The Diaries of Arthur Peck, October 1860/1862

Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies

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

3rd October 1860

Very fine and hot. I and Joe played a match in BallsPark with the BallsPark and the Town Club. We went to supper at the White Hart. DB came here. One of the Miss Andrews was married to Mr. Binton. Our people went to hear Mr. Waddycott at night at Cowbridge. I was very tired.  

15th October 1860

Very wet and cold. We were at work at home. Pris at A. Munnings all day. David came here about a bill of Carters 50 odd pounds. He had a writ served on him.  He went to see Mr. Sworder. We went to Corn Exchange to hear Dr. Mack and his little men. I went home with DB.  

17th October 1860

Fine and cool. We were laying paving in Fore St. over against Clarks. We had a letter from S. Tranter at Luton little Arthur ill. Patty came here from Watton went to Luton. Pris went to Watton. E. Munnings came here to supper. I was queer. Very fine night cool.  

20th October 1860

Very fine and cold. Father went to meet David. We had a letter from Patty at Luton. Dear little Arthur worse. David went to Luton. Joe went to Watton to fetch Pris and Lilla here. DB came home from Panshanger.  She came up here I went home with her. I was very queer indeed bad cold.  

22nd October 1860

Very fine and mild. David came here from Luton dear little Arthur better. Joe drove him, Pris and Lilla to Watton. Father let a marble moulding fall and break, for Mr. Nobles tablet, worth 30s. He went to London. DB went to Panshanger. I and Joe went to Popular Entertainment at Corn Exchange John Gripper read. I and Joe had a very bad cold.  

13th October 1862

Very fine and cool. Joe drove David, Patty, Arthur and Lill home to Watton, left Emily here. Jim at work at Hospital. DB at Rev. Birch’s. I went for a walk with her at night. A. Marshall came here. I played Kemp the North American Indian at chess in the library beat him. I was tired, got a sore throat.  

19th October 1862

Very wet indeed and cold. Windy. Mr Cowper gave the address to the School in the morning. We practiced singing in the afternoon. DB came here to tea. Joe went to Ware at night got very wet. I and DB went to Wesleyan Chapel at night heard Mr. Holmespam the 18th chap Luke the 11th to the 24th verse. I had supper at DB. We got very wet. Mother’s eye very bad. She stayed at home at night with Emily. I had a pain in my left side.