1878
An insight into his life at Oliver's Mount School, the death of a fellow pupil and the excitement of returning home to Epperstone for Christmas, receiving 'warming pans' and 'railway rug's to keep warm on his journey.
1879
TW Huskinson explains the scene will be mostly in Epperstone, Notts and Scarborough in Yorkshire; covering his cousins the Branston Family at Newark, Thorney Wood Chase District Flower Show, Steamers on the Trent; Walking in Forge Valley and a trip to London.
1880
Thomas join's his father as a Land Valuer, he talks of rides to Blidworth, Newark, Southwell, visiting the Reform Club, travelling on the Flying Dutchman Express, and a fine meal at the Musters Arms, Annesley with the Host Gaza Roe.
1906
Now married to Mary (whom he called Polly) with a daughter (Margaret), Thomas William's life had changed considerably since his last diary in 1880; however his appreciation of a pretty woman is still evident. He describes social gatherings with Count and Countess v. Habsberg , Lord. Harrington, General Warrand, Penn Sherbrooke's wedding with Kitty Chaworth Musters, Ludfords of Ansley. Sir Charles Seely', Henry Branston of Newark Friary, lunching at Pall Mall and his club in London.
1907
Another year of busy social engagements; The Crimean and Mutiny Veterans Dinner at the Victoria Hotel; A war Game at the Exchange Rooms', Nottingham: the chief of staff at York attending; The Land Tax meeting at Nottingham; The Bishop of Southwell's garden party at the Palace (Wolsey's old palace); and the much awaited Welbeck Ball.
1908
A busy year with Dorothy Branston's wedding at Newark to young Purcell, son of Sir - Purcell; Lunch at the Junior Carlton Club in Pall Mall; morning gallops through beautiful forest glades; attending a Woman Suffrage meeting on the Forest (he notes Miss Pankhurst quite a pretty girl) and Margie's excitement on Christmas day.
1909
The year starts with the Railway Amalgamations causing chaos; sitting on income Tax appeals by breweries and a decision against the Revenue.
On his 47th birthday he tells of waking up in the same bed, the great carved oak one, and in the same room, in which he was born;
a night at the theatre with Polly for The Englishman's Home", a caricature of the volunteers by an Army officer; and attending
Southwell Cathedral for the commemoration of its 8OOth anniversary of rebuilding the Norman Cathedral. In July it is the battalion camp on Scarboro Race Course.
On his 47th birthday he tells of waking up in the same bed, the great carved oak one, and in the same room, in which he was born;
a night at the theatre with Polly for The Englishman's Home", a caricature of the volunteers by an Army officer; and attending
Southwell Cathedral for the commemoration of its 8OOth anniversary of rebuilding the Norman Cathedral. In July it is the battalion camp on Scarboro Race Course.
1910
A social calendar of Breakfast at Brocktons, lunches, dinners (many at Sherwood Lodge) and meetings, Income" Tax Commissioners, the Thornton Society, The Lichfield staff and officers of Territorial Division had a field exercise about Epperstone. On the 7 May the news the King was dead. A great national loss. A most natural man and evidently thoroughly enjoyed life.
1911
'Heard the merry widows have not sold their house. Mrs. Charles Hill "banished obsession", a pretty woman, also Mrs. Paget, Mrs. England. They dress smart and are not unagreeable but their cheek makes their intimacy not very desirable'
A year of more society functions; the beautiful Duchess of Portland attending the theatre where Capt. Jeffcock's private company gave "Liberty Hall"; tea at Syerston Hall; party at Thurgarton Priory; met Sir Charles Seely and Miss Seely at the Vic.Hotel; afternoon tea with the Squire of Gonalston. His eldest daughter now Lady de la Rue.
He also mentions issues with Germany 'talking of conscription and of the German menace', then weeks later ' Foreign affairs with Germany and our constitutional crisis look ugly.'
In September he states 'I think we have escaped war with Germany but it has been a near thing and all our instructions for mobilisation were given out: but the worst enemy is the socialist agitation fermenting a class war.'
A year of more society functions; the beautiful Duchess of Portland attending the theatre where Capt. Jeffcock's private company gave "Liberty Hall"; tea at Syerston Hall; party at Thurgarton Priory; met Sir Charles Seely and Miss Seely at the Vic.Hotel; afternoon tea with the Squire of Gonalston. His eldest daughter now Lady de la Rue.
He also mentions issues with Germany 'talking of conscription and of the German menace', then weeks later ' Foreign affairs with Germany and our constitutional crisis look ugly.'
In September he states 'I think we have escaped war with Germany but it has been a near thing and all our instructions for mobilisation were given out: but the worst enemy is the socialist agitation fermenting a class war.'
1912
January sees the annual trip to the pantomime, later in the month is Lady Ley's dance at the Manor . Polly in her new dress and diamond collarette and Madge in blue. A good party of about 70! On 18 February he states 'Alas, the last day of the most ideal winter I have spent - a lovely little home circle, our large Christmas party and many gaieties, now the threatened coal strike may bring anything, even dire events. Indeed with the shadow of war and internal troubles seemed to spur people to enjoy life while it was possible.'
The great coal strike begins on 27 Feb and he tells of its impact on the railways & industry. 20th Apr; The awful disaster to the Titanic and the splendid conduct of crew and passengers the general topic. 1600 drowned, 700 saved.
The year improves with social gaiety and a family trip to London.
The great coal strike begins on 27 Feb and he tells of its impact on the railways & industry. 20th Apr; The awful disaster to the Titanic and the splendid conduct of crew and passengers the general topic. 1600 drowned, 700 saved.
The year improves with social gaiety and a family trip to London.
1913
This year's diary is brief, full of social engagements; Party with Capt. Philip R.N. and his wife, Billy and Capt. Harry Sherbrooke R.N. and his wife. Philip only 37 and Capt. of Admiral Cradock's Flag Ship. Lunch at the R.A.C. in Pall Mall, Lunch with Mrs. Hurst in Lounds Square. Night and with Col. G. Foljambe for our regimental dinner. By train to London, arrived at 12 putting up at Schneiders in St. James' Place. Westhorpe Hall for the Warrand's party. Motored to Welbeck for the lunch and show. Prince Arthur of Connaught and Lord Kitchener. Polly and I to London and stay a few days with our old friends Lord and Lady Charnwood......