The Diaries of Adela Capel, 10th-13th May 1841

Watford Museum

Monday 10th May 1841

Woke at 5 minutes to 6, but did not go out because it rained a little. Got into bed again and rose at ¼ past 7. After Breakfast sowed some carrot and turnip seeds in my garden. In the afternoon went to my garden until 6, then walked about the gardens until a ¼ past 7, then Supper, after which I ran about the lawn without my bonnet and enjoyed myself.

Tuesday 11th May 1841

Rose at 10 minutes to 7. After Breakfast went to my Rabbits and gave them a treat of wild carrots, of which they were very glad. In the afternoon took a ride to Croxly Green. Staid there a little time and then returned a different way. To day I wished to see how my Canaries’ eggs were getting on and I found that the Robin’s egg I had put under her was hatched before her own and that she had trampled it to death.

Wednesday 12th May 1841

Rose at somewhere near 6. I did not quite know the time. Went out on my pony to visit the out of door pets. After Breakfast went to my rabbits. In the afternoon took a walk with Miss Smart about the Upper Park. At ½ past 5 we went to fetch Ravenhill and had some famous fun on a bough. Arrived home at 20 minutes to 7. A lovely day and still more lovely evening.

Thursday 13th May 1841

Rose at ¼ past 7. After Breakfast went to see my Rabbits. In the afternoon, I did not go out until 5, having been obliged to wait an hour for Miss Smart, till I lost all patience and went out at about ¼ past 6. I came home and staid about the lawn. After Supper we all went out and had a walk. The day has been lovely and the evening calm and serene and not a single cloud in the sky.