The Diaries of Arthur Peck, January 1861

Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. Ref: HrtEls 0027 01 04

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4th January 1861

Very sharp frost and fine. I and Joe walked to Howe Green ferretting rabbits. Mr. Young gave us 3. We got a ride home, just in time. Father had let our gas meter get on fire nearby the shop. I put it out. Ann and Priscilla to Luton and back. DB came up here. I went home with her. Very tired had teethache.

5th January 1861

Sharp frost and snow storms. We had a new gas meter fixed a dry one. Joe went to meet David. DB came up here. I went home with her. I had teeth ache very bad. Sharp frost at night.

6th January 1861

Very sharp frost and fine. We went to Cowbridge Chapel all day heard Mr. Wonnacott in the morning from the 3rd chapter Luke from the 4th to the 6th verse. He gave an address to the School in the afternoon. A Gentleman from Ireland preached at night from the 3rd chapter 1st Timothy 16th verse. Ann had tea and supper at Miss Pouttons. I had tea at DB. I had a row with Father. A great many went skating. DB in the afternoon.

7th January 1861

Very sharp frost and fine. Mr. J. Evans horse run away broke the chaise in Fore St. DB went to Cole Green Capt. Bailey. We went to mid day Prayer Meeting at Cowbridge and to a Revival Meeting at Town Hall at night. I and Joe went skating on Castle Meads. Ann and Pris went to tea and supper at Mrs. Erringtons.  Emma went to tea and supper at Miss Bauchins. I, Joe, and E. Munnings went home with Hurndall at night. I was very tired and stiff.

8th January 1861

Very sharp frost 23 degrees frost. Ann went by first train to Harlow and back. I and Joe went skating. I sold a pair of skates for 4s. We bought old Smoker our dog back for 4 hens and 1/6d. We had a hen die. Our people went to Midday Prayer Meeting at Cowbridge, and to Revival Meeting at Town Hall at night. I went to Cole Green for DB, got home at 11, had a jolly row with the grumbling old man. He threatened to lock me out. We played cricket on the ice. A great many people there.

Arthur Peck

Arthur Peck’s diary, kept at Hertfordshire Archives, contains a wealth of fascinating detail about Arthur and his life.