Major Thomas William Huskinson 1862 - 1935 (2nd Cousin, 3 x removed)
Includes; Mary Margaret Champneys, Margaret Astley Huskinson, John Usher Hogarth.
Thomas William Huskinson was born 13 April 1862 at Epperstone, Nottinghamshire.
Age 9, at the time of the 1871 census he was a scholar at a preparatory School at 20 Nott'm Rd, Mansfield. He went on to be educated at Oliver's Mount, Scarborough, Yorks, conducted by Thomas Walton; referred to as 'TW 'in his diaries. The school was a private boys Quaker School. The school was also attended a number of the Rowntree family including Oscar Rowntree. Thomas was a keen artist and during his time at Scarborough captured the local scenery.
Age 9, at the time of the 1871 census he was a scholar at a preparatory School at 20 Nott'm Rd, Mansfield. He went on to be educated at Oliver's Mount, Scarborough, Yorks, conducted by Thomas Walton; referred to as 'TW 'in his diaries. The school was a private boys Quaker School. The school was also attended a number of the Rowntree family including Oscar Rowntree. Thomas was a keen artist and during his time at Scarborough captured the local scenery.
Diary of TW Huskinson 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.
On arriving at Epperstone he is struck by the walnut avenue setting of the Manor to perfection.
On arriving at Epperstone he is struck by the walnut avenue setting of the Manor to perfection.
His Festive exploits include skating on ponds, visiting the 'Champneys', dinner with Grandmama & Grandpapa (Thomas Huskinson), a party with the Warwick Family at Newark; all the fun appearing to come to an abrupt end with the thaw.
Full transcripts can be found on Thomas William Huskinson Diaries
Full transcripts can be found on Thomas William Huskinson Diaries
Diary of TW Huskinson 1879*
TW Huskinson explains the scene will be mostly in Epperstone, Notts and Scarborough in Yorkshire. Epperstone Manor belonged to his grandfather (Thomas Huskinson), as did land in Woodborough and Blidworth (approx 500 acres in total), plus about of 1/3 of the village. Thomas Huskinson and William Lambe Huskinson being Land Agents.
He talks of his fondness for Gertie Branston 'an awfully pretty girl', helping Teddy Champneys with the sheep, which darted up Hagg Lane Hill in Epperstone. After a day skating and snowballing on the 8 January, he writes a song composed by Reckett in 1873 for the last day at school. (see picture below).
On 11 January he writes of challenging Charlie and Harry to a shooting match. He spotted something in the hedge he though was a sparrow and shoot it. Alas, it was a Robin, which he took about painting (drawing below), On wet days he talks about playing Kriegsspiel; is a genre of wargaming developed by the Prussian army in the 19th century to teach battlefield tactics to officers.
Pork Pies for breakfast on Sunday 9th February, before he sets of to church to sketch the awfully pretty Miss Hanson, February is full of skating, muddy football, snowball fights and drawing. March starts with a sharp fight in the classroom and ends with news of a new brother.
April sees Cambridge winning the boat race, athletics, walking and chasing a fat donkey at Hackness and sketching at Hackness Hall. Cricket starts in May, along with an outbreak of Scarletina. June sees walking in Forge Valley, pillow fights and swatting before a trip to London to take exams, plus see the sights of London including Madame Favart (he didn't like the Wellington Monument, or the Albert Memorial).
Back to Epperstone in July and TW Huskinson is shocked to learn that in his grandfather's day (and his great aunt Ann Parr nee Huskinson) that the only means of conveyance was by coach, when 4 passed the Magna Charta at Lowdham a day, between Nottingham and Newark.
Steamers ran along the Trent; Nottingham to Gainsborough and packets along the Witham from Lincoln to Boston. His father William Lambe Huskinson remembered the first train into Nottingham, and when Oxton Parish was nearly all warren and waste.
August is the Thorney Wood Chase District Flower Show, held this year at Epperstone, with over 1000 people assembled in the evening, the plantation, park and trees illuminated by Chinese lanterns, a comic singer and two bands provide entertainment with the evening rounded off by fireworks.
September he joins the shooting party on grandpapa's land at Blidworth; Fountain Dales. The farm lies 1/4 mile from the Nottingham / Mansfield turnpike. On the other side of the dale is a large wood, called Harlowe and Thieves Wood. He then goes to stay with cousin John at Castle Gate, Newark; he advises Uncle Warwick purchased the houses and those around it. Warwick being in partnership with Cousin Huskinson. He talks of Newark parish church, much mutilated during the Civil War.
'We returned to Castle Gate for dinner. There is a splendid view of the castle from the west windows of the house. The castle seems to have been more of a palace and place of residence than a place of defense, for in the outer walls are oriel windows and arched windows, no doubt at one time giving light to state rooms. Newark formerly occupied a much more important place in the kingdom that it now occupies, as the York and London road runs through it, and the Religious houses, the church, castle and old handsomely carved houses point to a Prosperity of a bygone age'
'We went to see Cousins Emily and William Warwick in Castle Gate late this afternoon. William showed me his beautiful collection of paintings and books. He has a beautiful watercolour by Birket Foster and one large painting by L. Potts. These are about his best'
'22nd Sept. went to Castle Gate again and made a sketch of the castle this morning. In the afternoon I made calls on Mrs. G. Branston and Mrs. Branston at the Friary. I just had time to get a game at tennis with Miss Fanny Branston and then cut and run for my train. Aunty and Katie were going to Nottingham to get Katie's violin lesson so I accompanied them as far as Lowdham.'
His diary goes quiet until Christmas; Thurs. 25th Dec~1879
It was beautifully frosty. Grandmama and grandpapa came to dinner. Charlie and I had decked the cake up with grotesque china figures, little fish and water, the base was formed of little Dresden china figures, crackers and holly, while hungry looking beasts prowled about the table. We skated on the Grimesmoor flood all afternoon. It was very misty and we could not see for 20 yards. There was more than an acre flooded besides the bed of the old stream and several passages. The other night we had had a bonfire there to light up the ice whilst we skated. We went to church in the evening.
Full transcripts can be found on Thomas William Huskinson Diaries
He talks of his fondness for Gertie Branston 'an awfully pretty girl', helping Teddy Champneys with the sheep, which darted up Hagg Lane Hill in Epperstone. After a day skating and snowballing on the 8 January, he writes a song composed by Reckett in 1873 for the last day at school. (see picture below).
On 11 January he writes of challenging Charlie and Harry to a shooting match. He spotted something in the hedge he though was a sparrow and shoot it. Alas, it was a Robin, which he took about painting (drawing below), On wet days he talks about playing Kriegsspiel; is a genre of wargaming developed by the Prussian army in the 19th century to teach battlefield tactics to officers.
Pork Pies for breakfast on Sunday 9th February, before he sets of to church to sketch the awfully pretty Miss Hanson, February is full of skating, muddy football, snowball fights and drawing. March starts with a sharp fight in the classroom and ends with news of a new brother.
April sees Cambridge winning the boat race, athletics, walking and chasing a fat donkey at Hackness and sketching at Hackness Hall. Cricket starts in May, along with an outbreak of Scarletina. June sees walking in Forge Valley, pillow fights and swatting before a trip to London to take exams, plus see the sights of London including Madame Favart (he didn't like the Wellington Monument, or the Albert Memorial).
Back to Epperstone in July and TW Huskinson is shocked to learn that in his grandfather's day (and his great aunt Ann Parr nee Huskinson) that the only means of conveyance was by coach, when 4 passed the Magna Charta at Lowdham a day, between Nottingham and Newark.
Steamers ran along the Trent; Nottingham to Gainsborough and packets along the Witham from Lincoln to Boston. His father William Lambe Huskinson remembered the first train into Nottingham, and when Oxton Parish was nearly all warren and waste.
August is the Thorney Wood Chase District Flower Show, held this year at Epperstone, with over 1000 people assembled in the evening, the plantation, park and trees illuminated by Chinese lanterns, a comic singer and two bands provide entertainment with the evening rounded off by fireworks.
September he joins the shooting party on grandpapa's land at Blidworth; Fountain Dales. The farm lies 1/4 mile from the Nottingham / Mansfield turnpike. On the other side of the dale is a large wood, called Harlowe and Thieves Wood. He then goes to stay with cousin John at Castle Gate, Newark; he advises Uncle Warwick purchased the houses and those around it. Warwick being in partnership with Cousin Huskinson. He talks of Newark parish church, much mutilated during the Civil War.
'We returned to Castle Gate for dinner. There is a splendid view of the castle from the west windows of the house. The castle seems to have been more of a palace and place of residence than a place of defense, for in the outer walls are oriel windows and arched windows, no doubt at one time giving light to state rooms. Newark formerly occupied a much more important place in the kingdom that it now occupies, as the York and London road runs through it, and the Religious houses, the church, castle and old handsomely carved houses point to a Prosperity of a bygone age'
'We went to see Cousins Emily and William Warwick in Castle Gate late this afternoon. William showed me his beautiful collection of paintings and books. He has a beautiful watercolour by Birket Foster and one large painting by L. Potts. These are about his best'
'22nd Sept. went to Castle Gate again and made a sketch of the castle this morning. In the afternoon I made calls on Mrs. G. Branston and Mrs. Branston at the Friary. I just had time to get a game at tennis with Miss Fanny Branston and then cut and run for my train. Aunty and Katie were going to Nottingham to get Katie's violin lesson so I accompanied them as far as Lowdham.'
His diary goes quiet until Christmas; Thurs. 25th Dec~1879
It was beautifully frosty. Grandmama and grandpapa came to dinner. Charlie and I had decked the cake up with grotesque china figures, little fish and water, the base was formed of little Dresden china figures, crackers and holly, while hungry looking beasts prowled about the table. We skated on the Grimesmoor flood all afternoon. It was very misty and we could not see for 20 yards. There was more than an acre flooded besides the bed of the old stream and several passages. The other night we had had a bonfire there to light up the ice whilst we skated. We went to church in the evening.
Full transcripts can be found on Thomas William Huskinson Diaries
Extracts from the diary of TW Huskinson 1880*
8th February. As I was going to be confirmed in March, I stayed in church after service. I was told that we should only be showed what to do. Instead of that, a catechism began, and having' been among Quakers for 6 years, I did not know it. All the rest did, and I blundered, got nervous, and murdered every thing, even to the Commandments and the Lord's Prayer, which I did know; evidently I was not formed for public speaking. I feel as, if my stomach caved in every time I come to speak before people.
10th February. Went to Bulwall Hall with Grandpapa. Met a Mr. Neale and Young at an inn and commenced valuation at 1 o'clock. We went to the smoke room. Hunting pictures, deer's heads, daggers, skulls and an armoury of guns deck the wall and from the scarceness of books, except a few novels.
2nd March. This morning it· snowed and rained. I had dinner with Grandpapa and started with him by the 2 train to Edwalton. We took a hansom from Nottingham. Stopped at the Rectory of West Bridgeford coming back. Nice house and nice church except the tower. The cottages in Edwalton are very pretty. The new station here looks quite like a little depot.
3rd March. Mrs. Champneys sent for the carving chair in the dining room for the Bishop to sit in, in the chancel; it will henceforth be called the Bishop's Chair.' We had the service at past 10 and had lunch at the Rectory.
5th March. I rode over to Blidworth to Holly Lodge; caught up Mr. Dufty. He was going to gallop his horse at Samson wood as it is going into a race. I rode up the Lang Dale lane. The young woods chiefly of Scotch firs and spruce are growing well near Blidworth.
18th March. Great excitement prevails about the coming elections. We have had letters saying that it is no good to proceed with business till the elections are over: it is the opinion of nearly all that if the Liberals get in it will be the ruin of our foreign policy.
Good Friday. I rose at 7, had breakfast, had my horse saddled and started for Newark at "past 8. I passed Southwell Minster as it was striking 9. I pushed on through Easthorpe, passing through Upton where there were several skirmishes in the Civil Wars. The Hall here is a Grecian mansion. I passed through Aveham and Kelham. The Hall at Kelham is a large Gothic house and has some merits, a new one built of brick and faced with stone. After Kelham I passed several bicycles. My horse was frightened at some but he soon got used to them. I arrived at Newark and put up at the Ram Inn at 10. I went to the Warwick's and went to service with them. I afterwards went to the brewery. Ransom came to dinner as well. John, having brought a musical box had it playing during dinner. I tried to smoke a cigarette after dinner which John gave me, but I smoked at such a rate, finishing one in nearly a minute, that I nearly choked myself with smoke.
30th March. Poor Dean, our old coachman, was buried today. He has been coachman 19 years . now for us, and I' am afraid we shall be a long time before we find another like him. He has left a wife and 4 children.
16th April. Went by 11 train to Newark to have two teeth taken out. Got some shirts 6/6 each. Went to Carter Gate and met Cousin Emily just going a drive with the Children, was invited to dinner. As I left them I met Mr. King and I went on with him to his house. Mr. Matteson came in to help him. I had gas. I felt nothing but one tooth proving obstinate, I felt them tugging as in a dream.
25th April. I went to dinner at the other house, Grandpapa chaffing me a good deal about my Conservative opinions, saying that holding such opinions as I did he could on no account invite me to dinner at the Reform Club. The fact of sitting insuch a hot bed of liberalism would give me indigestion, to which I answered that I in no wise disagreed with liberal dinners, though their opinions were not so palatable to me. Father prophesied that before 10 years were over I would be tugging in quite an opposite direction, which I don't think, at least not as long as I imbibe the politics of Sir Walter Scott and Samuel Johnson.
18th May. I then dressed and how fine I did make myself, for perchance I might dine with some Chief Minister dining near me. We walked to the Reform Club, Grandpapa showing me the various clubs. The Army and Navy Club he said was vulgarly called the Rag and Famish. I was much struck with the Hall of the Reform which is erected after the fashion of a Roman Villa with yellow marbled pillars and tessellated pavement, the panels of the wall having portraits of various Reformers and several busts. Especially I noticed the one of Cromwell which I should think is much, too good looking having only one wart on his face' just: 'over the right eyebrow, whereas in truth he had several and was vulgar and low looking, much like the bust of him belonging to His Grace of Newcastle, now in Nottingham Castle. There are many coloured marbles in the walls. We then went into the dining room, Grandpapa having ordered dinner before. After waiting some time some Clear Soup was brought with lettuce leaves cut up in it, followed by Fish Soles I believe, done in some curious fashion, then something, 'a la Russe' -very rich it was; then Mutton Cutlets shaped like pears; then fillets of Beef done in Macarrone; then Pigeons a la Bologne and Salads; then Pineapple; then Gorgonzola Cheese and some curious fancy bread and butter. After that we had coffee. For drinks we had Sherry and Champagne Cup, and Grandpapa, as a liqueur, had Chartreuse, but this I refused.
Bernal Osborne was dining a little way from us. Grandpapa then showed me over the Club. The dining room is so shaped so as to lessen all sound and seems very quiet. It occupies the whole of one side and looks out over the garden. The staircase walls are made of marbles inlaid into each other, and on the gallery I noticed a bust of Hampden. The library is very fine and the book cases are so arranged that in.the light I saw them, they look like dark coloured panels. We stayed in the library till past 11 and I read an article on Lord Beaconsfield, deeming it suitable to do so here.
31st August. We arrived at Bristol, changed and got into the Flying Dutchman express. In the same carriage with me were a lady and gentleman and their three children who were going to Torquay and had come from Norththumberland. We passed Teignmouth and at last stopped at Newton Abbot where I got out leaving my umbrella which I afterwards. recovered and in looking for my umbrella I missed my train and luggage so had to come on by slow train. By Ivybridge I saw a mist hastening to meet us so after that I could not get much view. I got out at Plymouth and drove to Hill Park Crescent and found Granny and Mrs. Watson a distant cousin and had a good supper, soon retiring to rest.
15th September. After breakfast Arthur and I walked to Daisy Cove but it was too showery to bathe so we walked back by Causand. In the evening we had an evening party of some size.
24th September. I was in the office in the morning and served a notice on Mrs. Blagg one of my grandfather's tenants who has not farmed well. In office all day. Served a notice on Thomas Cartledge another of our tenants because his wife does not live a respectable life.
8th October. Very rainy day. Took drawing to scale of doorway arch on north side of nave at Epperstone church, also of tower arch which are now in my little square sketch book.
17th November. This morning I rode over to Thurgarton to show two ladies and a gentleman the priory with a view to letting.
19th November. I went to the Annesley rent audit with Father. A cold drive and on arriving at the Musters Arms I was pleased to find a good fire waiting us. We passed grandpapa in the Park and we found Mr. Adamson at the inn. Old Gaza Roe stood waiting to receive us. The best specimen of a substantial English publican and farmer I know. A great musician and leader of the choir and also a traveller in France, Germany, Scotland and Ireland. We had an excellent dinner. Old Roe busied himself about us. There was an Irish doctor at dinner. A great festival to Roe and he sets himself to perform as if it were a religious duty. Soup, fish, beef, goose, fowl, cutlets, pheasant, hare, puddings and last cheese and dessert only partly explains it. Grandpapa returned by half-past 4 train to Beeston. He started at half-past 4
Full transcripts can be found on Thomas William Huskinson Diaries
10th February. Went to Bulwall Hall with Grandpapa. Met a Mr. Neale and Young at an inn and commenced valuation at 1 o'clock. We went to the smoke room. Hunting pictures, deer's heads, daggers, skulls and an armoury of guns deck the wall and from the scarceness of books, except a few novels.
2nd March. This morning it· snowed and rained. I had dinner with Grandpapa and started with him by the 2 train to Edwalton. We took a hansom from Nottingham. Stopped at the Rectory of West Bridgeford coming back. Nice house and nice church except the tower. The cottages in Edwalton are very pretty. The new station here looks quite like a little depot.
3rd March. Mrs. Champneys sent for the carving chair in the dining room for the Bishop to sit in, in the chancel; it will henceforth be called the Bishop's Chair.' We had the service at past 10 and had lunch at the Rectory.
5th March. I rode over to Blidworth to Holly Lodge; caught up Mr. Dufty. He was going to gallop his horse at Samson wood as it is going into a race. I rode up the Lang Dale lane. The young woods chiefly of Scotch firs and spruce are growing well near Blidworth.
18th March. Great excitement prevails about the coming elections. We have had letters saying that it is no good to proceed with business till the elections are over: it is the opinion of nearly all that if the Liberals get in it will be the ruin of our foreign policy.
Good Friday. I rose at 7, had breakfast, had my horse saddled and started for Newark at "past 8. I passed Southwell Minster as it was striking 9. I pushed on through Easthorpe, passing through Upton where there were several skirmishes in the Civil Wars. The Hall here is a Grecian mansion. I passed through Aveham and Kelham. The Hall at Kelham is a large Gothic house and has some merits, a new one built of brick and faced with stone. After Kelham I passed several bicycles. My horse was frightened at some but he soon got used to them. I arrived at Newark and put up at the Ram Inn at 10. I went to the Warwick's and went to service with them. I afterwards went to the brewery. Ransom came to dinner as well. John, having brought a musical box had it playing during dinner. I tried to smoke a cigarette after dinner which John gave me, but I smoked at such a rate, finishing one in nearly a minute, that I nearly choked myself with smoke.
30th March. Poor Dean, our old coachman, was buried today. He has been coachman 19 years . now for us, and I' am afraid we shall be a long time before we find another like him. He has left a wife and 4 children.
16th April. Went by 11 train to Newark to have two teeth taken out. Got some shirts 6/6 each. Went to Carter Gate and met Cousin Emily just going a drive with the Children, was invited to dinner. As I left them I met Mr. King and I went on with him to his house. Mr. Matteson came in to help him. I had gas. I felt nothing but one tooth proving obstinate, I felt them tugging as in a dream.
25th April. I went to dinner at the other house, Grandpapa chaffing me a good deal about my Conservative opinions, saying that holding such opinions as I did he could on no account invite me to dinner at the Reform Club. The fact of sitting insuch a hot bed of liberalism would give me indigestion, to which I answered that I in no wise disagreed with liberal dinners, though their opinions were not so palatable to me. Father prophesied that before 10 years were over I would be tugging in quite an opposite direction, which I don't think, at least not as long as I imbibe the politics of Sir Walter Scott and Samuel Johnson.
18th May. I then dressed and how fine I did make myself, for perchance I might dine with some Chief Minister dining near me. We walked to the Reform Club, Grandpapa showing me the various clubs. The Army and Navy Club he said was vulgarly called the Rag and Famish. I was much struck with the Hall of the Reform which is erected after the fashion of a Roman Villa with yellow marbled pillars and tessellated pavement, the panels of the wall having portraits of various Reformers and several busts. Especially I noticed the one of Cromwell which I should think is much, too good looking having only one wart on his face' just: 'over the right eyebrow, whereas in truth he had several and was vulgar and low looking, much like the bust of him belonging to His Grace of Newcastle, now in Nottingham Castle. There are many coloured marbles in the walls. We then went into the dining room, Grandpapa having ordered dinner before. After waiting some time some Clear Soup was brought with lettuce leaves cut up in it, followed by Fish Soles I believe, done in some curious fashion, then something, 'a la Russe' -very rich it was; then Mutton Cutlets shaped like pears; then fillets of Beef done in Macarrone; then Pigeons a la Bologne and Salads; then Pineapple; then Gorgonzola Cheese and some curious fancy bread and butter. After that we had coffee. For drinks we had Sherry and Champagne Cup, and Grandpapa, as a liqueur, had Chartreuse, but this I refused.
Bernal Osborne was dining a little way from us. Grandpapa then showed me over the Club. The dining room is so shaped so as to lessen all sound and seems very quiet. It occupies the whole of one side and looks out over the garden. The staircase walls are made of marbles inlaid into each other, and on the gallery I noticed a bust of Hampden. The library is very fine and the book cases are so arranged that in.the light I saw them, they look like dark coloured panels. We stayed in the library till past 11 and I read an article on Lord Beaconsfield, deeming it suitable to do so here.
31st August. We arrived at Bristol, changed and got into the Flying Dutchman express. In the same carriage with me were a lady and gentleman and their three children who were going to Torquay and had come from Norththumberland. We passed Teignmouth and at last stopped at Newton Abbot where I got out leaving my umbrella which I afterwards. recovered and in looking for my umbrella I missed my train and luggage so had to come on by slow train. By Ivybridge I saw a mist hastening to meet us so after that I could not get much view. I got out at Plymouth and drove to Hill Park Crescent and found Granny and Mrs. Watson a distant cousin and had a good supper, soon retiring to rest.
15th September. After breakfast Arthur and I walked to Daisy Cove but it was too showery to bathe so we walked back by Causand. In the evening we had an evening party of some size.
24th September. I was in the office in the morning and served a notice on Mrs. Blagg one of my grandfather's tenants who has not farmed well. In office all day. Served a notice on Thomas Cartledge another of our tenants because his wife does not live a respectable life.
8th October. Very rainy day. Took drawing to scale of doorway arch on north side of nave at Epperstone church, also of tower arch which are now in my little square sketch book.
17th November. This morning I rode over to Thurgarton to show two ladies and a gentleman the priory with a view to letting.
19th November. I went to the Annesley rent audit with Father. A cold drive and on arriving at the Musters Arms I was pleased to find a good fire waiting us. We passed grandpapa in the Park and we found Mr. Adamson at the inn. Old Gaza Roe stood waiting to receive us. The best specimen of a substantial English publican and farmer I know. A great musician and leader of the choir and also a traveller in France, Germany, Scotland and Ireland. We had an excellent dinner. Old Roe busied himself about us. There was an Irish doctor at dinner. A great festival to Roe and he sets himself to perform as if it were a religious duty. Soup, fish, beef, goose, fowl, cutlets, pheasant, hare, puddings and last cheese and dessert only partly explains it. Grandpapa returned by half-past 4 train to Beeston. He started at half-past 4
Full transcripts can be found on Thomas William Huskinson Diaries
1881 - 1890
1881 - At the time of the 1881 census, Thomas was living at Epperstone Manor, with his father, in abstracts of his diary in 1880 mention him being a land agent, joining his father on rent audits.
In 1887 his Grandpapa Thomas Huskinson dies and is buried at Epperstone.
He is listed in the London Gazette dated 17 May 1889 ;
"4th (Nottinghamshire) Volunteer Battalion, the Sherwood Foresters (Derbyshire Regiment), Thomas W. Huskinson, Gent., to be Second Lieutenant (Supernumerary). Dated 4th May, 1889."
However an amendment is listed in the Gazette published on the 18 October 1889;
"The date of Second Lieutenant Thomas W. Huskinson's appointment, announced in the "London Gazette of the 17th May, 1889, should be 3rd May, 1889, and not as therein stated."
My first camp was in '89 at Sparken Hill in Sherwood Forest. It was the first brigade camp, all the volunteers of Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and Notts being there. Sir Henry Wilmot, V.C. was our brigadier, a volunteer since the Mutiny Days. The Brigade staff messed with us. We were famous for our cellar of wine. It was very gay: we numbered nearly 50 and the majority were Etonians. Col. Eyre, C.B. commanded us, he considering this the best officered regiment in the service. General Harrison stayed with us from York. One night we had amateur theatricals at Worksop Town Hall.
Another day we gave a great "at home" to the neighbouring county, where as a bride came the beautiful, young Duchess of Portland. Another day we had a great garden party at Welbeck, besides great reviews there. The sight of the troops marching through the Forest was most picturesque. Those were the days of scarlet and full dress, but our present field service dress looks more workman like.
Our 1890 camp was at Sparken Hill, a battalion camp.
In 1887 his Grandpapa Thomas Huskinson dies and is buried at Epperstone.
He is listed in the London Gazette dated 17 May 1889 ;
"4th (Nottinghamshire) Volunteer Battalion, the Sherwood Foresters (Derbyshire Regiment), Thomas W. Huskinson, Gent., to be Second Lieutenant (Supernumerary). Dated 4th May, 1889."
However an amendment is listed in the Gazette published on the 18 October 1889;
"The date of Second Lieutenant Thomas W. Huskinson's appointment, announced in the "London Gazette of the 17th May, 1889, should be 3rd May, 1889, and not as therein stated."
My first camp was in '89 at Sparken Hill in Sherwood Forest. It was the first brigade camp, all the volunteers of Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and Notts being there. Sir Henry Wilmot, V.C. was our brigadier, a volunteer since the Mutiny Days. The Brigade staff messed with us. We were famous for our cellar of wine. It was very gay: we numbered nearly 50 and the majority were Etonians. Col. Eyre, C.B. commanded us, he considering this the best officered regiment in the service. General Harrison stayed with us from York. One night we had amateur theatricals at Worksop Town Hall.
Another day we gave a great "at home" to the neighbouring county, where as a bride came the beautiful, young Duchess of Portland. Another day we had a great garden party at Welbeck, besides great reviews there. The sight of the troops marching through the Forest was most picturesque. Those were the days of scarlet and full dress, but our present field service dress looks more workman like.
Our 1890 camp was at Sparken Hill, a battalion camp.
1891 - 1900
At the time of the 1891 Census he is listed as living at Epperstone Manor in 1891, his occupation is listed as a land agent and farmer.
'1891 a brigade camp at Belton Park. In 1892 again at Sparken Hill for the last time after a run unbroken save in '91 for 30 years. I believe this was Col. Eyre's last camp, a fine old Mutiny soldier, he was one of the Fathers of the Volunteers in whom he thoroughly believed and was immensely proud of, his battalion and carefully selected body of officers. Socially speaking it was a "crack" corps. His departure was affecting, wishing to leave quietly he was driving away when the men heard of it, and with one impulse got under arms falling in of their own accord on their company parade grounds and presenting arms as he passed.'*
'I think it was this year 93 or '90 we had the Sherwood Foresters militia camped near us and also the Hon. Artillery Company at Welbeck'.*
In 1897 he wrote "The Bank of England's Charters - The cause of our social distress" . The book was published in 1912 by P.S King and Son, Orchard House, Westminster. 1912
Thomas became a land owner at both Epperstone and Woodborough. He went on to marry Mary Margaret Champneys on 16 November 1899 at St George, Hannover Square, London.
Mary's father was Maximillian Hugh Stanley Champneys, who was born 13 Feb 1816 in Canterbury (Kent), by the 1871 census he was the Rector of Epperstone until his death in 1891. She was the niece and co-heiress of John Ludford Astley of Ansley Park, Warwickshire. By the marriage of her grandfather, Mr. H. W. Champneys of Westenhanger, Kent with Lucy, daughter of Rev. Geoffery Hornby, who married Lucy Stanley, grand daughter of the 11th Earl of Derby, Mary M Champneys claims a royal descent from King Edward 1.
'We were twice at Aldershot in '99 and 1901, the camps mustering 60,000 men and the Field Days were fine sights. The Volunteer brigades had the position of being the only branch of the service organised on a War footing with their staff corps complete'*
* Taken from 1906 diary.
'1891 a brigade camp at Belton Park. In 1892 again at Sparken Hill for the last time after a run unbroken save in '91 for 30 years. I believe this was Col. Eyre's last camp, a fine old Mutiny soldier, he was one of the Fathers of the Volunteers in whom he thoroughly believed and was immensely proud of, his battalion and carefully selected body of officers. Socially speaking it was a "crack" corps. His departure was affecting, wishing to leave quietly he was driving away when the men heard of it, and with one impulse got under arms falling in of their own accord on their company parade grounds and presenting arms as he passed.'*
'I think it was this year 93 or '90 we had the Sherwood Foresters militia camped near us and also the Hon. Artillery Company at Welbeck'.*
In 1897 he wrote "The Bank of England's Charters - The cause of our social distress" . The book was published in 1912 by P.S King and Son, Orchard House, Westminster. 1912
Thomas became a land owner at both Epperstone and Woodborough. He went on to marry Mary Margaret Champneys on 16 November 1899 at St George, Hannover Square, London.
Mary's father was Maximillian Hugh Stanley Champneys, who was born 13 Feb 1816 in Canterbury (Kent), by the 1871 census he was the Rector of Epperstone until his death in 1891. She was the niece and co-heiress of John Ludford Astley of Ansley Park, Warwickshire. By the marriage of her grandfather, Mr. H. W. Champneys of Westenhanger, Kent with Lucy, daughter of Rev. Geoffery Hornby, who married Lucy Stanley, grand daughter of the 11th Earl of Derby, Mary M Champneys claims a royal descent from King Edward 1.
'We were twice at Aldershot in '99 and 1901, the camps mustering 60,000 men and the Field Days were fine sights. The Volunteer brigades had the position of being the only branch of the service organised on a War footing with their staff corps complete'*
* Taken from 1906 diary.
1901 - 1905
At the time of the 1901 Census, they lived at Epperstone, their daughter Margaret Astley Huskinson was born on the 6 July 1901. His father William Lambe having moved to the cottage.
His father William Lambe Huskinson died in 1904, with Epperstone Manor being sold to Sir Frances Ley, the English Industrialist in 1905.
His father William Lambe Huskinson died in 1904, with Epperstone Manor being sold to Sir Frances Ley, the English Industrialist in 1905.
Extracts from the diary of TW Huskinson 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.
26th Feb. To the meet at Thurgarton. Count and Countess v. Habsberg came with Lord. Harrington. General Warrand introduced me: she a pleasant rather pretty woman in badly fitting habit. I rode with them most of the day: it was their first experience of fox hunting, which they considered the finest "game" imaginable. The countess said she no longer wondered the English gentry lived in the country, there was so much to do there in England.
4th Mar. Heard a piece of gossip which Richardson had from Marmaduke of "Truth", that the late Queen died a poor woman comparatively. Her establishment was a regular castle squander, more servants than necessary and they extravagant, travelling 1st class and so on.
14th Mar· Drove with Ernest 12 miles to Langar to attend Mr. Bayley's funeral. Bayley was Percy's father-in-law and had been Member for Chesterfield many years. Langar has a flavour of the old Manor at Epperstone, for over 30 years my home until sold to Sir Francis Ley who in a great measure spoilt it from a picturesque point of view.
I could not help recalling all the many scenes I have witnessed here, the funeral of John Chaworth Musters some years ago, Mrs. Bayley's 18 months ago. Penn Sherbrooke's wedding with Kitty Chaworth Musters when all the Oxton and Tythby tenants and their families came with all the neighbouring gentry. The road to Wiverton for tea after looked like the return from a race meeting, so many carriages, carts and people on horse and foot; then the christening of Percy's second boy last year when Geoffry and Margy made such a pretty little couple standing together in the church.
15th / 16th Mar. I had two days hunting with Lord Harrington at Oxton and Car Colston. The Master brought a Hungarian, the Marquis Pallavicini, whose acquaintance I made. He expressed anxiety about the future of Hungary. He was much struck with the hunting ardour of the English and delighted with the sport and good fellowship, the daring riding and open manners of the girls were a revelation.
April 13th. Good Friday. My 44th birthday spent very quietly at home with Polly and Margie. Went to a short service at 3.
20th Apr. To Widmerpool where Major Robertson's carriage met me and drove to to give instructions to builders about additions to Walker's buildings.
Widmerpool has old associations for me as far back as 1870 when my grandfather drove me over for a few days stay with the then Rector, my uncle A. Thorold Wood.
Many a time since have I had tea and talk with Thorold Wood in the garden or study at the Rectory and lunched or spent the night at the Hall. My uncle, Arthur T. Wood was very amusing; his father Wood of S. Thoresley had been Capt. or Colonel in the Life Guards or R.H. Guards and had married the only daughter of Thorold Barnet of Syston. My uncle and his two sisters had been allowed £1000 yearly to make the Grand Tour, and spent all the forties, nearly 10 years, on the continent journeying slowly via Vienna, Venice, Rome, Sorento, mixing in the best local society in the days before the tourist. He was in Paris during the revolution of '48 and told me many reminiscences.
25th May. At Stratford-on-Avon to-day. I told the curator of Shakespeare's House of Polly's casket made from the famous mulberry tree, which she got through the Ludfords of Ansley. The curator knew Ansley Park well and also Polly's uncle' . Ludford Astley who left the other sisters the residence of Ansley, now sold.
22nd June. At Calverton Audit dinner, Sir Charles Seely's smaller tenants. Each village has its special characteristics. Calverton's is uncouthness and roughness. Woodboro' next door, equally a stockinger village, is clever, neat and its people good looking
25th June. To Fenton near Newark and afterwards to lunch with Mr. Long of Stragglethorpe, who farms 1000 acres here. These Lincolnshire farmers date back to the mediaeval farmers and if it were less free of the pressing anxiety of the present day to get a profit, which rarely was before these past 30 years, it is perhaps the most ideal form of life for its mixture of comfort, use and elegance. Save that it is a working class and does not devote itself to the public service it would be an aristocracy.
29th June. Margaret's (5 years) party to the village school children in the meadow near the Lower House, my grandfather's old home which I have let furnished the last few years to Charles Richardson.
I brought over my unofficial volunteer band from Southwell, one of my corporals was 24 years in the band of the York and Lancaster Regiment and got up a bugle, drum and fife band among my young volunteers and the boys of the Church Brigade, which I use in my local volunteer functions. My position as a volunteer officer is unique and comfortable. With a brevet of Major I have a company over 100 strong and about the pretty Cathedral village of Southwell, isolated, well endowed and too far off for central authority to trouble me, I enjoy quite a little military lordship. My men line the aisles at Cathedral functions so I nickname them the Pope's Lifeguards.
2nd July. I went by the fast train to Carlton Netherfield returning to catch the 9.16 train back to Lowdham, and strolled through this new place of several thousand people. I remember it 25 years ago without a house except the little village of Colwick for the 3 miles to Nottingham and fields between the station and Gedling church. The place is an island surrounded by a rampart of railway embankments. There being no thoroughfare there is no wheeled traffic in the main street which is quite picturesque owing to its being built on the curved lines of an old land, and quite the resort of local fashion this warm morning, the girls looking pretty in their summer dresses.
15th July. Church Parade at Southwell Cathedral. I had out Philip Warwick and his Yeomanry, my company of the 4th Notts. the Cyclist company and my colour sergeant with the Church Boys Brigade detachment. My unofficial band (14) under Corporal Sturgess, who for 24 years was in the band of the York & Lancaster Regiment, played us to church.
Lunched with my cousin Warwick at Burgage Manor. Elsie and Kathleen, 2 decidedly pretty girls, both of bright colouring, Elsie has beautiful auburn hair like her mother Florrie Branston. Kathleen is fair with more regular features. Huskinson Warwick married three times, first daughter of Henry Branston of Newark Friary, secondly Clara Coombe, a granddaughter of our old friend Edmund Percy, a Scotch lady and mother of Norman Warwick. Thirdly a daughter of R. Starkey of Norwood Park which was unfortunate as they now live apart. The house was formerly occupied by Lady Byron and her famous son. Huskinson has a good income, probably 7 or 800 £ yearly.
1st Aug. At Derby called on Hancock's old crown china works founded 1750, a small affair, quite a workman's affair, but I believe the only place in the world where china of the old style is made. Hancock does not make for the market but only for private orders. I have an idea of having a replica of Polly's tea service, which Lord Derby gave her grandmother on her marriage in 1796. We have 50 pieces but it is of too great value to use.
5th Aug. Our camp on Conway shore commences. I join the half battalion train at Lowdham at 11 on a hot morning and find myself in command, the Southwell, Newark and Collingham companies, whilst Fowler's company joins us at Carlton and Nottingham.
We arrived at last at the siding, the Robin Hoods just in before us. We had not more than 300 yards to reach our camp, marching by the Brigade Headquarters.
Whilst talking to Johnson, Private Sawidge of Woodbro' came to say that his health would prevent his doing field days. Johnson said that the man may die any minute and next morning he was found dead in bed.
6th Aug. Breakfast at 6. Parade at 7, a lovely morning and marched a lovely route by Penmaenmawr, up a most lovely glen to the mountains and at 1500 feet practiced following a rear guard. The heat intense.
7th Aug. Another early start and marched through Conway town. The buff uniforms looking well passing through the old gates. A long march uphill till we got on the mountains. Very hot. The Derbys in front and several men falling out, chiefly with sore feet, the result of yesterday's long march and the hot ground. The ambulance men were busy.
10th Aug. A big review on Conway sands. 7 Battalions in all.
Aug. 12th. Rose at 3, struck camp at 5, entrained at 6 and home at 11. Thus ended my 18th camp
22nd Nov. To London for the Motor Show at Olympia. Breakfasted en route with young Stringer, a nice boy. Sauntered leisurely to my Club in St. James's Square and then met my sister-in-law Nell at the Ladies New Century Club at Hay Hill, Berkeley Square (once Polly's), a very neat place. We lunched at the Pall Mall Restaurant in the Haymarket, rather in fashion now and then took a hansom to Olympia. Nell and I both agree that a hansom is the pleasantest mode of transport in Town. Had tea with Percy and Muriel at the Show. Left Nell at Cook's in Piccadilly to make arrangements about her journey to Newfoundland to join Harold.
1st Dec. Going through my accounts and found that my income had been £1500 during the year I had not saved more than £350 but had spent over £100 in carriages and horses and furniture.
18th Dec.
The Librarian from Welbeck, Mr. Goulding, motored over from Welbeck for lunch to look at letters in my possession from the 5th Duke of Portland to my grandfather in view of evidence against the Duke's claims. The Duke worries about it: but her Grace is unaffected. Some of my letters very important.
24th Dec. Christmas Eve. I had sufficiently recovered from an attack of flu to drive over with Mother to stay for Christmas with Charlie and Annie at Farndon. Polly and Margie followed on the morning of Christmas Day and Percy and all his party motored over for lunch. Christmas night saw a great snow storm. On Thursday I came back to Epperstone and put up at the Den where Dick looked in on his way back to Brussels.
Full transcripts can be found on Thomas William Huskinson Diaries
26th Feb. To the meet at Thurgarton. Count and Countess v. Habsberg came with Lord. Harrington. General Warrand introduced me: she a pleasant rather pretty woman in badly fitting habit. I rode with them most of the day: it was their first experience of fox hunting, which they considered the finest "game" imaginable. The countess said she no longer wondered the English gentry lived in the country, there was so much to do there in England.
4th Mar. Heard a piece of gossip which Richardson had from Marmaduke of "Truth", that the late Queen died a poor woman comparatively. Her establishment was a regular castle squander, more servants than necessary and they extravagant, travelling 1st class and so on.
14th Mar· Drove with Ernest 12 miles to Langar to attend Mr. Bayley's funeral. Bayley was Percy's father-in-law and had been Member for Chesterfield many years. Langar has a flavour of the old Manor at Epperstone, for over 30 years my home until sold to Sir Francis Ley who in a great measure spoilt it from a picturesque point of view.
I could not help recalling all the many scenes I have witnessed here, the funeral of John Chaworth Musters some years ago, Mrs. Bayley's 18 months ago. Penn Sherbrooke's wedding with Kitty Chaworth Musters when all the Oxton and Tythby tenants and their families came with all the neighbouring gentry. The road to Wiverton for tea after looked like the return from a race meeting, so many carriages, carts and people on horse and foot; then the christening of Percy's second boy last year when Geoffry and Margy made such a pretty little couple standing together in the church.
15th / 16th Mar. I had two days hunting with Lord Harrington at Oxton and Car Colston. The Master brought a Hungarian, the Marquis Pallavicini, whose acquaintance I made. He expressed anxiety about the future of Hungary. He was much struck with the hunting ardour of the English and delighted with the sport and good fellowship, the daring riding and open manners of the girls were a revelation.
April 13th. Good Friday. My 44th birthday spent very quietly at home with Polly and Margie. Went to a short service at 3.
20th Apr. To Widmerpool where Major Robertson's carriage met me and drove to to give instructions to builders about additions to Walker's buildings.
Widmerpool has old associations for me as far back as 1870 when my grandfather drove me over for a few days stay with the then Rector, my uncle A. Thorold Wood.
Many a time since have I had tea and talk with Thorold Wood in the garden or study at the Rectory and lunched or spent the night at the Hall. My uncle, Arthur T. Wood was very amusing; his father Wood of S. Thoresley had been Capt. or Colonel in the Life Guards or R.H. Guards and had married the only daughter of Thorold Barnet of Syston. My uncle and his two sisters had been allowed £1000 yearly to make the Grand Tour, and spent all the forties, nearly 10 years, on the continent journeying slowly via Vienna, Venice, Rome, Sorento, mixing in the best local society in the days before the tourist. He was in Paris during the revolution of '48 and told me many reminiscences.
25th May. At Stratford-on-Avon to-day. I told the curator of Shakespeare's House of Polly's casket made from the famous mulberry tree, which she got through the Ludfords of Ansley. The curator knew Ansley Park well and also Polly's uncle' . Ludford Astley who left the other sisters the residence of Ansley, now sold.
22nd June. At Calverton Audit dinner, Sir Charles Seely's smaller tenants. Each village has its special characteristics. Calverton's is uncouthness and roughness. Woodboro' next door, equally a stockinger village, is clever, neat and its people good looking
25th June. To Fenton near Newark and afterwards to lunch with Mr. Long of Stragglethorpe, who farms 1000 acres here. These Lincolnshire farmers date back to the mediaeval farmers and if it were less free of the pressing anxiety of the present day to get a profit, which rarely was before these past 30 years, it is perhaps the most ideal form of life for its mixture of comfort, use and elegance. Save that it is a working class and does not devote itself to the public service it would be an aristocracy.
29th June. Margaret's (5 years) party to the village school children in the meadow near the Lower House, my grandfather's old home which I have let furnished the last few years to Charles Richardson.
I brought over my unofficial volunteer band from Southwell, one of my corporals was 24 years in the band of the York and Lancaster Regiment and got up a bugle, drum and fife band among my young volunteers and the boys of the Church Brigade, which I use in my local volunteer functions. My position as a volunteer officer is unique and comfortable. With a brevet of Major I have a company over 100 strong and about the pretty Cathedral village of Southwell, isolated, well endowed and too far off for central authority to trouble me, I enjoy quite a little military lordship. My men line the aisles at Cathedral functions so I nickname them the Pope's Lifeguards.
2nd July. I went by the fast train to Carlton Netherfield returning to catch the 9.16 train back to Lowdham, and strolled through this new place of several thousand people. I remember it 25 years ago without a house except the little village of Colwick for the 3 miles to Nottingham and fields between the station and Gedling church. The place is an island surrounded by a rampart of railway embankments. There being no thoroughfare there is no wheeled traffic in the main street which is quite picturesque owing to its being built on the curved lines of an old land, and quite the resort of local fashion this warm morning, the girls looking pretty in their summer dresses.
15th July. Church Parade at Southwell Cathedral. I had out Philip Warwick and his Yeomanry, my company of the 4th Notts. the Cyclist company and my colour sergeant with the Church Boys Brigade detachment. My unofficial band (14) under Corporal Sturgess, who for 24 years was in the band of the York & Lancaster Regiment, played us to church.
Lunched with my cousin Warwick at Burgage Manor. Elsie and Kathleen, 2 decidedly pretty girls, both of bright colouring, Elsie has beautiful auburn hair like her mother Florrie Branston. Kathleen is fair with more regular features. Huskinson Warwick married three times, first daughter of Henry Branston of Newark Friary, secondly Clara Coombe, a granddaughter of our old friend Edmund Percy, a Scotch lady and mother of Norman Warwick. Thirdly a daughter of R. Starkey of Norwood Park which was unfortunate as they now live apart. The house was formerly occupied by Lady Byron and her famous son. Huskinson has a good income, probably 7 or 800 £ yearly.
1st Aug. At Derby called on Hancock's old crown china works founded 1750, a small affair, quite a workman's affair, but I believe the only place in the world where china of the old style is made. Hancock does not make for the market but only for private orders. I have an idea of having a replica of Polly's tea service, which Lord Derby gave her grandmother on her marriage in 1796. We have 50 pieces but it is of too great value to use.
5th Aug. Our camp on Conway shore commences. I join the half battalion train at Lowdham at 11 on a hot morning and find myself in command, the Southwell, Newark and Collingham companies, whilst Fowler's company joins us at Carlton and Nottingham.
We arrived at last at the siding, the Robin Hoods just in before us. We had not more than 300 yards to reach our camp, marching by the Brigade Headquarters.
Whilst talking to Johnson, Private Sawidge of Woodbro' came to say that his health would prevent his doing field days. Johnson said that the man may die any minute and next morning he was found dead in bed.
6th Aug. Breakfast at 6. Parade at 7, a lovely morning and marched a lovely route by Penmaenmawr, up a most lovely glen to the mountains and at 1500 feet practiced following a rear guard. The heat intense.
7th Aug. Another early start and marched through Conway town. The buff uniforms looking well passing through the old gates. A long march uphill till we got on the mountains. Very hot. The Derbys in front and several men falling out, chiefly with sore feet, the result of yesterday's long march and the hot ground. The ambulance men were busy.
10th Aug. A big review on Conway sands. 7 Battalions in all.
Aug. 12th. Rose at 3, struck camp at 5, entrained at 6 and home at 11. Thus ended my 18th camp
22nd Nov. To London for the Motor Show at Olympia. Breakfasted en route with young Stringer, a nice boy. Sauntered leisurely to my Club in St. James's Square and then met my sister-in-law Nell at the Ladies New Century Club at Hay Hill, Berkeley Square (once Polly's), a very neat place. We lunched at the Pall Mall Restaurant in the Haymarket, rather in fashion now and then took a hansom to Olympia. Nell and I both agree that a hansom is the pleasantest mode of transport in Town. Had tea with Percy and Muriel at the Show. Left Nell at Cook's in Piccadilly to make arrangements about her journey to Newfoundland to join Harold.
1st Dec. Going through my accounts and found that my income had been £1500 during the year I had not saved more than £350 but had spent over £100 in carriages and horses and furniture.
18th Dec.
The Librarian from Welbeck, Mr. Goulding, motored over from Welbeck for lunch to look at letters in my possession from the 5th Duke of Portland to my grandfather in view of evidence against the Duke's claims. The Duke worries about it: but her Grace is unaffected. Some of my letters very important.
24th Dec. Christmas Eve. I had sufficiently recovered from an attack of flu to drive over with Mother to stay for Christmas with Charlie and Annie at Farndon. Polly and Margie followed on the morning of Christmas Day and Percy and all his party motored over for lunch. Christmas night saw a great snow storm. On Thursday I came back to Epperstone and put up at the Den where Dick looked in on his way back to Brussels.
Full transcripts can be found on Thomas William Huskinson Diaries
Extracts from the diary of TW Huskinson 1907
9th Jan. Stayed at the Victoria Hotel, Nottingham for our Hunt Ball. Many were staying here so the lounge was quite gay with our "pink". A very good ball.
14th Jan. To Nottingham for a Committee of Crimean Veterans dinner and then to our Tactual Society's lecture. Bertie Fowler came with Gibbons whom I had met on a cruise in F's yacht on the west of Scotland 6 years ago.
23rd Jan. The Crimean and Mutiny Veterans Dinner at the Victoria Hotel. We had not expected such a successful function. All officers in full dress. About 80 of the veterans present, also the Duke of Portland, Ld. Lieutenant, Mr. Haldane, Minister of War, General Ld. Manvers, Admiral Sir F. Seymour, Genl. Warrand and Col. Gore Brown V.C. both hunting men, Bishop of Southwell, R.C. Bishop Brindle, the Members of Parliament and a shoal of Yeomanry, Volunteer and Militia officers. Very cold.
6th Feb. We started for Yorkshire for poor Reed's funeral, looked in at Selby Abbey recently burnt and pleased to see the masonry little damaged. Arriving at Bridlington I put up at a most comfortable old Inn, the Britannia on the quay and recalled the fine old streets where I wandered as a boy 35 years ago. Before dinner walked on the sands. When here as a boy I remember we stayed in the Crescent, the Branstons of Newark were here then, also Sir Peter Walker's family from Liverpool. Here was my first love affair, a little girl called Sparkes, a granddaughter of Dr. Sparkes the famous musician. We were inseparable and wandered everywhere together, much frequenting the harbour and quays. Before dinner I looked in at the Cock & Lion, a most old fashioned pub, and chatted in the bar with a local man on old stories of Sir Tatton Sykes.
4th March. I lunched with the Warricks at Balderton. Charlie in the thick of his election for County Council. A bright day. The many beautiful spires give life to this level landscape. At Claypole Cromwell's son-in-law had a manor house part of which remains near the church: but the fine old bridge which with the church made up a mediaeval group was pulled down 2 years ago and replaced by an ugly "Council" bridge, a graceless vandalism.
7th Mar. A war Game at the Exchange Rooms', Nottingham: the chief of staff at York attending.
14th Mar. My coachman Knights little 2 year old girl died of pneumonia, a great grief. Polly and I had called in a second doctor and oxygen on Tuesday but to no avail. Three years ago we had nearly lost Margaret in the same way.
17th Mar. A letter from our William from Cadiz. He has been yachting with Ld. Crawford and going up the Guadalquiver saw the herd of camels, rarely seen. Captain Sherbrooke, Mr. and Mrs. Ogilvy to stay with him shortly.
29th Mar. Good Friday. We have been having beautifully sunny weather for some time. Agreeable to me Sir Charles Seely wishes me to continue as his agent. William writes from Cadiz that Capt. Sherbrooke and Mrs. Ogilvy have been staying with him and Keyser and that Prince Leopold of Battenburg also stays with them. As he is brother of the Queen of Spain the people are preparing a reception.
6th April. To the Land Tax Commissioners meeting in High Pavement, Nottingham, and found the present Government have abolished the property qualification resulting in a great number of new Commissioners, such a crew and all but 4 active liberal local wirepullers in the last election.
11th Apr. Lord Manvers as Brigadier came to inspect my company's Headquarters at Southwell. So in uniform drove Polly to Southwell and lunched at the Bechers, joining Polly after 2 at the fine old inn the Saracen's Head, where Charles I slept the night before 'he gave himself up to the Scots at Kelham'.
20th Apr. The Land Tax meeting at Nottingham. The Government has abolished ,the property qualification of Commissioners and have appointed a rabble of their own party to reward their little local wire pullers, who however were amazed at the origin and incidence of Land Tax as they thought they could tax the squire now at their pleasure.
17th May. Rode across the fields to Southwell to the Council meeting and passed my resolution against the telegraphs coming through Epperstone and Oxton.
17th June. Rode to Ossington and walked over Crow Park with the tenant Davenport, then to lunch with the Skeffington-Craigs at Carlton where Captain and Lady Margaret Tong and home by the North Road and Kelham. Talking with Craig on the reason Carlton Hall
was built in so cramped a position instead of higher up the hill, he said that when Built some 110 years ago the North Road was very interesting as one great stream of life from Scotland, the North and London, the only road thereto, and people liked to watch the traffic which was almost continuous, stage coaches, gigs, carriages, cavalry, infantry and artillery on the march, shows, carts, horsemen, etc.,
Now all this picturesque and interesting stream is gone and the railways are poor substitutes as far as dramatic interest is concerned.
24th June. To Winkwood and after the audit dinner a long talk with Colonel Burnell. Very cold and wet. Margie has been very busy drawing houses with a garden in front. At last she told her difficulty. She said she knew the path ran straight to the door yet when she drew it on paper like this it did not look right so at 5 her small brain was puzzling over the rules of perspective.
26th June. Percy came in his Daimler motor at 10.30 and picked up Capt. Hobbs and his pretty little wife at Southwell and so then to Newark and Lincoln, motors from Derbyshire and Leicestershire all the way. Lincoln Minster stood high on the horizon and on reaching Lincoln the old streets alive with people, carriages, motors, volunteers. The King came at 12 and we had a good view of him.
23rd July. The Bishop of Southwell's garden party at the Palace (Wolsey's old palace). I dropped Polly at the cathedral and went up to the Warricks and then walked through the cathedral nave, service going on in the choir, to the postern in the south transept where I joined Polly. We went in at the old palace just opposite, where is a fine stone stairway to the fine 14th century banqueting hall above.
19th Aug. Had a long drive with Polly by Blidworth as far as Newstead, a fine day in this wild still forest land. The view from the terrace walk of Blidworth church over some miles is fine and over what was Sherwood and still lovely and wooded. Called on the Vicar, Whitworth, who has been there over 50 years and was for long also Chaplain at Newstead and Sir Chas. Seely's place. A great local antiquarian and historian. My grandfather's old friend, Mrs. Need, lived at Fountains Dale close by the moated grange of Robin Hood, the moat still exists and close by where the Bishop of Hereford was caught in a corner of the then bogs whilst essaying the ford at Rainworth to gain the main road to Nottingham from York. Rainworth Lodge was a cell of Newstead where a friar was posted to guide travelers across the ford. In Robin's time Friar Tuck was here and it was as the curtail friar in performing this duty to Robin that he let him fall in the water.
The names of his men are still surnames. At many places are the underground homes of an old cave race and excellent harbourage for outlaws. It must be remembered that Robin had the sympathy of the local gentry and people and he waged war against the wealthy clergy and usurers (Jews) and against the authorities and the story that he was an outlawed Earl is probably correct. It is rather thought that his exploits belong to the reign of Henry III than to John and Richard. He and his band followed the laws of chivalry hence their local popularity with the local classes and it is said that many a Notts squire had been with Robin in his youth and wild days. Allan-a-Dale's wedding was at Epperstone and the tower and spire are of the period. Dale is a very uncommon name in the Forest and probably refers to Langdale or Ramsdale. It is a pity the district was disafforested as there has been no profit in making the farms and timber does well.
21st Aug. To Washingly with Major Robertson: another example of a wealthy family and no heirs. We had our lunch in the Great Hall some 60 feet long. The Reception Room wing a fine example in the chaste style of Inigo Jones but not so far back in building.
31st Aug. Lunched with Percy and Muriel at North Lodge, Nottingham Park.
6th Sept. At the Southwell District Council I was most successful in securing unanimous support and the Board refused the use of the roads to the Post Office telegraph unless wires are put underground.
12th Sept. Aunt Warwick's funeral. 86 years old, a pretty old lady, nearly the last of her generation, a brother still survives. She married Richard Warwick a wealthy brewer of Newark and of a junior branch of an old Westmoreland family who lost their estates during the Civil Wars. She lived in a fine old Georgian house in Castle Gate.
20th Nov. The whole county agog for the Welbeck Ball tonight. Rode to meet Lord Harrington's hounds at Thurgarton Priory. Poor sport, but made acquaintance of Major Heneage who is staying at Rufford, Lady Savile's son-in-law: married her daughter Miss Helyer, heiress of a Dorset estate. Polly and I drove at 5 to Edwinotowe 12 miles and put up at the Dukeries Hotel, where also 30 for dinner all for the Ball. Our bedroom converted from a sitting room most comfortable.
Polly wore blue net over white satin and blue satin flounce, her 12 diamond buttons on blue velvet as necklet and armlet and her brooch with the large diamond at her corsage and 2 diamond crescents in her hair, and with her chic yellow opera coat looked well. I in pink coat with the Harrington button and white silk facings and trimmings. After dinner drove off 10 miles to Welbeck through the forest and would easily have been lost if not led by the local carriages by a private way. The lordly motors kept passing us till we passed our private gate and for 4 miles the way was lighted with torches.
The sight in front of the Abbey was extraordinary and very pretty to see the stream of motor lights coming through the Park. There were 200 motors and more than that of carriages and more than a thousand guests. The whole front of the entrance court had a lobby hung with tapestry and red curtains to the pillars where 12 carriages could unload at once. We were ushered into a paneled and tapestry. hung hall, and then an interminable passage and stairs hung with old portraits to the cloak rooms, powder headed footmen in blue and white liveries ushering the way, and members of the fire brigade at intervals. The lobby was full of beautiful coroneted women and pink coated men as the Rufford party was just before us.
Down a long wide passage hung with pictures bordered with flowers. The Duke and Duchess (Portland) received us all at the Ball room door. The Room 170 feet long by 54 ft. wide and 20 ft. high was already crowded. Shortly came the royal party but the crowd so great I could see none of it nor of the state quadrille but we hung about in the lounge near the tea table and behind the bandstand where under the palms we got plenty of sitting room and saw many friends.
Polly went into the first supper and sat next to the royal table and on the royal procession returning I got a good view as they passed the tea lounge where were but a few of us. The Queen of Spain is a bonny but matronly figure for a girl: she in blue with wonderful jewels: a splendid skin and hair and quite a pretty face: she came with the Duke. The King led the Duchess, he slight and delicate looking, a clever face though no Adonis. Philip Barber the High Sheriff led the magnificently beautiful though grey haired Lady de Grey. I stood close behind the King in the lancers and observed him closely: he is merry as a king dare be in public wore the Garter as did the Duke. When the party retired I went with P. into supper, sitting at what had been the royal table and resplendent with gold plate.
The Regiments came in uniform, the courtiers in knee breeches. Sir S. Bright donned a court dress out with so much diversity in male attire it did not matter. Little Lady Cicely Pierrepoint and her sister looked the typical English girl with no startling modish get up. But Lady Marjorie Manners was painted and her dress V shaped so low in the back that you could see the whole of it though I admit it was spotless and boneless, still so much to view is generally the prerogative of husbands. There was much of the new hipless dress, not becoming except to slight women, and many I should say had nothing but tights beneath the dress. The people I accosted were too numerous to mention. the De la Rues came late having motored from town and greeted me cordially as they came in, she with a fine tiara. We drove quickly home to our hotel and arrived before the motors. In the smoking room was Ross Brown returning from Epperstone where he had taken Lady Ley. He drives the King for the week, Hunter having been hurt. Many people had to wait an hour or two for their carriages but having a footman we got away with scarce any wait as Knight got our carriage stopped at the end of the lobby.
Full transcripts can be found on Thomas William Huskinson Diaries
14th Jan. To Nottingham for a Committee of Crimean Veterans dinner and then to our Tactual Society's lecture. Bertie Fowler came with Gibbons whom I had met on a cruise in F's yacht on the west of Scotland 6 years ago.
23rd Jan. The Crimean and Mutiny Veterans Dinner at the Victoria Hotel. We had not expected such a successful function. All officers in full dress. About 80 of the veterans present, also the Duke of Portland, Ld. Lieutenant, Mr. Haldane, Minister of War, General Ld. Manvers, Admiral Sir F. Seymour, Genl. Warrand and Col. Gore Brown V.C. both hunting men, Bishop of Southwell, R.C. Bishop Brindle, the Members of Parliament and a shoal of Yeomanry, Volunteer and Militia officers. Very cold.
6th Feb. We started for Yorkshire for poor Reed's funeral, looked in at Selby Abbey recently burnt and pleased to see the masonry little damaged. Arriving at Bridlington I put up at a most comfortable old Inn, the Britannia on the quay and recalled the fine old streets where I wandered as a boy 35 years ago. Before dinner walked on the sands. When here as a boy I remember we stayed in the Crescent, the Branstons of Newark were here then, also Sir Peter Walker's family from Liverpool. Here was my first love affair, a little girl called Sparkes, a granddaughter of Dr. Sparkes the famous musician. We were inseparable and wandered everywhere together, much frequenting the harbour and quays. Before dinner I looked in at the Cock & Lion, a most old fashioned pub, and chatted in the bar with a local man on old stories of Sir Tatton Sykes.
4th March. I lunched with the Warricks at Balderton. Charlie in the thick of his election for County Council. A bright day. The many beautiful spires give life to this level landscape. At Claypole Cromwell's son-in-law had a manor house part of which remains near the church: but the fine old bridge which with the church made up a mediaeval group was pulled down 2 years ago and replaced by an ugly "Council" bridge, a graceless vandalism.
7th Mar. A war Game at the Exchange Rooms', Nottingham: the chief of staff at York attending.
14th Mar. My coachman Knights little 2 year old girl died of pneumonia, a great grief. Polly and I had called in a second doctor and oxygen on Tuesday but to no avail. Three years ago we had nearly lost Margaret in the same way.
17th Mar. A letter from our William from Cadiz. He has been yachting with Ld. Crawford and going up the Guadalquiver saw the herd of camels, rarely seen. Captain Sherbrooke, Mr. and Mrs. Ogilvy to stay with him shortly.
29th Mar. Good Friday. We have been having beautifully sunny weather for some time. Agreeable to me Sir Charles Seely wishes me to continue as his agent. William writes from Cadiz that Capt. Sherbrooke and Mrs. Ogilvy have been staying with him and Keyser and that Prince Leopold of Battenburg also stays with them. As he is brother of the Queen of Spain the people are preparing a reception.
6th April. To the Land Tax Commissioners meeting in High Pavement, Nottingham, and found the present Government have abolished the property qualification resulting in a great number of new Commissioners, such a crew and all but 4 active liberal local wirepullers in the last election.
11th Apr. Lord Manvers as Brigadier came to inspect my company's Headquarters at Southwell. So in uniform drove Polly to Southwell and lunched at the Bechers, joining Polly after 2 at the fine old inn the Saracen's Head, where Charles I slept the night before 'he gave himself up to the Scots at Kelham'.
20th Apr. The Land Tax meeting at Nottingham. The Government has abolished ,the property qualification of Commissioners and have appointed a rabble of their own party to reward their little local wire pullers, who however were amazed at the origin and incidence of Land Tax as they thought they could tax the squire now at their pleasure.
17th May. Rode across the fields to Southwell to the Council meeting and passed my resolution against the telegraphs coming through Epperstone and Oxton.
17th June. Rode to Ossington and walked over Crow Park with the tenant Davenport, then to lunch with the Skeffington-Craigs at Carlton where Captain and Lady Margaret Tong and home by the North Road and Kelham. Talking with Craig on the reason Carlton Hall
was built in so cramped a position instead of higher up the hill, he said that when Built some 110 years ago the North Road was very interesting as one great stream of life from Scotland, the North and London, the only road thereto, and people liked to watch the traffic which was almost continuous, stage coaches, gigs, carriages, cavalry, infantry and artillery on the march, shows, carts, horsemen, etc.,
Now all this picturesque and interesting stream is gone and the railways are poor substitutes as far as dramatic interest is concerned.
24th June. To Winkwood and after the audit dinner a long talk with Colonel Burnell. Very cold and wet. Margie has been very busy drawing houses with a garden in front. At last she told her difficulty. She said she knew the path ran straight to the door yet when she drew it on paper like this it did not look right so at 5 her small brain was puzzling over the rules of perspective.
26th June. Percy came in his Daimler motor at 10.30 and picked up Capt. Hobbs and his pretty little wife at Southwell and so then to Newark and Lincoln, motors from Derbyshire and Leicestershire all the way. Lincoln Minster stood high on the horizon and on reaching Lincoln the old streets alive with people, carriages, motors, volunteers. The King came at 12 and we had a good view of him.
23rd July. The Bishop of Southwell's garden party at the Palace (Wolsey's old palace). I dropped Polly at the cathedral and went up to the Warricks and then walked through the cathedral nave, service going on in the choir, to the postern in the south transept where I joined Polly. We went in at the old palace just opposite, where is a fine stone stairway to the fine 14th century banqueting hall above.
19th Aug. Had a long drive with Polly by Blidworth as far as Newstead, a fine day in this wild still forest land. The view from the terrace walk of Blidworth church over some miles is fine and over what was Sherwood and still lovely and wooded. Called on the Vicar, Whitworth, who has been there over 50 years and was for long also Chaplain at Newstead and Sir Chas. Seely's place. A great local antiquarian and historian. My grandfather's old friend, Mrs. Need, lived at Fountains Dale close by the moated grange of Robin Hood, the moat still exists and close by where the Bishop of Hereford was caught in a corner of the then bogs whilst essaying the ford at Rainworth to gain the main road to Nottingham from York. Rainworth Lodge was a cell of Newstead where a friar was posted to guide travelers across the ford. In Robin's time Friar Tuck was here and it was as the curtail friar in performing this duty to Robin that he let him fall in the water.
The names of his men are still surnames. At many places are the underground homes of an old cave race and excellent harbourage for outlaws. It must be remembered that Robin had the sympathy of the local gentry and people and he waged war against the wealthy clergy and usurers (Jews) and against the authorities and the story that he was an outlawed Earl is probably correct. It is rather thought that his exploits belong to the reign of Henry III than to John and Richard. He and his band followed the laws of chivalry hence their local popularity with the local classes and it is said that many a Notts squire had been with Robin in his youth and wild days. Allan-a-Dale's wedding was at Epperstone and the tower and spire are of the period. Dale is a very uncommon name in the Forest and probably refers to Langdale or Ramsdale. It is a pity the district was disafforested as there has been no profit in making the farms and timber does well.
21st Aug. To Washingly with Major Robertson: another example of a wealthy family and no heirs. We had our lunch in the Great Hall some 60 feet long. The Reception Room wing a fine example in the chaste style of Inigo Jones but not so far back in building.
31st Aug. Lunched with Percy and Muriel at North Lodge, Nottingham Park.
6th Sept. At the Southwell District Council I was most successful in securing unanimous support and the Board refused the use of the roads to the Post Office telegraph unless wires are put underground.
12th Sept. Aunt Warwick's funeral. 86 years old, a pretty old lady, nearly the last of her generation, a brother still survives. She married Richard Warwick a wealthy brewer of Newark and of a junior branch of an old Westmoreland family who lost their estates during the Civil Wars. She lived in a fine old Georgian house in Castle Gate.
20th Nov. The whole county agog for the Welbeck Ball tonight. Rode to meet Lord Harrington's hounds at Thurgarton Priory. Poor sport, but made acquaintance of Major Heneage who is staying at Rufford, Lady Savile's son-in-law: married her daughter Miss Helyer, heiress of a Dorset estate. Polly and I drove at 5 to Edwinotowe 12 miles and put up at the Dukeries Hotel, where also 30 for dinner all for the Ball. Our bedroom converted from a sitting room most comfortable.
Polly wore blue net over white satin and blue satin flounce, her 12 diamond buttons on blue velvet as necklet and armlet and her brooch with the large diamond at her corsage and 2 diamond crescents in her hair, and with her chic yellow opera coat looked well. I in pink coat with the Harrington button and white silk facings and trimmings. After dinner drove off 10 miles to Welbeck through the forest and would easily have been lost if not led by the local carriages by a private way. The lordly motors kept passing us till we passed our private gate and for 4 miles the way was lighted with torches.
The sight in front of the Abbey was extraordinary and very pretty to see the stream of motor lights coming through the Park. There were 200 motors and more than that of carriages and more than a thousand guests. The whole front of the entrance court had a lobby hung with tapestry and red curtains to the pillars where 12 carriages could unload at once. We were ushered into a paneled and tapestry. hung hall, and then an interminable passage and stairs hung with old portraits to the cloak rooms, powder headed footmen in blue and white liveries ushering the way, and members of the fire brigade at intervals. The lobby was full of beautiful coroneted women and pink coated men as the Rufford party was just before us.
Down a long wide passage hung with pictures bordered with flowers. The Duke and Duchess (Portland) received us all at the Ball room door. The Room 170 feet long by 54 ft. wide and 20 ft. high was already crowded. Shortly came the royal party but the crowd so great I could see none of it nor of the state quadrille but we hung about in the lounge near the tea table and behind the bandstand where under the palms we got plenty of sitting room and saw many friends.
Polly went into the first supper and sat next to the royal table and on the royal procession returning I got a good view as they passed the tea lounge where were but a few of us. The Queen of Spain is a bonny but matronly figure for a girl: she in blue with wonderful jewels: a splendid skin and hair and quite a pretty face: she came with the Duke. The King led the Duchess, he slight and delicate looking, a clever face though no Adonis. Philip Barber the High Sheriff led the magnificently beautiful though grey haired Lady de Grey. I stood close behind the King in the lancers and observed him closely: he is merry as a king dare be in public wore the Garter as did the Duke. When the party retired I went with P. into supper, sitting at what had been the royal table and resplendent with gold plate.
The Regiments came in uniform, the courtiers in knee breeches. Sir S. Bright donned a court dress out with so much diversity in male attire it did not matter. Little Lady Cicely Pierrepoint and her sister looked the typical English girl with no startling modish get up. But Lady Marjorie Manners was painted and her dress V shaped so low in the back that you could see the whole of it though I admit it was spotless and boneless, still so much to view is generally the prerogative of husbands. There was much of the new hipless dress, not becoming except to slight women, and many I should say had nothing but tights beneath the dress. The people I accosted were too numerous to mention. the De la Rues came late having motored from town and greeted me cordially as they came in, she with a fine tiara. We drove quickly home to our hotel and arrived before the motors. In the smoking room was Ross Brown returning from Epperstone where he had taken Lady Ley. He drives the King for the week, Hunter having been hurt. Many people had to wait an hour or two for their carriages but having a footman we got away with scarce any wait as Knight got our carriage stopped at the end of the lobby.
Full transcripts can be found on Thomas William Huskinson Diaries
Extracts on his following diaries are 'work in progress' but you can find scribed transcripts on Thomas William Huskinson Diaries
In 1908 he writes about The Summer Excursion, 1908:Epperstone church and manors, Transactions of the Thoroton Society, 12 (1908)
In the 1908 London Gazette he is noted as a Captain and Honorary Major.
"8th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment); the under mentioned officers, from the 4th (Nottinghamshire
Volunteer Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), are appointed to the battalion, with rank and
precedence as in the Volunteer Force. Dated 1st April, 1908 : — Lieutenant-Colonel George Savile Foljambe. Captain and Honorary Major Charles John Huskinson. Captain and Honorary Major Thomas William Huskinson."
He is also listed in the 1910 London Gazette;
"8th Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment); Captain and Honorary Major Charles John Huskinson. Captain and Honorary Major Thomas William Huskinson. Captain and Honorary Major Charles Frederick Elliot Smith (retired).
And the 1912 London Gazette; TERRITORIAL FORCE RESERVE- Infantry.
"Major Thomas W. Huskinson, from the 8th Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), to be Major. Dated 18th December, 1912."
His wife Mary died on 17th November 1921, at Epperstone, age 62.
In 1923 his daughter Mary Astley Huskinson married John Usher Hogarth on the 1st of August. John Usher Hogarth was a Major in the Grenadier Guards, born 13 April 1899. He was educated at Harrow and Magdalen College, Oxford. They went on to have two daughters, Veronica and Susan Hogarth.
Thomas Huskinson of The Lower House, Epperstone, died on the 12 June 1935. Probate Nottingham 15 August 1935 to Margaret Astley Hogarth single woman and Gervase Gwynne Milward, Land Agent.
In 1944 John Usher Hogarth died on active service at Narni in Italy 19 July 1944.
Mary Astley Hogarth (Huskinson) died in 1977 at Kingsbridge, Devon.
In 1908 he writes about The Summer Excursion, 1908:Epperstone church and manors, Transactions of the Thoroton Society, 12 (1908)
In the 1908 London Gazette he is noted as a Captain and Honorary Major.
"8th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment); the under mentioned officers, from the 4th (Nottinghamshire
Volunteer Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), are appointed to the battalion, with rank and
precedence as in the Volunteer Force. Dated 1st April, 1908 : — Lieutenant-Colonel George Savile Foljambe. Captain and Honorary Major Charles John Huskinson. Captain and Honorary Major Thomas William Huskinson."
He is also listed in the 1910 London Gazette;
"8th Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment); Captain and Honorary Major Charles John Huskinson. Captain and Honorary Major Thomas William Huskinson. Captain and Honorary Major Charles Frederick Elliot Smith (retired).
And the 1912 London Gazette; TERRITORIAL FORCE RESERVE- Infantry.
"Major Thomas W. Huskinson, from the 8th Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), to be Major. Dated 18th December, 1912."
His wife Mary died on 17th November 1921, at Epperstone, age 62.
In 1923 his daughter Mary Astley Huskinson married John Usher Hogarth on the 1st of August. John Usher Hogarth was a Major in the Grenadier Guards, born 13 April 1899. He was educated at Harrow and Magdalen College, Oxford. They went on to have two daughters, Veronica and Susan Hogarth.
Thomas Huskinson of The Lower House, Epperstone, died on the 12 June 1935. Probate Nottingham 15 August 1935 to Margaret Astley Hogarth single woman and Gervase Gwynne Milward, Land Agent.
In 1944 John Usher Hogarth died on active service at Narni in Italy 19 July 1944.
Mary Astley Hogarth (Huskinson) died in 1977 at Kingsbridge, Devon.