~~~1 July  TUESDAY [182-183]~~~

Oxford Act.  Cambridge Commencement

Letter from Miss Russell of Bromsgrove repeating her Father's invitation to go over & appointing next Sunday & suggesting that I should go over on Saturday evening; she called me "dear Cousin" which reminded me that I'm sort of 32nd one to her & so I return the compt. thought I hardly know her.- Mary Wilson came down to tea this evening & she, Mary, Mrs. Jones, Alice, WD, CG and I up at the garden; came to rain, in the bower singing etc. then back to my rooms where Billy and I renewed a little of our old actor's life to their amusement.

~~~2 WEDNESDAY [183-182]~~~

Letter from Father this morning, saying I must go home before I go to the Exhibition & spend a week  there out of my ten days (as I had told him); rather unlikely, though I would go down to York if Mother would go to London with me, especially as so doing I should see Her.-

~~~3 THURSDAY [184-181]~~~

Replied to Miss Russell's invitation & accepting it. WD & Mary preparing to go to York together & this morning they both started off by the 7 o'clock train; William was up at Boughton yesterday, & last night Jane & Fred came to tea with us & we walked up to Wilsons together, Jane giving me one or two rebukes in my going to Boughton so rarely, which if she does so often must compel me to state the real cause; my unconquerable aversion to their many gigantic faults, still unrepented.-

~~~4 FRIDAY [185-180]~~~

Cambridge Term ends.

At Garden last night. Wrote to Mrs. Silver on Tuesday with invitation to Worcester. We miss William's noise and good humour & his invincible spirits very much. Wrote to Father in reply to his last, said I could not think of coming to York before I went to the Exhibition, or I should never to see it at all, for I shall tire of the Exhibition in a few days, but of home I can never hope to tire, & should remain there until my time for returning to Worcester was expired. Owing to delays with the mails Aunt Wilson received no letter from Mary, and poor Aunt is frightening herself half to death about it; Rich & Eliza down during the day to enquire.- Jones is very unwell again & talks of going to Malvern to place himself under Dr. Gully[1]. Wrote to Jane to ask her to spend tomorrow with us. Present  of artichokes from Mr. Needham.

6 Sunday -3 aft Trin [187-178]

Old Midsummer Day

At the Garden before breakfast to cut asparagus & afterwards I & CG walked up to Boughton for Jane & brought her down to College; did not stay the service; came to lodgings to dinner; made our debut as artichoke-eaters which none of us liked; after dinner to the garden for dessert; worked away at the weeds. Came back to tea at lodgings and in the evening I walked up to Boughton with Jane.

~~~7 MONDAY [188-177]~~~

At Garden this morning early; letter from Father still urging me to come to York before going to the Exhibition; I must be firm in refusing the temptation & be resolved to go direct to London; Mary with Mother, Miss Miles, & Miss Bowler were at the Palace on Friday; letter also from William Dewse, very short & brief a/c of his journey home.- Worcester Races commence today. CG & I walked down to race Course, to see the Shows; were bored by Fred Jones & in trying to quit him, lost one another; saw Mr. and Mrs. George Birley; had not seen Mrs. Geo since her marriage, much older looking

~~~8 TUESDAY [189-176]~~~

Earl Beauchamp is dead and General Lygon MP for the county takes his title so there will be an election for the county! which with the one for the City caused by the Bankruptcy of Mrs. Rufford causes the folks to be in the qui vive. Wrote to Jones who is at Malvern yet, without much improvement.

~~~9 WEDNESDAY [190-175]~~~

Fire Insurance Ceases

At Garden last night; came home; ran up to Wilson's new house, looked over & admired the extensive & beautiful sweep of scenery from it, came back & wrote long letter to Father saying my plan to go to the Exhibition & hoping that he & Mother or one of them will meet me at Derby; a few remarks on William Dewse lax conversation & requesting them not to bring him & Miss Miles too often together: this morning wrote to Mary with home messages and general news and also to William Dewse.-

~~~10 THURSDAY [191-174]~~~

Last night Agnes Cropper & Adelaide came to the garden to me & picked my roses & ate my fruit; Eliza came also & was astonished at seeing my visitors; Charley meanwhile was with Mary Anne & had her to tea at my lodgings.- All astonishing facts.- In the town this morning, bought patent leather carpet Bag at Birleys for 8/. Sent Journal to Miss Russell.[2]

~~~11 FRIDAY [190-173]~~~

Up at Hilbournes' last night and walked with Mary Anne, Agnes and Adelaide by Sansome Walk, & Merriman Hills. Letter from Jones this morning; he continues very weak, though Dr. Gully hopes to cure him; I scarcely knew his handwriting it was so shaky.- Wrote to him bidding him be of good cheer; told him CG would call on Sunday.- At garden all the evening; found Mary Ann Hilbourne at lodging in coming home. Mrs. Jones & I walked up to Wilsons together

~~~12 SATURDAY [193-172]~~~

In the town this morning at Deightons for "Illustrated London News" which was remarkably dull- at Bradshaw.- This evening left by the 7:45 train for Bromsgrove taking day ticket[3] to return tomorrow or Monday if required; went to Mr. Russell at the Golden Lion; Mrs. Russell is a cousin of mother's; introduced myself to them & to Miss Russell, who is what maybe called a "fine lady" that is, she has enough education & appreciation of it to enable her to despise her station in life & her vanity deadens the kindlier feelings. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are an excellent couple, too indulgent to their daughter; thinking her perfection; paragon.

13 Sunday -4 aft Trin [194-171]

Slept very comfortably, not up til nearly 9 & after breakfast went to Church & heard an excellent sermon, from the text of "Come & see" from the Rev. Mr. Millers, an exhortation to the Scriptures.- Had a splendid dinner with the Russells & found no chance of getting over to Hagley to see my great-uncle there, who is, however, hearty & well. Walked with Mr. Russell to see the new workhouse, & after tea Miss Russell and her friend & Mr. Russell walked to the station to set me off by the 5:45[4] train so I was in Worcester by 6:30.- Wrote in the evening to Uncle Clepham to know if he would go to the Exhibition with us.-

~~~14 MONDAY [195-170]~~~

Letter from Father this morning to say he cannot well spare me the money I want, so I must borrow from Mr. Needham; he will go to London on Saturday the 26th & will meet me there; & talks of lodging at Miss Shepherd's, Hackney Road, which is too far from the city I fear.- Yesterday evening Jones came down, he having returned for Malvern, marvellously improved by the "cold water cure". Mr. Barnesley also came over and we had a round game of whist;  I was not playing tho.

~~~16 WEDNESDAY [197-168]~~~

Letter on Monday from Ned Thackray who wants to go with me to the Exhibition, but as he will lodge out at Camberwell with some friends we should be hindrances to each other; letter of the usual bland style from George.- Barnesley came down to dinner yesterday. Letter this morning from Uncle Clepham saying he is building the Stocktonians a new Town Hall which requires his daily attention & superintendance & he cannot therefore go to London with me.

~~~17 THURSDAY [198-167]~~~

Last night Barnesley, CG and I went to Wilsons to tea; CG leaving directly after tea to take Jane & Maria home from Groves at Lark Hill, & the young rascal did not reach home  until 20 minutes to 12, causing Mrs. Griffin great annoyance, she with CG & Joshua having returned from London yesterday, having seen but little of the Exhibition.- Aunt Walker & Jane I found lunching at my rooms on running in at 1 o'clock, & Jane stayed to dinner & tea & coming on to rain heavily she stayed all night, Jones came down too; Jane and I wrote to Miss King.

~~~18 FRIDAY [199-166]~~~

Letter this morning from Mother of good length. Uncle Henry Mayfield continues to grow worse & is so weak that Mother does not think he can hold much longer; she approves of my going direct from London through to Scarbro & says that Miss Miles & Miss Bowler are going Monday & I may calculate on having their company in Scarbro! Joyful news just what I had written to Mother to endeavor to effect, but with small hope of success. I now wish the next week & the Exhibition week were ended.- Uncle Wilson & Richard came to tea last night & then went up to the garden; Uncle helping & giving me hints; digging celery trenches etc. Uncle borrowed knapsack to go to London; he and I decided on going there together.-

20 Sunday -5 aft Trin [201-164]

Wrote to Charley Cox on Friday to know if he can lend me the £5 to go to the Exhibition with; &  I today asked Mr. Needham the same question when he said at once- yes; so I shall have enough to carry me there.- CG & I reading Richelieu last night & we finished it today. Mrs. Barnesley came down today this morning by 10 o'clock. Saw Jones off to Malvern by the Hereford coach, sending letter to Mr. Needham by him. CG,  Mrs. B and I walked up to Wilson's & talked of the going to the Exhibition etc.

~~~21 MONDAY [212-163]~~~

CG and I indoors all yesterday; wrote to Miss Smith yesterday having had a letter which she had written to Mother; her address Boston Lodge- Thorpe Arch.- Wrote also to Ned Walker.- Letter this morning from Father. Henry grows weaker & Mother's being continually with him will prevent his coming to us in London;- damped thereby, but resolved not to defer it now all is arranged as I might have to put up with a shorter holiday, & Father still have no better chance; Miss Miles & her mother are going to Scarbro soon & I may hope to join them there; at Uncle Wilson to tell him of Fathers letter & to offer Bradshaw's London Guide from Morgan.- Aunt, Uncle & Emily to tea last night (Monday) & to garden & wrote in evening to Father telling him to meet us in London if possible, Henry's illness etc.

~~~23 WEDNESDAY [204-161]~~~

At Hilbournes yesterday morning & in the evening at garden picking fruit, gathered 30 lbs red currents for preserving; John, CG, and Willy & Sarah Griffin helping. Wrote to Uncle Clepham yesterday on my disappointment in neither he nor Father going to London with me.-

~~~24 THURSDAY [205-160]~~~

Rain prevented further fruit harvesting; Mrs. Jones busy preserving all day. CG and I alarmed by a fearful bill for sugar. Kate Hilbourne came down for the afternoon to render her assistance. Letter from Father this morning; he will now be able to meet me, he thinks; as Henry is not any worse & may be left better than before; he will go on Saturday by cheap train for 5/ to London & back; one also from Uncle Clepham wishing me to go to Seaton if I travel northwards & he and Aunt would join me there. Wrote to Father with our arrangements as to going; Father has written to Uncle Wilson to advance me my expenses to London, where he will refund him.

~~~25 FRIDAY [206-159]~~~

St James

Wrote yesterday to Charley Cox fearing my letter applying for loan or his reply to it may have gone astray, but this morning I have letter from him enclosing me note for £5 with his usual kindly manner, making it a pleasure to receive a favor from him; acknowledged it by return. Last night met Jones, talking over the Exhibition & then went to the Theatre to see Othello by Act of Parl[5], exceedingly [well] played very respectable company of players & a good house.

~~~26 SATURDAY [207-158]~~~

Letter yesterday from Miss Smith hoping I shall get over to see her; letter also from Lindsay who has been in Wales & in reply to one written him on Wednesday.- There seems doubt as to Miss Miles going to Scarbro which will be a sad disappointment & I shall not go to York if she does not go to Scarbro! Wrote to Uncle Clepham yesterday.- Had all the black currents stolen from my garden. At garden last night.- Hard at work all day preparing the work to leave. At 1/4 to 8 left Worcester by Govt. train, Mrs. Jones accompanying me to Birmingham on a visit to her friends there & Uncle Wilson who goes in to London[6].

27 Sunday -6 aft Trin [208-157]

Uncle went to one place & Mrs. Jones having to go [to] her friends Wilkins, who keep a Temperance Hotel I & her took cab there; after some tea, she, I & Wilkins went through the market & at 8 this morning Uncle & I started to London reaching there at 1/2 past 2; Father & Ned Walker meeting us in the Station, & afterwards Mr. Robt Eagle, Alfred Harris & a Mr. Tait; to the Gen. Wolfe in Little Grays Inn Lane; dinner there; didn't like the place; took 1d packet to Westminster Bridge & secured lodgings with Mrs. Schofield, 21 Mount Gardens, Westminster Rd. for Father & Ned and I, back to Grays Inn Lane for luggage, calling in at Westminster Abbey. evening prayers, dim, solemn, & rich effect; Up & out by 9 o'clock & away across the Green Park & Buckingham Palace to the Exhibition with many thousands of others; a 1/ paid we enter this palace of wonders; from 10 til 6 examining one portion of the building- the Brown & Sheffield ware; noting especially Gillotts stand on Pens & Holders, the Fine Arts Court, the Medieval Court, until tired with wandering we came out, had tea in the Knightsbridge Road at a French cafe & went to Drury Lane Theatre, which opened this night with a company of American & French equestrians; Caroline there, being the main attraction, a very dull American clown had to be hissed deservedly off.

~~~28 MONDAY [209-156]~~~

An Eclipse of the Sun

This morning we crossed by the Horse Guards & went to the Vernon Gallery at Marlboro House; Hogarths paintings wonderfully minute & careful, full of deep meaning; modern paintings by Etty, Turner, Ward, Landseer, Roberts, Maclise, Stanfield & Others; then to the dreary collection at the National Gallery, then to the Coliseum, the music and quiet beauty of which was quite enchanting; a real waterfall too in the Swiss scene; in Regent St. we put Ned in a bus with a wrong address, & had to make to our lodgings after him; crossing the Horse Guards saw the Hero of a Hundred Fights- the great Duke of Wellington, a tottering feeble old man now, mount his horse; found Ned at home, then Father & I went to the Lyceum Theatre, highly delighted; the scenery is King Charming, very wonderful, Chas Mathews in  Only a Clod, excellent, the general acting, costume reflect of Court Beauties marvellous.

~~~29 TUESDAY [210-155]~~~

This morning we went to the Regent Park Tropical Gardens, & saw the Hippodrome, the Elephant Calf, the Utan Utan & the rest; then across Regents and Hyde Parks to the Exhibition & there until 5 o'clock, in another department, find Jerrolds Guide an invaluable companion; we all three went to the Princesses Theatre after, & saw Love in a Maze, in which the Keeleys are very humorous and the Alhambra in which they are as good, the scenery & dress tho good are under the Lyceum, but the piece is better written & the hits more pointed.

                             ~~~30 WEDNESDAY [211-154]~~~

Today Father went to seek  Mr. Tringham out, & Ned & I to the Exhibition; had a good day in it; dear refreshments; noticed & used the Shoe Brigade; detachment of Ragged School boys equipped with brushes & blacking & set adrift; put Ned in omnibus home; down Holywell Street, the vile print & publication street; at lodging met Father & then Mrs. Tringham & Emma Brooks, her daughter, all went to Astleys nothing notable save Widdicombe the immortal.-

~~~31 THURSDAY [212-153]~~~

This morning to Lincoln's Inn & to Grays Inn Lane for intelligence of friends; Uncle Wilson went home this morning; through the City, saw the Punch office; to St. Paul's & looked round the Monuments; the 2d entrance fee removed to the Tower, after waiting some time & not getting in we three (Father, Ned & I) took rowing boat to the Tunnel and went through it; wonderful work, though not attractive; took Steamer to Woolwich; round the Dock yard etc. & back home; wrote to Mrs. Griffin for Cash; to Uncle Wilson; to bed early.
Footnotes for July

³⁹  Dr. Gully- co-founder of hydropathic method of medical treatment- the "water cure" established in Malvern at the Priessnitz Hotel in 1845- the methods consisting of the wrapping in wet sheets and the drinking of copious draughts, having many famous devotees including Florence Nightingale, Gladstone, Carlyle, Dickens and Macaulay and one outstanding critic is Sir Charles Hastings, founder of the British Medical Association and also a resident of Worcester at this time. Dr. Gully got very rich out of his establishment but lost favour when it was discovered that he was involved in a romantic association with the leading character in a notorious poison trial while she had been his patient. Taken from Worcestershire by J.S. Leatherbarrow, p. 94-95. Publisher B.T. Batsford, London, 1974.

⁴⁰  Journal - see cost in the accounts

⁴¹  Ticket- see cost of day ticket to Bromsgrove in the accounts

⁴²  See accounts for what he tipped the servant

⁴³  See cost of Theatre trip in accounts

⁴⁴  See cost of trip to Birmingham and various presents he took along to London

ACCOUNTS FOR JULY
CREDIT
Date	Description	£	S	D
02-Jul	FH Needham 1 month's salary	6	13	4
	Balance brought down		1	5
25-Jul	CH Cox on loan to be repaid by October	5	0	0
26-Jul	F H Needham on loan	5	0	0
	Geo Wilson	1	0	0
	Do at different times in London	1	0	0
	1 pair mother, 1 pair Miss Smith
	1 pair Miss Miles, 2 pairs self
		12	1	5
DEBIT
Date	Description	£	S	D
03-Jul	Charles Cale			6
	Mrs Haines			19
	Cider			2
08-Jul	Mrs Griffin 3 weeds Board & Lodging to date	1	19	4 1/2
	Garden		3	0
05-Jul	Deightons Illus London News		1	0
	Watkins Garden Trowel			10
	Bromley Ale		1	6
	Stone & Marshall, tailors for Top Coat etc.	2	13	0
10-Jul	Deightons- London News		1	0
	Parlour Mag			2
	Bradshaw			6
	Day ticket (2nd class) to Bromsgrove & back		3	0
13-Jul	Servant at Russells			6
15-Jul	Mrs Griffin 3 weeds Board & Lodging		9	3
	Garden		5	0
16-Jul	Birley's - Agnes G's to get chain mending			8
	Hair cutting			3
17-Jul	Tom Jones			4
19-Jul	Deightons- Illustrated News		1	0
	Parlour Mag
21-Jul	Beggars			4
	Hair cutting, razors setting			7 1/2
	Balance carried down		1	5
24-Jul	Theatre, boxes		3	0
25-Jul	Mrs. Griffin to 22nd		10	0
26-Jul	Parsons, Broad St. Thread gloves		1	0
	2 pairs Kid		3	0
	Morgans-London News		1	0
	Parlour Mag			2
	John			6
	Mrs. Jones, fare to B'ham		2	8
	Do for self		2	8
	Cab to Wilkins		1	0
	tea, bed & breakfast, servant		3	6
27-Jul	Birmingham to London Government		9	4 1/2
	Uncle Wilson on A/c gloves (5 pairs)		9	6
	Refreshments		1	0
28-Jul	Exhibition		1	0
	Drury Lane		1	6
	Buns			3
	Tea			3
29-Jul	Dinner			6
	Colliseum( part)		2	0
30-Jul	Exhibition		1	0
	Refreshments		1	6
	Longfellows outre-Mer			1
	Astleys		2	0
	Balance carried down	8	16	10
		12	1	5