Undated (To post 13 Sep) This is a very pretty poem - we found it in a worn leather case; the paper it was written on was brown and brittle and the ink it was written in, faded. Despite the frailty of its substance the strength of the text's sentiment is potent - 'she clung to me with woman's love'..... . 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. He [...]

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 The Government refuses to proceed until the threat of the General Strike was withdrawn.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 [...]