godschall’s: General and Mrs. Evelyn and Colonel Molyneux there; drank tea with Mr. Berwick.
Oct. 31st, Sunday.—To Church; to Mr. Talbot (of Chart Park), and dined; drank tea at Mr. Tucker’s [35a]; lay at Mr. Kerr’s.
Nov. 13th.—With Jenkins to Covent Garden: Macklin played Macbeth.
1774, June 7th.—Rode with Mr. Jenkins by Highgate, &c.
9th.—Rode with Mr. Jenkins by Stamford Hill, &c.
10th.—Rode with Dr. Osborn to Dr. Price, [35b] Newington Green.
24th.—Rode with Mr. Penneck and Mr. Austen to Mr. Walpole’s, Strawberry Hill; saw that; [35c] dined at the ‘Toy,’ Hampton.
Dec. 7th.—Dr. Solander and Omiah, the native of Otaheite, Mr. Pennock, and Mr. Planta [36a] dined and drank tea here.
8th.—To Drury Lane: ‘The Country Girl.’
1775, Sept. 28th.—To the ‘King’s Head’ at Derby, [36b] and lay.
1776, April 3rd.—Paid subscription to the Laudable Society, £2. 12s. 6d. [36c]
May 3rd.—Paid for a grey horse, five years old, 15 guineas.
27th.—Paid labourers planting firs in the Hurtwood, £1. 12s. 3d.; stakes, &c., for fencing, £2. 17s. 3d. [36d]
Aug. 23rd.—To Loughborough, with Mr. Jenkins.
1777, Oct. 30th.—To Loseley to breakfast; to East Horsley, and dined at Mr. Fox’s; supped at Mr. Duncumb’s.
31st.—General Evelyn and Mr. Lomax dined.
Nov. 19th.—Paid Mr. Chaubert, for monument in Shere Church, 6 guineas. [36e]