The Diaries of Arthur Peck, August 1861

Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies

To listen to the audio clip, click play on the bar below the image on the right.

6th August 1861

Very fine and very hot. We rode to London 4 hours, to play the Islington A. Cricket Club they won us by 24 runs. We did not get home till between 2 & 3. I was tired. DB came up here in the evening. Joe sat up for me, fast asleep.  

7th August 1861

Fine and very hot wet night. I was stiff. I painted Mr. Randall’s tomb in St Andrews Church Yard and blacked Palmer’s inscription at Bengeo &c. I bought a dog of Grimes the Butcher, a lurcher named Nelson used to be J. Rayment’s, for 2s.10d. DB at Old Mrs Ginns. I went down to her at night. Wet night & hot.  

8th August 1861

Very showery and hot. I and Father were blacking letters. Joe insured his life till 60 for 100£ by paying 2£.6s.1d. Annually. DB came up here I went for a walk with her. Very fine night.  

14th August 1861

Very fine and very hot. Joe and S. Ives was examined by the doctor (Woodhouse). Joe right. S.I. not quite. I am Jim fixed Youngs, and Fountains old head and feet stones in the Old Church Yard Bengeo. We took a landing in the New Ground Bengeo over J. Young’s grave. We went to Cowbridge C(hapel) at night heard Mr W. from the 157 Psalm 3rd verse. I went down to DB at night. Very tired (a tremendous hot night)  

20th August 1861

Showery and hot. We were at work at home, Joe up Great Church Yard blacking letters on Nicholson’s ledger. I went to see cricket match down Hartham, Hertford and Islington Albion, I.A. beat. DB at Dorrington’s. We went for a wak at night. I was tired. A lovely night and moonlight.  

29th August 1861

Very fine and very hot. Pris went back to Watton. I and Jim were putting Young’s old head and feet stone up right in the Old Church Yard at Bengeo and cleaning d(itt)o. DB went a little on the road with Pris. I had a tiff with DB. I was very tired felt queer. Father was bill making. I went for a walk with DB at night.