From GDP/57 James Bennetts Williams James Bennetts Williams (1856-1924) worked in the Cornish tin mines. During the latter decades of the nineteenth century, the tin-mining industry in Cornwall went into decline. Looking for work, Williams emigrated to Bolivia. In this entry, he describes his departure from England. September 26 1883 Got up just before 7 A.M. I took a walk up the street & bought a card to send home to my wife then came back and had a good breakfast. I went up to see the Museum &c. & bought a cup to take with me. Finished my letter [...]

From GDP/52 GF GF (1901-1982) was a young barrister in 1926. In the summer of that year, he was a marshal (assistant) to a judge riding a circuit of assize courts in the South-West of England. Here, he describes a murder trial in Winchester. This entry is unusual in that the diarist does not often go into detail about his legal work in his diary. 7 July 1926 This is very nearly the end of Winchester, and very very sorry am I. We go to-morrow. There are three more cases left but they will be over by lunch time and [...]

From GDP/52 GF GF (1901-1982) was a young barrister in London in 1926. Here, he expresses his fears as to the significance of the beginning of the General Strike. 3 May 1926 Complete breakdown of all negotiations. The Government refuses to proceed until the threat of the General Strike was withdrawn. They are right, but are they wise? Still one must support them in whatever they do. The alternative is too appalling. Apparently Baldwin learnt last night while the negotiations were proceeding that certain “Overt Acts” had already taken place, ant this decided him. The said “Acts” were of the [...]

21 June From GDP/16 CB CB grew up near Grantham in Lincolnshire. She kept her diary during her teenage years, writing a brief entry each day. In this excerpt, she describes local customs surrounding the Summer Solstice. 21 June 1934 Went up heath in rain. Wished in the “wishing well” as it is Midsummer Day and all wishes are supposed to come true.

20 June (for 14 June) From GDP/30 WK WK was a journalist on the “Times” in the early 1960s, and often reported on African affairs. After leaving the “Times”, he began working for the careers service at the University of Oxford. Here, he describes being visited in his new home by Kenneth Kaunda, the President of Zambia, who was attending a Commonwealth leaders’ meeting. 20 June 1965 At 11a.m. Kenneth Kaunda and his wife came, in Daimler with flag flying and Special Branch Man (Keble, IV Theol. 1952) in attendance. K. very tired, being overworked both at home and here [...]

From GDP/49 Thomas Harradence Thomas Harradence (1801-1878) was a bookseller in Camberwell. Here’s he records a domestic accident involving one of his children. 31 May 1846 Went with Jim to look at house. Daughter Sarah swallowed a Farthing during my absence – about one oclock – had Boy out with me for the first time – saw Bristow [the doctor] – Sarah to be let alone – NB interestingly Dr J Dee (the famed mathematician, alchemist, Queen's confidante and spiritualist) would meticulously note the ailments of his children. As did the early Renaissance Florentine diarists (who wrote in ricordanze)......

6 June From GDP/32 Anon This anonymous diary was kept as a record of the services its writer attended in various non-conformist chapels in the City of London. This entry refers to a sermon preached on John Ch. 14 v. 22 (the Last Supper) at the chapel at Ropemaker’s Alley in Moorfields. Mr Farmer at Mr Goodwin’s Morn 6 June 1736: 14 John 22 Judas saith unto him (not Iscariot) How wilt thou shew thy self unto us so as not unto the rest of the world -

5 May From GDP/7 DG DG (born 1948) was a nurse in South London, who at the time of this entry was doing a course in Nursing Training. Here, she writes about the storming of the Iranian embassy by the SAS following the taking of 26 hostages by Arab separatists. The diarist’s husband, a member of the Metropolitan Police’s Diplomatic Protection Group, was on the scene when the embassy was stormed. 5 May 1980 B [the diarist’s husband] on 6am. D [the diarist’s son] & I up 10.30ish!! Tried booking hol again – no dice. Rang A! Washed all the [...]

4 May From GDP/7 DG DG (born 1948) was a nurse in South London. Here, she reflects on her domestic situation, and on the election of Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister. 4 May 1979 Overslept → 8.10!! Kids → school. WON THE ELECTION – Mrs Thatcher is first Woman P.M. in Western World!! Fantastic! → Bromley → R’s [a stable] – rode Horace out – good! Home for lunch [with] B [the diarist’s husband]. Hayes in pm. Drove E’s car back from Bromley for her!!