Title : Extracts from the Diary of William Bray
Author : William Bray
Release date
: April 1, 2000 [eBook #2140]
Most recently updated: December 18, 2014
Language : English
Credits : Transcribed from the 1876 Spottiswoode & Co. edition by David Price
Transcribed from the 1876 Spottiswoode & Co. edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
1756–1800
AND HIS SUBSEQUENT MEMORANDA
Printed by
SPOTTISWOODE & CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE,
LONDON
1876
p. 3 These extracts are printed for the gratification of Mr. Bray’s descendants; who will see in them a remarkable instance of a life of sociability and amusement, combined with great and successful industry.
More extracts would have only shewn the same activity and pursuits.
Mr. Bray was born at Shere, on the 15th of November, 1736. He was the youngest of the three sons who survived their father Edward Bray, Esq. George the eldest, who was in the Church, and the second son Edward, who was in the Army, both died unmarried; and, on the death of George the survivor, in 1803, Mr. Bray succeeded to the possession of the Manors of Shere and Gumshall, which had belonged to his ancestors from the reign of Henry the Eighth. When ten years old he was placed at Rugby, where he remained until he was articled to Mr. Martyr, an Attorney of Guildford. In 1761, he was appointed a Clerk of the Board of Green Cloth, at St. James’s, through the patronage of Sir John Evelyn. His attendance at the Board did not prevent his practising as an Attorney, and it introduced him to many clients. In 1777, he published a ‘Tour in Derbyshire and Yorkshire,’ and a second edition of it in 1783. In 1797, he was chosen one of the Council, and a few years afterwards Treasurer, of the Society of Antiquaries, many of his communications to which are printed in the ‘Archæologia.’ In 1801, on the death of the Revd. Mr. Manning, who had been engaged for some years in compiling the ‘History of Surrey,’ Mr. Bray undertook to complete the work. The first volume was published p. 6 in 1804, the second in 1809, and the third in 1814. His next and last literary undertaking was the editing of the ‘Evelyn Memoirs,’ which he completed in 1817. [6] Although in his 80th year, he transcribed in his own handwriting nearly the whole of Mr. Evelyn’s Journal.
He died from weakness, and without any disorder, on the 21st of December, 1832, having entered his 97th year on the 15th of the preceding month.
His habits before marriage did not promise either an industrious or a very long life. He spent almost every night at cards, and many of his mornings in other amusements. After his marriage he became more attentive to his professional business; but he continued for many years to live more like a bachelor than a married man, spending most of his evenings in the society of his numerous friends, or at a coffee-house. He was very hospitable both in bed and board, but in the plainest way. His surplus income was laid out in purchases at Shere and in planting, and he left no personal property except his life insurances. The family estate devolved on his death to his grandson Edward, who lived at Shere, and died in 1866, at the age of 72.
1756, Jan. 1 st .—Called on Miss Stevens [7a] this morning. With Mr. Boughton and Shotter to Mr. Shrubb’s at Shalford, to spend the evening. We played at loo, came home a little after 11.
7 th .—Drank tea at Mrs. Westbrook’s. Mr. and Mrs. Fortery there: they played at quadrille. I went home for an hour, and went again, played and supped there. Home a little before 12.
9 th .—Carried Mr. Haydon his appointment as a Trustee of the Turnpike; he gave me 5 s. After the meeting the trustees went to Mr. P. Flutter’s; [7b] they sent for me about 8, to play at cards. [7c] I played at whisk with Mr. Flutter, Mr. J. Martyr, and Mrs. Flutter: won every game. Home about one; won 3 s. 6 d.
10 th .—Mr. Duncumb [7d] dined here. He and I went p. 8 to Mrs. Wilpley’s, [8a] but she not being at home, we went to the ‘White Hart’ and spent the evening, and supped there.
12 th .—With Mr. Martyr in his postchaise to London, to Clare, and drank tea with him. To Drury Lane playhouse, but could not get in, so we went to the Robin Hood Society, and stayed till after 10. The question was, whether the increase of unmarried people was owing to the men’s greater bashfulness, or women’s greater coyness, than formerly.
13 th .—Went to Drury Lane house: ‘Tancred and Sigismunda.’ Garrick, Tancred; Mrs. Cibber, Sigismunda.
14 th .—To Covent Garden, ‘Orpheus and Euridice.’
15 th .—Drank tea at Mrs. Emily’s [8b] ; played at cards. Home at 11.
16 th .—Came home with Mr. Martyr in his new chaise by 6.
18 th .—Dined at Mr. P. Flutter’s; walked up Berry Field with Miss Flutter’s, Miss Nancy Steere, and Miss Parson.
22 nd .—To Mr. Bullen’s to dinner, played at quadrille. Came home about 1.
24 th .—Between 6 and 7 with Mr. Duncumb and Mr. Wakeford, to the ‘Tuns’ to drink a glass of wine. Mr. Punter, came in afterwards, Mr. Hallamby, Mr. Stovold and Harry Stovold. Home at 10.
29 th .—To the Assembly, but there not being enough p. 9 to dance, Miss Sally Flutter, Miss Parson, Mr. Ford and I sat down to loo, till between 11 and 12.
31 st .—A man having taken a shop in Stoke, sometime ago, and selling goods vastly under the usual price, Mr. Haydon set up a shop against him, of whom I bought this morning four pair of gloves, at 7 d. a pair; riding gloves, 9 d. ; and a pair of other gloves, 8 d.
Feb. 2 nd .—An hour after dinner, Miss Stevens came in.
6 th .—This day being appointed for a public Fast on account of the great earthquake at Lisbon, to Middle Church.
9 th .—I was bled this morning for the first time. Mrs. Martyr being about to inoculate Master Jacky, [9a] and I intended to be inoculated at the same time. Drank tea with Mrs. Wilpley, and read the new farce of ‘The Apprentice’ to her. Gave Mr. Haydon for three pair of white silk stockings, 7 s. 6 d. a pair, being 4 s. a pair cheaper than common.
12 th .—Turnpike meeting. We all dined and spent the evening at Mr. Flutter’s. Played at Pope Joan till 12.
27 th .—This is evening, I, Master Jacky, and the maid were inoculated. [9b]
March 5 th .—Master Jacky was taken with the symptoms, and did not come out of his chamber for a week.
7 th .—I was quite easy this morning, when the smallpox began appearing; a restless night, a slight fever.
p. 10 12 th .—I was blind to-day, and continued so till the 16th.
April 2 nd .—Master Jacky and I went for an airing round the course, in the chaise, to-day.
17 th .—To Bramley, breakfasted at the ‘Jolly Farmer,’ paid for breakfast, 6 d.
21 st .—Walked with Miss Molly Flutter and Miss Parson, beyond Cross Lanes.
29 th .—Drank tea at Mrs. Leeves’, with Miss Lavant and Miss More. Walked with them and Miss Leeves up Warwick’s Bench and part of Velvet Walk; then played at quadrille. Home 11.
May 1 st .—Drank tea there again. Quadrille.
20 th .—Richard the man went for a week to the Peasemarch to be aired; he catched the smallpox coming to us. Paid for a cheesecake for Jacky, 1 d.
22 nd .—War with France proclaimed at Guildford; the soldiers drawn up in arms, and with music went before the Mayor, &c. Went to see the wire-dancer; he tossed the straw very well, he laid a board on the wire and sat on it himself with three children and a dog in full swing; on the whole quite silly.
23 rd , Sunday .—To Stoke Church, afterwards to the Bowling-green, and had a syllabub with Rawlins, Ford, Mellersh, Mersing, W. Parson, Hallomby, and Elkins. Walked up the Velvet Walk with them.
25 th .—Sir Charles Howard reviewed his regiment in the Artillery Ground. With Parvish to the ‘White Hart,’ and gave him a bottle of wine, which I owed him for teaching me on the flute.
June 6 th , Sunday .—To Lower Church; to the p. 11 ‘White Hart,’ with Stares, Harbroe and Mellersh, had some cold tankard. Mellersh and I walked up Warwick Bench; and in the hop-ground at the bottom of Velvet Walk, met Rawlins and Ford, who went with us.
9 th .—To the Assembly. Danced with Miss Fanny Yalden, who dances very well. Paid Assembly 2 s. 6 d. ; negus, 1 s.
10 th .—Lost at bowls, 6 d. Called on Miss Yalden, at Miss Roker’s. Paid for a lobster for my supper, 3 d.
21 st .—Went a fishing, with Mr. Adderley and Mr. Mellersh; Miss Sally Flutter went with us; little sport. I got none out of the water.
26 th .—Drank tea and supper at Mrs. Leeves’. Played at whisk; I won every game.
28 th .—To the Bowling-green. Played seven games. Paid for a scarlet waistcoat, £1. 1 s.
July 11 th .—To Shalford Church. Afterwards a syllabub. Miss Flutter, Miss Gardner and I walked to Woodbridge.
Aug. 2 nd .—After dinner, asked Miss Jeale and Miss Westbrooks to come and drink a syllabub with me, (Mr. and Mrs. Martyr were gone to Chichester [11] ), but afterwards Miss Jeale sent me word they could not come, and I must go thither; I did and played at quadrille.
15 th , Sunday .—To the Lower Church. Afterwards walked with Mellersh and Ford, Miss Molly and p. 12 Sally Flutter, and Miss Parson, up Catherine Hill, opposite Mr. Arnold’s; then came back, went up town, Mr. Mersing met us, and walked with us as far as Ganghill Common.
Aug. 29 th , Sunday .—To Middle Church. Afterwards to Mr. Weston’s, at West Horsley, to dinner. Gave Mr. Weston’s servants, 2 s.
Sept. 3 rd .—Mr. Martyr set out at 8 this morning for London. Walked with Miss Molly Flutter and Miss Parson to Chilworth, and fished there. Mrs. Street made us a syllabub.
22 nd .—To Mr. Street’s at Chilworth, with Miss Molly and Sally Flutter to dinner. They finished their hopping to-day. About six we began dancing, two Miss Grenville’s, Miss Betsey Smallpeice, Miss Hall, two Stovolds’s, and young Hall, Mr. Street and us; there being one woman too many, we changed our partners, and one woman always sat down. We danced till 3 or 4. All lay there.
23 rd .—Went to see the paper-mills. Dined at Mr. Flutter’s. Between 3 and 4 to Mrs. Wilpley’s; played at cards till 12.
28 th .—A Turnpike meeting. Dined there with Mr. Edwards, Mr. Skrine, Mr. Fullerton, Mr. John Vincent, Mr. Henry Flutter and Mr. Pinkney.
29 th .—Dined at Mr. Mabanke’s. Played at Pope Joan till 12.
Oct. 8 th .—Miss Flutters, Miss Parson, Ford and Mellersh supped with me. Very merry till 11, had punch, Miss Molly brought rum.
13 th .—Drank tea at Mr. Jeale’s (the Rector), and Mr. and Mrs. Sibthorp there. Played at whist till 11.
p. 13 19 th .—Went to see Farnham Castle, which is very badly furnished, the Bishop never being there.
29 th .—Walked, with Miss Sally and Fanny Whitehead, to Ganghill Common.
22 nd .—At 7, went with Ford, Mellersh and H. Parson to the Mayor’s (Savage’s) to drink the King’s health. We were too late for any place, but by the door. Paid 1 s.
Nov. 14 th , Sunday .—To Middle Church. Then to the coffee-house for half an hour. Paid at coffee-house, 1 d.
21 st .—General Blakeney landed yesterday at Portsmouth, and came this evening to the ‘White Hart.’ A bonfire and illuminations. The mayor and magistrates went to pay their respects to him. I went into the room with them, and had two glasses of claret. Afterwards sat in the next room with Mellersh, Harbroe, Shotter, Horsenell, Elkins, Clifton, H. Parson, and Buckle, to drink his health, from 8 to half-past 10. Paid reckoning, 1 s. 6 d. Bonfire, 1 d.
23 rd .—To London with Mr. Martyr. To Covent Garden Theatre; in the pit, paid 3 s.
24 th .—To Covent Garden Theatre: ‘Henry IV.’—Falstaff, Mr. Shuter; Hotspur, Barry.
26 th .—Set out at 6 in the Guildford Machine. Breakfasted at Cobham; in about 2. Breakfast, 1 s. 1 d. Gave the coachman, 6d,
Dec. 22 nd .—Byng went through the town this morning on his way to Portsmouth to take his trial. They tolled the bell, and burnt his effigy on the churchyard-steps.
p. 14 1757, Jan. 27 th .—Rode the black horse to London. Covent Garden Theatre: ‘Richard the Third,’ Barry. Could not get in at Drury Lane.
Feb. 11 th .—A Fast: no breakfast. To Middle Church.
17 th .—Mr. Ford and Miss Sally Flutter were married this morning.
18 th .—Mr. and Mrs. Ford dined here.
24 th .—Dined at Mr. Ford’s with all the Flutters.
27 th .—To Middle Church. Mrs. Ford made her appearance.
28 th .—To the Artillery Ground, to see the Hessians [14a] exercise, and one of them run the gauntlet.
May 7 th .—Some people got together at Petworth and thereabouts, and seized some corn belonging to engrossers.
11 th .—Wheat £20. 15 s. a load.
June 21 st .—Paid for half-a-pint of strawberries for Master Jacky and myself, 1½ d.
Aug. 6 th .—Wheat, under £10.
Sept. 11 th , Sunday .—A brief for the repair of the groins at Brighthelmstone; paid 6 d.
27 th .—Miss Molly Flutter married to Mr. Chandler. [14b]
Oct. 6 th .—Miss Jeale married to Mr. Maxhill.
Nov. 7 th .—Paid earnest of coach, [14c] 2 s. 6 d. Wine at the ‘White Hart,’ 6 d.
p. 15 10 th .—Paid remainder for coach, 2 s. 6 d. , coachman, 6 d. ; dinner at chop-house, 10 d. ; breakfast on the road, 9 d. ; coffee in the afternoon, 4 d.
12 th .—To Drury Lane Theatre: ‘King Lear,’ by Garrick. Agreed with the barber for shaving me at 6 s. a quarter.
14 th .—To the theatre: Garrick as Don Felix, in ‘The Wonder.’
23 rd .—At 4 to Drury Lane; the King being there to-night, very much crowded. Miss Gunning and her two sisters and a number of people of quality. ‘The Tempest,’ and ‘Harlequin Ranger’; both very foolish to see. Home at 10.
28 th .—I was sworn in to-day in the King’s Bench as an Attorney of that Court. Paid Judges’ clerk, when I went to be examined, 7 s. ; servant, 1 s. Admission on stamp, £6. 6 s. At 8 with Jenkins and James [15a] to the Robin Hood Society. Stayed there till past 9, then went into a room below and stayed till 11.
30 th .—Paid 10 s. 6 d. for entering as a pupil of Mons. Prieur, a French master. [15b]
Dec. 1 st .—To Covent Garden Theatre. Paid for a fortnight’s board and lodging, £1. 4 s. ; for a bushel of coals, 1 s. 2 d. Tea at Prosser’s coffee-house, 4 d. ; wine after dinner, 3 d. ; a pound of candles, 7 d.
7 th .—To chambers (Mr. Adderley’s) till near 7, then James came home with me. At whist till 11.
9 th .—To chambers. Home to dinner. At 4 to p. 16 Drury Lane Theatre: ‘The Careless Husband’—Lord Chalkstone, Mr. Garrick.
10 th .—To Mr. Adderley’s till dinner. Thither in the afternoon. At 6 drank tea with Jenkins.
11 th .—To chambers; after dinner there again. Home at 7; at 9, Jenkins, James, and Mersing, at whist till 11.
Dec. 12 th .—To chambers. Paid for cyder with James, after dinner, 3 d. ; wine with Mersing at night, 3 d.
14 th .—At whist with Jenkins, James, and Mersing.
17 th .—Jenkins and James came home with me at 7; played at draughts with Jenkins. Afterwards Boughton came and took us to his lodgings; at whist till 11.
21 st .—With Boughton and James; mobbed it for the first row of the upper gallery at Drury Lane, which we got.
22 nd .—To Drury Lane; an old play of Shirley’s, ‘The Gamesters,’ revived.
23 rd .—To chambers; after dinner to d o . At 7, home; Jenkins, James, and Boughton, to whist till 11.
25 th .—To the Temple Chapel, at the Sacrament. In the afternoon with James and Boughton to the Romish Chapel in Lincoln’s Inn Fields; then to Mrs. Emily’s and drank tea. Home at 8.
27 th .—With Boughton to St. Michael’s Church, Cornhill, and heard part of a sermon; afterwards to St. Mildred’s, and heard part of the prayers. At whist with Sibthorpe, Boughton, and Jenkins till near 11.
28 th .—To an auction of books [16] at the ‘Robin Hood.’
p. 17 31 st .—Between 9 and 10 Mrs. Mouling sent for me, to play at whist with her son and daughter till 11.
1758, Jan. 2 nd .—To chambers at 4 till past 7; then home; Boughton, Daniel, and Mersing came, and played at whist till 12.
The following is written on a slip of paper:—‘ Jan. 1 st , 1758.—In my pocket, £1. 5 s. 5 d. ; purse, £17. 9 s. 6 d. ; money laid out for my brother, &c. £2. 7 s. 7½ d. ; due from my mother at Christmas, £2. 2 s. ; in my card purse, [17a] 12 s. 2 d. ; Bank 3 per cent. Reduced Annuities, £100.
‘Of wife and children, debts and taxes clear, £123. 16 s. 8½ d. ’
Jan. 29 th , Sunday .—Between 2 and 3 to the Speaker’s to dinner; sat an hour before dinner; paid the servant, 2 s.
Feb. 19 th , Sunday .—To St. Dunstan’s Church. After dinner called on Mr. Maxwell; then to church at St. Andrew’s, Holborn; called on Mersing; soon after 4 Sam Ford came in; I stayed with him till past 7; then went home and got my fire lighted, and at 9 they came and stayed till 12.
21 st .—Took a place in the Godalming Machine.
22 nd .—To the ‘New Inn,’ Western Bridge, soon after 6; waited till 7; there being eight passengers, they sent a chaise in which I and a gentleman came; stopped at Cobham; arrived at Guildford [17b] between 3 p. 18 and 4. Paid coach, 5 s. ; breakfast at Cobham, 18. coachman, 1 s.
April 17 th .—At 6 set out in the coach for London. Dined at Kingston; in about 5. With James and Jenkins to Mr. Boughton’s; at whist till 11. Paid coach and man, 5 s. 6 d. ; dinner, 2 s.
18 th .—To the play: ‘The Provoked Husband,’ Mr. Garrick.
19 th .—Breakfasted with James at Johnstone’s Coffee House, Charing Cross. Paid for chocolate and muffin, 2½ d.
23 rd , Sunday .—To St. Dunstan’s Church; walked in Lincoln’s Inn Gardens; to Mr. Emily’s to dinner; to the chapel in Russell Court; walked in the Park; at Slaughter’s Coffee House for half-an-hour; at 8 called on Boughton.
25 th .—To Don Saltero’s at Chelsea; paid for breakfast there, 13½ d. ; to Marylebone, played at bowls there; at 5, Ford came; he stayed till 7; then I went to the ‘Crown and Rolls.’ Home about 12.
May 1 st .—I catched a great cold yesterday; James and I went home with Jenkins; at cribbage till 11.
8 th .—Dined in Butcher Row, 9 d. ; went to hear Green, the Methodist, dispute in Fetter Lane—shameful. With Jenkins at cribbage till past 11.
10 th .—Breakfasted with Mr. Street; at 11 to the Bank, and sold £25 stock; [18] at 4 dined with Mr. Adderley at the ‘White Lion,’ in Wych Street; drank tea with Clare; between 7 and 8 Gordon and I went to p. 19 Covent Garden: ‘Miss in her teens,’ &c. Fribble, Mr. Shuter.
11 th .—With Jenkins to Marylebone Bowling green, at bowls. Home at 9; then an hour at the ‘Bell.’
18 th .—Breakfasted at home; James dined here; he fetched a pigeon pye; afterwards to Prosser’s, where Pitts came to me; at 6 Emily came; we took boat at the Temple, landed at Lambeth, and walked to Vauxhall; supped there. Home about 12; very pleasant evening; paid for supper at Vauxhall, 2 s. ; going in, 1 s.
19 th .—Breakfasted at New Exchange Coffee House; dined at Betty’s with Mr. Gordon; then to Drury Lane—‘The Rehearsal,’ Bayes, Mr. Garrick; paid for breakfast, 6 d. ; a letter, 3 d. ; dinner and wine, 1 s. 4 d.
20 th .—Jenkins, James, and I walked to Marylebone; at bowls till 8; then we went to the ‘Sugar Loaf’ in Bell Yard; wine at Marylebone, 6 d. ; supper, 4½ d.
22 nd .—Boughton, James, and I to Islington, to a bowling-green there; paid for cyder, ham, &c. 7½ d.
26 th .—Dined with Mr. Adderley at the ‘White Lion,’ there till 6.
27 th .—To the Bowling-green beyond the Foundling Hospital.
29 th .—James and I walked to Marylebone, bowls there; between 4 and 5 we went to see ‘Hamlet,’ by Mr. Garrick.
June 6 th .—Got up between 4 and 5; Jenkins and James breakfasted with me at the ‘Angel’; at 6, set out in the coach for Guildford; stopped at Kingston; dined at Cobham; in about 4; to Miss Stevens’.
p. 20 7 th .—To the Bowling-green; to Miss Stevens’. [20a]
9 th .—Walked with Miss Stevens up Marrow Lane.
July 10 th .—Miss Stevens and I drank tea at Mrs. Greenley’s; sat in her pavilion.
Aug. 24 th .—Dined with my uncle, Duncumb, at Shere; at 5 to Sir John Evelyn’s, drank tea there; paid my uncle’s servant, 1 s. ; Sir John’s, 1 s.
28 th .—Dined with the Mayor at the ‘White Hart.’ A great many gentlemen from all parts of the country; there till 6; received of Mr. Fawkes, making his will, 3 s. 6 d.
Sept. 2 nd .—Dined at the ‘Tuns,’ paid 9 d. ; drank tea and supped with Miss Stevens; Mrs. Ford came in, and afterwards Miss Adee [20b] and Miss Patty.
7 th .—Walked with Miss Stevens to Mr. Emily’s at Clandon; dined there, cards in the evening.
8 th .—To Mr. Engelstoft’s; Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Mellersh there; at whist till 12.
12 th .—To Sir John Evelyn’s, to breakfast.
17 th .—Between 4 and 5 to the Green; played three games, lost two; between 7 and 8 sat down to whist there with Mr. Englestoft, Mr. Mellersh, and Mr. Hunt. Home before 11.
18 th .—To the Artillery Ground, to see a pony race; to Mrs. Wilpley’s for half an hour; at 7 to the Bowling-green, Mellersh, Gorman, and Engelstoft there; at whist till 11.
p. 21 19 th .—The Militia sworn in quietly; soldiers ready, but no occasion; to Mr. Engelstoft’s, played at backgammon; then to Mrs. Wilpley’s; fetched Miss Stevens at 4; at quadrille till near 8.
20 th .—To Middle Church [21a] ; to Mr. Shrubb’s; their home, at whist till near 1.
21 st .—To Busbridge, Mr. Webb [21b] not at home; sat an hour with Mrs. and young Mr. Webb; cards at Mr. Brewer’s till past 9.
22 nd .—The Visitation; at 7 to Miss Stevens.
23 rd .—Dined at the ‘White Lion,’ paid 1 s. [21c] ; between 3 and 4 to Miss Stevens; Mrs. Wright came in; at quadrille till 9.
24 th , Sunday .—To Middle Church. (He did not visit Miss Stevens this day).
25 th .—Walked to Mr. Emily’s at Clandon; called on Mrs. Wilpley; between 7 and 8 to Miss Stevens.
26 th .—To Mr. Brewer’s, Mr. Thomas there; after tea at Pope Joan till 7; then to Miss Stevens.
27 th .—Mr. Brewer came at 10 with a licence; Mr. Martyr bound with me to Mr. Burdett; walked to Mr. Stevens’ at Worplesdon, he not at home, back between 5 and 6; called on Mr. Ralph Ford to bespeak his attendance to-morrow; between 7 and 8 to Mrs. Norwood’s, Betsy Stevens there.
28 th .—At 8 went to Mrs. Norwood’s, Miss Adee p. 22 and Betsy Stevens breakfasted there; they went down the backway to Mr. Brewer’s; I went home and down town; was married; [22a] sent Mr. Brewer’s man for a chaise and came away directly; went afterwards to Mr. Brewer’s and drank chocolate; dined at Epsom; to Mrs. C.’s [22b] at 5; I walked to Hatton Garden and with Mr. Boughton to Lincoln’s Inn Coffee House; then home; at quadrille before supper. [22c]
1758, Sept. 29 th .—Called on Adderley; dined at home. Clare and Jenkins came at 5, stayed till 7; at quadrille till 8.
30 th .—We went to New Bond Street to the milliner; home to dinner. I drank tea with Mr. Potts, Clare, and Marshall, then home at 8.
Oct. 1 st .—To Lothbury Church. Mr. and Mrs. Barrow drank tea with us.
3 rd .—Drank tea with Clare, home to supper; after supper quadrille.
p. 23 4 th .—Bolton called; with him to the Antigallican Coffee House till 10.
5 th .—Set out in a chaise for Guildford at 1; arrived between 6 and 7.
16 th , Monday.—Lady Martha and Mrs. Fitzgerald, Mrs. Spooner, Mrs. and Mr. Burdett drank tea with us. [23a]
Nov. 6 th .—Set out at 8 in the Godalming Machine; dined at Esher; in at 5. Called on Mersing; Boughton there; then to Jenkins’, and played at whist till near 11. Coach and man, 5 s. 6 d. ; a glass of capillair, 3 d.
8 th .—Dined at Prosser’s Coffee House; between 4 and 5 to the play—‘Zara,’ Lusignan, Mr. Garrick.
9 th .—With Mersing and Jenkins to the ‘Feathers’ Tavern, where we supped; home at 11.
10 th .—Set out at 7 in the Godalming coach; home at 5.
15 th .—To the Bowling-green between 6 and 7; at whist there till 10 [23b] ; then home. Won 4 s. 6 d. ; paid reckoning at the green, 1 s.
17 th .—To Mrs. Emily’s to dinner; played at quadrille before dinner; home at 5; then went after my wife and Mrs. Norwood to Mr. Shrubb’s at Shalford; then to the Bowling-green.
1759, Feb. 21 st .—To Middle Church. My wife and I walked with Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell in their garden till past 1. At 6 Mr. Ford, Mr. Gorman, and Mr. Mellersh came; at whist till 12.
p. 24 March 21 st .—On Stephens’s horse to London; met Mersing and Jenkins; dined at Betty’s. To Covent Garden—‘The Busybody,’ Marplot, Shuter. [24a] At 10 to the ‘Angel,’ where I lay. Mersing and Jenkins came; we drank one bottle. They went a little after 12.
April 9 th .—Having a cold, with a difficulty of breathing, I was bleeded this morning, and found benefit by night.
10 th .—At whist till past 11.
May 7 th .—On Stephens’s horse to London. To Mr. Adderley’s; at 5 with him to the ‘Feathers’ Tavern, and dined. Away at 8; at 9 Jenkins, Mersing, and Boughton came to me at the ‘Angel’ and stayed till past 12; paid for dinner and wine, 2 s. 6 d.
9 th .—Walked about; called on Adderley; dined with Jenkins; home by Epsom; paid for breakfast at the ‘Angel,’ 8 d. ; two nights’ lodging, 1 s. 6 d. maid, 1 s. ; horse and hostler, 3 s. 2 d. ; turnpike, 4½ d. horse hire, 6 s.
June 13 th .—On Stephens’s horse to Chertsey; breakfasted with Ford, Heath, and wife; to Ascot Races.
22 nd .—To the green, and thence with Mr. Russell to the ‘Tuns’ to drink the King’s health; paid drinking, 1 s.
27 th .—To London; called on Adderley. With him to Clement’s Coffee House till 10; then to the ‘Angel.’ Jenkins came at 11, stayed till 1.
July 6 th .—To Sir John Evelyn, at Wotton. Paid horse hire, 2 s. [24b]
p. 25 23 rd .—To Sir John Evelyn, with him Colonel Evelyn and young Mr. Budgen. [25a] To the ‘Hatch’ to dinner; Mr. Evelyn, Mr. Godschall, [25b] Mr. Bridges, Mr. Steere, Mr. Spence, [25c] Mr. Courtenay, and Mr. Walsh there; left at 7; paid for dinner and wine, 4 s. 6 d.
Aug. 6 th .—To Wotton Hatch to dinner. Mr. Evelyn, Mr. Bisshop, Mr. Godschall, Mr. Deane, Mr. Carr, Mr. Spence, Mr. Courtenay, Mr. Walsh, and Mr. Hull. [25d]
9 th .—To see the fireworks on the good news: Russians and French defeated. The Judges came in the evening.
11 th .—The assizes finished.
13 th .—To Mr. Brewer’s; at whist; home by 10; won 7 s. 6 d.
14 th .—My wife brought to bed this morning, about five of a boy. Paid Mr. Burdett, 10 s. 6 d. ; midwife and nurse, 10 s.
20 th .—To Wotton Hatch. [25e] Mr. Talbot, Mr. Spooner, Mr. Bridges, Mr. Walsh, and Mr. Spence. Home about 8.
Sept. 3 rd .—Being wet, did not go to Wotton Hatch.
p. 26 10 th .—My wife sat up for company.
11 th .—Company again.
Oct. 1 st .—To Wotton Hatch: Mr. Budgen, [26a] Mr. Godschall, Mr. Tucker, [26b] Mr. Talbot, Mr. Dormer, Mr. Steere, Mr. Courtenay, Mr. Kerr, Mr. Spence, and Mr. Spooner.
22 nd .—With Sir John Evelyn to Milton Court: held court there. Mr. Evelyn with us. To Wotton at 6; danced till past 10. Colonel Evelyn, Mr. Harcourt, the butler, Miss Mary Evelyn, Miss Clark, Miss Duncumb, and three maids. I danced with Miss C. and Miss D.
28 th .—Paid for a thing to hang my wig on, 1 s. 2 d. ; a hutch for the child, 8 s.
Nov. 26 th .—Went to town; spent the evening at Mr. Adderley’s chambers with him and Miss A.
27 th .—Jenkins came, and stayed till 12.
28 th .—With Boughton and Jenkins; they stayed till 1.
29 th .—Home in the Portsmouth fly. Thanksgiving for taking Quebeck.
Dec. 1 st .—Illumination for Sir Edward Hawke beating Conflans.
13 th .—Ford, Mellersh, and Vincent the clergyman sent for me to the ‘White Hart’ to play at whist.
1760, Jan. 14 th .—At 6 to the ‘Red Lion’: Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Russell, Mellersh, and Ford; home at 11.
15 th .—Lord Onslow sent for me to dinner; home at 8. Paid Mr. Wilpley bleeding my wife, 2 s. 6 d.
p. 27 Feb. 11 th .—On Upperton’s mare to London; dined with Adderley at the ‘Feathers.’ At 5 to Covent Garden, ‘Comus,’ singing by Miss Brent. To Clare’s for half-an-hour; then to the ‘Angel’; Jenkins came at 10, stayed till 12.
April 13 th .—Paid a man going beyond Ripley to get some leeches to bleed the child. A labourer in the garden one day, 1 s. 3 d.
July 7 th .—To the Club at Wotton Hatch; reckoning, 4 s. 6 d.
28 th .—Mrs. Norwood and my wife drank tea with Mrs. Hole. I went to the Green till past 8. Englestoft came after; played backgammon till near 11.
Nov. 14 th .—Between 6 and 7 to the ‘White Lion’ by invitation from the Mayor on the King of Prussia’s success. Stayed till past 11.
17 th .—To London; called on Jenkins, dined with him; drank tea with Clare, then to the ‘Angel.’ Jenkins came and stayed till 1.
19 th .—In a coach to the Speaker’s; dined at Dr. Adee’s; drank tea with Clare, then to the ‘Angel.’ Jenkins came and stayed till 12.
Dec. 15 th .—Mr. Robert Austen [27a] drank tea here, and at 6 went with me to the ‘Red Lion’: Mr. Russell, Mr. Ford, Captain and Mr. C., and Mr. Webb; cards; home at 11. [27b]
p. 28 June 8 th .—Mr. Lane [28a] and Mr. Godschall made a cricket match to-day on Albury Heath. Mrs. Skurray and my wife went in a postchaise, and dined with my mother, and then went to see it. I walked. We drank tea in Mr. Godschall’s tent, Mr. Lane, Mr. King, Mr. Vincent, Mr. Dickinson, Lord Ossory, &c.
July 19 th , Sunday .—On Upperton’s horse to London. Dined at Dr. Adee’s. In the afternoon, walked, with Mr. Adderley, Miss Sally Adderley and Miss Williams, to the ‘White Conduit House.’ Jenkins spent the evening with me at the ‘Angel’ till 12.
20 th .—Breakfasted with Dr. Adee, dined and drank tea with Adderley; with him and Jenkins to Vauxhall; they supped with me at the ‘Angel,’ and did not go till near 2.
27 th .—To Wotton Hatch Club. Paid, 5 s. 6 d.
Sept. 22 nd .—The Coronation. To the Green, played four games. At 7 to the ‘Red Lion,’ to drink the King’s health. To the Mayor at the ‘Tuns.’ Home at 12.
28 th .—To Wotton Hatch. Home between 7 and 8.
Oct. 2 nd .—To London, to talk with Mr. Evelyn [28b] ; called on Jenkins.
3 rd .—Breakfasted with Mr. Evelyn.
27 th .—To London, with Mr. Evelyn to the Board of Green Cloth. There till 3, dined at Clifton’s Chop House. Paid for dinner, 1 s.
28 th .—Breakfasted at Dr. Adee’s. The Miss Adee’s walked with me to look for a house. Mr. Jenkins supped with me.
29 th .—To the Green Cloth at 11; at 3 to the ‘Angel,’ and dined there. To Covent Garden Theatre, but could not get in. Drank tea at Adderley’s; quadrille. Paid for dinner, 1 s. 6 d. ; rum, 1 s. 2 d. ; orange chips, 3 d. ; cakes, 2 d.
1762, Jan. 18 th .—Queen’s Birth-day. We all dined at St. James’s. At 11 home in a chaise; paid for chaise, 1 s. 6 d.
March 12 th .—The General Fast. My wife brought to bed of a boy. [29]
April 24 th .—Much out of order with a cold.
25 th .—Bled this morning.
26 th .—Mr. Stephenson and I, with Mr. Selwyn, at 2, to the Exhibition. Paid for catalogue, 6 d.
27 th .—At home this morning, taking Jessop’s water. In the afternoon drank tea with Jenkins. Home at 8.
July 29 th .—Dined at the ‘King’s Head,’ Dorking, paid for dinner and wine, 2 s. ; Lord Midleton’s man for venison, 2 s. 6 d.
p. 30 Aug. 21 st .—To St. James’s with Mrs. Norwood, and three Miss Adee’s to drink caudle. [30a] Went into Kensington Gardens; gave the boy who let us in, 2 d.
Sept. 1 st .—To Mr. Walters, [30b] called on Mr. Malthus; [30c] dined at Mr. Evelyn’s. Home at 6.
Oct. 2 nd .—Dined and lay at Lord Midleton’s; at quadrille, from 4 in the afternoon. Paid servants in the house, 5 s.
Nov. 5 th .—In the Guildford coach to Guildford. Went to the ‘Tuns’ to drink the King’s health. Home at 12; paid at the ‘Tuns,’ 1 s. ; coach and man, 6 s.
13 th .—Dined at Mr. Burdett’s; at whist won 6 rubbers out of 7; won 15 s. Home past 12.
1766, Sept. 6 th .—Paid for a horse, bought of a Welchman, £6. 6 s. 0 d. ; saddle, bridle, and cloth, £1. 17 s. 6 d.
Oct. 4 th .—With Mrs. N. and Miss Kerr to Drury Lane; ‘Romeo and Juliet.’
5 th .—Sunday to Church. To the Coffee-house for half-an-hour. Paid for wine, 6 d.
6 th .—To Mundy’s Coffee-house, and supped.
7 th .—Drank tea with Jenkins.
10 th .—With Mrs. Kerr to Drury Lane: ‘Provoked Husband’ and ‘Devil to Pay:’ Mr. Garrick.
11 th .—Drank tea with Adderley. To the Coffee-house for half-an-hour.
p. 31 12 th .—Drank tea at Dr. Adee’s.
13 th .—With Jenkins to Mundy’s Coffee-house. Paid reckoning, 2 s. 6 d.
14 th .—To the Coffee-house half-an-hour; wine, 6 d.
15 th .—Drank tea at Mrs. Emily’s, at quadrille.
1767, March 18 th .—It pleased God to release my William from his sufferings, when half a year old he was seized with convulsions which never left him.
June 9 th .—With Mr. Hollingworth to the Downs Guildford Races. Sir John Evelyn being taken ill, went off the Downs to Wotton.
19 th .—Jack was taken with the smallpox, and on the 28th the dear soul died. Polly was taken on the 1st of July, I sent for Mr. Kerr who gave her Sutton’s powders, and she recovered.
Dec. 22 nd .—With Mr. Waddington to Drury Lane: ‘Suspicious Husband,’ Mr. Garrick.
23 rd .—Mr. Jenkins dined. Coffee-house half-an-hour. Paid for wine, 6 d.
24 th .—Coffee-house, wine, 6 d. ; 25th, do.; 26th, do.
1768, Jan. 30 th .—My wife brought to bed of a boy. [31]
Feb. 24 th .—Dined at Penneck’s, Mr. Astle, Col. Webb, Dr. Solander, &c.
p. 32 March 1 st .—Mr. Penneck, Dr. Solander and Col. Webb, dined here. [32a]
31 st .—To Captain Brodrick’s, [32b] and dined; Lady Midleton’s, and Sir Francis Vincent there.
1768, Sept. 9 th .—To Neville Court, and had the nerve in both ears cut for the toothache, and received relief in an hour.
1769, Oct. 11 th .—To New Inn [32c] till dinner; at 4 again till 6.
19 th , Sunday .—To Church; to the Buffalo Coffee House for an hour; paid for wine, 6 d.
22 nd .—Sir Joseph Ayloffe, Dr. Ducarrell, and Mr. Astle dined here.
March 7 th .—To the House of Commons till 3.
10 th .—To the House of Commons till 4.
May 15 th .—Dined at Lord Onslow’s; to the race. [32d] I paid his servants, 4 s.
16 th .—With Mr. Powell, curate of Abinger, to the race.
July 30 th , Sunday .—Mr. Woods came to tell me that Mr. Sturt [32e] died yesterday. To Dorking to Mr. Budgen, Mr. Talbot, and Mr. Scawen.
Aug. 28 th .—Meeting of Mr. Smith’s trustees. I was appointed clerk and treasurer, in the place of Mr. Sturt.
p. 33 Oct. 16 th .—In a chaise with Mr. Jenkins to Reading. [33a]
1770, July 27 th .—Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Adderley, and Mr. Pacey dined with me. To the Percy Coffee House for an hour; won 15 s. [33b]
Aug. 4 th .—We set out at 6 with Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Adderley to Shere; dined at Cobham; saw Claremont and Painshill.
5 th , Sunday .—To Church; afterwards by Lonesome [33c] to Leith Hill.
6 th .—To Lord Aylesford’s house and garden (Albury Park).
Sept. 6 th .—Lord Talbot, at the request of Mr. Gray and Mr. Sacker, gave me the place of Clerk of the Verge. I was sworn in this day.
Nov. 19 th .—To New Inn: to Mundy’s Coffee House; [33d] reckoning, 3 s.
p. 34 20 th .—At 6 with Ford to the Turk’s Head Coffee House; whist; home at 2; reckoning, 6 s. ; won 10 s.
21 st .—Mr. and Mrs. Ford drank tea and supped here; Jenkins and Mersey supped; whist, won 2 s. 6 d.
23 rd .—To the Percy Coffee House; home at 10; reckoning, 1s, 9 d. ; won, 15 s.
30 th .—To the Percy Coffee House; reckoning, 2 s. won 18 s.
1771, Jan. 1 st .—At Shere [34a] ; drank tea and supped at Mr. Botham’s.
3 rd .—Dined at Mr. Godschall’s.
6 th .—Walked to Sir Frederick Evelyn’s, and dined.
April 12 th .—To Wood Street to see a horse; rode the horse to Islington; paid for it, £25. 4 s. [34b]
Nov. 5 th .—Dined at the Percy Coffee House, and stayed till 10; whist; lost £1. 3 s. 6 d.
Dec. 2 nd .—To the Percy till 10; won 18 s.
1772, Jan. 23 rd .—Paid admission fee at the Antiquary Society, £5. 5 s.
Feb. 28 th .—Dined at Mr. Penneck’s [34c] : Sir Joshua Reynolds, Dr. Stebbing, Mr. Lort, and Mr. Astle. At half-past 5, with Mr. Adderley, to Drury Lane: ‘Much Ado about Nothing,’ Mr. Garrick.
April 6 th .—With Jerkins to the meeting of the Laudable Society; dined there; dinner, 5 s.
p. 35 Aug. 24 th .—Set out with Mr. Jenkins in a postchaise for Wales.
27 th .—Being the races at Hereford, could get no chaise, but got horses, and rode to Monmouth.
31 st .—To Llandilo, an excellent inn, and dined; and Mr. Pennoyre Watkins telling us the ford at Llandovery was dangerous, lay there. Whist with him; won 12 s.
1773, July 24 th .—Rode to the Downs; saw part of a great cricket match.
26 th .—Dined at Mr. Godschall’s: General and Mrs. Evelyn and Colonel Molyneux there; drank tea with Mr. Berwick.
Oct. 31 st , Sunday .—To Church; to Mr. Talbot (of Chart Park), and dined; drank tea at Mr. Tucker’s [35a] ; lay at Mr. Kerr’s.
Nov. 13 th .—With Jenkins to Covent Garden: Macklin played Macbeth.
1774, June 7 th .—Rode with Mr. Jenkins by Highgate, &c.
9 th .—Rode with Mr. Jenkins by Stamford Hill, &c.
10 th .—Rode with Dr. Osborn to Dr. Price, [35b] Newington Green.
24 th .—Rode with Mr. Penneck and Mr. Austen to Mr. Walpole’s, Strawberry Hill; saw that; [35c] dined at the ‘Toy,’ Hampton.
Dec. 7 th .—Dr. Solander and Omiah, the native of p. 36 Otaheite, Mr. Pennock, and Mr. Planta [36a] dined and drank tea here.
8 th .—To Drury Lane: ‘The Country Girl.’
1775, Sept. 28 th .—To the ‘King’s Head’ at Derby, [36b] and lay.
1776, April 3 rd .—Paid subscription to the Laudable Society, £2. 12 s. 6 d. [36c]
May 3 rd .—Paid for a grey horse, five years old, 15 guineas.
27 th .—Paid labourers planting firs in the Hurtwood, £1. 12 s. 3 d. ; stakes, &c., for fencing, £2. 17 s. 3 d. [36d]
Aug. 23 rd .—To Loughborough, with Mr. Jenkins.
1777, Oct. 30 th .—To Loseley to breakfast; to East Horsley, and dined at Mr. Fox’s; supped at Mr. Duncumb’s.
31 st .—General Evelyn and Mr. Lomax dined.
Nov. 19 th .—Paid Mr. Chaubert, for monument in Shere Church, 6 guineas. [36e]
Dec. 21 st .—Paid Mr. Lomax, for half an acre of land, £7. [36f]
1778, Jan. 16 th .—To Leicester; dined with Mr. Parr, [36g] and supped; whist; lost 3 s.
p. 37 Feb. 26 th .—To the play with Miss Catherine Adee and Kitty: ‘School for Scandal’ and ‘The Quaker.’
March 19 th .—Antiquary Society; supped at the ‘White Hart,’ with Mr. Gough, Mr. Lort, Mr. Grose, and Mr. Topham. [37a]
April 25 th .—Lord Midleton came; rode with him to Pitland Street; he and Mr. Lomax dined.
June 8 th .—Mr. Jenkins and Mr. J. Martyr [37b] dined.
9 th .—To Guildford; dined at Mr. Martyr’s; Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Hawes there; to the horse race.
10 th .—General Evelyn, Mr. Dyson, and Captain Williams dined; to the course.
July 19 th , Sunday .—To Church; walked in the Museum Gardens with Mr. Austen.
26 th , Sunday .—To Church at Shere; dined at Mr. Duncumb’s; drank tea at Mr. Godschall’s. Lord and Lady Onslow and Mr. and Mrs. Onslow there.
1780, Jan. 16 th .—In a chaise to the Speaker at Wonersh, and dined; to Loseley in the evening.
27 th .—Antiquary Society, supped with Mr. Waddilove at Mundy’s Coffee House in Maiden Lane; paid 1 s.
Feb. 8 th .—To Drury Lane, with Mrs. Gardiner and Polly, ‘Plain Dealer’ and ‘Fortunatus.’
March 28 th .—To General Evelyn’s, and breakfasted; to Turnpike meeting at Guildford; dined at the ‘White Hart,’ with Mr. Page and Captain Onslow; to Loseley and lay.
April 2 nd .—Dined at Mr. Lomax’s.
p. 38 15 th .—Breakfasted at Mr. Lomax’s; rode with him to the Hurtwood.
17 th .—To the race.
18 th .—Do.
June 6 th .—Lord Mansfield’s house burnt, up all night.
Nov. 22 nd .—Drank tea with Mr. Jenkins. To the Rolls Coffee House, and supped; quadrille.
Dec. 11 th .—Mr. and Mrs. Eyre and Mr. and Mrs. Meux supped here; quadrille.
1781, Jan. 8 th .—Edward went to the Guildford Ball.
11 th .—To the first meeting of the Antiquary Society in Somerset House; supped at Coffee House, with Mr. Gough, Mr. Topham, &c.
March 22 nd .—To Kingston Assizes; dined with the Grand Jury; Mr. Budgen’s cause tried.
May 11 th .—Supped at Mr. Meux’s; whist, won 9 s.
June 16 th .—To Sir Edward Evelyn in Piccadilly, and with him in his phaeton to Leatherhead.
July 2 nd .—With Dr. Osborne in his coach to Mr. Rice at Tooting, and dined.
Aug. 3 rd .—To Mr. James at Enfield, and lay.
4 th .—Rode to Mr. Jenkins, at Hampstead.
16 th .—Mr. Manning supped and lay here.
17 th .—With Mr. Manning [38] to Ansted Camp; he dined and lay here.
18 th .—Dined at Mr. Pollen’s; drank tea at Mr. Polhill’s (Albury).
23 rd .—Mr. and Mrs. Shaw and Mr. Polhill drank tea here.
p. 39 24 th .—To Colonel Clarke at Stanestreet, and breakfasted; dined and supped at Mr. Duncumb’s.
25 th .—To Loseley, and breakfasted; dined at the ‘White Hart’ with the Club.
Sept. 14 th .—To Mr. Page [39a] at Cobham to breakfast; to Shere to dinner.
15 th .—General Evelyn, Mr. and Mrs. Lomax, and Mr. Duncumb dined with us. [39b]
16 th , Sunday .—Dined at Mr. Godschall’s.
17 th .—Breakfasted at Wotton; dined at the ‘King’s Head,’ Epsom.
1782, Feb. 10 th .—Walked to Hampstead; dined at Mr. Jenkins’s; thence walked home with him. [39c]
March 31 st .—My brother and I drank tea at Capt. Finch’s (Albury Park).
Sept. 15 th .—Breakfasted at Lord Grantley’s; dined at Mr. Shurlock’s; drank tea with my brother; to Wotton, and lay at Sir Frederick’s.
1783, June 7 th .—Set out at 7 for Shere; breakfasted at Epsom; dined at the ‘White Horse,’ Dorking [39d] ; paid for breakfast, 1 s. ; barber, 6 d. ; horses, 10 d. ; at Dorking, dinner and wine, 3 s. 8 d. ; horses, 1 s.
July 3 rd .—To Harrow speeches [39e] ; breakfasted at the ‘King’s Head,’ dined with Dr. Heath.
p. 40 Dec. 30 th .—Mrs. Evelyn and Hugh dined here.
1784, March 11 th .—To the Antiquary Society; supped at Holylands Coffee House, with Mr. Gough [40a] , Mr. Ord, Mr. Turner, Dr. Hamilton, Mr. Grose, Dr. Nash, and others.
22 nd .—To Bath by coach, set out at 4, arrived at 8.
July 24 th .—Rode with Mr. Topham [40b] to Tunbridge Wells; Mr. Gough, Mr. Ord, and Mr. Brooke, in a chaise; we all saw Knowle, and dined at the ‘White Hart,’ Sevenoaks.
Aug. 19 th .—Dined at the Club at Dorking; Duke of Norfolk, Sir Wm. Gray, &c.
Dec. 26 th .—At home; physick. [40c]
1785, Jan. 3 rd .—Mr. and Mrs. Polhill and nephew, Mr. and Mrs. Duncumb and John Duncumb dined here.
4 th .—Edward and I rode to Sir Fredk. Evelyn’s; dined at Mr. Godschall’s.
5 th .—The tenants dined here.
6 th .—Edward and I rode to Mr. Polhill’s, and dined.
7 th .—Edward and I dined at Captn. Finch’s; Lady Aylesford and two daughters, Captn. Edward Finch, and Mr. Morden there.
Feb. 19 th .—To Drury Lane; ‘Macbeth’ Mrs. Siddons.
p. 41 June 26 th ( Sunday ).—Edward and I walked to Albury Church; dined at Mr. Polhill’s; with him in his chaise to Shere Church; [41a] went to Captn. Pitt’s; [41b] drank tea at Sir Frederick’s.
July 13 th .—Attended the Sessions; dined with the Justices at the ‘White Hart;’ lay at Loseley.
14 th .—Breakfasted with Mr. Mellersh; dined at Loseley; drank tea at Mr. Shurlock’s.
1786, Jan. 7 th .—Edward and I rode to Guildford, and then in a chaise to Pepperharrow, and lay there. To Church at Pepperharrow. Chaise came. I dined at Mr. Webb’s; drank tea at Mr. Manning’s, and lay at the ‘White Hart,’ Guildford; Mr. Mellersh supped with me.
June 6 th .—Guildford races. Very unwell; did not go up to the Downs.
July 14 th .—To Tooting, and held a court; dined and drank tea at Mr. Rice’s. [41c]
Aug. 2 nd .—To Eaton Bray. [41d]
31 st .—To Canterbury.
Dec. 28 th .—Dined and lay at Mrs. Tucker’s, Sir Henry and Lady St. John; [41e] whist, won 9 s.
1787, Jan. 10 th .—To Quarter Sessions in Borough; p. 42 dined with the Justices; whist, Sir Joseph Mawbey, [42a] Pardon, Lawson, and others, till 10, won 10 s. 6 d.
Aug. 28 th .—Dined at home. Miss Malthus, and Miss Menzies, Mr. R. Malthus, [42b] and Mr. John Duncumb, drank tea.
29 th .—Dined at Mr. Godschall’s; Mr. and Mrs. Polhill and Mr. Wollaston there; whist till 10; won 8 s.
30 th .—Dined at the Club at Dorking, Sir Fredk. Evelyn, &c.; paid for dinner, 4 s. 6 d.
31 st .—Set out at 6; breakfasted at Epsom; home at 1; paid for breakfast, 1 s. ; bait of horses, 1 s.
Oct. 26 th .—Dined at Mr. Godschall’s, between 8 and 9; received by express Mrs. Oglethorpe’s death; sent for a chaise from Dorking; set out at 2, got to Russell Street past 7 [42c] ; breakfasted; to Mr. Sharp [42d] , with him to Cranham.
1788, June 9 th .—Drank tea at Mr. Ruding’s. [42e]
10 th .—With Miss Adees, Mary and Caroline, to Vauxhall; home at 12.
Aug. 25 th . [42f] —Mr. and Mrs. Shurlock dined.
26 th .—Dined at Mr. Taylor’s.
27 th .—Mr. Godschall dined with us.
28 th .—To Mrs. Haynes, and dined.
p. 43 29 th .—Mr. Prickett, Mr. Woodroffe; and Mr. T. Duncumb dined with us.
30 th .—To Reigate, and lay at the ‘White Hart.’
31 st .—Dined with Mr. Barnes; to Mr. Fanshawe, [43a] and lay.
Oct. 24 th .—We all dined and supped at Mrs. Malthus’s; whist, won 3 s. 6 d.
1789, Feb. 10 th .—Council at the Society of Antiquaries; [43b] to the House of Commons.
April 28 th .—Drank tea at Mr. Malthus’s.
29 th .—Drank tea at Mr. Shurlock’s.
30 th .—Dined at Mr. Webb’s. [43c]
May 1 st .—To Mr. Leech, at Witley; lay at Mr. Webb’s.
2 nd .—After breakfast, to Mr. Manning; dined at Mr. Mellersh’s.
3 rd .—Dined at Mr. Duncumb’s; to Mr. Malthus; drank tea at Mr. Godschall’s.
14 th .—Miss Adees, Mr. Robert Malthus, and Mr. Martyr, dined with us; supped at Lincoln’s Inn Coffee House (with his antiquary friends).
June 18 th .—Dined with the Duke of Norfolk; [43d] home at 8.
July 3 rd .—Called at Mr. Eckersall’s; [43e] drank tea at Dorking.
Aug. 10 th .—To Hazlegrove; lay there (Sir Hy. St John Mildmay’s).
p. 44 Nov. 7 th .—To Sir H. Mildmay, at Dogmersfield, and lay.
Dec. 25 th .—My dear daughter Caroline died this morning, after a fever of a few days. [44a]
1790, July 24 th .—Dined at Sir Fredk. Evelyn’s.
25 th , Sunday .—Dined at Captn. Finch’s; drank tea at Mr. Malthus’s.
26 th .—Dined at Mr. Duncumb’s.
27 th .—Mr. R. Malthus and the Misses dined here, with Cath. and Mr. and Mrs. Polhill, and Mr. S. Godschall.
28 th .—Dined at Mr. Shurlock’s.
29 th .—Dined at Mr. Thompson’s.
30 th .—Mr. Duncumb and Mr. Thos. and Robt. Duncumb supped here.
31 st .—Drank tea at Mr. Malthus’s. [44b]
Sept. 1 st .—To Mr. Jenkins’, at Putney, and dined; home at 8.
3 rd .—Took up Mr. Clutton, at Walworth, and went with him to Sir Peter Burrell’s, [44c] at Beckenham.
1791, June 9 th .—Dined at Sir Charles Gould’s, with the directors of the Equitable Society. Supped at the Coffee House, Brand, Turner, and others.
Sept. 29 th .—Dined at Sir Wm. Hillman’s, Lord Say and Sele, Mr. Jenkinson, Mr. Fanshawe, sen.; drank tea at Mrs. Molyneux’s.
p. 45 30 th .—Sir William Hillman, Mr. Willis, Mr. Jenkinson, and Mr. Saml. Dyson, dined here.
Oct. 16 th , Sunday .—Dined at Captn. Finch’s, Mr. Onslow there.
23 rd , Sunday .—Dined at Capt. Finch’s.
1792, Jan. 2 nd .—Set out ground to widen Sherborne Lane. In the evening rode to Capt. Onslow’s, at Ripley, and lay there.
3 rd .—Breakfasted there, and to town in the Godalming coach.
Feb. 8 th .—Dined at Edward’s, with Mr. Malthus and family; child christened; whist, won 3 s. ; paid nurse, &c., £3. 3 s.
18 th .—To Lord Sydney, and with him to Frognal, and lay there.
19 th , Sunday .—Returned at 2.
March 1 st .—Mr. Willis dined here; with him to the Antiquary Society; supped at the Coffee House, Lord Leicester, &c., there.
April 12 th .—To Mr. Strode, at Loseley, and dined; to Mr. Webb, at Milford, and lay.
1796, Dec. 14 th .—My wife died about 5 in the afternoon; the most affectionate of wives, tenderest of parents, and most sincere of Christians; to her great prudence and discretion I owe the prosperity with which God has blessed me.
24 th .—Very hard frost. [45]
1797, Feb. 25 th .—Dined at Edward’s, Mr. Godschall, senior, &c.; Reginald christened; paid Edward p. 46 Duncumb for a drawing of Combe Bottom, £2. 2 s. ; frame and glass, 10 s. 6 d.
March 21 st .—Dined at the ‘Crown and Anchor’ (Antiquaries’ Club), Dr. Hamilton, Sir Wm. Musgrave, Mr. Charles Townshend, Mr. Weston, Seward, Brand, Ord, Lysons; tea at the Coffee House (Holyland’s) paid, for dinner, 2 s. ; tea, 11 d.
Aug. 14 th .—In Southampton long coach to town at 6; breakfasted at Alton; dined at ‘Catherine Wheel,’ at Egham; drank tea at Hatchett’s.
24 th .—Rode with Edward to Mr. Jenkins’s, at Putney, dined and drank tea. Home at 8.
Oct. 13 th .—To Leatherhead to Mr. Cooper’s; to Shere; no dinner.
14 th .—Dined at the ‘White Hart,’ Guildford; drank tea at Mr. Polhill’s (Albury).
15 th , Sunday .—To Albury Church; dined at Mr. Malthus’s.
22 nd .—To Mr. Currie at East Horsley; dined and lay there.
Nov. 3 rd .—To Mr. Austen’s; he died about 9.
11 th .—With Mr. Halsey and Dr. Benamore at 1; from Mr. Austen’s house with the funeral; dined at Kingston; lay at the ‘White Lion,’ Cobham.
12 th .—Mr. Coussmaher and Mr. Martyr met us at the ‘Green Man’; got to Shalford by 1.
16 th .—With Master Austen to Harrow.
Dec. 16 th .—To Guildford; dined at the Club; whist; paid 5 s. ; won 3 s.
17 th .—Dined and lay at Mr. Martyr’s.
20 th .—With Edward in coach to Lord Grantley’s, in p. 47 Sloane Street, and dined; paid coach and turnpike, 4 s. 2 d.
1798, Jan. 19 th .—To Lord Grenville, the Duke of Portland, [47a] &c.; dined at Mr. Harrison’s.
23 rd .—Dined at the ‘Crown and Anchor’ with the Antiquaries’ Club, Dr. Hamilton, Sir Wm. Musgrave, Dr. Halifax, Topham, Brand, Lysons, Charles Townshend, &c.
30 th .—Dined with the Antiquaries’ Club, Weston, Townley, &c.
Feb. 18 th .—Inflammation in the eye; paid for golden ointment, 1 s. 9 d.
March 4 th , Sunday .—To Church; Mr. Bayley [47b] and Mr. Baxendale called.
1799, Jan. 14 th .—Supped at Mr. Baxendale’s; whist.
15 th .—Dined at Mr. Ord’s, Brand, Sabine, &c.
16 th .—Mr. Hogarth and Mr. and Mrs. Harrison dined here.
17 th .—Dined at General Rainsford’s, Sir George Osborn, Colonel Sloane, and Mr. Rose Fuller.
Feb. 19 th .—Dined at the ‘Crown and Anchor,’ Sir Joseph Banks, Lysons, &c.
July 2 nd .—Mr. Waddilove [47c] and Salter dined here.
3 rd .—Mr. Peach, Dealtry, [47d] Brand, and Mrs. Davis dined here.
p. 48 4 th .—Drank tea at Mrs. Austen’s.
5 th .—Dined at Mr. Dealtry’s, Mr. James Farrar, Mr. Blake, &c.
6 th .—To Mr. Ruding’s (at Maldon), and breakfasted; dined at Mr. Filewood’s; drank tea at Dr. Taylor’s.
12 th .—Mr. and Mrs. Duncumb and Mr. T. Duncumb dined here.
13 th .—Breakfasted with Mr. Currie; dined and lay at Sir John Frederick’s.
14 th , Sunday .—After breakfast, to Peto, [48a] at Stoke D’Abernon, and to Church there; dined and drank tea at Mr. Cooke’s.
31 st .—Drank tea at Mr. Malthus’s; walked through his coppices, Miss Dalton there.
Sept. 19 th .—To Lord Sydney (in Grosvenor Square), and dined; drank tea at Mr. Andrewes’s. [48b]
Nov. 17 th , Sunday .—To Church; Dr. Willis and Serjeant Bayley called.
19 th .—Mr. Jebb dined here.
20 th .—Charity School Meeting.
21 st .—Major Molyneux, Captain Vincent, Mr. Fanshawe, Mr. Willis, Mr. Andrewes, and Mr. Ruding dined here.
22 nd .—Mr. and Mrs. Godschall dined here; paid for lottery tickets, £8. 4 s.
23 rd .—Dined and supped at Mrs. Davis’s, Sir Nash Grose, &c.; whist.
24 th .—To Church; Dr. Willis, Mr. Penneck, and Mr. Baxendale called.
p. 49 Dec. 22.—Not well. [49]
Mr. Bray left notes of his travels bound together, and making a large book. Most of the houses he saw are fully described. He was never on the Continent or in Ireland.
His first excursion after his tour in Wales in 1769, was in 1774, into Leicestershire and the adjoining counties, when he visited the Field of Bosworth, where it is said that Sir Reginald Bray picked up King Richard’s crown, and gave it to Lord Stanley, who presented it to the Duke.
In the same year 1774, he went twice to the Lakes. Number of miles travelled, 703 and 657.
1775.—The tour of which he published an account.
1776.—Gloucestershire, &c., 506 miles.
1777.—Northamptonshire, Leicestershire.
1778.—Wales, 637 miles.
1779.—Matlock, Buxton.
1780.—Nottinghamshire.
1781.—The Peak.
1782.—Bath, Worcester, Malvern, 406 miles.
p. 50 1783.—Hastings, Tunbridge Wells, Isle of Wight, 659 miles.
1784.—Brighton, 225 miles.
1785.—Bristol, 302 miles.
1786.—Cambridge, Dover, Ramsgate.
1787.—Essex, 410 miles.
1788.—Luton, Dunstable, 346 miles.
1789.—Glastonbury, Weymouth, Lyme, 520 miles.
1790.—Winchester.
1792.—Oxford.
1793.—Colchester, Lowestoft, 312 miles. Woburn, Eton, Bray, Wales.
1794.—Yorkshire.
1795.—Arundel, Petworth.
1796.—Ross, Ledbury, 392 miles.
1797.—Shrewsbury, Dovedale, 614 miles.
1798.—Norwich, Ipswich, 285 miles.
1799.—Brecon, Llandovery, 441 miles.
1806, Nov. 15 th .—This day, I completed my 70th year, without having ever met with any accident of consequence and with very little interruption to my health, except in January last, when I had a very serious attack by an inflammation in my lungs, but from which I am perfectly recovered. My eyesight is so good that I can and generally do use my eyes in reading or writing from the time of getting up in the morning till 10 at night. My hearing is in no way impaired. I have not lost one front tooth and very few others. I am able to walk or ride 4 or 5 hours together, but I do not ride fast. My memory is p. 51 perhaps not so good as it has been. On the whole I seem to be in a perfect good state of health, thanks be to God.
1808, Nov. 15 th .—This day I completed my 72nd year; and thanks to God’s mercies I find myself in as perfect health as I ever enjoyed in my life, and the only perceivable difference in any of my senses that I am aware of is a little degree of deafness in my right ear, but as the other is perfect, I do pretty well. My left eye I think has not perfectly recovered the severe inflammation which I had two or three years ago, but the other being sound, I read and write as well and as much as ever. My teeth remain perfect in front and without any additional loss to those which decayed some years ago.
1810, April 5 th .—I quitted the Board of Green Cloth, after having had a place there for 49 years and a half. I was put on the superannuation list at my request, the Lord Steward having kindly procured leave for it. He also, unsolicited, gave me leave to resign my place of Clerk of the Verge to my son.
Nov. 14 th .—After dinner, I found a giddiness in my head making me unable to walk, and a kind of dumb confusion in my head. I wrote to Mr. Heaviside to come, which he did and ordered immediate cupping. [51] The next morning my complaint was gone.
1814, May 30 th .—Received from Mr. Sydenham Malthus the melancholy news of my son’s death at Exmouth, from the rupture of a blood-vessel in the lungs.
p. 52 1817, Feb. 15 th .—My grandson Henry died this morning.
1826, June 16 th .—In chaise to Guildford, the County election, voted for Mr. Sumner and Mr. Denison. [52a]
Sept. 19 th .—With Mary and Miss Davis, in a chaise, by Horsham and Henfold to the ‘Albion’ at Brighton. Dined and lay there; walked on the Chain Pier.
20 th .—To Seaford, Eastbourne. Dined and lay at the ‘Hope’ in the Sea-houses.
21 st .—To the Castle Hotel, Hastings; through Winchelsea to Rye; New Romney, dined and lay there.
22 nd .—To Hythe, through Folkestone to Dover; saw the harbour; returned to Hythe, the ‘Sun,’ dined there. To Ashford, and lay there.
Sept. 23 rd .—To Lenham ‘Star’ at Maidstone; Wrotham Heath; Sevenoaks; Godstone to Reigate; Called on Mr. Glover; Dorking; Shere before 7. [52b]
1828, Dec. 24 th .—Such has been the decay in my eyesight the whole of this year that I have not been able to read either print or MS., though I have continued to write letters, as I am writing on this 24th of December. I cannot read it when written. I have also lost my hearing in one ear in a great degree; subject to this, my bodily health has been what may be called good. I have been obliged to pay more than £1,100 by the treachery of a clerk, and the malice of p. 53 one who had been long attempting, and at last effected a loss of long friendship with Mrs. Wigzell. [53a]
1832, July 5 th .—Mr. Linnell, a portrait painter was sent by my grandson Reginald to paint a portrait of me. I had five sittings.
Oct. 18 th .—I sent my curious MS. of the Bishops’ estates seized and sold by Cromwell to Mr. Ellis, [53b] to be presented to the Trustees of the British Museum.
Dec. 17 th .—A little rain; at home. Paid Higgins [53c] 8 s. 3 d.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY
SPOTTISWOODE AND CO., NEW-STREET
SQUARE
AND PARLIAMENT STREET
[6] It appears from his account of the Evelyn Family, in the second volume of the ‘History of Surrey,’ that he had read these Memoirs as long before as 1809.
[7a] Whom he afterwards married. She was the daughter of Mr. Stevens, of Perry Hill, Worplesdon, and lived with her aunt, Mrs. Norwood, at Guildford. She was two years older than Mr. Bray, who was then only two months past 19.
[7b] Mr. Flutter and his brother were Mayors of Guildford more than once, and the name of Flutter appears twice in the list of Mayors in the reign of Charles II.
[7c] A lad of nineteen.
[7d] Mr. Duncumb was Rector of Shere. His father had purchased the advowson from Mr. Edward Bray, and was a connexion by marriage.
[8a] Mr. Wilpley was what was then called an Apothecary.
[8b] Mr. Emily was his cousin, their grandfathers having married the daughters of Vincent Randyll, of Chilworth.
[9a] Jacky was Mr. Martyr’s son. He was called to the Bar, and lived at Guildford to an advanced age.
[9b] The medical charge for the inoculation was £4 4 s.
[11] He had very little to do at Mr. Martyr’s. In the summer he was often at the Bowling-green, and took long walks with his friends, male and female. It was not required that any married lady should join the walking parties.
[14a] A Hessian regiment was quartered at Guildford for some time. Their band was a great attraction.
[14b] An attorney at Guildford. Grandfather of the Rev. John Chandler.
[14c] Being of age and out of his articles to Mr. Martyr, he went to London, and took lodgings there. Mr. Adderley, of New Inn, received him in his chambers for instruction in his profession, but his attendance there was not regular.
[15a] Mr. Jenkins was in Mr. Adderley’s office, and afterwards entered into partnership with Mr. Bray. Mr. James was also in the same office.
[15b] He went to his French master for some months, an hour at a time; not regularly.
[16] About this time he bought many books, all at low prices, at stalls and auctions.
[17a] Playing at cards almost every night, and always for coin, he had a purse on purpose.
[17b] Whilst at Guildford he lodged at Baptist’s for 7 s. a week. He dined at the ‘White Hart,’ for 10 d.
[18] He sold this stock to pay £23. 12 s. 6 d. for Viner’s ‘Abridgment of the Law.’
[20a] He visited Miss Stevens almost every day, but he was not much less in other society than formerly, and he was seldom alone at any time of the day or evening.
[20b] Daughters of Dr. Adee, a physician, who afterwards went to Oxford and practised there.
[21a] He went to the morning service on Wednesdays in most weeks, usually to the Middle Church.
[21b] Mr. Webb was Solicitor to the Treasury. This appointment is now given to barristers.
[21c] He only paid 10 d. for his dinners (without wine) at the ‘White Hart’ and the ‘Tuns,’ and 6 s. a week for his lodgings in the town.
[22a] Miss Adee and Betsy Stevens were the bridesmaids.
[22b] Mrs. C.’s was the lodging Mr. Jenkins had taken for him in Lothbury.
[22c] He left a particular account of his expenses on his marriage. The following are some of them:—
|
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
Licence |
1 |
11 |
6 |
|
Pair of gloves |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Mr. Burdett’s fee |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
The clerk |
0 |
10 |
6 |
|
Mrs. Norwood’s maid |
0 |
7 |
6 |
|
Middle Parish ringers |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dinner at Epsom |
0 |
5 |
6 |
|
Chaise from Epsom to London |
0 |
14 |
0 |
|
Driver and hostler |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Two bottles of Lisbon at the ‘White Hart’ |
0 |
3 |
4 |
|
For fifty oysters |
0 |
0 |
7½ |
|
A pound of cheese |
0 |
0 |
3½ |
|
A pound and a half of salmon |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Paid Jenkins for the ring |
0 |
6 |
6 |
|
[Jenkins got the ring and sent it to him with a humourous letter.] |
|
|
|
|
Mr. Shrubb for a tabby nightgown |
7 |
14 |
0 |
|
Ear-rings and necklace |
0 |
14 |
0 |
|
Coffee with Boughton at the Lincoln’s Inn Coffee House (on the afternoon of his wedding) |
0 |
0 |
5 |
[23a] They received friends to tea every evening this week. They lived in a house with a garden, in which Mr. Bray planted fruit trees and shrubs, but where it was does not appear in the Diary.
[23b] He went to the Bowling-green to play at whist in the winter, and at howls in the summer.
[24a] He had been the first performance of Marplot by Garrick.
[24b] When he took the horse as far as Dorking it was 2 s. 6 d.
[25a] The son of the Member for the County.
[25b] Mr. Godschall, of Weston House, Albury. An accomplished gentleman, LL.D. of Oxford, cousin of Lady Palmerston, the mother of the late Lord Palmerston.
[25c] Of Parkhurst, where Rousseau was his guest for some time.
[25d] Who built the Leith Hill Tower, and was buried there.
[25e] It is remarkable that a young attorney of 22 should have been invited to the social meetings of elderly and middle-aged gentlemen of the highest position in the neighbourhood. His grandson, the late Mr. Edward Bray, inherited his companionable qualities, and was welcome in every house he visited.
[26a] The Member for the County.
[26b] Of Betchworth Castle. The author of ‘The Light of Nature.’
[27a] The father of the late Sir Henry Austen. He had been articled, as well as Mr. Bray, to Mr. Martyr. He afterwards purchased a Clerkship in the Six Clerks’ Office in Chancery.
[27b] Mr. Bray’s marriage made little difference in his habits this year. He was almost every night with his friends at cards or backgammon; in the summer evenings at bowls; frequently at the morning services on week days at the Middle Church. He had very little to do at this time in his profession.
[28a] Mr. Lane, of East Horsley Park.
[28b] Mr. Evelyn, afterwards Sir John, then M.P. for Helstone, had offered him an appointment at the Board of Green Cloth, which he at first, by the wish of his wife, declined to accept; but a few days afterwards, being better advised, he was glad to find that he could still have it. The following note was among the Memoranda which he left of his early life.—‘Nothing could be pleasanter than our situation at the Board of Green Cloth. The Principals were all members of the House of Commons. We sat in the same room, at the same green cloth table, with them, by whom we were treated rather as associates than as clerks.’ Mr. Bray was at first only an assistant, together with Mr. Selwyn, a barrister, afterwards in large practice; Mr. Blenman, also of the Bar, and Mr. Fanshawe, but they rose to be chief clerks. His usual attendance was from 11 to 3. He took a house in Holles Street, and settled there December 14th, but in the following year he moved to Great Russell Street.
[29] This child died in July,
[30a] After a Royal birth caudle was given to the Clerks of the Green Cloth and others in office at St. James’s.
[30b] Of Bury Hill, now Mr. Barclay’s.
[30c] Of the Rookery, now Mr. Fuller’s. His son, Thomas Robert Malthus, was the great writer on Population. His youngest daughter married Mr. Bray’s son Edward.
[31] His son Edward, who married Miss Malthus, and left a large family. His other sons died in childhood. Mr. Bray had no collateral relations of his name after the death of his uncle and brothers within many generations. His ancestor, Sir Edward Bray, was the heir male of Edmund, Lord Bray, and succeeded to the family estates; but the title descended to Lord Bray’s daughters, and was in abeyance until obtained by the late Baroness Bray. Mr. Bray was one of the few descendants then living of Sir Thomas More, whose granddaughter, the daughter of Margaret Roper, married Sir Edward Bray. His two daughters, Mary and Catherine, were not married.
[32a] He was now getting into the society of literary men.
[32b] Afterwards Admiral Brodrick.
[32c] He had entered into partnership with his friend Mr. Jenkins, whose chambers were in New Inn.
[32d] The Guildford Races were then in May.
[32e] Mr. Sturt was a barrister, and a relation of Mr. Bray’s. Mr. Budgen, Mr. Talbot, and Mr. Scawen, were trustees of the charity.
[33a] A tour with Mr. Jenkins to Oxford, Bath, Gloucester, Salisbury, Blenheim, Fonthill, Longleat, Chepstow, &c. They hired a carriage and horses for the journey; and, in a rhyming letter to his wife, he writes:—
‘We hired from friend Bryant a very good chaise,
Intending thus travelling quite at our ease.
James was mounted behind on a fine prancing steed,
To take care of the baggage and help us if need.’
Mr. Bray wrote a particular description of Fonthill, Stourton, and other houses visited.
[33b] Some of his intimate friends dined with him every week. The dinner was over at 5 or 6, and he often went afterwards to a coffee-house. He also went frequently to the theatres, and sometimes in the summer to Vauxhall. His mornings were spent at the Board of Green Cloth or in New Inn.
[33c] The house which Mr. Jacobson built, called ‘Lonesome,’ has been pulled down.
[33d] Mr. Bray went to many different coffee-houses, but most frequently to the Percy and Mundy’s. On Sundays he went for an hour to the Buffalo.
[34a] He had a house at Shere, which his mother lived in, and made a home for him during his frequent visits, and at little expense, for riding round in the neighbourhood he got his dinner at one house and tea at another. To general information he could now add the gossip of St. James’s, and he was welcome wherever he went.
[34b] He kept what he called a chaise or whisky, and two horses.
[34c] Mr. Penneck was Keeper of the Reading-room at the British Museum and Rector of Abinger.
[35a] Betchworth Castle.
[35b] He had become acquainted with Dr. Osborn and Dr. Price on the institution of the Equitable Assurance Office, of which he was a director. He frequently rode with his friends, sometimes a party of six.
[35c] He wrote a most particular description of it.
[36a] Mr. Planta, Principal Librarian at the British Museum.
[36b] This was the tour that he published an account of. He rode on horseback 1,800 miles this year.
[36c] This was a society which met at St. Paul’s Coffee House. The subscription was five guineas a year.
[36d] This plantation sowed all the fir trees between the Windmill and Pislake. Another plantation adjoining to the West Churt, sowed all the ground west of the road to Cranley.
[36e] This was for his father.
[36f] For a piece of land at the top of the plantation of beeches above Picket’s Hole.
[36g] Dr. Parr.
[37a] Distinguished Antiquaries.
[37b] Formerly Jacky.
[38] The Rev. Mr. Manning, who began the ‘History of Surrey.’
[39a] Mr. Page had bought the Manor of Cobham, and lived at Pointers.
[39b] When he was in the country he seldom dined at home unless he had friends with him.
[39c] His partnership with Mr. Jenkins was dissolved in 1774, but without any interruption of their friendship.
[39d] To near the end of his life he would often stop to dine, and sometimes to sleep, at the inn at Dorking, or Guildford, instead of going home to Shere.
[39e] His only surviving son Edward was at Harrow.
[40a] These were all eminent antiquaries.
[40b] He was one of the Trustees of the British Museum.
[40c] He was subject all his life to inflammatory disorder, and frequently took physic.
[41a] He went to Church every Sunday, but he did not think it wrong to use his carriage and horses, or to travel on that day. Mr. Polhill, the Rector of Albury, used to go to church in his carriage.
[41b] Abinger Hall. Afterwards Lady Donegal’s.
[41c] Mr. Rice was lord of the Manor of Tooting.
[41d] The Eaten Bray estate was inherited by Mr. Bray’s ancestor, Sir Edward Bray, as heir male of Lord Bray, and sold by him.
[41e] They became clients, and the family have remained among the best clients of Mr. Bray’s firm.
[42a] Sir Joseph Mawbey was member for Surrey;made a fortune by a distillery. Mr. Briscoe derived the manor of Epsom from his daughter.
[42b] Mr. Malthus had left the Rookery, and was living at Albury, in the house afterwards Colonel Clive’s.
[42c] An instance of Mr. Bray’s activity.
[42d] Granville Sharp. General Oglethorpe lived for some years at Westbrook, Godalming.
[42e] The author of ‘The Coinage of Great Britain.’
[42f] His engagements for a week.
[43a] Of Shabden, father of the Miss Fanshawes.
[43b] He had been chosen one of the Council.
[43c] One of his usual rounds of visiting.
[43d] The dinner hour in London was getting later.
[43e] Of Burford Bridge.
[44a] For the following nine days there is no entry but ‘At home.’
[44b] These eight consecutive days were spent in society. When in London he dined every week at the ‘Crown and Anchor’ with his antiquary friends, and often received them to dinner. He played at whist still, but not so often.
[44c] Sir Peter Burrell married the Baroness Willoughby of Eresby, and was made Lord Gwydir. He and his descendants were among the best clients of Mr. Bray’s office.
[45] The thermometer fell one and a half degree below zero.
[47a] As one of the Clerks at the Board of Green Cloth he had to collect the land tax from the Officers of State. He received £520 from Lord Grenville for four quarters’ land tax, at 4 s. in the pound; from the Duke of Portland, £923.; Mr. Pitt, two quarters, £456. 15 s. ; Lord Thurlow, do., £1,425. 17 s. 9¾ d.
[47b] Afterwards a Judge and a Baronet. He was a very frequent Sunday visitor, as well as Mr. Baxendale.
[47c] Afterwards Dean of Ripon.
[47d] Rector of Clapham.
[48a] Father of the great builder.
[48b] Afterwards Dean of Canterbury.
[49] He was confined to the house for more than a week by a bad cold, which was followed by inflammation in one of his eyes. The inflammation was subdued with difficulty by the great oculist Mr. Phipps, afterwards Sir Watken Waller. The eye affected became gradually weaker, and the sight of it was entirely gone for some years before his death, although exactly when he did not notice. At the beginning of the 19th century he was 64; and his son’s attention to the business of the office in Great Russell Street enabled him to live more at Shere, but when in London his habits were little changed. He dined with the Antiquaries’ Club almost every week during the season until he was 90. He did not so frequently take his meals at the houses of his friends, but at his own table they were always welcome, and many came.
[51] He was frequently bled according to the usual practice in those days. He was bled the last time when he was 84.
[52a] Mr. Bray cared very little for politics, but he was not a Tory, and would not have voted for Mr. Summer if he had not represented the county for many years and been much respected.
[52b] Mr. Bray was within a few weeks of 90. He took no servant with him.
[53a] After this shameful affair, neither Mr. Taylor his clerk, nor Mr. Wigzell had any communications with Mr. Bray or his partners; but as a mark of repentance Mrs. Wigzell left Mr. Bray’s grandson a legacy of £100, and Mr. Taylor left £100 to the firm of Bray and Warren.
[53b] Principal Librarian at the British Museum; afterwards Sir Henry Ellis. He was Mr. Bray’s oldest friend then living. He died in 1868 at a very advanced age, having during his long life rendered most valuable services to the public, and particularly by his contributions to English history.
[53c] Mr. Higgins was employed by Mr. Bray in writing for him. His last guest at Shere was his old friend Mr. Carlisle, one of the Secretaries of the Antiquary Society, who came to Shere on Saturday, the 28th of October, and remained till Monday. His grandson Reginald was with him for a day or two every week, and played at piquette with him three days before his death, which took place on the 21st.