The Diaries of Adela Capel, 1st-5th March 1842

Watford Museum

Tuesday 1st March 1842

Rose at ½ past 7. After Breakfast wrote a letter to Grandmama. In the afternoon took a walk in the Upper Park. I then went to the garden, picked a few crocuses and violets and asked one of the Gardeners for an apple or two.

Wednesday 2nd March 1842

Rose at ½ past 7. After Breakfast went to the garden to get a turf for my lark, ‘could not go anywhere else it rained so much. No going out in the afternoon – rain rain, rain, nothing else. Read an amusing book. About 4 o’clock had some Elder wine and toast to cheer my drooping spirits.

Thursday 3rd March 1842

Rose at ½ past 7. After Breakfast went to the farm, talked with Mrs Roberts, and looked at my doves, came home by the garden. Took a walk in the afternoon, and afterwards worked in my Flower Garden, weeded the paths and made them looked tidy.

Friday 4th March 1842

Rose at about 8. To-day is my Birth-day, I am 14 years old. After Breakfast went first to see my Rabbits and then to the farm, I gave the young Chicks a little boiled rice. After dinner went to work in my garden a little, planted a Daffodil in a pot to ornament my room. Mrs Johnson has made a fine cake for me.

Saturday 5th March 1842

Rose at ½ past 7. After Breakfast went to the farm, saw Barker there. He went with Mrs Roberts to see the calves, I accompanied them. In the afternoon took a walk. Afterwards planted some ivy roots in my garden, I mean them to twine round the sticks.