We have had an unexpected and generous visit from a benevolent benefactor, he has presented us with 15 diaries by 15 different characters. And by golly do they differ. To read more come and visit.

Dear Diarists, We are very pleased and proud to announce our new patron: Michael Palin. This iconic gent has - in between becoming an internationally acclaimed and well loved star - kept a diary. He is about to embark on a nationwide tour which is based on the life-record he has diligently and lovingly kept over the years. Expect a fun time. you can find information on his website : www.themichaelpalin.com. Diary lovers might like this link in particular: http://www.themichaelpalin.com/write_it_down/   Thank you, Love the GDP

The Poetry School Workshop Location TBC London, 27 June 2015, open to all, with Julia Bird and Laura Barnicoat During this event we will take you on a guided tour of the collection’s highlights in search of inspiration, discussing the varied impulses and styles of the diaries that have been building over the past couple of years. Then you’ll work on a series of diary-related reading and writing activities. Expect to be leafing through Larkin, MacNeice, Olds, Nin, Borodale and other diary-lovers, and bring a favourite published diary to work with (real or fictional, anything from Pepys to Bridget Jones). [...]

It really is. This is possibly the only personal narrative from the paws of a profound pooch. The GDP are proud to announce this wonderful addition from the dearly beloved and exceptionally erudite Shaka.

Madeira, My Dear? This lady's detailed account of a holiday in the sun seems, on first glance, a beautifully laid out and colourful collection of your standard holiday observation All is forgiven, however, when one clocks eyes on her fabulous bikinis, her people-observations and the mysterious photographic spectre of Roland.      

This truly fabulous example of diary flair -a joint effort - is screamingly funny, beautifully illustrated and a golden shot of nostalgia reminiscent of girlhoods' halcyon days...sort of St Trinian's under canvas. GDP 150

25 December From GDP/6 AJ AJ was born in 1964. Here, she describes a childhood Christmas. 25 December 1978 Fantastic day. Lots of stuff. Disco dancing fantastic. Orange game. Wokeup at 8:30 got stocking had breakfast. Took 2hrs opening presents. 2 pairs legwarmers shoes Indian jacket shirt [illegible] + lots of other stuff. Went B’s drinks gd. Big lunch. Games in evening.

20 December (post 20 Dec) From GDP/1 AM AM was born in 1937 and grew up in Cumbria. She kept a detailed diary during her teenage years and her early twenties, covering her final years at school, and her first job doing secretarial work in Edinburgh. 20 December 1952 My report came today and seems pretty hopeful regards the prefect business. “AM is making good progress in every way” written incidentally by the C [a teacher]. I think it’s about the best report I’ve ever had – even games was quite good! J, S [friends of the diarist] and I [...]

11 December From GDP/8 John Leeson John Leeson (1803-1865) owned and rented out property in London. In his diaries, he regularly recorded a mixture of his business dealings, family news, and politics. 11 December 1847 Mother got worse on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday + Wednesday. We had Sir James Clark to see her on Thursday who said there was great danger. She was very quiet + composed all day and wished all of us to go to bed at ten of’clock. She also made Nurse go to bed, who got up at 11 of’clock to give her the medicine when she [...]