# **THE DIARIES OF ANTHONY HEWITSON, PROVINCIAL JOURNALIST**

# book **Volume 1: 1865–1887**

**EDITED BY ANDREW HOBBS**

**OBP**

THE DIARIES OF ANTHONY HEWITSON,

**ANDREW HOBBS (ED.)**

PROVINCIAL JOURNALIST

THE DIARIES OF ANTHONY HEWITSON

Victorian fatherhood, family life, and the culture of a Victorian town.

variety shows, in and around Preston, Lancashire.

interested in nineteenth-century social and cultural history.

can also be found at h� p://www.openbookpublishers.com

Gallery & Library, Preston. Licence: CC BY-NC-ND. Cover design by Anna Ga� .

far beyond provincial newspapers.

e

ebook and OA edi� ons also available

EDITED BY ANDREW HOBBS

Volume 1: 1865–1887

PROVINCIAL JOURNALIST

Anthony Hewitson (1836-1912) was a typical Victorian journalist, working in one of the largest sectors of the periodical press, provincial newspapers. His diaries, wri� en between 1862 and 1912, li� the veil of anonymity hiding the people, processes and networks involved in the crea� on of Victorian newspapers. They also tell us about

Diaries of nineteenth-century provincial journalists are extremely rare. Anthony Hewitson went from printer's appren� ce to newspaper reporter and eventually editor of his own paper. Every night he jo� ed down the day's doings, his thoughts and feelings. The diaries are a lively account of the reporter's daily round, covering mee� ngs and court cases, hun� ng for gossip or a� ending public execu� ons and

Andrew Hobbs's introduc� on and footnotes provide background and analysis of these valuable documents. This full scholarly edi� on off ers a wealth of new informa� on about repor� ng, freelancing, sub-edi� ng, newspaper ownership and publishing, and illuminates aspects of Victorian periodicals and culture extending

*The Diaries of Anthony Hewitson, Provincial Journalist* are an indispensable research tool for local and regional historians, as well as social and poli� cal historians with an interest in Victorian studies and the media. They are also illumina� ng for anyone

This is the author-approved edi� on of this Open Access � tle. As with all Open Book publica� ons, this en� re book is available to read for free on the publisher's website. Printed and digital edi� ons, together with supplementary digital material,

Cover image: Anthony Hewitson's carte de visite (1860s), by Robert Pateson. Courtesy of The Harris Museum, Art

**OPEN ACCESS 1**

# THE DIARIES OF ANTHONY HEWITSON, PROVINCIAL JOURNALIST

# The Diaries of Anthony Hewitson, Provincial Journalist

Volume 1: 1865–1887

*Edited by Andrew Hobbs*

#### https://www.openbookpublishers.com

Introduction and Notes © 2022 Andrew Hobbs

The diaries of Anthony Hewitson are reproduced by permission of the owner, Lancashire Archives and the copyright holder, Margaret Mullen

This text is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (CC BY 4.0). This license allows you to share, copy, distribute and transmit the text; to adapt the text and to make commercial use of the text providing attribution is made to the authors (but not in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of the work). Attribution should include the following information:

Andrew Hobbs (ed), *The Diaries of Anthony Hewitson, Provincial Journalist: Volume 1: 1865– 18*87. Cambridge, UK: Open Book Publishers, 2022, https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0262

Further details about the Creative Commons license are available at https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

All external links were active at the time of publication unless otherwise stated and have been archived via the Internet Archive Wayback Machine at https://archive.org/web

Updated digital material and resources associated with this volume are available at https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0262#resources

The Research Society for Victorian Periodicals, the Marc Fitch Fund, the University of Central Lancashire and the Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire have generously contributed to the publication of this volume.

ISBN Paperback: 9781800642362 ISBN Hardback: 9781800642379 ISBN Digital (PDF): 9781800642386 ISBN Digital ebook (EPUB): 9781800642393 ISBN Digital ebook (AZW3): 9781800642409 ISBN XML: 9781800642416 Digital ebook (HTML): 9781800646889 DOI: 10.11647/OBP.0262 Cover image: Anthony Hewitson's carte-de-visite (1860s), by Robert Pateson. Courtesy of The Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library, Preston, CC BY-NC-ND. Cover design by Anna Gatti.

*To Margaret Dickinson, who has made it all such fun and to the memory of Anthony Wright*

Fig. 1. Carte-de-visite of a young Anthony Hewitson (1860s), by C. Sanderson, courtesy of Martin Duesbury, CC BY.

# Contents



# List of Illustrations


I have the doyen of local historians, Dr Alan Crosby, to thank for telling me about the Hewitson diaries in 2007, soon after I started my PhD. Staff at Lancashire Archives put me in touch with Hewitson's greatgreat-niece, Margaret Dickinson, who was transcribing the diaries with another descendant, Pauline Wainwright. Thanks to both of them, particularly Margaret, who has been an enthusiastic and generous collaborator throughout, sharing her knowledge of Hewitson's family and much else besides.

Bruce Jackson and Jacquie Crosby, former heads of Lancashire Archives, and their archivists and searchroom staff have been helpful and encouraging. Thanks to the late Marian Roberts, who started the campaign to bring the diaries back to Lancashire, to the Friends of Lancashire Archives (FLA), who bought the diaries for the archives, to Rob Blackmore for selling them (and for a great deal of other help), and to FLA members Elaine Berry, Bob Chapman, Sue Seabridge and Pam Singleton, for checking the transcriptions. Many people have helped by deciphering handwriting and shorthand (Kathryn Baird), and commenting on the text (Barbara Tilley, Jim Burscough, Peter Towers, Steve Tate, Mark Buckley and the anonymous peer reviewers). Actor John Hickey and playwright Derek Martin brought the diaries alive with a play to mark the centenary of Hewitson's death in 2012, with help from Cristina Neacsu and Malcolm Sim.

I am grateful to the many scholars, particularly from the Research Society for Victorian Perriodicals (RSVP) and the Black Horse History Society, for encouragement. Thanks to Laurel Brake, Martin Duesbury, Craig Horner, Martin Hewitt, Leslie Howsam, Andrew King, Mairtin O'Cathain, Dave Russell, Malcolm Shifrin, and Catherine Waters. RSVP generously supported my research with a Curran Fellowship and a Peterson Fellowship. The University of Central Lancashire supported this project with a sabbatical and a contribution towards publication costs. The Marc Fitch Fund and the Historic Society of Lancashire & Cheshire have also contributed to publication costs. Thanks also to Open Book Publishers, including Lucy Barnes, Rosalyn Sword and Alessandra Tosi, and two anonymous reviewers.

I would also like to thank Margaret Mullen, fiancée of the late Anthony Wright, Hewitson's great-grandson, who kindly gave permission for this publication of the diaries, as copyright holder.

The first entry in the diary of Anthony Hewitson records the death of his three-year-old daughter, the second describes her burial, before which Hewitson climbed into the family grave to look through a glass window in the coffin at the face of another daughter who had died at the same age two years earlier. The third entry, three days later, celebrates the birth of his first son. These extremes of life and death could explain why he began his diary when he did. He had also recently witnessed the hardships of the Lancashire Cotton Famine. He was almost certainly writing 'to cheat the clock and death of all the things that [he] had lived', afraid that he might leave nothing behind.<sup>1</sup>

Hewitson's first surviving attempt at writing his life was made three years earlier, in 1862, at the age of 25, when he began a short account of his childhood and early years with these anxious musings on mortality:

To die, to be buried and forgotten is brutish. Humanity is too great … to be finally covered over by its own flesh and blood with the ashes of forgetfulness. Oblivion is repulsive … To my own family I will preserve myself. Those whom I have loved and lived for shall have, in this, an index of the events which have surrounded me, the thoughts which have influenced my mind, and the sentiments which have, more or less, animated my heart.<sup>2</sup>

These 17 volumes of diaries and a short memoir, written between 1862 and 1912, reveal Hewitson as a loving Victorian father and husband, but their significance comes from his work, as a newspaper reporter and editor. Anthony Hewitson was a typical Victorian journalist, working in

<sup>1</sup> T. Mallon, *A Book of One's Own: People and Their Diaries* (New York: Ticknor & Fields, 1984), 34.

<sup>2</sup> Anthony Hewitson, 'My Life', Lancashire Archives DP/512/2.

one of the largest sectors of the periodical press, provincial newspapers. His diaries lift the veil of anonymity hiding the processes and networks involved in the creation of Victorian newspapers, helping historians to interpret this widely used source. They present and contextualise a wealth of new information about reporting, freelancing, sub-editing, newspaper ownership and publishing. They illuminate aspects of Victorian periodicals, and Victorian culture, far beyond provincial newspapers.

Census reports show that most Victorian journalists worked in the provinces, making Hewitson representative of this era's journalists.3 The diaries describe the daily life of a reporter, editor and owner of weekly newspapers in Lancashire and Yorkshire; he was part of a national network of news through his reporting for *The Times,* the *Manchester Guardian* and other papers. Hewitson began his career as a printer's apprentice and attended mutual improvement classes. He was interested in local history, and involved in political, religious and voluntary causes. He was unremarkable, save for one thing—he wrote the only known diaries of a UK provincial journalist.

He made a name for himself with his opinionated, gossipy writing style, and with his books of local history and topography. But his fame, if it could be called that, never spread beyond North Lancashire. His diaries record occasional meetings with famous men: he calls on Thomas Carlyle unannounced and has a chat and a smoke with him at Cheyne Row, Chelsea, he meets William Gladstone and attends lectures and performances by Charles Dickens, 'the Tichborne Claimant' (a famous fraudster) and infamous female impersonator Ernest Boulton ('Stella'). But these are unusual events, and the value of the diaries is in the usualness of Hewitson's work routines, his socialising and his family life. His ordinariness makes him representative of thousands of other small-town reporters and editors who, between them, week after week, produced a national network of local newspapers which were at the heart of Victorian culture.

One other diary of a Victorian provincial journalist is in the public domain, that of James Brown, owner-editor of the *Isle of Man Times* (the Isle of Man, in the Irish Sea, is not part of the UK). Brown wrote

<sup>3</sup> Andrew Hobbs, *A Fleet Street in Every Town: The Provincial Press in England, 1855– 1900* (Cambridge: Open Book Publishers, 2018), 146.

about 6,000 words during his 53 days in prison in 1864.4 In contrast, Hewitson's diaries total more than 226,000 words. Other candidates might be Edwin Waugh (1817–1890), who, like Hewitson, was a compositor, and, like another diarist, Samuel Bamford (1788–1872), was an occasional contributor to Manchester newspapers. But neither Waugh nor Bamford worked as staff reporters or editors of local papers. Henry Lucy (1842–1924) began his career on local newspapers, but his *Diary of a Journalist* (1920) does not mention those years (although his memoirs do). The unpublished diaries of William Linton Andrews (1886–1972), editor of the *Yorkshire Post,* only begin in 1915, and he was a more distinguished editor of a more distinguished paper.<sup>5</sup> However, scholars have used other types of archival documents to explain what appeared in the newspaper, why and how. David Ayerst's superb 'biography' of the *Manchester Guardian* relies on editors' correspondence and business records, as do the official histories of *The Times*. 6 But those books, and those two newspapers, tend to focus on high politics, whereas smaller provincial weeklies (and Hewitson's diaries) cover more of the spectrum of Victorian culture and society. Personal and business letters can serve a similar purpose; for example, the letters of *Manchester Guardian* editor C.P. Scott, or of Dickens, often illuminate the published texts they oversaw, but Scott was never a reporter, Dickens only for a few years. And neither edited a provincial weekly paper, the most common type of nineteenth-century periodical.<sup>7</sup>

<sup>4</sup> Brown (1815–1881) was the son of a freed slave. His diary is reproduced in full in Robert Fyson, *The Struggle for Manx Democracy* (Douglas, Isle of Man: Culture Vannin, 2016), 126–44.

<sup>5</sup> Edwin Waugh, *The Diary of Edwin Waugh: Life in Victorian Manchester and Rochdale 1847–1851*, ed. Brian Hollingworth (Lancaster: Carnegie, 2008); Samuel Bamford, *The Diaries of Samuel Bamford*, ed. Robert Poole and Martin Hewitt (Stroud: Sutton Publishing Ltd, 2000); Henry W Lucy, *The Diary of a Journalist* (London: John Murray, 1922), https://archive.org/details/diaryofjournalis02lucyiala/page/n8/ mode/2up; Letters and Papers of Sir William Linton Andrews,Special Collections, University of Leeds Library.

<sup>6</sup> David Ayerst, *Guardian: Biography of a Newspaper* (London: Collins, 1971); Stanley Morison, *The History of The Times* (5 vols, London: The Times, 1939).

<sup>7</sup> Scott's correspondence is in the *Guardian* archive, John Rylands Library, University of Manchester https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/archives/e54b9c6a-ca15-398a-8d8d-f5114faf1929; Graham Storey et al, eds, *The British Academy/The Pilgrim Edition of the Letters of Charles Dickens* (12 Volumes) (Oxford University Press, 1965-2002), https://www.oxfordscholarlyeditions.com/view/10.1093/actrade/9780199245963. book.1/actrade-9780199245963-book-1. *Charles Dickens Letters Project*, ed. Leon Litvack and Emily Bell (London: Dickens Fellowship), DickensLetters.com.

Hewitson's diaries can tell us how Victorian newspapers were made. Most articles were anonymous, unbylined. But these diaries bring to life the people, networks, processes and choices behind millions of newspaper pages, answering the questions, 'Who wrote all this stuff, and how?' The diaries reveal relationships, which led to Hewitson the editor covering his friend's fashionable wedding, Hewitson the reporter sharing his notes with a colleague on a rival paper, and Hewitson the historian sending his manuscript to other historians for peer review. The diaries enable us to follow him as a reporter on his daily round, hunting for 'paragraphs' of gossip, taking shorthand notes of meetings, court cases and speeches, 'dressing up' incoherent and ungrammatical speeches, privately disapproving of the public executions he attends, dutifully reporting his employer's public activities, or offering what is now called 'copy approval' before submitting a report of a priest's lecture. They reveal long hours ('Made a calculation today that I had written 90 pages of manuscript for our Wednesday supplement') and long distances on foot, horseback or by train. They show how Hewitson mixed work and leisure, taking friends and family on reporting assignments (even inviting his wife to view a corpse found in a field), reviewing performances by the actor Barry Sullivan, blackface minstrels and opera, enjoying free dinners and often ending the day in a pub, gossiping or discussing Carlyle.

The diaries are of interest to scholars of Victorian journalism, and social and cultural historians, especially historians of reading, publishing, gender and masculinity, the family, emotions, life writing and provincial cultures. They illuminate the economics, politics and work routines of the provincial press, and the place of journalists in local culture. They also cover family and social life, and leisure.

#### Biography: Anthony Hewitson (1836–1912)

Hewitson, like his hero Thomas Carlyle, was the son of a stonemason, born in Blackburn on 13 August 1836. He grew up in Ingleton in Yorkshire (see map, Figure 2) with his maternal grandparents, who had recently inherited enough money for Hewitson's grandfather to retire from shoemaking. His grandmother died in 1841, and for the next nine years his grandfather looked after him and sent him to the village school. Hewitson looked back on his childhood fondly, and contrasted the village with the dirty streets and uncouth manners of Lancaster, where he went in 1850, at the age of 14, to begin a sevenyear apprenticeship. He learnt the 'art and mystery' of printing at the *Lancaster Gazette*, a Tory weekly paper. Hewitson's comfortable rural childhood was funded indirectly by the labour of enslaved people in Jamaica. His grandmother's inheritance came from Ann Sill of West House (Whernside Manor), Dent near Ingleton.<sup>8</sup> Ms Sill's estate received £3,783 (almost half a million pounds in today's money) posthumously as compensation for the liberation of 174 enslaved workers on her Jamaican sugar plantation (one of her executors who dealt with the will was the Cambridge geologist Adam Sedgwick).9

In Lancaster, Hewitson was reunited with his parents and younger brothers and sisters, who had settled there some years before. He taught himself shorthand and began to report for his own paper and as district correspondent of the *Manchester Guardian;* he continued his education at mutual improvement classes, had a religious conversion and met Margaret Wilson, his future wife. In 1857, a week after completing his apprenticeship, he left Lancaster to gain experience on a succession of local papers in Kendal, Dudley, Wolverhampton and finally Preston. In 1858, he joined the *Preston Guardian*, then edited by temperance pioneer Joseph Livesey's son William, who became Hewitson's lifelong friend.

Over the next ten years Hewitson worked on three of Preston's four papers at least once, as a reporter on the *Chronicle* for 28 shillings a week (exact dates unknown), as 'manager' (similar to editor) of the bi-weekly *Preston Herald* from 1861 to 1862, earning two pounds and six shillings a week, then as chief reporter of North Lancashire's biggest paper, the *Preston Guardian,* where he earned three pounds a week, a good wage for a reporter in 1865. He developed a lucrative sideline in freelance reporting for other papers, including *The Times,* and it was probably this 'moonlighting' which led to him being dismissed in 1867. In 1868 he bought the town's third-ranking paper for £580 (paying in instalments over five years): the Liberal *Preston Chronicle*, which he ran until 1890.<sup>10</sup> Before he bought the *Chronicle* he had mastered news reporting,

<sup>8</sup> Maggie B. Dickinson, 'Beyond Red Letter Days: Anthony Hewitson, Author, Editor, Antiquarian, Publisher and Newspaper Proprietor', *Sedbergh Historian* VI.4 (2013): 28–34 (p. 29).

<sup>9</sup> 'Ann Sill'*, Legacies of British Slave-Ownership Database*, http://wwwdepts-live.ucl. ac.uk/lbs/person/view/1287751141*.*

<sup>10</sup> He paid £300 for good will (also described as the copyright) and £280 for printing type and machinery (16 Dec 1867, 23 March 1868). The Toulmins had paid £6,600 for the *Preston Guardian* in 1859, revealing the *Guardian*'s greater sales, profits and prestige.

descriptive writing and commentary, and adopted the pen-name of 'Atticus' (a Latin name with connotations of literary sophistication), for a series of irreverent sketches of local officials and institutions. He developed a distinctive style that made him Preston's best-known writer for the rest of the century.

In 1858 he married Margaret Wilson, daughter of a Lancaster tailor and draper, with whom he had 11 children, seven of whom survived to adulthood. Eight years after they married, the Hewitsons were able to buy their own house, thanks to Margaret's 'economy'. They moved house frequently, sometimes renting, sometimes buying, depending on employment or business activities, moving steadily up the social scale.

Hewitson worked long hours and made a comfortable living from the *Chronicle* and from properties he bought in Preston and the West Riding. In 1890, at the age of 54, he sold the *Chronicle*, which was struggling in an overcrowded and capital-intensive local newspaper market*.* He did not retire; in 1893 he was launch editor of the Conservative *Lancaster Standard*, and in 1894 became a partner in the Conservative *Wakefield Herald*, buying the paper outright in 1896. His eldest son Ethelbert ran the paper for him, until it was sold in 1911. By this time Hewitson was semi-retired, spending the winter in Preston and the summer in the seaside resort of Morecambe. He died in Morecambe in 1912, survived by his wife, who died in 1916. Hewitson was focused on his local area but he also lived on a larger map: he visited the United States at least twice, and corresponded with British reporters working in America; his son Bertie worked as a reporter there for more than four years, and friends emigrated to America, Canada and Australia.

#### The diaries

The diaries are owned by Lancashire Archives, purchased in 2004 by the Friends of the Archives from Hewitson's great-grandson Robert Blackmore in Australia (copyright remains with the family until 2039). They were brought to light by Margaret Dickinson, Hewitson's greatgreat-niece, who had seen the diaries in the 1970s and told Preston historian Marian Roberts. She, in turn, urged the head of Lancashire Archives to acquire them.

Hewitson wrote in pre-printed diaries of different shapes and sizes. He wanted them to be read, at least by his family, as he bequeathed them to his eldest son Ethelbert. Not every entry was written on the day of the events; on 18 December 1865 he writes: 'Have got nine days behind hand with my diary. Very bad; but I have been terribly hard worked'. There are gaps in the diaries, sometimes for months, particularly when Hewitson was busy—for example, when he took charge of his own paper, the *Preston Chronicle* in 1868. There are also gaps between diaries, sometimes because he did not write a diary (1869–1871), but there may be missing volumes.

Death and new life may explain why Hewitson started his diary when he did, and his urge to be remembered by his family was one motivation for preserving his life in writing in the first place, but there may have been other reasons, too. As a journalist he was used to writing for publication, and may have hoped that his diaries would go into print. There are hints of this when he addresses an imagined reader ('This may be of some service to somebody…' prefacing his thoughts on work, 9 May 1884). We know he was interested in diaries as historical documents because he published two, one of a colonel in the army of William of Orange shortly after he became king of England in 1688, and another of a Jacobite rebel in the years before the failed 1715 uprising. In the introduction to the diary of the Jacobite Thomas Tyldesley, he wrote from experience about the difficulty in maintaining the diary habit:

Few tasks seem easier, and yet we know of none very much harder, than that of keeping a private diary. Primarily, the work may gratify the idiosyncracies, or tend to usefully methodise the experience, or give a species of charm to the reminiscences of the writer; but the continuity of attention, the perseverance and exactitude of habit involved in it, operate frequently as a barrier to ultimate success, and surround with weariness or monotony a labour originally invested with daily freshness. It is on this account that few men succeed as diary keepers.<sup>11</sup>

Luckily for us, Hewitson did succeed.

<sup>11</sup> Joseph Gillow and Anthony Hewitson, eds, *The Tyldesley Diary: Personal Records of Thomas Tyldesley (Grandson of Sir Thomas Tyldesley, the Royalist) During the Years 1712–13–14* (Preston: A. Hewitson, 1873), 5, https://archive.org/details/ tyldesleydiaryp00attigoog. According to the frontispiece, this introduction was written by both editors, but it has Hewitson's distinctive style. The other diary was Thomas Bellingham, *Diary of Thomas Bellingham: An Officer Under William III*, ed. Anthony Hewitson (Preston: G. Toulmin & sons, 1908), https://archive.org/details/ diaryofthomasbel00belluoft.

His diary allowed him to write about things that were not suitable for the newspaper, such as family events, his feelings and mental states (he acknowledged feelings of 'melancholy'—depression?—for weeks and months at a time in his late twenties and early thirties), business matters, and private opinions, often quite different from those he expressed in print. He also came from a Nonconformist religious background, which had a Puritan tradition of self-examination through diary-keeping.<sup>12</sup> And, although this may not have been his original intention, he sometimes used them for reference (24 October 1906: 'Searching some of my diaries for the nineties—1895–1900 & found what I wanted on nearly the last page').

Keeping a diary, and reading published diaries, were popular pastimes in the Victorian era. The fashion began with the publication of the diaries of John Evelyn in 1818 and particularly those of Samuel Pepys in 1825, followed by John Wesley's in 1827 and Lord Byron's in 1830. A list of Hewitson's books, auctioned after his death, includes the diaries of Sir Walter Scott, Evelyn, Pepys and William Allingham.13 Letts started making dated blank diaries in 1812 of the type used by Hewitson, and by 1862 offered 55 different kinds.14 This popularity meant that 'by the 1830s it was impossible for a diarist to write without a degree of self-conscious positioning within a published tradition, and without being fully aware of the ambiguous status of the diary's claim to privacy.'<sup>15</sup> Rebecca Steinitz believes the diary is 'a profoundly cultural form', influenced by the ideologies of its time, and far from a simple, unmediated expression of an individual's personality.16 'The diary is not an artless form… diaries are literary productions, crafted to give the impression of spontaneity and sincerity', according to Penny Summerfield.17 Diarists do not even use their own words, much of

<sup>12</sup> Tom Webster, 'Early Stuart Puritanism', in *The Cambridge Companion to Puritanism*, ed. John Coffey and Paul CH Lim (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008), 59; cited in Desirée Henderson, *How to Read a Diary: Critical Contexts and Interpretive Strategies for 21st-Century Readers* (Abingdon: Routledge, 2019), p. 10.

<sup>13</sup> Auction catalogue for Hewitson's library, 1916 (Lancashire Archives DDX2544).

<sup>14</sup> Rebecca Steinitz, *Time, Space, and Gender in the Nineteenth-Century British Diary* (Springer, 2011), p. 3.

<sup>15</sup> Martin Hewitt, 'Diary, Autobiography and the Practice of Life History', in *Life Writing and Victorian Culture*, ed. David Amigoni (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2006), p. 25.

<sup>16</sup> Steinitz, *Time, Space, and Gender*, p. 6.

<sup>17</sup> Penny Summerfield, *Histories of the Self: Personal Narratives and Historical Practice* (London: Routledge, 2018), p. 50.

#### *Introduction xxiii*

the time, according to Christa Hammerle: they borrow writing styles, terminology and metaphors from 'literature and other media, from the institutions of the Church, school education, political systems and so on'.<sup>18</sup> Hewitson's diaries are full of 'Carlylese' (the distinctive mannerisms of Thomas Carlyle) and phrases from Shakespeare, the Bible and popular songs. But none of this is to deny the uniqueness of any diary, including his.

Hewitson's diaries, like all diaries, should be judged on their own terms, not by the standards of literature or memoir.19 Like newspapers, diaries are open-ended, written in the midst of life, in ignorance of how the stories will end, unlike memoirs, which are written after the events, and have the luxury of imposing coherence on a life.20 Some Victorian journalists' memoirs do mention work on provincial newspapers, but they tend to use it as a narrative device in their first few chapters, to contrast with later success; most of these memoirs are jumbles of anecdotes, about reporting escapades or meetings with famous figures. Some of the immediacy of Hewitson's diaries can only be seen in the original, as when his handwriting becomes less legible after a few brandies. He uses pre-printed diaries but often writes beyond the space allotted for each day, especially on weekdays, perhaps knowing that his weekends will be less eventful.

The diary format allows the rhythms and seasons of newspaper publishing, family, civic and religious life to emerge. He is a man, writing a type of literature (the diary) considered to be feminine (at least in fiction, where it is often used as a narrative vehicle for a female character),<sup>21</sup> mixing his public life and his private life; writing in a private form, but with readers in mind (his family, perhaps even the public), strongly influenced by his upbringing and his times, yet

<sup>18</sup> Christa Hammerle, 'Diaries', in *Reading Primary Sources: The Interpretation of Texts from 19th and 20th Century History*, ed. Miriam Dobson and Benjamin Ziemann (London: Routledge, 2008), p. 150.

<sup>19</sup> Jennifer Sinor, *The Extraordinary Work of Ordinary Writing: Annie Ray's Diary* (Iowa City, Iowa: University of Iowa Press, 2002), pp. 5, 8.

<sup>20</sup> Anne-Marie Millim, 'The Victorian Diary: Between the Public and the Private: The Victorian Diary', *Literature Compass* 7, no. 10 (2010), 977-88 (p. 978); Margaret Beetham, 'Open and Closed: The Periodical as a Publishing Genre', *Victorian Periodicals Review* 22, no. 3 (1989), 96–100; Sinor, *The Extraordinary Work of Ordinary Writing*, p. 20; Anne-Marie Millim, *The Victorian Diary: Authorship and Emotional Labour* (Farnham, Surrey: Routledge, 2013), p. 15.

<sup>21</sup> Steinitz, *Time, Space, and Gender, p.* 1.

still revealing his idiosyncrasies. When read continuously, the diaries take us into his world and we start to see through Hewitson's eyes. We are fortunate to have access to the newspapers on which he worked (some of them digitised) and to rival newspapers which reported on his doings, and commented on his personality and his writings. His style in the diaries is usually plainer than his published writing, and these comparisons tell us how he wanted to present himself to the world. His diaries are mainly about things that happened but with frequent mentions of his feelings and mental states; they are rarely intimate, but occasionally introspective, and written in connected prose (with a couple of exceptions written in shorthand; for example, when he appears to be paying bribes to voters on behalf of the Liberals, yet he knows that his sons can read shorthand).

A diary allows the writer to craft a persona, and a comparison of Hewitson's diaries with other historical sources reveals aspects of his personality absent from the diaries. Records of the local printers' union suggest that he was one of Preston's worst printing employers, in his over-use of cheap apprentice labour and non-payment of overtime and night-work payments; his attacks on George Toulmin, owner of the *Preston Guardian,* during his unsuccessful 1870 evening newspaper rivalry claimed that Toulmin stole his idea, whereas printers' union minutes show that Toulmin had been considering a daily paper for more than a year (Hewitson also underplays Toulmin's triumph in his *History of Preston*), and his bad temper and petulant spite in his 1874 libel trial are certainly not part of his diary persona.

The timespan of Hewitson's diaries, from 1865 to 1912, covers huge change in society, newspaper publishing, technology and many other areas. He remembers stage coaches before he saw the railway come to Ingleton in 1848–1849, and watches a 'flying machine' pass over him in 1911. He was active during the golden age of the provincial press, but struggled to adapt to the New Journalism of the 1880s, dismissing football as a passing fad, and refusing to change his writing style, with its over-wrought syntax and literary allusions. The diaries are a superb historical source, and a gripping read in themselves.

#### The nineteenth-century provincial press

When Hewitson began his apprenticeship in 1850, the provincial press was growing in importance, but still overshadowed by London newspapers, which sold more than twice as many copies in total. By the time he became a journeyman compositor and reporter, seven years later, local and regional newspapers had undergone a revolution, as changes in newspaper taxation reduced operating costs and made it possible to publish a profitable daily paper outside London priced at a penny. From 1855 onwards, weekly papers such as the *Preston Guardian*  became bi-weekly, and bi-weeklies such as the *Manchester Guardian*  became dailies. New titles were launched. Newspapers everywhere dropped their cover prices, sales increased and advertising became more profitable. By the early 1860s, and probably before, provincial newspapers were outselling London titles, a situation that continued until the 1930s. Hewitson and other young reporters could take advantage of the expanding opportunities afforded by this cultural revolution, and provincial papers in particular were at the centre of this publishing turmoil.

Hewitson's rapid job changes at the start of his career took him from Lancashire to Westmorland, Staffordshire and back to Lancashire. This pattern was not unusual, and demonstrates that provincial journalism was a national industry, in which personnel moved freely from one part of the country to another. News also moved quickly around this national network of local and regional papers, in an age before 'national' newspapers as we understand them today. *The Times* reached many parts of Britain a day after it was published, and contained little news of Britain beyond the South-East. In contrast, local papers carried national and international news, including parliamentary reports. They could provide telegraphed news from London to local readers hours before the London papers arrived. The local press, not the London press, was the nearest thing to a national press at this time. Hewitson, and other 'moonlighting' reporters who sent local news to papers further afield, acted as nodes in the national news network. He also sent many copies of his own papers to other newspaper offices in return for copies of their titles each week, and as a reporter he would scour these 'exchange' papers for news of interest to local readers.

The papers for which Hewitson worked were different from London titles and today's local newspapers. Their more varied content included poetry and short stories (some in local dialect), serialised novels, columns for women and children, local history, biography and geography, book reviews, literary extracts and jokes and sayings from *Punch* and other London periodicals. When seen as a national network, the local press was a major publishing platform for many different types of writing, including serial fiction, poetry, history, topography and biography.<sup>22</sup>

The diaries add greatly to what we already know about provincial newspaper editors, owners and owner-editors, and break new ground with their detailed information about the work routines of the reporter. The biography of W.E. Adams, editor of the *Newcastle Weekly Chronicle* from 1864 to 1900, is one of the best, using Adams's memoir and correspondence between him and his proprietor to illuminate what went in the paper.23 The correspondence is especially useful for revealing decisions and reasoning for the inclusion or exclusion of types of content. F. David Roberts used the *Dictionary of National Biography*, Boase's *Modern English Biography*, memoirs and individual biographies to create a collective portrait of hundrededs of early Victorian editors of the 1840s, most of them conducting provincial newspapers.24 His method draws out the networks, status, class and family backgrounds, their personal interests and connections to other livelihoods, showing consistent patterns. Hewitson is remarkably similar to this earlier generation of editors, in his energy, upward mobility, self-education and love of history. Victoria Gardner's studies of local newspaper proprietors in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries place them in their local social and economic contexts, as members of communities who read, advertised with and influenced the newspapers, and valued the publishers as 'communications brokers'.<sup>25</sup> She uses business records

<sup>22</sup> For a more detailed study of the local press, see Hobbs, *Fleet Street*.

<sup>23</sup> Owen R. Ashton, *W. E. Adams: Chartist, Radical and Journalist (1832–1906: 'An Honour to the Fourth Estate'* (Whitley Bay: Bewick Press, 1991).

<sup>24</sup> F. David Roberts, 'Early Victorian Newspaper Editors', *Victorian Periodicals Newsletter*, 14 (1971), 1–12; F. David Roberts, 'More Early Victorian Newspaper Editors', *Victorian Periodicals Newsletter*, 16 (1972), 15–28; F. David Roberts, 'Still More Early Victorian Newspaper Editors', *Victorian Periodicals Newsletter*, 18 (1972), 12–26.

<sup>25</sup> Victoria E.M. Gardner, *The Business of News in England, 1760–1820* (Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2016), p. 5.

and correspondence archives which are not available for Hewitson and his papers.

By Hewitson's time, local newspaper markets were more competitive, and their study can reveal the type and level of competition, success or failure to find a niche, political and other subsidies, and other dynamics of each distinctive market. Maurice Milne's study of North-East England focuses on political differentiation, as does Lisa Peters's analysis of North-East Wales, the latter using the correspondence of political figures to reveal secrets of ownership and financing hidden in the newspapers themselves.<sup>26</sup> Peter J. Lucas's work on the newspapers of Furness in North Lancashire shows the different functions of newspapers in new and old communities, positioning inside or outside local power blocs, and the co-opting of newspaper publishing as marketing material for bigger business interests.<sup>27</sup> In the absence of archives, Lucas relied on the enmity between newspapers to reveal details of finance, ownership and personnel. By contrast, David Ayerst's study of the *Manchester Guardian* benefits from one of the best archives of any newspaper, including detailed business and financial records, correspondence and analysis of competitors.28 But even the *Guardian* archive does not contain any personal diaries, and those of Hewitson bring extra detail and flavour missing from these other studies of editors and owners; they fully come into their own as a record of that neglected figure at the centre of Victorian journalism, the reporter.

<sup>26</sup> Maurice Milne, *The Newspapers of Northumberland and Durham: A Study of Their Progress During the 'Golden Age' of the Provincial Press* (Newcastle upon Tyne: Graham, 1971); Lisa Peters, *Politics, Publishing and Personalities: Wrexham Newspapers, 1848–1914* (Chester: University of Chester Press, 2011).

<sup>27</sup> For example, Peter J. Lucas, 'Publicity and Power: James Ramsden's Experiment with Daily Journalism', *Transactions of the Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society*, 2nd ser., 75 (1975), 352–75; Peter J. Lucas, 'Provincial Culture and "The Penny Brotherhood": The Case of Joseph Richardson', *Transactions of the Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society*, 2nd ser., 78 (1978), 187-98 (p. 198); Peter J. Lucas, 'J. A. Bernard's Challenge: Journalists on Journalism in a Victorian Country Town', *Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society,* 3rd ser., 7 (2007), 193–213.

<sup>28</sup> Ayerst.

#### Preston

Hewitson's adopted home was halfway between London and Edinburgh, a market centre and administrative and legal hub for Lancashire outside the large, self-governing towns. It was the most Roman Catholic town in England, according to the 1851 religious census, with about a third of its population Catholics, mainly English rather than Irish (although a high proportion of the population were Irish-born, 12.3 per cent in 1861).29 At the turn of the century it had been a quiet, genteel place, known for its social life, which revolved around the Earl of Derby, who had a mansion in the centre of town. Industrial cotton manufacture came late to Preston, in the final years of the eighteenth century, and grew slowly, accelerating in the 1830s. The population grew from some 25,000 in 1821 to 69,000 in 1851 and 130,000 in 1911, and its main industries were the spinning and weaving of cotton, and engineering. Its railway connections, its river port and its army barracks (and its newspapers) connected it to the rest of the country and to the world beyond.

Hewitson had arrived in Preston at the end of a cotton trade depression in 1858, only a few years after the infamous 1853–1854 Preston Lock-Out, when most of the town's mill owners had combined to lock workers out for 28 weeks over broken promises to reverse a previous pay cut (Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell used this national cause celebre as raw material for their novels *Hard Times* and *North and South* respectively). The Lancashire Cotton Famine (1861–1865) brought more poverty and hunger, as mills closed due to overproduction and a blockade of cotton imports during the American Civil War. The town had low literacy rates and one of the highest death rates in the country, due in part to poor housing and infrastructure, which had not kept pace with Preston's rapid growth.

Preston was a two-member parliamentary constituency which had enjoyed universal male suffrage from 1768 to 1832 (so the Reform Act of that year actually reduced the franchise in Preston). This male workingclass vote had encouraged some radical politics, including the election of Henry Hunt (the 'Orator' of 'Peterloo' fame) in 1830. But for most

<sup>29</sup> Jack Hepworth, 'Between Isolation and Integration: Religion, Politics, and the Catholic Irish in Preston, c.1829–1868', *Immigrants & Minorities*, 38 (2020), 77–104 (p. 80).

of the nineteenth century the constituency returned one Whig and one Tory to the House of Commons, until 1865, when the Conservatives took control of both seats for the next 41 years.30 One reason for their success may have been their efforts to attract working-class voters after 1868, while the Liberals, in contrast, were seen as elitists, the party of the mill and factory owners.31

Preston was the third newspaper production centre of Lancashire, after Manchester and Liverpool. Most of the 50 or so newspapers and magazines published there during the nineteenth century survived for only a few years. The exceptions were the Liberal *Preston Chronicle*  (1812–1893), the Tory *Preston Pilot* (1825–1888)—both weeklies—the Radical Liberal *Preston Guardian* (1844–1964), which was the town's most successful paper, with a circulation area covering most of Lancashire north of Wigan, and the Conservative *Preston Herald* (1855–1970). The *Guardian* and the *Herald* were bi-weekly from the 1850s. The *Lancashire Evening Post* (1886-) was produced by the publishers of the *Preston Guardian.*

#### Reporting

Much of the information in the public domain during the Victorian era came originally from newspaper articles written by reporters like Hewitson. *The Times* could not thunder without them, essayists could not pontificate without their input, and novelists relied on them for plot ideas.32 Reporters were the majority of Victorian journalists, and the information they gathered became raw material for leader writers, essayists, authors, poets and artists, reappearing in other newspapers,

<sup>30</sup> Most of this is taken from Lewis Darwen, 'Implementing and Administering the New Poor Law in the Industrial North: A Case Study of Preston Union in Regional Context, 1837–1861' (unpublished Ph.D. dissertation, Nottingham Trent University), pp. 33–36.

<sup>31</sup> Michael Savage, *The Dynamics of Working-Class Politics: The Labour Movement in Preston 1880–1940* (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1987); Jon Lawrence, 'Class and Gender in the Making of Urban Toryism, 1880–1914', *English Historical Review*, 108 (1993), 629–52.

<sup>32</sup> Charlotte Bronte, for example, relied on the files of the *Leeds Mercury* for her historical novel *Shirley*: Andrew Hook and Judith Hook, 'Introduction', in Charlotte Bronte*, Shirley* (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1974), p. 19.

in magazines and periodicals, in books and even in paintings.33 If we think of the systems of Victorian information and knowledge as an ecosystem, the reporter is at the lowest level.34 The information becomes increasingly processed and refined as it moves up the food chain. The diaries reveal this information eco-system, linking provincial and London newspapers, periodicals, book publishing and reviewing, and the porous boundaries between amateur and professional writing. Digitised newspapers have made much more visible the ways in which news reports first published in one place quickly spread to other publications. Hanno Hardt and Bonnie Brennen use a different metaphor, calling these 'news workers' the 'rank and file'—a military metaphor that has moved into the discourse of trade unionism.35 And perhaps the idea of miners or shop-floor workers is useful: workers who extract raw materials or produce basic goods, which are then passed on to others who make more complex products from them. Of course, not all information entered the Victorian public sphere via the newspaper reporter. Other sources included eye witnesses, parliamentary inquiries, official reports by those such as Poor Law inspectors or railway inspectors, authors researching their books, readers' letters, social investigators and academic journals.

Scholars of nineteenth-century journalism are familiar with George Augustus Sala, Charles Dickens and W.T. Stead. The journalistic careers of these three big names were unusual, if not unique, and so they can tell us little about the generality of reporters and reporting, the day-to-day recording of Victorian life. Dickens taught himself shorthand in order to make a living briefly as a London penny-a-liner, before moving into the prestigious field of parliamentary reporting. However, he was unusual in working in the capital rather than the provinces. Unlike Dickens, Sala

<sup>33</sup> For a summary of nineteenth-century reporting see Stephen Tate, 'The Reporter', in *The Edinburgh History of the British and Irish Press, Vol. 2: Expansion and Evolution, 1800–1900*, ed. David Finkelstein (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2020), 185–88.

<sup>34</sup> James W. Cortada, 'A Framework for Understanding Information Ecosystems in Firms and Industries', *Information & Culture: A Journal of History* 51, no. 2 (2016), 133-63 (p. 137).

<sup>35</sup> Hanno Hardt, 'Without the Rank and File: Journalism History, Media Workers, and Problems of Representation', in *Newsworkers: Toward a History of the Rank and File*, ed. Hanno Hardt and Bonnie Brennen (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1995), pp. 1-29.

had no reporting experience, and his schooling in Paris and background as an artist and illustrator was not the training of a typical reporter. Later in the century, W.T. Stead went straight from accounts clerk to editor of a morning newspaper, the *Northern Echo* in Darlington*,* at the age of 21. His only qualification had been a series of letters he had written to the paper, which were judged good enough to be used as leading articles. He, too, had no background in reporting. To understand the conditions under which most Victorian news was produced, we need to look elsewhere, at obscure provincial reporters like Hewitson.

Hewitson's varied and proactive reporting for local papers (uncovering a local vicar's secret marriage, for example) contrasts with the set-piece speeches he covered, freelance, for *The Times, Manchester Guardian* and other daily papers, as part of a national network of local correspondents. He wrote for trade, professional and specialist publications such as the *Licensed Victuallers' Guardian* or the Roman Catholic *Universe*, illuminating how provincial news reached such periodicals.36 Sometimes he was paid to write promotional articles, and sent cuttings from local newspapers to *The Times* in lieu of his own report—examples of the hidden processes made visible by these diaries. As a reporter, Hewitson covered large distances on foot and by train, but there were compensations such as free dinners, after which the speakers might toast the press and Hewitson would respond.

Hewitson reported the speeches of famous orators such as William Gladstone and John Bright as they toured the country, creating a new culture of 'systematic extra-parliamentary oratory … in which a great national debate was carried on over periods of weeks'. This debate was only possible because of Hewitson and other reporters. Their reporting soon developed into a wholesale trade in speeches, based on supply and demand, with a sliding scale of detail and fees. Up to five columns verbatim might be devoted to important speeches by Gladstone and a few other senior politicians, or about one and a half columns, written in the speaker's first-person voice for less important speeches; further down the scale a summary, usually half a column, would be written in the third person.37 In contrast, Hewitson's 'paragraphing' (writing

<sup>36</sup> See Figure 6 for a list of some of his freelance outlets.

<sup>37</sup> H.C.G Matthew, 'Gladstone, Rhetoric and Politics', in *Gladstone*, ed. Peter John Jagger (London: Hambledon, 1998), pp. 223–25.

gossipy anecdotes or opinion) required proactive news-gathering techniques, involving chatting to a wide range of contacts.38

#### Editing and managing a newspaper

From March 1868, Hewitson was editor and owner of the *Preston Chronicle*. A description of the duties of a typical provincial or 'country' weekly editor in the 1846 *Newspaper Press Directory* captures Hewitson's role well:

The sub-editor abridges and condenses the parliamentary reports, the foreign news, and the general occurrences of the country; and makes such selections for the miscellaneous departments of the paper as he may think will suit the taste of its readers … The editor writes the leading articles, the criticisms on books, music, the drama, and the fine arts; and gives the general tone and keeping to the paper … On most country papers the duties of editor and sub-editor are united.39

The diaries describe Hewitson the editor, in the office, at home or at large. He reads *Leisure Hour,* cuts out items from *Notes & Queries,*  replies to readers' letters, proof-reads (sometimes with his wife's help), canvasses for advertising or collects debts (locally and in London), meets a local poet, commissions a natural historian after reading his work in a learned journal, or entertains the writer of a syndicated 'ladies' column'. His literary reviews of Benson's life of Pater or the monthly crop of magazines (for example) are written only for his own weekly local newspaper, challenging ideas of hack reviewing as mainly London-based. He ran his newspapers as family businesses, employing his younger brother William briefly as a reporter*,* and later his sons Ethelbert, Horace and Llewellyn. He probably bought the *Wakefield Herald* in 1896 to provide employment for his three sons.40

Hewitson was far from anonymous as an editor, taking part in public life, selling copies of his newspaper and gossiping at his shop counter. This lack of anonymity made him a target, sometimes literally, as

<sup>38</sup> Contra Brown, Lucy, *Victorian News and Newspapers* (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1985), p. 103.

<sup>39</sup> 'Country Newspapers and Their Management', in *Newspaper Press Directory* (London: Mitchell, 1846), 103–04.

<sup>40</sup> For more on editors see Hobbs, *Fleet Street*, pp. 196–201.

when he was slapped around the face with a rolled-up copy of his own paper. In 1871 an effigy of Hewitson was paraded around the streets of Garstang (a small town which he mocked for its backwardness) before the effigy was burnt in the marketplace.41 His more opinionated material was written under the pen-name Atticus, a persona he established as a reporter on the *Preston Chronicle* in 1863. Rival newspapers took every opportunity to mock him. In 1868 the *Preston Herald* printed letters against him (possibly from genuine readers, possibly not). 'A Conservative From Conviction' wrote:

His attack upon our worthy rector, a few months since, was the most violent and disgraceful ever penned by a writer on the press. His personal remarks on the Poor-law Guardians were abominable, as also were his comments on certain members of our Corporation. His attack on the clergy of St Peter's is not forgotten.42

In the same issue, 'Eukosmia' wrote that 'men of ordinary penetration have never regarded 'Atticus' as anything but a paltry, pettifogging, sensation-monger, notorious for redundancy, for fault-finding against everything and everybody.'43 The *Herald* gleefully reprinted two bad reviews of Hewitson's books in 1871. The *Catholic Times* described his writing style in 'Our Churches and Chapels' as 'worthy of the great George Augustus Sala, whose style he has evidently taken for his model, blending with it just a dash of Dickens', a 'farrago of dismal jocosity and flippant description … the criticism of a feeble witling', while the *Athenaeum* mocked a passage in his history of Stonyhurst, a Roman Catholic public school near Preston, as 'English run stark mad', with its 'roundabout style', describing shoemakers as 'gentlemen of the Crispinean order'.44

Despite his flowery writing style, Hewitson built a reputation as a historian, in common with many other local newspaper editors. Most of his 14 books were historical, and the headline on his obituary in the *Preston Guardian* called him a 'well-known local historian' rather than a journalist.45 These books usually began as weekly series in his

<sup>41</sup> 'Atticus's effigy burnt at Garstang', *PH,* 11 November 1871.

<sup>42</sup> '"Atticus" and his bone', *PH* letters, supplement week ending 12 Sept 1868, p. 2.

<sup>43</sup> 'The "Chronicle" and Mr Hermon', *PH* letters, op cit.

<sup>44</sup> Both reviews are excerpted in *PH,* 20 Sept 1871.

<sup>45</sup> 'Mr Anthony Hewitson: Death of a Well-Known Local Historian', *Preston Guardian*, 2 November 1912.

newspaper, which he then revised and republished in book form. For at least one, the Tyldesley diaries, he sent the manuscript to other local and regional historians for informal peer review.46 In 1868, week by week in the *Preston Chronicle*, Hewitson 'reviewed' every church and chapel in Preston, commenting on architecture, décor, incumbents and congregations, including their dress and their singing, in the series, 'Our Churches and Chapels'. In 1871 he wrote a similar series on rural churches and chapels. In 1900 he wrote a weekly series for the *Preston Guardian* entitled 'Northward', describing every town, village and hamlet between Preston and Lancaster. This writing in celebration of local identities might well have been forgotten had it not been re-published in volume form. All three books sold well, and have been reprinted into the twenty-first century. Even today, many people can proudly recite Hewitson's insults about their church or village.

#### Work and leisure

The diaries include a great deal of information about Hewitson's visits to the theatre, circus, lectures and concerts, excursions in the Lancashire countryside, to other parts of the country, to Europe and the United States, and his socialising in Preston's pubs (often followed the next morning by a visit to a Turkish bath, his preferred hangover cure). He sometimes observed 'Saint Monday', taking all or part of Monday off. There is even more about work and its value for the spirit as well as the wallet. Hewitson was influenced by the views of Samuel Smiles, who wrote that 'it is the diligent hand and head alone that maketh rich—in self-culture, growth in wisdom and in business', and particularly by Carlyle, who glorified work and scorned idleness.47 The motto 'Labor omnia vincit' ('Work conquers all') appears many times, and this entry from 1875 is typical: 'A very hard day's work and therefore a very good day's work. All work is religion. At it till 11.30 at night.'48 Hewitson

<sup>46</sup> For more on history in the local press see Hobbs, *Fleet Street in Every Town*, pp. 284–87.

<sup>47</sup> Samuel Smiles, *Self Help; With Illustrations of Conduct and Perseverance* (London: John Murray, 1868), p. 18; Millim, *The Victorian Diary*, 2013, 90; Walter Edwards Houghton, *The Victorian Frame of Mind 1830–1870* (Yale University Press, 1957), p. 243.

<sup>48</sup> 4 February 1875.

worked hard, particularly when he was a reporter and in the early years of his ownership of the *Chronicle*. He often combined business and pleasure, as when he took his wife Margaret and daughter Florence on a reporting assignment to the village of Great Eccleston, making it 'a lovely out[ing]'.49

#### Home and family

Hewitson wrote many leading articles promoting the ideology of 'separate spheres', public for men, domestic for women, but his diaries reveal that this was more prescriptive than descriptive. The domestic sphere was very important to Hewitson, while Margaret, his wife, ran a business and often accompanied him in the public sphere.<sup>50</sup> The couple had 11 children, almost double the average number of six at that time.<sup>51</sup> The diary begins with the death of one infant daughter, Ethelind, and records in painful detail the death of another, Ada. Death 'grew up' during Hewitson's lifetime, changing its associations from childhood to old age, but the high risk of losing a child did not lessen the pain.<sup>52</sup> Fatherhood proved a Victorian man's virility, but it also made him vulnerable, especially when a child fell ill or died.53 The 1873 diary includes an agonising section starting with his two-year-old daughter Ada's slight cough, and ending with her death 12 days later. His wife and children feature frequently (see family tree, Figure 8), his siblings occasionally, but his parents are mentioned less often than his wife's parents (perhaps because he was brought up by his grandfather). His children were a cause of concern even as adults: Mabel became an inmate of Whittingham Asylum, Llewellyn went AWOL in America, Florence became estranged, and Horace married his newly widowed

<sup>49</sup> 4 October 1865.

<sup>50</sup> For a summary of the debate, see Susie Steinbach, 'Can We Still Use "Separate Spheres"? British History 25 Years After Family Fortunes', *History Compass*, 10 (2012), 826–37.

<sup>51</sup> Trev Lynn Broughton and Helen Rogers, eds, *Gender and Fatherhood in the Nineteenth Century* (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007), p. 19.

<sup>52</sup> Patricia Jalland, *Death in the Victorian Family* (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996), pp. 5, 119.

<sup>53</sup> Valerie Sanders, *The Tragi-Comedy of Victorian Fatherhood* (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009), p. 5.

Wakefield landlady in New York, a few weeks after her husband died in mysterious circumstances.

#### Reading

Like all good journalists, Hewitson was an avid reader, and his diary makes valuable source material for the historian of reading. 'What a misery!' he wrote when his eyes were too inflamed for him to read (29 October 1881). His diaries present most of his reading as taking place on Sundays, although he must have skimmed hundreds of newspapers and magazines as part of his job during the week. Carlyle believed that 'history … is at bottom the History of … Great Men' and this may explain Hewitson's fascination with biography and memoir.54 He also read theology, both contemporary mainstream and liberal (some of it bordering on freethinking or atheist), but also older Nonconformist and Puritan texts such as the eighteenth-century sermons of John Barker, and essays, from the sixteenth-century Montaigne to contemporaries such as Ruskin and Carlyle, and writers associated with Carlyle. Other topics included phrenology, spiritualism, history, natural history, popular science, philosophy, and occasionally poetry. He lends Darwin's *Origin of Species* to a curate, hears Froude's life of Carlyle defended from the pulpit, and reads W.T. Stead's *Real Ghost Stories,* Emerson, and Pepys's diary. He was a literary tourist, visiting sites associated with Emerson, Carlyle and Burns, and he read part of *A Christmas Carol* to his family on Christmas Day afternoon, and lines from Tennyson on New Year's Eve.

Sunday reading usually included the Bible, some devotional reading such as a sermon, a prayer or an excerpt from *Puritan Gems*. In later years Hewitson also read newspapers on a Sunday. In the early twentieth century he read the *Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, TP's Weekly, Notes & Queries*, the *Weekly Despatch* (he was particularly keen on the articles of Robert Blatchford, a socialist writer), *Daily Dispatch, Yorkshire Weekly Post* (on sale in Morecambe for Yorkshire holidaymakers), *Sunday Chronicle, Lancaster Guardian, Manchester Weekly Times, Lancaster Observer* and 'Preston and Lancashire newspapers'.

<sup>54</sup> Thomas Carlyle, *On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History* (Penn State Electronic Classics Series Publication), www2.hn.psu.edu/faculty/jmanis/carlyle/ heroes.pdf

Fiction is strikingly absent from his reading, the few exceptions including Thackeray's *Vanity Fair*, a local Preston novel, Kipling's *Soldier Stories*, Charlotte Brontë's *Shirley* and a couple of classical works. Biography, he believed, 'beats fiction hollow' (20 December 1906). As an aspiring reader from the lower middle classes, Hewitson may have been sensitive to ideas of fiction-reading as low-status and feminine.55 These records allow us to follow Hewitson's trains of thought, for example moving from Carlyle's *Reminiscences* to a biography of the writer, then his book on the French Revolution which includes many references to the German poet Goethe, followed by a book of conversations with Goethe. The auction catalogue of Hewitson's library gives another glimpse into his reading world (see Vol. 2), as do the influences apparent in his writing, including Carlyle, Sala, and journalistic innovations from America and around the UK. His pen portraits of local councillors may have been influenced by those of Hugh Shimmin in the *Liverpool Mercury,* and his 'reviews' of local churches follow the tradition established by the *Bristol Times* in 1843, headed 'The Church-Goer: Being a series of Sunday visits to the various churches of Bristol'.56 The literary, serious tone of most of the books recorded in Hewitson's diaries raises suspicions that he was showing off. Yet he mentions lighter reading—such as the transatlantic humour of Sam Slick or the memoirs of dancer and courtesan Lola Montez—without apology, suggesting that much of his usual reading genuinely was high-minded.

#### Politics

Most local newspapers were politically aligned in the nineteenth century, in the same way that British national papers are today. Hewitson began as a Liberal but parted ways with them in the 1880s, espousing conservatism in later life. He was an apprentice on a Tory paper and worked for a Preston paper directly subsidised by local Tories, the

<sup>55</sup> Katie Halsey, *Jane Austen and Her Readers, 1786–1945* (London and New York: Anthem Press, 2012), p. 132.

<sup>56</sup> Shimmin's series appeared in the *Mercury* 21 March 1856–16 January 1857, and was reprinted as *Pen-and-Ink Sketches of Liverpool Town Councillors, By a Local Artist, Reprinted from the Liverpool Mercury* (Liverpool: Edward Howell, 1857). The series on Bristol churches, by *Bristol Times* editor Joseph Leech*,* began on 2 September 1843 and was also reissued as a book.

*Preston Herald,* but when he began writing his diary in 1865 he was chief reporter of a Radical Liberal paper, the *Preston Guardian,* which was associated with ex-Chartists such as John Baxter Langley, John Hamilton and Washington Wilks.<sup>57</sup> He bought another Liberal paper, the *Preston Chronicle,* in 1868, and maintained its Whiggish editorial line.

On the handbill advertising his purchase of the *Chronicle,* he claimed that 'the only independent paper in Preston—will now be a *general* and not a *mere party* organ'. However, he was involved in the Liberal candidature of Major James German in the 1868 election and 1872 by-election, claiming to have persuaded German to withdraw in favour of two more popular Liberals in 1868.<sup>58</sup> In 1874 he travelled to Barrow, Lancaster and London in search of a Liberal candidate for Preston, the same year that he initiated and ran a campaign for two Liberal council candidates. Hewitson also worked in a personal capacity for non-political objectives such as an industrial institute for the blind (perhaps because he was himself blind in one eye), the appointment of a stipendiary magistrate and public health. As a lower-middle-class disciple of self-help, Hewitson was for free trade and therefore (as he saw it) against trade unions.59

He began as a great supporter of Gladstone, writing in his diary in 1865: 'He is a glorious fellow.' But in 1886, like many other Liberals, he fell out with his hero over Home Rule for Ireland, and sided with the breakaway Liberal Unionists (a grouping which eventually merged with the Conservatives). This explains why, in May 1887, he was approached by Lancaster Conservatives to edit a monthly paper for them. After six years of talking, this came to fruition with the launch of the *Lancaster Standard* in 1893, which Hewitson initially edited. But he was not one for self-sacrifice. After one of the many meetings about the paper, he wrote in his diary: 'I mean to promote the cause of common sense, honesty, rightness and political progress as well as the interests of my own

<sup>57</sup> H.A. Taylor, 'Politics in Famine Stricken Preston: An Examination of Liberal Party Management, 1861–1865', *Transactions of the Historic Society of Lancashire & Cheshire* 107 (1956): 121–39; Miles Taylor, *The Decline of British Radicalism, 1847–1860* (Oxford, 1995), 115–17.

<sup>58</sup> Leader column, *Preston Chronicle*, 22 August 1868, p. 4; diary, 21 August 1872.

<sup>59</sup> Geoffrey Crossick, 'The Emergence of the Lower Middle Class in Britain: A Discussion', in *The Lower Middle Class in Britain 1870–1914*, ed. by Geoffrey Crossick (Croom Helm, 1977), pp. 11–60 (pp. 20, 44).

purse and my family's welfare by this enterprise.'<sup>60</sup> In 1896, he bought a Conservative paper, the *Wakefield Herald,* and in 1898 he became, briefly, a Conservative Preston councillor*.*

#### Religion

The diaries show Hewitson's development as a believer, from radical beginnings in Lancaster through to attendance at services of the established church and ceasing to attend church altogether in his later years. Halfway through his apprenticeship in Lancaster, he 'became strongly involved with the sentiments of religion', and attended a Sunday School attached to an Independent chapel.<sup>61</sup> He joined two essay classes, one of which included the communist Goodwyn Barmby, then-minister of the Free Mormon Church in Lancaster, where Barmby gave himself the title of Revolutionary Pontifarch of the Communist Church. He was mixing with very free-thinking Christians, and he continued to read and think about theology (particularly in his Sunday devotional reading) for the rest of his life, giving him the confidence to debate with priests and bishops. He even wrote his own creed (statement of belief), and taught it to his children. He was consistent in condemning the widespread discrimination against Roman Catholics, although he thought their religion 'childish' and 'superstitious'. In contrast to his political and social activism, Hewitson never held office in any of the wide variety of churches and chapels he attended. Choosing a place of worship was sometimes dictated by commercial considerations (he left the Unitarians in disgust after they gave their printing work to a Methodist, despite Hewitson having published their 'very heterodox' sermons in his paper), and perhaps also because Preston's Nonconformists lacked political clout.<sup>62</sup>

<sup>60</sup> 6 June 1887.

<sup>61</sup> Hewitson, 'My Life', Lancashire Archives DP512/2.

<sup>62</sup> Paul T. Phillips, *The Sectarian Spirit: Sectarianism, Society, and Politics in Victorian Cotton Towns* (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1982), p. 46.

#### Gender, race and class

By the standards of his own times, Hewitson was not progressive in his views on race and gender, tending towards the reactionary. As for class, he was upwardly mobile, from the son of a skilled craftsman to a comfortably-off businessman.

There is racism in the diaries, including the N-word (17 February 1885), less common when recording meetings with people of colour, such as a visiting American Indian preacher 'Nar Kar Wa' or a local preacher's Jamaican wife.63 Some of his published writing is uglier. There are anti-Irish jokes, anti-Semitic views64 and Hewitson used the N-word at a time when it was known to be abusive and not neutral, for example in an 1863 column<sup>65</sup> when he condemns both sides in the American Civil War. He acknowledges the fundamental cruelty and wrong of slavery, but does not seem to consider black people as equal to whites: 'And now a word or two about the inner nature of Sambo [sic], who ought by every right, human and divine, to be free, but who evidently either does not care for freedom or who thinks that at present slavery is preferable …' He then recites a string of anecdotes about former slaves approving of slavery and of black Northerners' lack of support for the liberation of Southern slaves. There are other examples. He probably knew that his grandparents' inheritance came in part from government compensation paid to former slave owners.

On gender, Hewitson's deeds were more egalitarian than his words. His long hours were made possible by the domestic labour of his wife and paid servants, but he notes his time spent with his children and on domestic chores, he appreciates his wife's skills in domestic economy and business finance, and approves of her running a stationery business. He often worked at home, suggesting 'a cultural acceptance of permeable boundaries between gender-specific work and home-based activity'.<sup>66</sup> But, like most men of the time, he did not believe that women were equal to men. His attitudes are summed up in an 1875 leader column on the annual meeting of the Women's Suffrage Association in Manchester, entitled 'The Shrieking Sisterhood':

<sup>63</sup> The full word has been left in the diaries, for accuracy.

<sup>64</sup> For example, 'Stray Notes', *PC,* 17 December 1881, p. 4.

<sup>65</sup> 'Every-Day Gossip About Anything And Anybody Anywhere' by 'Atticus', *PC,* 11 April 1863, p. 6.

<sup>66</sup> Sanders, p. 196.

#### *Introduction xli*

the fairer and weaker division of humanity … the companion and social equal of man … physical and mental weakness must ever forbid the thorough intellectual and political equality of the sexes … If every picture ever painted by a woman were destroyed in one grand holocaust, could any dispassionate lover of Art declare that the world would be much the worse for the process? Take, too, the domain of literature … As novelists, as lyric singers, they may indeed compete with the stronger sex. But they have never attained, even by a single route, to the highest pinnacles of literature … To woman God gave the holiest office that He has decreed to humanity—that of maternity.<sup>67</sup>

He would have been horrified to think that diary-keeping is now seen as a feminine activity.<sup>68</sup> In his diary, as in newspapers of the day, women are usually treated as invisible infrastructure, rarely given their own names.

Hewitson's comments on class distinction are occasionally reminiscent of the lower-middle-class Charles Pooter, comic hero of *The Diary of a Nobody,* but his education and, once he became a newspaper proprietor, his income, seem to have made him socially secure.69 The Hewitsons' employment of servants did not necessarily mean they were middle-class; a survey of households in Victorian Rochdale found that one in seven working-class homes had live-in servants.70 The rate of attrition among their servants (44 came and went in 17 years) was not unusual, only a little higher than the Carlyles, who hired and fired 34 maids in 38 years; it was difficult to find maids especially in cotton towns like Preston, where work in the mills paid better and allowed more leisure, and it was easy for servants to switch employers if they fancied a change.<sup>71</sup>

In contrast to Hewitson's social advance, some of his children were downwardly mobile: Llewellyn ended his days in a Church Army hostel in Leeds, and Mabel spent time in Chorlton workhouse before

<sup>67</sup> *Preston Chronicle,* 13 November 1875.

<sup>68</sup> Henderson, pp. 12–13.

<sup>69</sup> George Grossmith and Weedon Grossmith, *The Diary of a Nobody* (Ware: Wordsworth Editions, 1892/1994).

<sup>70</sup> Edward Higgs, 'Domestic Servants and Households in Victorian England', *Social History* 8, no. 2 (1983), 201-10 (p. 207).

<sup>71</sup> Mark Ebery and Brian Preston, *Domestic Service in Late Victorian and Edwardian England, 1871–1914* (Reading: Department of Geography, University of Reading, 1976), p. 98; Pamela Horn, *The Rise and Fall of the Victorian Servant* (Stroud: Sutton, 1995), pp. 30–31; 135.

living the rest of her life in Whittingham asylum. Hewitson had close friends across the classes, as long as they were intelligent and wellread, such as potato merchant Joe Crombleholme or Mrs Clemmey the bootmaker; but his dismissal of 'labour' candidates for parliamentary seats suggests that he did not believe working-class people should have political power.

#### Conclusion

Hewitson's diaries are fascinating for anyone interested in the social history of the Victorian era, and for anyone wanting to see the world through another person's eyes. But they are of particular interest for the history of journalism, enabling a new approach to this topic using the insights of social history and labour history. If Dickens, Sala and Stead are the majestic oaks of nineteenth-century journalism, Hewitson is a smaller tree, but he is part of a huge forest that also defined the landscape. There are many comparisons to be made between the diaries and Hewitson's published work. Computational techniques can bring out new themes and findings, perhaps examining Hewitson the reader, mapping his journeys as a reporter or analysing his social and work networks. I hope scholars will use these diaries alongside other sources, including the newspapers with which Hewitson was associated.72 I have occasionally done this here, but the primary aim is to publish the diaries, and leave others to put them to use.73

It seems appropriate to end with Hewitson's thoughts on diaries, from the introduction that he and Joseph Gillow wrote to the Tyldesley diaries:

we relish anything in the shape of personal records characterised by consecutiveness and order. Out of diaries numbers have obtained many an unexpected pleasure, many an item of strangely-quaint and peculiarly-valuable information; and through diaries our literature has, in many of its best and most entertaining departments, been enriched and beautified. Upon contemporary life, upon the manners and customs of his age, the diarist, if intelligent and faithful, throws numerous lights;

<sup>72</sup> Many have been digitised, including the *Lancaster Gazette, Preston Chronicle, Preston Herald, Lancaster Standard* and *Wakefield Herald.*

<sup>73</sup> Two weeks of diary entries are analysed in detail in Hobbs, *Fleet Street*, Chs. 4–5.

and whilst he saves from oblivion much that is curious, and more that is true, he enlivens and instructs the present with the incidents and peculiarities of the past.74

<sup>74</sup> Gillow and Hewitson, *The Tyldesley Diary*, p. 5.

#### How to use this book

Footnotes give biographical information, and full references to books or articles, at first mention. Asterisks denote people or places frequently mentioned, or technical, dialect and archaic words. Please refer to 'People Frequently Mentioned' (p. 615), a family tree (Figure 8), maps of Lancashire and Preston (Figures 2 and 3), or the glossary (p. 629). Hewitson's wife and children are mentioned frequently but in a selfexplanatory way, so are not asterisked. Use of the index and online search facility is recommended.

# Editing method

Hewitson bequeathed his diaries to his eldest son Ethelbert, who bequeathed them to his daughter Margaret and, upon her death, to her children, but there is no evidence that Margaret or her surviving son, Anthony Wright, received them; it seems likely that they were passed to other members of the family, eventually to a grandson, Robert Hewitson Blackmore, who emigrated to Australia. He gave the diaries to his son, Rob Blackmore, who sold them to Lancashire Archives, where they are available to the public. The copyright remains with Margaret Mullen (fiancée of Anthony Wright) and her descendants, until 2039.

Margaret Dickinson, Pauline Wainwright (both related to Hewitson) and I transcribed every word of the diaries, with nothing omitted, apart from occasional underlinings and marginal crosses in blue crayon, assumed to be made by a later reader. Hewitson used pre-printed diaries of varying sizes and makes. Our transcriptions were checked and corrected by Elaine Berry, Bob Chapman, Sue Seabridge and Pam Singleton, members of the Friends of Lancashire Archives. We aimed for a balance between making the text easily understood by the modern reader, and showing accurately what Hewitson actually wrote. In early diaries Hewitson provided a key to his abbreviations, as in Figure 5. Most abbreviations have been written in full, with square brackets showing editorial additions, for example Hewitson wrote 'stt' for 'street'. This is written as 'st[ree]t'. Double hyphens have been changed to single hyphens, as in 'to-day' for 'to=day'. We added [sic] after misspelled words. In words with a double 's' he sometimes used a long 's' as the first 's'; this has been changed to a modern 's'. I have not reproduced superscript in his abbreviations. Where Hewitson has crossed out words, these are included like this. Round brackets are Hewitson's, square brackets are mine as editor. Dates have been standardised, although Hewitson sometimes crossed out pre-printed dates and wrote his own, in various formats, when an entry went beyond its allotted space.

My aim is to balance the needs of readers who read from start to finish, and those who use the index or search online to dip into the diaries. The footnotes aim to provide readers with enough context to understand each entry, especially local and biographical information and current events, but no more.<sup>1</sup> Birth and death dates are usually taken from obituaries in the digitised *Preston Chronicle* or *Preston Herald,* in the *British Newspaper Archive* database. I have found Stephen R. Halliwell's *Preston's Inns, Taverns and Beerhouses* [https:// pubsinpreston.blogspot.com/2012/02/] useful.

Common information sources are abbreviated:


Many of these sources—the *Preston Chronicle,* the books on councillors and churches—are written by Hewitson, giving more of his worldview.

<sup>1</sup> This editing method is based on advice in Mary-Jo Kline and Susan H. Perdue, *A Guide to Documentary Editing*, 3rd ed., online (Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2008), https://gde.upress.virginia.edu/00C-gde.html.

# Maps

Fig. 2. Map of Lancashire. Dates in brackets show years when Hewitson lived there (by Joanna Hobbs, used with permission, CC BY 4.0).

Fig. 3. Hewitson's Preston c. 1860s (by Joanna Hobbs, used with permission. Licence: CC BY 4.0).

Fig. 3. Hewitson's Preston c. 1860s (by Joanna Hobbs, used with permission. Licence: CC BY 4.0).

[Handwritten in a quarto hardback book, this appears to be an unfinished autobiography, written by Hewitson in 1862, when he was 25 years old, shortly after starting as a reporter on the *Preston Herald*. 1 Some family details are inaccurate—see Maggie B. Dickinson's forthcoming biography.]

### Introduction

All have a history—a life. All have impressions, which when legitimately received produce opinions. But the lives of all cannot be known by all. If requisite and desirable such knowledge would be impossible. The many can only be generally known to a few. The lives of great men force themselves upon the world like the light of Heaven: the lives of ordinary men force themselves upon none but those immediately connected. Great deeds living out great lives; unimportant actions float down the ever-receding tide of life and onward to the dark harbour of the dead. All cannot be great: the history of some must, therefore come under the shroud of oblivion. Yet, if humble life cannot enrol its name on the tablet of the great it may be useful in its sphere and productive of good in the smaller walks of existence. Every man should do something worth remembering—if not by the world at large, at any rate by those who shared his lot in the busy arena of life. To die, to be buried and forgotten, is brutish. Humanity is too great, though only eking out its lowly mission in the garret, to be finally covered over by its own flesh and blood with the ashes of forgetfulness. Oblivion is repulsive if life be but ultimate death in what consists the individual prospects of earth. To my own family I will preserve myself. Those whom I have

<sup>1</sup> 'My Life', Lancashire Archives, Papers of Anthony Hewitson, DP/512/2, ACC9939.

loved and lived for shall have, in this, an index of the events which have surrounded me, the thoughts which have influenced my mind, and the sentiments which have, more or less, animated my heart.

Anthony Hewitson

Preston, January, 1862

### My Life

There is something peculiarly solemn about the act of writing one's own life. Like the making of a will, we are reminded by it of our final dissolution. But there are none so well qualified to write our individual history as ourselves. If the work is left to verbal communication or the pen of others either something is omitted or exaggerated—something forgot or misrepresented. Let me commence: I was born at Blackburn in the county of Lancashire on the 13th day of August 1836. The name of my father, like my own, was Anthony Hewitson,<sup>2</sup> who, by trade was a stone cutter. His origin was humble, and his position, generally speaking of the same character. On the whole, however, his life was good, and towards its "sere and yellow leaf" strongly marked by the most rigid sobriety and the most straightforward Christianity. It is said, but for its truth I cannot vouch, that his ancestors—some at any rate—were possessed of considerable wealth. If they had were it must have been either misappropriated or squandered, for he had none but that earned by toil, long and hard. His father was called Anthony, and for some years lived in Yorkshire. I believe the "original stock"—if I may indulge in such a phrase—were of northern extraction, probably Scotch. My father, with his family—which numbered several members—lived in his early days at a small place, not far from Kendal called Hutton Roof. My mother's maiden name was Alice Moore.3 Her origin was humble. She was the daughter of Thomas Moore4 & Dorothy Moore,<sup>5</sup> his wife. She was born at Ingleton,\* a small village in the West Riding of Yorkshire, and lived there up to the time of her marriage. Her father lived all his life at, or near


Ingleton. When about 18 months old, I was removed from my home then at Lancaster\*—to the house of my grandfather,\* at Ingleton.<sup>6</sup> By my grandfather I mean my mother's father—in learned dictum the maternal grandfather. How well I recollect him. Plain and honest, of stern integrity and iron will, he feared none and was respected by many. He had his faults, of course—didn't think it a frightful piece of immorality to get moderately drunk now and then, and to give way to the bluster of a strong temper. But on the whole he was a thorough Englishman, and for honest straightforwardness I have rarely, if ever, met with his equal. I do not say this cantingly or swaggeringly: it is the truth and therefore it needs no suppression. He was a shoemaker by trade. Sometimes, in his earlier days he worked as an agricultural labourer. For 50 years he was the first mower at a large farm in, I think, Wensleydale. Such an onerous position he occupied for a month each year of the period named. Good wages, no doubt, he got for his labour. Each year, after "hay-timing", he returned to his home & his shoemaking. On the death of a certain Miss Sill,7 who resided in Dent-dale, near Sedbergh, in Yorkshire West his wife became the possessor of about £1,500 in money and land—principally in land in Dent. Others with her also became similar possessors. This welcome event, which occurred I think about the year 1835 rendered my grandfather "independent" and he ceased the poor but honest vocation o[f] making shoes. It may be true t[hat] "there is nothing like leather" in some men's eyes: he thought differently and let other parties contend for the manufacture of shoes and the stitching of skin. In 1841 or about 1839 his wife died. I remember her when she was in good health. She loved me much—it is said so—and I loved her. Not that my grandfather had at that time, so much affection for me, as that he respected the object of his late wife's feelings, he consented to keep me as the term goes.

[Next sentence added in pencil:] My aunt Jane<sup>8</sup> used to nurse me and I can remember, when she was rocking me to sleep, her singing "The Rose of Allandale."

<sup>6</sup> For more on Hewitson's childhood in Ingleton, see Anthony Hewitson, *The Story of My Village: Ingleton, 1840–50*, ed. John Bentley (Ingleton Publications, 1982), originally published in the *Lancaster Standard*, May and June 1893 under the pseudonym 'Ingle'. See also Hewitson's marked copy of the articles, inserting names, Lancashire Archives, DP/512/3/3..

<sup>7</sup> See Introduction.

<sup>8</sup> Jane Green, née Moore (1814–1878).

I was sent to school at an early age. To one of the village schools. Strong associations were first formed there: innocent amusements there first participated in. When about three years of age I met with an accident. A lad called Atkinson—"Jack" Atkinson—ran at me with an umbrella stick, capped with brass, which was fractured & torn. We were both running behind a turf cart, and I presume because I would not allow him to take possession o[f] my place, he ran the end o[f] this same stick into my left eye, the pupil of which was much injured & t[he] result was partial & permanent blindness of the left eye. The accident however occurred whilst I was so young that I never seemed to sustain any particular inconvenience from it. One may become habituated to anything almost. For ever afterwards, as if the lad Atkinson had severed the thread of my equanimity, I quarrelled with & disliked my injurer. In 1842 I was sent to the regular village school kept by a little industrious, pompous, considerably learned man named Danson ([printed:] Danson).9 It was at his school where my moderate abilities were developed. Ordinarily he charged 1/-d a week for tuition; but as a special favour to my grandfather, who knew the full value of money, he got me into this academy for 10d a week. That was an extraordinary sum, considering that Danson's school was nothing better—hardly so good—as a common National school.<sup>10</sup> But things were different in those days from what they are now, & especially were they different from the outer "outer" & more civilized world—at Ingleton. In a few years after my initiation into the old school, near the church & looking into the church yard, the "seat of learning" was removed to a large, well-finished government-aided school in the centre of the village & on an elevated portion of land called "Ash green"—or in the patois of the villagers "Eshy (Ashy) Green". A large ash tree used to grow on this plot of land & hence its name. Prior to the erection of schools on this ground—for the building in question comprised an upper & a lower room, one for boys, the other for girls—the children and youths of the village of Ingleton used to assemble on it & play. How often I have toiled myself to death in the gambols of youth on this place—how often have my companions indulged in the peaks and nonsense of juvenility

<sup>9</sup> Robert Danson (d. 1855) was also Ingleton correspondent for the *Lancaster Gazette*  (*Lancaster Gazette*, 24 November 1855, p. 5).

<sup>10</sup> A basic elementary school run by the National Society for Promoting the Education of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church in England and Wales.

thereon. Happy were the days when mirth & sport and happy blissful frivolity reigned supreme on "Eshy Green."

There was were no gas & no policemen in Ingleton then. Those were "good old times." The people of Ingleton had sufficient light to do what they wanted. "Fast" life was not known there. "Balls" and "parties" & "converzationes", and operatic theatres & "sensation" generators were unknown. Happy in their ignorance, the good people of Ingleton were content with things as they found them. Like the Bourbons they learned nothing and forgot nothing. Simple and contented, easy and unambitious, they remained for ever social & domestic Tories. The inhabitants knew each others affairs, and a kind of respectable "communism"—not of the French order—prevailed in their midst from the youngest child to the oldest "pedlington."<sup>11</sup>

The population numbered about 1,300 [in pencil above: 1200], and not above half a dozen of them "took in" a newspaper. Friends at a distance used to send journalistic literature, and it was borrowed and read around to those who desired to know the sayings and doings of the great world at a distance. When the railway was made in 1848–9 through Ingleton the sensations of a new and enlightened age were first experienced. Up to that time market carts and old tall stage coaches were "the order" of both day & night & when they were superseded a kind of insipid melancholy at the decadence of old world systems affected all. With the railroad came "navvies" and policemen, bad women and drunkards, and to this day their influence is felt. Civilization & invention, however great and good in the abstract, often bring with them evils. Somewhere about 1846 or 1847 a new school, which I have before referred to, was erected on "Ashy Green" which I and the old scholars at the old school attended. The rules were new, novel, somewhat arbitrary, and yet calculated in a far higher degree than the primitive regime to facilitate mental and moral culture.

At the end of May 1850, a letter was received from my parents, at Lancaster, to the effect that there a trade, to which I was to be apprenticed, had been found for me.<sup>12</sup> In a day or two I proceeded to

<sup>11</sup> The inhabitant of a remote, backward English village, from John Poole, *Paul Pry's Journal of a Residence at Little Pedlington* (E.L. Carey & A. Hart, 1836), https://books. google.co.uk/books?id=BgMoAAAAMAAJ&dq.

<sup>12</sup> [In margin between pages, in Hewitson's handwriting:] What is it Today? Wages 1/- per week for first year and + increase of 1/- per y(ea)r af(terwar)ds.

Lancaster—walked half the way and rode the rest on a luggage train and was bound, after six weeks' probation, on the sixth o[f] July 1850, for seven years to Mr G C Clarke, [sic] printer.13 My place was the Gazette office in Anchor-Lane, of which Mr Clarke was the absolute proprietor.14 There I had to learn the "art and mystery" of printing. Old associations had now gone for ever. How I often wished for them. How I have since often longed for their resuscitation. Gone! did I say? Yes, gone, fled, for all time. Old comrades, old places, old scenes vanished. The boys whom I delighted to play with in the warmth of young uncontaminated blood; the games in which I used to revel with boisterous happy glee: the woods with their brambles and brown nut trees and blackberries; the brooks with their rippling music and tiny silver fish; the old slate quarries with their geological trees and quaint crevices; the lanes with their swinging gates, tall trees, and bird-nests, the valleys with their flowers and bleating sheep and lowing kine;15 the meadows with their lovely footpaths and genial springs; the mountains—Ingleborough in chief—with their sweet heather and long strata o[f] stones, and curling mist—all had gone to be again either only dimly embalmed in memory or fleetingly visited as a stranger. New men and things were now around me—strangers who knew me not, and streets and alleys and dirty hovels and fine buildings with which I had no human sympathy. The Gazette office—although I now look upon it as one of the most infinitesimal of printing shops—seemed to be a great and overwhelming establishment. Its printing resources wonder-struck me and its ancient "Belper" mangle-turned machine appeared to be a world of inventions in itself. As time proceeded I became more familiar with both the office, the men, & t[he] boys working therein. The problems and singularities which at first beset me gradually waned down into ordinary routine matters and became a part of that professional nature and efficiency which I was cultivating. The "hands" in the establishment were good humoured and intelligent; but in many respects were, I am sorry to confess not over scrupulous in the virtue of their actions or the purity of their parlance. There were the same noises, vulgar tales & dodges that prevail in most offices where strict supervision on the part of the proprietor is not carried into operation; and, on the whole

15 Cattle.

<sup>13</sup> George Christopher Clark (d. 1873), Conservative town councillor.

<sup>14</sup> *Lancaster Gazette* (1801–1894), a Conservative paper.

the Gazette office was anything but than a likely taste place in which to cultivate chaste feeling & lofty sentiment. Still, it was the birth-place of my profession, as a printer and, therefore I respect it and cherish a fond recollection of the many incidents wh[ich] transpired (of an innocent character) within its old open-roofed work-room. Things have changed marvellously, happily, painfully, since then. Not one hand now works in the office who was there when first I entered it. All have gone some are dead, some abroad, some in far better circumstances, others perhaps in worse. The great "tide" which Shakespeare tells us is "in the affairs of man" has been taken advantage of by some and has "led on to fortune"; by others it has been neglected and has resulted in "shoals & quicksands". Towards the middle of my seven years' apprenticeship I became strongly involved with the sentiments of religion. I had frequent intercourse with an eccentric but good man named Thomas Johnson,16 solicitor, who is now living, and through whose example the elements of independence of thought, decision of action, and purity of conduct within me—and naturally within all more or less—were developed. I however believe that my religion was too Puritanical and my principles too severe. I did not grasp with the truth of religion, its freedom & intellectual liberty. This, however, was ultimately counteracted perhaps in too great a degree. Whilst attending the class of Mr Johnson, as a Sunday scholar in the High Street (Independent) School,<sup>17</sup> I became a member of an essay class, formed by young men in connection with that denomination. The class met in one of the ante-rooms of the Oddfellows Hall in Mary Street. At first the essays were—it is my impression at any rate—of an absolutely religious character, but as some of the members (myself amongst the rest) got simultaneously connected with an essay class, in wh[ich] secular or worldly questions were discussed, the tone and spirit of the meeting changed gradually until at length the subjects for treatment became general and promiscuous, instead of exclusively religious. Much good, however, resulted from this class. At the secular class Goodwin Barmby the Unitarian Minister and poet was an attendant.<sup>18</sup> The members generally were well educated,

<sup>16</sup> Thomas Johnson (1818?-92). A 'cosmopolitan Protestant, and in politics a Radical' (obit, *Lancaster Gazette*, 29 June 1892, p. 2)*.*

<sup>17</sup> Connected to a Nonconformist independent chapel.

<sup>18</sup> John Barmby Goodwyn (1820–1881) claimed to have introduced the word 'communism' into the English language, and founded the Communist Church before joining the Unitarians, a theologically liberal Nonconformist denomination (*ODNB*).

self-taught men. Good, strong, intellect was prominent amongst them, and if subjects were not written and submitted clearly, logically and in accordance with facts, some rude hand would be laid upon them and they would speedily undergo that process known to scholars as the reductio ad absurdum. The test was severe and tended much to cultivate strength of judgement, soundness of reason, extension of general practical knowledge, and purity of logical power. The benefits of this society I feel to this day. On the 6th of July, 1857 I was "loose"—out of my apprenticeship. After staying a week as a journeyman compositor19 at the Gazette office I proceeded to the Kendal Mercury where I worked as compositor and reporter.<sup>20</sup> I had learned Pitman's graphic system of short-hand writing whilst an apprentice—learned it myself without any instructor. I soon became acquainted with the sights and picturesque places in and around Kendal.\* A lovely place—but emphatically dull in society—is Kendal. I formed no very particular acquaintance with anyone in Kendal—I knew no one particularly; and generally I took my walks alone and contemplatively. The season of the year was the very finest when I went to Kendal; it was summer and one too of a most beautiful character.

Kendal is situated partially on a hill side and partially in a hollow. It is sequestered in appearance and nestles lovingly amongst & at the foot of high hills and fine woodland scenery. On one side there is "Bensons Knott" on another "Scout Scar" from which places scenes of the most beautiful character present themselves. From Bensons Knott the visitor may see the hills of Yorkshire; Dentdale, the northern range of hills known as Shap; the Lake mountains; Morecambe Bay and many other places lovely in nature and beautiful in appearance. Oh how varied, how comprehensive, how charming is the view!

[Text ends here, after 22 pages. Most of book is unused]

[Near back of book, on one page, using book upside down:]

<sup>19</sup> A journeyman was a craftsman who had completed his apprenticeship. A compositor was a typesetter, at that time selecting and placing individual metal letters to 'compose' the words, sentences and columns making up each newspaper page, ready for printing.

<sup>20</sup> The Liberal *Kendal Mercury* (1834–1917) was then owned by Unitarian minister Rev George Lee (1805–1862).

#### Preston Herald Newspaper Company

D[ebit] to

Anthony Hewitson21


[Last page, on paper taped into book:]

Inscription on tombstone over grave of my grandfather and grandmother in Dent Churchyard immediately east of chancel end

Sacred to the memory of Dorothy wife of Thomas More, who died at Ingleton, April 18th 1841 aged 68 years.

<sup>21</sup> This appears to be money owed, or more likely paid, to Hewitson for wages at £2 6s per week, plus occasional reporting expenses (about the same as the highest paid cotton spinners: David Chadwick, 'On the Rate of Wages in Manchester and Salford, and the Manufacturing Districts of Lancashire, 1839–59', *Journal of the Statistical Society of London* 23, no. 1 (1860): Table N p. 24, https://doi.org/10.2307/2338478). In his next job, reporting for the *Preston Guardian,* his wages were raised to £3 per week after one year (diary, 23 Dec 1865). Reporters were usually paid weekly, so if he was owed wages for a whole quarter, the publishers (a limited company set up by Preston Conservative Association) may have been in financial difficulties.

also

of Thomas Moore, husband to the above, who died February 25th 1854, aged 83.

[Inside back cover: calculations in pencil, totalling £30 8s 6d, same figure as Preston Herald payments]

# Family history and brief autobiography

[This genealogy, brief memoir and list of where Hewitson's children were born, from the back of the 1873 diary (DP512/1/6), was written some time later, as it mentions retiring in 1890. As with the 1862 autobiographical fragment above, some of the family history is inaccurate.]

Mem[orial]s of My Family on Father's side &c

Name of my great great grandfather was Robert Hewitson. He was a tanner at Kirkby Stephen.

Name of my great grandfather was Robert Hewitson.

Name of my grandfather was Anthony Hewitson

Name of my father Anthony Hewitson

Name of myself Anthony Hewitson

My great grandmother died when my grandfather was an infant & his father (my great grandfather) took as his second wife Dorothy Nelson sister of Parson Nelson of Gressingham; a son Robert being the issue of second marriage.

Isabella, Anthony & Matthew were I believe the issue of my great grandfather's first marriage.

My great grandfather served his time to a tailor & draper; afterwards began farming at Eskrig End in the parish of Old Hutton. He also farmed Crosslands in the same parish. He was buried at New Hutton close to.

My grandfather was educated for a land surveyor; but he turned out very "wild", & when about 19 years of age refused to be a land surveyor. His father gave him as his share £800—a sum which he gave to each of his other children with the exception of Robert (issue of second marriage) who received £1400. My grandfather stationed himself at Kendal, as a cattle dealer & hired men to do business for him at Carlisle. He went through his money—lost it or spent it—in about two years. Then his father was bound with him for £400 or £500 & he lost that. Subsequently he became steward at some place wide of Carlisle for some Satterthwaites, Quakers, of Lancaster. He continued in the service of the Satterthwaites till they failed.<sup>1</sup> Next he became a waller<sup>2</sup> & went to Old Hutton where for a time he carried on walling. For six years after this he was a steward for Mr Gibson, banker & tanner of Kirkby Lonsdale. He then went to Borwick carrying on business there as waller. Having been there for about 12 months he removed to Yealand; stayed three years; returned to Old Hutton; then went to Colne; was there three years; & next proceeded to Ingleton, near Bentham, in Yorkshire where he died & was buried in 1835. By marriage with Nancy Barnes, who sprang from Killington, above Kirkby Lonsdale, he had a family of about six children, my father, who was the second (I think) being born at Greenham or Greenholme in Killington on September 26th 1807. He began work—carrying mortar at Yealand—when seven years old; has had a family of ten children; marrying Alice daughter of Thomas Moore of Ingleton in 1835.

I was born at Blackburn on Saturday August 13th 1836. In a very short time I was taken to Ingleton, living there with my grandfather (Thomas Moore) till 1850, when I was on July 6th in that year bound apprentice to G C Clark, printer & proprietor of the Lancaster Gazette. I served my time on the newspaper, was out of my apprenticeship on July 6th 1857. In about a fortnight afterwards I went as compositor & reporter to Mr Lee, a Unitarian minister, & proprietor of the Kendal Mercury, in Finkle St[ree]t, Kendal. Spent nine very pleasant, contemplative weeks at Kendal; then went—as compositor, reporter, & editor—to the Brierley Hill Advertiser, in South Staffordshire; remained there about three months; then went to Wolverhampton, working at an office kept by one York, in Queen street3 —working mainly as compositor, occasionally as reporter & editor. Left Wolverhampton in, I think, May, 1858 & came to Mr Livesey4 of the Preston Guardian, as reporter & compositor.

<sup>1</sup> Failed in business.

<sup>2</sup> Dry stone walling.

<sup>3</sup> I have been unable to trace such a newspaper.

<sup>4</sup> Probably William Livesey (1816–1909), eldest son of Joseph Livesey (1794–1884), campaigner against the Corn Laws and the New Poor Law, and for teetotalism and many other good causes. Joseph launched the Radical *Preston Guardian* in 1844, and

Got married in September 1858 (for exact date refer to Family Bible) to Margaret Wilson, daughter of Joseph Wilson<sup>5</sup> late tailor & draper of Market St[ree]t, Lancaster. We were married from her father's house— Bank House, Carnforth & the ceremony took place at Warton Church. I had, whilst at Lancaster formed an attachment for her, which by an intimation at renewal, in Wolverhampton, was too strong to be marred or frustrated by anything else. Subsequent reflection—I am not given to superstition—has induced me to believe, & still does, that there was a higher hand than man's in the affair. Not long after marriage, I became reporter under Messrs W & J Dobson,<sup>6</sup> on the Preston Chronicle. Some years having elapsed I went to the Preston Herald & became its manager. Then—being dissatisfied—I went back to the Chronicle. Later on, I became chief reporter on the Preston Guardian<sup>7</sup> under Geo. Toulmin.<sup>8</sup> On March 28th 1868 I became proprietor of the Preston Chronicle. Owed a considerable sum upon the concern; but cleared off debt I owed in 1873. Had an awfully hard pull; for had to re-type & re-machine paper;9 & pay for three removals—first into Gillett's Yard, between Post Office & Gas Works office, in Fishergate, with works below; then to 24½ Fishergate,

it quickly became one of the best-selling local newspapers in England. By 1858 it was edited by William, until it was sold to the Toulmins in 1859 (*ODNB*).

<sup>5</sup> Joseph Wilson (1812–1879) tailor and draper of Lancaster, Lancaster Liberal town councillor 1858–1862; (obit, *PC,* 1 Nov 1879); moved from Lancaster to Carnforth, then to Holme, where he tried agriculture; then ran Morecambe Pier refreshment rooms. Member of Morecambe Local Board of Health; retired 1875, bought Bank Top, Penwortham, moved to Lombard Terrace, Garstang Rd, 1879.

<sup>6</sup> William Dobson (1820–1884), owner and editor of the Liberal *Preston Chronicle* until he sold it to Hewitson in 1868. Town councillor, well-respected historian. A 'corpulent, portly-hued gentleman, with a broadly-radiant physiognomy, indicative of no fasting whatever; he is round, red, and easy looking' (*PTC,* p. 106); his brother James Dobson (?–?).

<sup>7</sup> The editor when Hewitson returned to the *Guardian* was Thomas Wemyss Reid (1842–1905), later editor of the *Leeds Mercury* and manager of Cassells. Hewitson, quoted in a *Preston Guardian* obituary of Reid (*PG,* 4 March 1905), describes him as 'a very sincere and energetic writer, and a companionable and very desirable colleague'. The obituary also says that 'a studious and reserved nature which marked his early manhood stood in the way of his forming numerous friendships'.

<sup>8</sup> George Toulmin (1813–1888), owner of the Radical *Preston Guardian,* also publisher of the Conservative *Bolton Chronicle.* In 1859 he and his brother James bought the *Preston Guardian* from Joseph Livesey, developing a powerful stable of Liberal newspapers with the *Blackburn Times* (purchased in 1867), the *Accrington Reporter*  (launched in 1868) and the *Warrington Examiner* series (launched in 1869). Toulmin employed Hewitson as chief reporter 1865–1867, before dismissing him.

<sup>9</sup> i.e. buy new type and new printing presses.

with works at same place; then to 125, Fishergate, with works at 21, Cannon Street. Retired in 1890.

My first child Maggie was born at 5 St Peter's St[ree]t, Preston when I was reporter for Chronicle.

My second child Ethelind, at a house at bottom of Fishergate Hill, No [sic] nearly opposite Regatta Inn.

My third, Florence, was born at her grandfathers (Wilson's) house at the north end of Holme Village, Westmorland.

My fifth 4th, Ethelbert, at my own house, 48, Fishergate Hill, Preston. My sixth 5th, Horace, at same house.

My seventh Ada 6th Amy at 24½ Fishergate (now front of Guild Hall Street).

My 7th Ada ditto

My seventh eighth, Llewellyn, at 125 Fishergate, Preston.

My 9th Mabel ditto

My 10th Rosaline ditto

My 11th Letitia ditto

# Hewitson's reminiscences of his time on the *Preston Guardian*

[Letter from Hewitson in the *Preston Guardian* 8 June 1912, responding to an article about the paper in the previous Saturday's issue. This newspaper cutting was at the back of his 1912 diary.]<sup>1</sup>

Sir,—In last Saturday's "Preston Guardian" there appeared an article respecting the commencement, progress, and general career, down to the present, of the paper. It was very interesting, and to very many persons would be equally informative. Perhaps I may be allowed, as an old newspaper hand, having a connection with the "Preston Guardian" which began upwards of half a century ago, to add, briefly, a few particulars to those published in the last issue. The "Guardian" was commenced by the late Mr Joseph Livesey\* principally, if not entirely, through an offer made to him by the executive of the Anti-Corn Law League.<sup>2</sup> The offer included either a monetary subsidy or a promise to take for a given time a certain number of copies if Mr. Livesey would start a weekly paper, and make the repeal of the Corn Laws one of the main objects of its advocacy. Prior to this an offer of the same kind, from the same body, had been made to Messrs. Wilcockson and Dobson, the proprietors at that time of the "Preston Chronicle"; but they declined to accept it. Mr. Livesey's first newspaper printing place was in Church-street, on the north side, between Clarke-yard and North-road; his publishing office being part of a shop in the basement of the old Town Hall. Immediately before taking over the "Guardian"

<sup>1</sup> Lancashire Archives, DP/512/1/16.

<sup>2</sup> Successful pressure group campaigning against the Corn Laws, which protected British landowners by charging duties on imported wheat; they were unpopular because they made bread expensive, and were abolished in 1846.

by the late Mr. George Toulmin\* and his brother James,3 the printing works were in Church-street, in the part above mentioned, whilst the publishing office was at the entrance—west side—of New Cockyard, Fishergate; I went to the "Guardian," taking the combined roles of reporter and compositor, anterior to the transfer of the concern to Messrs. Toulmin, and while Mr. Joseph Livesey and his eldest son William4 were the proprietors. At that time the editing was principally done by Mr Livesey and his son; the sub-editor5 was Mr. E Holmes; the chief of the reporting staff was Mr. John Thompson,<sup>6</sup> brother of the late Alderman W. Thompson,<sup>7</sup> of Preston; the overseer was a shrewd, steady, north country man named Barwise;<sup>8</sup> and the principal machine hand was Jonathan Shepherd.9 The late Mr. Charles Greenall,<sup>10</sup> printer, Cannon-street, Preston, and the late Mr. Thos. Brewer,11 of Cadley, were at the time in question apprentices in the news office—in fact they were the only apprentices in the entire establishment. In summer the compositors used to start work in a morning when "setting" was on, at a quarter past six o'clock, and occasionally when they had done work on a Saturday morning, about two o'clock, some of them would sally forth into the country, on a mushrooming expedition. The news hands began work, in winter at eight o'clock, after breakfast. Of the whole of those connected with the "Preston Guardian" at the time referred to, I am now the only survivor.—Yours, &c., ANTHONY HEWITSON. 7, Queen's-road, Fulwood, Preston.

<sup>3</sup> James Toulmin (d. 1883), cheese merchant, was joint owner of the *Preston Guardian*  but left the management to his brother George.

<sup>4</sup> William Livesey (1816–1909), a friend, continued in journalism after his father sold the *Guardian* in 1859, including deputising for Hewitson as editor of the *Lancaster Standard* while Hewitson was in America. He was a councillor and chaired the Board of Guardians in Preston, and was on Blackpool local board when he lived there (*LDP* 13 December 1909, p. 4). Hewitson edited Livesey's autobiography, published serially in the *Preston Guardian* in 1910.

<sup>5</sup> Sub-editor sometimes meant an editor, sometimes its 21st-century sense of a journalist who selects, arranges, checks, re-writes, and cuts articles, sometimes both.

<sup>6</sup> John Thompson (c. 1833–1871) served his apprenticeship on the *Preston Chronicle,*  became a Parliamentary reporter, joined *The Times* staff and went on to edit the *Melbourne Argus* (*PC,* 1 April 1871, p. 5; *PH,* 16 January 1904, p. 4).

<sup>7</sup> William Thompson (d. 1904), son of a Preston corn merchant, a Radical, joined the council in 1873 and became an alderman in 1899 (obit, *LDP,* 13 January 1904). No trace has been found of E. Holmes.

<sup>8</sup> Probably Henry Barwise (c. 1808–1860), from Whitehaven.

<sup>9</sup> Jonathan Shepherd (b. 1826).

<sup>10</sup> Charles Greenall (1841–1897).

<sup>11</sup> Thomas Brewer (1843–1912).

# THE DIARIES

Fig. 4. Title page of 1865 volume, in Hewitson's hand (Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/1), courtesy of Lancashire Archives, CC BY.

[Letts's No. 35 Rough Diary or Scribbling Journal, with a week in each opening of 2 pages. Price … Interleaved with Blotting Paper: 1s 6d.]<sup>1</sup>

[In Hewitson's hand:] Diary of Anthony Hewitson 48 Fishergate Hill, Preston, for the year 1865.

[By 1865, Hewitson was married to Margaret, with two daughters, Ethelind, aged three, and Florence, aged two. In December 1864 he had rejoined the bi-weekly Radical *Preston Guardian* as chief reporter; it was the highest selling newspaper in North Lancashire. Hewitson was 28 years old. Preston was beginning to recover from the Lancashire Cotton Famine, during which half of its population had been made paupers. The diary begins in March.]

### March

**Sunday 5 March 1865** Ethelind Hewitson, my daughter, died at 49 Fishergate Hill,<sup>2</sup> Preston at 20 minutes to 11 o'cl[loc]k evening of tonsillitis. Age 3 y[ea]rs 9 months. God Bless her. Same age as my daughter Madge who died in March 1863.

<sup>1</sup> Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/1

<sup>2</sup> His address was 48 Fishergate Hill; presumably this is a mistake.

**Wednesday 8 March 1865** My daughter Ethelind interred in Preston Cemetery at 2 o'cl[ock] this afternoon. Minister Rev. H J Martyn,3 Independent. Two hours before interment went down grave, about 20 ft deep, and removed lid above a glass in coffin of my little daughter Madge, interred at same place and same age, two years before. Coffin put into ground 2 years ago. Said to be airtight. Made of iron. Face of Madge dark, eyes sunk, skin dark brown. Hair, cap &c perfect. Ethelind buried in a similar coffin.4

[on torn-off slip stuck into diary:]

**Thursday 9 March 1865** My son Ethelbert born between five and six o'cl[ock] this morning "without the aid of a doctor."<sup>5</sup> Went to Lancaster at eight o'cl[ock] to re-….<sup>6</sup>

[No entries 10 March–21 May]

<sup>3</sup> Henry Julius Martyn (b. 1834), Minister of Cannon St Independent chapel, Preston, 1864–1879. He later joined the Church of England (PC, 5 April 1879, p. 2) and wrote an anonymous memoir, in which Preston was called 'Langton': *Chapters From the Autobiography of an Independent Minister* (London: Williams & Norgate, 1882).

<sup>4</sup> Twelve-feet-deep graves, to fit four burials, were common; Hewitson may have exaggerated the depth. His behaviour was unusual. Airtight coffins were intended to delay decomposition, and to prevent the release of 'miasma', believed to carry infection. An 1878 advertisement explained that 'by the introduction of a Glass Panel in the lid a view of the departed may be obtained up to the last moment' ('The House of Economy' advertisement, *Cheltenham Mercury,* 13 April 1878, p. 1). I am grateful to Dr Helen Frisby for some of this information.

<sup>5</sup> The use of this well-worn phrase may indicate pride.

<sup>6</sup> Margaret Hewitson's parents lived in Lancaster, so Hewitson may have gone to fetch his mother-in-law.

### May

**Monday 22 May 1865** Fearful storm of thunder, lightning, rain & hail in the afternoon. Street flooded with water—cellars and low situated houses deluged. Hail stones fell as large as marbles. Lightning awfully vivid. Lot of places damaged with it.

**Tuesday 23 May 1865** More thunder but innocent when compared with that of yesterday.

[No entries 24–26 May]

**Saturday 27 May 1865** Went to Penwortham Church at noon, to report confirmation<sup>7</sup> address of the Bishop of Manchester (J Prince Lee).<sup>8</sup> Weather fine, sight of children and young persons charming; but idea thereof somewhat toned down by the suspicion that the youths & maidens would not care very much for the promises they would make. Such is the fact afterwards. Confirmation seems a solemn farce, and the Bishop who is an earnest man does not know how little his young subjects care for him.

**Sunday 28 May 1865** [No entry]

**Monday 29 May 1865** Nothing of consequence during day. Went to Mr L.N Fowlers9 phrenological class in the evening at Corn Exchange.<sup>10</sup> Heard a good lecture on the affinity between mind and matter. The relationship seems terribly mysterious. A good deal of merriment after the lecture in the phrenological drilling which the pupils got.

<sup>7</sup> A special church service in which young people confirm the promises made on their behalf when they were baptised as infants.

<sup>8</sup> James Prince Lee (1804–1869), first bishop of Manchester.

<sup>9</sup> Lorenzo Niles Fowler (1811–1896), American phrenologist; this pseudoscience of 'reading' personality from the shape and size of the skull was accepted by many, particularly those with Liberal politics, because of its suggestion of human progress. By the 1860s it was taken less seriously, as physiological studies of the brain contradicted phrenology's claims: T. M. Parssinen, 'Popular Science and Society: The Phrenology Movement in Early Victorian Britain', *Journal of Social History* 8, no. 1 (1974): 1–20.

<sup>10</sup> Large public building used for meetings and entertainment.\*

**Tuesday 30 May 1865** To office at 9;<sup>11</sup> police court<sup>12</sup> at 11; Board of Guardians13 at 11.30. A deal of authoritative twaddle talked by some of the guardians, who seem to be marvellous 'spouters' and very lazy workers. Its odd that working and talking go so seldom together**.**  Extremes often meet. And always in Guardians of the Poor, as a rule.

**Wednesday 31 May 1865** Weather fine but windy rather. To police court at 11 in forenoon*.* Nothing particular. In afternoon at 3 had a row in a boat down the Ribble\* for about two miles. Wife and two children (Florence and Ethelbert) and servant with me. Nice afternoon's enjoyment. Water calm, air clear, sky bright. Went with wife at 8 evening to Mr L.N. Fowler's phrenological class, Corn Exchange. Laughed a good deal; learned little. Mayor of Preston14 and myself sat together as specimens (oh!)

<sup>11</sup> The *Preston Guardian* front office, 11 Fishergate, Preston's main street. The front office connected with the printing works and back office, which fronted onto Cannon St. A *Lancaster Guardian* reporter, Bernard F. Bussey, described the building in 1864 as 'very large and well arranged and all the minute details providing for the utmost possible convenience and dispatch are looked after. Among the many time saving inventions which fill the office there is a series of pipes or speaking tubes extending from the compositors room to all the various parts of the building, such as the Editor's and reporters' rooms, machine room, and jobbing office' (notebook of Bernard Bussey, Lancashire Archives DDX 1211/3).

<sup>12</sup> The police court was presided over by magistrates, trying minor crimes.

<sup>13</sup> The Board of Guardians for Preston Poor Law Union provided money and accommodation for unemployed and sick people, and administered workhouses, funded by local taxes.

<sup>14</sup> Joseph Isherwood (1814–1874), Conservative councillor from 1856, alderman from 1865, gave up his chemists' shop to build a cotton mill in 1850. Portly, 'his features indicate good cooking and an easy conscience' (*PTC*).

### June

**Thursday 1 June 1865** Fine weather, but very cold in the evening. At 9.20 morning to office in Cannon St[reet]. At 11 to police court. Forgery case partly heard. Left work at half past three in afternoon & went to Cemetery to see grave of two children (Madge and Ethel). Found it in good condition. Cemetery borders beautiful—grass thick and wavy; trees in full foliage; flowers blooming; birds singing. A sort of 'grave' pantheism right through the place. To Mr Fowler's class with wife at 9 o'cl[ock]. To bed at 12.

**Friday 2 June 1865** To work at nine in the morning. A slack day. Heard and saw nothing worth mentioning. Left work at half past 12 o'cl[ock] at night. Early for publishing night.<sup>15</sup>

**Saturday 3 June 1865** "Turned up" at 11 o'cl[ock] in the morning. Nothing except bucolic barrenness at the county police station.16 Saw C.R. Jacson Esq<sup>17</sup> who promised to get me a new county valuation list when ready.<sup>18</sup> Went to Mr Fowler's class, with wife, in evening. Saw and heard a good deal of the "dear brother and sister"19 kind of work.

**Whit Sunday 4 June 1865** Read Sam Slick in morning.20 In afternoon had a walk with wife, children and servant. Did the conscientious secular in the evening—made out bills to pay debts.

<sup>15</sup> The *Preston Guardian*'s main edition was published on Saturday morning, its other edition on a Wednesday. It was usual for reporters, compositors and printers to work into the early hours of Saturday morning to prepare the paper.

<sup>16</sup> The county police station was on Church St, near the Bull Hotel. This was a separate force from the borough police.

<sup>17</sup> Councillor Charles Roger Jacson (1817–1893), director of Horrocks, Jacson & Co, cotton manufacturers, of Barton Hall, subsequently mayor and alderman and active public figure, a 'thin, elongated, semi-silvery haired, languid-looking gentleman' (*PTC*).

<sup>18</sup> List of the values of all buildings and land in a district, for rating (local tax) purposes.

<sup>19</sup> Usually used disparagingly of evangelical Christianity, which had some overlap with phrenology.

<sup>20</sup> Sam Slick was a comic Yankee character, created by Thomas Chandler Haliburton.

**Whit Monday 5 June 1865** Went up street<sup>21</sup> in forenoon. Saw Catholic (Roman) and Orangemen's<sup>22</sup> processions.23 Catholic fine; others moderate. Afternoon; saw thousands of Protestant scholars walk through the streets. A fine demonstration. Then went in "The Orchard"24 and got my head nearly "turned" with the din, bustle, screaming, turning, pulling, riding &c on the ground. Saw "hobby" horses driven by steam! What next. Thought that there was a deal of fun and nonsense in human nature. At night went home to transcribe my notes.<sup>25</sup>

**Whit Tuesday 6 June 1865** Got up at six and continued transcribing. Bustled about during the day after Whitsuntide news. Tremendous numbers of cheap trips by rail. My Aunts Margaret26 and Jane, whom I had never seen for eleven y[ea]rs (although during the greater part of that time we had only been separated 10 miles) called on me. Went forward to Lancaster that night, along with my wife, en route to Dent to attend my Uncle Peter's<sup>27</sup> funeral.

**Wednesday 7 June 1865** Went with wife, mother\* and two aunts by rail to Clapham; there got a conveyance; drove through Ingleton;\* saw the house wherein I was brought up and fields wherein I had often played; drove on to Dent by Kingsdale—a most terrific and unpardonable road. Found uncles, & aunts & cousins there in profusion—one nearly drunk. He was an uncle. Nice man! Saw my grandfather\* and grandmother's\* grave. Came to Lancaster same night. A tremendous drive and a rapid ride. Scenery compensated for all.

<sup>21</sup> Up Fishergate, Preston's main street.

<sup>22</sup> Members of the Loyal Orange Institution, a Protestant organisation, named after William of Orange, generally seen as anti-Catholic.

<sup>23</sup> Whit Sunday or Pentecost is the seventh after Easter, and celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit to Jesus' disciples. Some workers were given unpaid holiday for this festival. In North-West England, churches and Sunday Schools marched through the streets in a custom said to have originated in Manchester in 1801: Dorothy Entwistle, 'The Whit Walks of Hyde: Glorious Spectacle, Religious Witness, and Celebration of a Custom,' *Journal of Religious History* 36, no. 2 (2012): 204–33, https:// doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9809.2011.01167.x.

<sup>24</sup> Chadwick's Orchard\* was a piece of waste land used for public meetings, fairs and gatherings.

<sup>25</sup> The notes were for a descriptive article of the Whitsun celebrations.

<sup>26</sup> Margaret Moore Wilshaw, née Moore (1802–1871).

<sup>27</sup> Peter Moore (1798–1865).

**Thursday 8 June 1865** Up at six. Off to Preston by train at a quarter past seven. Saw by newspaper placard that a great accident had taken place on previous day to an excursion train about Shrewsbury. Went down home at 8.20; found servant and my little daughter Florence, who had stayed behind, all right. To office at 9. In afternoon tried to get particulars of Mr T Miller's<sup>28</sup> mills illness but failed. Wanted them because Miller is dying and my master was anxious to have a full notice. After saw Dr Broughton.29 My wife and son returned from Lancaster at 6.20pm.

**Friday 9 June 1865** Great deal of running about after paragraphs.30 Felt terribly tired through a tight pair of new boots. People should always get feet gear big enough. Brother Tom31 came at night tired and 'hard up'32 through Whitsuntide spreeing.33

**Saturday 10 June 1865** Up street in morning with wife and Florence (daughter). Throngish34 market. A steam hobby horse apparatus in the 'Orchard' and plenty of patrons. I saw two men one at least 50 years of age upon a hobby horse.

**Sunday 11 June 1865** To St Wilfrid's Catholic (Roman) Chapel, Chapel St[ree]t in morning. Music magnificent; ceremony childish in the peddling nonsense of their details; sermon (by a convert35) terribly metaphysical but full of thought. At night to same chapel. Fine music, eloquently bigoted sermon.

**Monday 12 June 1865** Forenoon—Sherriff's court case—a man sued for 6d. About £40 incurred in case. Reported it. Heard some of jurymen say that the man who brought case must be a scamp. Sent case off to papers.36

<sup>28</sup> Thomas Miller (1811–1865) of Winckley Square, owner of Horrockses, Miller & Co, Preston's biggest cotton manufacturer with ten mills employing more than 3,200 workers. He was a major benefactor, giving the land for Avenham and Miller parks (obit, *PH,* 1 July 1865).

<sup>29</sup> Dr Hugh Henshall Broughton (d. 1868) of Winckley Square.

<sup>30</sup> Short original anecdotal items of gossip.

<sup>31</sup> Thomas Hewitson\* (1838–1869) lived in Lancaster.

<sup>32</sup> Short of money.

<sup>33</sup> Bingeing on alcohol.

<sup>34</sup> Busy-ish.

<sup>35</sup> Fr Thomas Norton Harper SJ (1821–1893), professor of theology of St Beuno's College, St Asaph and a much admired preacher (*PH,* 10 June 1865).

<sup>36</sup> Staff reporters sometimes earned extra income by selling stories to other newspapers.

**Tuesday 13 June 1865** Usual writing and running about. In the evening went to a meeting in Avenham Institution37 of the "Ladies of Preston" for the purpose of raising relief for the freed people in America.38 The meeting was a significant one—it was attended by seven Quakeresses, two Quakers and myself.39

**Wednesday 14 June 1865** Sent some reports off to The Tablet and other Roman Catholic papers.40

**Thursday 15 June 1865** Went to the meeting of the Guardians at the 'finished town' of Garstang.41 Lovely day. Would have enjoyed the walk to and from Garstang station (4 miles) but for two things; dusty roads and tight shoes—the latter being an abomination. Garstang although 'finished' continues to improve. When railway is made past, it will be 'complete'.42

**Friday 16 June 1865** A good deal of running about sweating &c for paragraphs in Preston. 'Vaticinated'43 in regard to one paragraph to the daily papers and found out that I was not a 'true prophet'—although the prophecy has been done for a 'real profit'. 44 Finished work at one o'cl[ock] in the morning (Saturday).

<sup>37</sup> The Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge, Avenham\* (a mechanics' institute).

<sup>38</sup> The meeting was organised by the Freedmen's Aid Society.

<sup>39</sup> The small numbers mean Hewitson is probably being sarcastic in describing it as 'significant'.

<sup>40</sup> More freelance reporting, probably of last Sunday's services at St Wilfrid's.

<sup>41</sup> 'At one time there appeared to be such a dislike of, or unwillingness to adopt "modern improvements" in Garstang, and the place was evidently so completely locked up in the hands of one family—nobody being able to buy either a piece of land or a building—that it was called "the finished town"': Anthony Hewitson, *Northward: Historic, Topographic, Residential, and Scenic Gleanings, &c. between Preston and Lancaster* (Wakefield: S.R. Publishers, 1969), p. 62 [hereafter *Northward*].

<sup>42</sup> The Garstang and Knot-End Railway Company eventually opened a seven-mile single-track line from the main line east of Garstang to Pilling in 1870.

<sup>43</sup> To foretell the future.

<sup>44</sup> Hewitson may have sent a speculative story to some daily papers which turned out to be wrong.

**Saturday 17 June 1865** Wrote newspaper correspondence45 in the afternoon. At night to theatre. Afterwards to the railway station and there got particulars of an accident—a collision.46

**Sunday 18 June 1865** Went to Skelmersdale to opening of Roman Catholic Chapel. Reported sermon of Bishop Goss.47 Pleasant day's visit but weather very hot.

**Monday 19 June 1865** Writing out Bishop Goss's\* speech to send off. In the evening went to a Missionary meeting. 48 Very hot. Got cold when I came out. Afterwards—at half past 9 o'cl[ock]—went with wife to the theatre & saw Miss Marriott perform.49 Didn't like the playing very much.

**Tuesday 20 June 1865** Running about as usual for paragraphs. Went to Samaritan Society's annual meeting, to report, in the evening. Was persuaded that it had a good cause by the main, but that it was damnably attended—only 34 present. Abominable. The meeting on behalf of Indian savages<sup>50</sup> held the previous night was better attended. Object of Samaritan society—relief of distress at home.

**Wednesday 21 June 1865** To Preston Grammar School distribution of prizes at 11 o'cl[ock] in the forenoon. Mayor (Mr Joseph Isherwood<sup>51</sup>) in the chair. Many ladies and gentlemen present. A brilliant affair on the whole. Two scholarships were given (for the first time) today. The

<sup>45</sup> Probably sending reports now published in today's *Preston Guardian* to other newspapers, as a freelance correspondent.

<sup>46</sup> A Manchester train collided with some empty carriages at Preston station; no one was hurt (*Birmingham Daily Post,* 21 June 1865).

<sup>47</sup> Alexander Goss (1814–1872), from 1856 the Roman Catholic Bishop of Liverpool, the diocese which included Preston. From an old Lancashire Catholic family, an opinionated defender of Catholicism and Conservatism, and an accomplished theologian and historian. Tall yet shy, 'he had a commanding public presence and was a forceful speaker and controversialist' (*ODNB*).

<sup>48</sup> The meeting was organised by the Preston Auxiliary of the London Missionary Society.

<sup>49</sup> Alice Marriott (1824–1900), theatre producer and actor, at the Theatre Royal, Preston, on a national tour. Her grandson George Marriott Edgar (1880–1951) wrote the comic monologue, 'The Lion and Albert', for Stanley Holloway.

<sup>50</sup> A racist term still in use today.

<sup>51</sup> See 31 May.

second was by mistake given to the wrong boy. Two days afterwards it was awarded to the right one Henry C Walton's<sup>52</sup> son.

**Thursday 22 June 1865** This forenoon went to the finished town of Garstang to report petty sessions53 & Highways Board meeting. Lovely place Garstang. At the sessions a bastardy case54 lasted about three hours. Afterwards an old man named Bugless,<sup>55</sup> 86 years of age (who had fought under Nelson at Copenhagen) charged his housekeeper, a woman named Thompson<sup>56</sup> about 40 y[ea]rs of age, w[ith] robbing him of about £40. She said she got no wages for 4 y[ea]rs and had been living "tally"57 with Bugless, and thought she had a right to it. Bugless lived at Forton.

**Friday 23 June 1865** Worked quietly hard today. At night saw Miss Marriott at the Theatre in the character of Hamlet. Well impersonated for a woman. Got from the office at 1.30 in the morning.<sup>58</sup>

**Saturday 24 June 1865** Was called up early this morning to get some particulars for second edition of the Preston Guardian (the paper for which I am chief reporter)59 of the death of Alderman T Miller. He died at half past five this morning. Was the richest man in Preston; also the handsomest; and by far the largest employer of labour.

**Sunday 25 June 1865** Did nothing in particular in forenoon. In afternoon went with wife and two children to Cemetery to see graves of Madge and Ethel.

**Monday 26 June 1865** In the morning at 11.40 to Police Court. Reported an artful dodging case.<sup>60</sup> In the evening saw the outside of Wombwell's Menagerie in the Orchard. Subsequently went to a presentation at the

<sup>52</sup> Richard Percival (Percy) Walton (b. 1852), son of Henry Crane Walton (c. 1821–1891), auctioneer from an old Preston family (*PH,* 21 February 1891, p. 5).

<sup>53</sup> Magistrates' court dealing with minor offences.

<sup>54</sup> A case to identify the father of a child born outside marriage, and to order him to give financial support.

<sup>55</sup> John Bugless.

<sup>56</sup> Elizabeth Thompson or Tomlinson (b. c. 1819).

<sup>57</sup> Cohabiting.

<sup>58</sup> Marriott's Hamlet was well known and admired.

<sup>59</sup> Explanations such as this suggest that he intended other people to read his diaries.

<sup>60</sup> William Henry Fisher was charged with fraud*.*

Police Station (in Mayor's Parlour) to Mr Brown,<sup>61</sup> Hon. Sec of Preston relief com[mitt]ee whose labours have just been suspended.62 Plenty of fruit, wine & talk during proceedings. Got home 'satisfied' by 11 o'cl[ock].

**Tuesday 27 June 1865** Paragraphing, writing out &c. Saw nothing worth mentioning. Left work at 1.30 in the morning, dull and philosophical. Had a pipe of tobacco and a glass of ale as usual & then retired to God's own panacea for toil—sleep.

**Wednesday 28 June 1865** Rose at eight. At half past 9 o'cl[ock] went to see Mr Alderman Miller's funeral. An unparalleled demonstration. Thousands crowded in the streets to see the funeral procession. At 11 o'cl[ock] I went by train to Lytham to take account of interment (in St John's Churchyard) of Mr Miller. A good deal of joking on the way. Will Dobson\* Esq in same carriage. Telegraphed a summary to the office. Got home at five. Wrote out afternoon.

**Thursday 29 June 1865** Finished account of Mr Miller's funeral this morning. At 11o'cl[ock] went to Town Council meeting. The Corporation agreed to give £500 toward the Infirmary (The House of Recovery has to be turned into it).63 At same meeting it was announced that a private firm in town had given same sum for same object. Went to vestry meeting64 afterwards. Created a row with young Toulmin (master's son) in afternoon for opening a letter-parcel directed to me. He said it was done by mistake.

<sup>61</sup> James Brown (1842–1908), clerk for Thomas Phillips, oil merchant (*PH,* 19 Dec 1908, p. 8).

<sup>62</sup> The relief committee had been set up in 1862, at the start of the Lancashire Cotton Famine, and its work ceased on 13 May 1865. It had spent £131,000 (most of the money raised outside Preston) in aid to cotton workers hit by short-time working and mill closures due to over-supply followed by a blockade on cotton from the southern states during the American Civil War.

<sup>63</sup> The old House of Recovery, managed by the Poor Law Guardians, was upgraded to an infirmary (hospital), to be funded through charity.

<sup>64</sup> Preston Select Vestry, an ancient local government body of 24 gentlemen, concerned mainly with the upkeep of the parish church, which continues today. Preston's is one of only two to survive: Alan G. Crosby, *The Select Vestry of Preston: A Short History* (Preston: The Select Vestry, 2012).

**Friday 30 June 1865** Finished account of Messrs Horrockses, Miller & Co's manufacturing establishment for paper. Was after paragraphs remainder of day. At theatre in the evening for a short time. The officers of Fulwood Garrison<sup>65</sup> gave a performance on behalf of the New Infirmary. Performance well patronised. Saw a comedian named Honey66 in the same evening. Promised to give him a critique but was prevented.

<sup>65</sup> Fulwood Barracks, one of a number built in the 1840s at a time of political unrest.

<sup>66</sup> George Honey (1822–1880).

# July

**Saturday 1 July 1865** To police court soon after ten this morning. Got some particulars about a lad who was killed for stopping a quarrel. In the afternoon worked hard at home. Then home. [sic]

**Sunday 2 July 1865** Nothing particular in forenoon; fell asleep in the afternoon; had a walk with wife and two children (Florence & Ethelbert) in the evening.

**Monday 3 July 1865** At 11 o'cl[ock] to Police Court where I remained till two. Making Bills out in afternoon.<sup>67</sup> Heard a lady—at any rate a female splendidly dressed in silk—whistle for her lap dog in Fishergate this forenoon. She must have been one of the strong-minded sort.<sup>68</sup> Got a £1 Bank of Ireland note tonight from Sligo. The first I ever saw. Party sending it said he wanted to engage an editor and verbatim reporter for 35/- per week (Oh!).69

**Tuesday 4 July 1865** Paragraphing and picking up news all day, more or less. Have forgot the rest, if there was anything besides worth recording.

**Wednesday 5 July 1865** Went down to station to take notes of reception of Hon F A Stanley (second son of Earl of Derby).<sup>70</sup> Reception Election time. Great demonstration but spiritless. Reported his speech & Sir Thomas G Hesketh's<sup>71</sup> at night. Poor, incoherent attempt at speaking. Both good Tories but miserable thinkers and talkers.

**Thursday 6 July 1865** At police court reporting a manslaughter case—a lad killed for stopping a fight—in forenoon. In the evening at an enthusiastic meeting of Liberals, who at the eleventh hour wanted a parliamentary candidate. Meeting at Castle Inn, Market Place. Mr

<sup>67</sup> The bills were probably for Hewitson's freelance reporting work.

<sup>68</sup> An insult used against women involved in activity, particularly political activity, outside the home.

<sup>69</sup> Hewitson was probably already paid more than this, as chief reporter; by the end of the year he was earning £3 a week (see 23 December 1865).

<sup>70</sup> Frederick Arthur Stanley (1841–1908), whose father had been Prime Minister three times, was beginning a successful political career. He later became 16th Earl of Derby. He was standing for one of Preston's two parliamentary seats as a Conservative.

<sup>71</sup> Sir Thomas George Fermor-Hesketh\* (1825–1872), Conservative MP for Preston 1862–1872.

Alderman Goodair<sup>72</sup> asked to 'come out'. He came to meeting, made a capital speech and promised to report his intention tomorrow.

**Friday 7 July 1865** At night went to a meeting of Roman Catholics & Liberals at the Castle Inn, Market Place. Got up for the purpose of inducing Mr Alderman Goodair\* (who had refused to accept the invitation at dinnertime73) to reconsider his decision. Large and enthusiastic meeting. Good speeches. Goodair said he had no chance and would not stand much to the regret of (no doubt) many unscrupulous Romans who were sighing for a contest.74

**Saturday 8 July 1865** Went at seven o'cl[ock] in the evening to Red Lion Hotel where the two Conservative (and the only) candidates now in the field addressed a large but not very enthusiastic meeting. Sir T.G Hesketh\* is a genial half Dundreary<sup>75</sup> sort of gentleman with a slow flow of speech. Lord Derby's son is a respectable inexperienced looking young man. His speech tonight was an improvement upon the last I heard.

**Sunday 9 July 1865** Took it easy today.

**Monday 10 July 1865** Easy day. Went at night to theatre with the intention of hearing G.V. Brooke<sup>76</sup> the celebrated player. Had an editorial ticket with me; got passes at the entrance; was afterwards told by a woman taking tickets that I had better go to the side instead of the front boxes. I responded to her sovereign impudence by walking right out of the place.

<sup>72</sup> John Goodair (1808–1873) was a self-made man and one of Preston's largest cotton manufacturers, a town councillor and former mayor. He was one of the few mill owners who did not join the Preston Lock-Out (1854–1855), and set up libraries in his mills: H.I. Dutton and John Edward King, *'Ten Per Cent and No Surrender' : The Preston Strike, 1853–1854* (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1981), p. 85.

<sup>73</sup> Midday meal for working-class and lower-middle-class people, who ate their tea after work in the early evening.

<sup>74</sup> Hewitson seems to suggest that the Roman Catholics were hoping to be bribed for voting Liberal. Voting was still done in public, and bribing of voters was common, although illegal.

<sup>75</sup> Lord Dundreary was the chief character in Tom Taylor's *Our American Cousin* (1858), 'the personification of a good-natured, indolent, blundering, empty-headed swell' (*Brewer's*).

<sup>76</sup> Gustavus Vaughan Brooke (1818–1866), a Shakespeare tragedian, drowned in a shipwreck on his way to Australia in 1866.

**Tuesday 11 July 1865** Election of M.P.'s today throughout the country. Two Conservatives (Sir T.G. Hesketh,\* bart. and the Hon F A Stanley) were returned unopposed. The Liberals couldn't muster a man. Hustings proceedings quiet; not much drunkenness and little shouting. Speeches made moderate. Lieutenant Col. Birchall<sup>77</sup> and Mr C R Jacson supported Hesketh; Alderman E Birley78 and Mr Joseph Gillow79 (a Roman Catholic) supported Stanley.

**Wednesday 12 July 1865** Everybody in Preston in a state of excitement about distant elections.80 At Lancaster about which I was most interested, bribery and corruption prevailed most extensively. Was told that in one village near Lancaster every voter (except three) were insecure viz willing to vote any way if bribed. Sums varying from £10 to £30 and £40 were I am informed given for single votes. Abominable!<sup>81</sup>

**Thursday 13 July 1865** Saw in the evening a north Lancashire editor returning home from Lincoln where he had been to vote. He told me that he got a first class railway pass to and from Lincoln and that he there got £11 £10 for his expenses. The side he originally went to vote for promised to give him £7 after he had recorded his vote, but he would not accept such terms and afterwards got £10 from the opposite side for expenses before voting. Fine eh?

<sup>77</sup> Thomas Birchall (1810?-78) of Ribbleton Hall, Preston was a solicitor and Lieutenant-Colonel of a volunteer corps (part of a national movement of part-time soldiers). He kept two mistresses in succession, the second caring for the children of the first (*PC,*  19 June 1880).

<sup>78</sup> Alderman Edmund Birley (1817–1895) of Clifton Hall was a cotton manufacturer; 'a Churchman, and a rather stiff Conservative … a tall, well-formed, lightcomplexioned gentleman … seems full of energy, and business; shouts considerably when he talks … is quick, impulsive, full of temper; soon boils over, soon cools down' (*PTC*, p. 45).

<sup>79</sup> Joseph Gillow senior (1801–1872) of Frenchwood House, Preston, mill owner, came from an ancient Lancashire Catholic family, and had refused to join the Preston Lock-Out.

<sup>80</sup> Elections could last for weeks―this general election ran from 11 to 24 July. The Liberals, led by Lord Palmerston, increased their majority over the Earl of Derby's Conservatives to more than 80.

<sup>81</sup> See 20 March and entries in September 1866 for the involvement of Hewitson's father-in-law in Lancaster's election bribery. Hewitson appears to have administered bribes in other elections (see 5 November 1874).

**Friday 14 July 1865** Went to Lancaster in morning and reported speeches (at nomination for Northern division of Lancashire) of Colonel Wilson Patten,<sup>82</sup> Marquis of Hartington83 &c. Report made upwards of five columns.84 Good speeches on the whole. Hartington is improving. He made a better speech than I ever before heard from him.

**Saturday 15 July 1865** Neither saw nor did anything worth talking about

**Sunday 16 July 1865** Read a book, about duels, in the forenoon, preparatory to a lecture on fighting; in afternoon had a sail on Ribble with wife, daughter Florence and some relative. In evening played at draughts. Did these things for pleasure and diversion.<sup>85</sup>

**Monday 17 July 1865** To work at 10 in morning. In afternoon nothing in particular. At night went to theatre to hear Mr Edmund Phelps<sup>86</sup> (son of the great S Phelps<sup>87</sup>) play Hamlet. Didn't care much about it. Character not sufficiently energetic nor pathetic. But young Phelps by judicious training and experience should improve. Hamlet should be taken by a man who knows the ways of the world—who is acquainted with its honour, villainy, glory and shame.

**Tuesday 18 July 1865** Did very little reporting today- less than ever I did on a Tuesday since I went upon the Preston Guardian 7½ months ago. Everybody has this afternoon been talking about Mr Gladstone,<sup>88</sup> Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has got "thrown out" for Oxford

<sup>82</sup> John Wilson-Patten (1802–1892) had been one of the MPs for North Lancashire since 1832 (*ODNB*).

<sup>83</sup> Lord Hartington (Spencer Compton Cavendish, 1833–1908) of Holker Hall, Liberal MP for North Lancashire.

<sup>84</sup> A column of type in the broadsheet *Preston Guardian* in 1865 contained about 2,500 words, so this report was more than 12,000 words.

<sup>85</sup> No mention of church attendance or devotional reading may explain the defensive tone.

<sup>86</sup> 1838–1870.

<sup>87</sup> Actor-manager Samuel Phelps (1804–1878) had managed the Sadler's Wells theatre in London.

<sup>88</sup> William Ewart Gladstone (1809–1898) entered Parliament as a Tory in 1832 but joined the new Liberal party in 1859. He was popular for his free-trade policies, believed to make food cheaper, for abolishing the last of the taxes on newspapers, and by 1865 for his support of working-class men's right to vote.

University and has been nominated for South Lancashire.89 He is a glorious fellow and ought to be elected when the day comes. Got home at 20 minutes after 12 o'cl[ock]. Good.90

**Wednesday 19 July 1865** An idle day. In the afternoon went to an old woman Maud Taylor, in Lancaster Road for some eye water. She told me some amazing tales as to her curative talent, and said that her father had learned her botany. Afterwards went with wife and children to railway station. They were going for an 'out'91 to Lancaster, along with Cousin Jim Wilson's wife92 and child who had been staying with us a short time.

**Thursday 20 July 1865** Main topic today the contest for South Lancashire—three Liberals and three Tories. Gladstone returned. That's all I and the Liberals care for. He has displaced a Tory.

**Friday 21 July 1865** Paragraphing as usual. Called with Jim Wilson (brother-in-law)93 at a public house at 10 minutes to one in morning (Saturday) and had a glass of ale each. When one o'cl[ock] had been struck the landlord said we had better go out of the front room; but that we could go into another more to the rear and thus evade the police. We objected and went home like honest men.

**Saturday 22 July 1865** Went to Newton today. Poll of election for South Lancashire was declared.94 Mr Gladstone Chanc[ellor] of the Ex[chequer] made a speech, which I reported. About 25 reporters present. Never saw Mr Gladstone (Chanc of Ex) before. He had a solemn care worn look, but a splendid eye in his head. Went to Lancaster at night after writing out Gladstone for 3rd edition.95

<sup>89</sup> General elections extending for more than a week meant that candidates defeated in one constituency had time to try again elsewhere. Gladstone had been MP for Oxford University since 1847.

<sup>90</sup> Finalising the Wednesday edition usually meant a later finish on a Tuesday night.

<sup>91</sup> Outing, pleasure trip.

<sup>92</sup> Ellen Wilson, née Chambers (b. 1842).

<sup>93</sup> 1844–1912.

<sup>94</sup> Gladstone came third in the election for three MPs; the official announcement was made at Newton-le-Willows near Warrington.

<sup>95</sup> The *Preston Guardian* was not a daily paper, but was still able to publish same-day news in special editions such as this.

**Sunday 23 July 1865** Had a sail with wife, children and friends in Morecambe Bay.

**Monday 24 July 1865** Came, by myself, from Lancaster, at noon. Went straight to police court, & reported an attempted murder case by rascal who had been 22 times in prison.96 When I got home found an Easter due<sup>97</sup> note from Vicar of Preston98 (a personal friend of mine) saying that if I didn't pay Easter dues in 'seven days from the date thereof it will become necessary to summon you before the magistrates' for same. Haven't made up my mind what to do yet.

**Tuesday 25 July 1865** Went to laying of corner st[one] of Preston New Union Workhouse.99 Site in Fulwood. Mr T B Addison100 (who seemed weak in body but clear in mind) laid the stone. Afterwards returned to Red Lion Hotel, in conveyance, along with generality of parties present and partook of dinner. A good spread and plenty of wine, which was too freely drunk by nearly everybody—doctors (who ought to have known better) amongst r[e]st. Lost my hat. Got Town Clerk's.\*

<sup>96</sup> John Snape, a labourer, was accused of trying to cut the throat of Rachel Taberner, a widow who he lived with, in the Stanley Vaults, Stanley St, Preston. He was subsequently found not guilty of attempted murder, but guilty of unlawful wounding, and sentenced to two years' hard labour.

<sup>97</sup> These 'Easter dues' were taxes payable to the Anglican parish church. Preston was one of the few parishes where they were still a compulsory tax. Roman Catholics and Nonconformists objected on principle.

<sup>98</sup> Rev John Owen Parr (1798–1877), Vicar of Preston 1840–1877, 'an easy-going, genial, educated man kindly disposed towards good living, … fond of wearing a billycock, and strongly in love with a cloak. … he would have been more respected if he had been less exacting towards Dissenters, and less violent in his hatred of Catholics' (*OCC*). Staunch Conservative, anti-Catholic, was chairman of local relief committee during the Cotton Famine but then moved to Nice for his health. Secretly married his housekeeper in 1858 when he was in his fifties and she was in her twenties. Said by some to write some of the leading articles for the Conservative *Preston Herald*  ('The Irish Church', letter from 'A Looker-On', *PC,* 23 May 1868).

<sup>99</sup> In 1864 campaigners led by Joseph Livesey had lost their battle against a large deterrent workhouse for the whole area, after three decades of resistance against the New Poor Law: Lewis Darwen, 'Implementing and Administering the New Poor Law in the Industrial North: A Case Study of Preston Union in Regional Context, 1837–1861', PhD, Nottingham Trent University, 2015.

<sup>100</sup> Thomas Batty Addison (1787–1874), Recorder (judge) of Preston, from one of the town's ruling families, a magistrate, Poor Law Guardian and for 30 years a campaigner for a large union workhouse for Preston (Hunt, p. 228). He 'likes castigating rogues and vagabonds; has precious little respect for the brains of common jurymen, and once nearly got into a mess by calling a parcel of them, who wouldn't use their reason, dunces or blockheads' (*PTC* 120).

**Wednesday 26 July 1865** Proceeded to Lancaster Assizes by 8 o'cl[ock] train. Reported Crown Court cases. Baron Bramwell presided.101 He is a real Englishman in thought and make—stout, full of common sense, combative and critical. Had finished work soon after six. Sent several newspaper parcels off af[te]r[ward]s.<sup>102</sup>

**Thursday 27 July 1865** At the assizes all day. The principal case was a forgery and embezzlement one from Blackburn in which Sec[retary] of a Co-operative Co[mpany] had made away with between £1300 & £1600. After business had a walk with two friends to New Quay. Saw Ship Building Y[ar]d there.103 It looked big but flimsey [sic]

**Friday 28 July 1865** Still at assizes. Returned at night & got to office shortly before 9 o'cl[ock]. Worked till 2 o'cl[ock] in morning.

**Saturday 29 July 1865** Went for my hat (taken in mistake at guardians dinner last Tuesday) to Dr Haldan.104 Got it at night and he kept the one (not his own) which I had got. Too bad, but like a doctor.

**Sunday 30 July 1865** Had a walk in aft[ernoo]n in Marsh. Listened five minutes to a swellish young man (unacquainted w[ith] grammar) preaching there.<sup>105</sup>

**Monday 31 July 1865** At eleven went to celebration of Feast of St Ignatius (founder of the Jesuits) at St Wilfrid's Catholic Chapel. Ceremony pretty imposing; music exquisite. Only a few persons present. It's too much of a good thing to attend chapel on Monday when people have been there on Sunday. At the celebration named Father Harper<sup>106</sup> (a convert from Ch[urc]h of Eng[lan]d) delivered an address defensive of Jesuits. In evening to athletic sports.

<sup>101</sup> George William Wilshere Bramwell, Baron Bramwell (1808–1892), judge and exponent of laissez-faire liberalism.

<sup>102</sup> The newspaper parcels were probably freelance court reports for other newspapers.

<sup>103</sup> The Lune Shipbuilding Company had opened its yard in 1864 at Lancaster Marsh.

<sup>104</sup> Dr Bernard Haldan (1811–1885) was the medical officer to the Preston Poor Law Union, 'a massive, broad-shouldered, unshaven-looking gentleman … does not care much about combing his hair' (*PTC*).

<sup>105</sup> The Marsh, next to the River Ribble, was used for open-air meetings and other gatherings.

<sup>106</sup> See 11 June 1865.

#### August

**Tuesday 1 August 1865** Looking after paragraphs. In afternoon went to athletic sports<sup>107</sup> for a paragraph about them to send to Manchester & L[iver]pool. The sports seemed a mixture of 'physical Christianity',<sup>108</sup> noise and drunken revelrie [sic]. On leaving work shortly after 2 o'cl[ock] in morning overtook two coarse looking men in Fishergate Hill who were taking home (to his wife and little children) a 'dead drunk' town councillor. Abominable. Execrable.109

**Wednesday 2 August 1865** To police court at 11. In afternoon wrote par[agraph]s to send to distant papers.

**Thursday 3 August 1865** To consecration of Christ Church, Fulwood, by Bishop of Manchester at 11 o'cl[ock]. A pretty good sermon afterwards preached by a dull Canon from Lancaster.110 There was luncheon afterwards. But neither I nor my professional colleagues patronised it. We were "generally" invited; but a desire to obv obviate work[?] and to avoid any reflections that a milk & water invitation had caught me kept me away.<sup>111</sup>

**Friday 4 August 1865** Working and knocking about all day. Everybody nearly talking today about stoppage of laying of Atlantic Telegraphic Cable.<sup>112</sup> Left work at one o'cl[ock].

<sup>107</sup> The event on Preston Marsh featured Cumberland and Westmorland-style wrestling, 'pole leaping' (pole-vaulting?) and running.

<sup>108</sup> Possibly a reference to 'muscular Christianity' as promoted by Charlies Kingsley, an influential mixture of manliness and Christian faith: Donald E. Hall, 'Introduction', in *Muscular Christianity: Embodying the Victorian Age*, ed. by Donald E. Hall (Cambridge University Press, 2006), p. 7, https://doi.org/10.1017/ cbo9780511659331.001.

<sup>109</sup> Hewitson was leaving work late to finish the *Preston Guardian*'s Wednesday edition.

<sup>110</sup> Rev Canon Joseph Turner (1796–1870), vicar of Lancaster.

<sup>111</sup> Meaning obscure; perhaps Hewitson refused the luncheon because it was a 'general' rather than a personal invitation.

<sup>112</sup> The second attempt at a transatlantic telegraph cable along the seabed from South-West Ireland to Newfoundland failed when the 2,500 miles of insulated copper wire snapped on 31 July.

**Saturday 5 August 1865** Rise at 9. To police c[our]t at 11. Nothing of importance. Town flat. Wrote par[agraph]s—partially manufactured113 —in afternoon for distant papers. Bought Josephus's works for 5s—a cheap and substantial lot. The world is indebted to Old Flavius.114 Got a 'blowing up' from wife for buying the book. She said I'd plenty of books without it.

**Sunday 6 August 1865** Read and had a walk.

**Monday 7 August 1865** To Longridge\* at 11. Opening of a new Congregational Chapel. Rev E Mellor of L[iver]pool<sup>115</sup> preached splendid opening sermon. Dinner afterwards at Dog Inn. Sir James Watts<sup>116</sup> Manchester, in chair. He made a poor speech. Mellor made a good one. Came home in a biscuit cart, as train did not go for four hours. Transcribed notes till after midnight.

**Tuesday 8 August 1865** Paragraphing all day.

**Wednesday 9 August 1865** Went to Royal North Lancashire Agricultural Show at Accrington. Trial of implements. Poor affair. Only 7 mowing machines tried. Accrington is a clean town mainly built of stone. Had never been there before. Returned home at four & wrote out trial of implements. It is a dry uninteresting job.

**Thursday 10 August 1865** To Accrington again, at 8 o'cl[ock]. This was the general show day. Only a poor display. Bad attendance in morning; good in afternoon, because there were attractions independent of agriculture—horse racing, jumping etc—to be seen. Society's dinner in Peel Institution. Speeches by Colonel Patten, Sir J P Kay-Shuttleworth,<sup>117</sup> Lord Hartington &c. Got home at half-past 10 o'cl[ock].

<sup>113</sup> Hewitson had been accused of making things up before ('Extraordinary Affair at Preston', *PH,* 25 March 1865, p. 5).

<sup>114</sup> Titus Flavius Josephus, first-century Romano-Jewish historian who described the background of Early Christianity, among other subjects.

<sup>115</sup> Rev Enoch Mellor (1823–1881) of Great George St Chapel, Liverpool.

<sup>116</sup> James Watts (1804–1878), Nonconformist Manchester cotton merchant, founder of the Lancashire and Cheshire Chapel Building Society.

<sup>117</sup> Sir James Phillips Kay-Shuttleworth (1804–1877) of Gawthorpe Hall, educational reformer.

**Friday 11 August 1865** Writing about agricultural show from 9 o'cl[ock] in morning till 10 at night. Got from work at 2 o'cl[ock].

**Saturday 12 August 1865** Having had a very hard week's work—sitting up late every night—didn't get up till noon. Went up street with wife and children in afternoon. To theatre at night to see some remarkable marionettes.<sup>118</sup>

**Sunday 13 August 1865** Doing necessary work; thinking; reading; eating; sleeping; walking; writing. My 29th birthday.

**Monday 14 August 1865** To work as usual in forenoon. Had a sail down the Ribble with wife, children and dog in afternoon. Rather rough but on the whole pleasant. Sailing is a pleasant pastime and ought to be more indulged in. Met a parson sailing as we returned and thought him a reasonable fellow.

**Tuesday 15 August 1865** To police court, Board of Guardians and other places. Nothing extra; except at Board of Guardians where Christopher Ward119 (a respectable shopkeeper and fuddler<sup>120</sup>) [?] objected to the expenses of a dinner which he was invited to attend. People sh[oul]d be consistent.

**Wednesday 16 August 1865** Went to agricultural show at Kirkham today. A pleasant visit. Heavy reporting in evening after dinner,121 which was a good one. Got home about 9 o'cl[ock].

**Thursday 17 August 1865** Writing out Kirkham Show all day.

**Friday 18 August 1865** Hunting for paragraphs.

**Saturday 19 August 1865** Writing. Oh the never ending work of writing.

**Sunday 20 August 1865** Nothing very particular. Writing. Want more spirituality on Sundays.

<sup>118</sup> Mr Sam Baylis's 'highly popular marionettes and living shadows' at the Theatre Royal.

<sup>119</sup> Christopher Ward (b. 1806), hatter, of Friargate, then Saul St, inmate of Fulwood workhouse by 1881, a recipient of the Poor Law relief he had once managed.

<sup>120</sup> Drinker.

<sup>121</sup> These dinners usually involved many speeches by local dignitaries.

**Monday 21 August 1865** Still writing.

**Tuesday 22 August 1865** And yet writing. To Garstang in afternoon. A dull railway meeting, preparatory to commencement of Garstang and Knott End Railway.

**Wednesday 23 August 1865** To sessions.<sup>122</sup> No cases of consequence. Saw old Cobbett's son.123 He is a barrister; but a rather antiquated man. Don't care about him.

**Thursday 24 August 1865** Again to Garstang. Went to Board of Guardians meeting, where there was a stupid Dr Bell124 who proposed that a new union workhouse sh[oul]d be built. The hardheaded farmers were dead against motion which was lost.

**Friday 25 August 1865** All day paragraphing. At police court in morning a youth—not a man, for he had 3 years of his apprenticeship to serve was ordered to pay 2/- a week towards an illegitimate child. Nice doings on part of 'young England'. The mother of the child wasn't 20. The 'gods'<sup>125</sup> in the court laughed heartily at the affair. Got home shortly before 2 in the morning.

**Saturday 26 August 1865** Went to report proceedings in connec[tio]n with distribution of School of Art prizes at Avenham Institution by Major Wilson,<sup>126</sup> who is a capital gentleman but a poor public speaker. Lots of youngsters came up smiling for their prizes. Some of them belonged to poor people. Ability knows no class.

**Sunday 27 August 1865** Thinking & reading & walking.

<sup>122</sup> Intermediate sessions of the county magistrates, held between traditional quarter sessions, led by magistrates with a grand jury, trying criminal cases.

<sup>123</sup> Probably James Paul Cobbett (1803–1881), son of William Cobbett, the radical journalist, campaigner and author of *Rural Rides*.

<sup>124</sup> Dr William Bell (1789–1870), a Poor Law Guardian, member of Garstang Corporation and active at Garstang Independent Chapel (*PC,* 19 Nov 1870, p. 5; *Lancaster Gazette,*  30 Sept 1882, p. 8).

<sup>125</sup> Probably the audience in the public gallery, a reference to the highest, cheapest seats in a theatre, known as 'the gods'.

<sup>126</sup> Major Thomas Wilson (b. 1826) of West Cliff, later of Cooper Hill, Walton-le-Dale, solicitor.

**Monday 28 August 1865** Writing out dull speeches, delivered on Saturday evening at distribution of school of art prizes.

**Tuesday 29 August 1865** Paragraphing and 'boring'<sup>127</sup> stupid people for news.

**Wednesday 30 August 1865** Attended annual licensing session.128 15 new applications, four granted. Miserable reasons—such as houses were built to sell spirits in, only so many yards from the houses &c—given by applicants. Think the trade ought to be thrown open as an experiment. G Toulmin,\* my employer, went to America (on a tour) today.129

**Thursday 31 August 1865** Tremendously long Town Council meeting— Corporation decided to call in an eminent engineer to examine river as to navigation, dock accommodation. They might well do so for they have had thousands of pounds in shares in [the] river navigation company on which no dividends have for years b[ee]n paid. At the meeting a deputation requesting railway directors to build a new station was app[oin]ted.130

<sup>127</sup> As in drilling, for oil or water.

<sup>128</sup> The magistrates' licensing session, known colloquially as brewster sessions, decided whether to grant or renew licenses for pubs and beerhouses.

<sup>129</sup> Toulmin was one of many provincial newspaper proprietors who visited America, bringing back journalistic innovations.

<sup>130</sup> Preston station, owned by two separate and unco-operative railway companies, was dangerous and inconvenient.

### September

**Friday 1 September 1865** Two cases of new cattle disease131 in Mr G Hunt's132 farm near Preston reported today. This is singular that Mr Hunt has been most busy in circulating papers amongst cattle owners in North Lancashire to take precautionary measures as to t[he] disease and t[hat] he should be the first to have it.

**Saturday 2 September 1865** A long meeting which I attended about cattle plague. Reports given are stupid and unsatisfactory.

**Sunday 3 September 1865** Thought of going to Blackpool; rained; went to Baptist Chapel in morn[ing]; & to Longridge\* (with wife and children) in the afternoon. Nice visit.

**Monday 4 September 1865** Writing out a report of cattle disease meeting. In afternoon went with wife and child to make a preliminary inspection of a bazaar to be held on behalf of getting Avenham Institution<sup>133</sup> out of debt. Saw some beautiful and very dear articles. Bazaars are legitimate swindles with a good object in view.

**Tuesday 5 September 1865** Went in forenoon to opening of the above bazaar. Some 'spicy' people present. Had my attention drawn to a brand new curate134 at the Parish Church who is a thorough ecclesiastical swell. Major Wilson, Colonel Wilson Patten MP, Sir T G Hesketh\* bart, MP and some others made short and barren speeches about Mechanics' Institutes and working men's clubs.

**Wednesday 6 September 1865** To Kirkham Floral and Horticultural Show today. This was the second held & it was a good one. Returned at four and 'wrote out' report of it.

<sup>131</sup> This 1865–1866 outbreak of cattle plague or rinderpest, a virulent and often fatal disease for which there was no known cure, was the worst for more than a century.

<sup>132</sup> George Hunt (b. 1811) of Frenchwood House, land surveyor, estate agent, secretary to the Royal North Lancashire Agricultural Society.

<sup>133</sup> The mechanics' institute.

<sup>134</sup> Rev Charles John Astbury (c. 1835–1873), 'tall, slender, and clerically genteel; he is dark-complexioned … has raven black whiskers, well combed out, and a good moustache … looks gentlemanly, tender, and languid' (*OCCC*).

**Thursday 7 September 1865** I and wife went with a cheap trip to Keswick today. Fare 3/- each: distance upwards 90 miles each way. Enjoyed the ride excellently. Fine wild scenery over Shap & down to Keswick. Five other persons joined us as a party. On arriving had a sail on Derwentwater, then visited Falls of Lodore; afterwards went to a lead mine; then to dinner at the George Hotel. Later on went up Skiddaw;135 I got to top first. Scenery moderate through the mist. Found out I had not been at top. Got home at 12 c[lock].

**Friday 8 September 1865** Terrible hot weather today. Paragraphing and running about. Done work at one o'cl[ock] in morning.

**Saturday 9 September 1865** To Hoghton to get particulars of a railway collision this morning. Found there had b[ee]n an alarming smash between two goods trains owing to wrong signals. Saw one of the engines down the embankment overturned & partly in a hedge. All the line was strewn with broken waggons and their contents.

**Sunday 10 September 1865** Writing, reading & thinking.

**Monday 11 September 1865** Had a pleasant drive to Tarleton with a colleague to report a cattle plague meeting attended by a few stupid country farmers who, after growling (some of them) about expenses,136 began drinking ale. A remedy against the drink plague as well as the cattle plague would be a great blessing, especially in country places.

**Tuesday 12 September 1865** Paragraphing

**Wednesday 13 September 1865** Nothing particular

**Thursday 14 September 1865** Attended Town Council meeting and annual general sessions.137 Long debates at sessions about county expenditure being excessive, and the increase of salary of Roman Catholic minister at the Kirkdale gaol.

<sup>135</sup> England's sixth highest mountain, 3,054ft above sea level, a strenuous climb.

<sup>136</sup> A meeting of the West Lancashire Farmers' Insurance and Protection Society, a club which paid compensation from membership subscriptions for affected cattle.

<sup>137</sup> The annual general sessions of the county magistrates dealt with functions later taken over by county councils.

**Friday 15 September 1865** Running about. In afternoon went down to Exhibition at Corn Exchange & afterwards wrote a column descriptive of it.138

**Saturday16 September 1865** Attended a cattle plague meeting at Bull Hotel; afterwards went with wife and children to Lancaster\* where I worked (writing) till between 9 & 10 at night.

**Sunday 17 September 1865** Went to Morecambe\* in afternoon with wife. We enjoyed ourselves; had a shilling tea and then walked to Lancaster.\*

**Monday 18 September 1865** Paid a tailor's bill & ordered a new suit of clothes. Returned alone to Preston at noon; wrote out Saturday's meeting; & in evening went to a lecture about Queensland in Theatre & then to look about the Exhibition.139

**Tuesday 19 September 1865** Bothering about getting particulars relative to Exhibition for the full description on Saturday. Got home about 12 o'cl[ock], with a very uncomfortable idea that I ought to be up at six next morning to write out the particulars named.

**Wednesday 20 September 1865** Writing description of Art & Industrial Exhibition to be opened at Corn Exchange tomorrow. At noon went to two ship launches (the "Ribbleton" & "Fairy Queen") at Mr Mackern's yard, Marsh End. Vessels took the water well. Afterwards went to a lunch in the ship yard which was attended by a large number of elite of Preston. Jolly affair. Heard that some did not get home till midnight.

**Thursday 21 September 1865** This was the Exhibition day. Streets alive early. Got notes from The Times and the Scotsman to send account of Exhibition and to telegraph the speech of Lord Derby who was expected to open it. Illness however prevented him. This was a great disappointment. There was a procession in afternoon; the Mayor & several members of parliament aft[erwar]d went to Corn Exchange &

<sup>138</sup> The Preston Exhibition of Art and Industry, modelled on the 1851 Great Exhibition in London.

<sup>139</sup> The lectures, 'Queensland, the New Colony of Australia: Emigration and Free Grants of Land', was given by Henry Jordan, 'Agent-General for Emigration, commissioned by the Queensland Government'.

opened the Exhibition which was a very fine affair. In evening Mayor gave splendid banquet in the Theatre Royal.

**Friday 22 September 1865** Got up at six; had a shower bath; wrote till eight; went to office at nine; more writing; got two columns about Exhibition into The Times; 140 went to a dinner at Theatre in evening given by Lieutenant Colonel Birchall141 and Major Wilson to members & friends of Artillery Corps of Preston. Got home after two in morning.142

**Saturday 23 September 1865** Went to a most ridiculous meeting about Cattle Plague in afternoon at Bull Hotel. R C Richards143 of Kirkham wanted to be the propounder of some fine theory involving the raising of a fund of £5000. He failed & meeting ended in nothing.144

**Sunday 24 September 1865** Sorted apples in forenoon; in afternoon went to Cemetery to see graves of my two dear children. At night read Watson's Evidences of Christianity.145

**Monday 25 September 1865** Went to Leyland with sister-in-law (Sarah Rodgett146) & my child. Ran over our dog & got bitten when starting. Better luck further on. Attended a cattle plague meeting at Leyland; then had dinner; then went on in conveyance to Tarleton where there was a similar meeting. Very pleasant 'out' & hardly anything to do. Farmers are very obtuse & don't talk much worth reporting. Got home about 8o'cl[ock] & found dog mending. It had got part of its tail cut off and a bit of its leg foot or toe.

<sup>140</sup> 'Preston Art And Industrial Exhibition', *The Times,* 22 September 1865, p. 10; the event received national coverage, including a picture in the *Illustrated London News,*  14 October 1865, p. 365. Hewitson was a regular correspondent for *The Times.*

<sup>141</sup> See 11 July 1865.

<sup>142</sup> His 2,000-word report of Friday evening's dinner appeared in the *Preston Guardian*  the following morning, while many of those who attended were still asleep. For a more detailed explanation of the entries for 22–28 September, see Andrew Hobbs, *A Fleet Street in Every Town: The Provincial Press in England, 1855–1900* (Cambridge: Open Book Publishers, 2018), Chap. 4, https://www.openbookpublishers.com/ htmlreader/978-1-78374-559-3/ch4.xhtml.

<sup>143</sup> R.C. Richards (1811–1877) of Clifton Lodge near Kirkham, cotton manufacturer, farmer and company director, active in public life (obituary, *PC,* 24 Feb 1877, p. 5).

<sup>144</sup> Despite his private thoughts, the cattle plague meeting is reported soberly, objectively and verbatim across one and a half columns.

<sup>145</sup> Probably Richard Watson, *Theological Institutes: Or, A View of the Evidences, Doctrines, Morals, and Institutions of Christianity* (first published 1823), Methodist theology.

<sup>146</sup> Sarah Rodgett, née Wilson (1841–1871), younger sister of Hewitson's wife Margaret.

**Tuesday 26 September 1865** Paragraphing. Nothing extra. Weather warm. News slack.

**Wednesday 27 September 1865** Today went to Great Eccleston agricultural show in a conveyance. Had to pass Lea Road railway station where there had been a railway collision between an excursion train & a goods train. Twenty injured—some seriously. Just got to place in time to obtain particulars which I sent off to 14 newspapers. Afterwards went on to Eccleston Show—dull affair. Had dinner & paid for my own beer. Returned in evening & telegraphed half a column about accident to The Times. 147

**Thursday 28 September 1865** To Town Council meeting at 11 o'cl[ock]. Nothing transpired of any moment. In afternoon gave an order for 2600 envelopes to be printed—for newspapers, also a circular head.148 Aft[erwar]ds got particulars of 16 cows being seized in cattle plague. Wrote it out for 20 papers. In evening went to distribution of prizes at Preston School of Science.

**Friday 29 September 1865** Paragraphing. Went to Preston Exhibition in afternoon & evening for certain particulars. Suggested in what I subsequently wrote that the gas lights should be more guarded to prevent a fire, & that people should not finger things so frequently at the Exhibition. Got home at one o'cl[ock] in morning. Had a cigar & a glass of beer & then to bed.

**Saturday 30 September 1865** At ten went to registration court149 for northern division of county at Court House, before I Barstow,<sup>150</sup> barrister. Proceedings very dull—nothing to report—& afterwards left. In evening went with wife and two sisters-in-law to Exhibition. Looked about; was pleased; then had some bad beer; & 'fell out' with a woman who sold it.

<sup>147</sup> Hewitson's report of the train crash appeared in *The Times* and other daily papers the following morning, and in hundreds of other papers around the country over the next few days. For details see Hobbs, *Fleet Street*, pp. 167–71.

<sup>148</sup> The stationery order was probably for Hewitson's freelancing sideline.

<sup>149</sup> The registration or revision court checked the accuracy of the electoral register; activists tried to add voters for their party and challenge the eligibility of those from opposing parties.

<sup>150</sup> Thomas Irwin Barstow QC (1818–1898).

### October

**Sunday 1 October 1865** Had company: Went walking in afternoon; out in evening.

**Monday 2 October 1865** To police court at 11 o'cl[ock]. In evening to Blackburn to report on presentation to J G Potter Esq,151 one of the defeated Liberal candidates at the last election. Presentation in Town Hall. Potter made a good speech. Returned with him in a carriage & pair to Preston. Started from Blackburn at a quarter past 10; got to Preston at 11. Fine moon light night. Potter going from Preston by London Express.

**Tuesday 3 October 1865** Hard day's writing—Potter's speech bad to transcribe—he spoke well & rapidly. In afternoon went to an inquest—a young man named Redhead<sup>152</sup> living in Bow Lane being suspected of having killed his mother.153 Evidence cleared him. In evening went to Exhibition. Got home from work about 2 o'cl[ock] in morning.

**Wednesday 4 October 1865** Went to report a cattle plague meeting at Great Eccleston. Took wife and my daughter Florence with me in a conveyance. Aspden154 reporter for Herald with me. Had a lively visit out. The meeting was a confused affair. R C Richards of Kirkham in chair. Several farmers during the proceedings smoked & drank ale. In midst of their twaddle left room, got tea & returned in half an hour when I found them nearly at same point as when I left. Got home about 8 o'cl[ock].

**Thursday 5 October 1865** To police court at 11 o'cl[ock]. Forty seven persons summoned by Canon Parr,Vicar of Preston for non-payment of Easter dues.<sup>155</sup> 19 cases settled out of court. The others were proceeded

<sup>151</sup> John Gerald Potter (1829–1908) of Mytton Hall, Whalley was a partner in the Darwen wallpaper firm Potter & Co. This was the first of three unsuccessful attempts to become a Liberal MP for Blackburn.

<sup>152</sup> James Redhead.

<sup>153</sup> Charlotte Redhead.

<sup>154</sup> Thomas Aspden (1844–1902), journalist, friend, Conservative, born in Preston to a master plasterer. Probably trained by Hewitson on the *Preston Herald* (diary, 26 Jan 1896); he went from *Herald* reporter in 1865 to *Herald* editor by 1871 (*Lancaster Gazette,* 11 March 1871) and local correspondent for the Conservative London daily the *Standard* (letter to *John Bull,* 28 September 1872).

<sup>155</sup> See 24 July 1865.

with. Parties generally offered to pay the dues (6½d each) which w[ith] costs amounted to 3½d. It is said the cases will be taken to court of Queens B[ench] for purpose of getting orders quashed. Notwithstanding all our enlightenment the spirit of persecution still lives.

**Friday 6 October 1865** Paragraphing. Got home at one o'cl[ock] in morning.

**Saturday 7 October 1865** Went to Preston Exhibition this afternoon and stayed till nearly 10 at night. Examined paintings and admired a Virgin & Child by Correggio, an old Gainsborough, some Landseers, Friths, Ansdells, Hunts, Turners &c. Generally viewed with interest the following—a small portrait of King Charles I (made of his own hair dipped in his own blood after execution), shown by Lady Shelly [sic];<sup>156</sup> a laughing Bacchus found at Pompeii; the first finger bone (right hand) of Miles Coverdale, Bible translater [sic], in a box made of wood of his coffin; the boots, gloves, spurs and spoon of King Henry 6th; prayer book belonging to Mary Queen of Scots; a table belonging Catherine Parr; a machine for making glass ships; Chinese & Japanese gods; old local manuscripts; & fabrics from India. Got electrified at night.<sup>157</sup>

**Sunday 8 October 1865** Went to Lancaster Road Congregational Chapel at night.

**Monday 9 October 1865** To a ship launch in the Marsh (Preston Iron Ship Building Co[mpany]'s yard) in afternoon. Vessel, called 'Maravilla' took water finely. After the launch there was a lunch, at which several parties were launched into spirituous waters both deep & strong. Amongst the 'boozy' ones was more than one lady! In one case, after the affair, a female in silk was heard cursing (as if quite sober of course); in another the fair Desdemona158 had to be carried home!

**Tuesday 10 October 1865** Working hardish all day. At night went to report a lecture in which the Rev Dr Parker159 of Manchester pitched into

<sup>156</sup> The Dowager Lady Frances Shelley (1787–1873), daughter of Thomas Winckley of Preston, married Sir John Shelley of Maresfield Park, Sussex.

<sup>157</sup> This probably refers to a demonstration of electricity at the exhibition.

<sup>158</sup> Character from Shakespeare's *Othello.*

<sup>159</sup> Joseph Parker (1830–1902) of Cavendish St Congregational Chapel, Manchester and founder of City Temple, London.

the Church of England very fiercely. Dr Parker, who is a Nonconformist minister is a smart, emphatic, practical lecturer. He seems young and has a good voice.

**Wednesday 11 October 1865** A very easy day

**Thursday 12 October 1865** Went to a cattle plague meeting at Kirkham today. Several contradictory speeches were made, & at last it was decided to form a Protection Society for the Fylde.<sup>160</sup>

**Friday 13 October 1865** Paragraphing. Got home from work at one o'cl[ock] in the morning.

**Saturday 14 October 1865** To Holme with wife and Ethelbert my son in afternoon. Wife's father\* lives at Holme.<sup>161</sup> In evening, after arrival had convivial meeting with father-in-law and a brother-in-law.

**Sunday 15 October 1865** Gathered plums and tore my coat in forenoon; in afternoon went to get ferns on Farleton Knot; in evening went to Dissenters Chapel & heard a good sermon, by a relation.<sup>162</sup>

**Monday 16 October 1865** Father-in-law's\* sale of cattle, agricultural implements etc this afternoon. Left Holme, for home at 4 o'cl[ock]. Landed back at half past six at Preston. In evening had a look in at the Exhibition in the Corn Exchange. Very nice it looked & apparently served as a rendezvous for forward women, fast young men & gossips as well as a receptacle for art treasures & industrial wonders.

**Tuesday 17 October 1865** To police court—nothing particular; then to meeting of Guardians where the usual nonsense was manifested; had an easy afternoon. At night went to the Exhibition & heard some hand bell ringers. Got home from work at one o'cl[ock].

**Wednesday 18 October 1865** Went to Preston Michaelmas Quarter sessions163 at 10.40—late; some county business (as to forming the Wyre

<sup>160</sup> See 11 September 1865.

<sup>161</sup> Joseph Wilson\* had bought an estate at Holme near Kendal\* and was trying his hand at agriculture (obituary, *PC,* 1 Nov 1879).

<sup>162</sup> Probably the Wesleyan Methodist chapel, with the service led by a lay preacher.

<sup>163</sup> Quarterly meeting of the county magistrates' courts, dealing with a mixture of judicial and administrative business.

& the Ribble into fishery districts transacted). Criminal business of the ordinary sort. Left court at 5.40pm. On coming down Fishergate saw the announcement of Lord Palmerston's164 death posted at the newspaper offices.<sup>165</sup> In evening went to the theatre.<sup>166</sup> Saw some good acting & was amused & disgusted with the snoring and ejaculations of a drunken Preston town councillor in boxes.

**Thursday 19 October 1865** Again to sessions. The cases were quite of an ordinary character. Everybody outside talking about death of Lord Palmerston; & everybody apparently regretting the event.

**Friday 20 October 1865** Yet at the sessions. I took the appeal class today. They were appeals against decisions of magistrates who had refused to grant spirit licences to several beersellers. Mr T B Addison\* (the chairman of magistrates) granted the licences on the ground that there might no more to be monopoly in the drink trade than in any other.

**Saturday 21 October 1865** Having been in the habit of taking snuff occasionally, resolved today to give it up. Reasons—distress ought to be avoided, so ought head aches, nose stuffing etc

**Sunday 22 October 1865** Read Albert Barnes' life written by himself167 at 60 years of age. A fine book; full of Christian hope & practical wisdom.

**Monday 23 October 1865** Attended a meeting to promote Preston New Infirmary, a transmogrification of the old House of Recovery.

**Tuesday 24 October 1865** To police court; then to Board of G[uar]d[ia]ns meeting; nothing particular at either. At night called at Mr Smith's<sup>168</sup> (manager of Preston Iron Ship Building Co) to get particulars of ship launch; had a glass of whiskey with him; then went to work. Afterwards got a lawyer's letter issued against a roguish newspaper proprietor in Sligo.169 Subsequently had a glass of porter. Went home; glass of ale; work and wine.

<sup>164</sup> The Prime Minister, Henry John Temple, third Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865).

<sup>165</sup> Newspapers usually gave breaking news on placards outside their offices, and put telegrams in their windows.

<sup>166</sup> Dion Boucicault's *The Colleen Bawn*, at Preston's Theatre Royal.

<sup>167</sup> Probably Albert Barnes, *Life at Three-Score* (London, 1858). Barnes was an American revivalist preacher.

<sup>168</sup> Thomas Smith.

<sup>169</sup> See 3 July 1865.

**Wednesday 25 October 1865** To the Preston Exhibition in afternoon with wife. Examined the products department; had two glasses of beer; went home; wrote introduction to an article on products; went to bed at half past 10 o'cl[ock]; slept badly; rose at half past 7; & as usual had a cold shower bath—very cold.

**Thursday 26 October 1865** To Town Council meeting at eleven. A deputation appointed to go to London to attend funeral (next day) of Lord Palmerston. The corporation would pay expenses of deputation. Visits to London by corporation deputations are described as being very jolly affairs. Afterwards attended annual meeting—a sleepy affair—of Dispensary.<sup>170</sup>

**Friday 27 October 1865** Writing out till noon. In afternoon running about. Got from work at one o'cl[ock] in the morning.

**Saturday 28 October 1865** To police court shortly after eleven; cattle plague inspector (Mr W Heaps<sup>171</sup>) submitted a very ungrammatical report as to spread of the disease. Afterwards had two glasses of ale with Mr J B Jones.<sup>172</sup>

**Sunday 29 October 1865** To Euxton—opening of new Catholic chapel. Dr Goss\* (Bishop of L[iver]pool) preached in morning; Dr Grant173 (Bishop of Southwark) present & fell asleep whilst Goss was speaking. In afternoon Grant preached a tremendously spiritual sermon. Several of the singers half-boozey. Sermon excellent.

**Monday 30 October 1865** Writing out Bishop Goss's\* sermon. A very fine one in reference to persecutions of Catholics in past times. Gave two columns to it. Only wrote half a dozen lines of Bishop Grant's sermon. It was more for a magazine than a newspaper. He (Grant) seems a very good man—highly nervous & apparently very earnest. Goss is a real John Bull looking bishop—manly, adipose & practical.174

<sup>170</sup> A charitable medical centre on Fishergate.

<sup>171</sup> Probably William Heaps (1837–1879), veterinary surgeon.

<sup>172</sup> Probably Jabez B. Jones (1836–1891), auctioneer and estate agent, excellent marksman, became landlord of the Old Dog Inn, Church St.

<sup>173</sup> Thomas Grant (1816–1870), whose father changed his name from Garraghty to Grant when he left Ireland to join the British army and fight at Waterloo.

<sup>174</sup> Goss frequently said, 'I am English, I am a real John Bull, indeed I am a Lancashire man' (*ODNB*).

**Tuesday 31 October 1865** Police court, Board of Guardians & paragraphing.

### November

**Wednesday 1 November 1865** Easy day. Municipal elections in Preston. Contests in three wards.<sup>175</sup> Affairs very dull except in Trinity ward, where an old fogy of a grocer,<sup>176</sup> a pompous doctor,<sup>177</sup> and a stupid ex-schoolmaster<sup>178</sup> were the candidates. The schoolmaster headed the poll (by his money), the grocer came next; the doctor was ousted. A good deal of bribery & corruption.

**Thursday 2 November 1865** At 11 o'cl[ock] in morning to Garstang guardians' meeting. Not worth reporting—only about two sticks.179 Got dinner and 'destroyed' time by staring about until shortly after two; then went to station & got home in due time.

**Friday 3 November 1865** Slack day. Went to exhibition at night for some particulars. Got home at 1.30 in the morning.

**Saturday 4 November 1865** In morning to police court—just got there when it was over. In afternoon went with my daughter Florence to the Exhibition. At night to theatre with wife. Performances poor & full of common sensation.

**Sunday 5 November 1865** Nursing Ethelbert in morning. In afternoon walked out with Florence & at night to Fulwood Church where the Episcopal Bishop of Edinburgh<sup>180</sup> preached a most excellent sermon.

**Monday 6 November 1865** To police court where there was nothing of importance at 11; in evening to Exhibition with wife.

180 Thomas Baker Morrell *(*1815–1877).

<sup>175</sup> Most wards were uncontested, i.e. only one person stood for each seat, requiring no election.

<sup>176</sup> John Gudgeon (1804–1883, retired grocer, 'pacific, corrugated, an innocentlyelongated, municipal vacuum': *PTC*).

<sup>177</sup> Dr William Smith (1834–1883), Conservative, Anglican, Poor Law Union doctor for Fishwick and Walton, studied at Guy's and St Andrews. 'Strong, energetic, holds his chest well forward, has much activity, walks with a firm, dashing step, has much self-reliance, is impulsive, knock-ahead, full of nerve slightly blaze-away at times alive in every part, frank in speech, immensely determined when put upon his mettle, wears excellent waistcoats, dislikes itchy patients' (*PTC;* obit *PC,* 26 May 1883, p. 5).

<sup>178</sup> Samuel Cragg (1817–1878, former book-keeper in a local newspaper office, share and land agent who 'will never set anything on fire in the Council by his mental scintillations') (*PH,* 4 Nov 1865, pp. 2,-5; *PTC*).

<sup>179</sup> A composing term. One stick was about 10 lines of 12-point type.

**Tuesday 7 November 1865** Newshunting. Got home at 2 o'cl[ock] in morning. Working till this time (for anybody except myself) is outrageous.

**Wednesday 8 November 1865** Went to see through Avenham Institution with wife & two ladies in afternoon. Saw Dr Shepherd's library<sup>181</sup> —a fine concentration of literature but damnably looked after by the trustees. In evening went to a concert at Exhibition but could hear nothing worth admiring. Afterwards went with wife to see a sewing machine work at a house in Cannon Street.<sup>182</sup>

**Thursday 9 November 1865** To Town Council at 12 o'cl[ock]. Mr C R Jacson of Barton Lodge (a Tory but a perfect gentleman) was elected mayor. Six aldermen were afterwards re-elected. Subsequently the aldermen 'stood' champagne for the municipal topers at the Bull Hotel. Our present lot of corporation men constitute a weary pack of ignoramuses & blackguards183 & drunkards.

**Friday 10 November 1865** Paragraphing.

**Saturday 11 November 1865** Doing nothing particular. To the exhibition at night with father-in-law.\* Place Corn Exchange—terribly crushed.

**Sunday 12 November 1865** To Cannon St[ree]t Chapel (independent) in morning. In afternoon went a walking.

**Monday 13 November 1865** Wrote a column out by half past ten; afterwards went to police court. Then (with father-in-law\*) called at Angel Inn, Lune St[ree]t. Had three or four glasses of ale (very good) each. Got home to dinner at four o'cl[ock]. In evening called again at Angel Inn & had a glass of ale. Then to the exhibition & at half past 9 to the theatre. Performances moderate.184

<sup>181</sup> Dr Richard Shepherd (1694–1761) had bequeathed his books to the inhabitants of Preston; by 1865 they were housed, as a public reference library, in the mechanics' institute in Avenham. They are now in the Harris Library.

<sup>182</sup> Sewing machines were common by the 1860s, so it is not clear why this one was worth a visit.

<sup>183</sup> Dishonourable, unprincipled.

<sup>184</sup> The play was Dion Boucicault's *The Octoroon,* a melodrama set on a Louisiana slave plantation 'with new scenes and a great scenic effect A SHIP ON FIRE' (*PC,* 11 Nov 1865, p. 1).

**Tuesday 14 November 1865** Working hard all day. Called at exhibition at night & saw Town Clerk of Preston (Mr R Ascroft)<sup>185</sup> drunk. He often gets drunk, & is a very fair example of several of the municipal big-wigs of Preston. As a rule they are a weary lot.

**Wednesday 15 November 1865** Stayed at home all day. My daughter Florence was ill—thought she had caught a fever but it was not one.

**Thursday 16 November 1865** Finished work (for the office at noon). Afterwards writing out for my own private interest. Finished about 10 o'cl[ock].

**Friday 17 November 1865** Got up at half past six o'cl[ock] & finished some writing. A very easy day. Concluded work at one o'cl[ock] next morning.

**Saturday 18 November 1865** Up town at eleven. No news of importance. Weather cold & unhealthy.

**Sunday 19 November 1865** Reading Watson's Evidences of Religion. Fell asleep in afternoon.

**Monday 20 November 1865** To work at 11. At night to a meeting of Preston branch of the Liberation Society. Speeches made by Councillor Haslam186 (chairman) Carvell Williams (London) Esq187 in favour of separating Ch[urc]h from state.

**Tuesday 21 November 1865** Wrote out about two columns of last night's Liberation meeting. The object of the Liberation Society—divesting

<sup>185</sup> Robert Ascroft (1805–1876), Preston town clerk 1852–1875. Original secretary of mechanics' institute. Born at New Cock Inn where his father was landlord. Solicitor, former councillor, Liberal, Anglican, 'a blithe, energetic, portly looking man; but latterly he has shrivelled in … a cross between Father Christmas and our old theatrical friend, the pantaloon. Not a cuter, not a more far-seeing, not a more strategical man is there in Preston' (*PTC*). Chairman of the Board of Guardians during Lancashire's Cotton Famine (*PC,* 18 November 1876, p. 5).

<sup>186</sup> John Haslam (1822–1899), mill owner, an 'advanced Liberal' and United Methodist Free Church local preacher; councillor since 1857; 'small, and … has a neat, energetic look' (*PTC*). A park still carries his name.

<sup>187</sup> John Carvell Williams (1821–1907), leader of the Liberation Society which campaigned for the disestablishment of the Church of England, he later became an MP (*ODNB*).

religion of state patronage & control—seems to be a good one. Real religion can live without temporal trappings. The force of truth alone ought to support it.

**Wednesday 22 November 1865** To Theatre Royal this evening with wife. Saw Tom Taylor's 'Ticket of Leave Man' enacted, pretty fairly. The farce which followed 'My Wife's Dentist' was only poor. Got home at 11.30.

**Thursday 23 November 1865** Slack forenoon. In afternoon went to get particulars of a fire which broke out at the New Hall Lane Mill of M[e]ssrs Horrockses, Miller & Co[mpany]. About £5000 worth of damage done. If the building had not been fireproof it would have been burned down. Five engines 'played' upon the flames.

**Friday 24 November 1865** Went at 11 o'cl[ock] this forenoon to Blackpool to get particulars of a shipwreck which took place off the pier head there during a severe storm on previous Wed[nesday] night. Vessel was called 'The Favourite' bound from West coast of Africa to L[iver]pool. All on board—10 men and captain—drowned. The Blackpool life boat made three attempts to reach the crew but could not. Lost my hat at Kirkham, on returning at night.

**Saturday 25 November 1865** Got my hat this morning. At noon went to Blackpool again to report the inquest held in afternoon at Gynn Inn on bodies of four of the crew of the 'Favourite.' All the shore was strewn with pieces of wreck. Five other men belonging to her were washed up at other parts. Got home all right. Train was however nearly an hour late.

#### **Sunday 26 November 1865** Reading etc

**Monday 27 November 1865** At 11 to police court where I heard a very singular swindling case. Afterwards sent it off to about 15 newspapers. Did nothing particular during remainder of day.<sup>188</sup>

**Tuesday 28 November 1865** Usual paragraphing and skirmishing for paragraphs.

<sup>188</sup> William M'Dermott, who pretended to be the son of the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. The story soon appeared in newspapers all over the country.

**Wednesday 29 November 1865** To criminal sessions this morning. All the cases (36) very trifling in character. Left at half past 4 in afternoon & on getting home found Mr Paul,189 chief reporter for the Scotsman waiting for me. Met also a cousin whom I had not seen for about 16 years.

**Thursday 30 November 1865** In morning to a Town Council meeting. In afternoon went to Blackburn. Heard John Bright M.P.190 at a banquet in Town Hall, Blackburn & took part of his speech, Mr Paul of the Scotsman took remainder & then we came back to Preston and telegraphed speech to the paper (Scotsman) at Edinburgh.191

<sup>189</sup> Thomas Paul (1825–1890), noted for his skill as a shorthand reporter, had been chief reporter of the *Scotsman,* the Edinburgh daily, since 1859 *(*Obituary, *Falkirk Herald,*  8 Feb 1890, p. 5).

<sup>190</sup> John Bright (1811–1889) was a Radical Liberal MP, part of the 'Manchester School' of campaigners for free trade, and admired as an orator by Karl Marx and Abraham Lincoln.

<sup>191</sup> The report, bylined 'SPECIALLY TELEGRAPHED, FROM OUR OWN REPORTERS', made just under four columns in Friday's *Scotsman*. Reporters often worked together in 'rings' to report big speeches, alternating between taking a shorthand note and transcribing their shorthand (Steve Tate, 'Reporting Ring', in *Dictionary of Nineteenth Century Journalism* [online edition, Chadwyck-Healey, 2010]). It is a compliment to Hewitson's reporting skills that Paul would share shorthand notetaking duties with him.

### December

**Friday 1 December 1865** Forgot to state that Sir John Bowring192 as well as Mr Bright was at Blackburn. Bowring is old, grey head & yet clear in perception & full of wisdom. Bright is more determined, prejudiced & eloquent. He has a burly middle age English contour. Did my own work today and at night looked in at the Theatre.

**Saturday 2 December 1865** To police c[our]t at 11. Cases unimportant. At night went with wife to theatre. Saw two good plays. Afterwards had supper with the two principal actors at the Red Lion & didn't get home until 'early in the morning'.193

**Sunday 3 December 1865** Nursed in forenoon. In afternoon had a walk with two 'poor players' who had tea at my house. Left them on going out and went to report Father Cobb's194 lecture pitching into present position of Church of E[ngland].

**Monday 4 December 1865** To office at half past 10. To Blackpool at 11 to report the annual meeting of the Pier Company.195 Peter Catterall196 of Preston pitched into the movements of a certain Captain Preston197 who whilst chairman of Pier Co[mpany], promoted an antagonistic concern

<sup>192</sup> Bowring (1792–1872), political economist, traveller, writer, former editor of the *Westminster Review,* former MP and governor of Hong Kong, where he started the Second Opium War (1856–1860), the violent British imposition of Indian opium exports into China, against Chinese resistance.

<sup>193</sup> Probably Henry Sinclair (1829–1879), star of *The Ticket of Leave Man,* and Walter Searle (d. 1881), star of *The Spitalfields Weaver (The Era,* 10 Dec 1865, p. 14)*.*

<sup>194</sup> Fr William Cobb (1804–1877), Jesuit priest of St Wilfrid's Roman Catholic chapel, Preston, had taught at Stonyhurst College, the Catholic public school (*PC,* 10 March 1877, p. 5). 'Eloquent; in action rather brisk; and he weighs … about thirteen stones. He is a jolly, hearty, earnest, devoted priest; is cogent in argument; homely in illustration; tireless in work' (*OCC*).

<sup>195</sup> This company had opened Blackpool's first pier (now known as North Pier) in 1863.

<sup>196</sup> Peter Catterall (1795?-1874), retired solicitor, former mayor of Preston, Conservative councillor 1838–1862, alderman, county and borough magistrate (*PC,* 19 July 1873, p. 5), 'a sharp, courageous, dexterous man … a masterly debater … with fire for ever in him, wearing always excellent neckties, clerically white' (*PTC*).

<sup>197</sup> Francis Preston (c. 1823–1891), officer in the Volunteer Corps, ex-chairman of the Pier Company, was now chairman of a company building a rival pier. His name was later removed from the iron tablet commemorating the opening of the North Pier: Martin Easdown, *Lancashire's Seaside Piers* (Casemate, 2009), p. 116.

evidently for private gain. The captain shuffled out of the mud very tamely.

**Tuesday 5 December 1865** Writing for five consecutive hours. To exhibition at night. Afterwards to annual tea meeting of Mill Hill Ragged School.198 A very nice gathering. Glad to see improvements amongst rags & poverty towards improvement. Wrote a paragraph of the meeting. Got home shortly before 2 o'cl[ock] in morning; killed about 40 crickets; drank a glass of ale; had a smoke; went to bed.

**Wednesday 6 December 1865** In forenoon to police court, where there was more business than usual; in afternoon went with mother-in-law\* & sister-in-law to exhibition and whilst there my wife came and from what she said I proceeded to police station where I reported an inquest on two children (ages between 5 & 7) suffocated in a house in Mellings Yard, Friargate during their mother's absence. Sent report off to 15 newspapers. Bought a new tobacco pipe at night.

**Thursday 7 December 1865** By train to Garstang at 11 o'cl[ock]. They are now constructing a line to Garstang from Lancaster and Preston railway.199 In a journey to Garstang this will save 5 4 miles of walking. Very little reporting at Garstang. Got home about 4. Went in evening to exhibition—closing ceremony. About 4 columns of weary twaddle talked by about nine Tories. The two Tory members for Preston (Sir TG Hesketh\* & Hon F A Stanley) spoke miserably. There was a concert afterwards.

**Friday 8 December 1865** Writing out last night's speeches. Started about a quarter to 10 & got done at six. George Toulmin\* my employer (who after going absent for 3 months on a tour of America) made his appearance this forenoon. He had a deal to say & made allusions to one fact in particular—that American heads of families do not like & will not have more than two or three children. Got from work at 2 in morning.

**Saturday 9 December 1865** To police court at half past 11. Afterwards had a glass of beer with father-in-law.\* Went up street with him in

<sup>198</sup> Mill Hill Ragged School, built in 1853, was part of a national movement to provide free education to poor 'ragged' children. George Toulmin, owner of the *Preston Guardian*, was involved in running the school.

<sup>199</sup> It was not until 1870 that the seven-mile single-track railway opened.

afternoon & evening & had each three glasses of ale & two glasses of whiskey which improved our appetites for meal considerably. When drinks mend the appetite, but not else, it is good.

**Sunday 10 December 1865** Wife ill this morning; read one of five Barker's sermons<sup>200</sup> (an excellent one) in afternoon. In evening went to report a lecture by Father Cobb\* at St Wilfrid's Chapel.

**Monday 11 December 1865** Wife ill today; had to fetch doctor. Did not go to work until noon. Nothing particular there. In evening went into the Orchard. Saw a "cheap Jack's" establishment,<sup>201</sup> with 100 gas lights in front. Afterwards went with father-in-law\* & had a 'refresher' at the 'Plumpton Brook.'\*

**Tuesday 12 December 1865** Working as usual today. At night went to the annual meeting of the Preston Samaritan Society.<sup>202</sup> A tea party preceded it; but didn't go to that. Don't care for tea parties unless there is something really good to eat. During the proceedings the Mayor of Preston (C.R Jacson Esq) delivered a good speech. Got home from work at about half past one o'c[loc]k.

**Wednesday 13 December 1865** In forenoon went to police court. In afternoon went with father-in-law\* to John Noblet's203 cottage in Ingol. A lively walk to place. Had a decent tea, two glasses of beer, some pleasant chat & then returned in the dark to 'Plumpton Brook'\* where father-in-law and I were hospitably treated by Mr Noblet.

**Thursday 14 December 1865** To Garstang Board of Guardians' meeting at 1 o'cl[ock]. Nothing beyond the usual stupidity. Returned by afternoon express, & on getting to Preston station had a narrow escape. Our train arrived between two others & seeing no chance of getting away for some

<sup>200</sup> This could be Charles Barker, *Sermons*, 1813; or John Barker, *Sermons on Various Subjects* (London, 1764).

<sup>201</sup> Temporary shop selling poor-quality goods.

<sup>202</sup> A charity helping poor families.

<sup>203</sup> John Noblet (1826–1906), a friend, landlord of the Plumpton Brook, Snow Hill/ Lawson St. Conservative town councillor 1862–65, Roman Catholic (*PH,* 1 April 1874, p. 3). Son of a provision dealer, began work in a Manchester warehouse at 13, then apprenticed to a draper in Bromsgrove for seven years. Went to Australia for his health, on his return he managed a Manchester hotel before coming to Preston (obituary, *PG,* 3 February 1906). He later moved to Liverpool.

time I followed the example of a lawyer (Green Watson204) & climbed across some waggons when between two they started! But got off safely.

**Friday 15 December 1865** Paragraphing. Day very cold. Had a warm glass of ale at the Golden Cross in forenoon. Refused a second which was offered me. In evening had a glass at the Plumpton Brook\* but didn't relish it. Got home from work at one o'cl[ock] in morning, awfully tired. I had been tortured with a pair of tight shoes all day. Devil take tight shoes.

**Saturday 16 December 1865** To county police court at half past 11 o'cl[ock]. A long assault case—lasted till between two & 3 o'cl[ock]. Didn't get dinner until four o'cl[ock]. In evening went up street—was both tired & starved.<sup>205</sup>

**Sunday 17 December 1865** Nursing child in morning whilst wife went to chapel. In afternoon had a 'jar'<sup>206</sup> with wife & then went to Cemetery. In evening reported Father Cobb's\* third lecture.

**Monday 18 December 1865** Have got nine days behind hand with my diary. Very bad; but I have been terribly hard worked. Well, today wrote out Father Cobb's\* lecture; then went to police court; came home; got dinner; made out some bills; & in evening went a gossiping with father-in law\* & landed at Plumpton Brook\* public house, where I examined some old books & manuscripts. Had sundry glasses; af[terwar]ds called at a Cheap Jack's; got home at half past 10 o'cl[ock].

**Tuesday 19 December 1865** Rather easy day; still plenty of fair average work. Made a calculation today that I had written 90 pages of MSS [manuscripts] for our Wednesday supplement. Got home at half past 12 o'cl[ock].

**Wednesday 20 December 1865** Up at six; to Liverpool with my employer (Mr G Toulmin\*) by 7.5 train. Gossipped [sic] along the road about

<sup>204</sup> Robert Green Watson (1817–1879), solicitor. A bachelor, he 'had an extraordinary dislike of dogs' and liked to go for walks at night wearing a long cloak and slouched felt hat (*PC,* 21 June 1879, p. 6).

<sup>205</sup> 'Starved' can mean cold (probably the meaning here) or hungry in Northern England.

<sup>206</sup> A drink.

America. Got to L[iver]pool at half past 8. Rambled about till ten; then went to Assize court to report a libel case; but as it did not come off spent the day in pleasure with Ernest King.<sup>207</sup> Went to Prince of Wales Theatre at night & saw Mr Sothern as David Garrick.208 Afterwards had oyster supper.

**Thursday 21 December 1865** Got up soon after 8 o'cl[ock] having slept on an air bed209 at a house in connection with Grapes Hotel opposite St George's Hall, L[iver]pool. Got a shilling breakfast in Drury Lane at 9. Went to St George's Hall at 10. Hung about with employer's son till 11 o'cl[ock]. Then had a look through Free Library & Museum. Afterwards to dinner, then rambled on landing stage; reported case at assize in evening.<sup>210</sup> Got home at midnight.

**Friday 22 December 1865** Pretty hard day's work. At night saw Messrs J Clayton & Sons Soho Mill (Fylde Rd) on fire. It is burned down. Damage between £20,000 and £30,000. Tremendous sight. Got home at two o'cl[ock]

**Saturday 23 December 1865** Writing fire for distant papers. At night went with wife to see the pantomime at theatre. Didn't like a deal of it. But the finale scene was grand. Got my wages raised to £3 per w[ee]k today, having been a year at office.<sup>211</sup>

<sup>207</sup> Ernest King (1828–1900) was owner-editor of the *Blackburn Times.* Born in High Wycombe, Berkshire, he had worked on the *Preston Guardian* 1846–1856, then went to the *Empire* newspaper in London and the *Moreton Bay Courier*, Brisbane (Australia) as reporter-editor, probably 1858–1860. Back in England, he edited the *Bolton Guardian*, then bought the *Blackburn Times* in 1861, selling it to the Toulmins in 1867. He later emigrated to America, working on the *Pittsburgh Commercial*, and in Canton (Ohio), Trenton (New Jersey), Brooklyn and Newark. In 1875 in Middletown, Connecticut he and his son Ernest jnr launched the *Middlesex Monitor* and in 1878 bought the *Middletown Sentinel and Witness* (1823–1899)*.* He was also involved with the *Fall River Herald* and the daily Middletown *Penny Press* (est 1884) (Hewitson's obituary, *PG,* 3 March 1900, p. 9).

<sup>208</sup> Edward Askew Sothern (1826–1881) was a leading Liverpool-born comic actor with an international reputation; his role as the eighteenth-century actor Garrick was a hit.

<sup>209</sup> These came into use in the 1850s.

<sup>210</sup> King and Toulmin were witnesses in the libel case. Henry Bannister, solicitor and clerk to Accrington Board of Health, sued John Boothman, Accrington reporter for the *Blackburn Times*, who had accused Bannister of corruption. 'The jury consulted for about half a minute' before deciding there was no libel (*PH,* 23 Dec 1865, p. 6).

<sup>211</sup> This was a good wage for a reporter at the time, suggesting the importance of the *Preston Guardian* and the value placed on Hewitson's skills.

**Sunday 24 December 1865** Nursing from 11 to one. Had a walk out in afternoon; at night reported Father Cobb's\* 4th lecture about glories & spirit & actions of Christianity.

**Monday 25 December 1865** Writing out lecture till noon. Afterwards read some of it over to Father Cobb.\* Had a talk with him. He wondered why I was not a Catholic. Don't believe in Roman Catholicism. It is the superstition of religion. Spent the whole of this day (Christmas Day) at home.

**Tuesday 26 December 1865** Working very hard all day & writing these very words after leaving work at 25 minutes to three o'cl[ock] in the morning of Wednesday! Am going to have a glass of beer, a mince pie and a pipe of tobacco and then to bed.

**Wednesday 27 December 1865** To theatre in evening; having done nothing particular during day. Saw pantomime at theatre. Was wonderfully pleased with it. Afterwards had a discussion with an old Tory about Roman Catholicism & the Church of England at the Fox & Goose public house in Fleet St.

**Thursday 28 December 1865** Went to annual general sessions of magistrates of Lancashire held at Preston in forenoon. Nothing particular transpired. In evening (after working desperately hard) went to annual dinner of Preston Licensed Victuallers' Association. Wouldn't have anything to eat. Was ill humoured & independent. Afterwards had three or four glasses of wine & a bottle of beer. I responded to toast of the Press. Made a good speech.<sup>212</sup>

**Friday 29 December 1865** Working hard all day. Got home at two o'cl[ock] in the morning from the office.

**Saturday 30 December 1865** To police court at 11. In evening to distribution of prizes to artillery men in Corn Exchange.

<sup>212</sup> The LVA represented pub landlords. It was traditional at formal dinners to give a succession of toasts, to the chairman, the Queen, 'the ladies' (in Lancashire sometimes toasted as 'the Lancashire Witches') and to the press; each toast was briefly responded to.

**Sunday 31 December 1865** Laid in bed, being very tired, until 11 o'cl[ock]. In afternoon had a walk & carried my little daughter Florence. In evening went to St Wilfrid's Catholic Chapel to report Father Cobb's\* fifth lecture. Afterwards saw Father Cobb. Had a glass of wine with him & he gave me 10/- for a Christmas present. Went to bed at half past 10 o'cl[ock].

[Renshaw's Diary, signed on front page]<sup>1</sup> No 2 1866

Anthony Hewitson Diary 1866

[Anthony and Margaret Hewitson now had a daughter Florence, aged three, and a son, Ethelbert, nine months old. Hewitson had been chief reporter of the *Preston Guardian* for a year, and was developing a freelance reporting sideline. He was 29 years old.]

[on first page:]

Explanation of contractions:

o\_\_\_\_of ol\_\_\_\_of the ot\_\_\_\_of that t\_\_\_\_that yr \_\_\_ your bn \_\_\_been wh\_\_\_which &\_\_\_\_and h \_\_\_\_have

<sup>1</sup> Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/2.

### January

**Monday 1 January 1866** Up early and had a shower bath. Afterwards worked hard until after 10 o'[cloc]k at night. Work I was engaged on all day was a Town Council meeting. Long discussion about site of new Catholic church adjoining Fulwood. Catholics wanted it a little out of legal place. Several in favour of it; but objected to.<sup>2</sup>

**Tuesday 2 January 1866** Writing out Town Council meeting; then to police court; then to Board of Guardians meeting where I had to help a fine duffer of a reporter from Preston Herald.3 Never wrote so much for Preston Guardian Supplement before in one week; it would be nearly eight columns. Got home at two o'[cloc]k in morning.

**Wednesday 3 January 1866** Commenced after breakfast writing out Father Cobb's\* reply to the Vicar of Preston.4 Got a column done verbatim when I received word that I must condense my report.<sup>5</sup> Did so and wasn't sorry. Finished work at 20 minutes past 5 o'[cloc]k. Afterwards went to theatre with wife & saw the pantomime<sup>6</sup> which pleased us well.

**Thursday 4 January 1866** To Preston quarter sessions this forenoon & remained taking summaries of cases & idling away my time until half past five in evening. Thomas Batty Addison\* was the chairman of the bench. He is a wonderfully acute intellectual, severe old man. Worked at home—writing &c until nearly10 o'[cloc]k. Wife went off today.

**Friday 5 January 1866** Again to sessions with a second reporter—Benj. Barton.<sup>7</sup> We expected some rather heavy work. But the mountain was

<sup>2</sup> Church of St Thomas of Canterbury and the English Martyrs, Garstang Rd. The argument was over how near the church could be built to the road.

<sup>3</sup> It was not unusual for reporters from rival papers to help each other.

<sup>4</sup> Fr Cobb's series of lectures in defence of the Roman Catholic church in December 1865 had prompted many replies from Protestant clergy, including the vicar Rev John Owen Parr,\* who wrote a series of letters in the Conservative *Preston Herald.* In Fr Cobb's fifth lecture he had replied to the Vicar.

<sup>5</sup> A summary rather than a word-for-word transcription.

<sup>6</sup> *Harlequin Sir Rupert the Reckless; or Lurline, the Nymph of the Lurleyburg.*

<sup>7</sup> Benjamin Thomas Barton (1840–1896); by 1871 he had moved back to his native Blackburn and ran his own printing business, but returned to newspapers as Farnworth reporter of the *Bolton Chronicle* and then sub-editor and chairman of the Bolton Press Club, before opening a printing business in Farnworth. Involved in the Institute of Journalists. Author of a *History of Bury and Neighbourhood, Historical Notes of Farnworth and Kearsley* and *Historical Gleanings of Bolton and District* (obit, *Bolton Evening News,* 3 December 1896).

merely in labour & a 'mouse' was the result.<sup>8</sup> Got home from office at one o'[cloc]k in morning, having done on t[he] whole a great week's work.

**Saturday 6 January 1866** To sessions again & reported an assault case upon a gamekeeper. A curious case. Only one witness sure that the prisoner was 'the man'; whilst three said he was at home when the assault was committed. Prisoner got 6 months. To Holme<sup>9</sup> (where wife and children were) at night. On arriving & after tea went to Commercial Inn & made three speechs [sic] at a Friendly Lodge Anniversary.<sup>10</sup>

**Sunday 7 January 1866** Smoking, talking & reading & playing cards all day

**Monday 8 January 1866** Left Holme for home at 10 o'[cloc]k. Reached Preston at 12.20 nearly starved\* to death, the weather being very cold and stormy. Went up street & found t[hat] Robinson<sup>11</sup> printer &c in Cannon St[ree]t had b[ee]n hunting after me to see what I would write out Father Cobb's\* reply for.<sup>12</sup> Told him—two guineas. Then went home, had dinner, a glass of beer & a smoke. Didn't get reporting.13 To theatre at night.

**Tuesday 9 January 1866** To work at half past nine o'[cloc]k. Reporting ordinary cases all day.

**Wednesday 10 Jan 1866** Doing as much work for myself as for employer today.14 Sent off some horse fair tricks**;** <sup>15</sup> this being great horse fair week.

<sup>8</sup> A reference to Aesop's fable, 'The Mountain in Labour', a warning against making grand announcements that may come to nothing.

<sup>9</sup> Near Kendal, where Margaret Hewitson's parents, Joseph and Jane Wilson, lived.

<sup>10</sup> The Sir Robert Peel Lodge of the Ancient Order of Foresters, one of many mutual aid societies set up by working-class men to support each other in times of sickness, unemployment and to cover burial costs. For a summary of Hewitson's speech (possibly provided by him): 'Holme―Lodge Annivesary', *Lancaster Guardian*, 13 January 1866, p. 5.

<sup>11</sup> James Robinson (b. 1830), printer, bookseller, house agent.

<sup>12</sup> Robinson the printer probably wanted to publish a pamphlet from Hewitson's report of Fr Cobb's lecture.

<sup>13</sup> The work for Robinson.

<sup>14</sup> Hewitson often 'moonlighted' (freelanced outside his main job).

<sup>15</sup> Two stories about confidence tricks at the fair, in Hewitson's style, appeared in the *Scotsman* and Sheffield *Daily Telegraph* the next day; no doubt he sold the story elsewhere too.

Best fair for 30 years. Good horses sold well. Cart horses even sold from £35 to £60 odd.

**Thursday 11 Jan** Great meeting in Preston Corn Exchange (convened by t[he] High Sheriff of County<sup>16</sup>) about cattle plague. Sir J P Kay-Shuttleworth,<sup>17</sup> t[he] Marquis of Hartington<sup>18</sup> and several MPs present. Decent speaking. National Insurance approved of. Could not telegraph to The Times as all the wires had been blown down. Worked till one o'[cloc]k in morning

**Friday 12 January 1866** Writing out cattle plague meeting till 11 o'[cloc]k; then to police c[our]t; then up and down paragraph hunting. Got home at one o'[cloc]k in morning

**Saturday 13 January 1866** Sent a report o[f] cattle plague meeting to Times which did not get in. To Holme at night. Joined in a very convivial merry meeting at Commercial Inn.

**Sunday 14 January 1866** To church morning; to Burton in aft[ernoon] & had 2 glasses of ale; to church at Holme in evening. Good sermons. I sat in t[he] gallery.19

**Monday 15 January 1866** Brought my wife & two children (Florence & Ethelbert) home from Holme at noon. Lovely day. Writing municipal elections20 in afternoon. In evening taking it easy. Particulars made known of a shocking murder near Lancaster—Elizabeth Nelson, on previous Thursday night.<sup>21</sup>

**Tuesday 16 January 1866** To business at 20 minutes past 9 o'[cloc]k. To B[oar]d of Guardians &c. Nothing doing. News slow. Can hardly find a paragraph. Father-in-law (Joseph Wilson\*) who had been at Ashtonunder-Lyne for a month returned today.

<sup>16</sup> William Preston (1806–1871) of Ellel Grange, Lancaster, former mayor of Liverpool.

<sup>17</sup> See 10 August 1865.

<sup>18</sup> See 14 July 1865.

<sup>19</sup> According to Hewitson, 'the better washed and more respectably dressed portion of the congregation' sat in the gallery (*OCC,* p. 94).

<sup>20</sup> Fishwick ward by-election.

<sup>21</sup> No one was ever convicted of the rape and murder of Elizabeth Nelson, a 31-yearold domestic servant.

**Wednesday 17 January 1866** To police in morning. In afternoon to "Plumpton Brook"\* with father-in-law.\* Met an old Lancaster dissenter. Each of us had three glasses of ale. Talked about denominational matters quite eloquently all o[f] us. In evening I & Father in law went to a Parliamentary Reform meeting at Blackburn.<sup>22</sup> Big attendance; moderate speechs [sic].

**Thursday 18 January 1866** Writing out last night's meeting until 3 o'[cloc]k in afternoon. Then had a "round" for paragraphs. Got home in evening at six. Father in law\* had gone. Worked hard—writing &c until half past 10 at night.

**Friday 19 January 1866** Working moderately all day. Got home at half past one o'cl[ock]. Had three beers during day.

**Saturday 20 January 1866** Up street in morning, same in afternoon w[ith] wife & children. In evening went into a peep-show (camel, pony, dwarf &c) in Orchard. Afterwards h[a]d some beer & whiskey—rather too much—with father in law\* at Plumpton Brook Inn.\*

**Sunday 21 January 1866** Ill in morning, Had a walk with child in afternoon. In evening sh[oul]d have gone to chapel but rain fell so stayed at home reading Fowler's 'Health & Disease'.23

**Monday 22 January 1866** Writing out a queer rate case24 in forenoon; then to police court; then running about after news &c. In evening went up street with wife & father-in-law.\* Bought a pair o[f] white worsted gloves for 1/6d. Afterwards had two glasses of beer at Plumpton Brook.\* Set father-in-law off by train to Lancaster at 9 o'c[loc]k. Then went home.

**Tuesday 23 January 1866** Up at half past six; to Lancaster\* (with Aspden\*, Herald reporter) at 8; h[a]d breakfast with him at John

<sup>22</sup> The public meeting passed a resolution calling for the vote for working men, part of the movement which eventually led to the 1867 Reform Act. The speakers included Ernest King,\* Hewitson's friend and editor of the *Blackburn Times*.

<sup>23</sup> Probably the American phrenological work by Orson Squire Fowler, *Physiology, Animal and Mental: Applied to the Preservation and Restoration of Health of Body and Power of Mind* (New York: Fowlers and Wells, 1847).

<sup>24</sup> A dispute over a special rate (tax) levied by Fulwood Local Board to cover the legal costs of a cheaper gas supply.

Wilson's,<sup>25</sup> brother-in-law; then went upon the Moor behind Lanc[a]ster. Had a fine view. Got back in an hour. To Lancaster Town Hall at 11. Reported a murder trial—a young man from Burrow Beck is charged with murdering a female named Nelson up there.<sup>26</sup> Case remanded. Had beers with two relatives at X [Cross] Keys. Got to Preston at 11.20 & worked till 2 o'c[loc]k.

**Wednesday 24 January 1866** Easy day. Got tickets to go to a Cricketers Ball. Wife wanted to go; I didn't; jawed about it; eventually decided to go to see a play at Theatre. Stayed there till ten; then came home and worked (writing out a speech) until 2 o'c[loc]k next moning.

**Thursday 25 January 1866** At work by half past six. Awfully sleepy when I got up. Attended Town Council meeting at 11. It was decided today to take proceedings ag[ain]st promoters of a new Catholic chapel, in Moor Park for commencing to build it in wrong place.<sup>27</sup> In evening went with wife to a Baptist tea party. Speaking<sup>28</sup> poor.

**Friday 26 January 1866** Ordinary work during day. In evening called at Plumpton Brook\* & had a glass of beer. Had a 'shindig' when I got home for keeping wife up so long. She expected me at half past 9; didn't arrive until 11. Worked until half past one in the morning. Bought History of Greece for 2d.

**Saturday 27 January 1866** Reporting & writing until six in the evening; then went into t[he] Orchard w[ith] wife; then (out o[f] curiosity) to a concert room in Friargate—George Inn. Heard some singular songs. On the whole proceedings orderly. Heard a woman sing who had had a child to a Catholic priest & who once came to our house & told for ever o[f] lies[?]**.** Got home between 11 & 12. Got a hare given.29

**Sunday 28 January 1866** Had a walk with wife & children in forenoon; in aft[ernoo]n had a sleep; then a read.

<sup>25</sup> John Wilson\* (1834–1872), brother of Hewitson's wife Margaret.

<sup>26</sup> See 15 January 1866.

<sup>27</sup> See 1 January 1866.

<sup>28</sup> Speeches.

<sup>29</sup> Landlord Edward Blackoe opened his concert room in 1864, offering a 'music hall' style of entertainment. The Hewitsons were slumming.

**Monday 29 January 1866** To work rather late, but missed nothing. In afternoon writing for The Universe.30 In t[he] evening doing nothing in particular.

**Tuesday 30 January 1866** An ordinary day—nothing very fr[e]sh. In evening went to report on lecture on Protestantism being founded on t[he] Rock of Truth by Mr Harper Grand Master of the Orangemen of Great Britain.31 He is somewhat of a firebrand.

**Wednesday 31 January 1866** To police court; to the Court House—Cattle plague meeting. Miserably slow affair. Afterwards looked through the 'domicile' of a hermit named Wylie behind old Church. In evening prepared a copy of my account, to lithograph & wrote a special account for our own paper.32

<sup>30</sup> The *Universe* (1860-) is a Roman Catholic newspaper still publishing today.

<sup>31</sup> Edward Harper (1827?-1902), Grand Master of the Loyal Orange Institution of England and Wales.

<sup>32</sup> James Wylie was being evicted from the warehouse in St John's Place, where he lived ('James Wylie again', *PH,* 10 Feb 1866, p. 4).

## February

**Thursday 1 February 1866** To annual general Sessions at 11 ½. Stupid proceedings. Magistrates 'scratching' each other about re-valuation of County. In evening to a dinner for officials of t[he] Preston Exhibition. Very comfortable affair. Over at midnight.

**Friday 2 February 1866** Writing out meeting last night. Worked hard all day. In evening h[a]d a row w[ith] 'governor' old Toulmin\* as we call him. Got home at half past 1.

**Saturday 3 February 1866** Working hard—reporting all day. At night to two concert rooms. Poor affairs. Then to Hen & Chickens.33

**Sunday 4 February 1866** Mending shower bath. Had a walk; then to Catholic chapel; then to Plumpton Brook\* & had two glasses; then home & h[a]d another; then bed.

**Monday 5 February 1866** Began work at half past eight o'clock & continued until evening. Got tickets to go to a Ball at Corn Exchange. I didn't care about it so gave my ticket to brother-in-law & my wife went w[ith] him & her sister.34 To bed at 11. Awoke at 2 o'cl[ock] by brotherin-law's child. Couldn't get it quiet; so got into a temper & went to Corn Exchange for wife &c.

**Tuesday 6 February 1866** At work in decent time. To police court late; then to guardians meeting. Nothing new or of any consequence. Sent pars [paragraphs] off about a young man stealing £64 odd & another man named Smith who broke his neck while stealing hens. In evening I went to a Bible Society35 meeting—big affair—in Corn Exchange. A Catholic ball night before; this night a meeting of the Protestant parsons in same room pitching into Catholics.

<sup>33</sup> A pub. There were two of this name, one in Bridge St (now Marsh Lane) and one in Fox St.

<sup>34</sup> John Lord Rodgett\* (1829–1878) and Margaret's sister Sarah\* (1841–1871). Their daughter Julia was born in 1874 (thanks to Margaret Dickinson for this information).

<sup>35</sup> British and Foreign Bible Society, a non-denominational charity aiming to make the Bible available throughout the world.

**Wednesday 7 February 1866** Transcribing notes of last evening's meeting. In evening went to what was called a 'grand evening concert' under distinguished patronage.36 Wretched attendance. Singing poor. Felt miserable; left the boxes, & had a smoke. At conclusion evacuated[?] home with wife in disgust at the 'grand' proceedings of the concert.

**Thursday 8 February 1866** To Garstang at 1 o'[cloc]k. Attended meeting o[f] board of guardians; had a tenpenny dinner; then went to a cattle plague meeting at which it w[a]s stated one farmer had lost by the plague 42 cows & other stock; & that 25 had been killed for food, in order to prevent spread of disease. Wrote meeting out at Eagle & Child, Garstang & got home about 7 o'c[loc]k.

**Friday 9 February 1866** To office at nine o'[cloc]k. Afterwards to police court; then to Brunswick Mill (T Goodair's37) w[hic]h w[a]s partially destroyed by fire on previous night. Went in to the place. It w[a]s fearfully wrecked in several places. Paragraphing in afternoon. Same in evening. Got home at half past one o'c[loc]k.

**Saturday 10 February 1866** Writing paragraphs for The Times & other papers nearly the whole of the day. Very hard worked today.

**Sunday 11 February 1866** Up at nine; had a shower bath, dressed, went out w[ith] wife for purpose o[f] going to chapel, but went to t[he] cemetery to see grave of my two children. Rain fell all time. There's as good a lesson to be derived from a Cemetery as from the best sermon ever preached.

**Monday 12 February 1866** To a meeting of Propagation of Gospel society38 in Mechanics Institute at 11½ in forenoon. Meeting under the auspices of the Church o[f] England. A flat affair. Only about a dozen people present b[e]sid[e]s t[he] speakers. At night to a Volunteer Ball at Corn Exchange with wife. Couldn't dance so I fuddled39 moderately.

<sup>36</sup> Patrons included the mayor and the town's two MPs, and the singers included Edith Wynne (1842–1897) and Kate Wynne.

<sup>37</sup> Thomas Goodair (c. 1833–1885), former councillor, son of John Goodair.\*

<sup>38</sup> The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, a Church of England missionary society.

<sup>39</sup> Drank.

Ball a nice affair but as I c[oul]d do nothing didn't care f[or] it. Got home at 3 am.

**Tuesday 13 February 1866** Felt seedy this forenoon, but a shower bath, a basin of thick porridge & a pipe were beneficial. A long meeting of B[oar]d of Guardians. Throng all day. At night to meeting o[f] Bible Society at Theatre, attended by Dissenters.40 Reported some good speeches.

**Wednesday 14 February 1866** At police court all day. A secretary & treasurer o[f] a religious society tried & committed f[or] trial of stealing £50 from St Ignatius' Presbytery,41 Preston. In evening writing f[or] myself.

**Thursday 15 February 1866** To Garstang at 11. At petty sessions three farmers were fined—two £5 each—for removing cattle along a highway without necessary magistrates' licence.42 It afterwards transpired t[hat] t[he] plague was very bad at three farms in Winmarleigh. In t[he] evening I attended a Parliamentary Reform meeting in Corn Exchange, Preston.

**Friday 16 February 1866** Writing out reform meeting—noisy mediocre affair—until 5 o'[cloc]k in afternoon. In evening had two glasses of beer at Plumpton Brook.\* Went to supper & had another. Got from work between 2 & 3 o'[cloc]k in the morning, well tired; having b[ee]n up late every night this week.

**Saturday 17 February 1866** To police c[our]t at 11. Not much. At home writing out cattle plague pars for distant papers.

**Sunday 18 February 1866** Had a warm bath; then breakfast; then a walk with daughter Florence; then to dinner; then another walk w[ith] wife and one o[f] children.

**Monday 19 February 1866** To police court in forenoon; then to a meeting of the Fleetwood, Preston & West Riding Railway Co—nothing

<sup>40</sup> Nonconformists, Protestants who rejected the Church of England, including Baptists and Congregationalists.

<sup>41</sup> A presbytery is a priest's house.

<sup>42</sup> Movement of cattle was controlled to prevent the spread of rinderpest.

very particular except for latter where the extension of t[he] line into Yorkshire w[a]s broached. In afternoon writing f[or] The Universe. In evening went to Theatre & heard some good singing. The theatre has been turned into a 'grand concert hall'. Wife with me. Liked exceedingly well t[he] songs.

**Tuesday 20 February 1866** Ordinary work during day—paragraph hunting. At night reported a lecture about 'The Church & Dissent' by Dr Baylee o[f] Birkenhead.43 He is a clever man. Wrote out for next morning's supplement a column & three quarters of meeting. Got from my work at 15 minutes to 3 in t[he] morning.

**Wednesday 21 February 1866** To Intermediate Sessions (late). Stayed all day. Saw Old Cobbett's son,44 t[he] barrister & reported a speech of his. He does not speak very clearly. Fancy he takes snuff. Working until late at night. Was somewhat troubled with vaccination cuts. H[a]d the smallpox some years ago but last Saturday agreed to be vaccinated to induce the wife to undergo t[he] same thing, wh[ich] she did & made an awful noise about it. The 'cuts' scarcely took hold of me, not so w[ith] her.45

**Thursday 22 February 1866** To Town Council meeting at 11 o'[cloc]k. Proceedings nothing extra. A discussion about t[he] extension o[f]Longridge railway &c46

**Friday 23 February 1866** Working pretty hard at sessions all day. A man named Peter Dewhurst charged w[ith] stealing £50 from St Ignatius Catholic Church. He is employed there. He got off.

**Saturday 24 February 1866** Writing hard until night then h[a]d a walk up street with wife.

<sup>43</sup> Rev Dr. Joseph Baylee (1808–1883) was an Anglican theologian, fond of public controversies.

<sup>44</sup> See 24 August 1865.

<sup>45</sup> There are no pock marks visible in photographs of Hewitson. Vaccination against the feared and potentially fatal smallpox was made compulsory for children in 1853, so Margaret Hewitson was probably not vaccinated as a child. The disease was eventually eradicated by an international vaccination campaign, in 1977.

<sup>46</sup> The six-and-a-half-mile branch line from Preston opened in 1840. By 1866 there were plans to extend it into Yorkshire.

**Sunday 25 February 1866** Nursing for a while then to Cemetery with a brother-in-law. Got particulars of some gross negligence as to interring people in wrong grav[e]s. Had a glass o[f] beer at Cemetery Hotel. Walk did me a power o[f] good. At night went to St Wilfrid's Catholic chapel & heard a good sermon condemnatory of evening drinking.

**Monday 26 February 1866** At 11 o'[cloc]k went to a meeting of Fylde Water Works Company at Kirkham. Afterwards had dinner at Railway Hotel. During dinner got into conversations with a grey-headed 'downy' looking old cove who turned out to be Roberts the great Lancashire working mens' lawyer.47 Returned at half p[a]st 3 o'[cloc]k. In evening to a meeting of t[he] Church Pastoral Aid Society.48

**Tuesday 27 February 1866** To B[oar]d of Guardians meeting (pretty noisy) at 11 o'[cloc]k. In evening met W Guest49 second reporter o[f] Manchester Ex[aminer] & Times.<sup>50</sup> Had two or three beers with him. He got partially 'screwed'.51 I maintained the 'media in tutiformus ibis' principle.<sup>52</sup>

**Wednesday 28 February 1866** This morning at 8 went to Lancaster to re-election o[f] Lord Hartington on his appointment as Secretary o[f] War. He w[a]s proposed (in Shire Hall) by Lieut. Col. Butler Bowden [sic],53 seconded by T B Addison\* of Pr[e]ston & supported by Sir J P Kay-Shuttleworth.54 Afterwards went to a banquet given by Lord Hartington in t[he] Assembly Room. It w[a]s a fine affair; many got 'mellow'. I was considerably jolly & got home easy.

<sup>47</sup> William Prowting Roberts (1806–1871) was a Chartist who became legal adviser for the Northumberland and Durham Miners' Union and the Lancashire Miners' Association, nicknamed the 'miners' attorney-general'. He lived in Manchester.

<sup>48</sup> The Church Pastoral Aid Society funded Anglican clergy and staff in expanding urban areas.

<sup>49</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>50</sup> The Radical *Manchester Examiner* (1846–1894) was the political and commercial rival of the more Whiggish *Manchester Guardian* (1821–) for 40 years, and was out-selling the *Guardian* at this point.

<sup>51</sup> Drunk.

<sup>52</sup> 'In medio tutissimus ibis', from Ovid's *Metamorphoses*, 'you shall go safest in the middle way'.

<sup>53</sup> John Butler Bowdon (1815–1878) of Pleasington Hall, Blackburn, Roman Catholic squire, magistrate, active in the volunteer artillery.

<sup>54</sup> See 10 August 1865.

# March

**Thursday 1 March 1866** Up at 8. Had a shower bath then a basin o[f] thick porridge, then to work & continued writing out until nine at night.

**Friday 2 March 1866** To work at 9. Ordinary paragraphing all day. Got a beer w[ith] Aspden\* & Barker<sup>55</sup> (reporters) at Miss Nightingale's56 in Lune St[ree]t. Home at one in morning.

**Saturday 3 March 1866** Up at 9. Had a shower bath (which I have every morning); then to police court where a cotton manufacturer & an agent were charged with conspiring to defraud a Liverpool person. Case 'cooked' & prisoners discharged.

**Sunday 4 March 1866** Seven or eight uncles and aunts called to see me. They were going to draw some money—left by their father. They went to father's\* at Lancaster at night.

**Monday 5 March 1866** Did nothing particular today

**Tuesday 6 March 1866** Went to Lytham to report particulars o[f] festivities connected w[ith] the coming of age of Colonel Clifton's son.<sup>57</sup> A splendid tent erected near Lytham\* Hall. In afternoon between 500 & 600 dined in t[he] tent. Upwards of 7000 bottles of wine ordered for week's festivities. Good dinner. Speeches poor. The Colonel's son a kind hearted duffer. Got home about 9.

**Wednesday 7 March 1866** Writing out all day yesterday's proceedings.

**Thursday 8 March 1866** To Lancaster assizes this morning. Took some case in Civil Court before Justice Lush.<sup>58</sup> One case about some land

<sup>55</sup> Barker worked for the *Preston Chronicle* (see 25 Sept 1867). There was a Henry Hunt Barker, who was a Preston compositor in 1861 and by 1872 was a Blackburn correspondent for the *Preston Guardian* and later a partner with John Toulmin in publishing the *Examiner* group of Cheshire newspapers (announcement, *Warrington Examiner*, 5 February 1881).

<sup>56</sup> Margaret Nightingale (b. 1819), landlady of the Angel Inn.

<sup>57</sup> Captain Thomas Henry Clifton, formerly of the 1st Life Guards, the Eton-educated only son and heir of Colonel John Talbot Clifton, who was a second-generation Anglican in a previously Catholic family which owned many estates in the Fylde of West Lancashire ('Festivities at Lytham', *PH,* 10 March 1866, p. 3). Thomas Henry became Conservative MP for North Lancashire.

<sup>58</sup> Sir Robert Lush (1807–1881), one of the three judges who tried the Tichborne claimant (*ODNB*).

on which a pig stye stood at Heysham lasted about four hours. Four barristers in case. This w[a]s a mountain in labour.59 Got home a little after eight.

**Friday 9 March 1866** Paragraphing. In evening bought a gold watch for 20 guineas from Peter Dickinson,<sup>60</sup> watch maker in Friargate, Preston. Arranged to pay for it periodically. Thought it best to get a good watch whilst I was buying one. Intend leaving it to my son whose first birthday this was (Ethelbert).

**Saturday 10 March 1866** Had a 'spree'\* in afternoon with some relatives in commemoration o[f] my son Ethelbert's first birthday. Bless him.

**Sunday 11 March 1866** Being tired this morning, laid in bed till noon. In afternoon read, in evening kept up the birthday festivity.

**Monday 12 March 1866** To work in good time this morning. In evening went to report a lecture by t[he] Rev Marmaduke Miller<sup>61</sup> o[f] Darlington against union o[f] Church and State. Good lecture. Some fools at t[he] end made some stupid objections.

**Tuesday 13 March 1866** To police court & B[oar]d of Guardians nothing particular. In evening to report a lecture by Rev T Davies<sup>62</sup> o[f] Over Darwen against Church & State union. Learned & elaborate lecture. Somewhat noisy the after proceedings.

**Wednesday 14 March 1866** Arranging last night's lecture until 2 o'[cloc]k. Then went up street w[ith] wife & some friends. Saw Frith's great picture of The Railway Station.63 This picture has been purchased

<sup>59</sup> Meaning it came to very little (see 5 January 1866).

<sup>60</sup> Peter Dickinson (1839–1888).

<sup>61</sup> Rev Marmaduke Miller (d. 1889), a famous Methodist Free Church preacher and temperance campaigner.

<sup>62</sup> Rev Thomas Davies (c. 1816–1892) of Duckworth St Congregational Chapel, Darwen.

<sup>63</sup> The 1862 painting of a busy scene at Paddington, by William Powell Frith (1819– 1909), was on display at Mr Worthington's Fine Art Exhibition Rooms on Fishergate, admission one shilling, as part of a national tour: Nancy Rose Marshall, 'On William Powell Frith's *Railway Station*, April 1862.' *BRANCH: Britain, Representation and Nineteenth-Century History*. Ed. Dino Franco Felluga, http://www.branchcollective. org/?ps\_articles=nancy-rose-marshall-on-william-powell-friths-railway-stationapril-1862

for £16,000 guineas. In evening to Blackburn where I took a turn64 at reporting a Liberation Society's meeting. Got to meeting at 8.20; left at 8.55. Got home at 9.50.

**Thursday 15 March 1866** Paragraphing. Have forgot the rest

**Friday 16 March 1866** Paragraphing

**Saturday 17 March 1866** Paragraphing

**Sunday 18 March 1866** Had a long walk in afternoon.

**Monday 19 March 1866** Got measured for a new suit which cost me £2-2. To theatre with wife in evening. Saw Katherine *--------*, 65 wife of Henry VIII moderately impersonated by the L[iver]pool 'Star Company'.

**Tuesday 20 March 1866** Paragraphing. In evening went to H Seed's mill in Ribbleton Lane, a portion of which worth about £3000 had tumbled in, killed one man & nearly killed another. Father in law came tonight to get out of t[he] way o[f] a speakers warrant in connection with Lancaster election.<sup>66</sup>

**Wednesday 21 March 1866** Fussing about all morning about Seed's mill. In afternoon sent a para about it. In evening had some beer with fatherin-law\* &c.

**Thursday 22 March 1866** To Garstang\* at 11. A beautiful day. Not much reporting at Board of Guardians meeting. Afterwards went to a Cattle plague meeting. In evening writing pars.

**Friday 23 March 1866** Paragraphing. At night h[a]d a glass of beer and a glass of brandy at t[he] expense of landlord of Plumpton Brook.\* Got

<sup>64</sup> See 30 November 1865.

<sup>65</sup> Presumably Hewitson had forgotten the second name of Katherine Howard*.*

<sup>66</sup> Joseph Wilson\* had been paid £10 (more than three weeks' wages for Hewitson) by the Lancaster Liberals to hide from a Speaker's warrant issued for a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into widespread corruption in the 1865 Lancaster election. He was searched for in Stirling and Ashton-under-Lyne, but not Preston, it seems (*PH,* 8 Sept 1866, p. 10).

particulars of Wigan\* murderer (Grime of Chorley)<sup>67</sup> & telegraphed it to six papers. Risked £2-8 for sake of 10/-<sup>68</sup>

**Saturday 24 March 1866** Got up late to police court. Writing pars to send off to distant papers. In evening bought my gold watch guard. Then went with father in law\* to Plumpton Brook & had sundry glasses & spent a pleasant evening.

**Sunday 25 March 1866** Nothing in forenoon. Had a walk in afternoon. In evening read Theodore Parker.69

**Monday 26 March 1866** To police court in morning, nothing important. In afternoon had a walk with father in law\* & brother-in-law (Rodgett\*) to Penwortham Churchyard. Saw one old stone about 200 years old. Saw grave of M Whelan of Lanc[a]ster (once mayor &c o[f] t[hat] place); no stone to mark it. Called at Bridge Inn & h[a]d a glass. In evening h[a]d a glass at Plumpton Brook.\*

**Tuesday 27 March 1866** To police at 11—then to Guardian meeting not much. In afternoon was fussing after par[agraph]s. In evening father in law\* & brother in law<sup>70</sup> came to me at my office. Went out with them; h[a]d two glasses & a philosophical discussion. Left inn at 2 i[n] morning.

**Wednesday 28 March 1866** To Parish Church at 11 in morning to report a sermon by Rev Canon Parr.\* This was a sermon & a service to ask God to stay cattle plague. Sermon a god good one. Parr "pitched into" modern class finely. Saw some of common councillors (common sinners) there. They w[oul]d wince. In evening writing pars & conversing about phrenology which I believe in.

**Thursday 29 March 1866** Doing ordinary work. At night to a miserably attended meeting at Blackburn;<sup>71</sup> object—to do away with a damnably

<sup>67</sup> Firetender James Barton was murdered by being thrown into his own furnace at the Button colliery, Haigh near Wigan in January 1863. Thomas Grime of Chorley was now charged with his murder.

<sup>68</sup> Presumably Hewitson spent two pounds and eight shillings in telegraph charges for an expected profit of ten shillings.

<sup>69</sup> Theodore Parker (1810–1860), American Unitarian minister who campaigned for the abolition of slavery.

<sup>70</sup> Rodgett.\*

<sup>71</sup> Former Chartist Ernest Jones was one of the speakers (*PH,* 31 March 1866).

mean court called Wapentake court<sup>72</sup> wherein a man may have to pay 30/- or £2 costs for a debt of £2 2s; & to petition against increase of borough police; also in favour of a Stipendiary magistrate for the district.

**Friday 30 March 1866, Good Friday** A tolerably quiet day. Got through my work comfortably and had a beer at Noblets\* at night. Exchanged a key and seal for locket. Got home rather late. Ought to have s[ai]d that yesterday I reported annual general sessions & county magistrates. Lord Stanley73 in t[he] chair.

**Saturday 31 March 1866** Up town at 11. Exchanged a gold key & a seal for a gold stone-laid locket. Saw Bernard Bussey<sup>74</sup> reporter on Morning Herald (London) in afternoon. Went to theatre at night with wife & saw him again. Did not feel well so left early.

<sup>72</sup> The Blackburn wapentake court for small debts was abolished in 1868 ('The Hundred of Blackburn: Introduction and Map', in *A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 6*, ed. William Farrer and J Brownbill (London, 1911), pp. 230–34. *British History Online*, http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol6/pp230-234).

<sup>73</sup> Edward Henry Stanley, future 15th Earl of Derby (1826–1893).

<sup>74</sup> Bernard Bussey (d. 1908) was the son of George Moir Bussey (1807–1864), *Preston Chronicle* editor 1844–1846. Bernard was born in Kendal and was a reporter for the *Lancaster Guardian* in 1864 (notebook of Bernard Bussey, Lancashire Archives DDX 1211/3).He worked for the *Norwich Mercury,* then the *Morning Herald*, and finally the *Standard*. His brother, Harry Findlater Bussey, was *Preston Guardian* chief reporter c. 1857–1859 (*Scoop!* biographical dictionary of British and Irish journalists, https:// www.scoop-database.com/).

# April

**Sunday 1 April 1866** Stayed in bed being ill, till noon. Afterwards h[a]d a walk with wife and children.

**Monday 2 April 1866, Easter Monday** To police court at 11. A farmer's daughter and wife brought up for robbing stalls in Market place. They "seemed" respectable women. In afternoon to report proceedings in connect[ion]n w[ith] cutting o[f] first sod<sup>75</sup> of Preston Infirmary by the Mayor (C R Jacson\*) who made a long prosey speech. At night to a Missionary meeting. Bad attendance; speeches moderate. It w[a]s in Lune St Wesleyan Chapel

**Tuesday 3 April 1866** To police & B[oar]d of Guardians. Doing ordinary work throughout day. Got home from work very late.

**Wednesday 4 April 1866** To sessions before Thomas Batty Addison\* at 10. Common cases which I took "easy".<sup>76</sup> At night to annual meeting of Lancashire Congregational Union in Cannon St Chapel. Enoch Mellor77 of Liverpool made a good speech in defence of Congregational principles: & a good paper on Church music by Rev G W Conder<sup>78</sup> o[f] Manchester was read.

**Thursday 5 April 1866** Writing out until afternoon at 4 o'[cloc]k. Then left office. At half past 7 went to another Congregational meeting in Grimshaw St[ree]t Chapel. Speeches & general proceedings poor. Dr Parker of Manchester made a poor speech.79

**Friday 6 April 1866** At half past 11 this forenoon to an influential meeting in Corn Exchange in connection with Manchester Dioc[e]san Church Building Society. The Bishop w[a]s present & he made a good speech. He is a very rapid talker.<sup>80</sup>

<sup>75</sup> A symbolic digging of the first spadeful of earth, to mark the beginning of important building work.

<sup>76</sup> Probably means selective reporting of the more noteworthy court cases.

<sup>77</sup> See 7 August 1865.

<sup>78</sup> George William Conder (1821–1874) of Cheetham Hill chapel. He compiled the *Leeds Hymn Book (*1853) and wrote hymns, including 'All Things Praise Thee, Lord Most High' and 'Lord Jesus, Shepherd of Mankind': John Julian, *Dictionary of Hymnology* (New York: Dover Publications, 1907).

<sup>79</sup> See 10 October 1865.

<sup>80</sup> The mayor and both Preston MPs attended, and plans were discussed to build St Saviour's Church (opened 1868) and Emmanuel (1870).

**Saturday 7 April 1866** At half past 4 in afternoon went with wife and children to my father's\* at Pointer Houses,<sup>81</sup> Lancaster.\* At night went down street, Lancaster seemed a dull place.

**Sunday 8 April 1866** In forenoon to Primitive Methodist Chapel with father.\* In afternoon went w[ith] him to Green Lane near Galgate where a young woman was lately murdered.<sup>82</sup> A headstone about her and murder had just b[ee]n put up. Crowds o[f] people going to place.

**Monday 9 April 1866** Up at a quarter past 6 o'[cloc]k; breakfast at 7; got my grandfather's watch (mother's father's—Thomas Moore' Moore's\* watch—he left it to me) & set off f[or] Preston af[terward]s. Arrived at a quarter past 8'o[cloc]k. Then got breakfast; wrote out part o[f] a report first; then up street; afterwards home. At night to a reform meeting at Blackburn.83 A full meeting. Home at 10.

**Tuesday 10 April 1866** Writing out speeches of last night's meeting main part of the day. At night h[a]d some beer. Home about five minutes after two in morning.

**Wednesday 11 April 1866** To a meeting about appointment of a managing board of new Infirmary at 12 at noon. In evening to theatre. Saw a good play enacted.84 Many persons wept during its delineations. The parts were very pathetic. I couldn't hep help doing a little in the crying line.

**Thursday 12 April 1866** Nothing very special today. Hunting up pars.\* to send off at night & wrote some of them out at Plumpton Brook,\* it being too late to go home, write out and then go up street to post. Made up my mind today never to drink spirits except medicinally.

**Friday 13 April 1866** Doing nothing extra all day. A good deal of runnnng about for pars. Had b[ee]n applying some "stuff" to two corns which became swollen & bothered me most damnably. Corns & toothache are Heaven's own scourge for negligence.

<sup>81</sup> A group of houses in Scotforth, south of the town centre.

<sup>82</sup> See 15 January.

<sup>83</sup> Ernest King\* spoke.

<sup>84</sup> The melodrama *East Lynne,* adapted for the stage by J.R. Johnstone from Ellen Wood's 1861 sensation novel.

**Saturday 14 April 1866** Went to see wife & son Bertie at Holme in Westmorland this evening. Found them all right.

**Sunday 15 April 1866** Rusticated85 today, Gathered watercress, played & existed, for once, on the free and easy [indecipherable]—innocently. Had a swing in the orchard. In evening to Lancaster.

**Monday 16 April 1866** Up at six; to Preston with wife & Bertie at 7.15. Splendid morning. In afternoon went & paid for my watch & guard £26-7. Remained in house all evening. A new sub-editor (Mr Lawrence)<sup>86</sup> came to our office—Guardian—today.

**Tuesday 17 April 1866** Servant went to wedding of her sister at Fleetwood & sh[oul]d have b[ee]n back by noon. Didn't return till Friday evening<sup>87</sup> & then we sent her away. Went to two ship launches at Marsh End at noon. One built o[f] steel. The other of iron—it is the largest ever built at Preston.<sup>88</sup> Sh[oul]d h[ave] got dinner at ship yard. Was forgot[?] & got £1 given instead.

**Wednesday 18 April 1866** To a review or rather inspection at Fulwood Barracks.89 In evening to a cottage owners90 meeting at w[hic]h it w[a]s determined to raise rents of cottages, owing to losses in bad times & improvement at pr[e]sent from 5 to 15 per cent. Affairs always equalise themselves. Got home about 10.

**Thursday 19 April 1866** To Garstang to B[oar]d of Guardians & cattle plague meeting. Missed 11 o'[cloc]k train so went shortly before one.

<sup>85</sup> Spent time in the country.

<sup>86</sup> R.A. Lawrence (1845?-99) replaced Thomas Wemyss Reid, who had left in January after 18 months on the *Preston Guardian* 'as editor and sub-editor of the *Guardian*: Stuart Johnson Reid, *Memoirs of Sir Wemyss Reid, 1842–1885* (London: Cassell, 1905). Lawrence began his journalistic career in his native North of Scotland, then went as reporter to the *Stockton and Hartlepool Mercury* in 1865, before arriving in Preston. In 1870 he went to Barnstaple as editor of the Conservative *North Devon Herald,*  becoming sole owner of the paper a few years later (*North Devon Journal*, 14 Sept 1899, p. 5: *Daily Gazette*, Middlesbrough, 16 Oct 1899, p. 2).

<sup>87</sup> This wording shows that Hewitson did not write his diary at the end of each day.

<sup>88</sup> The Preston Iron Ship Building Company was launching a 185ft-long steel ship *the Jachta,*built for 'the Pasha of Egypt', and a 245ft-long iron paddle steamer, *The Taurus,* intended to carry cattle between London and Tonning in Denmark ('Launch of Two Vessels in Preston', *PC,* 21 April 1866, p. 6).

<sup>89</sup> A half-yearly inspection of the troops currently stationed there.

<sup>90</sup> Landlords of terraced working-class housing.

Walked 2 ½ mi[le]s in 25 minutes. Got half way on road in returning & then h[a]d to turn back for umbrella. Another person w[ith] me also forgot his. Umbrellas are nuisances

**Friday 20 April 1866** Had an easy day o[f] it. Had one glass o[f] beer with an old friend—D Longworth.91 Got home at half p[a]st one in morning.

**Saturday 21 April 1866** Up about 10 & then to police c[our]t. In afternoon wife, Bertie & I h[a]d a sail on Ribble. Afterwards my father\* came and s[ai]d t[hat] Florey, my daughter, w[a]s ill w[ith] croup.92 Wife went to her at Lancaster. Father stayed all night w[ith] me.

**Sunday 22 April 1866** Sat talking with father\* all forenoon. In aft[ernoo]n went to see t[he] "oldest oddfellow93 in t[he] world"—Geo[rge] Ward of Vauxhall Rd—buried.94 Thousands in the streets. Went to Madge's and Eth's grave.

**Monday 23 April 1866** To work moderately soon. At nine to Kirkham to report two or three cases wherein parties were summoned for nonpayment o[f] Church rates.95 They were ordered to pay; in default distress or a month's imprisonment. Think o[f] this in 1866! In afternoon to Lancaster to see how my little girl—Florence—w[a]s getting on. Found her moderate.

**Tuesday 24 April 1866** Paragraphing all day. At midnight Mr Toulmin,\* my employer, came to me in my office & asked me to codge up96 a

<sup>91</sup> Hewitson probably met David Longworth (1821–1877) when he was a printer's apprentice and Longworth a reporter on the *Lancaster Gazette*. He also reported for the *Preston Pilot* and *Wigan Herald*. A colourful character, he lived in New Orleans for six or seven years before returning to his native Preston and starting his own printing business. He published the idiosyncratic monthly *Longworth's Advertiser*  (1867–1882: obituary, *PC,* 13 October 1877).

<sup>92</sup> A childhood throat infection causing a barking cough.

<sup>93</sup> A member of the Oddfelllows mutual aid (friendly) society.

<sup>94</sup> George Ward (1789–1866), former Provincial Grand master of the Oddfellows friendly society. One of the pall bearers was Charles Hardwick, historian and editor of *The Oddfellow* and *Country Words* magazines. More people in Lancashire were members of friendly societies (mutual aid organisations) than probably any other county, thanks to high wages: Alan Kidd, *State, Society and the Poor in Nineteenth-Century England* (London: Macmillan, 1999), p. 112.

<sup>95</sup> See 24 July 1865.

<sup>96</sup> To codge something up is to improvise.

leader,<sup>97</sup> as his editor had neglected sending one! This was rather too much; but I dodged up one & thank God got through successfully [added in pencil:]—It related to election of Mr J E Gorst98 for (I think) Cambridge.

**Wednesday 25 April 1866** H[a]d a nice out\* in a carriage today to Great Eccleston, to two cattle meetings. Another reporter w[ith] me. All along—fields hedges trees—looked beautiful and the "feathery" tribe kept up a merry chorus all t[he] way. A few really good outs into t[he] country could bring one nearer to nature & to God. Got home at half past 8 at night.

**Thursday 26 April 1866** Writing until 11; then to further Council meeting; & report writing until10 o'[cloc]k. Had a glass of beer [a]s I came from post office at Fox & Goose. Company moderate; but determined to go home after one glass, so firsted [sic] off & got comfortably to bed.

**Friday 27 April 1866** Writing out until 10. Then called upon Rev H J Martin (Minister of Cannon St[ree]t Independent Chapel for particulars o[f] a lecture he had b[ee]n delivering.99 Had a glass o[f] good sherry with him. Parsons all know what good wine is. Reform division tonight; Liberals won by 5 votes only.<sup>100</sup>

**Saturday 28 April 1866** To Lancaster\* this afternoon, after being alone at home all week, in order to see my wife and daughter Florence, who I found w[a]s coming nicely round

**Sunday 29 April 1866** Sat in house all day. At night came home w[ith] wife and children. Got home—having travelled w[ith] a very stupid class of passengers—all right.

<sup>97</sup> Leading article or editorial opinion article, a prestigious task, giving the newspaper's view on a current topic.

<sup>98</sup> Preston-born John Eldon Gorst\* (1835–1916) had been elected for the Conservatives in the Cambridge by-election.

<sup>99</sup> Hewitson must have written his report of Rev Martyn's\* lecture from the minister's notes, without attending the event.

<sup>100</sup> The Liberal government narrowly won this part of the debate on the 1866 Reform Bill (designed to give the vote to some working-class men), but lost in June 1866, and it was a Conservative government who successfully took a new Reform Bill through Parliament in 1867.

**Monday 30 April 1866** Had a walk out this afternoon into Avenham Park with wife & children. Didn't do much work today. But I believe in labour—of some sort. People w[oul]d either go mad or go to t[he] devil if they did not work at something.

#### May

**Tuesday 1 May 1866** Perambulating about for paragraphs.\* Did not get from work until going to three in t[he] morning.

**Wednesday 2 May 1866** Up soon & at Walton le Dale at half past 10 to get particulars of t[he] funeral of old Charles Swainson<sup>101</sup> Esqr o[f] Cooper Hill. There w[a]s a procession of scholars & inhabitants; then t[he] hearse followed by three mourning & four private carriages. Procession accompanied cortege just over Ribble Bridge. Body to be interred in St Cuthbert's church yard, Lytham.

**Thursday 3 May 1866** Doing next to nothing until about 3 o'[cloc]k in afternoon & then went w[ith] my employer (Geo Toulmin\*) to Kirkham where I got particulars of a sale of furniture seized f[or] Church rates. The auctioneer was nearly drunk. After sale a public meeting (interrupted by a number of girls & a band o[f] music) w[as] held in Market Place.<sup>102</sup>

**Friday 4 May 1866** Wrote between two & three columns of church rate sale, & meeting afterwards which was held in condemnation of religious persecu[tio]n & in favour of conscientious freedom. Finished work at half past one & when I h[a]d got home h[a]d to return to office owing to a blunder on part o[f] employer.

**Saturday 5 May 1866** Nothing very particular in forenoon. In aft[e]r[noo]n went up street with wife & children. Af[terwar]ds writing

<sup>101</sup> Charles Swainson (1780–1866), Preston mill owner, employing some 1,000 workers: David Hunt, *A History of Preston* (Preston: Carnegie/Preston Borough Council, 2009), p. 207.

<sup>102</sup> The auction was of a clock, sofa, six kitchen chairs, one armchair and two barometers seized for non-payment of church rates from Richard Bilsborough of Bradkirk Hall (a Roman Catholic gentleman who owed £3 11d) and James Thompson (a Nonconformist who owed 7½d.) Part of the crowd supported the vicar, others backed the conscientious objectors. A protest meeting was advertised for after the auction, on a poster headed 'That man has not got all his chairs at home' (meaning that man―the vicar―is not quite right in the head). The local auctioneer had refused to do the vicar's dirty work, so an out-of-towner was brought in, fortified with drink for the unpleasant task. Workers were locked inside one local mill to prevent them from disrupting the sale. Everything except the sofa was 'bought in' by supporters and loaded on a decorated cart, 'conveyed away in triumph' and given back to the two objectors. Then the protest meeting began, interrupted by the 'unearthly howls' of some mill girls and a fife and drum band sent by the vicar, playing 'in a "bravado" sort of style' (*PC,* 5 May 1866).

for distant papers particulars of supposed cattle plague attack & alleged remedy of it in Garstang district.

**Sunday 6 May 1866** This w[a]s an idle day—easy & comfortable rather.

**Monday 7 May 1866** To work at 11. Did nothing. In aft[ernoo]n had walk with wife & children in Avenham Park. At night to a presentation to Rev J Miller103 incumbent of St Paul's church. It was 11 o'[cloc]k before I c[oul]d get away. A pretty comfortable meeting, but speeches poor & old-womanly. Had a glass o[f] beer & then home to bed at 12.

**Tuesday 8 May 1866** Up shortly after six & commenced writing out meeting o[f] last night. Throng all day & just finished writing this at eight minutes past two in morning. Have therefore been up 20 hours. Will finish my pipe & sup my glass & then to bed. [x Good night. x]104

**Wednesday 9 May 1866** Went round by Longridge,\* Whittingham &c this afternoon w[ith] Mr W Heaps<sup>105</sup> cattle plague inspector to inquire into how t[he] disease w[a]s going on. Saw some animals w[it]h plague which for some time h[a]s b[ee]n scourging t[he] county. They looked miserable & pitiable. Upwards of 100 y[ea]rs ago there w[a]s a plague amongst cattle & in one township—Haighton—we passed through it only left two.

**Thursday 10 May 1866** My brother-in-law, (J. L. Rodgett\*) got appointed superintendent of loading and discharging of vessels at Preston Quay today. I knew all t[he] principal men & spoke to them for him. Had tooth ache all night, having got cold on Wed.

**Friday 11 May 1866** Knocked up through the tooth ache. Left work tonight an hour or so earlier through having tooth ache. Had a sweat & a purge<sup>106</sup> on reaching home. This is only the second time I have h[a]d to leave work through illness during t[he] past 9 years.

<sup>103</sup> Rev. John Miller MA (d. 1896) was returning to work after recuperating with his wife in Hastings (*PH,* 12 May 1866, p. 11).

<sup>104</sup> The words 'good night' are written in Pitman shorthand, between two small exes.

<sup>105</sup> See 28 October 1865.

<sup>106</sup> Induced vomiting or use of laxatives.

**Saturday 12 May 1866** Face swollen up with tooth ache (wh[ich] w[a]s eased) this morning . Stayed in bed till noon. Remained in house reading, sleeping &c—I felt exhausted—all day.

**Sunday 13 May 1866** In house until six in t[he] evening. Then went to a friend's w[ith] wife & stayed till eleven o'[cloc]k.

**Monday 14 May 1866** To office at 10. To a long meeting relative to mismanagement of Preston Cemetery—wrong interments, bad bookkeeping &c—at 11 in Corn Exchange. Writing out till 10 at night. Then got supper & to bed.

**Tuesday 15 May 1866** Up at seven & h[a]d a bath. Writing very hard all day until mid night. Left work at 2 in morning.

**Wednesday 16 May 1866** To sessions at 11 o'[cloc]k & remained reporting cases until 5. At night went to hear a person styled 'Parallax' give a lecture in Institution Avenham to t[he] effect t[hat] the moon is not the "cause of" the tides; t[hat] t[he] moon is self-luminous; that the earth is a plane; & t[hat] it w[oul]d finally be destroyed by fire. He seemed honest & intelligent & ingenious.<sup>107</sup>

**Thursday 17 May 1866** At 9 this morning to Fleetwood to report particulars o[f] a foundation stone laying of a Catholic ch[urc[h<sup>108</sup> by Bishop Goss.\* Day fine; air pure; proceedings impressive. Afterwards had dinner w[ith] t[he] Bishop and a number o[f] priests. Got home by 3 o'[cloc]k train. Wrote at home all t[he] evening.

**Friday 18 May 1866** Up at half past 7. Writing till half past 11. Then to t[he] Cemetery where an inquiry w[a]s going on before Mr Holland109 govern[men]t inspector a[s] to irregularities in interments & t[he] finances of Burial B[oar]d. There appeared to h[ave] b[ee]n gross carelessness but evidence not very conclusive.<sup>110</sup>

<sup>107</sup> This was the third of three lectures entitled 'Earth Not a Globe', by the author of *Zetetic Astronomy*, Samuel Birley Rowbotham (1816–1884), 'a self-educated quack inventor from Sheffield' and an influential and persuasive flat-earther: Christine Garwood, 'Alfred Russel Wallace and the Flat Earth Controversy,' *Endeavour*, 25:4 (2001): 139–43, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-9327(00)01386-7.

<sup>108</sup> St Mary's, a Gothic church designed by Edward Welby Pugin.

<sup>109</sup> Dr Philip H. Holland, the Home Office burial inspector.

<sup>110</sup> Hewitson asked a question at the meeting about the numbering of his children's grave being changed to correct a mistake: *PH,* 19 May 1866, p. 5.

**Saturday 19 May 1866** Nothing particular today.

**Sunday 20 May 1866** To Cannon Street Independent Chapel this morning with my little daughter Florence & t[he] servant whom we got out o[f] the workhouse. Good sermon; child uneasy. Children sh[oul]d never be taken to a place of worship whilst very young.

**Monday 21 May 1866, Whit Monday** Preston remarkably throng today & a good deal o[f] drunken people—men & women—c[oul]d be seen. Splendid processions of school & guild<sup>111</sup> children. I attended to t[he] guilds (Catholic) & reported Bishop Goss\* who laid t[he] foundation stone o[f] t[he] new Catholic Church o[f] t[he] English Martyrs in Moor Park.

**Tuesday 22 May 1866** Paragraphing & hunting after Whitsuntide news. Got home from work at 2 o'c[loc]k in the morning. My wife w[a]s assaulted today by a scoundrel o[f] a woman called Mary McGraw whom I determined to summons before t[he] magistrates.

**Wednesday 23 May 1866** Went w[ith] father and mother-in-law\* to police court & remained f[or] about three hours hearing crown's cases. At night went through t[he] Orchard which w[a]s very throng w[ith] Whitsuntide merriment. Went into a twopenny circus. Af[terwar]ds father in law & I had some beer & got home late.

**Thursday 24 May 1866** Had a very easy day o[f] it today. Went to a friend's house at night to supper & got some bad ham & muddy beer which didn't agree with me. Today saw 10 dogs poisoned by prussic acid at t[he] police station. They were stray animals.<sup>112</sup>

**Friday 25 May 1866** Paragraphing. In evening went to railway station & learned t[hat] more people h[a]d started from, come to & passed through Preston this Whit week than in any previous y[ea]r. Saw some o[f] t[he] excursionists in cattle trucks—carriages being all full.

<sup>111</sup> Roman Catholic mutual aid association.

<sup>112</sup> Magistrates had recently issued an order prohibiting dogs to 'go at large'. The police had rounded up 222 dogs, 45 of which were claimed and 172 destroyed: *PC,*  30 May 1866, p. 5.

**Saturday 26 May 1866** Had Mrs McGraw before t[he] magistrates this morning & got her bound over to keep the peace f[or] six months f[or] striking my wife.113 In af[ternoo]n I and wife went to a Band of Hope114 demonstration115 and saw upwards of 2,000 children &c walk in procession. Bands o[f] Hope are t[he] b[e]st things out.

**Sunday 27 May 1866** Got into a temper this morning & accidentally set chimney on fire.

**Monday 28 May 1866** To police c[our]t at 11. In evening to a lecture by a man who maintained t[he] earth w[a]s a plane & not a globe. His arguments were exceedingly plausible.<sup>116</sup>

**Tuesday 29 May 1866** Paragraphing

**Wednesday 30 May 1866** To another church rate sale at Kirkham. It is an abomination for people to have their goods seized & sold to pay a rate which they conscientiously object to. A popularity hunting parson named W Knox<sup>117</sup> afterwards addressed t[he] crowd on t[he] anti-rate hook.

**Thursday 31 May 1866** Attended a long town council meeting today. The scheme for t[he] Miller Exhibition<sup>118</sup> in connection with t[he] Grammar School approved o[f] to-day. Exhibition (£40) subscribed out o[f] town's money in lieu o[f] a piece of land (Miller Park) given by late T Miller.

<sup>113</sup> See 22 May.

<sup>114</sup> Bands of Hope were children's clubs, promoting total abstinence from alcohol, a huge national movement, particularly in Nonconformist churches: Annemarie McAllister, '"The Lives and the Souls of the Children": The Band of Hope in the North West', *Manchester Region History Review*, 22 (2011): 1–18.

<sup>115</sup> Meeting or procession, not necessarily a protest.

<sup>116</sup> See 16 May. 'Parallax' was returning to repeat his three lectures, admission sixpence, reserved seats one shilling (advert, *PH,* 26 May, p. 1).

<sup>117</sup> Reverend William Knox (1818–1883), minister of Zion Chapel, Kirkham: Benjamin Nightingale, *Lancashire Nonconformity: Or, Sketches, Historical & Descriptive of the Congregational and Old Presbyterian Churches in the County* (Manchester: J. Heywood, 1890), p. 100, http://archive.org/details/lancashirenoncon01nigh.

<sup>118</sup> Scholarship or award to cover fees.

### June

**Friday 1 June 1866** Nothing very particular today. Got home from work at half past two o'c[loc]k in the morning.

**Saturday 2 June 1866** Up town at 11, to police court. Heard a man give another man a character.119 He said t[hat] he w[a]s honest sober but deaf & consequently fond of singing birds & butterflies!! Had a glass o[f] beer. At night h[a]d two.

**Sunday 3 June 1866** To Fernyhalgh.<sup>120</sup> A very pleasant place. Wife with me. Saw Lady-well—a Catholic dipping place.

**Monday 4 June 1866** Spent two hours in trying to solder bottom o[f] a shower bath—didn't succeed. In afternoon had an interview<sup>121</sup> w[ith] Mayor (C R Jacson\*) about cattle plague. In evening to Penwortham. It w[a]s t[he] club day.<sup>122</sup> A regular country fair mixed up w[ith] much devilment. Why can't people be virtuous?

**Tuesday 5 June 1866** To B[oar]d o[f] Guardians meeting. Not much except twaddle. Missed attending a meeting for t[he] transfer o[f] Fleetwood, Pr[esto]n & West Riding Railway.123 Up & down paragraphing in aft[ernoon]. Saw John Noblet\* who w[oul]d treat124 me w[ith] a glass o[f] bitter beer. But I lost no time w[ith] it. Got home at 1.30 in morning.

**Wednesday 6 June 1866** To a meeting of Burial B[oar]d at 10, relative to mismanagement of Cemetery. C[oul]d not get admitted. Went to aforementioned meeting at night w[ith] similar result. Afterwards came home & h[a]d a social party w[ith] seven friends & relatives who stayed until after midnight.

<sup>119</sup> As in giving a character reference.

<sup>120</sup> The ancient Roman Catholic shrine of Ladyewell, four miles north of Preston.

<sup>121</sup> A private meeting; interviewing was not yet established as a respectable journalistic method.

<sup>122</sup> In North West England, 'club day' is the name for an annual village fete or gala founded by local friendly societies (clubs)..

<sup>123</sup> The Fleetwood, Preston & West Riding Railway was sold to the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway company.

<sup>124</sup> To treat was to buy someone else a drink.

**Thursday 7 June 1866** Had a long talk w[ith] Alderman Goodair\* about cattle plague. Afterwards went to a court martial at Fulwood Barracks—a soldier named Hay charged w[ith] shooting some non firing his rifle at some non-comm[issione]d officers.<sup>125</sup> Very formal affair. Lasted two and a half hours. At night to inquest on woman named Ann Gilligan, an unfortunate female living in Turks Head Yard, who w[a]s killed by her bully,126 John Banks. Verdict 'wilful murder.' Banks w[a]s committed to Lancaster Assizes.

**Friday 8 June 1866** A good deal o[f] knocking about for very little news. Got home from work at 3 in t[he] morning.

**Saturday 9 June 1866** To police c[our]t at half p[a]st 11 & reported an important fishery case.<sup>127</sup> Afterwards writing out news of inquiry.

**Sunday 10 June 1866** Did t[he] domestic—washed children &c—while wife & servant went to Chapel. In after[noo]n h[a]d a walk. In evening two friends called, got tea & h[a]d a game at cards. Afterwards three friends called & all h[a]d supper. To bed at one.

**Monday 11 June 1866** Writing out a fishing case till noon; then writing f[or] self. At half past six t[he] Rev H J Martyn\* (Independent) called; & soon afterwards Mrs Sarah Rodgett\* w[ith] a female who pleaded guilty to having been seduced by Mr Rodgett!\* Afterwards I went to a terribly noisy meeting about Shelly Arms Burial Society. Got home at 10.

**Tuesday 12 June 1866** To Board of Guardians shortly before 12. Found the duffers hard at it. Nothing much altogether. Tolerably hard day's work. Home at 3 o'[cloc]k.

**Wednesday 13 June 1866** To a cattle plague com[mit]ee at 12 noon. Meeting at Court house. The Garstang magistrates, who sent in their resignations as committee men on 2nd inst in consequence o[f] CR Jacson\* Esq intimating t[hat] they h[a]d not done their duty were

<sup>125</sup> Private John Hay of the 2nd battalion of the 21st Regiment of Foot pleaded guilty to firing his rifle in the parade ground whilst drunk, and wantonly wasting ammunition, value one penny: *PH,* 9 June 1866, p. 5.

<sup>126</sup> Pimp.

<sup>127</sup> Three fishermen were ordered to pay 10 shillings for illegally using a fixed net at Walton-le-Dale to catch salmon as they swam up the River Ribble.

somewhat pacified by a modification o[f] t[he] charge. Saw Tom Thumb, his wife & their child at night in t[he] Corn Ex[change].<sup>128</sup>

**Thursday 14 June 1866** At noon to a vestry meeting in Corn Exchange. The report about mismanagement o[f] Cemetery submitted. A better system—appointment o[f] proper auditors—agreed upon; also other things agreed to. Refused to go to a "party" at night—tired, disgusted &c.129 Colonel Yolland inspected Preston railway station today.130

**Friday 15 June 1866** Went to Grammar School "public day" at 11. The "Miller Exhibition" awarded (for the first time today) to T Spencer,131 son o[f] Alderman L Spencer.132 Had a row w[ith] my employer this afternoon. All cooled down afterwards. Got home from work at 2 in the morning.

**Saturday 16 June 1866** To Garstang Churchtown at noon in a conveyance w[ith] reporter f[rom] Herald. Took wife & a friend—a female 13 stones weight—w[ith] us. A nice drive. Reported a church rate meeting. To theatre w[ith] wife at night & saw Walter Searle.133

**Sunday 17 June 1866** Got up at 10 o'[cloc]k & as usual h[a]d a bath. In evening went to cemetery. Our Florence's birthday (3 years old) today.

**Monday 18 June 1866** To police at 11. Cases unimportant. In afternoon writing out Saturday's meeting. At night to an Infirmary meeting. A rather tame affair it w[a]s. Got home about 10. Had a party of little boys & girls today, at wife's request, in celebration o[f] our Florence's 3rd birthday.

<sup>128</sup> These were the dwarfs Charles and Lavinia Stratton, marketed as 'Tom Thumb and his wife' by the American showman P.T Barnum. Stratton died a rich man at the age of 45.

<sup>129</sup> Was Hewitson upset by the cemetery mismanagement, which had affected his children's grave?

<sup>130</sup> William Yolland (1810–1885) became a campaigning Board of Trade railway inspector after an army career spent mostly with the Ordnance Survey (*ODNB*).

<sup>131</sup> Thomas Barton Spencer (1849–1906), who became vicar of St James's Church, Preston.

<sup>132</sup> Dr Lawrence Spencer (1811–1872), Conservative, 'a heavy featured, deliciously rotund, energetic man … has the biggest umbrella in Preston; walks with an undulating gush, and is fond of L. Spencer M.D., &c; but has a warm heart' (*PTC*).

<sup>133</sup> This was the opening night for a month-long season by Walter Searle (see 2 December 1865) and his company of actors.

**Tuesday 19 June 1866** Up at half past 8 & h[a]d a shower bath. To Guardian meeting at half past 11. A good deal of rigmarole talked also much stupid laughter by Mr W Howitt134 & malicious or sarcastic hits by R Ascroft.\* In afternoon paragraphing. At midnight saw an old woman—probably an old scamp—who had gone to t[he] police station f[or] lodgings.

**Wednesday 20 June 1866** Saw a soldier named Fleet 'drummed out' o[f] Fulwood Barracks this forenoon.135 In the evening to t[he] Theatre where 'The Stranger' & a farce were enacted. Enactment good.

**Thursday 21 June 1866** At 11 to Garstang where I reported a meeting of 200 landowners & farmers who passed resolutions in favour of the Garstang magistrates who had resigned from the cattle plague com[mitt]ee & in favour of t[he] inspector's treatment. A very fine day first summer day this y[ea]r.

**Friday 22 June 1866** Hot today. Considerable knocking about for news. Had a glass & two thirds at Plumpton Brook\* at night. Got from work at half past one.

**Saturday 23 June 1866** To police c[our]t at noon. Did nothing. In aft[ernoon] writing pars to send off. At night h[a]d a walk with wife.

**Sunday 24 June 1866** In aft[ernoon] to Longridge\* with wife & children. Nice out. In evening heard Father Harper136 at St Wilfrid's Catholic Church. Af[terwar]ds h[a]d a game o[f] cards w[ith] a Catholic party.

**Monday 25 June 1866** To a trifling Sherriff's Court enquiry at 11; then to police court—saw Bus[s]ey's son;137 then home—writing. In evening h[a]d a walk w[ith] wife & Florey. At night to a tea party given in Temperance Hall to a number of blind & deaf & dumb children & inf[irm] grown people. Very interesting—pleasant & yet sad. Saw a woman who h[a]d cried herself blind!

<sup>134</sup> William Howitt (1811–1877), Lancaster-born surgeon, member of a Preston gentleman's club, the Winckley Club. Poor Law Guardian since 1852.

<sup>135</sup> Fleet, or perhaps Robert Lete (*PH*, 23 June 1866, p. 5), or Thomas Leat (*PC*, 23 June 1866, p. 5), a private in the 55th Regiment, for desertion.

<sup>136</sup> See 11 June 1865.

<sup>137</sup> This could be any of at least five reporters named Bussey.

**Tuesday 26 June 1866** Paragraphing & writing out reports of last night's meeting; also meeting o[f] B[oar]d o[f] Guardians. Saw nor heard anything particular. Got home from work at half past one o'[cloc]k.

**Wednesday 27 June 1866** Doing nothing particular in forenoon. Had two glasses o[f] beer w[ith] our sub-editor. 138 In afternoon put in a square o[f] glass at home. At night went to Woodplumpton—to Thomas Waring's139 farm—w[ith] W Heaps140 cattle plague inspector to get particulars for writing a letter.141 Left at 9,20; then went to Broughton & Goosnargh. Got home at one o['cloc]k.

**Thursday 28 June 1866** Writing a letter for Waring o[f] Woodplumpton this forenoon. At 11 went to annual session o[f] t[he] county magistrates at Preston Court House. First rate (¾d in t[he] pound) laid by magistrates to cover compensation for slaughtered animals on a/c [account] o[f] cattle plague. Working until nearly half p[a]st 8. Then to Theatre w[ith] wife & saw Miss Lydia Thompson as 'Ixion'.142

**Friday 29 June 1866** Doing nothing very particular. Very hot day. In afternoon called at Dickinsons watch maker in Friargate & h[a]d 2 glasses o[f] ale until a thunderstorm passed over. At night had a bottle o[f] 'pop'143 & then a glass o[f] brandy & a bottle o[f] soda water given by Mr Noblett\* at Plumpton Brook.\*

**Saturday 30 June 1866** Today Mr [blank] came for 11/- per wk & 12/- in winter.144

<sup>138</sup> Lawrence.\*

<sup>139</sup> Possibly Thomas Waring (d. 1885), farmer, of Woodplumpton (*Manchester Courier,*  9 July 1885, p. 7).

<sup>140</sup> See 28 October 1865.

<sup>141</sup> Hewitson was often asked to write letters for others.

<sup>142</sup> Lydia Thompson (1838–1908), dancer, comedian, actress and producer was famous for the title role in *Ixion, or the Man at the Wheel,* by Francis Cowley Burnand (1863): Kurt Ganzl, *Lydia Thompson: Queen of Burlesque* (Routledge, 2014).

<sup>143</sup> Carbonated non-alcoholic drink.

<sup>144</sup> Presumably a lodger, paying more to cover extra heat and light in winter.

# July

**Sunday 1 July 1866** Went w[ith] my wife & Mr Dickinson & his wife145 to Stonyhurst College146 in a conveyance. Was well pleased. Afterwards drove round by Mytton, Whalley, Great Harwood & Blackburn.\* Got to Pr[e]ston at 20 minutes past 9 & after having a glass of brandy at Mr Dickinsons sloped home.

**Monday 2 July 1866** An accident at Town Hall as I was coming up st[ree]t. The "cat head" slipped broke in centre.147 A mercy no one w[a]s hurt or killed. A good deal o[f] walking about today. Got particulars o[f] wreck o[f] t[he] Leveret in Ribble.148 Heard o[f] old Geo[rge] Helm a miser o[f] Fulwood h[a]d h[a]d 135 hens poisoned. At night writing out f[or] self.149

**Tuesday 3 July 1866** Got to work at 20 min[ute]s after 9. Had a rose[?] given by a fearfully bigoted old Tory when I was coming to dinner. Thought about Toryism &c. At night had ¾ of a glass of beer & some brandy & soda water with John Noblet's.\* Got home at 1.40. Am now asleep.

**Wednesday 4 July 1866** Nothing o[f] any consequence today. Went to sessions & stayed all day. Saw old Cobbett's son James.150 Had diarrhoea rather bad & felt ill. Cases of no consequence.

**Thursday 5 July 1866** Again to sessions & again to h[a]d diarrhoea. Stayed at t[he] sessions all day reporting. Got home in decent time & after taking a glass o[f] warm beer—the wrong thing I after[ward]s found out—went to bed & sweated extensively.

**Friday 6 July 1866** Paragraphing. Had diarrhoea bad at night. Took a draught o[f] a chemist's mixture, h[a]d some chlorodyne lozenges & some sago & brandy. Af[terwar]ds better.

<sup>145</sup> Mary Ann Dickinson (1838–1894).

<sup>146</sup> Leading Roman Catholic public school, in a striking landscaped setting.

<sup>147</sup> A 'cathead' type of hoist broke during work on the new town hall, dropping a large stone ('Accident at the New Town Hall', *PC,* 7 July 1866, p. 6).

<sup>148</sup> The schooner *Leveret,* carrying pipe clay from Teignmouth, hit a sandbank in the River Ribble (*PC* 7 July 1866, p. 6).

<sup>149</sup> A short paragraph about Helm's hens appeared in many newspapers across the country throughout the week, quite possibly originating from Hewitson.

<sup>150</sup> See 23 August 1865.

**Saturday 7 July 1866** Naught in forenoon. In t[he] evening reported proceedings in connect[io]n w[ith] presenta[tio]n o[f] a sword to Lieutt Colonel Birchall at artillery depot.<sup>151</sup>

**Sunday 8 July 1866** To Barrow-in-Furness\* at half past 7 to report Bishop Goss\* at laying o[f] founda[tio]n stone o[f] new Catholic Chapel. Wet day. Fine—beautiful—scenery all along line. On getting to Barrow saw a friend. Went to Furness Abbey—glorious old pile o[f] ruins. Reported Goss in aft[ernoo]n. He made a most liberal & English speech. Af[terwar]ds saw the docks in formation. They are most extensive. Home by half past 8 & wrote out till one in the morning.

**Monday 9 July 1866** Up at about 7. Wrote out copy o[f] Goss'\* speech f[or] The Times. It did not appear. I went on spec. Just cleared expenses.<sup>152</sup> At 11 o'[cloc]k to volunteer encampment at Lytham.153 Mainly volunteers from East Lancashire. Tents looked well. After getting particulars h[a]d a fine walk on new pier. Got home by express or something o[f] t[he] sort.

**Tuesday 10 July 1866** To work at 9. Paragraphing. Had a small row with my employer at night about going to Barrow on my own account. Told a lie. Regret it. Would not do it again. But he h[a]d no business to ask me where I w[a]s on a Sunday. Saw a woman at night in a very depraved & wicked state. Home at half past 2 o'[cloc]k.

**Wednesday 11 July 1866** A young woman brought up at police c[our]t today for killing her infant by putting it down a petty.154 But she appeared to h[ave] got a good deal to drink and h[a]d evidently fallen asleep and let it fall o[ff] her knees into petty. Sad & damnable t[he]

<sup>151</sup> Thomas Birchall was promoted from Major of the 21st Lancashire Artillery Volunteer Corps to Lieut Col of 4th Administrative Brigade of the Lancashire Artillery Volunteers. See 11 July 1865.

<sup>152</sup> Hewitson's report for *The Times* was speculative ('on spec') rather than a commission. He would probably only know that he had cleared expenses after being paid (presumably by other papers) sometime later, suggesting that diary entries such as this were written retrospectively.

<sup>153</sup> Part-time military volunteers were required to do a certain amount of training every year, at such camps.

<sup>154</sup> Agnes Ryland had gone with her eight-month-old baby Thomas to the outside toilet ('petty'), a wooden seat with two holes, behind the St Leger pub, Grimshaw St, where she had been drinking all day (*PC*, 14 July 1866, p. 6).

effects o[f] drink in excess. At night t[he] coroner's jury found her guilty o[f] manslaughter. I went to theatre w[ith] wife at night. Poor playing.

**Thursday 12 July 1866** A shower bath at 8. To work at 9. Writing till half p[a]st 10. Af[terwar]ds to police court. Then—being sent for—went to Port Admiral Hotel & got some particulars of a contest (in Wales) between some Preston joiners and their masters.155 Joiners are on strike here. H[a]d a glass & a half o[f] ale with them. At night to a social party.

**Friday 13 July 1866** Didn't get home w[ith] wife from party till 5 o'[cloc]k this morning. I didn't go to bed, preferring rather to h[ave] no sleep than get into a sound slumber & then be wakened in an hour or two. Felt desperately "done up" till after dinner, then recovered a little. Got from work at 2 in morn.

**Saturday 14 July 1866** In afternoon to laying o[f] corner stone o[f] new infirmary by C R Jacson\*, Mayor. Great procession o[f] trades &c, fine demonstration\*; perhaps 10,000 persons present. At night to theatre for a short time.

**Sunday 15 July 1866** Forenoon reading &c; in aft[ernoo]n h[a]d a walk; at night to Cannon Street Independent Chapel with wife, having taken two seats there at 7/6 a quarter.<sup>156</sup>

**Monday 16 July 1866** To police c[our]t at 11. Saw a woman who h[a]d b[ee]n getting drunk & then put on a suit & clothes belonging to a navvy. In t[he] af[ternoo]n writing out particulars o[f] Saturday's infirmary demonstration. Didn't get finished till rather late.

**Tuesday 17 July 1866** Going after ordinary paragraphs today.

**Wednesday 18 July 1866** To a bazaar at Corn Exchange in aid of Catholic Church o[f] t[he] English Martyrs on Moor Park. A fine affair. In evening, after finishing my work, went w[ith] wife to t[he] theatre & saw Charles Mathews in t[he] comedy o[f] A Game o[f] Speculation. A burlesque after played by t[he] company w[a]s a failure and ended wretchedly.<sup>157</sup>

<sup>155</sup> Employers were trying to break a Preston building workers' strike by bringing joiners from Wales; however, some Preston strikers had followed the 'masters' to Aberystwyth to stop them recruiting strike-breakers (*PH*, 14 July 1866, p. 5).

<sup>156</sup> It was the custom to pay pew rent, to reserve seats in church.

<sup>157</sup> Charles James Mathews (1803–1878) was a well-known comic actor, a former apprentice of the architect Augustus Charles Pugin. *A Game of Speculation* (1851) by

**Thursday 19 July 1866** As soon as I got out o[f] house this morning at 9 o'[cloc]k heard that Preston Bank h[a]d stopped its payments; on going up t[he] street found t[he] report correct. Great excitement about it; Fishergate thronged; many long faces; liabilities s[ai]d to be £1,500,000. The shareholders will h[ave] to meet t[he] liabilities as t[he] bank is formed under the Joint Stock Companies Act.<sup>158</sup>

**Friday 20 July 1866** Excitement continues about t[he] bank. All seems to be in a state of confusion; no one appears to know anything beyond t[he] fact t[hat] t[he] bank is stopped & t[hat] t[he] liabilities are great. Cause of stoppage said to be t[he] imprudent advances o[f] t[he] managing body to some cotton manufacturers. Home from work at 2 o'[cloc]k in the morning.

**Saturday 21 July 1866** Fussed about getting particulars of Bank &c today; went to a meeting o[f] shareholders at Bull Hotel but along w[ith] t[he] other reporters h[a]d to leave as t[he] proceedings were private. Af[terwar]ds learned t[hat] t[he] meeting h[a]d b[ee]n considering t[he] advisableness o[f] resuming operations at t[he] bank. Was working til 11.30 at night.

**Sunday 22 July 1866** H[a]d a walk w[ith] my two children this forenoon, as I w[a]s too late f[o]r chapel.

**Monday 23 July 1866** Paragraphing. Wrote a sarcastic cal critique to a catholic paper called The Universe about Rev.D F Chapman159 who h[a]d censured Bishop Goss\* (Catholic) f[or] advocating Sunday recreations & pleasure. Sunday sh[oul]d be as good as other days and other days sh[oul]d be as good as Sunday.

Charles Henry Lewes was an adaptation of Balzac's *Mercadet,* written for Mathews. The burlesque was *Patter versus Clatter.*

<sup>158</sup> The major London finance house Overend Gurney had collapsed in May 1866, leading to a run on London and provincial banks. Banks failed in Liverpool, Longton (Stoke-on-Trent), Congleton, Falmouth and Chepstow. The Preston Bank, founded in 1844, was saved, largely thanks to the leadership of Joseph Livesey,\* one of the shareholders.

<sup>159</sup> Rev Dawson. F. Chapman (d. 1908), vicar of St Peter's CE church 1862–1903, 'a powerfully-constructed gentleman … somewhat inclined to oleaginousness … heavily clerical in countenance and cloth … has a strong will and an enormous opinion of the incumbent of St. Peter's; will fume if crossed' (*OCC*).

**Tuesday 24 July 1866** To police court; then to B[oar]d o[f] Guardians. Hunting f[or] pars—specially about Preston Bank—all day. Got from work late.

**Wednesday 25 July 1866** To a bank meeting (Preston Bank) in afternoon. Shareholders at meeting. After some speeches from Chairman (Joseph Livesey\*) & Robert Ascroft\* meeting was adjourned till Friday. Sent pars off in the afternoon after helping to get out second edition.

**Thursday 26 July 1866** Paragraphing. Easy day. Looking out for news to send to distant papers.

**Friday 27 July 1866** To a great bank meeting (Preston Bank) at 3 o'c[loc]k 12 o'clock at noon. Mr Joseph Livesey\* in chair. Good attendance. It was decided unanimously to carry on t[he] bank by making two calls of £50 a share & paying off creditors by instalments. Afterwards creditors agreed to this.

**Saturday 28 July 1866** Writing pars in afternoon for distant papers. At night to a meeting—badly attended—for organising a Working Mens Men's Reform Association.<sup>160</sup> Got really wet through on t[he] road.

**Sunday 29 July 1866** Reading in morning; in afternoon did nothing, at night h[a]d a walk w[ith] my father-in-law\* then 2 glasses o[f] beer w[ith] him.

**Monday 30 July 1866** To Ripon by an excursion train f[or] 3/6. Wife & father-in-law\* w[ith] me. Fine scenery in Vale o[f] Todmordern [sic]. Took 4 hours to get to Ripon. On road saw Kirkstall Abbey. At Ripon inspected Cathedral. Saw an old font 700 years old. Went to Studley Park. Saw Fountains Abbey. Magnificent ruins. Got home at 11 at night. Five hours in returning.

**Tuesday 31 July 1866** Wrote a column desciptive o[f] excursion. To Board o[f] Guardians meeting at 11.30. Long speech making about Preston Bank, cholera &c. Great catches o[f] salmon in t[he] Ribble yesterday & today. In two hours some men caught 84 salmon, one or two o[f] wh[ich] weighed 28 lbs. Got from work at 3 in morning.

<sup>160</sup> The association's aims―extension of the franchise, secret ballots, three-year Parliaments and more equal constituencies―show that Chartism's influence lived on.

## August

**Wednesday 1 August 1866** Did nothing o[f] moment today. My gold watch didn't go so well; returned it (to be made right) to Dickinson t[he] maker. Went to a ship launch in aft[ernoo]n. Was too late but got all I wanted. In evening h[a]d a glass of beer w[ith] father-in-law.\* Went to bed at 10.30.

**Thursday 2 August 1866** To Garstang at 11 o'[cloc]k this forenoon. Attended petty sessions; then for a 1/5 dinner—very good—at Royal Oak; afterwards attended a cattle plague meeting at t[he] same place. A petition to parliament against the compulsory slaughter o[f] animals drawn up.

**Friday 3 August 1866** Attended election o[f] Joseph Gerrard161 as councillor o[f] Christ Church ward & William Dobson\* o[f] t[he] Chronicle for St George's. The latter beat Richard Duckett<sup>162</sup> auctioneer. Afterwards paragraphing. Got from work at 1.15 in t[he] morning.

**Saturday 4 August 1866** Up street at 11.30. Had a row w[ith] a man who h[a]d b[ee]n insulting my wife. He was such a damn'd blackguard t[hat] I couldn't make anything o[f] him. Af[terwar]ds home & wrote three pars for The Times

**Sunday 5 August 1866** Did nothing worth mentioning today (Sunday).

**Monday 6 August 1866** Got a par about Bishop Goss\* confirming & visiting at St Augustine's Catholic Ch[urc]h Preston yesterday. Wrote several pars in the afternoon.

**Tuesday 7 August 1866** To B[oar]d of Guardians at 11.30. Paragraphing during day. Nothing very startling. Home f[ro]m work at 1.30 in morning.

**Wednesday 8 August 1866** A very easy day this. Had time to read & think a little.

<sup>161</sup> Joseph Gerrard (b. 1833), pawnbroker and coal merchant, councillor and Poor Law Guardian, 'a Liberal Conservative and a Churchman' (*PTC*).

<sup>162</sup> Richard Duckett (1817?-86), a Roman Catholic.

**Thursday 9 August 1866** Doing very little during earlier part o[f] to-day. A man named Bradshaw living at No 1 Craggs Row Preston died of cholera—said to be Asiatic kind163 —this morning. At night to Preston Commercial Benefit Soc[iet]y164 dinner. Mayor, Canon Parr,\* Hon FA Stanley\* MP & JE Gorst\* MP present.

**Friday 10 August 1866** Writing out last night's meeting. Sent Stanley's speech to several papers. Paragraphing after[ward]s. Home at 1.39 in morning.

**Saturday 11 August 1866** Up at 10. Called at station, then to police where I reported a long fishery case. J Paley<sup>165</sup> summoned f[or] illegal fishing. Writing out afte[war]rds.

**Sunday 12 August 1866** To St Wilfrid's Catholic Ch[urc]h. Reported Bishop Goss's\* visitation sermon; very good & practical. Shall write it out.

**Monday 13 August 1866** To Blackpool Pier Co's meeting at 11 o'[cloc]k, It was agreed to extending t[he] pier 100 yards. Got home at four o'clock. When train w[a]s returning got out at Poulton-le-Fylde & then went to Shard Bridge Regatta. A nice walk. Aspden\* reporter w[ith] me. He was too late f[or] t[he] Blackpool meeting so I gave him it.

**Tuesday 14 August 1866** Got up early & wrote out part of Goss's\* sermon. Tolerably hard day. In t[he] evening met the Rev H J Martyn\* minister o[f] Cannon St[ree]t Chapel where I have taken two seats. He asked me why said I h[a]d not b[ee]n at Chapel for t[he] two last Sundays & I replied t[hat] on previous day I went to hear Goss.

**Wednesday 15 August 1866** To Lytham Regatta & sports this afternoon. Weather fine; could see t[he] Welsh hills. Had a fine sail at t[he] estuary o[f] t[he] Ribble in a steam boat. The regatta rather exciting; but t[he]

<sup>163</sup> An outbreak of cholera spread from Arabia through Egypt to Europe, reaching southern England in autumn 1865. By the end of 1866 it had killed more than 14,000 people in England and Wales: E Ashworth Underwood, 'The History of Cholera in Great Britain', *Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine* 41, no. 165 (1947), p. 6.

<sup>164</sup> A friendly (mutual aid) society.

<sup>165</sup> John Paley (1829–1907) was the owner of three Preston cotton spinning factories.

arrangements were poor. Got home at half past 8 o'[cloc]k. Saw some funny itinerant players &c—poor devils—at Lytham.

**Thursday 16 August 1866** A very easy day. In t[he] afternoon went to Lytham on my own hook to report t[he] regatta [a]s my employer w[oul]d not send me on his. Cleared my expenses & made a few shillings additional. Very stormy at Lytham.

**Friday 17 August 1866** Went to cattle plague Com[ittee]. Meeting at t[he] Court House at 11.30. Stayed w[ith] ano[the]r reporter for about three hours & got nothing—glorious! The magistrates considered t[he] subject in comm'[itt]ee; then adjourned into open court. The roof of t[he] place h[a]d given way a little & whilst I my colleague & ano[the]r person were examining it above, the magistrates came into it, & when we came down they h[a]d gone.<sup>166</sup>

**Saturday 18 August 1866** Attended a bank meeting at 3 o'[cloc]k at t[he] Bull Hotel. It w[a]s decided at t[he] meeting f[or] t[he] bank to go on.

**Sunday 19 August 1866** Helping in domestic affairs in forenoon; in aft[ernoon] h[a]d a walk; at night to chapel.

**Monday 20 August 1866** Got some particulars about Bishop Goss'\* sermon (from Bernard Bussey\*) at St Ignatius's Church yesterday. Afterwards h[a]d a glass o[f] beer with Bussey. Throng writing pars in t[he] afternoon. Father-in-law\* went to Ashton167 today.

**Tuesday 21 August 1866** The usual paragraphing today. Met John Dixon<sup>168</sup> compositor on The Standard169 & Bernard Bussey\*, parliamentary reporter on same paper, & had a familiar chat & two glasses of beer w[ith] them.<sup>170</sup> Both seemed to have improved in respectability by going to London. Got from work at 1.30 in t[he] morning.

<sup>166</sup> This was the Sessions Room next to Preston prison.

<sup>167</sup> Ashton-under-Lyne, where his son Edward Wilson (b. 1834) lived.

<sup>168</sup> John Dixon (b. 1829). This could be a Mr Dixon formerly of the *Preston Herald* who responded to the toast to the Press at a dinner in 1860 (*PH,* 29 September 1860, p. 7).

<sup>169</sup> Conservative London daily newspaper.

<sup>170</sup> These London journalists were probably sent to Preston to cover the re-opening of Preston Bank, which was reported in the *Standard.*

**Wednesday 22 August 1866** To intermediate sessons at 1.43. Reported a considerable number of cases. None of them very much. Left shortly before six & posted sent some parcels for Manchester & L'[iver]pool.<sup>171</sup> At 8 o'[cloc]k to a meeting in Corn Exchange at wh[ic]h speeches were made & a memorial<sup>172</sup> adopted ag[ain]st t[he] granting o[f] additional spirit licences at t[he] forthcoming Brewster sessions.173

**Thursday 23 August 1866** Writing out last nights meeting—a column & a half. Sympathised w[ith] t[he] object o[f] meeting. There are plenty—too many—public houses in Preston. At 4 o'[cloc]k had two glasses of beer with Bussey\* & Dixon. At 7 o'[cloc]k went w[ith] wife to a recognition tea party at Orchard (Free Church) place o[f] worship. J Guttridge h[a]s come back.174 Excellent preacher.

**Friday 24 August 1866** After finishing last night's meeting went w[ith] Bernard Bussey\* (who called on me at t[he] office) along w[ith] his brother George175 to Rich's public house & h[a]d two beers. George has come to report t[he] Commission o[f] Inquiry at Lancaster as to bribery &c at t[he] elections for some London papers. He gives glowing accounts of t[he] money he earns. Af[terwar]ds h[a]d another beer w[ith] them & some o[the]r parties, & h[a]d a headache.

**Saturday 25 August 1866** A man named Burrows hanged at Manchester this morning. To police at 11.15. In aft[ernoon] again saw the Busseys & beered w[ith] them. Af[terwar]ds went home & then up street w[ith] wife. Got to bed soon.<sup>176</sup>

<sup>171</sup> The parcels would contain reports of that morning's juicier court cases.

<sup>172</sup> A formal request.

<sup>173</sup> Brewster sessions were the annual licensing sessions when magistrates granted or refused drink licenses to pubs.

<sup>174</sup> Rev. John Guttridge (1819–1886), former president of the United Methodist Free Church, minister at churches in Chatham, Norwich, Macclesfield, Leeds, Salford, Heywood, Manchester and Preston, the latter twice, at Orchard Chapel, 1855–1859, and 1866–1868. A popular preacher and lecturer, his death was national news. An 'energetic, impetuous, eloquent, earnest man … one of the smartest ministers in the body' (*OCC*).

<sup>175</sup> George Thomas Moir Bussey (1830–1892), son of George Moir Bussey (editor of *Preston Chronicle* 1844–1846); reporter on *Preston Chronicle* when father was editor, and afterwards; *The Times* parliamentary reporter in 1850s and 1860s (*Scoop!* biographical dictionary of British and Irish journalists, https://www.scoopdatabase.com/).

<sup>176</sup> The first execution in Manchester since 1798. James Burrows, 18, had killed John Brennan, an Irish labourer who worked for his father at Heywood near Rochdale,

**Sunday 26 August 1866** To chapel w[ith] servant this morning, sleeping & reading in aft[ernoo]n; in evening to Cemetery w[ith] wife to see our children's grave.

**Monday 27 August 1866** Considerable amount of work today. At night went w[ith] wife to a wretched panorama of Japan & China, followed by some splendid illusions representative o[f] Faust.<sup>177</sup> Had a beer in t[he] meantime. After t[he] entertainment came home w[ith] wife & wrote a little. The commission as to impurity o[f] last Lancaster\* election began today.<sup>178</sup>

**Tuesday 28 August 1866** Fussing up & down for pars as usual. Had a beer at Plumpton Brook Inn\* at night. Got done work in good time.

**Wednesday 29 August 1866** Sent off two fatal railway accident pars, In evening rain fell heavily. At seven o'[cloc]k went to report Bishop Goss\* (Roman Catholic) at St Joseph's Ribbleton Lane, where he w[a]s holding a confirmation. A good speech. Left directly afterwards, by appointment, to my wife in a circus in t[he] Orchard. I paid half price; but t[he] performance w[a]s over in 20 minutes.

**Thursday 30 August 1866** Attended a council meeting at 11 o'[cloc]k. Henry Seed,179 manufacturer in Ribbleton Lane, sent in his resignation

for refusing to lend him money for drink. Burrows was hanged by the infamous executioner Calcraft at New Bailey prison, next to Salford station.

177 It was billed as 'the most magnificent colossal panorama ever produced. To be followed by a new polymorama of THE GLORIOUS SHRINE, by M. Gompertz, exhibiting three distinct changes of light, accompanied by an organ and choir.' Panoramas were part of the pre-history of cinema, involving a long, rolled canvas, painted with a vast continuous scene which was gradually passed before the audience, hand-cranked by men behind the scenes. This moving picture was usually accompanied by a lecturer and music: http://www.thecrankiefactory. com/115034662. Moses Gompertz (1812–1893) specialised in glorifying Britain's invasions and colonisation of other nations: *Biographical Dictionary of Panoramists of the English-Speaking World* http://www.bdcmuseum.org.uk/uploads/uploads/ biographical\_dictionary\_of\_panoramists2.pdf.

178 See 3 September. Hewitson's father-in-law Joseph Wilson was 'the most active man either in town or country on the Liberal side', according to Clark, the Conservative agent (*Morning Advertiser*, 29 August 1866, p. 3). His 'favourite method of proceeding was through the ladies, who received parcels of money and were told to keep them a little while before they handed them to their husbands.' (*Worcester Journal*, 1 September 1866, p. 8). The inquiry was reported nationally.

179 Henry Seed (1821–1870); half of his mill had collapsed in March 1866, killing one worker.

today as councillor o[f] Fishwick ward. Heard in the afternoon & got particulars of 3 4 county magisterial appointments. Received a newspaper & circular from John Hallam180 of Toronto, whom I had not heard from f[or] 10 years.

**Friday 31 August 1866** To annual meeting of t[he] Preston Banking Co at 11 at Bull Hotel. This w[a]s annual licensing day o[f] public houses. Eleven new applications; all except one refused. Had a glass o[f] beer with Peter Dickinson watch maker. Left work at 20 to 11 at night, having to be up & off to Kirkdale early next morning.

<sup>180</sup> John Hallam (1833–1900), friend; former mill worker of Chorley, Preston and Lancaster, where, 'owing to his knowledge of books', he met Hewitson before emigrating to Toronto in 1856 (*PC,* 23 October 1869; 'Westward Ho!' Ch. 17; *PC,* 3 May 1884, p. 6). Hallam became a wealthy wool and hide merchant, an alderman, and the founder of Canada's first free public library. Hewitson's second son, Horace Hallam, was probably named after him.

### September

**Saturday 1 September 1866** To Kirkdale by train at 7 this morning in to be in time for execution o[f] Thomas Grime for t[he] murder o[f] an old man near Wigan about 3 y[ea]rs ago. He denied murder to his attendant a few hours before he w[a]s hanged. Grime came calmly upon t[he] scaffold and after bolt w[a]s drawn by Calcraft he died almost instantly. This is the seventh man I have seen hanged. Sad sight.<sup>181</sup>

**Sunday 2 September 1866** A comfortable day,

**Monday 3 September 1866** To police c[our]t in morning. In afternoon saw my father-in-law writing out. Father in law\* examined today before t[he] election commission at Lancaster. It appeared from his statement which was true as far as it went—t[hat] he h[a]d bribed a good deal, like all t[he] rest at t[he] last election.<sup>182</sup>

**Tuesday 4 September 1866** Saw a very stupid account in Manchester Examiner & Times of yesterday's elec[tio]n commission at Lancaster. One person who was an ex-tailor w[a]s called an ex-traitor—scandallous [sic].183 Got home earlier this morning than on any Wed morning since I went to Preston Guardian.

**Wednesday 5 September 1866** Don't think I did anything very special to-day. Writing pars to send send off.

<sup>181</sup> See 23 March 1866.

<sup>182</sup> Hewitson's father-in-law Joseph Wilson told the Commission that 'at the last election I did my best for the Liberal party, and was one of those employed to distribute the money.' He was given £120 to bribe voters in two wards, paying individuals up to £15 each. 'The figures are rather high, but I couldn't help it. They quite overpowered me; I never saw an election like it.' Both Liberal MPs, Edward Fenwick (1812–1877) and Henry Schneider (1817–1887), lost their seats as a result of the corruption and Lancaster lost its right to return its own MPs from 1867 to 1885. 'The deluge of corruption has been more universal and has reached a higher level of society than ever before', the commissioners concluded, finding that the Liberals had spent £7,459, mainly in open bribes, and the Tories £7,070, more than £400,000 each in today's money. Some 64 per cent of Lancaster's voters either took or gave a bribe. However, historians argue that this corruption was not unusual and did not significantly influence the grateful voters: M. A. Manai, 'Influence, Corruption and Electoral Behaviour in the Mid Nineteenth Century: A Case Study of Lancaster, 1847–1865,' *Northern History* 29:1 (1993): 156, https://doi.org/10.1179/ nhi.1993.29.1.154.

<sup>183</sup> The ex-tailor was Hewitson's father-in-law, Joseph Wilson.

**Thursday 6 September 1866** To Leyland Floral & Horticultur [sic] Show at noon. Was told t[hat] this society was 40 y[ear]rs old. Michael Satterthwaite184 a Quaker walked on t[he] highway from station to t[he] village—2 miles—in 20 minutes, although he is 82 y[ear]s old. In evening saw a cross blessed.

**Friday 7 September 1866** In afternoon saw t[he] cross & shaft—15 ft 4 inches in height—hoisted upon & fixed at t[he] head o[f] t[he] spire which from t[he] vane to t[he] base o[f] tower is 302 feet high. The job was a marvellous one. All w[a]s successful. By spire I mean t[hat] o[f] St Walburges!<sup>185</sup>

**Saturday 8 September 1866** To Longridge\* this afternoon to report proceedings connected w[ith] laying o[f] t[he] foundation stone o[f] a new church o[f] England school in Berry Lane. Wife & Florey went w[ith] me. A nice out.\* We h[a]d tea at Towneley Arms. Got home at 9.30 pm

**Sunday 9 September 1866** Writing out report of yesterday's school proceedings. Then h[a]d a walk w[ith] wife & child & to Cannon Street chapel at night.

**Monday 10 September 1866** Up at 6. Went w[ith] wife & a number of Guardian compositors\* &c to Whitewell. Fine day. Lovely out.\* Saw Colonel Towneley's racing stables & h[a]d a look at 'King of Trumps' & 'Kettledrum' t[he] winner of t[he] Derby &c, for which horse £5,000 h[a]s b[ee]n offered. Had dinner at Whitewell Inn; then a ramble upon t[he] hills. Home at 10. Tired; mellow.<sup>186</sup>

**Tuesday 11 September 1866** To Guardian meeting this forenoon. A good deal of small joking & stupidity on foot. In afternoon & evening paragraphing. Got from work late—after 2 & then owing to children

<sup>184</sup> Michael Satterthwaite (1784–1867), who had been in business in Preston as a currier for more than 60 years. Educated at the Friends School, Ackworth, Yorkshire, he was a Poor Law Guardian and director of the Blackpool and Lytham Pier companies (obituary, *PC*, 13 July 1867, p. 4).

<sup>185</sup> St Walburge's RC church, opened 1854, has the tallest spire of any parish church in England.

<sup>186</sup> Printers' annual outings were called wayzgooses. Root Stud Farm, Dunsop Bridge in the Ribble valley north-east of Preston, was owned by Colonel Charles Towneley (1803–1876) of Towneley Hall, Burnley. Kettledrum won the Derby in 1861.

being cross c[oul]d not sleep well. Wedding is the thing for giving people an opportunity of being patient.

**Wednesday 12 September 1866** Man came to tune our old piano we bought f[o]r £2 about a month ago. To police court at 11. At evening to Croston to get some particulars about flood, owing to very wet weather. Landed in Croston at 10 minutes to 7 & returned at 10 minutes past by a train which only ran 8 miles in 40 minutes. Scandalifferous.<sup>187</sup>

**Thursday 13 September 1866** To annual general sessions held at Preston Court House. A good deal of money voted to different county establishments. Wrote all out before going home. Worked at home till midnight.

**Friday 14 September 1866** To meeting o[f] Preston Waggon & Iron Company's<sup>188</sup> meeting this forenoon. Weather very stormy. Paragraphing in afternoon; at night h[a]d two glasses o[f] beer at intervals of 4 hours.

**Saturday 15 September 1866** To work at 11. In the afternoon a young woman named Aspden [sic] from Accrington, who got married in morning, w[a]s drowned in t[he] Ribble opposite end o[f] Bird St[ree]t. Three o[the]r persons upset at same time by a boat. Drink, imprudence & incapacity at t[he] bottom of it.189

**Sunday 16 September 1866** Washed children in the forenoon; tried to play on our £2 piano in t[he] afternoon; then read part of Emerson's Representative Men.190 At night with wife to St Walburge's Catholic Church. Sermon (farewell) by Father Clare.191

<sup>187</sup> Hewitson's 20-minute visit produced three lines in a general round-up of storm damage.

<sup>188</sup> North of England Railway Carriage & Iron Company.

<sup>189</sup> Mary Ingham had married John Turner a few hours earlier (*PH,* 22 Sept 1866, p. 11). Her body was found two weeks later. William Hesketh, who rented the boat out, told the inquest that 'the party seemed merry, but were not in the least drunk' (*PC,* 6 Oct 1866, p. 11).

<sup>190</sup> The book, published in 1850 by American thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson, looks at the role of great men in society, similar to Thomas Carlyle's 1841 *On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and The Heroic in History.* Hewitson was a great admirer of Carlyle (1795– 1881), one of the most famous British historians, commentators and philosophers of the nineteenth century, known for his Germanic writing style and paternalistic high-Tory views.

<sup>191</sup> Father James Clare (1826?-1902), rector of the seminary at Stonyhurst was moving to the Jesuits' famous London church, Farm St in Wimbledon. He was admired for his preaching.

**Monday 17 September 1866** Went in an excursion train with wife to Manchester this forenoon for 2/6 each. On getting to Manchester went on to see Edward Wilson\* (brother in law) at Ashton. At night to Belle Vue Gardens & saw monkeys, birds, animals & splendid fireworks w[ith] a representation o[f] modern Rome.192 Home at 12. Some folk in same train h[a]d to go to Keswick & Carlisle—a blessed journey.

**Tuesday 18 September 1866** Had a pretty easy day in paragraphing. Read a good lot [o]f proofs193 at night & got sleepy. Home from work at two o['cloc]k in morning.

**Wednesday 19 September 1866** Up out o[f] bed at half past 9; to meeting o[f] Croston Drainage Commissioners at 11. A marvellously unintelligible & uninteresting meeting except to local parties. Sir Thomas Hesketh\* in chair. Sir Thomas is a very gentlemanly aristocratic sort o[f] duffer. Home at half past 2 in aftern[oon]. Writing after[ward]s. Up street w[ith] wife at night a little.

**Thursday 20 September 1866** Had an easy day today. Worked hard for myself. Had several pipes & two glasses of beer at night.

**Friday 21 September 1866** Knocking about for pars. Four hours at an inquest tonight—a man named Vicars committed f[or] t[he] manslaughter of a man named McDonagh in Vickers St[ree]t. Got home from work at 1.30 in morning.194

**Saturday 22 September 1866** Had a good shower bath. To work at 11.30. Easy afternoon. Up street at night. Saw nothing particular.

**Sunday 23 September 1866** Had a splendid wash this morning. To chapel w[ith] Florence & servant Sarah at 10.30. Moderately decent sermon. Had a sleep in afternoon. Then read Watson's apology of the

<sup>192</sup> The Victorian leisure complex of Belle Vue Zoological Gardens included restaurants, hotels, dancefloors, boating lakes and a 'firework island' on which firework displays were staged, and attracted millions of visitors from across Northern England.

<sup>193</sup> A preliminary printed version of a column or article, provided after typesetting and before printing proper, to allow checking and corrections.

<sup>194</sup> John Vicars was committed for trial for the manslaughter of Thomas M'Donough (*PH,* 22 Sept, p. 5).

Bible & part o[f] Emerson's Representative Men.195 At night h[a]d a walk w[ith] wife.

**Monday 24 September 1866** Had a moderately easy day. Attended police court in forenoon. In afternoon writing pars.

**Tuesday 25 September 1866** Paragraphing. At night looked in at theatre to see Christy's minstrels.196 Very good. Large & fashionable audience.

**Wednesday 26 September 1866** Knocking about in forenoon. At night went w[ith] wife to Christy's minstrels. Enjoyed the fun exceedingly. Ought to have said also that I went to report Blackpool Races in the afternoon. Moderates races; a deal of noise, gambling & drinking. Had four or five glasses of beer.197

**Thursday 27 September 1866** Town Countil meeting. Old Alderman Goodair\* made a long & stupid speech about t[he] new police regulations. Goodair is an unreadable fellow. Saw a ship called Mary Jane launched from Allsop's yard, Strand Rd at noon.

**Friday 28 September 1866** Paragraphing. Got home in decent time. Bought another pair o[f] boots—tight—curse 'em. When shall I learn sense? Easy shoes are "the thing".

**Saturday 29 September 1866** Writing for myself in afternoon. At night went up street with wife. To bed soon. Read some o[f] Emersons "Representative Men" before going to bed.

<sup>195</sup> Richard Watson, *An Apology for the Bible: In a Series of Letters, Addressed to Thomas Paine, Author of a Book Entitled, The Age of Reason, Part the Second, Being an Investigation of True and of Fabulous Theology. By R. Watson, D.D. F.R.S Lord Bishop of Landaff, and Regius Professor of Divinity in the University of Cambridge*. (London: T. Evans, 1796). This was a defence of the Bible in response to Thomas Paine, who had argued that the Old Testament was not the Word of God and the New Testament had failed to establish the divinity of Jesus.

<sup>196</sup> American blackface musical comedy show, in which white men in black make-up mocked (sometimes admiringly) African-American music, culture and supposed inferiority. In 1848 Frederick Douglass, the escaped slave and abolitionist leader, called blackface performers 'the filthy scum of white society, who have stolen from us a complexion denied to them by nature, in which to make money, and pander to the corrupt taste of their white fellow citizens' (Frederick Douglass, 'The Hutchinson Family—Hunkerism,' the *North Star,* 27 October 1848).

<sup>197</sup> This was the last Blackpool race meeting for 40 years, at Squires Gate, now an airport.

**Sunday 30 September 1866** The body of the young human drowned a fortnight since recovered today near Chain Caul. Saw body at night. Had five glasses of beer this evening.198

<sup>198</sup> Mary Ingham. See 15 September 1866.

### October

**Monday 1 October 1866** A hard days work today. Removing a big step & some flags in t[he] morning in back yard. At night to a lecture on Jerusalem by Dr Spence.199 Then writing out f[or] for myself an inquest.<sup>200</sup> Working till one o['cloc]k in morning.

**Tuesday 2 October 1866** Banked £15 this morning. My wife has saved £65 for me. And by her economy enabled me to pay for our house.201 At 10 o['cloc]k I went to a Salmon Fishery Commission—a very long dry affair.<sup>202</sup> Got from work at 1.30 in morning.

**Wednesday 3 October 1866** To Salmon Fishery Commission—inquiry about fixed engines203 in estuary o[f] t[he] Ribble. A seven hours sitting. Awfully dry meeting—all about deeds, titles, bills & documents. At night had a few glasses with father-in-law\*—rather too many.

**Thursday 4 October 1866** Roused myself up with a shower bath. To office at 10 minutes past 9 and wrote hard about salmon fishery commission for six hours. At night remained at home.

**Friday 5 October 1866** Again at fishery commission. Subject equally as dry & nearly as uninteresting as before. Got from it at six, & then to tea. Went to office & stayed till 1.30 in morning.

**Saturday 6 October 1866** During this week four or five deaths from Asiatic cholera reported.204 Went w[ith] wife to buy a load o[f] potatoes. Paid 7/9 for them. Writing in afternoon. To theatre at night.205 Poor playing.

<sup>199</sup> 'The city of Jerusalem, from a personal survey' by Rev Dr James Spence (c. 1821– 1876), former minister of Cannon St Congregational chapel, Preston, later editor of the *Evangelical Magazine* (*Grantham Journal,* 4 March 1876, p. 7).

<sup>200</sup> Probably the inquest of the bride drowned in the River Ribble.

<sup>201</sup> The house was built in 1862 (Preston Corporation planning application by Hewitson, Lancashire Archives CBP/2/1611).

<sup>202</sup> The commission outlawed the ancient tradition of using fixed nets in all parts of the Ribble estuary (*Chelsea News,* 13 October 1866, p. 3).

<sup>203</sup> Fishing nets.

<sup>204</sup> See 9 August.

<sup>205</sup> The programme at the Theatre Royal included 'Rob Roy' and the farce, *Turn Him Out!* (*PH,* 6 Oct 1866, p. 4).

**Sunday 7 October 1866** Got ready to go to chapel, didn't get through a lazy servant girl. Read Emerson's Rep[resentative] Men. Had a goose f[or] dinner.<sup>206</sup> At night went to chapel w[ith] wife.

**Monday 8 October 1866** Sent off a pastoral letter by Dr Goss\* (Catholic) in support o[f] t[he] Pope's temporal power.<sup>207</sup> Got £1 in. Up street with father in law\* at night. Called at two public houses & h[a]d three glasses o[f] beer each. Home at 11.

**Tuesday 9 October 1866** Got particulars o[f] a vessel launched at Marsh End on Sunday—a case of necessity.<sup>208</sup> Had a row w[ith] an interloping reporter. To a great political reform meeting o[f] working men in t[he] Exchange at night.209 Home at one; to bed at 1.30.

**Wednesday 10 October 1866** Writing out 2 ½ columns o[f] Reform meeting. A good deal of fierce assumption & demand made by t[he] speakers in regard to the right of voting by ballot, a voting franchise &c. And a devilish deal of moral & righteous declamation used by one man in particular who not long ago tried to insult my wife.<sup>210</sup>

**Thursday 11 October 1866** To a harvest home211 at Farington w[ith] wife in after[noo]n. Proceedings tame. A service in church wh[ich] w[as] beautifully decorated—rather Puseyistically. A foppish & miserable speaking minister named E Sedgwick from Manchester preached.<sup>212</sup> Gave 1/. Tea party at night

<sup>206</sup> It was traditional to eat goose around Michaelmas (29 September).

<sup>207</sup> Pastoral letters from Catholic bishops had been read in churches across the country on Sunday, defending the Pope's right to rule Rome and the surrounding territory, under increasing threat from the unified kingdom of Italy. Hewitson was probably sending reports of the letter to newspapers.

<sup>208</sup> The iron paddle steamer Pirapama, built by the Preston Iron Shipbuilding Company for the Pernambuco Steam Packet Company, Brazil. The launch, delayed from the previous day, was a 'necessity' because of the way the ship had been temporarily propped up (*PH,* 13 October 1866, p. 10).

<sup>209</sup> Newspaper owners George Toulmin\* and Ernest King\* were on the platform at the reform meeting (*PC,* 13 Oct 1866, p. 6).

<sup>210</sup> See 4 August.

<sup>211</sup> A thanksgiving service for a successful harvest.

<sup>212</sup> Rev John E. Sedgwick (c. 1829–1893) later resigned from his parish of St Alban's, Cheetwood, because the Bishop of Manchester opposed his Anglo-Catholic views (*PH,* 11 April 1874, p. 2). The 'high church' Ritualist or Anglo-Catholic movement in the Church of England (originating from the Tractarians or Oxford Movement of the 1830s, led by John Henry Newman and Edward Pusey) revived rituals

**Friday 12 October 1866** The usual round o[f] paragraph hunting. Little doing. Had time f[or] breathing & reflection.

**Saturday 13 October 1866** Working hard all day in getting up pars to send off.

**Sunday 14 October 1866** Jobbing about in morning; in aftern[oon] had Robert Kellett213 & wife214 to tea; in evening read 40 pages of Emersons Essays.<sup>215</sup> Glorious writer.

**Monday 15 October 1866** Easy day; to a "reception" tea party at night at St Peter's schools; t[he] minister (Rev D. F. Chapman)<sup>216</sup> having wed Bishop o[f] Kilmore's daughter.<sup>217</sup> A rigid blockhead at t[he] door w[oul]d not let my wife in after tea. Proceedings very adulatory & self righteous in tone. Home at 10.

**Tuesday 16 October 1866** Children not so well. They try ones patience. But when wed we must reconcile ourselves to crying children & bad servants &c Worked till 12.30 in morning. On coming home, saw a fine bank clerk 'holding on' in talk at a street corner w[ith] a bad woman. Shame.

**Wednesday 17 October 1866** To quarter sessions, Preston. Went late but w[a]s sooner there than t[he] chairman (T B Addison\*) who is nearly always late. Had two beers with a L'pool Courier reporter named Mowatt.<sup>218</sup> Then returned to court, worked hard, got dinner, again returned. Worked till six o['cloc]k then home. A deal of prisoners—60 at these sessions.

previously associated with Roman Catholics, and was strongly opposed by those who saw it as a slide into Catholicism itself.

<sup>213</sup> Robert Kellett (1820–1876) was a pawnbroker, of Kilshaw St, a Conservative and Anglican (*PH,* 1 April 1874, p. 3). Sold his pawnbroking business in 1874.

<sup>214</sup> Clarissa Kellett (b. 1829).

<sup>215</sup> Ralph Waldo Emerson, *Essays, With Preface by Thomas Carlyle* (London: James Fraser, 1841), https://www.gutenberg.org/files/16643/16643-h/16643-h.htm.

<sup>216</sup> See 23 July 1866.

<sup>217</sup> The bride was Thomasina Verschoyle (b. 1843), daughter of Hamilton Verschoyle.

<sup>218</sup> Alexander M. Mowatt (1838–1869), born in Aberdeen, worked on the *Caledonian Mercury, Glasgow Herald* and *Liverpool Daily Post* before joining the Tory *Liverpool Courier.* He 'died from consumption brought on by hard work and exposure during the long election campaign' of 1868 (*Bury Times* 3 July 1869).

**Thursday 18 October 1866** Made an inspection o[f] t[he] new town hall & wrote a column descriptive of building.219 Masonry just finished. A splendid building; but like many o[the]r things, much finer out than in. The article I wrote appeared next w[ee]k. I know this because I am writing a week behind hand in my diary. To science class meeting220 at night.

**Friday 19 October 1866** Writing out Science Class meeting & distribution o[f] prizes by Mayor (C R Jacson\*) at Avenham Institut[ion]. Made 2 columns of it. Paragraphing during remainder o[f] day.

**Saturday 20 October 1866** This aftern[oon] went on horseback to Haighton Hall. Young Captain Anderton shot himself this morning.<sup>221</sup> Felt wretchedly awkward for a while on horse back. Today Walker Riley, solicitor, of Preston hanged himself.<sup>222</sup>

**Sunday 21 October 1866** Easy, thinking, reading, sociable day.

**Monday 22 October 1866** Did nothing very particular to-day, except go go down to Corn Exchange & get t[he] decorations223 f[or] Infirmary Bazaar to be opened to-morrow. Worked—writing out till midnight.

**Tuesday 23 October 1866** Preston Infirmary Bazaar opened to-day. Grand bazaar. Fine banquet af[te]r[war]ds in Theatre Royal, given by Mayor, A good deal o[f] drinking & drunkenness at it. I had 4 glasses. Worked af[terwar]ds for seven hours writing out banquet speeches. Got home after meeting w[ith] a friend at Albert Hotel, at 4 o['cloc]k

**Wednesday 24 October 1866** Up at 7. To Lancaster—then on to Hest Bank & Morecambe\*—at 8. Wife with me. We went to wedding of my

<sup>219</sup> The only town hall designed by George Gilbert Scott (who also designed St Pancras station and many other buildings), opened in 1867. He considered it one of his best works, in his distinctive Gothic revival style.

<sup>220</sup> Science class prize-giving and opening ceremony for the new terms of the Preston School of Art and Science, part of the mechanics' institute in Avenham.

<sup>221</sup> Evan Francis Anderton (1835–1866), a captain in the 1st Royal Lancashire Militia, from an old Catholic family, killed himself with a double-barrelled shotgun in his library.

<sup>222</sup> William Walker Riley (1808–1866) hanged himself in the cellar of his office in Chapel St. The deaths were apparently unconnected.

<sup>223</sup> Presumably make a description.

wife's sister Ellen\* to Frederick W Hall,\* printer of Sheffield. Spent a good jolly glorious day at my father-in-law's at Morecambe.224 Capital company. Got home by mail train at 11 o['cloc]k at night.

**Thursday 25 October 1866** Town Council meeting at 11—not much at it. Dispensary meeting at 12, pretty fair reporting at it. At night to t[he] Bazaar Concert. Rather a tame tame affair. Afterwards to Robert Wards' (draper) in Friargate<sup>225</sup> w[ith] wife & had supper wh[ich] h[a]d b[ee]n prepared for somebody else. Home 12 o['cloc]k.

**Friday 26 October 1866** Pretty easy day. Didn't do much f[or] either myself or anybody else. Home at 2 o['cloc]k.

**Saturday 27 October 1866** Paragraphing f[or] self in t[he] aft[ernoo]n. At night to Bazaar closing. Only a tame affair. Had a row w[ith] Town Clerk<sup>226</sup> on account o[f] his officiousness.

**Sunday 28 October 1866** To Cannon St[ree]t Independent Chapel in morning. In aft[ernoo]n easy does it. At night had some agreeable company.

**Monday 29 October 1866** Sent par off about a woman called Agnes Osbaldeston living in Crown St[ree]t killing her husband last night. He w[a]s abusing her & she hit threw a knife at him. It struck his neck and severed jugular vein.<sup>227</sup> Working for office afterwards till eight o['cloc]k at night.

**Tuesday 30 October 1866** Tonight went to a fine banquet in connection with the Preston Licensed Victuallers<sup>228</sup> at Red Lion,Preston. Excellent dinner; several speeches, presentation of £307 made to Mr G Candelet,229 Sec[retary] o[f] t[he] Provincial Licensed Victuallers' Defence League.

<sup>224</sup> Hewitson's father-in-law Joseph Wilson was now running the restaurant on Morecambe pier.

<sup>225</sup> Robert Ward (b. 1829).

<sup>226</sup> Robert Ascroft.\*

<sup>227</sup> Osbaldeston, 48, served four months on remand before she was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to four days' imprisonment at the March 1867 Lancaster assizes (*PC,* 9 March 1867, p. 7).

<sup>228</sup> Trade body for wine merchants and pub landlords.

<sup>229</sup> George Candelet (c. 1821–1885).

Got away at 12 o['cloc]k. Worked at t[he] office till two. Clark's livery stables230 burned down tonight.

**Wednesday 31 October 1866** Working from eight o['cloc]k in morning till two next morning. Writing out my own report of last night's banquet & one for t[he] Licensed Victuallers Guardian231 for wh[ich] I shall charge £4-9.

<sup>230</sup> Rented stabling for other people's horses.

<sup>231</sup> A new weekly journal for the trade. Hewitson's fee compares well with his weekly wage of £3.

### November

**Thursday 1 November 1866** Nothing very particular this forenoon. Heard t[hat] Lostock Old Mill had b[ee]n burned down on Wed. morning. Damage £8,000-£10,000. Went but could get no particulars. A stupidly punctilious person had charge o[f] t[he] ruins. Went to Farington but c[oul]d get no particulars.232 The municipal elec[tio]ns today were very quiet in Preston.

**Friday 2 November 1866** Running about f[or] pars. Heard of a cholera case but thought t[hat] its publicity would only un-nerve people so didn't give particulars o[f] it, neither did t[he] other reporters, At night I and my colleagues h[a]d a glass each. Af[terwar]ds had several w[ith] our sub-editor Laurence [sic].233

**Saturday 3 November 1866** A big fire today. Todd and Co's cotton mill at Wheelton destroyed. Damage about £30,000. Sent off particulars,

**Sunday 4 November 1866** To Cannon St Independent Chapel w[ith] wife this morning. Good sermon. Started to go in t[he] evening but were too late. Read Emerson's essays

**Monday 5 November 1866** Went w[ith] wife to third annual meeting o[f] t[he] Preston Orphan Sunday School in t[he] Exchange. A deal o[f] persons & about 100 orphans present. Moderate speeches—a very pedantic one by a blind man from Liverpool named Leyritz234 —but good singing.

**Tuesday 6 November 1866** Attended a long meeting o[f] t[he] Guardians. Mr Basil Cane,235 t[he] new Poor Law Inspector, made his first appearance. He complained seriously o[f] t[he] state o[f] Preston Workhouse & t[he] House of Recovery. After[war]ds I had two glasses

<sup>232</sup> The mill was destroyed, putting 40 spinners out of work, along with another 150 weavers at the firm's Farington mill, where the yarn was woven (*PH,* 3 Nov 1866, p. 5).

<sup>233</sup> R.A. Lawrence.\*

<sup>234</sup> George Leyritz (d. 1869), professor of music and organist at St Thomas's church, Liverpool (*Daily Post,* 25 November 1869, p. 5).

<sup>235</sup> Richard Basil Cane (c. 1809–1884), responsible for seven northern counties. On his death, the blinds of Bakewell workhouse, near his home, were pulled down as a mark of respect (*Todmorden Advertiser,* 24 October 1884, p. 8).

of wine at his expense at t[he] Bull Hotel. Got from work at 1.30 in morning

**Wednesday 7 November 1866** A dull day. Altogether h[a]d about 4 glasses o[f] beer today. In t[he] afternoon went w[ith] wife to inspect an iron steamship called t[he] Ipojuca at t[he] quayside. Vessel built f[or] t[he] Pernambuco Steam Naviga[tio]n Co. It is t[he] first ever built & fitted up at Preston o[f] t[he] steam ship class. She is a fine craft. At night made out my monthly bills & then began a description o[f] t[he] steam boat named.

**Thursday 8 November 1866** To a comfortable cattle plague meeting at Kirkham. Only chairman, sec[retar]y & two other persons present. After h[a]d dinner of roast beef & apple pie. As t[he] day w[a]s wet, h[a]d to stay in an inn & h[a]d several beers. Got all written out. At night got particulars o[f] a railway collision at Preston

**Friday 9 November 1866** Town Council meeting. Alderman Edmund Birley\* elected mayor. He is a rather pompous self- conceited party. Got home from work pretty early

**Saturday 10 November 1866** To Morecambe this evening after a hard days work. Wife & daughter Florence w[ith] me, Spent a comfortable evening w[ith] father-in-law.\*

**Sunday 11 November 1866** Up at 8, h[a]d a cold water bath, then a w[a]lk on t[he] shore side. Had another walk in forenoon & amused myself w[ith] throwing stones on t[he] shore. At night heard a young duf duffer preach at Morecambe Independent Chapel.

**Monday 12 November 1866** Came home at noon. Worked hard afterwards. Sent off particulars about a terrific boiler explosion wh[ic]h occurred at t[he] spindle & fly shop o[f] Mr R Lowe,236 Bridge St[ree]t Preston.237

**Tuesday 13 November 1866** A very long B[oar]d of Guardians meeting. Mr E Ambler238 made a long speech against what Cane, Poor Law

<sup>236</sup> Ralph Lowe (c. 1813–1892).

<sup>237</sup> One man was killed and another badly injured (*PC*, 17 November 1866. p. 6).

<sup>238</sup> Edward 'Ned' Ambler (1820?-87), printer, Poor Law guardian, Liberal, Congregationalist, an early member of the committee of the mechanics' institute;

Inspector s[ai]d about Preston workhouse last Tuesday. At night went to a great Liquor Traffic Suppression Meeting. General Neal Dow made a long speech—above 3 columns.239 Great display of "shooting stars" tonight in t[he] heavens.240

**Wednesday 14 November 1866** Writing for 9 ½ hours consecutively Neal Dow's speech. At night went w[ith] sister-in-law to hear Christy Minstrels241 at Corn Exchange. Home at 10.15—tired & scooped out. I ought to have stated t[hat] whilst leaving my work at one o['cloc]k this morning, I saw a splendid shower of meteors w[ith] shooting stars. Such a sight was general & h[a]d not b[ee]n seen for 30 years.

**Thursday 15 November 1866** Had two more hours writing out of Liquor Traffic meeting. In afternoon read t[he] proofs. Easy day. At night wife & I went to a dress concert. A deal of fine folk present. Singing moderate. A Swedish soprano242 took lead.

**Friday 16 November 1866** Immense flood today. All land adjoining Ribble covered w[ith] water. Many houses flooded. Water running four or five feet deep along Ribble Place243 also through Lime St[ree]t & along Strand Rd at about 10 miles an hour. If Water began to subside at 10.30 at night. If it h[a]d risen any higher my house No 48 Fishergate Hill w[oul]d have been flooded in t[he] Kitchen. Cellar & back yard were full & I ordered wife to take up carpets & fur best furniture into top room.

**Saturday 17 November 1866** Writing about t[he] flood, which seems to h[ave] b[ee]n pretty general in Lancashire & Yorkshire. Several lives lost through it.


part of the same faction of Preston Liberals as George Toulmin, often in opposition to Hewitson (*PH,* 29 October 1887, p. 4).

<sup>239</sup> The United Kingdom Alliance for the Suppression of the Traffic in all Intoxicating Liquors had been formed in 1853, inspired by the 'Maine Law', which prohibited the sale of alcohol in that US state; this early example of prohibition had been led by Neal Dow, mayor of Portland, Maine, a general of Northern forces in the American Civil War.

<sup>240</sup> This Leonid meteor storm was caused by Comet Tempel–Tuttle, which has a 33-year orbit.

**Sunday 18 November 1866** A walk in aft[ernoo]n; to chapel at night. Then reading Emerson.

**Monday 19 November 1866** Bothering about getting particulars of flood. At night w[a]s nearly starved\* to death whilst reporting an Irish Church Missionary Society meeting at Exchange. Very frosty today. Big reform conference in Manchester today. I, wife and Ethelbert had our likeness taken today.

**Tuesday 20 November 1866** Attended B[oar]d o[f] G[uar]d[ia]ns. Nothing particular. Writing more about the flood. Great Parliamentary Reform meeting at Manchester this evening.

**Wednesday 21 November 1866** Had an easy day. At night to theatre to hear the opera of Faust. It was well given. Wife with me.

**Thursday 22 November 1866** At 11 to opening o[f] a new Congegational chapel at Knowle Green beyond Longridge. Rode part of way w[ith] a deacon who knew how to smoke cigars & drink bitter beer, I had a beer w[ith] him. Came back from Longridge on a railway engine. Night very cold. Worked remainder o[f] night. Sent my carte de visite to publisher of The Times by request.244

**Friday 23 November 1866** Working, paragraphing & bothering about all day. Nothing very particular.

**Saturday 24 November 1866** This afternoon writing pars to send off.

**Sunday 25 November 1866** Got ready but didn't go to chapel. Cut some likenesses in the af[ternoo]n.245 At night went to St Walburge's Catholic Church & heard a miserable sermon but some pretty good singing.

**Monday 26 November 1866** This afternoon went to laying of St Saviour's Church corner stone by R Newsham.246 A good procession. Weather unfavourable. Writing out at night.

<sup>244</sup> There is no record of this in *The Times* archives, but Hewitson's name appears in a printed list of 'country correspondents' from November 1877, along with another Preston correspondent, J.A. Denham (1877 printed staff list, in William Stebbing papers TT/DepED/STB/4/4, News International Archives). For Denham see 15 October 1873.

<sup>245</sup> Probably making silhouette portraits by cutting dark card.

<sup>246</sup> Richard Newsham (1798–1883) of Winckley Square, lawyer, businessman, county magistrate, Poor Law guardian, Anglican, Conservative, benefactor of many

**Tuesday 27 November 1866** To a big parliamentary reform meeting at Blackburn. Had to write dictate247 2 columns of it when I came back.

**Wednesday 28 November 1866** To sessions this forenoon. Working till six. At seven went w[ith] wife to a tea party, presentation to (Father Cooper)248 & concert at St Ignatius's Church. Had a rough but a good tea. Didn't get away till after 11 o['cloc]k. A good deal of ordinary talking

**Thursday 29 November 1866** Writing out last night's meeting till 10.50; then to council meeting. Writing out till 5, Aft[erward]s rambled about to see for news till 6.30. Then home, h[a]d tea & wrote out news till 9 o['cloc]k. Had a pint o[f] beer. Read some Latin exercises & af[terwar]ds 2 ½ columns of a review of Professor Blackie's Translation o[f] Homer's Iliad.249

**Friday 30 November 1866** Nothing particular.

local churches including St Saviour's, and an art collector whose paintings were bequeathed to the new Harris art gallery when it opened in 1893 (*PH,* 19 December 1883, pp. 2–3). 'Superior Chromo-paper copies' of his portrait were given free with the *Preston Herald* to mark his death.

<sup>247</sup> Dictating to another reporter, or possibly even direct to a compositor,\* saved time on press night for the Wednesday edition.

<sup>248</sup> Rev Richard Cooper had moved to St Mary's, Westminster.

<sup>249</sup> John Stuart Blackie, *The Iliad in English Verse* (Edmonston and Douglas, 1866).

## December

**Saturday 1 December 1866** In aft[ernoon] writing out pars for myself

**Sunday 2 December 1866** To chapel w[ith] wife & sister in law (Jane)<sup>250</sup> in forenoon. In aft[ernoon] at tea with W France.<sup>251</sup> Spent a pretty comfortable aft[ernoo]n & evening, Had a game at drafts & got beaten.

**Monday 3 December 1866** To Kirkham & then to a meeting o[f] t[he] Pier Company at Blackpool. Not much doing. A fine sea w[a]s running. Got off train at Kirkham & obtained some particulars about a cruelty to a dog case which I sent off to Manchester & L'pool papers.

**Tuesday 4 December 1866** To Board o[f] Guardians meeting in forenoon. In afternoon & evening to meetings o[f] t[he] Baptist Union in Fishergate Chapel. Only one good speech made. All t[he] rest o[f] it much diluted with twaddle. Home at 1.30 in morning & then wrote out a railway accident at Wigan.

**Wednesday 5 December 1866** Writing out Baptist meeting & some police cases. At night went with wife & two sisters in law (Mary<sup>252</sup> & Jane\*) to a Cricketers Ball at t[he] Exchange. Had one or two dances myself. But can't do much in t[he] saltatory253 line. Home at 2.30 in morning. Got up shortly before 10 o'[cloc]k.

**Thursday 6 December 1866** Had a very easy day today. At night studying Latin. Went to bed at ten minutes past nine o'[cloc]k.

**Friday 7 December 1866** Got particulars & wrote them out of a long speech relative to Dock Improvement at Preston delivered by Mr Councillor Rawcliffe.254 Home at 1.30 in morning from work.

<sup>250</sup> Jane Wilson\* (1848–1890), sister of Hewitson's wife Margaret.

<sup>251</sup> Will France (1828?-1898), shoemaker who lived above his shop at 117 Fishergate, Hewitson's friend from the 1860s until his death, their wives and daughters were also friends, Eliza France being a bridesmaid at Florence's wedding. 'Being of a jovial, bright, sociable nature, his shop became a centre for the discussion of municipal and political matters.' A Poor Law Guardian and an Oddfellow (*LDP,* 16 December 1898, p. 2).

<sup>252</sup> Mary Wilson\* (1837–1874).

<sup>253</sup> Dancing, leaping.

<sup>254</sup> John Rawcliffe (1813–1874) of Prospect House, Broughton, coal merchant and mill owner, alderman, mayor (1869–1870), 'tall, strong, straight, and active … talks

**Saturday 8 December 1866** Writing pars for myself in aftern[oo]n. At night went up street with wife

**Sunday 9 December 1866** Improving cellar in forenoon. Reading Emerson in afternoon. At night with wife to Cannon St[ree]t Chapel & gave a shilling.

**Monday 10 December 1866** Easy forenoon & afternoon. This evening took back a little girl named Rachel, a servant with us,255 to Penwortham Workhouse. We didn't want her any longer. She told lies &c At night went up street, bought a gill of rum to put into mincemeat. Then went to a teetotal meeting at Temperance-hall to report. Good speeches.

**Tuesday 11 December 1866** An easy day. Nothing stirring anywhere. Left work at 12.15 in morning. Had a drop of beer afterwards. Home soon after one

**Wednesday 12 December 1866** Another quiet day. A terrible explosion occurred today at Barnsley in a coal pit.<sup>256</sup> 300 persons killed. I studied Latin—first declension—hard today. Mr R Sharrock's mill in Gregson Lane Higher Walton burned down nearly tonight.<sup>257</sup> Damage about £10,000. Exchanged my watch guard for t[he] one I now wear which is worth upwards of £5. Got it from a London jeweller.

**Thursday 13 December 1866** Another explosion at Barnsley. 30 more persons killed. Also an explosion today in a pit in Staffordshire by which upwards of 100 persons were killed.<sup>258</sup> Went to Mr Sharrock's mill. Got particulars of fire. Came back to Preston & wrote them out for office. Had a drop o[f] beer at night up street.

in a manly, go-ahead style. Is florid, flowery, catawompous [fierce, savage], and patriotic in tone; played the organ, Anglican and Conservative, 'the only man who has quoted more than six lines of Shakspere [sic] consecutively in our Town Council for twelve years' (*PTC,* 13–14). One of the owners of the *Preston Herald.*

<sup>255</sup> Rachel had lasted nearly seven months.

<sup>256</sup> The worst mining disaster in England, it killed 361 miners and rescuers, caused by firedamp (flammable gas).

<sup>257</sup> The three-storey mill, owned by James Sharrock, employed about 60 people (*PH,* 15 December 1866, p. 5).

<sup>258</sup> The Talk o'th' Hill disaster north of Stoke killed 89 men and boys.

**Friday 14 December 1866** Paragraphing today. Nothing stirring in town. Home at 12.30. Had a glass o[f] beer, a smoke, a small read & then to bed.

**Saturday 15 December 1866** Went to first meeting of Blackpool Assembly & Concert Room Company259 this aft[ernoo]n. Had something to eat & a walk on Blackpool pier, then to meeting; then home.

**Sunday 16 December 1866** In bed till 11.30. In aft[ernoo]n had a walk; at night with wife to Chapel. Sermon about Barnsley pit explosion.

**Monday 17 December 1866** To police court at 11.30. Afterwards attended an inquest on Tom Banks's daughter who was killed yesterday at Deepdale road railway station.<sup>260</sup> Inquest over at 3.45pm. Writing pars for self af[terwar]ds.

**Tuesday 18 December 1866** To B[oar]d of Guardians meeting. Nothing particular. At night to a lecture in Theatre by E Harper<sup>261</sup> of London, ag[ain]st Dr Pusey and t[he] Tractarians. Good lecture, but rather bigoted.

**Wednesday 19 December 1866** To Garstang Institute Bazaar this forenoon. Very fine day. Nice out.\* Aspden\* with me. We played at stone throwing as we came back. At night I was throng writing out Harper's lecture.

**Thursday 20 December 1866** Writing out Garstang Bazaar. In afternoon went w[ith] wife & her sister to t[he] Preston Cemetery to see graves of our two children—Madge & Ethel. Studied a Latin lesson at night.

**Friday 21 December 1866** Ordinary paragraphing in forenoon. In t[he] evening had a look round butchers' shops &c—Christmas show262—& afterwards had two glasses o[f] beer.

<sup>259</sup> The building opened in 1868 on Talbot Square, becoming a Yates's Wine Lodge and a cinema in later years.

<sup>260</sup> Margaret Banks, a 15-year-old power loom weaver, daughter of Thomas Banks, secretary of the Spinners and Minders' Association (cotton workers' union) was on Deepdale station when a man held his hand out of the train window as a joke. She took his hand but one or the other would not let go when the train started, and she fell between the platform and the train wheels. Verdict: accidental death (*PH,* 22 December 1866, p. 11).

<sup>261</sup> Edward Harper (d. 1902), Grand Master of the Orange Order.

<sup>262</sup> It was traditional for butchers to decorate their shops, and for local newspapers to review the displays (e.g. *PH,* 22 December 1866, p. 5).

**Saturday 22 December 1866** Nothing of any moment today.

**Sunday 23 December 1866** In afternoon had a read. At night with wife to chapel & heard a good lecture on Jacob by Mr Martyn.\*

**Monday 24 December 1866** Working extra today for Xs [Christmas] Day. At night went w[ith] wife, my daughter Flory & sister in law Jane\* to a tea party at Bairstow St[ree]t school (Independent).263 Decent tea; a frightful amount of talking. Home at half past 9. Sat up until one o'clock & had a play at cards with wife.

**Tuesday 25 December 1866, Christmas Day** To work at half past nine o'[cloc]k. Easy day. Dropped work at 6 o'[cloc]k at night. Laurence264 [sic] our sub-editor came & h[a]d dinner with us. Spent a quiet sociable Xs [Christmas] night with my wife, Laurence & two brothers in law. To bed at 1.30 in morning.

**Wednesday 26 December 1866** Up at 10; to police court, then home & remained reading Latin & Greek history till 20 minutes to 8 when I went to with wife to hear one of Harry Clifton's<sup>265</sup> concerts at t[he] Corn Exchange. I was pretty fairly amused.

**Thursday 27 December 1866** To annual general session o[f] magistrates at Preston courthouse. Not much doing. Got proceedings written out easily. At night went with wife & sister in law (Jane\*) to Catholic ball at Corn Exchange, where a brute brute of a fellow who was drunk struck at me. I sent him to t[he] police station & he w[a]s glad to beg pardon.

**Friday 28 December 1866** To work at 9.30—rather tired. Don't care much f[or] balls. Worked hard until 2.30 in morning.

**Saturday 29 December 1866** Up at 11. Then up street. Wrote out some pars in aft[ernoo]n. At night to a supper of railway employés at t[he] Castle Inn,266 where there w[a]s much conviviality where I made a speech & where I got rather too much wine &c.

<sup>263</sup> Bairstow St School was associated with Cannon St Chapel.

<sup>264</sup> R.A. Lawrence.\*

<sup>265</sup> Harry Clifton (1832–1872), music hall comedian, singer and songwriter, his best-known song being 'Pretty Polly Perkins of Paddington Green' http://www. victorianweb.org/mt/musichall/3.html

<sup>266</sup> A dinner for clerks, porters and 'lurry drivers' of the North Union Railway Company.

**Sunday 30 December 1866** Somewhat ill. In af[ternoo]n playing with children. At night to Trinity Church where there is room f[or] 1200 persons but at which there w[a]s only about 60.

**Monday 31 December 1866** Up at 10. A deal of snow upon t[he] ground. The fall of it w[a]s t[he] first we h[ave] h[a]d this winter. It came down singularly—in a line from west to east Lancashire, passing through Preston & missing many places I understand, on each side. Frosty this af[ternoo]n & evening. Working hard this af[ternoo]n & in a rather bad temper. My temper wants mending so does t[hat] o[f] other people in my house.

[At back of diary, an abandoned attempt by Hewitson to account for how he spent his Sundays]

#### **January 7**

Being with Brother-in-law at Holme today & it being very stormy didn't go to any place o[f] worship. Talked in morning; read in aft[ernoon]; played cards at night

#### **January 14**

Was at Holme today. To church in morning; h[a]d a walk in aft[ernoo]n; in evening to church; & afterwards wrote a speech for a friend.

#### **January 21**

In a queer half & happy half contemplative half miserable mood today.

#### **January 28**

Spent this day rationally.

#### **February 4**

Trying to improve a shower bath in morning; in aft[ernoo]n & evening walking, reading, thinking & at Roman C[atholic] chapel.

#### **February 11**

Omitted to write out remainder o[f] Sunday work &c

# 1867

[Renshaw's Diary 1867. Price 1s.]<sup>1</sup>

[Inside front cover, in Hewitson's writing:] Anthony Hewitson No 3 For the year 1867.

Key to the contractions: o of l the ol of the f for h have wh which w with

[Anthony and Margaret Hewitson now had a daughter Florence, aged four, and a son, Ethelbert, nearly two years old. Hewitson had been chief reporter of the *Preston Guardian* for two years, with a lucrative freelance reporting sideline. He was 30 years old.]

[top of first page has been cut off]

<sup>1</sup> Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/3.

## January

**Tuesday 1 January 1867** Intense frost. Had a shower bath. Off to a great political Reform demonstration at Blackburn at ten past nine o['cloc]k.<sup>2</sup> Very cold at Blackburn; tolerably great demonstration considering the coldness of weather. Returned to Preston at 3.10, wrote out two columns; home at 20 minutes to 12 o'[cloc]k.

**Wednesday 2 January 1867** To Preston Epiphany Quarter Sessions this morning. Had a hard day's work until six o'c[lock]. Afterwards studied some Latin.

**Thursday 3 January 1867** At an informal sitting of the Salmon Fisheries Commissioners in Preston all day. A long argument as to what is the meaning of a "mill dam" & a "fishing mill dam". Went to a meeting of weavers in their Institute at night, about proposed reduction of wages—5 per cent.3

**Friday 4 January 1867** Writing out last night's meeting—1 ½ columns. In aft[ernoo]n went to hear decision of Salmon Fishery Commissioners. Af[terwar]ds writing out paragraphs. Got away from work at one o['cloc]k in morning.

**Saturday 5 January 1867** To police court at 11 o'[cloc]k. In afternoon studying Latin. At night to Theatre with wife. Heard Miss Marriott take Hamlet.4 Well done. A poor farce afterwards. Home at 11.30.

**Sunday 6 January 1867** Up at 10. Reading works on physiology in the afternoon. At night went w[ith] wife to hear Father Cobb,<sup>5</sup> of St Wilfred's, [sic] give a long lecture on Ritualism.

<sup>2</sup> Deputations from neighbouring towns had marched, with bands and banners, into Blackburn, through several inches of snow for the open-air meeting. Resolutions were proposed by Hewitson's employer George Toulmin\* and another newspaper proprietor, Ernest King,\* among others (*PC,* 5 Jan 1867).

<sup>3</sup> Mill owners had suggested the wage cut as a response to oversupply in the market; the trade unions offered to work four days instead of five and a half, at the same piece rates.

<sup>4</sup> Hamlet was the most famous role played by Alice Marriott (1824–1900), one of many late Victorian actresses who played male roles.

<sup>5</sup> Rev William Cobb (1804–1877), former Provincial or national leader of the Jesuits, a pupil and then a teacher at Stonyhurst, where he was buried (*PC,* 10 March 1877, p. 5).

**Monday 7 January 1867** Writing out resolutions passed at a delegate meeting o[f] operative spinners in Manchester yesterday relative to a proposed reduct[ion]n o[f] five percent in their wage. Afterw[ar]ds wrote a column & a half o[f] Father Cobb's lecture on Ritualism. At night went to St Wilfred's [sic] presbytery & read it over to him. He gave me two glasses o[f] excellent sherry.<sup>6</sup>

**Tuesday 8 January 1867** To B[oar]d of Guardians; afterwards writing par[agraph]s about wages of operatives to send off. Paragraphing in aft[ernoon]. Getting particulars of a great snow storm we had on Saturday night. The storm stopped trains on [the] railways for hours. Had one glass o[f] beer at night at Plumpton Brook.\*

**Wednesday 9 January 1867** Up with my wife this aft[ernoo]n to see the horse fair which is being held during whole o[f] this w[ee]k in the principal streets of the town. This is abominable, damnable & ought to be stopped forthwith by our sleepy local legislators.<sup>7</sup> At night had a social party at my house. Stayed up carding &c till two o'[cloc]k in the morning.

**Thursday 10 January 1867** Pretty easy day this. In aft[ernoo]n got some particulars as to wages agitation. Several of [the] weavers have ceased work till Monday. Manufacturers & operatives in North & East Lancashire seem to be in a perfect fix—"quandary"—about affairs. Working for self till 11 o'[cloc]k.<sup>8</sup>

**Friday 11 January 1867** Up at 8. Hadn't time f[or] a shower bath. Writing par[agraph]s for self about wages question till 8.50. To work at 9.25. Easy forenoon.9 The weavers who said they w[oul]d either have full time with[ou]t reduct[io]n or short time with it & who have given notice to t[he] effect h[ave] partially given way.

<sup>6</sup> Father Cobb's lecture was not reported by the rival *Preston Herald,* a supporter of the Conservatives and therefore of the Church of England. Public speakers were not always allowed to review and revise reports before publication.

<sup>7</sup> The traditional horse fair, or annual horse market, interfered with traffic and business.

<sup>8</sup> 'Working for self' meant freelance reporting of the wage dispute for other newspapers.

<sup>9</sup> Morning.

**Saturday 12 January 1867** In aft[ernoo]n writing par[agraph]s about wages question. At night did nothing particular. Snow again today.

**Sunday 13 January 1867** Heavy frost. Had a warm bath—got cold. In aft[ernoo]n went with wife to a friend's. Had tea & supper; sundry glasses & spent a comfortable aft[ernoo]n & evening of it.

**Monday 14 January 1867** To County of Lancaster Rifle Associa[tio]n<sup>10</sup> meeting. Only about six persons present. In evening reported a Wesleyan Missionary Society's meeting. Wife w[ith] me. Heard some good speeches. Heavy frost.

**Tuesday 15 January 1867** Thirty five persons drowned to-day whilst skating on one of t[he] park lakes in London.<sup>11</sup> Got home from work tired at 1.20 in morning. Had a glass of rum f[or] my cold; then went to bed.

**Wednesday 16 January 1867** Nothing doing this forenoon. In aft[ernoo]n making out bills . At night obliged to go to Royal (Preston) Infirmary Ball at t[he] Corn Exchange. Splendid affair. Stayed about an hour. Still heavy frost. The kitchen boiler (a self feeder) of a person living near is burst this evening, doing much havoc. The frost caused it.

**Thursday 17 January 1867** Writing out particulars about last night's ball. Got home early in aft[ernoo]n. In evening read a Latin lesson & then had a game of draughts with wife. Our hard & soft water has b[ee]n stopped with frost all this w[ee]k.<sup>12</sup>

**Friday 18 January 1867** Moderate work. Learned t[hat] t[he] generality of cotton operatives in Preston were put on short time this week, t[he] object being to check consumption of cotton, get t[he] market glutted w[ith] it & then cause a reduction in price.

<sup>10</sup> The association organised shooting matches in support of the rifle volunteer movement. One member missed the meeting 'through an accident with a revolver' (*PH,* 19 January 1867, p. 11).

<sup>11</sup> The final death toll was 41, after up to 200 people skating on a lake in Regent's Park fell into the icy water.

<sup>12</sup> Hard water contains more calcium and magnesium, requires more soap and leaves limescale deposits when boiled, while water from upland reservoirs tends to be softer than underground water. Hard water was probably used for drinking, soft water for washing.

**Saturday 19 January 1867** Easy day in morning. Reporting in evening.

**Sunday 20 January 1867** At home in forenoon till 10 o['cloc]k; then to Cannon St[ree]t Chapel with wife & heard a pretty good sermon. In aftern[oon] to Grimshaw St Independent Chapel. Heard Rev. Evan Lewis13 preach. This was his first Sunday at t[he] chapel named. In evening reading Laurences's Lectures on Physiology.14

**Monday 21 January 1867** Writing out a report of a very bigoted Church of England meeting w[hic]h was held at St Mary's School on Sat evening.<sup>15</sup> In evening of to-day went to Grimshaw St[ree]t chapel where there was a meeting in connection with inauguration of Rev E Lewis. Good speeches, Finished at 11 o'[cloc]k.

**Tuesday 22 January 1867** Board of Guardians then home to dinner; then paragraphing. Easy day. To a concert at Theatre with wife this evening. Madame Sherrington<sup>16</sup> was singing.

**Wednesday 23 January 1867** Writing out last Monday evening's meeting. In evening reading. I am neglecting my Latin. Wrote out a requisition to mayor requesting him to call a public meeting to consider the desireableness of establishing an Industrial Institution for the Blind.

**Thursday 24 January 1867** To meeting of Infirmary donors & subscribers. Not much. After dinner had two glasses of beer. At night writing out

<sup>13</sup> Rev Evan Lewis (d. 1869) was 'a cautious, cultured person … a man of ripe and polished intellect, was clever in brain work, had good strategic skill, could manage an ill-natured church meeting well' (*OCC*).

<sup>14</sup> Probably William Lawrence, *Lectures on Physiology, Zoology, and the Natural History of Man* (Benbow, 1822) which, in its time, had been controversial for its pre-Darwinian ideas of evolution. https://archive.org/details/lecturesonphysi00unkngoog/page/ n4]

<sup>15</sup> A dinner on behalf of St Mary's adult Bible class, at which speakers attacked the Liberation Society (who called for a separation of Church and State) and mocked Hewitson's friend Father Cobb. At the meeting Hewitson was forced to answer a question of fact about his paper reporting Cobb's lecture: *PH* supplement w/e 26 January 1867, p. 3.

<sup>16</sup> 'Madame Lemmens-Sherrington, prima donna at the Royal Italian Opera, Covent Garden' (*PH,* 26 January 1867, p. 8). Helen Sherrington (1834–1906) was born in Preston but grew up in Belgium.

particulars o[f] an extensive railway robbery.<sup>17</sup> Our water which had b[ee]n frozen up f[or] 11 days came on today.

**Friday 25 January 1867** This evening went to a political reform meeting at Burnley. Ernest Jones<sup>18</sup> one of speakers. He spoke well. Rode back to Preston in conveyance same night. Came in two hours. Night dark; road rough. Wrote my part out afterwards.

**Saturday 26 January 1867** Had t[he] secretaryship of Liverpool Licensed Victuallers' Association offered to me. Easy place; salary only moderate. I won't have it.

**Sunday 27 January 1867** To chapel in forenoon. In aft[ernoo]n reading. At night to a special religious service at Theatre. Large attendance; rather noisy in gallery. Good sermon.

**Monday 28 January 1867** Easy day until night. Then went to Rev Father Cobb of St Wilfred's [sic] Catholic chapel. Got particulars from him o[f] a lecture he delivered last evening. Had three glases o[f] wine w[ith] him & a conversation about Roman Catholic doctrin[e]s. He made them out to be very correct.

**Tuesday 29 January 1867** To B[oar]d of Guardians meeting at 11.30. Easy afternoon & evening. Home pretty soon.

**Wednesday 30 January 1867** Up Late. Writing out Father Cobb's lecture. Working very lazily. Reading at night.

**Thursday 31 January 1867** To a Town Council meeting at 11. Not much. Some grumbling about cost o[f] new town hall furniture. It was partially decided to-day to go on with the dock extension at Preston, &c. Cost £100,000<sup>19</sup>

<sup>17</sup> Railway guard John Neil had been caught stealing parcels of jewellery (*PC,* 26 January, p. 6).

<sup>18</sup> Ernest Charles Jones (1819–1869), former Chartist leader, poet, novelist and journalist.

<sup>19</sup> Preston's small but expanding port on the River Ribble was limited by shallow, tidal water and silting. The private Ribble Navigation Company was keen to improve the port with council money.

# February

**Friday 1 February 1867** Easy day. Paragraphing. Home soon. Had a glass of beer at t[he] Angel Inn.

**Saturday 2 February 1867** Up at 10. Met Mr Noblet,\* had some beer at his house. At 2 in aft[ernoo]n to a very irregular meeting in connection with the Royal North Lancashire Agriculture Show.<sup>20</sup> At night with wife to Theatre.

**Sunday 3 February 1867** To chapel in forenoon, Had France\* & his wife down at our house in aft[ernoo]n & evening.

**Monday 4 February 1867** Up at 9. Had a tepid bath. To work at 10.30. Saw W Livesey<sup>21</sup> after[war]ds. He wished me to inquire about a reporter he wanted to engage for a Burnley paper. Writing out agricultural meeting in af[ternoo]n. To Theatre to hear t[he] English Opera Co.

**Tuesday 5 February 1867** Pretty long B[oar]d of Guardians meeting today at wh[ich] complaints were made about having to make unnecessary provision for vagrants & able bodied men troubled with venerealism.<sup>22</sup> Its an abominable and "burning" shame that honest people sh[oul]d have to pay f[or] cure of the latter class.

**Wednesday 6 February 1867** Stormy today, Sh[oul]d have gone through our new Town Hall to give an architectural description of it, but deferred my visit. Somewhat melancholy today. It's the damnedest malady out.

**Thursday 7 February 1867** Went to Preston Court house at 11.30 am. Canon Parr's\* son23 appointed Governor of Lancaster Castle to-day, vice24 Hansbrow<sup>25</sup> deceased. There were 68 candidates, Parr got 70 votes or 30 more than anybody else & was appointed. There is an opinion

<sup>20</sup> There were arguments over voting procedure on where to hold the next show (*PC,*  9 February 1867, p. 6).

<sup>21</sup> William Livesey\* was briefly editor of the Liberal *Burnley Gazette,* at £2 per week (*Burnley Advertiser,* 22 June 1867, p. 3; *Burnley Gazette,* 12 December 1868, pp. 2–3).

<sup>22</sup> Sexually transmitted diseases.

<sup>23</sup> Harrington Welford Parr (c. 1828–1905).

<sup>24</sup> In place of.

<sup>25</sup> Arthur Hansbrow (c. 1821–1867); The medieval Lancaster castle remained in use as a prison until 2011.

t[hat] t[he] magistrates gave him this situation as a compliment to his father on whom he has lately been a considerable burden.

**Friday 8 February 1867** Pretty easy day. Nothing startling.

**Saturday 9 February 1867** Doing nothing o[f] any moment.

**Sunday 10 February 1867** Resolved to smoke less tobacco. Reading Burton's Anatomy o[f] Melancholy<sup>26</sup> —a splendid book. Did not go to any place o[f] worship today. Had a game of drafts with wife in aftern[oon].

**Monday 11 February 1867** In aft[ernoo]n at 3 o['cloc]k to a district meeting of Congregational Union (Lancashire) delegates in Bairstow St[ree]t school. A very honest energetic paper on t[he] modern evils or "tendencies" o[f] Congregationalism read by Rev F. Evans,<sup>27</sup> o[f] Ulverston. An interesting discussion followed. At night reported an oration on Wolsey.<sup>28</sup>

**Tuesday 12 February 1867** To Board o[f] Guardians meeting at usual hour. Only a stupid sort o[f] meeting. At night to a meeting o[f] British Society for Propagat[io]n of the Gospel amongst the Jews.29 A parson named Wilkinson—a very clever man—delivered an admirable speech in favour o[f] t[he] objects o[f] t[he] Society.

**Wednesday 13 February 1867** Up street doing nothing in morning. In aft[ernoo]n writing out Monday's meeting. At night went w[ith] wife to hear from "negro" minstrels at theatre. They were very good & though melancholy I had some capital laughing out o[f] them.30

<sup>26</sup> Robert Burton's erudite, rambling and witty classic *The Anatomy of Melancholy,* first published in 1621, is about what we would today call depression (and much more).

<sup>27</sup> Rev. Francis Evans (c. 1812–1868).

<sup>28</sup> Rev Thomas William Handford (d. 1902), a Bolton Baptist minister, gave his popular oration, 'Cardinal Wolsey', at the Exchange Assembly Rooms.

<sup>29</sup> Founded in 1842, the organisation continues today as Christian Witness to Israel.

<sup>30</sup> Matthews Brothers' Minstrels, falsely billed as 'the original Christy's', a blackface show by white performers.

**Thursday 14 February 1867** An easy day so far as office work. There has b[ee]n a great noise this w[ee]k about Fenianism at Chester & in Ireland.31

**Friday 15 February 1867** Moderate work. Saw about 2 cart loads o[f] bones, skulls &c in Stoneygate. Some local B[oar]d of Health men who were digging a sewer found them. They found t[he] contents, it is supposed o[f] an old bone house.

**Saturday 16 February 1867** Up street at 11.30. Home at 1.10 Easy day. Had a long talk w[ith] John Catterall32 about power loom smashing at Blackburn & Chorley at t[he] early part o[f] this century.

**Sunday 17 February 1867** To Independent Chapel w[ith] wife in morning. At night to St Wilfrid's where I reported Father Cobb.\*

**Monday 18 February 1867** To a Town Council meeting at 10. Afterwards writing out t[he] meeting & Father Cobbs'\* lecture which was on Catholicism (Roman) v[ersus] Protestantism.

**Tuesday 19 February 1867** At 11 o['cloc]k to Poulton-le-Fylde & thence walked to village o[f] Singleton where the coming o[f] age of Mr T H Miller33 (son o[f] t[he] late Alderman Miller34 of Preston) was being celebrated. Had a glass o[f] wretched beer, which I changed for some miserable whiskey on t[he] road. Proceedings at Singleton moderately jolly. Got to Pr[esto]n at 8.30pm & worked at office till 2 next morning.

**Wednesday 20 February 1867** To Preston Intermediate sessions at 10 & remained reporting ordinary cases till about six. At 8 to Corn Exchange

<sup>31</sup> Hundreds of 'Fenians' (members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood) descended on Chester, intending to break into the castle, steal the arms and ammunition kept there, and escape to Ireland. But they abandoned the raid after hundreds of special constables were sworn in, and troops arrived in the city: William J. Lowe, 'Lancashire Fenianism, 1864–1871.' *Transactions of the Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire* 126 (1977): 156–85 (pp. 171–75). In the same week there was a failed uprising in Kerry, in the south-west of Ireland.

<sup>32</sup> John Catterall (1803–1868), leading temperance campaigner, dresser at the cotton mill of Horrockses, Miller & Co. Worked with Hewitson to establish the Blind Institute (*PC,* 11 April 1868, p. 5).

<sup>33</sup> Thomas Horrocks Miller (1846–1916).

<sup>34</sup> See 8 June 1865.

where I reported on lecture on t[he] Wines of the Bible by Dr Lees.35 He argued t[hat] there was much ignorance as to t[he] wines in t[he] Bible and t[hen] s[ai]d t[he] unfermented juice of t[he] grape c[oul]d be preserved.

**Thursday 21 February 1867** Writing out Singleton affair &c. At one o['cloc]k to Lytham, where I reported meeting o[f] members of Lytham & Kirkham Agricultural Society. At night reported another lecture by Dr Lees who contended t[hat] it c[oul]d not be found in t[he] Bible t[hat] God ever sanctioned t[he] use of intoxicating wines.

**Friday 22 February 1867** At Preston Sessions for about 3½ hours to-day getting particulars o[f] a trial between Col[onel] Butler Bowdon36 and the Blackburn Gas Co. Heard Mad[emoise]lle Titiens37 & Mr Santley38 in a concert at t[he] Theatre.

**Saturday 23 February 1867** Went with John Catterall\* & John Proffitt39 to see Mayor (Edm[und] Birley\*) & to request him to convene a public meeting relative to establish[men]t o[f] an Industrial Institute for Blind. In evening to a meeting at Corn Exchange—a religious one, concluding some public theatre services. Got new hat.

**Sunday 24 February 1867** Reported a sermon of Father Walker's40 at St Augustine's this morning. In afternoon reading Sam Slick.41 At night to Cannon St Chapel.

**Monday 25 February 1867** Writing out Walker's42 sermon and Saturday night's meeting. The Derby-Disraeli Reform Bill propounded in House

<sup>35</sup> Dr Frederick Richard Lees (1815–1897) of Leeds, head of the Good Templars temperance friendly society.

<sup>36</sup> See 28 February 1866.

<sup>37</sup> Thérèse Tietjens (1831–1877), distinguished opera and oratorio soprano.

<sup>38</sup> Charles Santley (1834–1922), opera singer.

<sup>39</sup> John Proffitt (1830–1915), a teetotaller who opened an orphan school which was the forerunner of the Harris orphanage in Fulwood, and was involved with Preston Temperance Society, for whom he worked as keeper of the Temperance Hall for 34 years. He had previously been a newsagent and a travelling booksellers' agent.

<sup>40</sup> Rev James Walker (1819–1887), a Jesuit, 'a locomotive, wiry, fibrous man … tall, dark complexioned, weird-looking, wears bushy hair, which is becoming iron grey, and uses a thin penetrating pair of spectacles' (*OCC*).

<sup>41</sup> See 4 June 1865.

<sup>42</sup> See 24 February 1867.

of Commons this evening. With the Tories it was received with approval, and just t[he] reverse by the Liberals.43

**Tuesday 26 February 1867** To Board o[f] G[uardia]n[s] meeting. Nothing particular. At night to a meeting of Ch[urc]h of England auxiliary to t[he] British & Foreign Bible Society in Exchange. Moderately good speeches.

**Wednesday 27 February 1867** Writing out yesterday night's meeting and sending off particulars of a great explosion of gunpowder—five tons—on Lancaster and Carlisle Railway near Penrith last night.44

**Thursday 28 February 1867** Town Council meeting. I was told t[hat] during past 20 y[ea]rs one life a year h[a]d b[ee]n lost at t[he] Preston Railway Station. In afternoon reporting particulars of bazaar & exhibition at St Mary's Ch[urc]h school, St Mary's St[ree]t. Pretty good.

<sup>43</sup> The Conservatives now planned to expand the male vote, despite voting against similar plans by the Liberals in 1866.

<sup>44</sup> Two men died in the explosion caused by a collision between two goods trains. It had been reported in Wednesday's papers.

# March

**Friday 1 March 1867** Knocking about for par[agraph]s. A serious catastrophe took place to-day at a school in Accrington. School got on fire and 9 children lost their lives. I telegraphed a short a/c [account] o[f] it to The Times.

**Saturday 2 March 1867** Wrote a column of Accrington disaster for The Times. At night got my present locket—exchanged it for a poor one. There is a hellish amount o[f] deception in jewelry.

**Sunday 3 March 1867** Took it easy this forenoon. In afternoon writing two letters to Sir T. G. Hesketh\* MP & Hon F. A. Stanley\* MP to come to our meeting to be held on 12th inst in favour o[f] Industrial Blind Institute.

**Monday 4 March 1867** Attended a long police court to-day. In evening went to Blackburn to get some particulars for Times concerning inquest on t[he] children killed at Accrington. Telegraphed them. Afterwards directed envelopes for 90 invitations to attend our Industrial Institute meet[in]g. Felt nervous to-day and stupid.

**Tuesday 5 March 1867** To a long board of Guardians meeting. At night to a Bible Society meeting at t[he] Theatre. Writing out till 12 at night.

**Wednesday 6 March 1867** Up at 7. To Lancaster Assizes at 8. Remained reporting hard at Civil Court where Justice Shee45 sat (he seems a decent good tempered judge) till 5.30. Home at 7.23. Writing till 11 o['cloc]k

**Thursday 7 March 1867** To Lancaster again at 8 o['cloc]k. Took criminal cases to-day. Nothing very serious. Court rose at 5.30. Home at 7.23; working till 10.15

**Friday 8 March 1867** Again to Lancaster Assizes. Reporting hard all day. Got to Preston at 8.10 at night, then went to office where I worked till one o['cloc]k in morning. Terribly tired & done up; for in addition to hard work, there was scarcely any time allowed to eat.

<sup>45</sup> Sir William Shee (1804–1868) was the first Roman Catholic judge in England since the Reformation.

**Saturday 9 March 1867** Again to Lancaster. Court rose at noon. Visited Gazette Office where I served my apprenticeship. Afterwards had a glass or two with an old journeyman\* of my acquaintance. My boy Ethelbert was two years old to-day. Got two new coats & a vest to-day.

**Sunday 10 March 1867** Drawing out plans for t[he] Blind Industrial Institute.

**Monday 11 March 1867** Spent four hours in going about to get committee men for the Blind Institute. Felt melancholy to-day. At night w[ith] wife & daughter Florence to a concert given in Corn Exchange on behalf of a new Orphan School.

**Tuesday 12 March 1867** Making more arrangements this forenoon for Blind Institute Meeting. Attended meeting o[f] Preston Guardians. At night to Blind Institute Meeting in t[he] Exchange. Not many present. Mayor (Edmund Birley\*) in t[he] chair. I made a speech—seconded a resolution moved by Joseph Livesey\*, t[he] "father of Teetotalism."

**Wednesday 13 March 1867** Writing out last night's meeting; reading; reflecting.

**Thursday 14 March 1867** Didn't do much f[or] t[he] office to-day. Working f[or] myself at night.

**Friday 15 March 1867** At 20 minutes to 2 this morning went f[or] Dr Ridley46 to attend my wife who was in her confinement. At half past two my second son Horace was born—sound in limb and all right. Thank God for it.

**Saturday 16 March 1867** Didn't do much to-day. Sat upstairs with w[ife], read "notes & queries"47 &c.

**Sunday 17 March 1867** Upstairs w[ith] wife. Read some o[f] Montaigne's Essays.48 A great Fenian "rising" was expected at L'pool [Liverpool] &

<sup>46</sup> Dr Joseph Simpson Ridley (d. 1886), Roman Catholic.

<sup>47</sup> Launched in 1849, this magazine consists mostly of questions and answers about folklore, literature and history, written largely by readers.

<sup>48</sup> Philosophy, first published in 1580, in French.

elsewhere to-day; but all was quiet. This was St Patrick's Day. Not a single drunken Irish man taken up by police here.

**Monday 18 March 1867** Working very moderately to-day. This evening Mr Disraeli brought into House o[f] Commons f[or] first reading of his reform Bill. It is disapproved o[f] by many Liberals (& Conservatives in some instances) & vice versa.

**Tuesday 19 March 1867** More work to-day. Felt melancholy a little in morning. Better at night. Got from work at 2 o'[cloc]k in morning.

**Wednesday 20 March 1867** Did nothing o[f] any moment

**Thursday 21 March 1867** Fine morning. Went to Garstang to report Board o[f] Guardians meeting. Enjoyed t[he] out.\* Had dinner at t[he] Royal Oak. Working at home at night. Our first Com[mitt]ee meeting in connec[tio]n with Blind Institute held to-day.

**Friday 22 March 1867** Working moderately hard. Home pretty soon. Had a glass and half o[f] beer at Plumpton Brook.\*

**Saturday 23 March 1867** At home a good part o[f] today.

**Sunday 24 March 1867** Walked out w[ith] Florence & Bertie this forenoon. Had a nice walk. Asleep in af[ternoo]n to three o['cloc]k. Then wrote out a circular f[or] Blind Institute. At night reported a lecture given by an engine driver (T Hall49) at t[he] Ship Inn. Had sundry glasses.

**Monday 25 March 1867** Writing out last night's lecture. Had to dress it up; but that is a process which cleverer & more pretentious fellows have had to be obliged with before now. Many fine folk are damnable speakers.<sup>50</sup>

<sup>49</sup> Thomas Hall (b. 1823), whose lecture was given to raise funds for the families of another driver, Thomas Little, 31, and fireman James Spencer, 19, who died in the railway explosion at Yanwath near Carlise on 26 February (*PC,* 30 March 1867).

<sup>50</sup> It was (and is) common practice for reporters to 'tidy up' speeches, by cutting repetition and hesitation, and improving grammar. Occasionally a decision was made to render a bad speech verbatim, to embarrass the speaker.

**Tuesday 26 March 1867** To Board of Guardians. A lactometer f[or] testing t[he] purity o[f] milk and a hydrometer for gauging t[he] strength of spirits introduced today at t[he] Board meeting.

**Wednesday 27 March 1867** To a long winded meeting o[f] ratepayers in t[he] Corn Exchange—annual vestry meeting.<sup>51</sup> One or two Dissenters very noisy & nasty. Certain inquiries were made relative to a bungling superintendent o[f] t[he] cemetery; but they ended in very little.

**Thursday 28 March 1867** To a pretty long and noisy meeting o[f] t[he]Town Council. Writing out copy till about 8 o['cloc]k.

**Friday 29 March 1867** Paragraphing . In afternoon to t[he] Workhouse\* to see t[he] Com[mitt]ee. Had a look through t[he] establishment. It seemed to be in a very clean condition and inmates were decently provided for. Afterwards I and t[he] committee had some brandy & pie, at t[he] expense of t[he] union, I fancy.<sup>52</sup>

**Saturday 30 March 1867** Doing nothing particular in forenoon. In afternoon directing envelopes for circulars about our Blind Industrial Institute.

**Sunday 31 March 1867** An easy, quiet, sensible, pleasant day.

<sup>51</sup> The vestry was an archaic form of local government linked to the Church of England; Preston's select vestry is one of only two in the UK to survive to the present day: Crosby.

<sup>52</sup> The workhouse was in Deepdale Rd.

# April

**Monday 1 April 1867** To police court; then had a glass o[f] beer at Plumpton Brook;\* then home & to dinner; then writing out local par[agraph]s—one about a Band o[f] Hope meeting wh[ich] I attended on Sat[urday] evening.53 Aft[erward]s directing envelopes f[or] Blind Institute. Then reading Theodore Parker.54

**Tuesday 2 April 1867** To B[oar]d of G[uardia]ns & paragraphing. At night had a beer.

**Wednesday 3 April 1867** Tolerably easy day. At night to a Reform Meeting in t[he] Corn Exchange. Mr Geo[rge] Toulmin\* my employer in t[he] chair. An enthusiastic & unanimous meeting & some good speeches made; one being difficult to report.

**Thursday 4 April 1867** Writing out all day & part o[f] night last evening's Reform meeting.

**Friday 5 April 1867** Paragraphing. At night had a beer at Plumpton Brook.\* Agreed to insure my life to-day in Jabez Jones'<sup>55</sup> office f[or] £250. I hope to insure f[or] another £250 in an[othe]r office.

**Saturday 6 April 1867** Easy day. Stayed at home principally in aftern[oon]. Bought a draught board for 2/3. Draught playing is innocent & healthy. I & wife play. Paid for front drain—£3-13-6.

**Sunday 7 April 1867** Stayed at home. In t[he] af[ternoo]n reading Ethnography.<sup>56</sup>

**Monday 8 April 1867** Easy day. At night to a missionary meeting—home & foreign—at t[he] United Methodist Free Church.<sup>57</sup> One good speech & a good hymn—"From Greenland's Icy Mountains"—sung to t[he] tune o[f] "God bless t[he] Prince o[f] Wales".

<sup>53</sup> Young people's teetotal organisation.

<sup>54</sup> Theodore Parker (1810–1860) was an American Unitarian minister and campaigner against slavery.

<sup>55</sup> Jabez B. Jones (1836–1891), auctioneer and estate agent, excellent marksman, became landlord of the Old Dog Inn, Church St.

<sup>56</sup> There were many books on the subject available at the time.

<sup>57</sup> Orchard Methodist church on Liverpool St, Preston.

**Tuesday 9 April 1867** Tolerably easy day. At night had a beer & then went to a lecture on t[he] Human Stomach by a phrenologist named Hagarty,<sup>58</sup> in t[he] Corn Exchange. I enjoyed t[he] lecture. Home from work at 12.20 a.m. Had a pipe & a glass & then to bed.

**Wednesday 10 April 1867** Nothing very particular. Easy day.

**Thursday 11 April 1867** To Garstang Farmers Club day—an agricultural show—in forenoon. Nice day; moderate show; decent dinner after it; a few ordinary speeches; tolerable wine; home at 8.20 in evening.

**Friday 12 April1867** Writing out yesterday's show & dinner speeches. Not so very well. Home from work pretty soon. The Liberals under Gladstone were put into a minority to-night—by Lord Derby's ministry & party and some renegade Liberals.

**Saturday 13 April 1867** Quiet easy day

**Sunday 14 April 1867** At home all day. Went to a Railway Mens' meeting at night, but was disappointed—t[he] affair was nothing, t[he] principal speaker being absent.

**Monday 15 April 1867** Slack day. Getting up a few locals. [sic]

**Tuesday 16 April 1867** Late at Guardians meeting to-day. Ordinary paragraphing after[war]ds.

**Wednesday 17 April 1867** Nothing extra on hand.

**Thursday 18 April 1867** To a fancy stall got up at Saul Street Primitive Methodist sch[oo]l on behalf o[f] t[he] place. Pretty good of its kind. The P[rimitive] Methodists are only poor. At night to a presenta[tio]n of new robes & silver epergne59 to Rev Canon Parr\*—t[he] Vicar.

**Friday 19 April 1867** Went to laying o[f] a foundation stone of new Independent Schools—day & Sabbath—at Longridge. Good muster. A moderate dinner afterwards at one o[f] t[he] village inns.

<sup>58</sup> John Alfred Hagarty (b. 1833), Canadian phrenologist. His talk was 'illustrated by a magnificent set of diagrams, four times the size of life' (*PH,* 30 March 1867, p. 1).

<sup>59</sup> A decorative table centrepiece with multiple bowls.

**Saturday 20 April 1867** In morning up st[ree]t & had a glass o[f] beer. Afterwards at home.

**Easter Sunday 21 April 1867** At home reading &c. In afternoon had walk w[ith] wife & children into t[he] parks. Thousands of persons present. A very fine sight

**Monday 22 April 1867** I have put in this fresh sheet of paper through getting a week wrong in t[he] dates. Nice reckoning. Don't recollect anything particular to-day.<sup>60</sup>

**Tuesday 23 April 1867** Went to B[oar]d of Guardians. Ordinary reporting. Insured my life to-day.

**Wednesday 24 April 1867** To a bazaar in aid of Lancaster road Congregational church. Fine affair. Had a glass of wine with a deacon and t[he] parson who later on asked me if I w[oul]d h[ave] a glass o[f] beer which I was not in any humour for, so I refused it.

**Thursday 25 April 1867** To-day went to a long Town Council meeting. An intricate discussion about financial affairs. At night went with wife to hear Charles Dickens read his "Dr Marigold" and "Trial from Pickwick" in t[he] theatre.<sup>61</sup> A fine treat.

**Friday 26 April 1867** Working and knocking about

**Saturday 27 April 1867** Nothing particular

**Sunday 28 April 1867** In morning went with daughter Florence to Cannon Street Chapel. I had not b[ee]n there for several weeks owing to wife's indisposition.

**Monday 29 April 1867** Ordinary work during to-day. At night went w[ith] wife & daughter Florence to Newsome's circus in t[he] Orchard. A very well arranged & respectable place & capital performance.

**Tuesday 30 April 1867** To B[oar]d of Guardians. Ordinary working.

<sup>60</sup> Entries for 22–28 April are written on plain paper, pasted over two diary pages on which the entries have been crossed out.

<sup>61</sup> Dickens had begun charging for his public readings in 1858, partly for money after the collapse of his marriage, partly for his love of performing. The readings were very dramatic, and very popular.

## May

**Wed 1 May 1867** Easy day

**Thursday 2 May 1867** To a meeting (which didn't take place) at Croston. This reads Irish. Afterwards having plenty o[f] time to spare went with Aspden\* (Herald reporter) along fields & lanes—gathering nettles which I afterwards boiled & made into beer.<sup>62</sup>

**Friday 3 May 1867** Pretty easy day

**Saturday 4 May 1867** Went with son Ethelbert to Newsome's circus this afternoon. At night up street f[or] a short time w[ith] wife.

**Sunday 5 May 1867** At home in morning. In aft[ernoo]n had a walk w[ith] Florence & Ethelbert into some fields & gathered primroses. At night walked out w[ith] wife.

**Monday 6 May 1867** To police court in forenoon. Nothing extra. In afternoon to Over Darwen—a very irregularly situated & built place to report meeting o[f] t[he] Local Board o[f] Health. At night went with wife to Newsome's circus. A good entertainment. Saw two priests & a Vicar there.

**Tuesday 7 May 1867** Paid £6-6-3 for my policy of assurance (to Mr J B Jones\*) in t[he] Alliance British & Foreign Life & Fire Assurance Company. Every man w[ith] a family ought to insure his life.

**Wednesday 8 May 1867** Nothing extra to-day.

**Thursday 9 May** Nor to-day.

**Friday 10 May** Paragraphing.

**Saturday 11 May 1867** Easy day

**Sunday 12 May** In afternoon with wife & some friends to Longridge.\* Enjoyed t[he] out much. Sh[oul]d like to live at Longridge f[or] a season.

<sup>62</sup> Nettle beer, a traditional home-made drink.

**Monday 13 May 1867** To police court in morning. Making out bills in aft[ernoo]n. At night to meeting of Church Missionary Society.

**Tuesday 14 May 1867** To B[oar]d of Guardians. Nothing important. At night spent three quarters of an hour at Newsome's Circus. Was amazed at t[he] contortions o[f] a man named Herr Willio.63

**Wednesday 15 May 1867** In af[ternoo]n to a meeting of Com[mitt]ee of Blind Institute. Only two members came. Very bad. Self interest—blind, intense & damnable—seems I am afraid to regulate many persons. If £5 had b[ee]n offered to each o[f] t[he] members for attendance, how many w[oul]d h[av]e b[ee]n absent?

**Thursday 16 May 1867** To opening o[f] a bazaar in Corn Exchange for Fulwood New Church. A moderately good affair. At 4.30 had a walk into Avenham Park to meet wife & children. Wrote some par[agraph]s for Lancaster Guardian afterwards.

**Friday 17 May 1867** Paragraphing, Left work soon and had two glasses of beer with our sub-editor.64

**Saturday 18 May 1867** Nothing extra.

**Sunday 19 May 1867** To chapel in forenoon with Florence my daughter. In afternoon to Longridge with wife, children & servant. Enjoyed t[he] out.\*

**Monday 20 May 1867** This afternoon went with wife by train to Brock to see for a cottage where we could take children for a few months. Got one after some seeking in Billsborrow [sic] Lane<sup>65</sup> above Myerscough—a pleasant, rural, healthy place.

**Tuesday 21 May 1867** Ordinary paragraphing. At night—6 o['cloc]k my wife on returning from Lancaster had to assist a woman who was taken in labour & delivered of a fine male child in one of t[he] railway carriages.<sup>66</sup>

<sup>63</sup> Advertised as 'Herr Willio, the great sprite and contortionist'.

<sup>64</sup> R.A. Lawrence.\*

<sup>65</sup> The hamlet of Bilsborrow\* is seven miles north of Preston.

<sup>66</sup> Hewitson's paragraph on the incident gives a glimpse of Margaret Hewitson's personal qualities: 'A Preston lady, who happened to be sitting near her, cleared

**Wednesday 22 May 1867** To sessions. Got there late. Had a pretty hard day's work. Writing par[agraph]s for myself at night.

**Thursday 23 May 1867** To re-opening of Croston parish church—an old fine edifice. Afterwards had lunch at t[he] rectory barn along w[ith] two other reporters.

**Friday 24 May 1867** Writing out yesterdays proceedings. At night went to circus for about a quarter of an hour.

**Saturday 25 May 1867** Packed up articles of furniture and sent them off in a cart to cottage in Billsborrow [sic] Lane. Afterwards went there w[ith] wife, children &c The cottage is about 13 minutes' good walk from Brock station.

**Sunday 26 May 1867** At Billsborrow arranging affairs.

**Monday 27 May 1867** To Preston at 8 o['cloc]k. The train necessitates my getting up sooner than usual. Returned to Billsborrow at 4.20 in aft[ernoo]n.

**Tuesday 28 May 1867** To B[oar]d of Guardians & paragraphing. Returned by a goods train at 2.10 in morning to Brock.

**Wednesday 29 May 1867** Up to P[resto]n at noon. Fudged about & returned at 4.20. At night treat67 an old man & his son who had helped us with furniture on Sat[urday] w[ith] a glass o[f] whiskey each.

**Thursday 30 May 1867** Hard day's work. To Council meeting at 11 in forenoon. Returned to Billsborrow Lane Cottage at 9.20pm well tired.

**Friday 31 May 1867** Ordinary working to day. After finishing work returned on a goods' engine.

the compartment and those immediately adjoining of the male passengers, and successfully officiated as midwife' (*PG,* 22 May 1867 p. 2).

<sup>67</sup> Dialect variation on 'treated', pronounced 'tret'.

## June

**Saturday 1 June 1867** Got my season ticket f[or] three months this morning. At noon to Preston w[ith] wife. Returned at 4 o['cloc]k.

**Sunday 2 June 1867** In aft[ernoo]n playing w[ith] my children in t[he] fields; at night h[a]d a walk w[ith] my wife to Inglewhite. Beautiful walk.

**Monday 3 June 1867** Got a quarter barrel of beer early this morning from Alston, landlord o[f the] Green Man at Inglewhite. Paid him 10/ for it. Aft[erward]s went to Preston

**Tuesday 4 June 1867** Up to office by half past eight. Easy day. At 4.20 came down to Billsborrow Cott[age] by train to Brock & returned at six. At night reported one of Professor Fowler's<sup>68</sup> lectures on John Bull & Brother Jonathan.69

**Wednesday 5 June 1867** Could not get down to Billsborrow by goods train at either 2.10 or 4 this morning so slept at P[resto]n for two or three hours, then on to Billsborrow; then returned to Preston w[ith] my son Ethelbert whose head Professor Fowler (phrenologist) examined. Fowler gave me a 10/6 bust.<sup>70</sup> Af[terwar]ds returned home.

**Thursday 6 June 1867** Throng working

**Friday 7 June 1867** Ditto

**Saturday 8 June 1867** Still ditto I fancy though not exactly in t[he] same line. Went w[ith] a friend to see a cottage near Lea wh[ich] he thought of buying. Afterwards to Longridge\* where foundation stone o[f] new Catholic schools w[a]s laid. Got some beer.

**Sunday 9 June 1867** Working, thinking & reading.

**Monday 10 June 1867** To Preston this morning w[ith] wife & daughter Florence to see t[he] Whitsuntide processions &c. About 3000 Catholics

<sup>68</sup> See 29 May 1865.

<sup>69</sup> 'Brother Jonathan' was the personification of America, equivalent to England's John Bull.

<sup>70</sup> A phrenological model of the human head, showing the different parts supposedly related to personality traits.

& 9000 Church of England scholars &c walked. Also some Orangemen who caused a row through one o[f] their bands playing "Boyne Water".<sup>71</sup> I went into t[he] Orchard and I saw a "woman" with a beard and a horse without hair!

**Tuesday 11 June 1867** Writing out & to B[oar]d of Guardians. To Broughton Catholic Charitable Society's meeting. Got to t[he] place just after dinner. At 4.30 ran on to Broughton station to catch train f[or] Brock in order to go to tea. A stupidly officious station master & his "footman"—clerk—prevented me going. They w[oul]d not open gate. I blew up<sup>72</sup> desperately & roughly. Had to return to Preston by next train.

**Wednesday 12 June 1867** Got to Brock early this morning. Then went up to Preston at 11. Writing out Broughton Society's meeting at home afterwards.

**Thursday 13 June 1867** Rather heavy police business. Joseph Gillow,73 a new magistrate & a Roman Catholic lost his temper in a case referring to an Orangemen's procession tune.74

**Friday 14 June 1867** Nothing particular in t[he] forenoon. In aftern[oon] went to Rev Canon Parr\* & got some particulars of a change to the churchwardens or deanery, which he delivered & wh[ich] I missed, in t[he] forenoon. Got home to Brock early in t[he] morning.

**Saturday 15 June 1867** Went up to Preston; did some business; returned at one; went up again at 4.10 in afternoon; got particulars of a large Band o[f] Hope demonstration; & then walked back to Brock. I was very tired. Walked home so t[hat] I might be home an hour or so before the train c[oul]d have brought me.

<sup>71</sup> The Prince William Band provocatively struck up the song 'Boyne Water' on the edge of Preston's Irish district. The song celebrates Protestant King William III of Orange's victory over the Catholic James II at the Battle of the Boyne (1690).

<sup>72</sup> Lost his temper.

<sup>73</sup> See 11 July 1865.

<sup>74</sup> Gillow blamed the band (see 10 June), while the chairman of the magistrates, an Anglican, insisted they were there to try two Catholic men who attacked the band (*PH,* 22 June 1867, p. 11).

**Sunday 16 June 1867** Home in morning. In afternoon Mr J Kenyon<sup>75</sup> o[f] Mount Pleasant Claughton, called on me & I after[war]ds had tea & a long walk—very pleasant.

**Monday 17 June 1867** To Grammar School (Preston) distribution of prizes in forenoon. Home to Brock at dinner time. At six returned to Preston; & at 8 reported a meeting about t[he] London tailors' strike.<sup>76</sup> Came back to Brock at 10. This was my daughter Florence's fourth birthday. She is t[he] first we h[ave] reared to four y[ea]rs old.<sup>77</sup>

**Tuesday 18 June 1867** To Preston; writing till 11.30; then to B[oar]d o[f] Guardians meeting—long talkative affair. Writing till 4, then to Brock— Bilsborough Cottage rather—writing in train; returned at 6; & worked hard till 2.30 in morning. Slept on sofa at my house in Fishergate Hill.

**Wednesday 19 June 1867** Came to Bilsborough by 8 train this morning. Back to Preston w[ith] wife at 10.50 Returned alone at 4.20 aft[ernoo]n & after working some time made up my diary, had a glass o[f] beer, & went down to Brock station to meet my wife who stayed after me in Preston.

**Thursday 20 June 1867** Ordinary working I think. Stayed at Robert Ward's<sup>78</sup> all night. Attended a committee meeting & went to t[he] circus at Preston for a short time.

**Friday 21 June 1867** Paragraphing

**Saturday 22 June 1867** Missed train from Brock this morning & had to catch one at Garstang

**Sunday 23 June 1867** To chapel in forenoon in Bilsborough Lane.

<sup>75</sup> James Kenyon (b. 1838), son of Richard Kenyon (1769–1880), landowner and millowner, of Mount Pleasant in rural Claughton, north of Preston. By 1873 he was living and working in Preston as a 'railway goods collector', when he had a breakdown, and spent four months in Lancaster Asylum. His brother, Mr N.S Kenyon, qualified as a surgeon in 1875 (*PH,* 30 January 1875).

<sup>76</sup> An estimated 10,000 London tailors went on strike for six months, but were forced back to work in October.

<sup>77</sup> Maggie and Ethelind had both died at three years nine months.

<sup>78</sup> A draper friend who lived in Friargate.

**Monday 24 June 1867** Up to Preston in morning. To Bilsborough Cottage in afternoon.

**Tuesday 25 June 1867** Paragraphing as usual. Left Preston after finishing work by a goods train. It did not stop at Brock & I was carried on to Lancaster. Returned at 5 in morning.

**Wednesday 26 June 1867** To Rossall School79 today, distribution of prizes etc by Marquis of Hartington.<sup>80</sup> On previous evening he opened a new swimming bath near t[he] school. The bath wh[ich] I saw is t[he] longest in Europe.<sup>81</sup>

**Thursday 27 June 1867** To annual general sessions at Preston. Moderate amount of business. T B Addison\* spoke against reformatories.<sup>82</sup>

**Friday 28 June 1867** Paragraphing. Very throng. Had a beer at night at Plumpton Brook.\*

**Saturday 29 June 1867** To Preston at 11.12 in forenoon. A very dreadful accident happened near Warrington on railway this forenoon.83 Telegraphed for papers w[ith] account in, & sent them off. Got some in.84

**Sunday 30 June 1867** Did nothing very particular. Had 2 beers; saw a sick woman &c

<sup>79</sup> Public school at Fleetwood, north of Blackpool, founded in 1844 as a sister school to Marlborough College.

<sup>80</sup> See 14 July 1865.

<sup>81</sup> 120ft.

<sup>82</sup> Addison objected to the public expense of sending young criminals to reform schools.

<sup>83</sup> Eight were killed and 33 injured at Walton junction The accident led to changes in the management of points and signals.

<sup>84</sup> Hewitson probably telegraphed papers for whom he regularly reported. 'Got some in' means some of the papers published his report (but he would not know this until some days later).

## July

**Monday 1 July 1867** To Lancaster—re-election o[f] Colonel Wilson Patten,<sup>85</sup> he having b[ee]n appointed Chancellor of t[he] Duchy. Got home to Billsborrow at 6 in evening. Archdeacon Master died to day.<sup>86</sup>

**Tuesday 2 July 1867** A throng day. Much paragraphing &c. Did not get from work till a quarter past two in t[he] morning.

**Wednesday 3 July 1867** To Brock at 7. Returned at 11.12 & went to sessions. Messrs Bashall & Co's mill at Farington burned down to-day. Returned to Bilsborrow by 9.20 pm train.

**Thursday 4 July 1867** Again to Preston sessions, Working hard all day. Left Preston by 6.20 train & walked from Broughton to Bilsborrow—a pleasant walk wh[ich] I had "done"before.

**Friday 5 July 1867** To Croston to get some particulars of Archdeacon Master's funeral, he being interred there this forenoon. Finished work at 1.5 in morning. Had two beers & went down to my house in Fishergate Hill to sleep. I always do this when too late for goods train.

**Saturday 6 July 1867** Went down to Bilsborrow at 8; returned at 11.20 & gave in a par[agraph] which I had written about a railway accident near Wolverton.<sup>87</sup> In t[he] evening to a Revivalist meeting & presentation. Home w[ith] wife who h[a]d come up to Preston at 9.20.

**Sunday 7 July 1867** To chapel in afternoon; in evening h[a]d a walk w[ith] wife & children.

**Monday 8 July 1867** Police—a pretty fair quantity of reporting I think.

**Tuesday 9 July 1867** To B[oar]d of Guardians at 11.30. To Brock at tea time. In returning to station had a remonstrance<sup>88</sup> with a crusty old jade

<sup>85</sup> Wilson-Patten was Conservative MP for North Lancashire; his joining the Earl of Derby's government as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster meant that he had to stand for election again.

<sup>86</sup> Robert Mosley Master (1794–1867), vicar of Croston and archdeacon of Manchester.

<sup>87</sup> The mail train in the accident in Buckinghamshire the previous night restarted its journey north from London to Glasgow; post office employee James Dewhurst of Preston was amongst the injured (*Liverpool Mercury,* 8 July, p. 6).

<sup>88</sup> Argument.

o[f] a woman; missed 5.42 train to Preston through her & h[a]d to walk down line to Garstang where I remained writing till 7.45 when I got a train on to Preston.89

**Wednesday 10 July 1867** Not very much to-day I think. In evening attended a committee meeting of Blind Institute. Not many present & not much business done.

**Thursday 11 July 1867** In evening writing out conundrums for a prize cup which I did not win.90

**Friday 12 July 1867** Working pretty hard. Old Michael Satterthwaite buried to-day at Calder Bridge, near Garstang.91

**Saturday 13 July 1867** To police at 11; to a meeting o[f] Royal North Lancashire Agricultural Society at 12; in evening to a presentation in t[he] Orchard (Methodist) School to Mr J S Orford.92 Got home at 11.

**Sunday 14 July 1867** Lay in bed rather late. In afternoon reading Theodore Parker's work on religion;93 at night to Inglewhite & had five glasses o[f] beer & one o[f] gin—rather too much for once. The evening was beautifully fine. Had a conversation w[ith] Mr Kenyon\* about t[he] origin o[f] species &c.94

**Monday 15 July 1867** Went up to Preston by 10.50 morning train; to police court; to dinner; writing &c; home at four, writing & making out bills remainder of evening.

<sup>89</sup> Hewitson walked north from Brock station to Garstang station, both on the London and North Western railway, the West coast mainline.

<sup>90</sup> Hewitson was one of 300 competing for the 'massive silver goblet' offered by Mademoiselle Emma Newsome of Newsome's circus, currently in Preston, for the best riddle. A committee 'rejected 150 as being no conundrums at all; 90 were rejected as being bad or not original', leaving 60 to be read from the circus ring, with the best judged by the audience's applause. The winner, by *Preston Guardian* printer Mr J.S. Ainley, was a joke at the expense of a local oyster dealer (*PH,* 13 July 1867, p5).

<sup>91</sup> Michael Satterthwaite (1784–1867), Preston currier and leather dealer, a Quaker and Poor Law Guardian. Calder Bridge was the nearest Quaker burial ground.

<sup>92</sup> John Stephen Orford (1823–1879), Sunday school and evening class teacher, and painter and decorator.

<sup>93</sup> Possibly Theodore Parker, *Ten Sermons of Religion* (Boston, Mass.: Crosby, Nichols, and Co, 1853), http://hdl.handle.net/2027/hvd.hwt5j4.

<sup>94</sup> Darwin's sensational *Origin of Species* was published in 1859.

**Tuesday 16 July 1867** A hard day for work. Got a letter box & insertions for door o[f] my house in Fishergate Hill made to-day.95 Long B[oar]d of Guardians meeting. Got from work at 2.10 in morning. To Brock & thence to Chatter Row in Bilsborrow Lane, where I am now living, at 8.50 in morning.

**Wednesday 17 July 1867** To Preston at 10.50 in morning. Very wet. Rain has fallen heavily since Monday. Got through some office & correspondence work & home by 4.20 train in afternoon.

**Thursday 18 July 1867** Have got behindhand with the making up of my diary & have really forgot what has transpired, but it has been nothing of any great importance between this date and Sunday the 21st.

[No entries for Friday and Saturday.]

**Sunday 21 July 1867** This morning had a friend—our sub-editor Mr Laurence96 [sic]—at my house. He came with Mr Jas Kenyon.\* They had dinner. Af[terwar]ds I, wife & they went up to Mr Kenyon's father's97 —Mount Pleasant in Claughton & spent time pleasantly.

**Monday 22 July 1867** To work soon. Moderately hard day.

**Tuesday 23 July 1867** Don't recollect anything extraordinary.

**Wednesday 24 July 1867** Same to-day.

**Thursday 25 July 1867** Attended a long & bothering Town Council meeting—so far as the writing of it out was concerned.

**Friday 26 July 1867** Paragraphing & reporting. A long perjury case at police court. PC Brown committed for trial for perjury.98

**Saturday 27 July 1867** Unusually long police court reporting. Another perjury case. Stayed in Preston all night w[ith] wife and children.

<sup>95</sup> The domestic letterbox (a slot in the front door) had been encouraged by the Royal Mail since 1849, to speed delivery.

<sup>96</sup> R.A. Lawrence.\*

<sup>97</sup> Richard Kenyon; see 16 June 1867.

<sup>98</sup> P.C. Joseph Brown. See 31 July.

**Sunday 28 July 1867** Drove wife & children out in a conveyance about 30 or 40 miles. I got too much drink.

**Monday 29 July 1867** Felt ill this morning. What fools we be. To Lancaster Assizes at 8.23 & remained till 5 at night. Lord Chief Justice Bovill99 was in t[he] court where I reported

**Tuesday 30 July 1867** Again to Lancaster Assizes reporting. Moderately easy day. To Preston at 8.15; then to work; home by goods train at 1.30 in morning.

**Wednesday 31 July 1867** Again to Lancaster Assizes. Reported long perjury case against PC Brown of Preston who got off. The other perjury case was not entered into. Got to Bilsborough Lane at 6 o['cloc]k. Writing aft[erwar]ds.

<sup>99</sup> Sir William Bovill (1814–1873) became famous as judge in the first 'Tichborne claimant' trial (*ODNB*).

## August

**Thursday 1 August 1867** Writing out all day. Got home tired at about 8 o['cloc]k at night. Had to walk from Broughton to Bilsborough Lane. Writing out when I got home.

**Friday 2 August 1867** Paragraphing &c. Several fires at cotton mills this week. Had a beer at t[he] Plumpton Brook\* at night.

**Saturday 3 August 1867** To Bilsborough Lane at 9. To Preston with wife at 11.20. Home again at night.

**Sunday 4 August 1867** Don't recollect anything particular.

**Monday 5 August 1867** To Lytham regatta accompanied by John Wilson\* (Brother-in-law). Unfavourable weather which prevented sports from being finished. Got home late.

**Tuesday 6 August 1867** Writing out regatta this forenoon. To B[oar]d of Guardians. Throng day. Home late.

**Wednesday 7 Aug 1867** To Bilsborough this forenoon. Af[terwar]ds back to Preston. Kate came to be our servant to-day.

**Thursday 8 Aug 1867** To a Working Men's & Scholars' flower show moderately good—at Mill Hill Ragged School. Returned by 6.20 train. To a tea party—welcome to Rev Mr Brown, new incumbent at Trinity Ch[urc]h.<sup>100</sup>

**Friday 9 August 1867** Working hard writing out last night's business, paragraphing etc. Home—down in Fishergate Hill—late

**Saturday 10 August 1867** To Brock at 8.5 in morning. Back at 1; returned at 5.42 pm, returned at 7 o['cloc]k—walked from Broughton to Bilsborough.

<sup>100</sup> James Taylor Brown (1829–1875), vicar of Holy Trinity, from Preston; former vicar of Nayland, Suffolk, brother of the author of *Sixty-Four Years a Doctor* (1922), Charles Brown. Hewitson described him in 1869 as 'a scholar, and a thoroughly upright man … strongly evangelical … exact, and calm, and orderly, even to the cut of his whiskers … far too good for a parson. A gentle melancholy seems to have got hold of him' (*OCC*).

**Sunday 11 August 1867** In afternoon to Mr Parkinson's<sup>101</sup> ("Tilers") near our house with wife. Were well received, spent a pleasant afternoon.

**Monday 12 August 1867** To work soon. Don't recollect anything extra, except a railway accident—about 85–100 injured though not seriously on Longridge line Saturday night.<sup>102</sup>

**Tuesday 13 August 1867** Did Board o[f] Guardians meeting for Aspden\*, Herald Reporter, he having gone to Paris to see exhibition there.103

**Wednesday 14 August 1867** Got home pretty soon, & had a pleasant walk with wife by t[he] Brock side.104

**Thursday 15 August 1867** Easy day

**Friday 16 August 1867** Also easy on t[he] whole

**Saturday 17 August 1867** To Blackpool at one o['cloc]k to report meeting of t[he] Imperial Hotel & Land Company. Meeting held at t[he] hotel, a splendid place. Had an excellent dinner there afterwards—wine, champagne, salmon, mock turtle,<sup>105</sup> mutton chops & pie. Lost my umbrella.

**Sunday 18 August 1867** Reading & taking things 'well'. To Chapel & Church to-day with wife.

**Monday 19 August 1867** Lost my carpet bag<sup>106</sup> —left it under carriage seat—on getting to Preston. Got back my umbrella from Blackpool,

<sup>101</sup> William James Parkinson (b. 1843), grocer and provision merchant with his brother John in Preston and Liverpool, said to have got rich from speculation during the American Civil War. He later bought a mansion, Myerscough House, but in 1888 went bankrupt after his wife sued him for money she had lent to the firm (*PC,* 11 April 1874; *PH,* 2 June 1888, p. 10). He became a farm labourer in New Zealand before returning to his native Preston, to work as a butter inspector for Lancashire County Council. 'Tiler' could be a nickname (see 31 August 1867).

<sup>102</sup> A train bringing people back from the Longridge Guild festival went into the back of another train at the station on Gamull Lane, Ribbleton, then known as Fulwood station.

<sup>103</sup> The International Exposition.

<sup>104</sup> The River Brock rises on Fairsnape Fell and joins the River Wyre at St Michael's.

<sup>105</sup> Made from a calf's head and its contents.

<sup>106</sup> A carpet bag was a large, soft bag, sometimes made from carpet.

having written twice f[or] it. Bad memories are rascally things. Orford's<sup>107</sup> men commenced to-day papering & painting my house.

**Tuesday 20 August 1867** Working hard. Got home by train at 9.50

**Wedensday 21 August 1867** To Preston at 8.13; to Freckleton Marsh at 10.30 by bus to see trial o[f] implements in connection with Royal North Lancashire Agricultural Society. A great many people there. Large number of machines. Trials took place on two pieces o[f] land, t[he] latter belonging to Preston Farming Co. The land they have has b[ee]n reclaimed from estuary. It is between 500 & 600 acres in extent.

**Thursday 22 August 1867** To show of t[he] Royal North Lanc[ashire]e Show at noon in Winckley Meadow.<sup>108</sup> A great success. In t[he] evening to t[he] dinner o[f] t[he] society in t[he] Preston Corn Exchange. A good but rather talkative affair. Working till 2 in morning.

**Friday 23 August 1867** Transcribing notes up to 5.10. Finished office work at 1.30. Very tired. Had a glass and a half at Plumpton Brook.\*

**Saturday 24 August 1867** Went down to Bilsborrow in morning. Up at 10.50 w[ith] wife. We returned at night.

**Sunday 25 August 1867** My friend Kenyon\* came in aft[ernoo]n. I read from Theodore Parker's book on religion. We had a few glasses together. Called in on old platelayer109 & gave him a glass or two of rum.

**Monday 26 August 1867** Not much to-day

**Tuesday 27 August 1867** Pretty throng, I think

**Wednesday 28 August 1867** To police court & afterwards to Kirkham Floral & Horticultural Show. It was a nice affair. Had dinner w[ith] t[he] committee at Post Office Inn. Returned at about 5.45. Wrote out at Preston. Got to Billsborrow Lane by t[he] 9.20 train from Preston.

**Thursday 29 August 1867** A long Town Council meeting. Discussions about corporation finances etc.

<sup>107</sup> See 13 July 1867.

<sup>108</sup> Winckley Road, off Broadgate, Preston, marks the location of Winckley Meadow.

<sup>109</sup> A worker who lays and maintains railway tracks.

**Friday 30 August 1867** Don't recollect anything very extra to-day

**Saturday 31 August 1867** This was my last day in Billsborrow Lane. Left in forenoon w[ith] wife, children &c. My furniture taken to Preston in a cart in wh[ich] Florence and Ethelbert rode. I, wife, Horace dog & cat went by train. I felt sorry to leave Billsborrow Lane. The neighbours, w[ith] one or two o[f] whom we had not b[ee]n on such extraordinarily good terms also seemed sorry. All parted friends. On arriving at Preston, went home, helped to unload furniture, set up a bed &c. Went up street, had a beer w[ith] Tiler,<sup>110</sup> came home & worked (writing) till late

<sup>110</sup> Possibly a nickname for William James Parkinson (see 11 August 1867).

# September

**Sunday 1 September 1867** Reading Theodore Parker

**Monday 2 September 1867** My wife bought between £8 & £9 worth o[f] pictures to-day at Walton's auction.<sup>111</sup> I went at night to report Professor Duckett's<sup>112</sup> Lecture on Rome &c. A moderately good affair.

**Tuesday 3 September 1867** Got up at 6. Obtained Professor Duckett's MS [manuscript] of lectures after writing out for an hour. Ordinary business to-day. Kate gave in her notice to-day.

**Wednesday 4 September 1867** Easy day. Put up pictures at home at night. Kate who gave in her notice yesterday as our domestic wanted to stay on w[ith] us, but we refused. Margaret Storey113 came to us to-night in her place at 3/6 per w[ee]k.

**Thursday 5 September 1867** To Leyland Floral & Horticultural Soc[iet]y this aft[ernoo]n. A rather poor affair. Home at 6.40. Working for myself till 12.30 in morning.

**Friday 6 September 1867** To Lytham Horse Sale this afternoon. The fair was s[ai]d to be only a moderate affair. It started yesterday. 180 horses for disposal. Saw Fred Hall, brother in law, from Sheffield this evening w[ith] his wife Ellen & child.114

**Saturday 7 September 1867** Paid Mr Orford £11 this night for papering and painting my house. Up street. Had a beer at Angel Inn w[ith] brother-in-law named<sup>115</sup> &c

**Sunday 8 September 1867** Nothing extra in forenoon. In afternoon to tea at Rodgetts'.\* Pleasant evening.

<sup>111</sup> The auction, at Mr H.C. Walton's sale rooms on Fishergate, was of 'elegantly framed modern proof ENGRAVINGS and choice CHROMOES' (*PH,* 31 August 1867, p. 1).

<sup>112</sup> Richard Duckett (1833–1910), vice president of the English College at Lisbon, was the son of Thomas Duckett of Preston, sculptor, who designed and built Kendal's Catholic church.

<sup>113</sup> Probably Margaret Storey (1836–1905), daughter of provision dealers John and Mary Storey. She remained an unmarried domestic servant for the rest of her life.

<sup>114</sup> Frederick W Hall\* (1841–1919), Ellen Hall née Wilson\* (1846–1928), and their son Frederick W.K. Hall (1867–1919).

<sup>115</sup> Fred Hall.\*

**Monday 9 September 1867** Saw brother & sister in law<sup>116</sup> off at 11 o['cloc]k. Also saw a coloured man pointed out to me as an Indian chief who preached. He was smoking a cigar. He was a splendid smoker, whatever sort o[f] a preacher he may be.<sup>117</sup>

**Tuesday 10 September 1867** Attended a long meeting of B[oar]d of G[uar]d[ia]ns.

**Wednesday 11 September 1867** Getting up particulars about Town Hall.

**Thursday 12 September 1867** To Annual General sessions & working very hard all day.

**Friday 13 September 1867** Same hard work to day from 6 in morning. Had two beers at night at Plumpton Brook.\*

**Saturday 14 September 1867** To L[iver]pool at 9.20 this morning to get particulars o[f] t[he] execution o[f] a man named Henry Farrington (who murdered his wife at Bedford Leigh). Saw him hanged. He was very quiet.<sup>118</sup>

**Sunday 15 September 1867** Reading in forenoon. In afternoon had company.

**Monday 16 September 1867** Went to a band contest at Blackpool to-day. Rather monotonous but somewhat pleased to see this new system o[f] enjoyment introduced.119 Met Mr John Dixon from London.120 Had three or four glasses during afternoon.

<sup>116</sup> Frederick\* and Ellen Hall\*.

<sup>117</sup> 'Nar Kar Wa', a travelling Revivalist preacher, also known as Rev J Kelly, who preached around the Midlands and the North, and gave lectures on the 'manners, customs and religious habits of the North American Indians', whilst wearing full costume, and described how his father, mother and sister had been massacred by American settlers. See 9–10 April 1868.

<sup>118</sup> In June 1867 Farrington, a 25-year-old miner, whilst holding their one-year-old child, shot his wife Mary, after she refused to return to their home near Wigan. Hewitson's report appeared in the *Preston Guardian*'s evening edition a few hours later (p. 5).

<sup>119</sup> The growth of brass band contests from the 1840s created a movement led by mainly working-class players, something that was looked on with approval by middleclass observers like Hewitson. The monotony came from every band playing the same 'test' piece, as well as one of their own choosing.

<sup>120</sup> A Mr Dixon had been a reporter on the *Preston Herald* in 1860, and a John Dixon was a compositor on the London *Standard* in 1866; he may have become a reporter.

**Tuesday 17 September 1867** This evening went to Blackburn to take 'turn'<sup>121</sup> in reporting a Burial Club meeting. When I got there found meeting over. Wrote out from dictation o[f] one of our Blackburn reporters. Returned about 10.

**Wednesday 18 September 1867** Writing the introduction—what I considered to be one—for our new Town Hall; also a sort o[f] history (extracted) of our Town Halls, in readiness for opening ceremony on 3rd of next month.

**Thursday 19 September 1867** To Barrow-in-Furness this forenoon. A new dock opened. Duke o[f] Devonshire,<sup>122</sup> Duke o[f] Buccleuch,123 W E Gladstone & many others present. Trains conveying persons free from different parts of county arrived. In t[he] evening a grand banquet. Great rejoicings at Barrow. I had a sail round Barrow Isle w[ith] t[he] principal guests. Af[terward]s inspected t[he] steel works—wondrous affair. Out of curiosity I spoke to Mr Gladstone. Got home at 11.30 pm.

**Friday 20 September 1867** Writing out of yesterdays proceedings etc.

**Saturday 21 September 1867** Continuing report of to day, my introductory writing about t[he] Town Hall.

**Sunday 22 September 1867** Nothing extra I think to day.

**Monday 23 September 1867** In course o[f] to-day writing out more about our new town hall.

**Tuesday 24 September 1867** A Trades conference in Preston to-day.124 Sent president's<sup>125</sup> address off to several papers & telegraphed a good

<sup>121</sup> Reporters often worked together in 'rings' to report big speeches, alternating between taking a shorthand note and transcribing their shorthand (Steve Tate, 'Reporting Ring', in *Dictionary of Nineteenth Century Journalism* (online edition, Chadwyck-Healey, 2010).

<sup>122</sup> William Cavendish, 7th Duke of Devonshire (1808–1891), Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, major investor in the development of Barrow.

<sup>123</sup> Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott, 5th Duke of Buccleuch, 7th Duke of Queensberry (1806–1884), Scottish Conservative politicians.

<sup>124</sup> Third conference of the UK Association of Organised Trades, a forerunner of the Trades Union Congress.

<sup>125</sup> George Austin, a Sheffield railwayman.

summary to Sheffield Telegraph. Had a beer & a cigar at Plumpton Brook.\*

**Wednesday 25 September 1867** To Great Eccleston Agricultural Show & dinner to-day. Went w[ith] Barker<sup>126</sup> from t[he] Chronicle in a trap. Had a pleasant out.

**Thursday 26 September 1867** Writing & to Council meeting &c. Sending off 'correspondence'<sup>127</sup> in t[he] afternoon.

**Friday 27 September 1867** Writing, writing, writing. Got from work at 12.30 in morning & had two glasses of beer afterwards w[ith] our sub-editor128 at Prince Albert Inn. My wife paid £5-10-0 today on a/c [account] of Sheffield Telegraph.129

**Saturday 28 September 1867** Knocking about & writing.

**Sunday 29 September 1867** Today I have read hastily Volney's Natural Laws & some portions o[f] Emerson's Essays.130

**Monday 30 September 1867** Finishing off my writing about Preston new Town Hall.

<sup>126</sup> See 2 March 1866.

<sup>127</sup> Presumably freelance news reports.

<sup>128</sup> R.A. Lawrence.\*

<sup>129</sup> Payment was presumably for report telegraphed on 24 September, but why it was to Margaret rather than Anthony Hewitson is not clear.

<sup>130</sup> This was probably Constantin François de Volney, *The Law of Nature, or Principles of Morality, Deduced from the Physical Constitution of Mankind and the Universe. Translated from the French.* (London, 1796), http://books.google. co.uk/books?vid=BL:A0018602175; Volney (1757–1820) was a French historian, philosopher and politician.

### October

**Tuesday 1 October 1867** Paragraphing. At night to a meeting in Avenham Institution.131 Annual meeting o[f] t[he] place. Only about 20 present.

**Wednesday 2 October 1867** Went to police court at 11. Guest o[f] Manchester Examiner met me there. Afterwards we had sundry glasses. At night I was working hard for myself & office.132

**Thursday 3 October 1867** Opening o[f] Preston New Town Hall & Avenham & Miller Parks by Duke o[f] Cambridge.133 Immense demonstrations. I saw Archbishop o[f] York & Dr Goss\* (Roman Catholic bishop o[f] L[iver]pool) on same platform & in same carriage.134 In evening I was at mayor's banquet in Town Hall. Edmund Birley\* Mayor. At night a concert in town hall.

**Friday 4 October 1867** Trades procession in morning. In afternoon I went to Moor Park135 wh[ich] was opened by Mayor of Preston. Afterwards Coxwell136 made a balloon ascent. 80,000 persons present. At night a grand ball in T[own] Hall.137

**Saturday 5 October 1867** Band contest to=day – all in continuation of opening festivities. At night a torch light procession.

**Sunday 6 October 1867** Had a walk in t[he] morning through t[he] parks. In afternoon a walk. At night h[a]d a row w[ith] a sister-in-law.

**Monday 7 October 1867** To police at 11. At night to a township meeting in Fulwood as to parliamentary incorporation w[ith] Preston wh[ich]

<sup>131</sup> The Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge, a mechanics' institute,\* forerunner of the University of Central Lancashire.

<sup>132</sup> W. Guest, reporter for the *Manchester Examiner* (the *Manchester Guardian*'s more radical rival) was probably in Preston not for the police court but for the next day's official opening of the new town hall and of Avenham and Miller Parks.

<sup>133</sup> Prince George, grandson of George III and cousin of Queen Victoria.

<sup>134</sup> Noteworthy because relations between Anglicans and Roman Catholics were poor.

<sup>135</sup> Possibly the first municipal park anywhere, opened 1833.

<sup>136</sup> Henry Tracey Coxwell (1819–1900).

<sup>137</sup> The festivities were national news, with pictures in the *Illustrated Times* and the *Illustrated London News*.

w[a]s condemned.138 Afterwards to a ball (where my wife & a sister in law were) at Town Hall. I went out & h[a]d some beer at Grey Horse & Seven Stars & returned when ball was over. Brought my wife &c home.

**Tuesday 8 October 1867** Working hard till 2 o['cloc]k in morning.

**Wednesday 9 October 1867** To a Town Council meeting at 11. Got a new reporting cover139 (which I shall pay for out o[f] my own pocket) this evening. At night making out my correspondence bill & reading about carving meat &c &c

**Thursday 10 October 1867** To Boundary Commissioners Inquiry as to Parliamentary borough o[f] Preston.140 A long & irregular affair. Held at B[oar]d of Guardians room, Lancaster Rd. At night to distribution o[f] prizes in connection w[ith] Preston School o[f] Art. Af[terwar]ds to Golden Cross inn writing a little.

**Friday 11 October 1867** Writing out till afternoon at 1.30. Busy afterwards.

**Saturday 12 October 1867** To dinner in connec[tio]n w[ith] Preston branch o[f] Typographical Soc[iet]y141 at Roebuck Hotel new house in Lancaster Rd (first large dinner party there). Had two glasses o[f] beer & sundry brandies. Spent a comfortable evening.

**Sunday 13 October 1867** To St Augustine's Catholic Chapel—reported sermon by Nugent of L[iver]pool142 on behalf o[f] destitute boys o[f] t[he] town.

<sup>138</sup> A long-running controversy over whether the self-governing suburb of Fulwood should be incorporated with the town of Preston.

<sup>139</sup> Possibly a writing case.

<sup>140</sup> The Boundary Commissioners decided the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies, a controversial process which could change the constituency's political make-up.

<sup>141</sup> The printers' trades union.

<sup>142</sup> Rev. James Nugent (1822–1905), social reformer, Roman Catholic priest and publisher of the *Northern Press,* which became the *Catholic Times.*

**Monday 14 October 1867** To Lytham in afternoon to get particulars o[f] race between T Miller's143 yacht Annie & T Dawson's144 yacht Hermit for £100 prize a side. Some heavy betting, I rather fancy. The race wh[ich] w[a]s sailed to day w[a]s won by Miller's Annie by 31 ½ minutes. At night to Corn Exchange w[ith] wife & Florence, reported meeting o[f] Orphan Sabbath School

**Tuesday 15 October 1867** Writing &c

**Wednesday 16 October 1867** To Preston Michaelmas Quarter Sessions to-day. A good deal o[f] work. A memorial in favour o[f] relaxation o[f] cattle movement orders adopted. At night working. At ten got a cab & fetched wife & Horace from Mr Kellett's\* in Kilshaw St[ree]t.

**Thursday 17 October 1867** To sessions all day. At night to a meeting of Preston branch of Liberation Society in Corn Exchange. Good speeches. Excited at t[he] end, through one or two Irish curates belonging to Church of England.145

**Friday 18 October 1867** Writing out my part of last night's meeting.

**Saturday 19 October 1867** Sent a column & three quarters to The Times of Col Patten's & Marquis o[f] Hartington's speeches last night at Accrington. I cut what I sent out o[f] two newspapers.146 To Longridge w[ith] wife. School.

**Sunday 20 October 1867** To Cannon St[ree]t School Chapel this morning—having left f[or] a time at least—to fetch our books away.147

**Monday 21 October 1867** Nothing particular I think

**Tuesday 22 October 1867** Same to-day that I know of

<sup>143</sup> See 19 February.

<sup>144</sup> Thomas Dawson (b. 1825) of Preston, Roman Catholic corn merchant and keen sportsman.

<sup>145</sup> The Liberation Movement's purpose, to end the Anglican church's privileged constitutional position, was particularly sensitive in Ireland, where the majority were Roman Catholic.

<sup>146</sup> The column and three quarters reporting the speeches of the two North Lancashire MPs appeared in *The Times* the following Tuesday. Did Hewitson simply send cuttings from the two papers, or did he pass it off as his own reporting?

<sup>147</sup> Presumably the family's hymn books.

**Wednesday 23 October 1867** And ditto.

**Thursday 24 October 1867** Opening of new cattle market at Preston. I went down in the afternoon & h[a]d dinner with upwards of 100 butchers &c. Mayor (E. Birley\*) in chair. A decent dinner which I believe w[a]s given by Mayor. Speeches afterwards.

**Friday 25 October 1867** Writing out yesterday's proceedings & paragraphing.

**Saturday 26 October 1867** Writing for myself

**Sunday 27 October 1867** Laid in bed a long while this forenoon. In afternoon read part of Spurzheim's Natural Laws.148 At night went to David Longworth's.\* He had been on spree.

**Monday 28 October 1867** To Licensed Victuallers ball with wife this night. We remained till two in morning. Stupid to stay so long

**Tuesday 29 October 1867** Knocking about paragraphing all day.

**Wednesday 30 October 1867** Had a sail in a boat this af[ternoo]n with wife children & servant Margaret Storey. Couldn't manage owing to bigness o[f] t[he] boat & strength o[f] current, so let wife &c get out & I w[a]s rowed up. At night to a dinner given to Mayor (Ald[er]m[an] Edmund Birley\*) by corporation of Preston at Bull Hotel.

**Thursday 31 October 1867** Writing out this forenoon. At 11 to a council meeting where it w[a]s decided not to pledge t[he] borough fund for t[he] proposed new dock &c at Preston.

<sup>148</sup> Johann Gaspar Spurzheim, *A Sketch of the Natural Laws of Man* (Bungay: J. and R. Childs, 1825) outlined Spurzheim's philosophy, in the style of a catechism. He was one of the founders of phrenology, which has overshadowed his pioneering work on the anatomy of the brain.

### November

**Friday 1 November 1867** Indifferently looked after t[he] municipal elections. Got home from work between 2 & 3 next morning

**Saturday 2 November 1867** Did not do much to-day.

**Sunday 3 November 1867** Went to cemetery this morning w[ith] wife to see childrens' grave. In afternoon reading Spurzheim's Natural Laws.

**Monday 4 November 1867** This evening reported a lecture in favour of 'United Church of England and Ireland' by Rev Mr Massingham149 o[f] Warrington. A large attendance. Good lecture. Wife went w[ith] me.

**Tuesday 5 November 1867** Pretty throng day. At night had a beer at t[he] Plumpton Brook.\* Got from work about 2 in t[he] morning.

**Wednesday 6 November 1867** Wrote a small par[agraph] f[or] 2nd edition about death of Lieut Col Woodford police inspector.<sup>150</sup> At night w[ith] wife to theatre to hear & see a capital—said to be 'original'— Christy's Minstrels. They were very good in their way.

**Thursday 7 November 1867** Don't recollect doing anything particular to day.

**Friday 8 November 1867** Nor to day.

**Saturday 9 November 1867** Alderman Miles Myers [sic]151 a mild sort of gentleman with Tory views and very obliging manners was to-day elected mayor of Preston. My father\* came over to Preston this evening. Mr W Parkinson,<sup>152</sup> opera singer & Mr D Longworth\* came down to my house this evening & had a chat.

<sup>149</sup> Rev. J.D. Massingham, vicar of St Paul's, Warrington, lectured frequently in support of the Irish Church.

<sup>150</sup> Lt.-Col. John Woodford (1796–1867), first chief constable of the Lancashire county force (which covered rural areas) before becoming an inspector for the Northern district. He fought at the Siege of Antwerp in 1814 with the 60th Rifles.

<sup>151</sup> Miles Myres (1809–1873), solicitor, coroner, Conservative alderman, director of the *Preston Herald,*'one of the most placid, coolly-sweet men we have amongst us' (*PTC*).

<sup>152</sup> William Parkinson (1834–1905), Preston-born operatic tenor who trained in Germany and then Italy under 'the famous San Giovanni'. He sang at Covent

**Sunday 10 November 1867** Stayed in bed long. Father\* returned this evening. I had some whiskey afterwards & read Emerson.

**Monday 11 November 1867** To opening of a Methodist Chapel at a small dreary looking place called Midge Hall. Nice Chapel, large attendance considering t[he] place. At night a tea party & a meeting. Had afterw[ar]ds some supper at Mr Howard's153 & came home on front part o[f] a cab with the driver.

**Tuesday 12 November 1867** Routine work to day. Had a beer at night at Plumpton Brook.\* Afterwards just looked in at a Concert at Theatre (Brousil Family154) & at another concert at the Town Hall—Miss Louisa Pyne155 &c

**Wednesday 13 November 1867** Went this night with my wife to hear t[he] Brousil Family at theatre. They are clever on t[he] violin. A Miss Whitham<sup>156</sup> sang but she is not very extraordinary.

**Thursday 14 November 1867** To Garstang to report meeting o[f] Board o[f] Guardians & t[he] Highways Board. Got home about a quarter to seven.

**Friday 15 November 1867** Went this forenoon to get particulars of an accident at Messrs McGuffog's Mill. The reservoir there—at rear o[f] place—h[a]d burst & created much alarm as well as caused some damage.<sup>157</sup> Home about 2 in morning.

**Saturday 16 November 1867** To inspection of Riflemen (6th Administrative Battalion) on Preston Marsh. Nearly dusk when it started. Afterwards to

Garden and toured the UK with various opera companies. Roman Catholic. By 1873 he was the proprietor of the Preston Theatre Royal. His costly attempts to raise the tastes of the Preston public were unsuccessful, and he emigrated to Australia, where he sang and taught music, dying in Melbourne in 1905. He is mentioned in James Joyce's short story *The Dead* (*LDP,* 19 September 1905)*.*

<sup>153</sup> Possibly John Howard (b. 1833), draper and undertaker, of Fishergate.

<sup>154</sup> The Family Brousil of Prague, musicians.

<sup>155</sup> Louisa Pyne (1828–1904), soprano and opera impresario.

<sup>156</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>157</sup> Water from the mill reservoir at Oxheys flooded some houses and knocked down the walls of three yards.

a good but roughly arranged dinner given to some of t[he] volunteers at t[he] Exchange. It was 12 at night before t[he] proceedings ended.

**Sunday 17 November 1867** Reading Theodore Parker. At night with wife to Kellett's\* in Kilshaw St[ree]t.

**Monday 18 November 1867** Writing out Saturday's inspection and speeches at dinner afterwards. At night to a Ball in t[he] Exchange with wife in aid of late torchlight procession. Rather a dull affair—the ball. Home before 2 o['cloc]k in morning.

**Tuesday 19 November 1867** Paragraphing and finishing off (what I should have mentioned before) a report of a sermon on behalf of t[he] Pope by Rev Mr Cook, Catholic priest of Bombay.<sup>158</sup> It w[a]s delivered at St Wilfrid's ch[urc]h on Sunday night. There were collections there during the day and at some other places amongst the Catholics in Preston for t[he] Pope on Sunday.159

**Wednesday 20 November 1867** Went to a long meeting about vagrancy to-day at Bull Inn Preston

**Thursday 21 November 1867** Working at yesterdays meeting & meeting wh[ich] I reported of Wesleyans on Tuesday night until about ten

**Friday 22 November 1867** Up soon & working for myself correspondence. Left work at 10.45pm.

**Saturday 23 November 1867** Up at 3.30 this morning & proceeded at 4.45 to Manchester to get particulars of three Fenians (Allen, Gould and Larkin) who were hanged there for murdering Brett.<sup>160</sup>

<sup>158</sup> Possibly Rev Cooke SJ, editor of the *Bombay Catholic Examiner.*

<sup>159</sup> The troops of Pope Pius IX, supported by French troops sent by Napoleon III, had defeated the army of Italian nationalist Garibaldi at the battle of Mentana on 3 November.

<sup>160</sup> William Philip Allen, Michael Larkin, and Michael O'Brien (alias Gould) were hanged on a scaffold built on the wall of New Bailey prison, Salford, before a crowd of 8–10,000. Known as the 'Manchester Martyrs', they were executed for the murder of police sergeant Charles Brett. They were part of a group of 30–40 members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood who attacked a horse-drawn police van carrying two of their arrested leaders, Thomas J. Kelly and Timothy Deasy, to Belle Vue Gaol in Manchester. The policeman was killed by a revolver used to blow the lock of the van.

**Sunday 24 November 1867** Working—writing out part o[f] vagrant meeting.

**Monday 25 November 1867** In afternoon writing out more of vagrancy meeting wh[ich] I had to send to Burnley. Got an order for it.

**Tuesday 26 November 1867** Knocking about. At night went to a meeting o[f] Preston Auxiliary o[f] Religious Tract Society. Wretchedly attended.

**Wednesday 27 November 1867** Writing for myself—not for office until late in t[he] evening. Sent report of vagrancy meeting off this evening, charged £5-5 for it.

**Thursday 28 November 1867** To a big Town Council meeting—'Ribble Scheme' &c discussed.<sup>161</sup> Writing it out till 11 at night. There should have been some fireworks displayed to night, but it is said they got on fire this afternoon & so put an end to t[he] job.

**Friday 29 November 1867** Writing out hard all day. Calculate t[hat] I have written f[or] myself and office this week about 16 columns.

**Saturday 30 November 1867** This forenoon got notice to leave t[he] Preston Guardian as reporter. No specific cause c[oul]d be assigned. I asked the proprietor and he s[ai]d he could not lay his finger on anything particular. He also gave me to understand t[hat] he h[a]d b[ee]n informed I was going to start a general newspaper reporting agency and t[hat] he sh[oul]d be glad to employ me specially in t[hat] capacity when necessary.<sup>162</sup>

<sup>161</sup> A controversial plan to build a new dock for Preston's port on the River Ribble.

<sup>162</sup> Hewitson, now on a month's notice, had probably broken the unwritten rules governing how much freelance work was acceptable during work hours.

# December

**Sunday 1 December 1867** Planning out a new Preston penny newspaper.

**Monday 2 December 1867** Making inquiries as to printing o[f] a new penny newspaper.

**Tuesday 3 December 1867** To B[oar]d o[f] Guardians meeting &c. To opening of Mill Hill Ragged School Exhibition of Works o[f] Art in Corn Exchange. Opened by t[he] Mayor (Mr. Myers).163

**Wednesday 4 December 1867** Making calcula[tio]ns. At night h[a]d a consulta[tio]n w[ith] Mr W Livesey\* as to new paper.

**Thursday 5 December 1867** To Kirkham—meeting of Fylde Union Cattle Plague Insurance Society. About 1½ col[umns]. At night a 'monster display of fireworks' at Preston—opposite Avenham Park by a speculator name Dillon from London. Only a poor affair. Many thousands in Avenham Park &c.

**Friday 6 December 1867** Saw Mr W Dobson\* to-day about buying or taking a share in t[he] Preston Chronicle. 164

**Saturday 7 December 1867** Met Mr Dobson\* again to-day.

**Sunday 8 December 1867** Reading & searching.

**Monday 9 December 1867** Taking it pretty easy. Saw Father Cobb about one of his lectures.

**Tuesday 10 December 1867** Attending Guardians meeting etc.

**Wednesday 11 December 1867** Saw Mr Dobson\* again to-day & learned from him definitely that he and his brother James were disposed to sell the Chronicle.

**Thursday 12 December 1867** To opening of Catholic Church of t[he] English Martyrs at Moor Park, Preston. Afterwards to a luncheon of t[he]

<sup>163</sup> The correct spelling is Myres.

<sup>164</sup> The weekly *Chronicle,* a less radical Liberal paper than the *Guardian,* ranked third out of Preston's four newspapers, its sales far behind the *Guardian* and the Conservative *Herald*.

Roman Catholics at Bull Hotel. On leaving t[he] luncheon proceedings w[a]s introduced to Bishop Goss.\* Afterwards I adjourned with some friends into bar and got "fou & unco happy."<sup>165</sup>

**Friday 13 December 1867** Awfully ill this morning through t[he] alcoholic nonsense of last night. Got up but went back to bed & did not get to office until 2 ½ hours beyond proper time. Presentation to Inspector Withers.<sup>166</sup>

**Saturday 14 December 1867** Father in law\* came over to-night. Had some beer with him.

**Sunday 15 December 1867** Reported sermon of Bishop Goss\* at Roman C[atholic] [church] of t[he] English Martyrs. Afterwards had a beer. Then home. Calculated newspaper affairs in afternoon.

**Monday 16 December 1867** Got an answer from Will Dobson\* this morning w[ith] regard to copyright<sup>167</sup> o[f] t[he] Preston Chronicle. He wanted £300 for it. Agreed to give him the money and to take stock of type and machines connected w[ith] t[he] newspaper at a valuation.

**Tuesday 17 December 1867** Paragraphing

**Wednesday 18 December 1867** Nothing extra

**Thursday 19 December 1867** Same

**Friday 20 December 1867** Same

**Saturday 21 December 1867** Same

**Sunday 22 December 1867** Went to report Father Cobb who gave a lecture at St Wilfrid's. Rodgett\* went w[ith] me.

**Monday 23 December 1867** Working pretty hard. At night reported a meeting in connection w[ith] t[he] Freedmens Aid Union at t[he] Friends

<sup>165</sup> Quotation from Robert Burns's poem, 'Tam O'Shanter'.

<sup>166</sup> James Withers (d. 1901), chief inspector and clerk of the Preston borough police force, who was leaving to become chief constable of Huddersfield.

<sup>167</sup> The right to the newspaper title.

Meeting House, Friargate.<sup>168</sup> Pretty good. Got from work at 1.30 in t[he] morning.

**Tuesday 24 December 1867** The Preston Guardian supplement came out to-day, to-morrow being X[ma]s Day.169 Took matters easy. My brother in law Edw[ar]d Wilson\* from Ashton-u[nder]-L[yne] came this morning with one of his sons.

**Wednesday 25 December 1867** Brother in law &c went away this morning. We spent X[ma]s Day rather slowly, being anxious about business matters. Had for dinner rabbit pie & mince pie. In t[he] evening went w[ith] wife to our sub-editor's (Lawrence\*) & h[a]d tea. After[war]ds cards, beer and whisky with tobacco.

**Thursday 26 December 1867** Pretty easy day. Had a glass of whiskey—X[ma]s glass—at Peter Dickinsons. At night attending to correspondence.

**Friday 27 December 1867** To Annual General Sessions. This w[a]s my last day at the Preston Guardian as reporter. On leaving at night Mr Geo. Toulmin\* proprietor appeared to be very kind—hoped I sh[oul]d h[ave] success, said he had always spoken well o[f] t[he] Chronicle &c.

**Saturday 28 December 1867** Preparing for entering on t[he] Chronicle.

**Sunday 29 December 1867** Reported good lecture of Father Cobb\* on 'The Reign of Reason' in evening at St Wilfrid's.

**Monday 30 December 1867** Looking about for a shop etc. Sent off some particulars about the Fenians. Entered on at t[he] Chronicle as reporter and sub-editor till 23rd o[f] March when I become proprietor. First went as reporter to it in 1858 at 28/- per week.

**Tuesday 31 December 1867** Last day of t[he] old year. At night went to let in the new year at Robert Kellett's\*, Pawnbroker, Kilshaw St[ree]t. Wife w[ith] me. Were well received. Spent two or three pleasant hours.

<sup>168</sup> The National Freedmen's Aid Union of Great Britain and Ireland funded education for freed slaves in the American South.

<sup>169</sup> The *Preston Guardian* mid-week edition or supplement was usually published on a Wednesday.

Fig. 5. Explanation of contractions, and first entry, 1868 diary (Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/1), courtesy of Lancashire Archives, CC BY.

[Letts's Broad One Shilling Diary, 1868]<sup>1</sup>

[Anthony and Margaret Hewitson now had a daughter Florence, aged five, and two sons, Ethelbert, two, and Horace, nearly one year old. Hewitson had just been fired as chief reporter of the *Preston Guardian*  and had rejoined the *Preston Chronicle,* which he had agreed to buy. He was 31 years old.]

[Above first entry:]

Explanations of Contractions


<sup>1</sup> Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/4.

## January

**Wednesday 1 January 1868** Did not feel so very well this morning; having had two or three new year's glasses at Robert Kelletts.\* Anxious about a place for office & shop of Chronicle. How will this year end? It is momentous.

**Thursday 2 January 1868** Working hard. To Garstang picking up news. Learned something o[f] t[he] stagnant way in wh[ich] t[he] Chronicle's circulation had b[ee]n conducted here & made arrangements to alter it. Went to one o[f] t[he] village inns, had two beers, & wrote some paragraphs

**Friday 3 January 1868** Wrote stirring paragraph to-day about some crosses in St Peter's Church, Preston. They were put up—seven o[f] them—in X[ma]s week & pulled down last Tuesday.<sup>2</sup>

**Saturday 4 January 1868** Knocking about & moderately busy.

**Sunday 5 January 1868** To St Peter's Church morning & evening in order to hear if anything was s[ai]d about t[he] crosses. But nothing w[a]s uttered.

**Monday 6 January 1868** Some exaggerated talk about Fenianism in Preston to-day. It w[a]s rumoured t[hat] there had b[ee]n some evil design upon t[he] gasworks & t[he] gaol t[he] night before but it w[a]s nothing.

**Tuesday 7 January 1868** Inquiring about premises o[f] Chronicle. Went to t[he] meeting o[f] Board of G[uardia]ns. Some official revelations about gross negligence of Mr Patterson3 t[he] master o[f] Walton Workhouse who was suspended.4

**Wednesday 8 January 1868** Throng w[ith] ordinary w[o]rk and w[ith] correspondence. At night wrote a leading article about t[he] crosses in St Peter's Church.

<sup>2</sup> A churchwarden had objected to the crosses, part of the Christmas decorations, as smacking of 'Popery': *PC,* 4 January 1868, p5.

<sup>3</sup> Matthew Patterson, no information available.

<sup>4</sup> See 22 January.

**Thursday 9 January 1868** This is t[he] horse fair week. Horses—as per custom—shown in t[he] main streets o[f] t[he] town. It is hoped this will be t[he] last show or fair o[f] t[he] kind.

**Friday 10 January 1868** Very throng. At night—after 10—wrote some short or "stray notes". Got from work at 2.45 in morning.

**Saturday 11 January 1868** Busy w[ith] odds and ends.

**Sunday 12 January 1868** Tired; laid in bed till noon. In afternoon & evening read Theodore Parker "On Religion".<sup>5</sup>

**Monday 13 January 1868** This evening made out some correspondence a/s [accounts]. Afterwards went w[ith] wife to a concert at t[he] Town Hall—a snobby affair. M[a]d[emoise]lle Titiens, Santley etc sang.<sup>6</sup> A splendid pianist named Wehli gave some musical pieces.

**Tuesday 14 January 1868** To Clitheroe to-day to report part o[f] an arbitration case—a costly stupid affair about some flooding. Went w[ith] Mr Garlick<sup>7</sup> t[he] borough treasurer o[f] Preston. Had plenty to eat and drink. Clitheroe is a quaint irregularly built town.

**Wednesday 15 January 1868** Throng at office & home. At night went for 10 minutes to look at second annual ball in connec[tio]n with t[he] Preston Infirmary. A cold finely-got up affair. One lady exposed her bust damnably.<sup>8</sup>

**Thursday 16 January 1868** To a meeting at noon of t[he] donors & subscribers o[f] t[he] Infirmary. Influential affair.

**Friday 17 January 1868** Up at six & wrote portion o[f] leading article. A long—very long—hard day.

<sup>5</sup> See 1 April 1867.

<sup>6</sup> See 22 February 1867.

<sup>7</sup> Edward Garlick (1823–1900), originally a surveyor.

<sup>8</sup> Hewitson condemned this fashion in his 'Stray Notes' column: 'The spirit of that lascivious exposition of physique palpable in Paris is creeping into England … At the last fashionable ball in Preston … there was an over-stepping of the bounds of modesty. The Parisian degeneration was observable' (*PC,* 25 January 1868, p. 4). The incident is also noted on a memo page at the back of this diary, but it's not certain whether Hewitson wrote it.

**Saturday 18 January 1868** Doing some correspondence in t[he] afternoon.

**Sunday 19 January 1868** Reading this af[ternoo]n a medical work on t[he] anti-septic mode o[f] treating diseases.9 It sounded sensible. At night went to report Rev G Gillow<sup>10</sup> at Church o[f] t[he] English Martyrs (Catholic). Wife w[ith] me.

**Monday 20 January 1868** Had Kenyon\* for several hours this night: a literary, poetic and scientific affair.

**Tuesday 21 January 1868** Settled to-day to tenant Messrs. Arrowsmith & Kendal's<sup>11</sup> warehouse (for printing) at £12 a y[ea]r for first y[ea]r and £15 af[terward]s—in Aspinall St[ree]t; also to live in two o[f] their cottages in Gilletts yard for 5/ per w[ee]k; & to have [?] publishing office at Mr Buller's<sup>12</sup> in Fishergate f[or] a time at least.

**Wednesday 22 January 1868** Inquiry into Walton workhouse negligence to-day. A large no. o[f] t[he] boys salivated13 by t[he] governor (Patterson) through rubbing their heads w[ith] blue or mercurial ointment. He h[ad] it w[a]s s[ai]d "bolted" to Peru. Mr Basil Cane14 w[a]s t[he] inquiring official.<sup>15</sup>

**Thursday 23 January 1868** To Garstang to-day. Missed regular train. When just getting into Garstang met a reporter from Guardian who gave me particulars or promised them of some meetings.

**Friday 24 January 1868** Up at 6 writing leading article.

**Saturday 25 January 1868** Very stormy

<sup>9</sup> Probably Joseph Lister, 'Illustrations of the Antiseptic System of Treatment in Surgery', *The Lancet*, 90.2309 (1867), 668–69*.*

<sup>10</sup> Rev George Gillow (1815–1894) was connected to the Lancaster furniture makers of that name.

<sup>11</sup> Robert Arrowsmith and John Kendal were bankers and cotton mill owners.

<sup>12</sup> Evan Caunce Buller (1813–1893), Roman Catholic bookseller, stationer and printer.

<sup>13</sup> 'To produce an unusual secretion of saliva in (a person), generally by the use of mercury' (*OED*).

<sup>14</sup> See 6 November 1866.

<sup>15</sup> In March Patterson was charged in his absence with manslaughter of a boy who died.

**Sunday 26 January 1868** To church o[f] English Martyrs—reporting Rev G Gillow<sup>16</sup> —tonight.

**Monday 27 January 1868** To a meeting at Corn Exchange tonight in favour o[f] closing public houses during t[he] whole o[f] Sunday. I asked some antagonistic questions which t[he] meeting w[a]s too bigoted to hear fairly.

**Tuesday 28 January 1868** To Preston Licensed Victuallers' Association's dinner this night. A good affair as to hospitality; but not much superior speaking. I responded to t[he] press & went in for mercy towards "publicans and sinners".<sup>17</sup>

#### **Wednesday 29 January 1868** Working hard

**Thursday 30 January 1868** To a long town Council meeting at wh[ich] Mr W Gilbertson<sup>18</sup> made a long speech condemnatory of t[he] financial management of Preston Corporation.

**Friday 31 January 1868** Up early writing a leader. Working late. Had sundry beers. Great storm tonight in t[he] country.

<sup>16</sup> See 19 January.

<sup>17</sup> It was customary at formal dinners to drink a toast to the Press, and for a reporter to respond.

<sup>18</sup> William Gilbertson (1827–1886), solicitor, councillor 1864–1871, then alderman; coroner 1874–1886, Conservative agent for the North Lancashire constituency, leader of the controversial 'Ribble scheme' to develop Preston dock, campaigned for a public library (*PH,* 21 April 1886, p. 2). 'Tenacious, hard to master, sharpwitted, critical, rather crotchetty [sic]; looks chilly, methodical, and weather-wise; likes small gossips at the end of Winckley-street; always appears to be in a hurry' (*PTC*).

# February

**Saturday 1 February 1868** Today my brother Tom\* who has b[ee]n "converted" on t[he] bigoted & enthusiastic plan came to see me.19 Stormy.

**Sunday 2 February 1868** To Brownedge Catholic church opening o[f] new tower and spire.<sup>20</sup> A stirring affair. The church is a very pretty one. At night reporting Rev G Gillow.

**Monday 3 February 1868** Bothering about. In forenoon & part o[f] night writing out my prospectus f[or] t[he] Chronicle, &c

**Tuesday 4 February 1868** This forenoon made another arrangement with Mr Kendal<sup>21</sup> for a printing office. Agreed to take t[he] larger place down Baileys yard for £20 a y[ea]r; he to do all repairs. Writing out in af[ternoo]n and evening.

**Wednesday 5 February 1868** Nothing particular

**Thursday 6 February 1868** Appointment of Colonel Bruce<sup>22</sup> to-day as Chief Constable of Lancashire.

**Friday 7 February 1868** Busy

**Saturday 8 February 1868** To a meeting of Royal N[orth] Lanc[a]s[hire] [Agricultural] Society relative to voting mainly for Royal Agricultural Societys show of 1869—proposed to be held at Preston.

**Sunday 9 February 1868** Reporting Rev G Gillow at Church o[f] English Martyrs to-night.

**Monday 10 February 1868** To Madame Lemmens-Sherrington's23 concert in t[he] Guild Hall. Good attendance. Splendid concert.

<sup>19</sup> Probably a religious conversion, common in evangelical Christianity. Previous references suggest Tom had been fond of 'spreeing' (drinking).

<sup>20</sup> Brownedge St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Bamber Bridge, an industrial village south of Preston.

<sup>21</sup> John Kendal (b. 1837), partner in the bank of Roskell, Arrowsmith and Kendal.

<sup>22</sup> Robert Bruce (d. 1899), who had fought in the Crimean War and against the 1857 Indian uprising, later became Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary.

<sup>23</sup> See 22 January 1867.

#### **Tuesday 11 February 1868** Nothing extra

#### **Wednesday 12 February 1868** Ditto

**Thursday 13 February 1868** To meeting of Town Council at which £250 was voted on behalf o[f] Royal Agricultural Society of England's Show at Preston in 1869. At night to a lecture in Fox St[ree]t school by t[he] Rev Mr Gerard24 o[f] Stonyhurst College on Man's Prerogative.

**Friday 14 February 1868** Working ordinarily to-day.

**Saturday 15 February 1868** Shifting furniture from my house in Fishergate Hill (no 48) to Mr Kendall's [sic] cottages—two thrown into one—in Gillett's yard, Fishergate. Rent of cottages combined 5/ per week.

**Sunday 16 February 1868** Went this evening to report Rev G Gillows 5th lecture. An emphatic & closely reasoned affair.

**Monday 17 February 1868** Ordinary business.

**Tuesday 18 February 1868** Same.

**Wednesday 19 February 1868** To re-opening of Garstang parish church today. A nice out. The Bishop of Tennessee<sup>25</sup> preached a sermon most exultant of t[he] Church of England. The Bishop is a learned eloquent preacher.

**Thursday 20 February 1868** To Kirkham today reporting half yearly meeting of t[he] Fylde Water Works Company. Not much doing. Was in t[he] company o[f] some farmers and a cattle jobber<sup>26</sup> afterw[ar]ds.

**Friday 21 February 1868** Working moderately hard.

**Saturday 22 February 1868** I & wife went to "Peoples Concert" at Guild-Hall tonight. Edwin Waugh<sup>27</sup> t[he] Lancashire poet &c was present &

<sup>24</sup> John Gerard (1840–1912) was professor of rhetoric at Stonyhurst.

<sup>25</sup> Charles Todd Quintard (1824–1898).

<sup>26</sup> Cattle trader.

<sup>27</sup> Edwin Waugh (1817–1890), famous writer of Lancashire dialect poetry and prose.

read some o[f] his pieces. He is not a good reader. Takes too much snuff. Not sufficient vivacity.

**Sunday 23 February 1868** Went w[ith] wife today to Five-Barred Gate in Samlesbury. A woman (dead) w[a]s lying there. She h[a]d b[ee]n found under mysterious circumstances.<sup>28</sup>

**Monday 24 February 1868** Had considerable quantity o[f] beer today. Met with a man named Wilson of a literary turn fr[o]m Lytham.

**Tuesday 25 February 1868** Throng working & socialising. Went to Robert Kellett's\* whence wife h[a]d gone & stayed late.

**Wednesday 26 February 1868** Throng.

**Thursday 27 February 1868** To Fylde Waterworks Company's half yearly meeting at Kirkham. Went afterwards to t[he] Railway Inn & saw some boozing cattle dealers.29

**Friday 28 February 1868** To a small meeting o[f] Garstang and Knott End Railway. Meeting at Garstang. The works have been standing f[or] many months but a slight prospect of starting them w[a]s held out.

**Saturday 29 February 1868** This night went with wife to Pablo Fanque's circus in t[he] Orchard.30 Enjoyed ourselves pretty well.

<sup>28</sup> Julia M'Nally, 47-year-old Samlesbury widow, was last seen alive by drinking companion John Hughes at Ha'penny Bridge over the Ribble at 2am, where he paid her bridge toll, but she kept falling over and he was cold, so he left her. Verdict: died of exposure (*PC,* 29 February 1868, p. 5).

<sup>29</sup> The meeting was in fact on 20 February; Hewitson has already recorded these events on the correct day.

<sup>30</sup> Fanque (1796–1871) was Britain's first black circus owner. A poster for his circus inspired the Beatles song 'Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite': '100 Great Black Britons―Pablo Fanque'. https://100greatblackbritons.com/bios/Pablo\_Fanque.htm.

### March

**Sunday 1 March 1868** Spent t[he] day easily. At night h[a]d Peter Dickinson & wife up.

**Monday 2 March 1868** Knocking about & working

**Tuesday 3 March 1868** Ditto

**Wednesday 4 March 1868** Ditto. At night to a rather flashy mediocre amateur performance at Temperance Hall.

**Thursday 5 March 1868** To Lancaster Assizes Justices Mellor31 and Lush32 being t[he] judges.

**Friday 6 March 1868** Again to Lancaster assizes.

**Saturday 7 March 1868** Again to same affair. A man named Nuttall had sentence of death passed upon him to day by Justice Mellor for murdering another man named Duxbury at Burnley.33 J E Gorst MP\* was selected Counsel f[or] t[he] prisoner, who had none himself and made an able speech.

**Sunday 8 March 1868** Having worked fearfully hard this week remained in bed to day till noon. In t[he] evening my friend Butler34 came in.

**Monday 9 March 1868** Knocking about. My mother\* & Brother William35 who h[a]d b[ee]n to see aunt Margaret at Enfield called on returning therefrom. At night they took my daughter Florey\* to Lancaster to stay a while. This w[a]s my son Ethelbert's\* third birthday.

<sup>31</sup> Sir John Mellor (1809–1887).

<sup>32</sup> Sir Robert Lush (1807–1881).

<sup>33</sup> George Nuttall denied murdering John Duxbury at Habergham Eaves on 19 February. The first edition of the *Chronicle* had already been published, so a special late evening edition carried the news.

<sup>34</sup> Possibly Paul Butler (1813–1897), a wealthy Liberal Nonconformist corn merchant.

<sup>35</sup> William Hewitson (1847–1930), employed briefly as reporter by Anthony on the *Preston Chronicle* from April 1868, then on the Toulmins' *Warrington Examiner* as its first reporter, for four months; he went to the *Bury Times*, then the *Manchester Examiner*, as reporter in September 1877, sub-editor in 1889 then chief sub-editor in 1892. He was editor of the *Bury Times* 1892–1900, then sub-editor there. Historian of Bury and Lancaster.

#### **Tuesday 10–Wednesday 18 March 1868** [No entries]

**Thursday 19 March 1868** To Garstang. At night to Johnsons Watch Club.36

**Friday 20–Sunday 22 March 1868** [No entries]

**Monday 23 March 1868** Started as proprietor of the Preston Chronicle today. How will matters end? I am anxious. Good will £300: cost of stock in trade about £280.37

**Tuesday 24–Friday 27 March 1868** [No entries]

**Saturday 28 March 1868** Brought out Chronicle in my own name for first time today. Had a good sale.

**Sunday 29 March 1868** [No entry]

**Monday 30 March 1868** Paid 30/- today for six weeks rent of cottages in Gillett's yard.

**Tuesday 31 March 1868** [No entry]

<sup>36</sup> John Johnson (b. 1825), watchmaker, specialising in railway watches, of Orchard St, Preston. Members of watch clubs saved to buy a watch.

<sup>37</sup> Hewitson paid in instalments until 1873 (brief memoir at back of 1873 diary).

# April

#### **Wednesday 1-Friday 3 April 1868** [No entries]

**Saturday 4 April 1868** Second publication of Chronicle today. Saw the Todmorden murder [sic] (Wetherill) & Droylsden murderer (Flaherty)38 hanged at Manchester this morning. Got out a good 2nd edit[ion]n about it. Awfully tired.39

#### **Sunday 5-Wednesday 8 April 1868** [No entries]

**Thursday 9 April 1868** Presided at a meeting tonight convened to inquire into conduct of a preacher calling himself Nar Kar Wa who was accused of being too fond of women.40

**Good Friday 10 April 1868** Nar Kar War called on me this afternoon. He got a plain talking to by myself.41

#### **Saturday 11-Friday 17 April 1868** [No entries]

**Saturday 18 April 1868** My fourth publication of Chronicle to-day. Good sale. Advertisements & circulation increasing. My Brother William\* came to me to-day as reporter &c

**Sunday 19 April 1868** Reading History of England & Oddfellows' magazine.42

#### **Monday 20 April 1868** Busy

**Tuesday 21 April 1868** Same

<sup>38</sup> Timothy Flaherty battered Mary Hanmer, 36, to death with a poker on Christmas Day. He and Weatherill were the last men publicly hanged outside the New Bailey Prison in Manchester.

<sup>39</sup> Miles Weatherill, a 22-year-old cotton worker, killed Rev Anthony Plow, vicar of Todmorden, and his servant, Jane Smith. Plow had prevented Weatherill from courting another servant, Sarah Bell: 'The Todmorden Vicarage Murder', *Malcolm Bull's Calderdale Companion,* http://www.calderdalecompanion.co.uk/mmv11.html.

<sup>40</sup> See 9 September 1867.

<sup>41</sup> Nar Kar Wa was his preferred spelling.

<sup>42</sup> The Odd Fellows were a friendly society, a membership group providing sickness benefits, pensions and life assurance. Their magazine was edited by Charles Hardwick (1817–1898) of Preston.

**Wednesday 22 April 1868** Went to Great Eccleston Cattle Plague and Pleuro Pneumonia Societies' meetings. Went in a conveyance.43

**Thursday 23 April 1868** Working hard.

#### **Friday 24 April 1868** Ditto

**Saturday 25 April 1868** Ditto—till ten at night. Had a better sale of Chronicles than ever.

**Sunday 26 April 1868** Stayed in bed till 10.30. After[war]ds reading. Then into Bullers44 where I remained till 11.

**Monday 27 April 1868** Busy in morning. In afternoon got out a special edition about defeat of Abyssinians &c.45

**Tuesday 28 April 1868** Had a view through t[he] House of Correc[tio]n46 today.

**Wednesday 29 April 1868** [No entry]

**Thursday 30 April 1868** Long Town Council meeting.

<sup>43</sup> This was a farmers' mutual insurance club, which paid compensation for cattle destroyed to control the disease.

<sup>44</sup> See 21 January.

<sup>45</sup> News had arrived of the British victory, led by General Robert Napier, helped by Indian troops, at the Battle of Magdala (9–13 April). It was a British rescue mission to free missionaries seized by Ethiopian Emperor Tewodros II after his plea for military and technical help had been snubbed.

<sup>46</sup> Prison.

# May

**Friday 1 May 1868** Beautiful day.

#### **Saturday 2-Monday 4 May 1868** [No entries]

**Tuesday 5 May 1868** Roskell, Arrowsmith & Kendalls Bank suspended payment this morning.47

**Wednesday 6-Thursday 7 May 1868** [No entries]

**Friday 8 May 1868** A meeting of Roskell, Arrowsmith & Kendall's creditors today. A dividend of 11/6 in pound declared.48 Bank ordered to be wound up by deed of assignment.

#### **Saturday 9 May 1868** [No entry]

**Sunday 10 May 1868** Went to hear Joseph Barker49 preach in Saul St[ree]t Primitive Methodist Chapel.

**Monday 11 May 1868** Discharged my foreman (James Holt<sup>50</sup>) today. He w[a]s too fond of drink, too slow, & too lax in authority. Looked through House of Correction today.

**Tuesday 12-Saturday 16 May 1868** [No entries]

**Sunday 17 May 1868** Reading Thomas a Kempis,<sup>51</sup> Emerson and killing cockroaches.

**Monday 18-Sunday 31 May 1868** [No entries]

<sup>47</sup> The partners of this private bank were from distinguished Roman Catholic families, including a descendant of the martyr Edmund Arrowsmith; most of its depositors were Catholics (Globe 4 May 1868, p. 3; Records of the Catholic Record Society Vol 6: Miscellanea 5 (1909), p. 118).

<sup>48</sup> Depositors received 57.5 per cent of their money.

<sup>49</sup> Joseph Barker (1806–1875), preacher, magazine publisher and controversialist, who dabbled with atheism and Chartism before returning to Methodism.

<sup>50</sup> Holt had worked for the *Chronicle* for 28 years, and in April the Dobsons, previous owners of the paper, had presented a gift to Mrs Holt as a mark of respect for her husband's 'faithful services', wishing the Holts 'happiness and prosperity in the future' (*PC,* 4 April 1868, p. 5).

<sup>51</sup> Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380–1471), German author of popular devotional book *The Imitation of Christ*, first published in English 1504.

### June

**Whit Monday 1 June 1868** Great Demonstrations in Preston.<sup>52</sup>

**Whit Tuesday** *2* **June 1868** Went to Goosnargh with wife & Horace my son. Mrs Buller53 went with us. Very beautiful out.

**Wednesday 3 June 1868** Some rioting between Orangemen & Irish.54

**Thursday 4-Monday 8 June 1868** [No entries]

**Tuesday 9 June 1868** Got a new foreman to-day named Lamb55 from Edinburgh

**Wednesday 10-Tuesday 16 June 1868** [No entries]

**Wednesday 17 June 1868** Went to laying of Foundation of Royal Albert Idiot Asylum at Lancaster,<sup>56</sup> by Earl of Zetland.<sup>57</sup> A somewhat brilliant affair.

**Thursday 18-Saturday 20 June 1868** [No entries]

**Sunday 21 June 1868** Laid in bed—having worked very hard—till 4 o'[cloc]k this afternoon. In evening to Cannon St[ree]t Independent Chapel.

#### **Monday 22-Tuesday 30 June 1868** [No entries]

<sup>52</sup> See 5 June 1865.

<sup>53</sup> Jane Buller (1811–1890).

<sup>54</sup> Anti-Catholic sentiment was at its height this year, stoked by debates over the Church of England's privileged position as the state church. After some minor trouble during the traditional Whit parades on Monday, on Tuesday two English Protestant men went into the Irish district of Preston around Milton St and Cragg's Row known as 'Paddy's Rookery' (a rookery was a slum), trying to start fights, unsuccessfully. On the Wednesday a Protestant mob went there, and fights broke out between them and the Irish residents. Hewitson's report, probably the source of the front-page picture of the *Illustrated Police News* (13 June 1868), wrongly mentioned a gun. The incident was national news.

<sup>55</sup> A John Lamb, aged 29, joined the Preston branch of the Typographical Association in August 1868 (minute book 1867–1877, Lancashire Archives DDX/104/ACC9666/ box 9).

<sup>56</sup> The 'Royal Albert Asylum for idiots and imbeciles of the seven northern counties' opened in 1870, to house children with learning disabilities, funded by public donations.

<sup>57</sup> Thomas Dundas, second Earl of Zetland (1795–1873), Yorkshire nobleman, politician and prominent Freemason.

# July

#### **Wednesday 1-Friday 17 July 1868** [No entries]

**Saturday 18 July 1868** Entered upon shop 24½ Fishergate—rent till May next after rate58 of £90 a y[ea]r. Afterwards £115.

**Sunday 19-Friday 31 July 1868** [No entries]

#### August

#### **Saturday 1-Friday 14 August 1868** [No entries]

**Saturday 15 August 1868** half y[ea]r for rent of house 48 Fishergate Hill.59

[No further diary entries this year]

Fig. 6. Advertisement for Hewitson's freelance reporting work, *Preston Chronicle*  19 September 1868, p.4, listing some of the publications for whom he wrote.

<sup>59</sup> Hewitson let his house to a Mr Parkinson (see note on next page).

[At back of diary in pencil, on memo page for November, may not be Hewitson's writing:]

Lady's bust Jan 15th

[Inside back cover, in pencil in Hewitson's writing]

[calculations]

Mr Parkinson entered on as tenant of our house no 48, Fishergate Hill, Preston, February 17th 1868. Rent £25 a year; tenant to pay all rates.

[Blackwood's Larger Desk Diary No. 5 1872 (Leap Year)]<sup>1</sup>

[Inside front cover, in Hewitson's hand:] Diary of Anthony Hewitson For 1872

[In another hand:]

Now the property of his grandson Robert Hewitson Blackmore, 14 Florizel Street, Burwood, Vic

[Hewitson was probably too busy to keep a diary from August 1868 to January 1872, running the *Preston Chronicle* alongside freelance reporting, job printing (of one-off texts such as posters, pamphlets, price lists) and a stationery and bookselling business. He was now 35 years old. He and Margaret Hewitson had four children (a fifth, Amy, had died after three months in 1870). They lived in a rented house behind the *Chronicle*  office in Gillett's Yard off Fishergate, while letting out their house on Fishergate Hill. Margaret's brother, Joseph Wilson, lived with them and worked for Hewitson as an apprentice printer. Hewitson improved the *Chronicle,* claiming in an 1868 advert that 'THE PRESTON CHRONICLE contains more Original Articles, more Letters, and more Selections for Literary Readers, than any other local paper' and that 'THE PRESTON CHRONICLE is the only local paper which dare speak out boldly on all subjects'. This was all true, as he wrote opinionated articles under his 'Atticus' pen-name about local public figures, including priests and

<sup>1</sup> Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/5.

parsons, which annoyed many people but sold newspapers (in the same 1868 advert he claimed to have added 1100 copies a week to the paper's sales in the first three months of his ownership).<sup>2</sup>

In the 1868 General Election, a group of Preston Liberals led by Hewitson's former employer, George Toulmin,\* put up two candidates for Preston's two seats, Lord Edward Howard3 and Joseph Leese;4 another Liberal faction, led by Hewitson, put up a third Liberal candidate, James German,<sup>5</sup> but was forced to withdraw him, to avoid splitting the Liberal vote; both Liberals lost, and Hewitson was blamed.<sup>6</sup>

In 1869 Hewitson republished his series of irreverent 'reviews' of local churches as a book, *Our Churches & Chapels, Their Parsons, Priests & Congregations*. In March 1870, Hewitson's printers went on strike over the dismissal of two men, the over-use of cheap apprentices and the employment of a non-union man.<sup>7</sup> A few months later he went head-to-head with Toulmin\* in a minor newspaper 'war'. The Franco-Prussian War stimulated huge public demand for war news, because of invasion fears. Scores of new evening newspapers sprang up around the UK, including two in Preston: one published by Hewitson, the other by Toulmin, who soon added a morning paper. After four weeks of bitter rivalry, Hewitson admitted defeat and closed his *Preston Evening Express,* while the Toulmins' *Preston Evening News* continued until 1871.<sup>8</sup> Hewitson continued with his weekly *Chronicle,* publishing another series of highly personal articles on local councillors as a book, *Preston Town Council, or, Portraits of Local Legislators.* In 1871 he began a second

<sup>2</sup> *PC,* 8 Aug 1868, p. 4.

<sup>3</sup> Edward George Fitzalan-Howard, first Baron Howard of Glossop (1818–1883), second son of the Duke of Norfolk, from one of England's leading Roman Catholic families.

<sup>4</sup> Joseph Francis Leese (1845–1914) of Altrincham in Cheshire, barrister and first-class cricketer, he was MP for Accrington in East Lancashire 1892–1910.

<sup>5</sup> James German (1820–1901) was from a wealthy Preston family with interests in cotton mills in the town. Barrister, a major in the 3rd Royal Lancashire Militia, Preston mayor 1849–1850, at the age of 29. Made three unsuccessful attempts to become Liberal MP for Preston. He moved to Sevenoaks, Kent, in 1867. His daughter Marion married William Cooper, son of Hewitson's friend John Cooper.\*

<sup>6</sup> *PH,* 12 September 1868, p. 3.

<sup>7</sup> Minutes of special meeting, 16 March 1870, Preston Typographical Association minutes book 1867–1877, Lancashire Archives DDX104 box 9.

<sup>8</sup> *PC,* 9 April 1870; Andrew Hobbs, 'Preston's Nineteenth-Century Newspaper Wars', *Bulletin of Local and Family History* 5 (2012): 41–47. Hewitson claimed that his *Preston Evening Express* sold 8,000 copies per day (advertisement, *PC* 30 July 1870, p. 5).

series of church reviews, 'Our Country Churches & Chapels'. Reader reaction in the small town of Garstang was extreme: they displayed a straw effigy of Hewitson in the market place, carried it around the town in a procession led by a band, and then set fire to it.9 ]

<sup>9</sup> '"Atticus's" effigy burnt at Garstang', *PH,* 11 Nov 1871.

#### January

**Monday 1 January 1872** I thank God that I have lived to the beginning of another year. For about four years I have not kept a diary. May this be kept as faithfully as it is judicious to keep such a record. I saw the new year in this morning, with my wife. When the big bell of the Town=hall struck 12 I kissed her and wished her a happy new year. To bed at 12.15. Up at 8.45. Throng\* writing making accounts square. Closed shop at 5. Had a glass of beer with a friend. Working with accounts till near ten. Supper pie and beer. Bed at 5m to 12.

**Tuesday 2 January 1872** Up at 10 minutes before 8. To printers' room, and found fault; some of younger end being late. At 10 o'c[loc]k to County Court; got a commitment summons out for £3-13-10 against J B Hastie,<sup>10</sup> formerly of Alston College, now of Oakham Gram[mar] School. Met on coming back with J Crombleholme<sup>11</sup> and another. C. would treat\* me. Went into Horse Shoe, Church Street and had one and a half glass of gin and bitters and two squibs<sup>12</sup> of peppermint. Then to work. Bought today for 7s a book about "Noble Thoughts".13 Ceased work at 10.30 at night. Had a glass and half of beer and a pie. Smoked a pipe; then bed.

**Wednesday 3 January 1872** Out of bed about same time as yesterday morning. "On duty" in office quickly after eight and revising Tyldesley's Diary MS14 till close upon nine. Making out bills almost the entire day.

<sup>10</sup> Joseph Burns Hastie, former principal of Ibrox Park Academy, Glasgow had taught science at Alston College; by 1872 he was a sub-warden of Oakham Grammar School, Rutland (Bevan, Phillips. *The Teachers' List*. London: Edward Stanford, 1872. http://archive.org/details/teacherslist00bevagoog). He had a habit of leaving debts unpaid (*PH,* 28 August 1869, p. 10).

<sup>11</sup> Joseph Crombleholme (1827–1885), friend, Roman Catholic potato merchant who had begun handloom weaving at eight or nine in Blackburn. A 'well read man, with fine natural capacity' (diary, 27 December 1885). A Liberal, he was involved in the Central Working Men's Club and the free library movement. Frequent writer of letters to local papers, although his first submission was rejected because the editor did not believe a working man could write so well (obit, *PH,* 30 December 1885).

<sup>12</sup> Squib: A small measure.

<sup>13</sup> Probably *Noble Thoughts in Noble Language: A Collection of Wise and Virtuous Utterances, in Prose and Verse, From the Writings of the Known Great and the Great Unknown*, ed. by Henry Southgate (London: Ward, Lock, and Tyler, 1871), https:// archive.org/details/noblethoughtsinn00soutrich/.

<sup>14</sup> *The Tyldesley Diary: Personal Records of Thomas Tyldesley (Grandson of Sir Thomas Tyldesley, the Royalist) During the Years 1712-13-14*, ed. by Joseph Gillow and Anthony Hewitson (Preston: A. Hewitson, 1873), https://archive.org/details/tyldesleydiary

Sessions today. Bench warrants<sup>15</sup> got out against some men who broke into old Thornton's16 house at Ferneyhalgh last Saturday evening (Right of property question).<sup>17</sup> Working on ledger till about 11 o'c[loc]k Exceedingly windy to=night. Pint and a half of beer to supper. A pipe. Thinking a little. Bed at 12 o'c[loc]k.

**Thursday 4 January 1872** Began work at 15 past 8 this morning. Finished at 23½ minutes to 12 at night. Too long to work. This afternoon servant Grace18 set a screen on fire; a terrible din, made up of screaming followed. The fire was put out. Clock is striking 12. A pipe and to bed.

**Friday 5 January 1872** Laid in bed till 8.30 this morning. Looked through letters; sub=edited; then proceeded with writing remainder of description of Newhouse Catholic Chapel,19 which I began last night. Next proceeded with a leader,\* on Municipal corruption, which I wrote in three hours. Subsequently read proofs;\* and then wrote a column of Stray Notes.<sup>20</sup> Had three glasses of beer during the night. Finished work at 2 o'c[loc]k in morning.

**Saturday 6 January 1872** Rose at about 9.30 in morning. Got 2nd edition ready. In house and shop all day excepting about 20 minutes. To bed about 11.30; having finished work an hour before that time.

**Sunday 7 January 1872** Went, with W Harding's son Joe,<sup>21</sup> through Whittle to Wheelton. Went then to South Hill Chapel; then to Heapey Church. Had dinner at Peter Todd's.<sup>22</sup> Went to Freechurch there at Wheelton in afternoon.23 Had tea at P Todds.24 Home at 10.15 night.

p00attigoog. Before republication in book form, this appeared weekly in the *Chronicle*.

<sup>15</sup> Arrest warrants issued by a judge or magistrates.

<sup>16</sup> James Thornton (1812–1876), wine merchant.

<sup>17</sup> Cornelius Parish had enlisted 20–30 friends to take back what he believed was his property, the land on which wine merchant Mr Thornton had built a new house, The Mount, Fernyhalgh (*PC,* 6 January 1872, p. 5).

<sup>18</sup> Possibly Grace Gorst (b. 1855), from Nether Kellet near Lancaster.

<sup>19</sup> Part of a series, 'Our Country Churches & Chapels', further irreverent 'reviews' of churches, their congregations and ministers.

<sup>20</sup> An opinion column.

<sup>21</sup> Probably Joseph Harding (b. 1845), surveyor and estate agent, of Lune St, son of William Harding (1811–1880), who ran livery stables and a taxi service from Pitt St.

<sup>22</sup> Peter Todd (1816–1874) of Prospect House, Wheelton near Chorley, mill owner.

<sup>23</sup> Hewitson was gathering material for 'Our Country Churches & Chapels'.

<sup>24</sup> Todd was a mill owner, and founder of the 'free church', at Wheelton near Chorley. Both the mill and the church were praised (*PC,* 20 January 1872, p. 6).

**Monday 8 January 1872** Working at ledger all day. At night got a ticket for Broughton. By some means got into a wrong train which went to Lancaster without stopping. Explained myself to station master. Afterwards saw brother-in-law John Wilson\* and wife.<sup>25</sup> Had a glass of ale with them at railway station. Left Lancaster—a dim, forgotten looking old town about 8 o'c[loc]k, and landed at Preston in about half an hour. Swift travelling. To bed—after some work—at 11.30.

**Tuesday 9 January 1872** Up at 8.30. Bothering away all day with bill making. Finished work at 9.45 at night. Had three glasses of beer. Much of the beer of this age is infamously bad; and I have had some of it tonight. All adulterators of food and drink will have to repent much or be damned—for a period. To bed at 11.30; having previously just smoked a pipe of tobacco.

**Wednesday 10 January 1872** In workroom by 8.15 this morning. Sub editing\* first; afterwards in books. Fishergate busy today; it being one of chief days of "Great Saturday Horse Fair". Glass of beer at 8.30 at night; another at supper—10 o'clock. To bed at 11.20. Night cold and stormy.

**Thursday 11 January 1872** At 9.30 this morning went to Whittle and South Hill and Wheelton. Looked into Whittle School and Church; into South Hill ditto. Had refreshment with Rev T Tobin<sup>26</sup> of South Hill the priest, a good Irishman; had dinner with Mr P Todd,<sup>27</sup> at Prospect House. Afterwards went to Slate Delph and saw old Catholic Chapel there. Then looked through Mr Todd's mill. Home at 6; writing; bed 12.

**Friday 12 January 1872** Did not stir out of bed till 8.30. Why should a man kill himself? Firing into work—writing for paper—all day till 11 at night. Finished early, and got to bed at two o'clock.

**Saturday 13 January 1872** Rose at 9 o'c[loc]k. Prepared second edition. Worked energetically in office and shop till 7 at night. Then went out to a book sale—across street—and bought a copy of Smedley's

<sup>25</sup> Mary Ann Wilson née Cordingley (d. 1872).

<sup>26</sup> Rev. Thomas Tobin (1818–1888), 'a middle-aged gentleman with a full round face …pleasant in disposition, pacific in temperament, has a fair stock of foresight and shrewdness' (*OCCC*).

<sup>27</sup> See 7 January.

**Sunday 14 January 1872** At home all day. In afternoon Mr Bakewell,29 schoolmaster, came and had tea; at night William France\* and wife (shoemaker) came; had wine and spirits—rather too much. France got very merry and would kiss our servant.

**Monday 15 January 1872** Not so very well today. This forenoon, an old school mate at Ingleton (Rev S Hartley,30 curate of Holme, Westmorland) called at office. Afterwards walked out with him. Left him at 2 o'c[loc]k in afternoon. At night went by train to Broughton and then to John Hawkins's31 —Newsham House. Had a chat with John and wife,32 and then went upstairs to see their son James33 who is ill. Had some beer and a black pudding—a heavy dose, grand to dream on. Home at 9; working till 10. Had a deputation of printers to see me;34 a glass of beer; bed at a quarter to 11 o'c[loc]k—tired.

<sup>28</sup> John Smedley, *Practical Hydropathy: Including Plans of Baths and Remarks on Diet, Clothing, and Habits of Life* (London: Kendrick & Horsell, 1858).

<sup>29</sup> Thomas Jackson Bakewell, Master of Christ Church boys' day school until 1864, when he reopened Preston Commercial School, Knowsley St; he was still head of the Commercial School in 1879. Author of *Bakewell's Exercises in Simple and Compound Rules of Arithmetic* and *History of the Preston Church of England Middle Class School, known as "The Commercial School"* (Preston 1892).

<sup>30</sup> Rev. Samuel Hartley MA (1837–1922), became vicar of Sawrey and then Crosby-on-Eden.

<sup>31</sup> John Hawkins (1792–1873), friend, former handloom weaver who became a wealthy Preston mill owner, lived at Newsham House, Broughton. Former councillor, 'he was not brilliant, but he was plodding', a lifelong Liberal, magistrate, loved music―when young played the 'clarionette' at Heapey church, and once walked from there to Manchester and back (a 50-mile round trip) to buy an instrument, and later had an organ built in his house (*PC,* 26 April 1873, p. 5). Owned Greenbank Mills.

<sup>32</sup> Ann Hawkins, née Wilson (1816–1886).

<sup>33</sup> James Hawkins (1844–1872).

<sup>34</sup> The deputation was sent by a special meeting of the Preston branch of the printers' union, the Typographical Association, to ask that Hewitson pay extra for night work, and to check whether he was employing more than the agreed number of apprentices. 'The deputation reported that Mr Hewitson was inclined to give the night money in certain conditions, and that he would give a positive answer the following Monday; also that the two extra apprentices were in place of two who in a few weeks' time would be taken altogether to learn reporting, and who would

**Tuesday 16 January 1872** My two lads—Berty\* and Horace\*—were taken to Lancaster to my fathers;\* daughter Florence having shown decided symptoms of scarlet rash, which I suspect she caught at school. Wife back at 10.45 at night. To bed about 12 o'c[loc]k.

**Wednesday 17 January 1872** Working in shop all day. At night at 8 went to a meeting which I and Ned Ambler,\* printer, had convened, at White Horse Friargate, to consider propriety of having a Stipendiary Magistrate35 appointed for Preston. Only four—self, Ambler, Tom Banks36 and Mr Bakewell\* who took the chair—present. We discussed question, had 3 glasses of drink each and decided to have a town's meeting. Afterwards scarcely got any sleep all night, through daughter Florence being ill. Being a child I slept with her.

**Thursday 18 January 1872** Working hard all day; but only in poor trim—starved,\* achy, badly. Writing from nine till 12 at night on Heapey Church. Florey somewhat better; hope I shall sleep well.

**Friday 19 January 1872** To work by 9 in morning. Not well; but had to "go on" working till ten minutes past five on Saturday morning. What a "blessed" struggle for existence this is! And yet let me not grumble. Work is tiresome when excessive; but bad health is worse.

**Saturday 20 January 1872** To bed, as before intimated, at 5.10 this morning. Slept confusedly and dreamed much. Rose at 10. Worked hard all day. New covered market contract re=let to Bennett & Co, West Bromwich for £6250—with materials on site—today.37 Read a little and gossiped at night. Bed 11.45.

not follow the printing profession at all' (Preston branch Typographical Association minute book 1867–1877, Lancaster Archives DDX 104/ACC9666/Box 9).

<sup>35</sup> A leading article in favour of a stipendiary magistrate appeared in the *Chronicle* of 27 January. Most magistrates, presiding over lower criminal courts, were unpaid, untrained volunteers; the salary of a professional stipendiary magistrate came from local taxation. The campaign was unsuccessful.

<sup>36</sup> Thomas Banks (d. 1896), secretary of the Spinners and Minders' Association (cotton workers' union) from 1854, during the lock-out, into the 1880s.

<sup>37</sup> A new market structure had collapsed during construction in 1870.

**Sunday 21 January 1872** Up at 9.45 this morning. At 10.40 had a Turkish bath, at Singleton's,38 Grimshaw Street. Stayed 2 hours. Paid one shilling. Writing and working remainder of day. To bed about 11 o'clock.

**Monday 22 January 1872** My wife went to Manchester to buy Valentines today, and I looked after shop and accounts.39 Went to a meeting about Town Hall newsroom at noon.40 It was rather noisy. A resolution reducing subscription (annual) from 30/ to 20/ a year passed. In evening went to Manders's Menagerie. Didn't care much for it—awfully crowded. Then went with brother in law Joe41 to meet my wife, at railway station. Working till 4 o'clock.

**Tuesday 23 January 1872** In office and shop all day. At night went with wife and Mr Bakewell,\* schoolmaster, to Manders's Menagerie—saw wild beasts, fierce, poor, stinking things out of their element; came home and worked till about 10.30.

**Wednesday 24 January 1872** Shop work in morning. In afternoon to Scorton, by train; collected an account, walked to Garstang, had a glass of gin at Royal Oak, collected an account, walked to the old station, about 2 miles off—the engine of junction line having broken down; home at 6.20. Working; then to a Stipendiary Magistrate meeting at White Horse which did not take place (only myself and Bakewell\* present); home; working till 12 at night.

**Thursday 25 January 1872** To a Town Council meeting at 11. Long much talk about railway amalgamation and police force mastery. Reported meeting—dictated it to one of my reporters afterwards.

<sup>38</sup> William Singleton (d. 1896) had been a beerseller before opening Preston's first Turkish bath in Grimshaw Street, part of a network of more than 30, inspired by David Urquhart (1805–1877). Urquhart also initiated anti-Russian Foreign Affairs Committees. He encouraged his committeemen to open baths as a good in themselves, but also to support their families and provide meeting places for political activities. The Turkish Bath movement had links with atheism (secularism), temperance, the co-operative movement and vegetarianism. Singleton was an inveterate letter-writer to local papers, under the pen-name 'Saxon': Malcolm Shifrin, *Victorian Turkish Baths* (Historic England, 2015); *PH,* 6 December 1871, p. 2.

<sup>39</sup> Margaret Hewitson ran a stationery business associated with the *Chronicle.*

<sup>40</sup> The Exchange Newsroom was a private room for reading newspapers and conducting business.

<sup>41</sup> Joseph R. Wilson (b. 1855), younger brother of Margaret Hewitson.

Worked till about 12 o'clock. Had a quart of beer during the night. To bed about one.

**Friday 26 January 1872** Writing all day. To bed at 3 in the morning.

**Saturday 27 January 1872** Up at 9.50 in morning. Wife off to see my two lads at Lancaster. Thence she will go to Morecambe where her sister Mary\* has to be married on Monday. Finished work at 10.30 night. Went across to Will France's,\* had a pipe and a glass; to bed at a quarter to one. Sad late hours.

**Sunday 28 January 1872** Out of bed about 11 in morning. Reading books on spiritualism and sleeping between in afternoon. At night went and had a chat and supper with Mrs Clemmey42 in Church Street.

**Monday 29 January 1872** My wife is today at the wedding of her sister Mary\* with one Mr Overend43 at Morecambe. I know him not. I hope the marriage will be a prosperous one; I think it will not. Was much pressed to go to it, to make fun for the company but I have no right to be the "fool" of any company. Worked very hard all day and had sundry glasses of ale at night. A pipe; bed at 11.30.

**Tuesday 30 January 1872** Did not get up till 9 am. Am determined except on special occasions not to get up soon when I cannot get to bed till late. Very hard at work in shop and office all day till 10 at night. My wife came back tonight, with a long account about the wedding affair at Morecambe yesterday. There appears to have been big doings at Morecambe—shouting, drinking, headaches. All night. A pipe. To bed about 11.30.

**Wednesday 31 January 1872** Rose about 8.30. Attending to shop and books till late. Brother-in-law Edward Wilson\* from Ashton-under-Lyne called on his way from wedding proceedings at Morecambe. Sent our servant (a big, brawny, stupid, lecherous lass called Grace, from Kellett) away today. She let my daughter Ada fall off a table and I "blew

<sup>42</sup> Sarah Clemmey (1806–1872), widowed boot and shoemaker. Hewitson described her as 'one of the best read women we ever met with' in a fond obituary (*PC,* 2 November 1872, p. 5).

<sup>43</sup> Edward Overend of Dovercourt, Essex. Mary died in 1874.

up" and this ended in the Kellett lump of flesh and blood going. To a meeting at White Horse at night about Stipendiary Magistrate business. To bed at 12.52.

### February

**Thursday 1 February 1872** Doing ordinary work in office and shop till night when I began of my last article on Country Churches and Chapels—started at 10 and went on till one o'c[loc]k. Bed, having had divers glasses of beer during evening.

**Friday 2 February 1872** Not so very well. Rose little before nine. Writing nearly all day. A new servant came tonight—the widow of a soldier. She seems sharp and tidy; but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

**Saturday 3 January 1872** Finished work shortly before 4 o'c[loc]k this morning. To bed soon afterwards. Up at 10. To Lancaster for my two lads in evening. On arriving went up to Asylum and saw Joe Hargreaves,44 once a reporter at Lancaster and Preston. He knew me at once, though he had not seen me for about 7 years. Slept at my father's\* house.

**Sunday 4 February 1872** Laid in bed till 9.40. To Primitive Methodist Chapel at 10.30. In afternoon to Brother in law John Wilson's.\* A fine wonderful—display of Northern lights this evening. Slept at my fathers.

**Monday 5 February 1872** Left Lancaster with my two lads Ethelbert and Horace at 18 minutes after ten this forenoon. Got home safely. Working hard till a quarter past 10 at night. Stormy weather. I have a line or two to spare and this reminds me of Joe Hargreaves;45 he seems hopelessly melancholy—remotely caused by a wild life and a small brain; and immediately hopeless through a poor moral organisation. This is to be regretted. To bed at 11 o'clock.

**Tuesday 6 February 1872** Out of bed at 8.45. Directing circulars, looking after a/cs [accounts] &c all day. At night went to a concert at Town Hall—Herr Hageymer's.46 Large audience—several got in free—singing and playing good; but there were children in the programme and I have no faith in clever children ("Soon ripe, soon rotten"). My two lads went this evening to a juvenile party at Mr Mercer's.47

<sup>44</sup> Joseph Hargreaves (b. 1835) was in Whittingham Asylum near Preston by the 1911 Census. He had reported for The *Lancaster Guardian* in 1861 (*Lancaster Gazette* 19 January 1861, p. 9).

<sup>45</sup> See 3 January.

<sup>46</sup> Violinist Roni Hagemeyer, aged eight.

<sup>47</sup> There was a Roman Catholic butcher, Charles Frederick Mercer (b. 1836) of Church St, who attended St Walburge's church.

**Wednesday 7 February 1872** Shop and office work all day. At night went with my wife and two sons Bertie and Horace to see "the two headed nightingale" at Corn Exchange. The curiosity consisted of two American negresses, back to back—joined solidly at the back—a misfit of twins.48 They were intelligent, sang nicely, and were very active in their movements. The exhibition also consisted of a giant and giantess—two very big people—and a reputed dwarf. I care not for these monstrosities. Nature is the standard.

**Thursday 8 February 1872** Reading copy,49 correcting &c all day. At night went to a Stipendiary Magistrate meeting at Albert hotel. Stayed till ten, had a pint of beer; afterwards called at Shelley Arms and had a glass of ale. Home; worked for half an hour; to bed about 11.30.

**Friday 9 February 1872** Writing most part of day. Finished work shortly after two in morning.

**Saturday 10 February 1872** Selling papers all day. At night took matters very easy.

**Sunday 11 February 1872** Stayed in bed till noon. In evening engaged writing out report of Preston Floral and Horticultural Society.

**Monday 12 February 1872** Finished Floral & Horticultural Society report and got 10/6 for it.<sup>50</sup> In evening went to Newsham House and saw James Hawkins. At 11 o'clock went with my wife to Artillery Volunteer serjeants' [sic] ball at Corn Exchange.<sup>51</sup> Stayed till about two; home; bed. Had numerous glasses.

**Tuesday 13 February 1872** Considerably "seedy" all day. In forenoon went to County Court—got an order for commitment to prison of J B

<sup>48</sup> Millie and Christine McKoy (1851–1912) were American conjoined twins born into slavery and sold three times before they were six. Their father bought and bequeathed them the plantation on which they were born: Ellen Samuels, 'Examining Millie and Christine McKoy: Where Enslavement and Enfreakment Meet', *Signs*, 37.1 (2011), 53–81, https://doi.org/10.1086/660176.

<sup>49</sup> Written or printed editorial or advertising.

<sup>50</sup> This was probably an official report for the society, rather than journalism.

<sup>51</sup> The volunteer movement of military reserves began in the 1860s, from fear of a French invasion.

Hastie for debt: he owes me about £4.<sup>52</sup> The order was for 16 days. Also got an immediate order against Dr Porter of Tarleton53 for about £1.5. Finished work at 10.35 pm. Supper; two glasses and a half of beer; pipe; bed.

**Wednesday 14 February 1872** My wife throng all day with Valentine selling. At night (I had worked all day) went to a Stipendiary Magistrate meeting which, through bad attendance, was adjourned sine die. 54 Home at 10.20. Working till 11; then to bed.

**Thursday 15 February 1872** To work about 9. Read last proofs of "Country Churches & Chapels" today and wrote preface.<sup>55</sup> Looked after two advertisements, gossiped, wasted a little time, and after revising letters to editor went to bed at 1.25 am.

**Friday 16 February 1872** In the office working from 9 in morning till 2 next morning. Finished printing my Country Churches and Chapels today.

**Saturday 17 February 1872** Working from 10.30 to 2.30 in afternoon. At 3.30 went to a meeting of master printers to consider application from workmen for a reduction of hours and more money. It was decided to reduce weekly working hours to 54. Application for advance of wages not granted. A masters' association formed today.

**Sunday 18 February 1872** Got up about 11 o'c[loc]k. In afternoon taught children Channings Catechism<sup>56</sup> and read Paynes Age of Reason.57 At night had supper with my wife at Mrs Clemmey's.

**Monday 19 February 1872** Making out bills and plodding about all day. At night went with my wife to Theatre. Saw Mad[emoise]lle Colonna &

<sup>52</sup> See 2 January.

<sup>53</sup> John Dunn Porter (1842–1873).

<sup>54</sup> Indefinitely.

<sup>55</sup> This was for the book version of the weekly series.

<sup>56</sup> William Ellery Channing (1780–1842) was an American Unitarian minister. His catechism for children followed the standard question-and-answer format in its statement of belief, but put less emphasis on sin than traditional catechisms.

<sup>57</sup> This pamphlet, published in 1794, attacked traditional Christianity.

Troupe dance.<sup>58</sup> Was disgusted. It was all damnable and most indecent leg-flinging—unwomanly—and calculated to simply inflame licentious passion.

**Tuesday 20 February 1872** Looking after bills and trying to get money in. Slapped my daughter Florence well for disobeying her mother. At night had a pint of beer and revised a portion of the Tyldesley Diary.59 Supper—bread and cheese and ale; a pipe of tobacco; bed.

**Wednesday 21 February 1872** In the house and shop all day. Much of my time occupied with making out bills. Alderman John Rawcliffe\* came and had a chat with me in forenoon. Working till about 10 at night. Bed at 11.

**Thursday 22 February 1872** Busy with office and shop affairs all day. At night sent off proofs of Tyldesley Diary, for corrections,60 to Dr Goss,<sup>61</sup> Major Fishwick,<sup>62</sup> Rev. Mr Bannister63 of Pilling, and Mr Pearson64 of Milnrow. Had a glass of beer; then another at Shelley Arms, and about half a one at home. To bed at 11.40.

**Friday 23 February 1872** Miscellaneous work in forenoon. In afternoon and at night leader\* and "Stray Note" writing.

<sup>58</sup> Mademoiselle Colonna (real name Amelia Newman) and her troupe were infamous for doing the shocking, high-kicking can-can. In his newspaper Hewitson accepted an advert for the show and published a short neutral review.

<sup>59</sup> See 3 January.

<sup>60</sup> Hewitson and local Catholic historian Joseph Gillow edited this diary of a Jacobite officer 1712–1714, for weekly publication (with scholarly footnotes) in the *Preston Chronicle*, 2 December 1871–10 Aug 1872 before republication in 1873 as a book. Here Hewitson invites comments from distinguished historians. Joseph Gillow junior (1850–1921), born in Preston to an ancient Catholic family, related to the Gillows of Lancaster, furniture manufacturers. He married well, enabling him to live on his wife's fortune and devote himself full-time to scholarship, carving out a reputation as 'the Plutarch of the English Catholics', going on to compile the fivevolume *Biographical and Bibliographical Dictionary of the English Catholics* (1885–1902)*,*  still in use today.

<sup>61</sup> Alexander Goss\* (1814–1872), Roman Catholic Bishop of Liverpool, who published three books of Catholic history.

<sup>62</sup> Major Henry Fishwick (1835–1914) of Rochdale, who wrote or edited more than 25 books of local and regional history, was a member of many learned societies.

<sup>63</sup> Antiquary Rev James Dawson Bannister (1799–1883), vicar of Pilling 1825–1876 (*Blackpool Herald* 19 January 1883, p. 8).

<sup>64</sup> James Pearson of Milnrow near Rochdale, expert in the dialect of the Fylde district of Lancashire and regular contributor to *Notes and Queries.*

**Saturday 24 February 1872** Finished work at 2 this morning. To bed; a very uneasy time of it, daughter Ada being ill of a cold. Had about 2 hours sleep. Up early. One hundred copies of my "Country Churches & Chapels" came (bound) this morning by passenger train from London. I had to pay 17/4 carriage for them. A damnable price. Sold fairly of them during day. At work till 11.30 at night. Bought a writing desk for 25/ from Watson & Son. Tired; had during night about three and a half glasses of good beer. To bed about a quarter past 12 o'clock.

**Sunday 25 February 1872** Went to St Wilfrid's Catholic Chapel in forenoon. Father Cobb\* preached. Afterwards the Te Deum sung in thanksgiving for recovery of Prince of Wales. Did not come for the music of it. In afternoon had a walk with my two lads through the park and down to New Quay. There were, with a vessel that came up, 21 ships moored.

**Monday 26 February 1872** Working in office all day. To bed about 11 o'c[loc]k.

**Tuesday 27 February 1872** At work in office all morning. At 3 in afternoon went, by request, to see a trotting match between Spencer Leese's<sup>65</sup> King Tom and another pony belonging one Hodson,66 of The Naze. The race was on the Serpentine Walk.<sup>67</sup> Spencer's pony was the winner. Afterwards had 2 glasses of sherry with Spencer & Geo. Hunt<sup>68</sup> at Shelley's Arms. At night had supper, with wife at Robert Wards, Draper, Friargate.

**Wednesday 28 February 1872** To work at nine. Working all day. A great run on London papers; yesterday being National Thanksgiving Day for recovery of Prince of Wales. A great stir in London. A poor affair in Preston. This evening had 3 glasses of beer. To bed, after a pipe, at about 11 o'clock. A mild night. Gave one guinea today to Preston Infirmary.

<sup>65</sup> Spencer Leese (c. 1842–1894), mill owner, magistrate, Liberal and Nonconformist, was the brother of Joseph Leese, who had stood unsuccessfully as a Liberal parliamentary candidate for Preston in 1868.Spencer Leese lived on West Cliff in 1872. In the 1880s he sold his mill and took up art with some success (*Lancashire Daily Post*, 7 June 1894, p. 3). His son Arnold led the Imperial Fascist League.

<sup>66</sup> A William S. Hodgson (b. 1833) was a farmer at Freckleton.

<sup>67</sup> At the north end of Moor Park.

<sup>68</sup> A George Hunt (b. 1811) was land agent and official of the Royal North Lancashire Agricultural Society.

**Thursday 29 February 1872** Went to Town Council meeting at 11 this morning and reported long discussions. All the policemen's wages raised today as well as the chief superintendent's. Writing out and dictating report till 10 at night. To bed about 12. Attempted assassination of Queen today by a foolish youth.69

<sup>69</sup> Arthur O'Connor, 17, great-nephew of Chartist leader Feargus O'Connor, waved an unloaded pistol at Queen Victoria's open carriage at Buckingham Palace.

## March

**Friday 1 March 1872** Up at 8.45 this morning. Gave 5/ to day to widow of Richardson70 organist at St Wilfrids church. Wrote leader, stray notes &c. Had about one pint of beer all day. To bed about 3 in morning. Fifty gilt edged Country Churches & Chapels came today.

**Saturday 2 March 1872** Working hard all day. At night Dr Smith71 (late of Haltwistle & Carlis[?] Newcastle) came and had a long chat and a glass and a half of whiskey. I had beer. To bed at 12.30 am.

**Sunday 3 March 1872** Up at 10.45. Reading Greek history a long time. Taught the children the Ten Commandments, & just as I was explaining them a fire broke out in Misses Wards'<sup>72</sup> fancy ware shop, Fishergate. About 300£ damage. At night to Joe Crombleholmes\* and had a talk with Bakewell,\* about school boards.73 To bed at 11.20

**Monday 4 March 1872** To work at 9. Found somebody had stolen two of our hens and the cock. Getting off Country Churches & Chapels book all day. At night called and had a glass of beer at Shelley Arms. Then home; worked again. Supper; a pint of beer; to bed. Very fine day—first this year. Wildish night.

**Tuesday 5 March 1872** Up at 8.30. Working in office all forenoon. In afternoon went to see a splendid heifer bought by Clayton,74 butcher, from Messrs Wilkins75 of Longton. In evening went with my wife to tea, to Mr Henry Hawkins's,<sup>76</sup> Bank Parade. Stayed late, had sundry glasses, a game at cards and enjoyed myself much.

<sup>70</sup> Henry Richardson (1820–1872) had previously been organist to Lord Arundel of Wardour (*PC,* 27 January 1872, p. 5). Widow Maria Richardson (b. 1822).

<sup>71</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>72</sup> Probably Ann (b. 1815) and Jane (b. 1825) Ward.

<sup>73</sup> Preston was the largest town in the country without a school board, from their creation in 1870 to their abolition in 1902, leaving educational administration to the churches: Andrew Hobbs, *A Fleet Street in Every Town: The Provincial Press in England, 1855–1900* (Cambridge: Open Book Publishers, 2018), p. 41, https://doi. org/10.11647/OBP.0152.

<sup>74</sup> There was a butcher, William Clayton, of Church St and another, T.D Clayton, of Fishergate.

<sup>75</sup> Probably Richard Wilkins (1817–1884), owner of a Longton brewery.

<sup>76</sup> Henry Hawkins (1846–1876), son of Hewitson's friend John Hawkins;\* Liberal town councillor (1874–1876), ran Greenbank cotton mills with his brother Charles Wilson Hawkins (1849–1887).

**Wednesday 6 March 1872** Rose at 7.30; went in a carriage with about a dozen other people to a sale at Eastwoods,<sup>77</sup> Whitewell. Saw nothing at the sale to interest me so had a ramble up the highest hill in the district to the north. This was very fine. Got home about nine at night. The mountain I went up was about 1550 above the level of the sea—a great height for a landsman, accustomed to shanks to reach.[sic]

**Thursday 7 March 1872** Working very hard all today till 10.30 at night.

**Friday 8 March 1872** Sub-editing and leader writing all day. James Hawkins<sup>78</sup> of Newsham House died at about 10.25 tonight. He had been lingering in agony some time.

**Saturday 9 March 1872** Up at 9 in morning—a bad sleep; for I did not get to bed till 3. Bought a lark and a cage today. This was my son Ethelbert's 7th birthday.

**Sunday 10 March 1872** In bed till late. Reading Greek history in afternoon. Had row with servant at night.

**Monday 11 March 1872** To work at nine this morning. John Morgan was bound to me79 for 4 years today. Felt a bad lumbago pain in my back today; so had sundry glasses of gin &c at night. To bed at about 11.30.

**Tuesday 12 March 1872** No better—nay worse—of lumbago today. Toiling away in office all day—limping and pulling faces and agonising myself. James Hawkins who died on Friday night was buried today in Barton churchyard. To bed about 11 o'c[loc]k and had a red flannel put on my back and a warm iron in bed to my back.

**Wednesday 13 March 1872** Wakened at 3.30 this morning with lumbago pains. Had a rough time of it for a period. Had to be in bed in one position. Put a wet bandage round my back and a piece of Mackintosh when I got up at 9 in morning. Working all day. At about half past 9 at night went with friend Bakewell\* and had a Turkish bath at Singleton's<sup>80</sup>

<sup>77</sup> See 10 September 1866.

<sup>78</sup> Another son of John Hawkins.\*

<sup>79</sup> As an apprentice reporter.

<sup>80</sup> See 21 January.

in Grimshaw St. Stayed about 2 hours. Home at 7 minutes to 12. Supper, a glass of whiskey, & to bed.

**Thursday 14 March 1872** Ordinary office work all day. At night I had occasion to call at office of Mr R G Watson,\* solicitor, Winckley Street and whilst he was writing me out a recipe for my lumbago the pain grew less and with his prescription it greatly improved. To bed about 11 o'clock.

**Friday 15 March 1872** This morning we got a letter from sister-in-law Ellen (Hall)\* of Sheffield stating that her husband81 who is a printer had got smallpox, and asking me to send Joe<sup>82</sup> over. Joe's father83 who had been written to objected and at night I—having had smallpox—wrote and said I would go. To bed at 2 in morning.

**Saturday 16 March 1872** Up at 9 o'clock. At a few minutes to 12 I started for Sheffield. Got to Manchester about 2—reading Newman's Phases of Faith on the road.84 Walked through Manchester to London & North Western station; at 3 started for Sheffield; and reached there at 4.15. Sheffield is a great, smokey, irregular town.

**Sunday 17 March 1872** In my brother in laws (Hall's)\* house nearly all day. Hall much better than I expected.

**Monday 18 March 1872** Looking after Hall's\* printing office in Orchard St., Sheffield all day. At night, very tired, stayed at a house in Meadow Street—respectable sleeping place. This evening called at Daily Telegraph Office. Saw Mr Leng,<sup>85</sup> editor and proprietor, and afterwards went into printing place—an awfully hot little den.

<sup>81</sup> Fred Hall.\*

<sup>82</sup> Joseph Wilson junior,\* brother-in-law and apprentice printer employed by Hewitson.

<sup>83</sup> Joseph Wilson senior.\*

<sup>84</sup> The book, published 1850, was by Francis Newman, younger brother of Cardinal Newman, and described his shift to increasingly liberal and agnostic beliefs.

<sup>85</sup> William Christopher Leng (1825–1902), owner of Sheffield's *Daily Telegraph*  (launched before the London paper of the same name) in Aldine Court.

**Tuesday 19 March 1872** Attending to Hall's\* office till noon; afterwards got a printer to look after office. Later on looked in at a grinding shop saw men grinding knife blades and others making files. Then I went up street and looked through Rogers's place.<sup>86</sup>

**Wednesday 20 March 1872** Left Sheffield at 6.15 in morning. Got to Preston at a quarter past 10 in forenoon. Working all day in office. Finished at 9 at night. To bed about 10.

**Thursday 21 March 1872** Was out nearly all day getting advertisements for paper. Sub-editing at night till 10.

**Friday 22 March 1872** Writing articles &c nearly all day.

**Saturday 23 March 1872** Went to Myerscough Lodge at noon with Joe Gillow junior<sup>87</sup> and D Grant.<sup>88</sup> I got additional particulars of place for Tyldesley's Diary; Grant sketched for it. Each had some brandy on returning to Brock station at Green Man. Home soon after 6 pm. In shop gossiping till 10. Bed at 12. Richardson89 paid rent of cottage up to today.

**Sunday 24 March 1872** Up at 9. Reading new work on Dates & Data90 and Newman's Phases of Faith. Trying spirit rapping at night—"no go".91

**Monday 25 March 1872** Took my two lads Bertie and Horace to Professor Fowler, phrenologist who examined their heads gratis.92 Fall

<sup>86</sup> Joseph Rodgers & Sons were the most famous cutlery makers in Sheffield.

<sup>87</sup> See 22 February 1872, footnote.

<sup>88</sup> David Grant (b. 1846), architect, of Winckley St, designed Leyland Congregational church and school (*PC,* 29 April 1876, p. 5) and Freckleton Wesleyan Chapel (*PH,* 27 March 1886, p. 4), emigrated to Fremantle in Australia, where he died young: B Morris, 'David Grant, Architect and Artist', *Leyland Chronicle, Journal of Leyland Historical Society*, 6, 1972, 21–23.

<sup>89</sup> Probably the tenant of a small house behind Hewitson's house at 48 Fishergate Hill. See 16 November.

<sup>90</sup> James Barr Mitchell, *Dates and Data Relating to Religious Anthropology and Sacred and Ecclesiastical History.* (London: Trubner, 1870), a part work begun in 1870.

<sup>91</sup> Spiritualists believed that the spirits of the dead communicated by knocking in code on a table during a séance.

<sup>92</sup> 'Professor' Lorenzo Niles Fowler, the American phrenologist, was at the Corn Exchange all week.

of snow today. At night went for some money to Joe Ware's93 (Church Hotel) owing by Licensed Victuallers' Association. Had to stay many hours; did not get it; had 2 glasses of beer, 2 of Hollands gin, and 2 of claret. Home at 15 minutes to 12.

**Tuesday 26 March 1872** Up at 8. Working in office &c all day. At night revising introduction to Tyldesley's Diary. To bed about 11. John Cooper94 gave me today two bottles of claret and a bottle of hock.

**Wednesday 27 March 1872** Busy in office nearly all day.

**Thursday 28 March 1872** Went to Town Council meeting and reported 3 columns of discussion the bulk of which I afterwards wrote out. Working till 10 at night. In bed by 11.

**Friday 29 March 1872** Up at 8.30 this morning. Writing leaders\* all day. Finished about 2 in morning.

**Saturday 30 March 1872** Rose at 10.15. Engaged in shop nearly all day. Many strange folk95 in town. Today Adam Leigh,96 one of the chief manufacturers of cotton in Preston told me the manufacturing business had never been so bad—that he had stopped 400 or 600 looms—and that the loss on working a single loom was something like 10/ per week. To bed at 11.

<sup>93</sup> Joseph Ware (1821–1881), landlord of the Church Hotel at the junction of Park Lane (now North Rd) and Lancaster Rd, where his bar parlour featured original engravings by Hogarth, Bartolozzi and other Old Masters. Born in Middlesex, his father was lord of the manor of Teversham, Cambridgeshire. After boarding school, he was an auctioneer and surveyor in London before moving to Preston in the 1850s, to be a fishmonger. He was a prolific writer of letters to newspapers. About 1859 he married Margaret Pickles, the widowed landlady of the Church Hotel, and was a Conservative councillor 1867–70. Hewitson described him as 'tall and slender; has a polished, gentlemanly exterior; is florid-looking … can give a long, knowing, wide-awake wink … has seen much of life' (*PTC*). A Freemason.

<sup>94</sup> John Cooper (1807–1888), friend and benefactor. Mill owner. Supported local veterans of the Peninsular and Waterloo campaigns, and the Rifle Volunteers. Magistrate and Poor Law Guardian. His son William married Marion German, daughter of Major James German, unsuccessful Liberal candidate for Preston (obits *LEP*, 10 Feb 1888, p. 3; *PH*, 11 Feb 1888, p. 9).

<sup>95</sup> i.e. strangers, from out of town.

<sup>96</sup> Adam Leigh (1817–1892), owner with his brother John of Brookhouse Mill, one of the biggest employers in Preston. (*PH,* 23 November 1892, p. 2).

**Easter Sunday 31 March 1872** Got up at 10; it being an easy day. Transcribed notes of my two lads phrenological characters.97 During remainder of day ornamenting a bird cage and some of my lads Easter eggs with "transfer pictures"—wife helping. Reading a phrenological book and Professor Newman's Phases of Faith. To bed at about 10.

<sup>97</sup> See 25 March.

# April

**Easter Monday 1 April 1872** Engaged in office nearly all day. Weather wet. This is a great day for Preston children gathering, in the afternoon in Avenham Park to roll eggs and throw oranges. The wet weather spoiled all. Some went to the park but sensible people kept their children at home.98 In the evening friends Bakewell\* & Pateson99 came; we had a convivial glass or two and theologico-metaphysical discussion.

**Tuesday 2 April 1872** A hard-easy day. Went to Rufford, much land being flooded there, in afternoon. This was one of the Manchester Disraeli demonstration days.<sup>100</sup> A special train of 20 carriages left Preston for Manchester and about 40 people went in them. Plenty of room, and that is a good thing!

**Wednesday 3 April 1872** Working from 8 in morning till about 11 at night. A great deal of gossip in town today about new covered market. This is a sad bungle of a job. One contractor, after a part of the work had tumbled down gave it up; another made a bargain for it, and would not proceed; Bennett & Co of West Bromwich then tendered for it—came to the rescue—were praised and after accepting and working at the job for a time gave it up as impracticable but today a corporation com[mitt]ee says they must proceed.

**Thursday 4 April 1872** Up at a quarter to 7 and took a parcel to railway station. Afterwards had a walk in Avenham Park; read a part of Disraeli's speech delivered last night at Manchester. At 11.30 went to general session of county magistrates at Preston Courthouse; Lord Derby101 in

<sup>98</sup> The tradition continues today, as does the weather.

<sup>99</sup> Robert Pateson (1827–1910), one of Preston's first photographers and a science enthusiast, he fell on hard times in his later years. In 1903 Hewitson described him as 'a scientific philosopher of very modest and retiring parts, yet one who has unselfishly over a long life done many things to promote scientific research, to give information, and to confer the benefits of numerous observations and accomplishments' ('From the old armchair', *PG,* 21 February 1903).

<sup>100</sup> Conservative leader Benjamin Disraeli was addressing mass meetings in Manchester. On the following day he gave his famous 'one nation' speech, speaking for three and a quarter hours, fortified by two bottles of brandy.

<sup>101</sup> Edward Henry Stanley, fifteenth Earl of Derby (1826–1893), son of the former Prime Minister, whose family were one of the biggest landowners in Lancashire, with historical connections to Preston.

**Friday 5 April 1872** This was a grand Masonic lodge day—for West Lancashire Freemasons. Working hard till 3 o'clock in morning.

**Saturday 6 April 1872** Up at 9.35. In afternoon went to a meeting of Manchester Diocesan Church Building Society (presided over by Dr Fraser,103 Bishop of Manchester). More cats than mice—viz, more parsons and their wives and daughters &c than an independent audience. Only about 50 persons present.

**Sunday 7 April 1872** In bed till 1.30 this afternoon; felt unwell—nervous depression, the result of overwork. At night had a walk with my wife.

**Monday 8 April 1872** Making out bills all day till 10 at night. Except during a portion of forenoon when I went to Town Council meeting and reported. Discussion was about Bennett & Co and covered market. Bennett & Co did not want to proceed, without an engineer inspecting roof; it was decided that this was not necessary.

**Tuesday 9 April 1872** Bill making out again till 10 at night.

**Wednesday 10 April 1872** Collecting bills today. To sessions reporting for 2 hours. Cobbett's (the farmer's Williams's) son104 was there—at head of bar. He is an aged, sharp featured and crabbed looking man with close whiskers and spectacles.

**Thursday 11 April 1872** Writing main part of day. In evening went to Bamber Bridge—by train to Preston Junction, walked forward and had a glass of beer at Sym's, Queen's Arms; rode back in train. At night went with my wife to hear Vance the great Comic singer and party<sup>105</sup> in Guild

<sup>102</sup> Some magistrates wanted to save money by employing only one Catholic chaplain, in a Catholic asylum, rather than four serving all four asylums in Lancashire.

<sup>103</sup> James Fraser (1818–1885), educational reformer, made Anglican Bishop of Manchester by Gladstone in 1870. He created an efficient diocesan administration, oversaw the building of 99 new churches and 109 new parishes, and arbitrated in labour disputes. He was popular and hard-working (*ODNB*).

<sup>104</sup> See 23 August 1865.

<sup>105</sup> Alfred Glenville Vance (1839–1888), comic singer and actor (*ODNB*).

Hall. A good entertainment. Got my advertising a/c [account] and had a talk with Vance afterwards.<sup>106</sup>

**Friday 12 April 1872** Writing, sub editing\* &c all day. In evening friend Joe Ware\* of Church Hotel called. He was very drunk; but he is a decent fellow and very intelligent. Finished work at a quarter past 2 in morning.

**Saturday 13 April 1872** This afternoon went to report Dr Fraser,\* Bishop of Manchester, at Caldervale, where he confirmed some children, opened a new parsonage house and attended a tea party. Got home about 9. To bed about 11.30.

**Sunday 14 April 1872** Took my wife and four children, with wife's brother Joe\* to Garstang,\* in a conveyance. Beautiful day. Brightened up and sunburned wife and children. Stayed at Church Inn, Bonds, had some dinner, and then walked up to Greenhalgh Castle ruins with wife, children &c. I and Joe climbed up to top of ruins. After that he and I went to Garstang church, heard Bishop Fraser\* preach; had tea with my wife and children at Church Inn; drove off about 6; went round by Claughton—up past Brockholes Arms, on to right and out into highway again at Myerscough Toll Bar. Home at 8 all safe. Seeing that for many months, through bad weather, my wife and children have not been able to stir out, I think I have spent this Sunday well—excellently.

**Monday 15 April 1872** Went about today trying to get in a/cs [accounts]; but couldn't get a halfpenny—found it no go.

**Tuesday 16 April 1872** Same, with similar result.

**Wednesday 17 April 1872** At 9.15 this morning went to Stalmine—to Fleetwood\* by train, then across the Wyre, in a boat, then walked from and through Preesall. Bishop of Manchester (Dr Fraser\*) confirmed about 50 young people. Afterwards walked on to Shard Bridge Hotel, with Herald and Guardian reporters and had ham and eggs there with beer. Had a desperate hard walk and run to catch train at Poulton. Got to Preston shortly before 4 in afternoon. Working till 9.30 at night.

**Thursday 18 April 1872** Writing out reports, sub-editing\* &c all day. To bed about 11 o'clock.

<sup>106</sup> It seems that the performer rather than the venue paid for advertising.

**Friday 19 April 1872** Hard at work from 9 this morning—writing—till 3 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 20 April 1872** Had a good sale of papers—Chronicles—today; not one left at closing time—10 o'c[loc]k at night. To bed about 12 o'c[loc]k.

**Sunday 21 April 1872** Laid in bed with my wife, being tired, till about 11 this forenoon. Afterwards constructed a catechism, on religion and morality, for my children to learn. During evening read Carlyle's Life of John Sterling.<sup>107</sup>

**Monday 22 April 1872** Working hard, but in a sackless108 mood, nearly all day. An easy, unintelligent melancholy. At night went with wife to a concert at Penwortham (Middleforth). Should have called on John Cooper\* at The Oaks but was pressed for time. My wife went in a new velvet mantle costing about 4 guineas. Concert moderate. Full audience. Lamps smelled. Rode back with Harry Hawkins109 and wife.<sup>110</sup>

**Tuesday 23 April 1872** Up at 8.30. Better today. In evening young Whitehead,<sup>111</sup> son of Councillor J Whitehead,112 called, with his wife<sup>113</sup> and invited us to their house in Penwortham. She is called Marion, daughter of John Hawkins\* of Newsham House. Today Cook,114 coal agent, called on me, with a grievous tale about his wife115 and Joe Maude,<sup>116</sup> hairdresser. I advised a separation. To bed at 12 after smoking part of the tobacco (¼ lb) which Dr W Smith\* brought me. My uncle (mother's side) Tom Moor called, having been away for his health to Lancaster, Ingleton &c. He has been a wild fellow; but can talk as if he never had done wrong in his life.

<sup>107</sup> Biography of Carlyle's friend, the author John Sterling (1806–1844), first published 1851, notable more for its writing than its subject matter.

<sup>108</sup> Innocent, not deserving of punishment.

<sup>109</sup> See 5 March 1872.

<sup>110</sup> Lucy Hawkins née Wilson (1850–1921).

<sup>111</sup> John Whitehead (b. 1850).

<sup>112</sup> James Whitehead (1824–1896), Conservative coal merchant and mine owner.

<sup>113</sup> Maria Whitehead née Hawkins (1847–1881).

<sup>114</sup> Possibly James Cook (b. 1830) of Church St.

<sup>115</sup> Possibly Sarah Cook (b. 1840), who was still with her husband in 1881.

<sup>116</sup> Joseph Maude (b. 1818) of Church St, a widower.

**Wednesday 24 April 1872** Today went to Great Eccleston—annual meeting of Pleuro Peneumonian [sic] Society there. Rode over with Herald and Guardian reporters. Had dinner there. Got home all right and wrote out report.<sup>117</sup>

**Thursday 25 April 1872** Awfully long Town Council Meeting today about covered Market. It was decided to go on with market and to instruct Garlick118 to do it if Bennett & Co failed. Dr Alderman Spencer,119 being drunk, talked very wonderfully and made much merriment. Writing out report of Council about 11 at night.

**Friday 26 April 1872** At work, very hard, writing, till nearly 4 o'c[loc]k Saturday morning.

**Saturday 27 April 1872** Up at 10.15. Serving in shop most of day. At night, after 10, finished Carlyle's Life of Sterling. A fine ending and a most interesting work.

**Sunday 28 April 1872** In bed till about 11 this morning. In afternoon took my son Horace and daughter Florence a walk. Mr Bakewell\* schoolmaster accompanied us. We went to Penwortham church but did not go inside. Then walked round by The Oaks (friend Cooper's\* place) and so down and back to Preston. Called on Pateson,\* photographer, and had a chat with him. In evening wrote a long letter to my old friend Alderman John Hallam\* of Toronto. Afterwards had a read in Grindon's work on "Life".<sup>120</sup> Supper; a pipe; bed—feeling much better than I have done for a long time.

**Monday 29 April 1872** Bought a quill pen maker today from Cartwright. Making out bills; but money is bad to get in. At night went (my wife and daughter Florence going before me) to young Whiteheads' at Penwortham. Whitehead wed a daughter of John Hawkins.\* Stayed till nearly 12 at night and came home in a cab, which would cost me about 5/.

<sup>117</sup> See 22 April 1868.

<sup>118</sup> See 14 January 1868.

<sup>119</sup> See 15 June 1866.

<sup>120</sup> Leo Hartley Grindon, *Life, Its Nature, Varieties, & Phenomena* (London: Whittaker, 1856). Grindon was lecturer in botany at the Manchester Royal School of Medicine.

**Tuesday 30 April 1872** Went to Town Hall at 10 today and met Mayor (M Myres\* ) and many gentlemen. Procession to Corn Exchange, to opening of a bazaar for Preston Industrial Institute for the Blind, which John Catterall\* who worked for Horrockses and Miller and I started. A great success. £1800 raised first day.

### May

**Wednesday 1 May 1872** Working in office much of day. At night went to Blind Bazaar with my wife. Dr Alderman Spencer<sup>121</sup> died today; I am afraid drink had to do with the affair. He was a hard working man, fond of popularity. Got to bed at 10.30.

**Thursday 2 May 1872** Rose about 8.30. I mean to take life easier. After advertisements today. Pretty fair success. My wife and son Horace went to bazaar this evening; I stayed at home working. Lectured my daughter Florence for staying out till nearly 9 o'clock.

**Friday 3 May 1872** Writing from about ten till 10 at night. Finished earlier this Friday night than I ever did since my connection with Chronicle—12.30.

**Saturday 4 May 1872** Up at 5.45. In shop much. A malt kiln of Matthew Brown's in Foster's Square, containing about 8000 loads of malt fell in this morning and killed two workmen.<sup>122</sup> Blind Institute Bazaar closed this evening. Proceeds about £4000. To bed about 1 in morning.

**Sunday 5 May 1872** Up at 11. Doing little. Reading in evening. Afterwards went across to Will France's\* with my wife and had a pipe and a glass.

**Monday 6 May 1872** Today Dr Spencer123 was buried at Preston Cemetery. The Mayor, Members of Corporation, Clergy, Doctors and many gentlemen and tradesmen met at Town Hall and afterwards joined funeral cortege. The funeral demonstration was great and most respectable. Finished work about 8.30 and had a walk through Avenham Park with my wife. Came home about 9.20, had supper, a pipe, and to bed about 10.30.

<sup>121</sup> See 15 June 1866.

<sup>122</sup> The 60ft-high building by the basin of the Lancaster Canal served the Matthew Brown brewery in another part of Preston. The collapse also demolished three terraced houses in Foster's Square.

<sup>123</sup> See 15 June 1866.

**Tuesday 7 May 1872** Working in office. In evening went with my foreman to Alston College to look at some type which the master (Rev T A Peters124) had. He (TA) valued it at £25; I at £11; so I did not buy it.

**Wednesday 8 May 1872** Generally, all day, working; but nothing special. In afternoon called and had a chat with Mr John Cooper\* of the Oaks, Penwortham at his office in Winckley Street. He lent me a book, on summer gardening, written by an American called Warner.<sup>125</sup>

**Thursday 9 May 1872** Mr James Dunn,<sup>126</sup> head constable of Preston, since 1863, died today. Went to Town Council meeting at 11. Mr Robert Green Watson\* appointed alderman in place of Dr Spencer. Writing news reports till 11 at night.

**Friday 10 May 1872** Went to R Ascroft\*, Town Clerk, who wished me to make, for him, an amendment, in an address of condolence (paper yesterday by Town Council) to family of Dr Spencer. I made it. Working till 3 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 11 May 1872** Rose at 10.10. Worked till same time at night. Part of night read book on gardening lent to me by Cooper\*. To bed at 12.

**Sunday 12 May 1872** Up at 10. Had a splendid wash in cold water. Had a capital appetite for food today. Read all through gardening work and found it excellent. In evening had a walk with my wife into Penwortham. Called at R Pateson's,\* Hill Place on our return and had a pipe, a glass and a chat.

<sup>124</sup> Rev Thomas Abbott Peters MA (1834–1909), became Hewitson's friend and a regular advertiser in the *Chronicle*, born at Samlesbury, educated in Preston, and built Alston College east of Preston in 1855 when he was 21 years old. Doubts were cast on his MA (awarded by the 'Chelsea College') and ordination in the Free Church of England in 1864. Alston College was demolished in the 1890s to make way for a reservoir. Meanwhile, in 1873 Peters had bought The Hermitage nearby, and converted it into St John's College. Freemason and Conservative, he left nearly £10,000 when he died (*LDP,* 3 November 1909, p. 4).

<sup>125</sup> Charles Dudley Warner, *My Summer in a Garden* (London: Sampson Low, Marston, & Co., 1870).

<sup>126</sup> James Dunn (1825–1872), former detective-sergeant in the Metropolitan Police (*PH*, 11 May 1872, p. 5).

**Monday 13 May 1872** Ordinary working all day—writing, dunning,<sup>127</sup> bothering in shop, proof reading, and struggling on.

**Tuesday 14 May 1872** Went to Leyland station this afternoon. An old woman named Walmsley 86 years old and a little child 2½ years old killed there by a passing train.<sup>128</sup> Sent news off. Finished work about 9. Read Newman's Phases of Faith. To bed at 11.30.

**Wednesday 15 May 1872** Up at 7.30. Ordinary working all day. Calculated my profits on Chronicle last week and found them to be about £12. My daughter Ada one year old today. Bless her; and may God guard and guide her and all my children. Finished work about 9.45.

**Thursday 16 May 1872** Had a short round today for advertisements. In afternoon looked through principal streets, noted many improvements going on—old property being pulled down and new places built in Fishergate, Friargate &c and wrote a paragraph about them.129 To bed about 11 o'c[loc]k,

**Friday 17 May 1872** Got my leaders &c written by 8 o'c[loc]k this evening—sooner than I can recollect having done before; but did not finish work till about 2.30 in morning.

**Saturday 18 May 1872** Working in shop and reading during later part of day.

**Sunday 19 May 1872** This morning at 8.20 went with my wife and daughters Florence and Ada to brother in law John Wilson's,\* Lancaster; in afternoon went to Morecambe to my father in law's.\* Many people here; day fine but cold.

**Monday 20 May 1872** Left Morecambe with wife &c at 2.10 in afternoon for Lancaster, where there had been a great procession of Oddfellows, their AMC130 being here this week. There was afterwards a gala in Ripley's Park; walked up to place; but being tired and short of time

<sup>127</sup> Collecting debts.

<sup>128</sup> Ellen Walmsley and her great-granddaughter Alice Melling (*PC,* 18 May 1872, p. 6).

<sup>129</sup> This article (*PC,* 18 May 1872, p. 5) may be Hewitson's only acknowledgement of the grand new *Preston Guardian* building going up opposite his office.

<sup>130</sup> Annual movable conference.

went to station and got home by 6.45. This was a very throng\* day in Preston—Whit Monday. Got to bed about 12.

**Tuesday 21 May 1872** Up, with wife at 2.10, to go by cheap trip to Edinburgh. Train sh[oul]d have started at 3.30; but through some accident or blunder it was 2 hours & 5 minutes late. About 6 50 went by the train—fare 9/ each. Got into a first class North British carriage and rode beautifully with a cheerful company. Got to Edinburgh at one o'c[loc]k at noon. Saw today Edinburgh Castle, National Gallery, Holyrood Palace, John Knox's house, David Hume's tomb &c &c. Went to Theatre Royal at night.

**Wednesday 22 May 1872** Got up shortly after 8—our staying place being Royal British Hotel, Princes Street. Paid for bed 3/6 each. In forenoon to the Museum and Royal College of Surgeons. Left Edinburgh at 2 in afternoon. Rode on with a party to Melrose, got off there, went by carriage to Abbotsford and viewed Sir Walter Scott's fine residence; then returned to Melrose, looked into the fine abbey; caught train at 5.45 and landed safely at Preston at midnight—well tired and well pleased.

**Thursday 23 May 1872** Working hard—fetching up lost time—today. Attending to news, adverts &c. Our Edinburgh trip cost me and wife about 30/ each.

**Friday 24 May 1872** Writing and such like till 10 o'c[loc]k. Finished work at 2 next morning.

**Saturday 25 May 1872** Rose at 10.20 this morning. Working very hard in shop &c till 10.10 at night. To bed about 11.30.

**Sunday 26 May 1872** Up at 9.15. At night went with my wife and friends to hear the late Dr Spencer's son131 preach his first sermon in Emmanuel's church. A conventional moderately good sermon.

**Monday 27 May 1872** Today, in afternoon went to Mr Willacy's,132 Penwortham Priory, and then rode with him to the Grange Farm, Hutton, and inspected his patent cattle feeding apparatus—a machine

<sup>131</sup> Rev. T. Barton Spencer MA (1849–1906), curate of Emmanuel CE church, Preston.

<sup>132</sup> Robert Willacy (1820–1886), land agent for Lawrence Rawstorne of Hutton Hall.

running on a tramway, in front of stalls, by which he can feed very rapidly. Returned to the Priory, had tea, some conversation, a glass of gin, and left just before midnight.

**Tuesday 28 May 1872** Today Mr Walker's mill in Grimshaw Street, Preston, was burned down. Sent news off to several papers. At night went with my wife to the theatre and saw Arrah-na-Pogue133 played. It was thrilling but meaningless and defective in some of its morality.

**Wednesday 29 May 1872** Ordinary work all day. Finished about 11.30 at night.

**Thursday 30 May 1872** To a long Town Council meeting today. Reported it. It was decided to take Allsup's tender (about £9000) for completion of new covered market.134 On the suggestion of Town Clerk I agreed to give a copy of my works to Dr Shepherd's Library.135 So did Mr W Dobson.\* Had a chat tonight with Will France\* and had two glasses of beer at Red Lion.

**Friday 31 May 1872** Working pretty hard all day. Much copy\* today and it was nearly half past five in morning before I got to bed.

<sup>133</sup> Dion Boucicault's play set in the 1798 Irish rebellion.

<sup>134</sup> Shipbuilder and ironfounder William Allsup (c.1822–1896) successfully rebuilt the market canopy (still standing today), to a design inspired by Les Halles, Paris: Stephen Sartin, *The People and Places of Historic Preston* (Carnegie Press, 1989), p. 23.

<sup>135</sup> This library was public in theory, housed in the exclusive Literary and Philosophical Institute, Winckley Square.

### June

**Saturday 1 June 1872** Ordinary Saturday work today. At night I wrote out a placard for some Preston Republicans;136 but I stated that if I got it done it must not be understood that my own private opinions would be involved in it. I merely did it to oblige them. Had a glass or two at night with John Hawkins.\*

**Sunday 2 June 1872** Should have gone to Liverpool (marine excursion) today, but morning bad so I laid in bed till about 11. Reading in afternoon. At night went with my wife to see my children's graves at cemetery.

**Monday 3 June 1872** General work all day. At night went to hear one Mrs Law137 of London give a lecture in theatre under the auspices of Preston Republican Club—about half a dozen illiterate political malcontents. Proceedings very noisy through the din of some "roughs" in the gallery.138 Mrs Law is a sharp, cute-brained, badly-educated, bold, strong-lunged woman. My wife went with me to the lecture.

**Tuesday 4 June 1872** Working in back shop at ledger till night and then went to hear Mrs Law give her second lecture denouncing monarchy and praising Republicanism.139 Afterwards had two glasses of ale at Red Lion in Church Street, with Joe Crombleholme,\* Robert Pateson\* and Will Atherton.140 To bed about 12 o'c[loc]k

**Wednesday 5 June 1872** Felt stupidly melancholy today. Working pretty hard in office and outside. At night went with my wife to Newsome's

<sup>136</sup> Presumably to advertise Monday night's meeting―see 3 June.

<sup>137</sup> Harriet Teresa Law (née Frost, 1831–1897) was a working-class republican, communist, feminist and atheist, the only woman member of the general council of the First Communist International, and the leading female speaker on these subjects.

<sup>138</sup> This first lecture was defeated by occupants of the cheap seats in the gallery singing 'Rule Britannia', 'God Save the Queen', 'God Bless the Prince of Wales' and 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again'.

<sup>139</sup> Higher prices and the closure of the gallery enabled her to finish the lecture.

<sup>140</sup> Will Atherton (1835?-94), engineer, friend. He took over his father's Hanover Street Foundry and was a Conservative town councillor 1882–1893. He was involved in the Conservative Working Men's Club and the Harris Institute, and collected scientific instruments (obit, *PH,* 15 August 1894).

circus at bottom of Butler Street. An excellent performance. Home about 10.30. To bed about 11 o'c[loc]k.

**Thursday 6 June 1872** Went to Garstang today, to report meeting of Guardians and Highway Board people. They are a rough heavy-handed set of people and yet kindly and in their own sphere practical. Got home about 3.15 in afternoon with all written out; meetings being short.

**Friday 7 June 1872** Not well—mentally oppressed about nothing but imaginary evils. Wrote leader\* and stray notes and finished work at about 3 in morning. Rumour today that Rev Canon Parr,\* Vicar of Preston, who is at Nice, has been getting married (3rd time this) to his servant. He is about 74 years of age.

**Saturday 8 June 1872** Up at 10. Got copy ready and fed machine at 2nd edition. Many rumours today about Canon Parr.\* All classes condemning him—he once did a similar thing before; but nothing is yet certain. To bed at 11.20 at night.

**Sunday 9 June 1872** Up at 11; reading; went to see our brood of chickens—10. Had a walk at night with my wife. To bed about 10.30.

**Monday 10 June 1872** Collecting accounts today.

**Tuesday 11 June 1872** Went to County Court today and got a summons out against a man named Ashcroft141 formerly of Chorley and now of Liverpool. At night had a walk with my wife in Avenham Park.

**Wednesday 12 June 1872** Bothering about and working.

**Thursday 13 June 1872** Ditto. At night had a walk with my wife in Avenham Park. Afterwards called on Will France,\* shoemaker; had sundry glasses of beer and stayed till about midnight.

**Friday 14 June 1872** Leader\* writing &c till 3 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 15 June 1872** Up at 8, worked on some newspapers, to bed till 11 o'c[loc]k; up and worked till 9.30 at night when I drove over to

<sup>141</sup> No information available. Presumably he owed Hewitson money.

Bashall's mill, Farrington [sic] to get particulars of a fire there which turned out to be small. To bed about 12.30.

**Sunday 16 June 1872** Up soon after five this morning and went with my wife on steamer Clifton to Llandudno142 and back. We started at 7.13; got to Llandudno about 12.30; had something to eat, then wife and I along with one of Mr Allsup's\* sons had a drive to Conway Castle which we inspected. Left Llandudno at 3.20 pm; home (old Quay) at 9. Beautiful day; splendid out and cheap.

**Monday 17 June 1872** Looking after money and making bills out.

**Tuesday 18 June 1872** In afternoon writing an article for R Willacy,143 Penwortham Priory on his patent cattle feeder. It took me to write it from about 7 till 11 at night—NB was at County Court this forenoon and tried to get a judgement summons out against Dr Porter144 of Tarleton for £1-6-2. Could not tell his circumstances as case was adjourned.

**Wednesday 19 June 1872** Ordinary work today. At night to Newsome's circus with my wife. Didn't care very much for it.

**Thursday 20 June 1872** Ordinary office and shop work all day.

**Friday 21 June 1872** Got particulars today of Canon Parr's\* wedding with his reputed housekeeper. Particulars reached me, through J O Wilkie145 of London, whom I had put upon the track. Wrote them out for paper. The marriage (unknown in Preston, though Parr is the Vicar) took place 14 years since today.146

**Saturday 22 June 1872** An immense demand for the Chronicle—my paper—today, on a/c [account] of Parr's\* marriage.147

<sup>142</sup> Seaside resort in North Wales.

<sup>143</sup> See 27 May.

<sup>144</sup> See 13 February.

<sup>145</sup> An Australian, Joseph Overend Wilkie (b. 1849), is listed in the 1871 Census as a stationer's traveller living in Stoke Newington. Hewitson may have dealt with him in his stationery business.

<sup>146</sup> Parr had secretly married his third wife, Alice Stewardson (1833–1913), in 1858. She had originally been a nurse and companion to his daughters, and was nearly 40 years younger than Parr.

<sup>147</sup> 'Marriage of the Rev. Canon Parr, Vicar of Preston', *PC* 22 June 1872, p. 5.

**Sunday 23 June 1872** Laid in bed till 11; having worked awfully hard yesterday. At noon I and wife and her brother Joe\* went by steamer Clifton to Liverpool, sailed round a squadron of the channel fleet, including the Hercules, Minatour [sic] and another and got home about half past 10 at night.148 Came from Liverpool by train—railway. Tide did not suit the Clifton. Our company consisted of Anthony Myers,149 shipbuilding engineer, W Banks solicitor,<sup>150</sup> T Heaps, publican,151 Preston, and a young man from near Chain Caul. Very agreeable company. Bed 11.35 pm.

**Monday 24 June 1872** Busy in office and shop.

**Tuesday 25 June 1872** This afternoon wrote an article on Willacy's Patent Cattle Feeder (2nd article). At night had a walk, with my wife, to Mr Willacy's, Penwortham Priory. Read him an article and he liked it better than first. Had two moderate glasses of brandy. Left at midnight; got home about 12.30.

**Wednesday 26 June 1872** Working in office and shop and sent off articles on Cattle Feeder to editors of The Field (Professor Coleman<sup>152</sup>) and the Agricultural Gazette (Mr Morton).153

**Thursday 27 June 1872** To a Town Council meeting at 11. A letter from Sir W Fairbairn154 discussed. He offered to render his services respecting new covered market site. Council (in its stupidity) would not have his services. Writing out report till about 11 at night.

<sup>148</sup> HMS Minotaur was the flagship of the Channel Squadron, created to repel French attack. It was visiting Liverpool with two other 'ironclads', HMS Northumberland and HMS Hercules,

<sup>149</sup> Possibly Anthony Myers (b. 1841), from Liverpool.

<sup>150</sup> William Banks (c. 1842–1893).

<sup>151</sup> Thomas Heaps, landlord of the Shelley's Arms Hotel, Fishergate, and veterinary surgeon (https://pubsinpreston.blogspot.com). See 28 October 1865.

<sup>152</sup> John Coleman (1831–1888), agricultural editor of *The Field,* former professor of agriculture at the Royal Agricultual College, Cirencester.

<sup>153</sup> John Chalmers Morton (1832–1888). Both articles were published; Hewitson reprinted the *Agricultural Gazette* one in his own paper (*PC,* 10 August 1872, p. 3).

<sup>154</sup> Eminent engineer Sir William Fairbairn (1789–1874) worked on the bridge over the Menai Straits to Anglesey, and designed the Conwy railway bridge.

**Friday 28 June 1872** H Oakey<sup>155</sup> told me this morning that Jolly (man who told me he had courted Canon Parr's\* wife) was going to deny it.<sup>156</sup> Found this to be false and learned that a damned German curate at Parish Church here, named Benzine [sic],<sup>157</sup> had been trying to induce Jolly to say that he had not told me what he had named. Had six glasses of beer at night—more than I have had for many months in one day.

**Saturday 29 June 1872** To bed at 3 this morning. Rose about 10. A throng day. Good sale of papers. To bed about 11.30 at night

**Sunday 30 June 1872** Laid in bed till about 9.30. Picked up some type which was upon floors and did some machine cleaning. Could not properly rest in my mind till I had done so. In afternoon I and wife went to Alston College and had tea at Principal's (Rev T A Peters'\*) house. Home 8.30. Read Newman's Phases of Faith. Bed 11.30.

<sup>155</sup> Henry Oakey (c.1817–1903) was a Roman Catholic printer and stationer, of Fishergate.

<sup>156</sup> Hewitson's exposé the previous Saturday had mentioned that an unnamed shopkeeper (he hinted at his identity by punning on his name) 'had for a year, innocently of course, courted the wife of a live vicar', believing she was single.

<sup>157</sup> Rev Christian Benzing (b. 1835) from Wurttemberg, recently graduated from St Bees theological college; see 17 January 1873.

# July

**Monday 1 July 1872** Busy with office affairs till noon. In afternoon, went with my wife to Kirkham—by train; thence walked to Greenhalgh, and called upon an old man named Jordan<sup>158</sup> respecting having lodgings for my family during the summer months. Nothing definite. At night wife and I went to the theatre to hear the Rose Hersee Opera Company. Did not care much for it. New machineman159 (Scholes)<sup>160</sup> came today.

**Tuesday 2 July 1872** Office work and looking after bills.

**Wednesday 3 July 1872** Making out bills nearly all day. Had a chat at Pateson's\* (photographer's) in evening.

**Thursday 4 July 1872** Ditto and letter writing till about 10 at night.

**Friday 5 July 1872** Old Jordan came today from Thistleton. He wanted 14/ a week for our lodging with him. Would not give him it; the sum being preposterous. Finished work about 3 in morning.

**Saturday 6 July 1872** Up about 10. Our engine broke down today and hampered us seriously in printing the Chronicle.<sup>161</sup> It's 15 years today since I came out of my apprenticeship, as printer, with Mr G C Clark, Gazette office, Lancaster.

**Sunday 7 July 1872** Rose about 11. In afternoon I, my wife, and two sons Bertie and Horace went to Mr Kirkham's,<sup>162</sup> Grapes Inn, Wray Green.163 Had tea, and two glasses of gin. Made arrangements through my wife to take Mrs Tipton's (Mrs Kirkham's sister's164) house at Wray Green. Rain and thunder. Home about 8. Reading a proof sheet of Tyldesley's Diary; bed about 11.

<sup>158</sup> Possibly George Jordan (c.1811–1889).

<sup>159</sup> Printer who operated the press.

<sup>160</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>161</sup> The press was powered by a steam engine.

<sup>162</sup> Henry Kirkham (1827–1893).

<sup>163</sup> Now spelled as Wrea Green, halfway between Preston and Blackpool, it has Lancashire's largest village green.

<sup>164</sup> Anne Tipton (b. 1833), a widow, boarding house keeper, sister of Mrs Margaret Kirkham (b. 1838).

**Monday 8 July 1872** Making out bills and in evening took my wife and family to cottage at Wray Green. A great gathering of "Good Templars"<sup>165</sup> from all parts in Preston today.

**Tuesday 9 July 1872** Got season tickets for 2 months to travel to and from Wray Green on railway, for self, wife and brother in law Joe\* today. Up about 7 in morning; to bed about 11. Paid £6-10 for tickets.

**Wednesday 10 July 1872** Up at 6, made out a bill, then had some of Leibegs Extract of beef<sup>166</sup> and played at quoits. To Preston soon after 8. In evening a great procession of Good Templars. Got to Wray Green about 9, and then had another game at quoits which I lost. To bed before 11 o'c[loc]k.

**Thursday 11 July 1872** To work at 9—left Wray Green cottage at 8.10, walked to Lytham Junction, waited for train there, got into it, and afterwards to Preston. Nothing special during the day. Home by 8.15 train at night and went as far as Kirkham with a friend (young Porter<sup>167</sup> of Poulton), who chatted about his father, and expressed a hope that I would pitch into the "Good Templars".

**Friday 12 July 1872** Again to work by same means. Got wet—thunder, lightning and rain on way—in going to the Junction. Sub-editing, leader and paragraph writing all day. Finished work at about 3 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 13 July 1872** Stayed in my house at Preston over last night, with my wife. Rose at ten. Got 2nd edition out. To Wray Green in afternoon to see children. Found them right and gave them some cherries and strawberries. Back at 3.15. Working till 10.20. Bought a new watch guard this evening. Stayed in house by myself all night. To bed at 11.30.

**Sunday 14 July 1872** To Wray Green at 9.45. Much hay in a bad state and much uncut through the rain which has been very heavy of late. Took

<sup>165</sup> The Independent Order of Good Templars is a temperance (anti-alcohol) organisation.

<sup>166</sup> Liebig's liquid extract of beef was advertised as 'the Acme of Nourishment in form of a Wine, equalling in flavour the finest Port, and possessing the nutritive properties of solid food'.

<sup>167</sup> There was an R.H. Porter, registrar, of Poulton.

my two lads Bertie and Horace and daughter Ada a walk in forenoon. In afternoon went up to Westby with Bertie. At night went to Preston to see that all was right at office. Back to Wray Green at 8.35. Read Newman's book on "The Soul"<sup>168</sup> which I had been reading at intervals all day on my return journey. To bed about 10.30.

**Monday 15 July 1872** To work at 9. Looking after money &c. Back to Wray Green at 8.15. Had a game of quoits on the Green. Lost.

**Tuesday 16 July 1872** To work at same time and left at same hour. Had a game of quoits. Played better but lost. Afterwards went to Kirkham's Grapes Inn and had a glass of beer. To bed about 10.30

**Wednesday 17 July 1872** To work by 7.7 train this morning. Sub-edited and attended to shop till about noon and then went down to Wray Green. Had dinner—Mr Robert Kellett agent\* &c of Kilshaw Street, Preston, with us. Afterwards went to Lytham in his conveyance. My wife and Mrs Kirkham with us. I had three and a quarter glasses of porter during afternoon. Got back to Wray Green about 7. Had tea, rode with Kellett to Kirkham, then to station at about 8.45 back to Wray Green in train. Had a game at quoits; played better than ever but lost. Afterwards had a short walk with my wife. A beautiful moonlight night and like courting time over again.

**Thursday 18 July 1872** Went to work at 9 o'clock. Looked after bills and business. Home at 9 pm. Had a game at quoits and won.

**Friday 19 July 1872** Walked down the line to junction—8.35; to Preston at 9. Work—hard, heavy and thoughtful—all day. To bed at 2.45 am.

**Saturday 20 July 1872** Up at 10.15; 2nd edition work. To Wray Green to see my children in afternoon. Stayed in Preston during night and at 10.25 went to Shelley's Arms with Salter169 (a printer in my employ formerly) and had 2 glasses of porter.

<sup>168</sup> Francis William Newman, *The Soul, Her Sorrows and Her Aspirations* (London: J. Chapman, 1849).

<sup>169</sup> Thomas Salter (c. 1839–1903). See 8 June 1873.

**Sunday 21 July 1872** Wray Green at 9.45. To the church at Wray Green afterwards. A damnably bad reading and sermon. In afternoon to Thompson<sup>170</sup> (Kirkham station master) had tea and &c. Home 9.45.

**Monday 22 July 1872** Did not feel so well this morning—had too much gin last night at Kirkham station. To work at 9. Remained at work till 8 at night with slight interruptions. A friend in Wales sent me particulars of a railway collision near Holyhead yesterday and I forwarded it to about 20 papers including Times. R Townley Parker171 of Cuerden Hall, near Preston, called today and complimented me upon a leader I wrote on Saturday respecting labour and wages.<sup>172</sup>

**Tuesday 23 July 1872** Looking after money & advertisements to-day & was tired; for I did not get to sleep till 12 last night & got up at 4 o'clock, through my daughter Ada being ill. Mrs Gillow173 wife of Joe Gillow, late of Winckley Square, Preston, and now of Ribby Cottage.[sic] Interment took place at the Willows.174 To Wray Green at 9.10 at night. To bed about 10.30

**Wednesday 24 July 1872** Ordinary work nearly all day. A heavy thunderstorm—one of a remarkably severe series this month—this morning.

**Thursday 25 July 1872** To Garstang at 10.30. Reported police court cases; one of them being a case of drunkenness against Governor of Claughton Workhouse.<sup>175</sup> To Preston at 2.30. To Wray Green at 8.30. Wrote out police news afterwards.

**Friday 26 July 1872** Working hard all day—writing leading article &c &c. To bed at about 3 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 27 July 1872** Up at 10.20. Hard work all day. At night got a letter from R Townley Parker who said that he had shown my leader to

<sup>170</sup> John J. Thompson (b. 1835).

<sup>171</sup> Robert Townley-Parker (1793–1879), former Conservative MP for Preston.

<sup>172</sup> The 20 July leading article condemned demands for higher pay, because they would only lead to higher prices.

<sup>173</sup> Jane Gillow (1804–1872). For Joseph Gillow, see 11 July 1865.

<sup>174</sup> The Roman Catholic church of St John the Evangelist, Kirkham, also known as the Willows.

<sup>175</sup> Hugh Taylor (b. 1831) was fined five shillings.

one of the most distinguished statesmen in the country.<sup>176</sup> Had 3 glasses of ale.

**Sunday 28 July 1872** To Wray Green with wife and brother in law John Wilson\* at 9.30. In afternoon we went to Lytham and Blackpool. Had tea at Albion Hotel. Went previously to see Foxhall Hotel (the Fox Hall of the Tyldesleys).<sup>177</sup> Went upon pier; then upon higher beach; had a view of the hills of Isle of Man; home at 9. Called at the Grapes, had two bottles of beer; bed at 11.

**Monday 29 July 1872** Up at 10 minutes to 8. Had a quoiting game with brother-in-law John Wilson\* at Wray Green. To Preston at 9.30. Looking after shop with my wife. Heavy rain and thunderstorm. In afternoon went (at request of J B Booth, Esq<sup>178</sup>) to Gas Works and saw a German invention for instantaneous lighting of gas through pressure and by-chlorate of potash and sulphuric acid. Light effected without applying an ordinary light. In evening went with Mr Booth to a street lamp, in Garstang road, about a mile and a half from Glover Street Gas Works. The lamp was lighted by pressure from the works in a few seconds—apparently instantaneously. Alderman John Goodair,\* near whose house the experiment was made was present. He was also present at the first experiment. Preston was the first town in which public gas lamps were lighted, and singular, it has been first town in which such lamps have been lighted by instantaneous action. Mr Booth has patented the process in England. It was invented at Gettingen. To Wray Green at 9.10. Bed soon after 10.

**Tuesday 30 July 1872** Walked from Wray Green to Junction in about 10 minutes; on to Preston afterwards. At 10.30 to Gas Works and got more particulars about lighting invention. Between one and two R Townley Parker called upon me, showed me a letter from Lord Derby179

<sup>176</sup> See 22 July.

<sup>177</sup> Hewitson was working with Joseph Gillow jnr on the diaries of Thomas Tyldesley, who lived at Fox Hall, Blackpool, in the early 18th century.

<sup>178</sup> John Billington Booth (1820–1899), chairman of Preston Gas Company, and—like the company's founder, Fr Joseph Dunn—a Roman Catholic. Booth became a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and was active in Preston's mechanics' institute.

<sup>179</sup> See 27 July.

on question of labour and wages and had a talk with me on same subject. In afternoon wrote out a description of gas lighting apparatus; in evening went to J Billington Booth's and read over my description to him. He was well satisfied. Had two glasses of wine. To Wray Green afterwards—meeting wife at station. Rode up from Kirkham to Wray Green on the engine. Afterwards had a walk with wife into Westby; back at 9.50; supper; bed

**Wednesday 31 July 1872** To Lancaster at 10.30 and after soliciting advertisements there for Royal North Lancashire Agricultural Society<sup>180</sup> went down to Morecambe, stayed 2 hours and got to Preston at 8.35 just in time to catch train for Wray Green. Had a walk with wife after reaching far end.

<sup>180</sup> See 5 August 1872.

### August

**Thursday 1 August 1872** Ordinary work in morning; in afternoon went to Preston Agricultural Show—not very much of an affair, held in Winckley Meadow near Penwortham Bridge. Sent particulars off to some of the daily papers. In evening saw Mr Joseph Livesey\* and he promised to give me first chance of Guardian office, Cannon Street for my office as I may be removed from 23½ Fishergate.<sup>181</sup>

**Friday 2 August 1872** Writing &c from 9.15 in morning to 3 next morning.

**Saturday 3 August 1872** Up at 10.30. To Blackpool to report Dr Fraser,\* Bishop of Manchester, in afternoon. He attending opening of Christ Church School. Parson Wainwright,<sup>182</sup> incumbent, behaved himself like a block-headed bigot—refused me and Guardian reporter admission to luncheon because we were not Tories. Serious railway collision today near Pendleton.

**Sunday 4 August 1872** To Poulton le Fylde to report sermon of Bishop of Manchester in forenoon; but the discourse was too religious for a newspaper. Afterwards by train to Kirkham and then walked to Wray Green. Had a walk Kirkham and then walked to Wray Green. In afternoon had a walk with my wife and children. In evening went down to Kirkham with wife and daughter Florey. Back at 9.45.

**Monday 5 August 1872** Looking after advertisements for Royal North Lancashire Agricultural Society's catalogue which I am printing this year. In evening to Bartle Gooseberry Show.

**Tuesday 6 August 1872** Mainly ditto

**Wednesday 7 August 1872** Ditto

**Thursday 8 August 1872** More ditto

<sup>181</sup> Livesey owned the building, but no longer the *Guardian*, which was about to move into the town's first purpose-built newspaper premises on Fishergate. Puzzlingly, Hewitson published his *Chronicle* from 24½ Fishergate, not 23½.

<sup>182</sup> Rev Charles Henry Wainwright (b. 1831), vicar of Christ Church, Blackpool, who had 'almost insisted' on writing the leading articles for the *Blackpool and Lytham Visitor* in 1868. The editor, John Grime, refused (*Gazette-News*, 26 June 1917). At the age of 68 Rev Wainwright married his 34-year-old second wife.

**Friday 9 August 1872** Writing from 9.15 in morning till one next morning.

**Saturday 10 August 1872** Up at 9.48. My printers gave me notice today that if I did not increase the wages of all of them and shorten the time of others as well they would leave work in a fortnight. The increased pay will amount to about £50 a year. I cannot afford it for I am getting no equivalent. Tonight I have sent off advertisements to six daily papers for printers—non-union hands.183 I will not be beaten. To bed about 11.30 only myself in Preston house.

**Sunday 11 August 1872** Down to Wray green in morning and had a walk to Kirkham in evening.

**Monday 12 August 1872** Doing ordinary work at office all day. Down to Wray Green at night.184

**Tuesday 13 August 1872** This is my 36th birthday. I thank God I have been brought all square to this point; and I hope I shall go on—striving to be better, happier, stronger, richer. Working hard all day. Celebrated my birthday more with hard work than anything else.

**Wednesday 14 August 1872** Working at office.

<sup>183</sup> Printers on all three Preston papers repeated their request for the same pay rise and shorter hours, made in March. Jobbing hands (those working on printing other than the newspaper) were asking for 1 shilling extra per week and 8d per hour overtime, while piece hands (paid by how much type they set, rather than by the hour) wanted a halfpenny more per thousand pieces of type set. Jobbing printers had had their weekly hours reduced to 54 per week the previous March (*Manchester Evening News,* 12 August 1872). This dispute was part of an international 'nine hours' campaign to reduce weekly working hours from 60-plus to 54, on a new wave of trades union confidence after their legal status was strengthened in 1871. Hewitson disagreed with trades unions, believing that they interfered with free trade. The *Leeds Mercury* carried an advert the following week for 'several compositors' (typesetters), asking applicants to contact the *Preston Guardian* office. Perhaps all three papers were using the *Guardian* address.

<sup>184</sup> On this day the Preston printers' union agreed to place advertisements 'for hands to keep away from Preston' in the *Guardian*, *Examiner* and *Courier* in Manchester, the *Mercury*, *Courier* and *Albion* in Liverpool and the *Leeds Mercury*. They wrote to the Blackburn and Bolton branches warning that *Preston Guardian* work might be done there, presumably because the Toulmins owned the *Blackburn Times* and George Toulmin managed the *Bolton Chronicle* (Preston branch of the Typographical Association minute book 1867–1877, Lancashire Archives DDX/104/ACC9666/ box9).

**Thursday 15 August 1872** Same. Mayors (Miss Myres's<sup>185</sup>) garden party in Miller Park this afternoon.

#### **Friday 16 August 1872** Same

#### **Saturday 17 August 1872** Ditto

**Sunday 18 August 1872** To Wray Green in morning. Had station master of Kirkham (Thompson),\* his wife186 and father and mother in law to tea and treated the two men with whiskey afterwards.<sup>187</sup>

**Monday 19 August 1872** Work all day

**Tuesday 20 August 1872** Sir T G Fermor-Hesketh,\* bart, Conservative Member for Preston died this morning at his seat, Rufford Hall. He had it is said been a hard brandy drinker.

**Wednesday 21 August 1872** I was asked today to write to my friend Major German\* of Vine Court, Sevenoaks, Kent and ask if he would contest Preston in the Liberal interest; and I did so. His reply was that he must know cost &c.

**Thursday 22 August 1872** Working at office all day.

**Friday 23 August 1872** Same, and in evening attended a meeting of Liberals when it was decided to contest Preston in their interest—Mr Holker QC<sup>188</sup> having consented to stand for the Conservatives—and to send a deputation to Major German\* soliciting him to come down. Mr William Dobson,\* Mr T Coulthard189 and I were appointed the deputation.

**Saturday 24 August 1872** Worked till 2.20 in morning and at 3 o' c[loc]k started with Dobson\* and Coulthard for London. Landed at Euston Square Station at 20 minutes after 10 in forenoon. Had a stroll

<sup>185</sup> Bridget Myres (1805–1879), sister of Miles and John James Myres.

<sup>186</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>187</sup> On this day the printers' union reduced their pay claim, to 1/4d extra per thousand pieces set, but the employers rejected it.

<sup>188</sup> John Holker (1828–1882), lawyer from Bury, became Solicitor General then Attorney General in Disraeli's second government.

<sup>189</sup> Thomas Coulthard (1831–1905), accountant and businessman (*LDP* 19 May 1905, p. 4).

about London till 12.30 then set off to Major German's\* residence, Vine Court, Sevenoaks; got there about 2 in afternoon; a very beautiful country. Found that the Major had gone with his wife to Hastings, so we posted off there; reached it—passing through a delightful country made up of rich fields of grain and grass, hop gardens &c exquisitely relieved with wood. Found German in evening at Queen's Hotel. He was willing to stand for Preston; but had an objection to the cost.190 Stopped up with him, smoking and drinking a glass or two till midnight.191

**Sunday 25 August 1872** Rose at six in morning; our quarters being Queen's Hotel. Had a stroll upon Hastings Promenade. This watering place is a beautiful spot, evidently the resort of very fashionable people. Left Hastings at 7.30 in morning—getting a glimpse of Battle Abbey on the way—and reached London at 10.40. Strolled off to St Paul's staying about ten minutes; afterwards went to City Road Wesleyan Chapel and in the yard there saw graves of John Wesley and Dr Adam Clarke. Then looked into Bunhill Fields Cemetery on opposite side. A great sight. It contains 124,000 graves and about 6000 grave stones. I saw in this cemetery the graves of John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe, Isaac Watts, John Wesley's mother, Fontleroy the bank forger and some of the descendants of Oliver Cromwell. Had dinner at the Waverley Temperance Hotel, then sailed down the Thames from London Bridge to Westminster and went into Westminster Abbey, staying there about an hour, during service; but I did not care much for it (although the sermon was a liberal one and in praise of John Wesley) and looked about in the "Poet's Corner". Afterwards when service was over examined the nave, which contains monuments of far too many fighting men—like St Paul's. Had tea in Westminster; then sailed on Thames to Chelsea and went to the Shakers' Chapel in Little College Street. Saw the service—a wild mixture of singing, praying, dancing, preaching, kissing and hugging. Never saw such an exhibition of delusion and damned rollicking, half-amorous,

<sup>190</sup> The cost was mainly bribing voters, but probably included this trip to London, Sevenoaks and Hastings.

<sup>191</sup> The printers went on strike today, with more joining them on Monday 26 August. In today's *Chronicle,* Hewitson wrote mockingly that 'the Preston printers (employed on the three newspapers) will come out on strike to-day. A fortnight ago they stated that if more wages were not given to them they would leave; and the masters, unwilling to disappoint them, have made arrangements for them to go.'

half-crazy tumbling and jumping about in my life. It was a kind of pious "penny gaff"192 or backyard religious dancing room. Left the place at eight; went from Kensington to Gower Street on underground and railway thence to Euston station, leaving that place at 9 and landing at Preston at 3 in the morning. Went to shop and then to bed.

**Monday 26 August 1872** Up at 7.35. My fresh workmen—non-union men came today. The old hands seemed to be in a half-malicious half foolish, half drunken state in the streets. To Wray Green at night.193

**Tuesday 27 August 1872** To Preston at 7.17 in morning. Ordinary work. This evening Mr Holker\* the Conservative candidate delivered his first speech in the Corn Exchange. I sent it off to some papers and telegraphed a summary to others.

**Wednesday 28 August 1872** Work all day. Announced today that Major German, who had had an interview with Glyn,194 Secretary of Reform Club in London, and had I suppose made matters right with him.195

**Thursday 29 August 1872** Same again Major German\* landed here at 3.10 this afternoon. Met him, along with Mr David Irvin196 and Coulthard at the station. Afterwards had an interview with him, Irvin and Crompton at the Red Lion. In evening German delivered an address at the theatre to a great meeting of Liberals and it was decided to accept him and support him.

**Friday 30 August 1872** I got out German's\* address197 this morning. Bothered much with my newspaper printing today, the union having

<sup>192</sup> Back-room variety theatre.

<sup>193</sup> The *Manchester Evening News* (19 August) claimed that the Preston employers had received applications from four times as many men as they needed, to replace the strikers. 'Their places, with very few exceptions, have been filled by men from other towns,' the *Manchester Evening News* reported on Tuesday 27 August.

<sup>194</sup> Possibly George Grenfell Glyn MP (1824–1887), Liberal chief whip.

<sup>195</sup> The Reform Club was the political headquarters of the Liberal Party; Hewitson hoped that German has been promised funding for his campaign. 'Interview' meant a meeting, not a journalistic Q&A.

<sup>196</sup> David Irvin (1816–1900), shuttle and bobbin manufacturer and inventor, of the Peel Hall works, Ribbleton (*LDP,* 23 March 1900, p. 4).

<sup>197</sup> Electoral address, a formal announcement and manifesto.

during the week withdrawn three or four hands. Worked all night and never went to bed at all.

**Saturday 31 August 1872** Mason Jones198 the Irish orator waited upon me today and wanted to know if it would be wise to raise a cry, at the elections in favour of disestablishing the Church of England. I said it would not. Working at office all day; to bed at 11.30. Joseph Gillow199 of Ribby Cottage, late manufacturer of Preston, who died on Thursday, suddenly, was interred today at the Willows. He called on me at Wray Green with his son Joseph, to take tea, last Sunday afternoon but I was away after German\* so he arranged to come tomorrow, little thinking that at that time he would be in Heaven, for I hold that everybody goes to Heaven, but not the same part of it.

<sup>198</sup> Thomas Mason Jones (1833–1873), journalist, orator, reformer, born in Ireland, moved to England 1858, met Italian revolutionary Garibaldi in 1860, visited America during the Civil War, stood unsuccessfully as a Liberal Parliamentary candidate in 1865 and 1868, supported the vote for women and helped to found the Reform League for widening the vote.

<sup>199</sup> See 11 July 1865.

### September

**Sunday 1 September 1872** Up at 8.45 and with wife to Wray Green at 9.15. Had a walk with three of my children—taking youngest in my arms, at Wray Green. In afternoon friends Pateson\* of Preston and his wife<sup>200</sup> and friend Bakewell\* came to see us and had tea. At 7.20 they returned and my wife with daughter Ada and Betsey201 the servant returned to Preston to get our house in order for we leave here tomorrow. I stayed at Wray Green with children Florence, Bertie and Horace—reading during evening some essays on Greece.

**Monday 2 September 1872** Ordinary work and correspondence. At night to a meeting of Major German's\* in the Spinners' Institute, off Church Street, behind Albion Inn.

**Tuesday 3 September 1872** Ditto and at night to two meetings addressed by Major German\*—Havelock Inn St Peter's Ward and Baptist School Albert Street. Telegraphing same afterwards.

**Wednesday 4 September 1872** To Morecambe with T Standing's son<sup>202</sup> to see a cooking apparatus and describe it which they had put up for an encampment of Yorkshire Rifle Volunteers on eastern beach.203 Had a bathe in salt water first; after inspecting apparatus and camp to dinner at the house of Longmire204 who was once a great champion wrestler and who now keeps a public house in Morecambe. I saw, and spoke to Longmire. Got back to Preston about 4 o'c[loc]k in afternoon and after having some oysters with young Standing went to my office and worked till about 10. Had sundry glasses of drink today.

**Thursday 5 September 1872** Nothing extra, except that in the afternoon I attended as a deputation upon the notorious Odger<sup>205</sup> of London who

<sup>200</sup> Ellen Pateson née Exton (1828–1901).

<sup>201</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>202</sup> Either Thomas junior (b. 1856) or William (b. 1858) Standing.

<sup>203</sup> Thomas Standing senior (b. 1824), agricultural machinery and hardware merchant, supplied a steam boiler and cooking equipment suitable for cooking meat, potatoes and 'the proper quantity of gravy' ('A battalion of Yorkshire volunteers in a cooking crisis, a Preston tradesman to the rescue', *PC,* 7 September 1872, p. 7).

<sup>204</sup> Thomas Longmire (1823–1899), landlord of the West View Hotel.

<sup>205</sup> George Odger (1813–1877) helped form the London Trades Council, forerunner of the Trades Union Congress. He was first president of the International

had come to Preston evidently to put up as a Working Men's candidate for parliament. He was self-opinionated and had a dressed-up, shoemakery-learned look. Ned Ambler\* and I waited upon him and told him he had no chance and could only damage the Liberal cause. We could not create an impression upon him.

**Friday 6 September 1872** This is my wife's 34th birthday. Very busy all day till 5 next morning.

**Saturday 7 September 1872** Rose at 10 this morning and working hard in office &c till about 11 at night. Had 4 glasses of beer this evening.

**Sunday 8 September 1872** I and wife being very tired laid in bed till 11. Dressed, washed and gave my children a lesson in the moral, physical, and religious catechism I have prepared for them. I do not believe in other people's catechisms, so I have made one. In afternoon I and wife had an out to Fleetwood.

**Monday 9 September 1872** Work main of day.[sic] At night went round to four or five ward meetings with Major German.\*

**Tuesday 10 September 1872** Almost a ditto.

**Wednesday 11 September 1872** Same in morning and at night reported principal portion of a great Liberal meeting in favour of Major German\* in area206 of Corn Exchange. To bed about 11 o'c[loc]k. Today my wife lent Harry Hawkins's\* wife £2.10.0 for purpose of buying a dress piece.

**Thursday 12 September 1872** Up at 4 in morning and throng writing Major German's\* speech last night till 9.20. Busy with office work all day. To bed at 11.30.

**Friday 13 September 1872** This was the election day. I minded my own business—attended to office work and to the Chronicle which must come out tomorrow. Sent off an account of election to The Times and

Workingmen's Association (the 'First International'), usually disagreeing with Karl Marx. He was indeed a self-educated shoemaker, and the snobbish remark by Hewitson (also self-educated) was typical of local Liberal organisers who blocked Odger's Parliamentary ambitions elsewhere. Realising he was unlikely to win, Odger withdrew before the poll.

<sup>206</sup> Central hall inside the building.

all the chief distant papers. Liberals worked badly—neither toiled nor spent money. Holker\* was returned by a majority of 718.<sup>207</sup>

**Saturday 14 September 1872** Went to German\* at Red Lion at 10. He seemed in good spirits and gave me his parting address which I printed in 2nd edition. Working very hard all day.

**Sunday 15 September 1872** In bed till 10. Reading &c till evening and then went to Newsham House to see John Hawkins.\* He is not so well. We talked about trade and politics and I had some grapes and gin. Home at 9 o'clock.

**Monday 16 September 1872** Today my new machineman from Bury Times came. I have to give him 30/ a week, with overtime money. Throng all day. At night I promised £2-2 for a testimonial to Major German.\* Shall raise it to £3-3 or £5-5. At night went to a great Conservative Working Men's demonstration in favour of return of Mr Holker.\* There was a hell of an amount of blind enthusiasm and wildness about it. I pity men who tirade political freedom—the creed of Liberalism—and yet make it their stalking horse with the working classes.

**Tuesday 17 September 1872** Doing nothing very particular today; still I was working all day.

#### **Wednesday 18 September 1872** Same

**Thursday 19 September 1872** This is my 14th wedding day. In forenoon went to Blackpool, there being a high flood—sent it to the papers; afterwards went to Leyland Agricultural Show and sent it off; at night to a meeting at Castle Inn, Preston, where I and a number of Liberals decided to get up a testimonial to Major German\* in recognition of his effort to fight the battle in Preston on behalf of the Liberals. Left it at ten to join a party of friends—Bakewell\*, France\* and wife\* and Pateson\* and wife—at home. We had a quiet jollification in celebration of wedding day. My wife got a present from Mrs German today.

<sup>207</sup> The Ballot Act had become law in July, making this one of the first polls in which voting was done in secret.

**Friday 20 September 1872** Up at 8.30; not so well; worked till 8 pm; to a meeting in re[gard to] German\* at Castle afterwards; then to work till 2 in morning.

**Saturday 21 September 1872** Working all day till 10 at night.

**Sunday 22 September 1872** Up at 10; read Greek history, set my children some lessons, then made some bills out, then taught my children catechism, read a little of Theodore Parker on Religion,<sup>208</sup> signed a check for £5.5 had a glass or two with France,\* and to bed at about 10.30.

**Monday 23 September 1872** Today went out collecting, along with Mr E Ambler,\* printer, Lancaster ward, for a testimonial to Major German.\* Met with considerable success. Mr Alderman John Goodair\* promised us £20.

**Tuesday 24 September 1872** Engaged, today from 11 in forenoon till about 6 in evening collecting with Ambler.\* He and I today went to Blackpool, saw Mr John Hawkins\* and got £10 from him. John was not so well; but this could not be expected.[sic] He was 80 years of age yesterday—was, I think he told me, born at a place called Gillebrand's near Moulden Water.209

**Wednesday 25 September 1872** Office work today. At night attended a meeting of German\* testimonial committee at Castle Inn. I and Ambler had got most money; Sam Andrew<sup>210</sup> (clerk at Ascroft's\*, in Cannon Street) next to us. It was decided we should go to London as a deputation to see Major and Mrs German about what they would like to have.

**Thursday 26 September 1872** Attending to office work all day.

**Friday 27 September 1872** Ditto; finished work at five next morning.

**Saturday 28 September 1872** To bed at 5.10 this morning; up at 9.50. Today Messrs Horrockses, Miller & Co and Messrs John Hawkins\* & Sons cotton manufacturers gave notice that they intended running their

<sup>208</sup> See 14 July 1867.

<sup>209</sup> A village near Blackburn.

<sup>210</sup> Samuel Andrew (1843–1890).

works short time; high price of coal, glutted and bad markets being the presumed cause. These two firms are the greatest in Preston.

**Sunday 29 September 1872** Up at 10. Making arrangements for shop and office to keep all going right during my absence in London. In afternoon sub-editing, writing and reading.

**Monday 30 September 1872** To London at 8.10 this morning, as a deputation along with Mr E Ambler\* to see Major and Mrs German.\* My wife accompanied us; also Mr S Andrew and Mr Blackoe,<sup>211</sup> draper. Landed at London about 5 in afternoon and we took up our lodgings at Gregory's Hotel, Arundell Street, Haymarket. Found this place respectable, good and central. In evening we all went to the Alhambra Theatre, Leicester Square. A splendidly got up but stupid and in some parts indecent entertainment called "The King of the Carrots".<sup>212</sup> Many whores in refreshment room.

<sup>211</sup> Joseph Blackoe.

<sup>212</sup> Adapted from Hoffmann's fable 'The King's Bride'.

### October

**Tuesday 1 October 1872** Today I bought a gold watch for £14-14-0 and a gold wedding ring for my wife (the old ring was getting worn out and we wished to preserve it) at Benson's, Ludgate Hill. Afterwards my wife went to Sevenoaks and I went to collect some accounts.213 I had previously got some. In afternoon I, Ambler and Andrew afterwards went to Zoological Gardens. In evening we visited Gaiety Theatre, the Oxford singing room and a wretched Judge and Jury hole in Leicester Square.214

**Wednesday 2 October 1872** Today we met Major and Mrs German\* of Sevenoaks, whom my wife had accompanied at Charing Cross. We subsequently visited two silversmith's establishments and selected sundry articles for presentation (in Preston) to Major and Mrs German.<sup>215</sup> Then we had dinner at Nicholl's restaurant, Regent Street. Later on I, my wife, Ambler and Andrew went to Chelsea. I proceeded to Cheyne Row to See Thomas Carlyle the author.<sup>216</sup> He had laid down, so I agreed to call next day. We then went to see the Shakers<sup>217</sup> in Little College Street.

**Thursday 3 October 1872** Collecting an a/c [account] or two; in afternoon to South Kensington Museum—a splendid place. Then I walked to Mr Carlyle's, in Cheyne Row, and had a chat and a smoke with him.218 He

<sup>213</sup> Probably advertising accounts from London agents.

<sup>214</sup> The Gaiety, on Aldwych, had opened in 1864 and was known for music hall, like the Oxford Music Hall, on the corner of Oxford St and Tottenham Court Rd. 'Judge and jury' entertainments were smutty parodies of topical court cases.

<sup>215</sup> The silver plate and gold bracelet, when delivered to Preston, would be displayed in the *Chronicle* window, Hewitson later announced (*PC,* 12 October 1872, p. 5).

<sup>216</sup> Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881), one of the most influential writers and thinkers of the nineteenth century. Hewitson was a disciple, despite Carlyle's low opinion of journalism (Carlyle refused the editorship of newspapers in Dundee and Lichfield, and believed that 'the able editor' was a malign influence on society: Simon Heffer, *Moral Desperado: A Life of Thomas Carlyle* (London: Phoenix, 1996).

<sup>217</sup> Millenarian Christian church, nicknamed for their ecstatic movements during worship.

<sup>218</sup> Carlyle had to spend part of every day dealing with the 'incipient authors, beggars, blockheads and canaille of various kinds' who knocked on his front door: James Anthony Froude, *Thomas Carlyle, A History of His Life in London 1834–1881* (London: Longman, 1884), II, p. 353; 'canaille' is French for the common people. Hewitson devoted two chapters of his weekly series 'Sights and Incidents; or Places and Faces' to his half-hour with Carlyle (PC, 3 and 10 October 1874, republished in a book, 1875).

is a fine, grizley, determined old man. On leaving went to International Exhibition219 where I met my wife, Ambler and Andrew—we passed through or near two new departments; then into the Horticultural Gardens; then into Albert Hall, and then went to inspect Albert Memorial opposite. At night wife and I walked down Strand and Fleet Street into Farrington Street [sic] making sundry purchases of toys &c for our children.

**Friday 4 October 1872** Left London at 8.10 in morning; at Rugby turned off and went through Coventry round by Birmingham and on to Stafford; reaching Preston about 6 in the evening. Worked till 2 o'c[loc]k in morning.

**Saturday 5 October 1872** Reported speech by Lord Derby today in Town Hall, at first general meeting of Lancashire Farmers' Club and Chamber of Agriculture. Had something to drink with Manchester and Liverpool reporters. In evening sent off slips of Derby's speech.220 Then to a meeting of German\* Testimonial Committee at Castle Inn and had about a pint of beer.

**Sunday 6 October 1872** Up at ten; writing letters, making out a/cs [accounts]; in afternoon taught children catechism at night went for a short time to Pateson's.\*

**Monday 7 October 1872** Went out collecting with E Ambler,\* a considerable portions [sic] of today.

#### **Tuesday 8 October 1872** Ditto

**Wednesday 9 October 1872** Office work and in evening to a meeting of the German\* Testimonial Committee.

**Thursday 10 October 1872** Ditto as to office

<sup>219</sup> Each year from 1871 to 1874 there was an international exhibition in South Kensington, modelled on the Great Exhibition of 1851.

<sup>220</sup> Slips: probably direct copies of Hewitson's long-hand transcription from his shorthand, made with the use of oiled paper which left an impression on the paper underneath. If reporters pressed hard enough, they could make five or six copies at one go, sandwiching the oiled paper between thin slips of paper ('flimsies'), which could then be sent to other newspapers. I am grateful to Dr Steve Tate for advice on this technique.

**Friday 11 October 1872** Same; and at night for two hours went to a meeting of the Testimonial Committee. To bed at 3 in morning (Sat).

**Saturday 12 October 1872** Up at 9.45; working all day; Dr Smith\* called at night and had a glass of whiskey; bed 11.35.

**Sunday 13 October 1872** To Scorton this morning by train and then to Forton Independent Chapel—farewell sermons of an unfortunate parson called Massey<sup>221</sup> —said to have got drunk but not proved at Galgate 12 months ago. He brought an action for libel and won it on this account. Then the members dwindled down till he had hardly anything coming in on which to keep his wife<sup>222</sup> (a black woman) and four children. He denounced by innuendo and partially directly the lacking[?] drowsy and false purposes of religion in his congregation who were members; but not all of them only seven of original congregation present—rest Wesleyans and Church of England people who had gone out of empathy's sake. Forton is a pretty pastoral place—I like it: nice lane, undulating and many pastures, cosy looking cottages; and if the place I dined at—New Holly—is any criterion—excellent inns. Had a ramble after last service at chapel to Cockersand Abbey, through Cockerham; but shortness of time drove me back before I reached it. Home at 8.30; then to Mrs Clemmey's223 where my wife had gone; had two glasses; home; bed at 11.

**Monday 14 October 1872** Collecting with Ambler;\* looking after money; at night to a meeting of Testimonial Committee.

**Tuesday 15 October 1872** Attending to my own business and at night had some beer.

**Wednesday 16 October 1872** In afternoon went to meet Major and Mrs German\* at railway station; Councillor T Edelston224 and Charlie

<sup>221</sup> Rev William Henry Massey (b. 1839), who had been a Methodist missionary in Jamaica and Sierra Leone (*PC* 16 December 1871, p. 3).

<sup>222</sup> Elizabeth Massey (b. 1836), from Jamaica.

<sup>223</sup> See 28 January.

<sup>224</sup> Thomas Edelston (1830–1899), Liberal, solicitor, who 'knows all the secrets of declamation, up and down logic, side wind firing, direct smashing … has a round, shining, patriarchal head' (*PTC*), campaigned for a public library in Preston. His daughter married George Toulmin jnr (*LDP,* 26 October 1899, p. 2).

Hawkins<sup>225</sup> with me. Drove up to Red Lion—German's quarters. In evening the presentation to Major and Mrs German was made in the area of the Exchange. A good gathering—large and orderly. I responded to a vote of thanks to the managing committee, being the chairman of that body. Sent account off by telegraph to several papers; then went to a ball in assembly room of Exchange along with my wife and two sisters and a brother in law. An excellent muster; ball good; drinking free; order capital. Had supper in a side room with Major and Mrs German, their party, and some members of the committee. Stayed at ball—in dancing and refreshment room—till 3.15 in morning.

**Thursday 17 October 1872** Up at about 8 this morning. Felt "seedy"; at 11 Ambler and I had an interview with Major German\* who told us that Government would have "warmed up" the late election if they had been asked—that Glyn the Reform Club man226 had intimated this much to a Preston deputation that waited upon him; and that the deputation appeared to have been too dull to take the hint.227 Had another interview with German in afternoon shortly before he left Preston.

**Friday 18 October 1872** Working hard in office till 5 next morning.

**Saturday 19 October 1872** Ditto till ten at night; then had a glass or two; and then to bed.

**Sunday 20 October 1872** Up at 8. Had Barton228 reporter for the Preston Herald (Tory) here—should have gone with him to Scorton &c with wife and sisters-in-law; but too late for train. He had dinner with us. In afternoon we drove to Inglewhite, in a hired conveyance; thence to Goosnargh; had tea at Bushell's Arms; home; then I and wife spent a pleasant evening with Dr Bradley229 in Winckley Square; home at 9.55; bed at 12.

<sup>225</sup> Charles Wilson Hawkins (1849–1887), Liberal town councillor (1874–1877), mill owner (John Hawkins & Sons, Greenbank Mills, with brother Henry), lived on West Cliff. Son of John Hawkins.\* (*PC,* 27 August 1887, p. 5).

<sup>226</sup> See 28 August.

<sup>227</sup> German is referring to funding for his unsuccessful election campaign.

<sup>228</sup> Probably Benjamin Barton, formerly of the *Preston Guardian.* See 5 January 1866.

<sup>229</sup> Dr William Bradley (d.1893), Roman Catholic medic of Camden Place, off Winckley Square (*PC,* 9 September 1893, p. 4).

**Monday 21 October 1872** Collecting money with Ambler\* to close up German\* affair; in evening decided to take Archibald Ferguson's230 shop opposite end of Cannon Street (Fishergate); my place 24½ having been sold and, I believe, disposed of to Manchester & County Bank. To bed after a glass and a cigar at 10.45.

**Tuesday 22 October 1872** Looking after some office a/cs [accounts]. W France's\* eldest daughter231 got wed today.

**Wednesday 23 October 1872** Same and ordinary shop and office work.

**Thursday 24 October 1872** Mainly same; at night writing paragraphs for paper till about 10.30.

**Friday 25 October 1872** Office work; writing; soliciting municipal election advertisements. Here such elections are a rotten, wretched farce—corrupt almost to the core.

**Saturday 26 October 1872** Finished work this morning at 2.30. To bed afterwards; up again at 10. Work all day till 10.30 at night. This week has been a curious one for thieving; I have lost two books, 4/ in copper, 10/ in gold and 7/ in silver. Of course "nobody" has taken it. Got a new lock and key for our drawers and a cash box; and by these expect to make matters right.

**Sunday 27 October 1872** Up about 9. Reading Carlyle's Latter Day pamphlets.232 To Parish Church with wife at night. Heard a vigorous, frightening sermon by Rev E Lee.233 Afterwards went over to W France's\* where I and wife met a party of people—married folk—who had assembled to eat and drink and gossip in celebration of last Tuesday's

<sup>230</sup> John Archibald Ferguson (1839–1875) of 125 Fishergate sold books and fancy goods.

<sup>231</sup> Jane Elizabeth France (b. 1852).

<sup>232</sup> Thomas Carlyle, *Latter-Day Pamphlets* (London: Chapman and Hall, 1850), a series of eight pamphlets attacking democratic government, commercial greed and many kinds of social reform.

<sup>233</sup> Rev. Edward Lee (d. 1884), a curate of the parish church, subsequently vicar of Esh, Co. Durham,'has a stronger pair of lungs than any parson in Preston … there is much conceit and ever so much bombast about him' but he is generous and hardworking (*OCC*).

wedding.234 I had a pint of ale—refused spirits which, as drink, are the devil's own mixture.

**Monday 28 October 1872** Up at 8. Out collecting for self till noon. In afternoon out with Ned Ambler\* to get in remainder of German\* Testimonial money. Poor success. At night to a committee meeting— Testimonial. Had a quart235 of beer. To bed at 10.30.

**Tuesday 29 October 1872** Today (having taken Mr J Livesey's\* large place in Cannon Street for a printing office—same office as that which Toulmin\* of Guardian had) I let middle room to Good Templars236 for £30 a year; being half of rent; I having to pay rates. Office taken by me on Saturday, with liberty to have a lease for seven years.237

**Wednesday 30 October 1872** Doing office work. It is said Canon Parr\* (Vicar of Preston) returned home today, after a long absence, with his wife—a woman whom he married 14 years ago, and whose marriage never came to light till I "blew" it about 3 months since.238

**Thursday 31 October 1872** Shop work all day. At night Harry Hawkins\* came and I treated him to a glass of whiskey.

<sup>234</sup> See 22 October.

<sup>235</sup> Two pints.

<sup>236</sup> Friendly society.

<sup>237</sup> These former premises of the *Preston Guardian* had once been the home of the mechanics' institute or Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge.

<sup>238</sup> See 21 June.

### November

**Friday 1 November 1872** Municipal elections today. Considerable bribery of the poor and contemptible kind in Preston; but everything very orderly! I begin rent today for Mr Livesey's\* premises in Cannon Street.

**Saturday 2 November 1872** Got my elections a/c [account] today and paid Will Dobson\* £50; leaving on Chronicle a/c [account] about £100 owing. I could pay him at once; but Will though intelligent is shabby and he has a right to wait.239

**Sunday 3 November 1872** Reading, thinking and writing. At night Thompson,\* Kirkham station master and his wife called and I treated them.

**Monday 4 November 1872** Bothering about in shop and out of it, all day. At night met Ambler,\* Andrew240 and Will Sudell241 at Red Lion where we had a conversation &c as to German\* Testimonial. Home at 10.35 To School of Art & Science this afternoon at Avenham Institution and got particulars of it for an article.

**Tuesday 5 November 1872** Doing office and shop work.

**Wednesday 6 November 1872** Ditto and at night after trying to get in two a/cs [accounts] had a couple of glasses of ale at the Castle Inn to which place a new landlord242 has come. He is said to be a Liberal. Tories and Liberals were in room I sat in and both seemed to be trying to "square" the landlord who is a stout lazy man and seemed nearly drunk. I do not expect much real Liberalism from him.243

<sup>239</sup> Hewitson had been paying Dobson by instalments for the purchase of the *Preston Chronicle* in 1868.

<sup>240</sup> See 25 September.

<sup>241</sup> William Sudell (1850–1911), mill manager and first chairman of Preston North End, before it specialised in association football. As manager he promoted professionalism and led the club to great success, before going to jail for three years in 1895, for redirecting money from the mill to the club. On his release he started a new life in South Africa.

<sup>242</sup> Probably Charles Rich.

<sup>243</sup> Pub landlords with political loyalties could be very useful during election campaigns.

**Thursday 7 November 1872** Office work and writing out. In evening went to annual dinner of Preston Licensed Victuallers' Association. Went latish, on purpose. Drank nothing but claret. Reported proceedings. Alderman John Rawcliffe\* in chair. Afterwards had a glass of brandy and (at home) a glass of beer. Home and to bed about 10.45.

**Friday 8 November 1872** Writing all through the day till midnight.

**Saturday 9 November 1872** To bed this morning at 2.30. Up at 10. In afternoon my wife went to see the Tichborne Claimant244 at our Corn Exchange. I went to see him at night. He is a fat, flabby, ignorant, easydispositioned fellow.

**Sunday 10 November 1872** Up at 10. Reading much of the day. At night went with wife to Clarkson's Temperance hotel, Lune Street to see a spirit trance medium called Morse,245 of London. He got into what was called a trance, having the spirit of a China man upon him, and delivered an admirable religious address. But his trance job must be all humbug or delusion. I and Rev McMechan246 questioned him.

**Monday 11 November 1872** Looking after debts this morning. In afternoon attending to German\* Testimonial business. In evening went again with wife to see Morse the spirit medium. He delivered ("under influence") a serious and a humorous address—but he does not like questioning, when awake.

**Tuesday 12 November 1872** In office all day. At night saw an American at Bull Hotel. He has a bet on that he will walk from Gretna to the Mansion House, London, will carry the American flag, unfurled, all the way, and will not be insulted. So far he has not been insulted. He is a quiet, bronzed-looking, Yankee.247 Had a considerable quantity of beer tonight.

<sup>244</sup> The 'Tichborne Claimant', later exposed as Arthur Orton, a butcher from Wapping, was a cause celebre. His claim to be the heir to an aristocratic fortune had been dismissed by a civil court in March 1872 and he was now on bail, charged with perjury, and touring the country.

<sup>245</sup> James Johnson Morse (1848–1919).

<sup>246</sup> William Henry McMechan (c.1840–1895), minister of Fishergate Baptist chapel, former missionary to China.

<sup>247</sup> Colour-Sergeant Gilbert H Bates of Saybrook, Illinois, completed his 332-mile journey on 30 November (*Reynolds's Newspaper,* 1 December 1872, p. 5).

**Wednesday 13 November 1872** Up at 8.20. Wife went to Manchester at 9 o'c[loc]k to buy Christmas goods. I in office nearly all day, at books. Went to meet wife at night, at railway station. To bed about 10.20.

**Thursday 14 November 1872** Working in office and after adverts all day. At night went to another spiritual meeting at Clarkson's Temperance Hotel, Lune St. Mr Morse, the "trance medium" went into a trance, and under the influence of a deceased China man's spirit delivered a long moral and spiritualistic address. Afterwards I and Rev W H McMechan248 asked him for proofs of the genuineness of the affair. Answers very unsatisfactory and meeting broke up with considerable contempt for spiritual trance manifestations.

**Friday 15 November 1872** This afternoon went with Rev W H McMechan249 and Rev J Clough<sup>250</sup> to Mr E Foster's,<sup>251</sup> Friargate, and had an interview with Mr Morse. He refused to have a discussion with us, in his normal state on spiritual manifestations such as his. Afterwards he went into a trance—was understood to be under the influence of the spirit of a "strolling player" who died about 47 years ago. We questioned him very closely; but could get no proofs of the reality of the affair except that he was satisfied of its correctness, by his own connections. But one man's consciousness of a thing is no proof to another man. We left sceptical.

**Saturday 16 November 1872** In shop all day. At night went to a dinner of the printers (all non-society<sup>252</sup>) working on Chronicle, Herald and Guardian at North Union Hotel, Butler Street. Made a donation, had nothing to eat, but several glasses of wine and spoke twice. Proceedings cheerful and very satisfactory.253 Old Porteous paid me £1-19-0 for 13

<sup>248</sup> See 10 November.

<sup>249</sup> See 10 November.

<sup>250</sup> James Clough (c.1836–1919), minister of Grimshaw St Congregational chapel.

<sup>251</sup> Edward Foster (c.1825–1901), chemist.

<sup>252</sup> Non-union.

<sup>253</sup> There was much speechifying about harmony between masters and workmen at this event for the strike-breakers. In Hewitson's speech he said that 'the men present compared, in his mind, favourably, with those who had gone.' Thomas Aspden, manager of the *Herald,* 'felt an attachment for the old men, with whom he had been associated for a considerable number of years, but they had severed that attachment of their own accord … The old crews had deserted their vessels and taken to the boats, but he was afraid they had met with nothing but tempestuous weather, for they were not yet even in sight of land. Fresh crews had been obtained, and with

weeks rent of cottage behind my house today.254 The rent begins on Monday.

**Sunday 17 November 1872** Reading Greek history nearly all day. At night had some table rapping, and got reputed spirit of my deceased sister in law (Sarah Wilson) Rodgett\*) present. Got several answers; but whether right or wrong could not say.

**Monday 18 November 1872** This afternoon Rev J H McMechan and J Clough saw me and it was arranged I should draw up a report as to our interview with Mr Morse, the spiritualist.<sup>255</sup>

**Tuesday 19 November 1872** Went to Lancaster at 10.30 this morning and reported inquest on a murdered child—drowned by its mother Mary Davidson waitress of Cheadle, in a pond at Aldcliffe near Lancaster on 8th of this month. The mother (a young well dressed woman, with her head down all the time) was present. Verdict "wilful murder".256 Home by 4.20 in afternoon.

**Wednesday 20 November 1872** In office and shop nearly the whole day. Drew up "spiritual" report at night.

**Thursday 21 November 1872** Office work in morning; in afternoon out collecting advertisements; in evening writing for Chronicle till 10.30.

**Friday 22 November 1872** Hard at work all day till 2 o'c[loc]k in morning.

**Saturday 23 November 1872** Up at 10 o'c[loc]k; and working in office till 10 at night.

their assistance the ships had sailed on towards their haven prosperously' (*PH,* 20 Nov 1872, p. 3; *PC,* 23 November 1872, p. 6). The strikers had given up by the end of October, and applied for their old jobs, seemingly without success (Preston branch of the Typographical Association minute book 1867–1877, Lancashire Archives DDX/104/ACC9666/box 9).

<sup>254</sup> Presumably this is a house behind 48 Fishergate Hill.

<sup>255</sup> See 15 November.

<sup>256</sup> Davidson was sentenced to death in March 1873 but this was commuted to life imprisonment by the Home Secretary after a petition led by the foreman of the jury (*PC*, 29 March 1873, p. 5).

**Sunday 24 November 1872** Reading Renan's Life of Jesus257 nearly all day.

**Monday 25 November 1872** In office till 6.10 at night and then went to Newsham House to see old Mr John Hawkins,\* the owner. He is not well; but then when a man gets above 80 years old, as he has done, they can't expect much physical bliss. Had 2 glasses of gin; Charlie Hawkins\* accompanied me to Broughton station; at Preston by 9.15; called at Albert Inn, Fishergate where I had two weak glasses of gin, and a talk about Thomas Carlyle; home at 10; to bed at 11.

**Tuesday 26 November 2871** Not so well this morning. It's the gin! People should not get too much of anything, gin included. Working hard at ledger all day and busy with sub-editing at night till 9.30. To bed at 11.

**Wednesday 27 November 1872** In office most of day; and to bed about 11 o'c[loc]k. Nothing particular.

**Thursday 28 November 1872** Large Bazaar for St Walburge's opened in Corn Exchange today. My reporter Morgan<sup>258</sup> attended to it; I stayed at office, and was at work till 10.30 at night.

**Friday 29 November 1872** At work from 9 this morning, till about 5 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 30 November 1872** Up at 10. At work and in office till 10.20 at night. Mr J Duthie259 gave me a book by Bridges of Liverpool, on phrenology<sup>260</sup> today.

<sup>257</sup> Joseph Ernest Renan, *The Life of Jesus* (London: Trübner, 1863), shocking for its portrayal of Jesus as a man not a god, and for its dismissal of Judaism.

<sup>258</sup> See 11 March.

<sup>259</sup> James Duthie (d. 1897), a believer in phrenology, superintendent of the council's labourers, secretary of Preston Temperance Society (*LDP,* 11 October 1897, p. 2).

<sup>260</sup> Probably Frederick Bridges, *Phrenology Made Practical and Popularly Explained* (London: Sampson, Low & Co, 1857).

## December

**Sunday 1 December 1872** In bed till 11 this morning. Reading Renans Life of Jesus and working. At night went to see Pateson\* photographer, with wife, and had a conversation with him on photography, theology &c.

**Monday 2 December 1872** Advertised for a new foreman today in place of T Davis,261 who has become negligent and has lost his authority in the office. In afternoon engaged in writing out report for Preston Licensed Victuallers Association. At night to Church Hotel (J Ware's,\* Secretary) and had two glasses of beer. Afterwards called at Shelley Arms, Fishergate and had a glass of beer, and then went to St Walburge's bazaar, Corn Exchange, to fetch home my wife. Keys of Guardian (Cannon St) office received today.<sup>262</sup>

**Tuesday 3 December 1872** Engaged for a considerable time today in writing out Licensed Victuallers report. At night read it to Joe Ware\* who was much pleased with it. Had some supper with him.

**Wednesday 4 December 1872** Doing shop and office work from 8.30 in morning till 9.45 at night. My wife off at Manchester today buying Christmas goods for shop. Bed at 11.15.

**Thursday 5 December 1872** Working in shop and office all day.

**Friday 6 December 1872** Fussing about and working hard—shop, office, stray note writing &c—from 9 in morning till midnight.

**Saturday 7 December 1872** Up at 9; wrote an explanation for Billington Booth about his gas apparatus to The Times, in afternoon; at night reading and working. Bed about 11.30.263

**Sunday 8 December 1872** Finished reading Renan's Life of Jesus today. It is a scholarly, honest, reverential book—helps to clear the mist

<sup>261</sup> Possibly David Thomas Davies (b. 1848).

<sup>262</sup> See 29 October.

<sup>263</sup> See 29 July. Hewitson appears to have the wrong week: an article on the invention appeared in his *Chronicle* on 30 November, reprinted by the *Morning Advertiser* of the same date, by *The Times* on 3 December (p. 11) and by papers across Britain in the following days.

thoughtfully and seriously. In evening had a few games at drafts with my brother in law Joe\* and my wife who originally learned me how to play. I thrashed both of them well.

**Monday 9 December 1872** Throng reading proofs of Tyldesley's Diary and attending to work in shop and office. Early to bed at night; by 10.30.

**Tuesday 10 December 1872** Ditto; to bed about 11.

**Wednesday 11 December 1872** D[itt]o. till 3.35 pm when I went to railway station; thence to Lytham; landed at 4.35 pm; to Clifton Arms; saw one Mr Begg;264 got some particulars of Ridgway coursing meeting,<sup>265</sup> begun today, from him and another person; back by train leaving at 5.10 and posted cards and envelopes, five out of six for Manchester and Liverpool papers on the way. Bed 10.40.

**Thursday 12 December 1872** Working in office all day & to be about 10.15 at night. Forgot to say that till 3.30 in afternoon and then to Lytham to get particulars of 2nd day's coursing meeting. Found there had been no meeting owing to the frost. Read parts of, and was made ill by laughing at, a book just brought out called "The Preston Novel"<sup>266</sup> and written by a man called Wemyss—an awful melange of blunders and sensationalism.

**Friday 13 December 1872** Writing leader and stray notes and fussing about all day; finished writing at 9 at night. Had done work altogether at about 1.30 in morning

**Saturday 14 December 1872** In shop and office all day. My foreman (Davis) finished today—discharged; and had, I am told, a silver snuff box presented at night by my printers. What fools they be to present anything to a man who is unworthy of his place.

<sup>264</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>265</sup> Organised by the Old Ridgway Coursing Club. In this blood sport, now illegal in Britain but not in Ireland, pairs of dogs compete in chasing a hare.

<sup>266</sup> Thomas Short Ridge Wemyss, *Hearts of Penwortham, A Hundred Years Ago* (Preston, 1872). Wemyss (b. 1839) was a teacher. Preston's Harris Library has the only copies. It is badly printed and very badly written, probably self-published.

**Sunday 15 December 1872** Up at 9.45—or 10.45—I think the latter; taught my children catechism; in afternoon went to J B Booth's and got some particulars from him of an interview he and Duke of Norfolk &c had had with Home Secretary as to education of Roman Catholic patients in lunatic asylums.<sup>267</sup> At night to my wife who had gone to the Misses Clemmys. Had supper with them. Home at 10.30.

**Monday 16 December 1872** My new foreman, Mills,268 came today from Fleetwood Chronicle. I was out a considerable time getting advertisements for my sheet almanack.269

**Tuesday 17 December 1872** Working in shop and office main part of day. Not so well; foolishly nervous; Levi Todd<sup>270</sup> gave me some pills and a little of milk punch, which I shan't use till I am forced.

**Wednesday 18 December 1872** A very hard days work; looking through letters; then to Hawkins's;\* (old John had the doctor calling upon him at t[he] mill); then home; and hard work till 10.30 at night—in and out of my shop.

**Thursday 19 December 1872** Looking after advertisements and giving instructions as to sheet almanack I have to give on Saturday. Very throng all day and my wife also; she being in shop selling Christmas cards, stationery &c.

**Friday 20 December 1872** Ditto; in later part of day I was throng writing leader and stray notes. Did not get to bed till 7.30 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 21 December 1872** Very throng in shop till late at night—a hard day—to bed at 7.30 in morning; up at 10.30 and to work till 10.30 at night.

<sup>267</sup> Booth had been part of a deputation of leading Roman Catholics to the Home Secretary on the subject (*PC,* 21 December 1872, p. 6).

<sup>268</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>269</sup> A broadsheet calendar for the forthcoming year, given free with many newspapers, featuring religious and historical dates and useful local information, surrounded by advertising, intended to be pasted on the wall (see Hobbs, *A Fleet Street in Every Town,* p. 286 for an example).

<sup>270</sup> Levi Todd (1844–1901) ran a chemist's shop on Fishergate.

**Sunday 22 December 1872** Laid in bed till noon. Afterwards read Carlyle and instructed my children in their catechism.

**Monday 23 December 1872** Working in shop all day. My wife very throng with Christmas cards &c. To examination and prize distribution at St Wilfrid's Convent School at night. My three children there.

**Tuesday 24 December 1872** Same. Bernard Bussey\*, reporter of London, called on me in shop today. At night I bought some glasses and cups and saucers from Gibson and Howarth's, Fishergate. When shop was shut up at 10.25 Will France,\* shoemaker, came across with his wife,\* and we had some rum punch and ale and beef steaks. They stayed till 1.30 in morning; afterwards to bed.

**Wednesday 25 December 1872** Up at 9; got a goose ready for dinner, which was cooked by wife who also baked some mince pies. Spent afternoon in the house with wife and children. In evening went across to Will Frances,\* with my wife. Met several of France's friends and relations; played at cards; then had supper—jugged hare, pie and cheese and ale; afterwards resumed carding. I had a game or two at drafts as well. Home at one in morning.

**Thursday 26 December 1872** To annual adjourned session of Lancashire Magistrates in Preston Court House; Lord Derby in the Chair. A discussion as to appointing Roman Catholic magistrates on County Asylum Committees took place. The court was opposed to taking specific action on this question, on the ground of its involving a spirit of denominationalism. Business over at about 1.30 pm. Wrote out report for Chronicle and Manchester & Liverpool papers; then at 4.45 went to brother-in-law John Wilson's\* at Lancaster; my wife having gone thither at 2.55 pm. We went to see how his wife Mary Ann—reported to be dying—was. Found she died at 9 o'clock this morning. She liked drink. Home by 10.5 train. To bed at 11.30.

**Friday 27 December 1872** Working hard from 8.30 in morning till 5 o'c[loc]k on Sat.

**Saturday 28 December 1872** Rose at 10.20. Gave out copy for 2nd edition. Finished work at 10.20 at night. Tired; 3 glasses of beer; bed 11.30.

**Sunday 29 December 1872** Rose moderately early. Reading a work on antiquities in afternoon.

#### **Monday 30 December 1872** In shop & office this forenoon.Do in At afternoon till 8.30 when I dressed up & went with my wife to a ball at Corn Exchange

P.S. At 10.25 this morning went to funeral of brother in law John Wilson's\* wife at Lancaster. Funeral at 11.30. Returned at about 4 o'c[loc]k. At night (after doing some work) went with my wife to a Catholic ball—a fine affair—in area of Corn Exchange. Stayed till about 2 in morning; and then called at a friend's house and remained till 4 in morning.

**Tuesday 31 December 1872** Last day of the year. Out of order—through ball business—and did not get up till 11 o'c[loc]k. Working till 9 at night. Then had supper, about a pint of beer, a cigar, and to bed at 10.30 at night. At four next morning my wife awoke and said there was a smell of gas. Got up; found out nothing; to bed; up again; found nothing; kissed my wife and wished her a happy new year and then slept on indifferently till eight in morning—new years morning. I thank God that this year has been a prosperous one—to my family and purse.

[Entry for 19th February 1872 has pencil line in left margin, referenced on second Memoranda page at rear of the diary in a pencil note with the initials RHB (Robert Hewitson Blackmore)]

[Inserted between October pages, the following incomplete clipping from an unidentified newspaper:]

#### THUNDER!

The battle which has been waging for some time past in Parliament will be transferred to the constituencies at the earliest possible moment. Consequently for the next six weeks or so the country will find itself in the turmoil and strife inseparable from a General Election. And this at a time, too, which is usually given over to festivity and when trade is brisk. But in "playing the game" Liberals do not take this into account; the well-being of the people is not their concern; all they are troubling about is office. Whether or not they get back is a matter which the electors will decide. The day of judgment is at hand, and the Liberal Government will be judged according to their misdeeds.

Yesterday was the day of wrath in the Commons, and supporters of the ministry assembled in great force to pass a resolution declaring war against the House of Lords. The action of the House of Lords is declared to be "a breach of the Constitution and a [end of column].

[At the rear of the diary are notes made in 1963 by R. H. Blackmore, grandson of Anthony Hewitson, indexing family names]

[On the second Memoranda page at the rear of the diary, in Anthony Hewitson's handwriting, and in pencil, are the following entries:]

Books Lent

September 7/72 to Mrs Clemmey. 1st vol of Carlyles Essays

Nov 18/72 to Rev W H McMechan. Report of [word] Society of Spiritualism

Ditto so to Rev J Clough Sergeant Cox on Spiritualism

Nov 28 to Mr W Livesey,\* Poulton le Fylde. Annals of the Time, [word] Preston, Whittakers Almanac 1872, Preston Town Councillors, [word] book on Preston, Dobson's Guild and [word].

[On the inside back cover and facing page, notes in Pitman shorthand, much of it indecipherable]

[line] coming down stairs dressing gown of a person causing [word] fall [word] grey-looking marching boldly in hard winter you come from Preston known as Priest Town [line] seemed to think that a Christian influence [word] [word] that smoke Atmosphere injurious of life 2nd page: Parliament [word] journey. Accidents over optimism Patagonian mines

[Blackwood's Larger Desk Diary No. 5, 1873, with a portrait of Thomas Carlyle]<sup>1</sup>

[Inside front cover, in Hewitson's hand:] Anthony Hewitson's Diary for 1873 Preston

See end of this for some account of my family hist[o]ry<sup>2</sup>

[in pencil:] see under addresses

[In ballpoint, in another hand:]

Now the property of his grandson Robert Hewitson Blackmore, 14 Florizel Street, Burwood, Victoria

[A page of entries for 11–17 December has been bound into the diary after 11 September. These entries are given in chronological order here]

[Anthony and Margaret Hewitson, their four children and Margaret's brother Joseph still lived in Gillett's Yard, Fishergate, behind the *Preston Chronicle* office. Hewitson, aged 36, had owned the *Chronicle* for nearly five years and was making a comfortable living from it, alongside other printing, freelance reporting and Margaret's stationery business.]

<sup>1</sup> Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/6.

<sup>2</sup> Brief genealogy and autobiographical notes, see pp. 11-14.

### January

**Wednesday 1 January 1873** For seeing into another year [sic] I thank God. There is no cant about this. May it be a year of happiness, prosperity & progress to myself, my wife, & my children.

Up out of bed at 8 this morning. A very throng, hard days work from 8.45 to 9.30 at night. Shut up shop, like nearly everybody in the street Fishergate after dinner; & then like many of them, I believe, worked behind the scenes—ledgering, advertisements. Street busy. Stormy at night—although the parsons have been praying for fine or dry weather. God, they suppose, does not know how to manage this little matter on general principles & so they supplicate Him to change his general laws. To bed about 10.30.

**Thursday 2 January 1873** Marking paper3 —Chronicle—in shop doing newspaper work—& at night got up a handbill affair about Dr Broughton's Compound Antibilious Pills4 for Levi Todd,<sup>5</sup> Chemist, my next door neighbour. To bed about 10.30.

**Friday 3 January 1873** Up at 8.20. Working in shop &c till 12 & then began writing leading article\* & stray notes—Finished work at 2 in morning—a reasonable time for first publishing morning in new year.

**Saturday 4 January 1873** Rose at 10. Working in office till 10.25 at night.

**Sunday 5 January 1873** Up at 10. Afterwards went to W Singleton's,\* Grimshaw Street & had a Turkish bath. Cleaning the body, if done for the sake of cleanliness, is looking after the temple of the soul—attending to God's property entrusted to man. In evening read a portion of Bradlaugh's Impeachment of the House of Brunswick;<sup>6</sup> then wrote some business letters, including one to Lord Derby. To bed about 10.30.

<sup>3</sup> Writing amounts of money owed or owing on an office copy of that week's issue, for advertisements or freelance articles, as a reference guide for sending bills and payments.

<sup>4</sup> 'A prompt and certain specific in cases of Liver and Stomach Disorders, Indigestion, Giddiness, Headache, Loss of Appetite, and General Derangement' (*PC,* 23 August 1873, p. 8).

<sup>5</sup> See 17 December 1872.

<sup>6</sup> Charles Bradlaugh, *The Impeachment of the House of Brunswick* (London: Austin & Co, 1872), a republican pamphlet by the atheist Liberal MP, a supporter of trade unionism, republicanism, and universal suffrage.

**Monday 6 January 1873** Heard this morning—first day of "Great Saturday Horse Fair"—that my friend Jas. Kenyon\* had rambled off somewhere in "the blues". Went with a friend to police station & set on two detectives to search. Found out in evening, that Kenyon had rambled home into Claughton. At night I & wife went to a carding party at house of a person called R. Lancaster<sup>7</sup> in Eastcliff rd. Had supper there, & stayed till 1 in morning.

**Tuesday 7 January 1873** Busy with office & shop work.

**Wednesday 8 January 1873** Same, & to bed in good time.

**Thursday 9 January 1873** Much same; working till about 11/30 at night—writing. Napoleon III<sup>8</sup> died to-day at Chislehurst.

**Friday 10 January 1873** Shop & office work till noon. At 2 pm to Guild Hall; annual meeting of County of Lancaster Rifle Associat[io]n;9 Lord Derby in chair; but he did not say much. At office till 2 next morning.

**Saturday 11 January 1873** Up at 10 this morning; working moderately hard all day. At night wrote an account (only short) of Preston Horse Fair to the Times; to bed at 11.45.

**Sunday 12 January 1873** Up at 9.30. Wanted to go, with my two sons to Quakers' Chapel but my wife persuaded me off this & I went to St Luke's church where Bishop of Manchester (Dr Fraser\*) was preaching in connection with re-opening of an organ there. A large working class congregation. Complex sermon; but good at end. In afternoon I & wife hired a conveyance, & drove to Kenyon's in Claughton. Found Jim Kenyon\* in bed, in his right mind; but with feet & hands hurt. Found John Hays,10 formerly of Albert Hotel Preston, there. Kenyon it seems had been labouring under the idea that he had a mission of physical

<sup>7</sup> Richard Lancaster (b. 1838), commercial traveller for an Edinburgh brewery (see 12 December 1885).

<sup>8</sup> Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte (1808–1873), nephew of Napoleon I, had been in exile in England since defeat at the hands of Prussia in 1870. His visit to Southport's Lord St in 1846 is said to have influenced Haussmann's redesign of Paris, under Napoleon III's direction: Trevor Smith, 'My Favourite History Place', *The Historian*, Autumn, 2017, 42–43.

<sup>9</sup> The association sponsored shooting competitions for rifle volunteers.

<sup>10</sup> John Hayes (1832–1873), builder's merchant of Stanley Place, Preston.

abasement & anti-carnality on hand; so when he came home, early last Monday morning, he left his coat, purse & keys on highway, walked on stones, & landed home a most peculiarly starved, demented, & sorry spectacle. In course of week he imagined he had a great spiritual mission on hand & got it into his head that he was the King of Israel. Landed home safe at 10.45. To bed at 11.45.

**Monday 13 January 1873** Wrote out a pill handbill for Levi Todd, my next door neighbour. At 12.45 noon went to Adlington, where this morning there had been a railway collision—about ¾ of a mile south of station. Ten persons hurt. Got particulars, sent them off to about 20 papers; home at 4 o'c[loc]k; dinner & tea together consisting of tea, bread & butter & 3 eggs. At night read a proof of Diary;<sup>11</sup> bed about 10.30.

**Tuesday 14 January 1873** To Kirkham collecting newspaper a/cs [accounts] from agents; had dinner at Station Hotel; then to Fleetwood, & got some money from an agent there; back at 2.55 in afternoon; should have got off at Poulton; but missed a station, & being throng reading a book never looked out at Poulton & did not find I had passed it, till I had got near Kirkham where I got out, went to Lytham by another train, collected an a/c [account] & sent off some particulars of a coursing meeting. Met with a man named Lamb who showed me a piano to which was attached an organ. Home by 6.40 pm train.

**Wednesday 15 January 1873** Went (accompanied by Mr Bakewell\*) at 2pm to Longridge to collect an a/c [account]; could not get it; walked to Goosnargh & got much out of the way—2 miles; had tea at Bushell's Arms; could not meet with man whom I wanted money from; walked, past Whittingham new asylum, to Grimsargh—guide part of way. Home wet & dirty about 8, & very much vexed at my hard luck.

**Thursday 16 January 1873** Shop & office work all day.

**Friday 17 January 1873** Consumed much time to-day in getting particulars about a very virtuous-seeming curate of Preston Parish Church named Benzing.<sup>12</sup> Rumour says he is the father of an illegitimate

<sup>11</sup> *The Tyldesley Diaries*.

<sup>12</sup> See 28 June 1872. Rev Christian Benzing was in his forties. See 19 and 27 February, 11 April and report of appeal hearing, *PC,* 12 April 1873, p. 5.

child of which Miss Woodhouse,13 18 years old ("is mother" [these two words in pencil]), sister of clerk at the parish church. Benzing has left Preston.

**Saturday 18 January 1873** Finished work at 4 this morning; a glass of ale, a pipe, to bed; up at 10; at one in afternoon to meeting of Lancashire Farmers Club & Chamber of Agriculture in Town Hall. Working till 10.20 at night. To bed at 11.45.

**Sunday 19 January 1873** Up at 9.20. Had a Turkish Bath afterwards; after dinner read some proofs of Tyldesley's Diary; then examined my children Florey, Bertie & Horace in their catechism. In evening read Bradlaugh's Impeachment of House of Brunswick.

**Monday 20 January 1873** Making out bills & in forenoon wrote a letter for Will Heaps14 Veterinary Surgeon, Friargate, to the Liverpool Vet Soc[iet]y, condemnatory of the conduct of some man connected with that body. At night to distribution of prizes to Preston Artillery Corps by Colonel Wilson Patten\* MP. Only stayed till end of speechmaking & then telegraphed a little to Manchester Examiner. To bed about 11.

**Tuesday 21 January 1873** Bill making out greater part of day.

**Wednesday 22 January 1873** Ditto. At night began a new course; had no beer to supper but a glass of gin afterwards & a pipe; thinking that as I am of a nervo-sanguine-bilious temperament it would be better for me.<sup>15</sup>

**Thursday 23 January 1873** Felt much better this morning than for some time—clearer-headed & lighter. Took a liver pill before breakfast & waited for about an hour before I had anything to eat. Making bills out all day. Glass of gin & glass pipe at night, before going to bed.

<sup>13</sup> Christiana Elizabeth Woodhouse (b. 1854).

<sup>14</sup> See 28 October 1865.

<sup>15</sup> From Galen's idea of the four humours, taken up by phrenologists, to classify personality types, usually thought to be a mixture. Those of a nervous temperament were said to be deep thinkers and feelers, often anxious; sanguine: extravert; bilious: extravert, decisive, ambitious and short-tempered. Alexander Stewart, *Our Temperaments: Their Study and Their Teaching. A Popular Outline* (London: Crosby Lockwood and Son, 1892), Chap. IV.

**Friday 24 January 1873** Same this morning as yesterday morning. Report in to-days papers of a terrible run-down in the channel off Dungeness by an unknown steamer. Vessel run down an emigrant ship called Northfleet. Upwards of 300 drowned.<sup>16</sup> Disaster took place about 10.30 on Wed[nesday] night. Working hard all day.

**Saturday 25 January 1873** To bed at 4 this morning; up at 8.30 & got particulars for 2nd edition of a small saw-dust grinding mill in Warwick St[ree]t being burned down. Fire occurred about 4. In office till 10.10; then shut shop up; gin & beer.

**Sunday 26 January 1873** Up at about 10.10 this morning. Read a lecture by Dr Hitchman of L[iver]pool on Materialism & Anthropology;17 in evening read Peebles's "Myth, Man or God"<sup>18</sup> then tried table turning; but table would not move; read; supper; bed about 10.10 at night.

**Monday 27 January 1873** Throng making out bills nearly all day. Had a pipe & a glass of gin at bed time.

**Tuesday 28 January 1873** Same

**Wednesday 29 January 1873** Same. At night went with my wife to Theatre Royal to see Professor Anderson19 give a conjuring entertainment which was very clever.

**Thursday 30 January 1873** Throng with a/cs [accounts] all day.

**Friday 31 January 1873** Bothering about—sub-editing,\* writing stray notes &c. In afternoon went to Corn Exchange & got particulars of

<sup>16</sup> The Northfleet sank within half an hour, with 293 drowned and 86 saved.

<sup>17</sup> Probably William Hitchman, *The Constitution of Human Nature: A Lecture Delivered before the British Medical Reform Association* (Liverpool: Hitchman, 1871). Hitchman (1817–1888) was a spiritualist, surgeon and homeopathic doctor, with an interest in mesmerism, vegetarianism and Turkish baths: 'Biographical sketch of Dr Hitchman, by the Editor', *The Spiritual Magazine* (1873), 3rd series, vol. 1, 4–10; *Liverpool Mercury,*  16 February 1888, p. 6.

<sup>18</sup> James Martin Peebles, *Jesus: Myth, Man, Or God: Or, The Popular Theology and the Positive Religion Contrasted* (London: J. Burns, 1870). Peebles (1822–1922) was a Christian Spiritualist.

<sup>19</sup> John Henry Anderson (1814–1874), conjuror, 'the great wizard of the North', whose act included exposure of spiritualist tricks. This night's programme included 'SPIRITUALISM DENOUNCED by Drums, Bells and Rapping Tables' (*PH,* 29 January 2873, p. 1).

decorations for Rifle Volunteer Ball. At night went to report at Exchange, Lord Skelmersdale20 assumed command of 6th Administrative Battalion & he made a speech moderately good. Lady Skelmersdale21 afterwards distributed prizes to the Volunteers. Back to office; then took my wife, her sister Jane\* & one of Will France's\* daughters to rifle ball in area of Exchange. I did not stop. Wife & her sister returned at 3 in morning. At about 4 I finished work & to bed.

<sup>20</sup> Edward Bootle-Wilbraham, Lord Skelmersdale (1837–1898), Conservative politician.

<sup>21</sup> The former Lady Alice Villiers (d. 1897), daughter of the Earl of Clarendon.

### February

**Saturday 1 February 1873** Working in office all day. In evening brother in law John Wilson\* came over from Lancaster with two of his lads. At about 8 I took three of my children to see Prof[essor] Anderson at Theatre; John & his lads also went. I returned leaving them in. Worked till 10.45; then had a glass of gin at Shelley's Arms with brother-in-law John; then home, having supper a chat & to bed.

**Sunday 2 February 1873** Up about 9. Went along with brother in law John\* to Singleton's\* Turkish Bath. We had each a bath. Price of a bath is now 1/3 each; 3d being put on through increase in price of coal. In afternoon reading a little; in evening playing at cards.

**Monday 3 February 1873** This forenoon Lord Edward Howard22 of Glossop called to see me; Mr J B Booth23 introducing him. I first became acquainted with Lord Edward when he was a candidate for Preston in 1868. He is a plain, kindly, polished gentlemanly man. Finished work about 10 o'clock. Supper; made out diary; smoke; bed.

**Tuesday 4 February 1873** Busy in office till 7.45; then went with my wife to hear a discussion on Church & State between Rev J G Gordon24 of Darlington & Rev E Lee<sup>25</sup> curate of Preston parish church, in Corn Exchange.

**Wednesday 5 February 1873** In office & shop all day till night when I, wife, & sister-in-law Jane,\* went to discussion in Corn Exchange again. Immense meeting, as on previous night & very orderly. Both disputants, good hands at advocating their own sides—Lee for Church & Gordon against it. I am greatly in favour of Gordon's side.

**Thursday 6 February 1873** Working in shop & office till about ten.

<sup>22</sup> Edward George Fitzalan Howard, first Baron Howard of Glossop (1818–1883) was the second son of the 13th duke of Norfolk, a Liberal, Roman Catholic, and campaigner for Catholic schools. He was portrayed as Lord Vere by Disraeli in his 1844 novel *Coningsby (ODNB).*

<sup>23</sup> See 29 July 1872.

<sup>24</sup> Rev. John H. Gordon (d. 1878), 'Pastor Gordon', Baptist minister. Liberation Society lecturer.

<sup>25</sup> See 27 October 1872.

**Friday 7 February 1873** Ditto & writing leading article matter till about 9 at night.

**Saturday 8 February 1873** To bed, from work, at about 2 this morning. Up at 10. Working hard. At night felt heavy & melancholy. Father-inlaw\* popped in about 9.30; so did Dr Smith\* & we went to Robinson's,<sup>26</sup> King's Arms, Church Street, had some gin &c & home at 11. Supped & talked till about midnight; then to bed.

**Sunday 9 February 1873** Up at 10.30 this morning; in afternoon read some of Esop's [sic] Fables to my children; afterwards read to my wife, father-in-law\* &c parts from Dialectical Society's report on Spiritualism.<sup>27</sup> At night went with father-in-law to John Noblet's,\* Plumpton Brook Inn & had three glasses of beer; then home; had supper, a pipe, a chat, & to bed. My youngest child Ada not well & my wife had an uneasy night in looking after her, with servant.

**Monday 10 February 1873** Up at 8.10 this morning & felt very well all day. My daughter Ada poorly—had cold, sore mouth & throat. Made out some bills in afternoon & evening. Father-in-law\* went home to Morecambe to-day. I finished work about 10.

**Tuesday 11 February 1873** Working moderately hard today.

**Wednesday 12 February 1873** Same to-day. At night went on to Mr Joseph Livesey's,\* 13 Bank Parade. Had a talk with him about Rev C Benzing,<sup>28</sup> late curate at Preston Parish Church who is charged with being father of an illegitimate child given birth to by Miss Woodhouse, sister of Clerk at Parish church; also talked with him about foolish & tyrannical parts he pointed out in the canons & prayers of Church of England. Later on, at night, I, my wife, my sister in law Jane, Mr Barton<sup>29</sup> reporter at Herald office & Mr Bakewell\* schoolmaster, had some table rapping experiments. We had raps indicating presence of spirit of my brother Tom\* who said he was happy; had seen the spirits of our three

<sup>26</sup> Richard Robinson (b. 1816), landlord.

<sup>27</sup> *Report On Spiritualism of the Committee of the London Dialectical Society* (London: Longmans, Green, Reader & Dyer, 1871). The society had been set up to examine spiritualism, but its report was ridiculed for its vagueness.

<sup>28</sup> See 17 January.

<sup>29</sup> See 5 January 1866 and 20 October 1872.

children Madge, Ethe & Amy & of sister in law Sarah;\* &c. Commenced at 10; finished about 12.

**Thursday 13 February 1873** Working all day till late at night

#### **Friday 14 February 1873** Ditto

**Saturday 15 February 1873** To bed this morning about 2 & up at 10. Working & reading till about 10 at night; had some beer & to bed about 12.

**Sunday 16 February 1873** Stayed in bed till 11 this forenoon. In afternoon read a book called "The Tin Trumpet"30 also put my children through their catechism; at night ordered a suit of clothes from my brother in law John Wilson\* of Lancaster. Wrote out (at end of this book) an account of my fathers ancestors & family. The particulars he gave me some time ago.31

**Monday 17 February 1873** Re-making out bills, looking after money & bothering about. In evening I & my wife went to Opera (English) at Theatre Royal. The opera performed was "Maritana".32 Singing good; audience poor. Left (during the farce) at 11.15; home; supper; to bed.

**Tuesday 18 February 1873** In & about my office all day.

**Wednesday 19 February 1873** Same. To police court at 11. Reported a bastardy case; the plaintiff being Christiana Elizabeth Woodhouse,33 sister of parish clerk & niece of Rev Canon Parr,\* Vicar of Preston, & the defendant the Rev Christian Benzing curate at Preston Parish Church. Benzing did not appear, & an order to pay costs & 5/- a week for 16 years was made upon him.

**Thursday 20 February 1873** Same & at night doing a little in leader writing.

<sup>30</sup> Horatio Smith, *The Tin Trumpet; or, Heads and Tales, for the Wise and Waggish; to Which Are Added, Poetical Selections by the Late Paul Chatfield* (London: Whittaker, 1836), an alphabetically organised collection of humorous and satirical sayings, perhaps a forerunner of Flaubert's *Dictionary of Received Ideas*.

<sup>31</sup> See pp. 11-14.

<sup>32</sup> By Irish composer Vincent Wallace.

<sup>33</sup> See 17 January 1873.

**Friday 21 February 1873** Throng at work. At noon to-day Jim Kenyon\* (of Claughton) railway goods collector here, called on me & intimated that his delusions pertaining to the operations of some secret society had re-appeared. I endeavoured to reason him out of it, & agreed to have a talk with him on Saturday evening. Mrs Ward,34 wife of Robert Ward, draper Friargate—a friend of mine—died I think this morning; leaving 8 or 10 children. Working hard all through the day.

**Saturday 22 February 1873** To bed at 4; up at 11; working till 10.10 at night; supper; bed at 12. Mutton rose to-day to 1/1 & ½d per pound.

**Sunday 23 February 1873** Up at 11. Chiefly occupied in cutting out pieces from old numbers of Notes & Queries.35 In evening taught my two sons Bert & Horace their catechism. My daughter Florence & servant went to Parish Church. Supper at 10; a pipe; bed at 10.30.

**Monday 24 February 1873** Working in shop, office &c all day. At night went with my wife to the Theatre—opera La Africaine.36 Did not care much for it. Home about 11 o'clock; supper & bed afterwards. Was invited to go this evening with my wife to a tea party at St Saviour's School, Bamber Bridge; but reasonably declined it. The dowager Lady Shelley37 died today.

**Tuesday 25 February 1873** Today doing nothing extraordinary ordinary working.

**Wednesday 26 February 1873** To-day the Commission of inquiry into Rev. C. Benzing

Ditto mainly

**Thursday 27 February 1873** At noon today John Hayes38 & a young man named Clitheroe called on me to say that Jim Kenyon\* (previously referred to) had not got out of bed at his lodgings in Stanley Place. Got

<sup>34</sup> Ann Ward (1827–1873).

<sup>35</sup> Hewitson probably filed these historical snippets for reference.

<sup>36</sup> *L'Africaine* (*The African Woman*) by Giacomo was a fictionalised life of explorer Vasco de Gama, performed by the 'Grand English Opera Company'.

<sup>37</sup> See 7 October 1865.

<sup>38</sup> See 12 January 1873.

Dr Arminson,39 went down, had to burst open bedroom door; found Kenyon in bed under the delusion that he had been drugged by some secret society the night before. Today the commission appointed to inquire into case against Rev C Benzing who was last week ordered to pay 5/- a week to Miss Woodhouse for an illegitimate child resumed its inquiries; he did not turn up. At work myself till about 8, & then went to a Spiritual séance, by invitation, to E Foster's,40 Friargate; my wife with me. They expected a professional medium from Liverpool over, but he did not turn up; so three or four Spiritualists sat at a table—everything being in complete darkness—& there were several manifestations tambourine playing, banjo strumming &c; only it was all done in the dark & that is not a very reasonable condition of things. If Spiritualism is true, it is equally true in the light as in the dark.

**Friday 28 February 1873** At work till 2 o'c[loc]k in morning.

<sup>39</sup> Dr William Brown Arminson (1830–1902).

<sup>40</sup> See 15 November 1872.

### March

**Saturday 1 March 1873** Up at 10.15 this morning; to bed at 12 at night. To-day Kenyon\* was conveyed to Lancaster Asylum.

**Sunday 2 March 1873** Up at 10.15; reading Leisure Hour41 &c. In afternoon walked into garden with wife & Florey; then some toffy was made for children; then I cut out some odds & ends from Notes & Queries. At night went across to Will France's.\*

**Monday 3 March 1873** Rose at 8.15; amongst my articles from post a series of good advertisements & a copy of Samuel Plimsoll's "Appeal" respecting seamen & ships.42 In afternoon went with wife to look through Ferguson's shop & house wh[ich] we are going to take.43 In evening went to Jack Johnson's44 (Orchard St) & selected about £12 worth of electro-plated goods in lieu of money for advertising. Called at Brindles, Fishergate, & had a glass of beer; home; supper; bed 10.50.

**Tuesday 4 March 1873** Out of bed just before 8 this morning & into workroom, having previously taken a liver pill. Engaged in shop & office work all day. At night I & my wife went to the Theatre & saw Madame Beatrice & Company in a French play. Good piece, capital characters & parts well taken. Everybody seemed satisfied.45 Home at 10.35; supper; pipe; bed.

**Wednesday 5 March 1873** In shop & about place all day; excepting about half an hour in forenoon when I went with J Foster46 machine man to Cannon Street premises to see about removing & fixing my

<sup>41</sup> Popular penny weekly magazine, covering a wide range of subjects, plus serialised novels.

<sup>42</sup> Samuel Plimsoll, *Our Seamen: An Appeal* (London: Virtue & Co., 1873). This booklet argued for laws to protect seamen from sailing in unsafe ships. The topic was in the news after 15 seamen were imprisoned for refusing to sail on the steamship Peru; two days later, the ship sank (*The Graphic*, 15 March 1873, p. 238).

<sup>43</sup> J.A. Ferguson, 125 Fishergate, sold stationery, books, toys and fancy goods. The premises were two doors away from the new purpose-built premises of Hewitson's more powerful rival, George Toulmin and his *Preston Guardian.*

<sup>44</sup> See 19 March 1868.

<sup>45</sup> *Nos Intimes* by Victorien Sardou.

<sup>46</sup> Joseph Foster (1831–1913), engineer and inventor, specialising in newspaper machinery.

machinery there. In evening I & wife went to Mr James's,47 upholsterer, Glover St[ree]t; had tea; numerous company afterwards—Walter Bond (inventor mainly of a new printing machine)48 Will France,\* old Mr Jones49 & &c. Stayed till about 11; then to Will Frances & had a talk & a glass there; then home.

**Thursday 6 March 1873** Up about 8.30. Not well. Working nevertheless all day. At night read a part of Samuel Plimsolls work on seamen &c. Supper; bed at about 10.30.

**Friday 7 March 1873** Up about 8. My wife ill to-day—bad cold. Wm Livesey\* sent me MS making two leaders.<sup>50</sup> Working all day; finished work at night at about 11.30—earlier than have ever done since I have had the Chronicle.

**Saturday 8 March 1873** Up at 6.20 this morning & into shop where I was engaged all day—my wife being ill upstairs. To-day I sent round by letter, to Joseph Foster machinist, St Paul's Square, saying that I accepted his tender to remove my engine, printing machines (news & job\*) & folding machine &c for £25. To bed about 12 at night.

**Sunday 9 March 1873** Out of bed about 11 this morning. This is my son Bertie's 8th birthday. God bless him. He is a fine, sharp but rather illtempered lad. We had some oranges & a cake in celebration of this day. At night I read the "Tin Trumpet" & my wife Dodsley's translations of the Economy of Life.<sup>51</sup>

**Monday 10 March 1873** Rose about 8.15 this morning. My wife not well to-day—bad throat & chest & Ada my daughter out of joint through eating (I think) some orange peel. Working away in shop & thereabouts

<sup>47</sup> Possibly Edward James (b. 1821).

<sup>48</sup> Bond (c.1827–1900), *Preston Guardian* printing overseer, and Foster had invented the 'Prestonian' rotary printing and folding machine in 1871: A. E. Musson, 'Newspaper Printing in the Industrial Revolution', *The Economic History Review*, 10 (1958), 411–26 (p. 417).

<sup>49</sup> Probably Robert Jones.\*

<sup>50</sup> The two leaders in Saturday's *Chronicle,* presumably Livesey's work, were on the Game Laws and ship safety. It is not clear why he wrote them this week, nor how often the *Chronicle*'s leaders were written by someone other than Hewitson.

<sup>51</sup> Robert Dodsley, *The Oeconomy of Human Life* (London: M. Cooper, 1750), a collection of moral precepts purportedly by ancient authors in India and China.

all day. Wil[lia]m Livesey\* offered to buy shop I am going to so as to make me safe against anybody who may bid over my head or as tenant. I got to know name of landlord & found he was a man out of his mind. At night making up an oleograph<sup>52</sup> catalogue; supper; pipe; bed 11.15.

**Tuesday 11 March 1873** My wife unwell—bad chest & bowels wrong. I got up at 6.15 & made her some tea. Working in office all day shop &c all day. At night Mr Bakewell\* came & after we had had a glass of beer each we went to Pateson's\* photographer, where we had a talk on philosophy; religion, & lunacy, & amongst it all had two glasses of beer each. Left about 10; to bed at 11.

**Wednesday 12 March 1873** Got up at 6 & made wife some arrowroot gruel; then to bed till 8.15; in afternoon by train to Preston Junction & walked on—in 20 minutes—to St Saviour's ch[urc]h, Bamber Bridge where Bishop of Manchester was holding a confirmation—210 lads & lasses from this & adjoining districts. Bishop who is a fine Christian delivered a good discourse. Gladstone's government defeated by majority of 3 on Dublin University Bill this morning.53

**Thursday 13 March 1873** Working in office all day till about ten at night. The general gossip to-day is about politics. At night it was announced that Gladstone had resigned. Will Disraeli (the cunning, rhetorical conjurer) take his place? My wife still unwell—bad cold.

**Friday 14 March 1873** In shop & office all day. Continued talk about political crisis. Got to bed in good time—11.40—considering the night.

**Saturday 15 March 1873** Up at 6.30 & down in shop; remained there all day till nearly 11 at night. Bought R Mudie's work on "Man" today.54

**Sunday 16 March 1873** In bed till 11.30 this morning. This was my son Horace's 6th birthday. He is a finely-developed good-natured, dullish lad. Bless him. I did not feel well in evening—damnably eccentric in thought & block-headed in feeling. Still I spent a pleasant evening with my children & heard them read out of their books.

<sup>52</sup> A print textured to resemble an oil painting.

<sup>53</sup> Irish University Bill.

<sup>54</sup> Probably Robert Mudie, *Man: In His Physical Structure And Adaptations* (London, 1838).

**Monday 17 March 1873** Rose easily; but was quickly in a wicked, devilish temper, & broke some cups & saucers. What a fool! Working all day in shop & office—making out bills &c. It was announced today that Mr Disraeli had declined to form a cabinet & that Mr Gladstone complying with the Queen's wishes had agreed to "go on".

**Tuesday 18 March 1873** Up at 8.10. Working all day. An intimation was made today that I might stay at my present premises for another 12 months; the public hall scheme being a failure. I declined the offer—said I could take nothing less than about a 5 years guarantee. At work till about 10 at night; then supper & bed.

**Wednesday 19 March 1873** Rose at 8.15. Work all day. Bought Mitchelet's [sic] Priests, Women &c for 1/-.<sup>55</sup> Had a talk with Ferguson<sup>56</sup> (Secretary of Liberal RegistrationAssociation<sup>57</sup>) this evening—found fault with an appointment they were contemplating in the person of Mr T Coulthard<sup>58</sup> who is a Puritanical political, awfully conscientious "duffer". Finished work about 8. Upstairs, had a glass or two of beer; a pipe, a read, supper & to bed.

**Thursday 20 March 1873** Working all day till 8 at night. Nothing special to-day. My wife about all right.

**Friday 21 March 1873** Working from about 8—shop, leader writing &c—till 1.35 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 22 March 1873** Up at 6.30; attending shop main part of day. Finished work at about 10 at night.

**Sunday 23 March 1873** In bed till 10.30; in afternoon cutting out pieces from Notes & Queries. In evening I, wife & daughter Florence to St Walburge's Catholic Church; the new sanctuary there being opened to-day. It is a very spacious sanctuary; but the altar is too elongated, or rather too thin. Music good. This is a fine place of worship; but the roof is too gloomy.

<sup>55</sup> Jules Michelet, *Priests, Women, and Families* (London: Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans, 1845), an influential anti-Catholic book.

<sup>56</sup> See 21 October 1872.

<sup>57</sup> See 30 September 1865.

<sup>58</sup> See 23 August 1872.

**Monday 24 March 1873** Up at 8 o'c[loc]k. In forenoon I went to Mr T. Yates,59 Friargate & bought a silver pencil case for 6/-. In afternoon I called upon Pateson,\* photographer, Cross St[ree]t, to see how he was getting on with Tyldesley Diary pictures. Called with him at Dr Shepherd's library, in Cross St[ree]t, looked at Baines's History of Lancashire. Found it mutilated—some fool or scoundrel having cut out the portrait of Sir Thos Tyldesley. Afterwards I & wife went to Alston College, near Longridge. I had some financial business there with Rev T A Peters,\* the headmaster & owner. Got tea, home by 7.15 train; worked till 9.45; some beer; supper; a pipe; bed about 10.30.

**Tuesday 25 March 1873** Looking after Pateson,\* photographer, who is photographing some sketches &c for Tyldesley's Diary. In evening directing some application franks<sup>60</sup> to members of Chetham Society61 for Diary—at Dr Shepherd's Library, Cross-st[ree]t.

**Wednesday 26 March 1873** Knocking about & working all day. Mainly employed in sending off country a/cs [accounts]. At work till about 10 at night.

**Thursday 27 March 1873** Throng all day in shop &c. Sent a rather cajoling letter to Secretary of Preston Public Hall Company who have bought the shop I am in & four others adjoining,<sup>62</sup> for some compensation—I having been compelled to leave this place, take Ferguson's shop & stock, the latter of which I do not want, & to rent an office in Cannon St[ree]t, since last November, through their action. This company, composed mainly of gentlemen, has so far been foolishly & badly managed.

**Friday 28 March 1873** In office, shop &c all day. The secretary of the Public Hall Co told me the company could give me no compensation. I hardly expected any. Finished work early; but could not get to bed till late.

<sup>59</sup> Thomas Yates (1812–1890), jeweller, Fellow of the Society of Arts, Methodist teetotaller (*LDP,* 28 February 1890, p. 3).

<sup>60</sup> Probably printed forms, for subscription copies of the *Tyldesley Diary*.

<sup>61</sup> Antiquarian society covering Lancashire and Cheshire.

<sup>62</sup> This company planned to build a hall on land between Fishergate, Cannon St and Cross St, but the hall was never built.

**Saturday 29 March 1873** To bed at 2 in morning; up at 10. To-day's Chronicle contained a more remunerative class of advertisements than during any other week since my purchase of it in March 1868.63 At night Bakewell\* & Pateson\* called & we had a pint of beer each, in my back shop. To-bed about 12 o'c[loc]k.

**Sunday 30 March 1873** Up at 9; in afternoon had a walk into Avenham Park with my wife & daughter Florence; home, read portion of Montaigne's Essays;64 tea; played with my two lads at marbles; then directed some circular applications for Tyldesley's Diary.<sup>65</sup>

**Monday 31 March 1873** In office & shop all day nearly. Arranged to have a valuer for Ferguson's stock. Began shifting to Cannon Street. Gave Mills,<sup>66</sup> my foreman, notice to leave.

<sup>63</sup> Probably refers to two and a half columns of auction adverts on front page and five columns of public notices on p. 4.

<sup>64</sup> See 17 March 1867.

<sup>65</sup> Appeals for subscriptions, a type of crowd-funding. Some of the more impressive subscribers are listed at the back of the published book.

<sup>66</sup> Mills had only arrived a few months before. See 16 December 1872.

### April

**Tuesday 1 April 1873** To-day Ferguson thought he did not require a valuer, so I thought I needed none.<sup>67</sup> At work till about 8.30.

**Wednesday 2 April 1873** Shop & office work. Sister-in-law Mary Overend\* returned to-day from Morecambe, on her way to her home in Harwich.

**Thursday 3 April 1873** News in this morning's papers of wreck of steamship Atlantic off Halifax; about 540 persons drowned.<sup>68</sup> At 11.30 this forenoon I went to report annual adjourned session of County Magistrates at Preston Court House. Mr T B Addison\* who is about 84 years old occupied the chair, in the absence of Lord Derby. An important discussion on expenditure upon the County Lunatic Asylums, raised by Mr W Howitt69 of Preston & Mr Bleckley70 of Warrington. Cost of asylums was said to be about £150,000 a year; & at three of them nearly 100,000 gallons of ale & beer are consumed. Not so well myself nervous & delusive. In afternoon John Cooper\* & W Howitt called on me respecting asylum expenditure.<sup>71</sup>

**Friday 4 April 1873** Up at 8 o'c[loc]k; working hard till 10.30 at night—writing. Finished general office work about 2 o'clock. Gillett<sup>72</sup> shoemaker, Fishergate, buried to-day.

**Saturday 5 April 1873** Up about 10, got second edition ready; was disappointed with my book binder who ought to have had some copies of Tyldesley's Diary ready to-day.73 Well to-day. Finished work about 10.20 at night; supper; bed 11.50 pm

<sup>67</sup> See 21 October 1872, 3 and 27 March 1873.

<sup>68</sup> The RMS *Atlantic*, sailing from Liverpool to New York City, hit rocks off Halifax, Nova Scotia on 1 April.

<sup>69</sup> See 19 June 1866.

<sup>70</sup> Henry Bleckley (1813–1890), former mayor of Warrington, Poor Law Guardian, magistrate, head of Pearson & Knowles, coal and iron company (*Manchester Times,*  25 January 1890, p. 5).

<sup>71</sup> Two days after Hewitson's conversation with Howitt and Cooper, he published a long leading article supporting Howitt's views on asylum spending.

<sup>72</sup> Thomas Gillett (1814–1873).

<sup>73</sup> The diary was advertised in the *Chronicle* for the rest of the year, suggesting disappointing sales. The *Manchester Guardian* gave it a lukewarm review: 'this

**Sunday 6 April 1873** Rose at 9.40 this morning; early in afternoon I, wife & daughter Florence rode out in a gig intending to go to Woodplumpton; but when we had got to top of Ashton Brow a very heavy storm of hail & rain set in so we returned. Later on I & wife had a walk down Fishergate into Miller & Avenham Parks; more hail &c; home; in evening went out for a short time—beautiful night; supper about 9.15; a pipe; bed.

**Monday 7 April 1873** We began moving type, machinery &c today from 24½ Fishergate to Cannon Street premises. Some of the type we removed last week; but this week we had to go into the affair properly.

**Tuesday 8 April 1873** Going on with removal.

#### **Wednesday 9 April 1873** Same

**Thursday 10 April 1873** Same today. Found a fault in one of boiler plates, & was told by Foster it would cost £10 or £15 to repair it. This astounded me & I resolved to have a new & larger boiler rather than spend such a sum on a small 5 year old one. At night went with two friends to make enquiries about a boiler, & we had a pint of beer each at Regatta Inn, bottom of Fishergate. Did not meet with any success.

**Good Friday 11 April 1873** This afternoon I & one of my reporters to Preston Court House; the Rev C Benzing (late curate of Preston Parish Ch[urch]) appealing against a bastardy order made upon him some weeks ago by the borough bench. He disappeared before the case was over. The order against him was confirmed. At work in Cannon Street office till 3 in morning (Sat[urda]y). Machinery &c went on satisfactory. My brother William,\* reporter, at Wigan here all night.

**Saturday 12 April 1873** Working all day till late at night. My mother\* & brother Robert74 called to day on their way to Blackburn. Sold two pictures at cost price (a shame) to my father-in-law\* at Morecambe.

**Sunday 13 April 1873** Up at 10. In af[ternoo]n I & wife to Alston College on invitation of principal—Rev T A Peters.\* Then to Hermitage

74 Robert Hewitson (1854–1917).

original diary, confined almost exclusively to personal and private affairs, does not contain sufficient of public interest to merit the talent and cost bestowed upon its publication' (26 November 1873, p. 7).

Grimsargh which he has bought for a preparatory school. Home at 9.30 in Mr Peters's carriage. Fine cold night. Supper; pipe; bed.

**Easter Monday 14 April 1873** Began taking Ferguson's stock at shop 125 Fishergate, Preston—to-day along with my wife & kept at it till about 10 at night. My mother\* & brother Robert\* called to day on their way from Blackburn to home at Lancaster. Many drunken men in streets to-day.

**Tuesday 15 April 1873** Doing same to-day; my wife mainly engaged—I at old shop 24½ Fishergate; at work till 10 o'c[loc]k—finished taking stock at Ferguson's.

**Wednesday 16 April 1873** My wife began in our own right at Ferguson's shop this morning—I at old shop. This afternoon Ferguson told me that goods in his shop which we had taken came to £308 odd—I have yet to add up the items.

**Thursday 17 April 1873** My wife at new shop (Ferguson's) & I at old one. A collision to-day near German's Bridge; close to Preston Railway Station between a passenger & a goods train. Ten persons reported on list of injured. Sent off particulars of same to many newspapers.

**Friday 18 April 1873** Up (out of bed) about 8; working till 11 o'c[loc]k at night. Left new office, in Cannon street, at 11.25; to bed about 11.30.

**Saturday 19 April 1873** Up at 6.15 this morning & in shop working till 10.10 at night. My wife at new shop all day. Read part of a lecture by Dr Carpenter;<sup>75</sup> supper; pipe; bed.

**Sunday 20 April 1873** Rose at 9 o'c[loc]k; breakfast; looked after my two lads; read "Tin Trumpet" & was edified by it; had a spell of ridiculous melancholy; dinner; then off with my wife & two boys—Bertie & Horace—in a 4-wheeled conveyance to Woodplumpton; saw a friend at Tabley Arms, Bartle; had 2 glasses of beer; at Woodplumpton had another; looked into church yard at Meg "Shelton's" stone<sup>76</sup> &c & explained same to my lads; then round by Newsham—called at

<sup>75</sup> Possibly a lecture by naturalist and polymath William Benjamin Carpenter (1813– 1885), who had no time for phrenology nor spiritualism (*ODNB*).

<sup>76</sup> Meg Shelton or Margery Hilton (d. 1705) was said to be a witch, and her grave in St Anne's churchyard, Woodplumpton is marked by a boulder. Legend has it that she

Newsham House, inquired about health of Mr John Hawkins\* who lives there & found he was very ill; on towards Preston; overtook Alderman John Rawcliffe,\* of Prospect House, Broughton, leaving Broughton Church. We all had tea at his house & stayed till about 9 at night; home at 9.40; supper; bed.

**Monday 21 April 1873** Began removing shop goods &c to-day to new shop, 125, Fishergate.

**Tuesday 22 April 1873** Throng sorting goods in new shop

**Wednesday 23 April 1873** Same & not well—nervous & melancholy about nothing.

#### **Thursday 24 April 1873** Ditto

**Friday 25 April 1873** Ditto—sorting goods &c in shop till about 6 in evening; then went to new office in Cannon Street & remained there writing till about 9.30. Supper; back to office where I stayed till 12.45.

**Saturday 26 April 1873** Up at 6.10 & in shop afterwards, serving papers. In the afternoon brother-in-law Edward Overend\* & his wife Mary\* came from Harwich on their way to Morecambe or Barrow. I throng all day. Chronicles did not sell so well. Supper about 11; bed. John Hawkins\* of Newsham House died early this morning, aged 82.

**Sunday 27 April 1873** Up at 10 o'c[loc]k & about 11 o'c[loc]k went & had a Turkish bath which did me much good. In afternoon read a part of Dr Spurzheim's Catechism of the Laws of Nature.77 In evening I & brotherin-law Overend\* had a walk through Avenham & Miller Parks & round by Ribble Side. Many young people out & all enjoying themselves. Returned home afterwards & spent the remainder of evening in quiet, homely chat. To bed about 10.45.

**Monday 28 April 1873** Rose at 7 o'c[loc]k & made fire downstairs & in nursery. Nervous & melancholy—wonderfully daft—nearly all day.

reappeared several times after death so was re-buried face down in a vertical grave, with the boulder on top.

<sup>77</sup> Johann Spurzheim, *A Philosophical Catechism on the Laws of Man* (1826)*,* phrenological view of philosophy and psychology, in Q&A format*.*

In afternoon I & Overend went to Allsupp's\* Yard, Strand Road & to a friend's to see if there was a marine engineer's sit[uation] vacant. In evening he & wife went on to Morecambe. Bed about 10.30.

**Tuesday 29 April 1873** Throng lifting boxes &c out of cellar &c into other places & felt at night as if I was going to have an attack of what is called lumbago.

**Wednesday 30 April 1873** Working all day; but bad in my back.

### May

**Thursday 1 May 1873** Very bad in my back & had to be helped out of bed & down stairs. Wrote stray notes all day. Very uncomfortable & in much pain.

**Friday 2 May 1873** Writing in office house all day; very bad in my back.

**Saturday 3 May 1873** By myself—back still bad—in house reading. Servant Ellen came to-night.

**Sunday 4 May 1873** Back somewhat better. Reading; in evening Pateson\* & Bakewell\* came & had a glass or two & a chat.

**Monday 5 May 1873** Paid rent of Cannon St[ree]t property to-day; & also rent of old premises I have left. In evening went with my wife to the Theatre to see an amateur performance on behalf of charities of the town.<sup>78</sup> Fashionable house;79 performances pretty good; got home shortly after 11 o'c[loc]k at night. To-day I got a piano from Norwood.80 His terms are—if lent 2/6 per week; if bought £25. Good toned instrument, but it has been abused.

**Tuesday 6 May 1873** At work in shop all morning. In afternoon I & brother-in-law Joe\* took a gig & went round by Longton, Hoole, Croston & Leyland with some posters about cucumber paper.<sup>81</sup> Joe put them up here & there. Day showery; a beautiful double rainbow visible when we were between Hoole Bar & Bretherton. Never scarcely seen such a sight. Had tea Leyland; home at 8.25.

**Wednesday 7 May 1873** Up about 8 this morning; nearly better of my backache. In shop all day.

<sup>78</sup> The amateur performance included Frederick Hay's *Larkins's Love-Letters*, whose cast featured the characters Bobbins, a young man with a weak digestion, and Colonel Bubbleton Boyleover.

<sup>79</sup> Audience.

<sup>80</sup> Jasper Norwood (c. 1824–1898), band master, 'eminent arranger of music for military bands', concert promoter, he had a shop on Fishergate selling pianos and sheet music. Conservative (*LDP,* 19 July 1898, p. 3).

<sup>81</sup> These were market gardening districts. The paper, painted with boiled linseed oil, protected cucumber from wind, rain, frost and sun (*Gardener's Chronicle,* 5 April 1879, p. 440).

**Thursday 8 May 1873** Marking\* paper in afternoon- felt much better; but troubled with an inquisitive, block-headed, damnable melancholy. Jim Hibbert,<sup>82</sup> architect, called on me this afternoon & left a "Stray Note" for Saturday's paper on Belvedere just pulled down in Miller Park to make way for Derby Memorial Statue.83 In the evening writing—till 10.15.84

**Friday 9 May 1873** Busy all day—till 2 o'c[loc]k on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 10 May 1873** Busy in shop & works all day; at night, about 10.30 Bob Pateson,\* photographer came; & (over three glasses of beer each) we discussed trades unionism—I opposing & he defending it—till one o'c[loc]k in morning. Afterwards, for half an hour we talked & read about religion.

**Sunday 11 May 1873** Rose at 9; read Carpenter on Epidemic Delusions till about noon.85 In afternoon Pateson\* & Bakewell\* came; we talked, read till 4; B then left & P had tea; then B returned & we read about Spectrum analysis & conversed till 10. Afterwards we went to Cook's Observatory on south side of town & had a look through a new telescope at Saturn & the Moon.<sup>86</sup>

**Monday 12 May 1873** Up at 8. In shop all day nearly. At night took my daughter Florence to see Hamilton's Panorama87 at Corn Exchange.

**Tuesday 13 May 1873** This forenoon took my two sons Bertie & Horace to see the launch of a new iron steamer at Allsup's\* Yard, Strand Road. They remained in yard—Bertie apparently vexed—till I went on board.

<sup>82</sup> James Hibbert (1831–1903), architect, councillor, later alderman and mayor (1880– 1881). Preston born and bred, his greatest achievement was the design of the town's Harris Library and Museum, now a Grade I listed building, described by Pevsner as 'one of the most remarkable Victorian public buildings of Northern England'.

<sup>83</sup> Money had been raised for a statue honouring Edward George Geoffrey Smith Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (1799–1869), three-time Conservative Prime Minister, briefly a Preston MP, and local landowner.

<sup>84</sup> This lengthy gossip item about the siting of a park pavilion refers to Cervantes, the painter C.R. Leslie, Leibniz and the Psalms.

<sup>85</sup> William Benjamin Carpenter, *Epidemic Delusions: A Lecture* (Manchester: John Heywood, 1871) included an attack on spiritualism.

<sup>86</sup> Possibly the observatory built for R.G. Watson\* and the telescope made by James Cook (b. 1830), 'night soil contractor and general scavenger', Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, of Oxford St (*PC* 21 June 1879, p. 6; *PH* 13 October 1888, p. 6).

<sup>87</sup> See 27 August 1866.

Met Mr John Hogg JP<sup>88</sup> on board; had a long chat with him; we remained on board till after vessel was launched. She was called Sir Francis Drake & intended for Plymouth.89

**Wednesday 14 May 1873** Working all day in shop & office.

**Thursday 15 May 1873** The same to-day. This afternoon some troops of Duke of Lancaster's Yeomanry Cavalry, from South Lancashire arrived in town & stayed all night en route for Lancaster for their annual training, along I think with an Oversands troop.90 The Yeomanry Cavalry I hold to be a perfectly antiquated & useless military force; but then they circulate money & to that extent there is a "soul of goodness in things evil". In the evening I was throng writing till about 10.30. I omitted to say that in afternoon I was out soliciting advertisements.

**Friday 16 May 1873** In shop during forenoon; in office remainder of day till 12 at night. A read, a pipe, a glass & to bed—PS This morning—after a five years' cessation—I resumed cold bath—using the sponge instead of the shower valve.

**Saturday 17 May 1873** Working all day from 9 in morning till 10.20 at night.

**Sunday 18 May 1873** Reading Hudson Tuttle on Religious Ideas91 & Carpenter on Unconscious Cerebration.92 In evening went to Pole Street Baptist Chapel to hear Rev F Bugby,93 formerly of Fishergate Baptist Chapel, preach. His sermon was excellent in style, but orthodox & antiquated in sentiment & argument. Home afterwards; to bed about 11 o'c[loc]k.

<sup>88</sup> John Hogg (b. 1824), fruiterer of Fishergate.

<sup>89</sup> Built for the West Cornwall Railway, to ferry passengers off ocean liners at Plymouth.

<sup>90</sup> The Furness troop, from 'Lancashire over the sands' north of Morecambe Bay, was disbanded the same year.

<sup>91</sup> Hudson Tuttle, *Career of Religious Ideas: Their Ultimate, the Religion of Science* (New York: D.M. Bennett, 1878). Tuttle was an American spiritualist.

<sup>92</sup> 'Of Unconscious Cerebration' by William Benjamin Carpenter (1813–1818), a chapter about unconscious thinking (cerebration) from his book, *Principles of Mental Physiology* (1874).

<sup>93</sup> Fitzherbert Bugby (1823–1887).

**Monday 19 May 1873** Up at 8. Weather very cold to-day as it has been for several days. Discharged one of my servants—Ellen,94 a conceited idle slut, from L[iver]pool—to-day. In evening went to Pateson's\* & told him about some work he had to do in photographing. To-night Ellen returned with her sister, & having no place to go to we gave her supper & found her a bed on understanding she must go in morning & that I would give her a week's wages.

**Tuesday 20 May 1873** Working in shop all day. About 12 to-night a fire broke out & destroyed (it is said) property worth about £3000 at shop of late John Woods's son,95 tobacconist, Old Shambles. I & wife went to bed about 11 & did not hear anything of it.

**Wednesday 21 May 1873** Much talk to-day about the giving up of idea to have a torchlight procession on Whit Tuesday evening in honour of unveiling of late Lord Derby's statue on that day; but there is a strong feeling in town that the executive committee are bungling damnably in the general affair.

**Thursday 22 May 1873** Working in shop nearly all day except a little in morning when I had a dip into John Stuart Mill's work on Utilitarianism.96 About 10 at night young George Dixon,97 clerk to our Union came to my house & gave me some particulars of a séance (Spiritual) he had attended on Tuesday night in Glover St[ree]t, & how he found out the "medium", a late L[iver]pool sailor named Eades98 to be an imposter. This Spiritual business, in the shape of Spiritualism is over-riding common sense, & delivering people into all sorts of absurdities. To-day young Woods99 tobacconist went into shop I left in Fishergate. My charge for fixtures is 5/- per week.

**Friday 23 May 1873** In shop till about 11; then engaged in office, leading article writing &c till night. To bed at about 1.30 on Saturday morning.

<sup>94</sup> See 3 May.

<sup>95</sup> William Henry Woods (1843–1924), eldest son of John Woods (1813–1866).

<sup>96</sup> Mill had died on 7 May.

<sup>97</sup> George Dixon (1849–1890), clerk to the Poor Law Guardians, drank himself to death a few days after a government inquiry into his poor performance in his job (*LDP,* 24 February 1890, p. 3).

<sup>98</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>99</sup> Possibly John Woods junior (1851–1892), younger son of John Woods senior.

**Saturday 24 May 1873** Rose at 6.30 this morning (and engaged in shop & office till 10 at night). A grand review today on Marsh in honour of Queen's birthday, which was, I think a few days back.<sup>100</sup>

**Sunday 25 May 1873** Reading this forenoon Rev J. G. Wood on Curiosities & Anecdotes of Animal Life.101 In afternoon I, wife, Florence, Ethelbert, Horace & Ada went in a conveyance to Inglewhite & had tea at Green Man there. Showery when we returned. Came in about an hour from Inglewhite which is 8 miles from Preston. Felt well—better than for some time. Bed about 11.

**Monday 26 May 1873** Rose at 8.20. In shop assorting things nearly all day. Felt much better to day & am gradually, clearly & permanently I hope & think, returning to what Emerson calls "Nature & Faith". In evening Bakewell\* & Duthie<sup>102</sup> (Local B[oar]d of Health foreman, the latter) came & a keen discussion on an application for increase of salary of Duthie took place.103 To bed about 11 o'c[loc]k—not later.

**Tuesday 27 May 1873** Working in office.

**Wednesday 28 May 1873** Same

**Thursday 29 May 1873** Ditto

**Friday 30 May 1873** Ditto in morning; & afterwards till about 12 at night writing at office.

**Saturday 31 May 1873** Up at 6 & working in shop & office till 10.10 at night.

<sup>100</sup> Victoria was born 24 May 1819.

<sup>101</sup> John George Wood, *Sketches and Anecdotes of Animal Life* (London: Routledge, 1856).

<sup>102</sup> See 30 November 1872.

<sup>103</sup> Hewitson had written in support of Duthie's application in the 24 May *Chronicle*.

### June

**Sunday 1 June 1873** In house reading Mill's Utilitarianism till dinner; afterwards with wife to France's;\* with France to Miller Park & had a view of the veiled statue of late Lord Derby. Returned to Frances; tea; then looked through Orchard & called at Plumpton Brook.\* Returned to France's & stayed till 10.30. My mother\* & brother Robert\* came to-night.

**Whit Monday 2 June 1873** A great day in Preston. All classes in the streets—Whitsuntiding. Procession of Roman Catholic Guilds in forenoon. In afternoon a procession of Oddfellows. During evening I, Will France\* & several others went into "Orchard" & had some fun at shooting galleries. I was second best shot. Then called at Castle Inn, had a glass, went to France's & stayed there discussing & talking till after midnight.

**Tuesday 3 June 1873** A greater day in Preston. At one in afternoon the Lancashire Memorial Statue to late Lord Derby, in Miller Park, was unveiled by Col. Wilson Patten.\* An immense gathering of people & the proceedings very inspiring & demonstrative; but the great bulk were Church of England parsons & Conservatives—this turning the affair into a directly & most oppressively exclusive political demonstration. After unveiling there was a luncheon in Town Hall, to chief visitors. Lord Derby made a thoughtful speech regarding utility of the House of Lords & it was the best utterance of the day. I throng telegraphing to newspapers in evening. Afterwards had a pint of beer with Bernard Bussey\* reporter for Standard.

**Wednesday 4 June 1873** Working nearly all day in shop. At night had a pint of beer at Shelly's [sic] Arms. Home at 9.40; made up diary; supper; bed.

**Thursday 5 June 1873** At 9.3 [sic] this morning went to Bolton to give a description of Royal progress—Prince & Princess of Wales—through the town to Town Hall.104 A splendid demonstration of loyalty—at any rate of its manifestation in the customary manner. The prince seemed to be a

<sup>104</sup> The royal visitors were officially opening the new town hall.

sleek, heavy, easy-minded fat & complacent young man; the Princess a delicate, thin-featured modest woman. I described the progress for the Bolton Guardian; wrote out account between 3.15 & 8.7 pm. Of course I had to be paid for it. Home at 9.50. Travelled in 2d class; some soldiers & a collier lad (in the carriage) began fighting soon after we left Bolton & at first stopping place I got out & rode home in a 1st class carriage.

**Friday 6 June 1873** Working from 8.30 this morning to 2 on Saturday morning. My mother\* staying here since Sunday night went back (to Lancaster) to-day.

**Saturday 7 June 1873** Rose at 5.40. Working in shop & office till 10 at night.

**Sunday 8 June 1873** Rose at 10.10; read a lecture by Dr Carpenter on Egypt & part of another lecture on Kent's Cavern.<sup>105</sup> In evening Salter (a printer on Sheffield Telegraph & formerly a workman of mine<sup>106</sup>) came with his wife107 & child & had tea & supper.

**Monday 9 June 1873** In & about shop most part of day. In evening I & wife had a walk into Miller Park & examined Derby Memorial Statue. We found fault with it in two places—right leg too far out & too wide from the other & right hand holding what should be a roll of documents or a petition or a newspaper but which seems like the end of his coat tail.

**Tuesday 10 June 1873** Rose about 8. In afternoon went on business to Alston College. Bought Paine's Rights of Man<sup>108</sup> at a second hand book shop on returning. At night Ned Ambler,\* printer, & Sam Andrew109 lawyer's clerk came to my house & we had sundry pints of bottled beer; the occasion being the wind up of our hard & remarkable work in

<sup>105</sup> Probably 'Ancient and Modern Egypt; or, the Pyramids and the Suez Canal' by William Benjamin Carpenter and 'Kent's Cavern' about the cave near Torquay by William Pengelly, both published in *Science Lectures for the People: Science Lectures Delivered in Manchester* (1873).

<sup>106</sup> See 20 July 1872.

<sup>107</sup> Mary Salter (b. 1839).

<sup>108</sup> A defence of the French Revolution published in 1791–92, an almost sacred text among political radicals.

<sup>109</sup> See 25 September 1872.

connection with the German\* Testimonial. Heard cuckoo first time this year today.

**Wednesday 11 June 1873** Out of bed about 8 this morning. In shop all morning. In afternoon making out advertisements; in evening bought some books; at night went with my wife to a drapery sale. Home at 9.30; bed at 10.30.

**Thursday 12 June 1873** In shop main of day. [sic] My wife ill; telegraphed for my mother\* to come from Lancaster she arrived in evening. Very wet.

**Friday 13 June 1873** In shop & office all day. In office at night till 2 in morning writing & reading proofs.

**Saturday14 June 1873** Serving customers in shop all day. Finished about 10.10 at night.

**Sunday 15 June 1873** Up in good time; finished reading Mills "Utilitarianism." My two lads & two daughters with servants went to cemetery to see my three daughters' grave. In evening I went to Pateson's\* in Cross St[ree]t & had a pipe & a glass. Home at 9.50; a pipe & glass & bed.

**Monday 16 June 1873** This forenoon went to Fleetwood on invitation from Captain Jameson<sup>110</sup> so as to give a description of the new dock which is being commenced there. Had a walk on beach—very pleasant; then went with Jameson to inspect the dock works, just begun. Then crossed through fields & over hedges to his house—a beautiful little place on south west side of Fleetwood; half a mile off; got dinner; had a glass & a half of whiskey on lawn with Captain; then to station; too late for train, so went to inspect Belfast steamboats lying alongside the quay; fine craft. After[war]ds called at Crown, had a brandy; then to station & home.

**Tuesday 17 June 1873** In shop making out bills main part of day.

<sup>110</sup> Civil engineer John May Jameson (b. 1831) of 'Warrenhurst', steward of the Fleetwood estate.

**Wednesday 18 June 1873** Up at 8; had cold sponge bath as usual. At noon went to Joe Ware's,\* Church Hotel, Lancaster Road; he paid me a bill; home to dinner at 1.35; after dinner Jim Hibbert,\* architect called & we went (at his request) down to Victoria Hotel where we had some claret & lemonade & then he had a glass of brandy & I one of gin. In evening I was told that friend Pateson\* was ill; went to him; found him in bed—desponding, comparatively out of his mind—quite broken down. In evening called again, along with friend Bakewell\*. I broke the ice to Pateson—(he is in pecuniary difficulties) said he must get better as fast as possible; that I knew his position; & that when he was well his affairs should be squared up & made more comfortable to himself. This seemed to cheer him. Home.

#### **Thursday 19 June 1873** [blank]

**Friday 20 June 1873** In shop till afternoon; then in office till 2 in morning, writing &c

**Saturday 21 June 1873** Up at 5.45 this morning to attend to sale of Chronicles &c in shop. And so engaged till night. Had a pint of beer with Will France;\* home; supper; bed.

**Sunday 22 June 1873** Reading scientific & other works. In afternoon taught my children their catechism. In evening went with Bakewell\* to see Pateson,\* who was considerably better; but still defective in energy, contemplative & rather mopish, through weakness. Home at nine; supper; bed.

**Monday 23 June 1873** Working in office main part of day.

**Tuesday 24 June 1873** Shop work in morning; in afternoon writing out particulars of my visit to Fleetwood on Monday 16th. <sup>111</sup> At night had a walk with my wife & mother\* into Miller Park. On the way we called at my printing office & they looked through it.

**Wednesday 25 June 1873** At 11.25 this morning set off collecting newspaper a/cs [accounts]—to Kirkham then to Fleetwood; then returned & got off at Poulton, calling at Smith's<sup>112</sup> in Market Place where

<sup>111 &#</sup>x27;A run down to Fleetwood' was bylined 'By an old Rambler' (*PC,* 28 June 1873, p. 3).

<sup>112</sup> Presumably a bookseller.

I got an a/c [account] & bought for 1/2 a book containing selections from Junius.113 Afterwards went to Blackpool. Got an a/c [account] there, had a walk on the old pier—very breezy & healthy; few folk in Blackpool. At 5.15 went, by coastline to Lytham, & had during this part of journey, the company of Parson Brown114 of Trinity Church, Preston. Got two a/ cs [accounts] at Lytham; had a glass of beer; ate a pie on the beach; home by 6.35 train & landed in Preston at 7.30. Afterwards working—in the ledgers & writing letters till about 10.30.

**Thursday 26 June 1873** At 11.30 this morning went to Annual General Sessions, at Preston Court House. Not long; wrote out for other papers & my own; at night marking paper. Mr Jas Thomson of Wray,115 near Hornby, called to see us today. He is a county magistrate.

**Friday 27 June 1873** My wife confined this morning—about 10.30 I think—of a lad. He is not in a very promising condition; but quickly mended up. I think we shall call him Julius. Both my wife & child doing well in afternoon. Finished work at office at 1.5 in morning. P.S. We called the young stranger Llewellyn.

**Saturday 28 June 1873** In shop at 6.30 this morning & continued at it till 10 at night. This evening Jim Kenyon,\* sent to Lancaster Asylum on 1st March last paid me a visit. He has been released cured; but he seems a bit religiously flighty & smelled of drink.

**Sunday 29 June 1873** Up at 10.40; breakfast; then up stairs & kept my wife company; in afternoon ditto & reading.

**Monday 30 June 1873** In shop all day; at night we had Will France\* & his wife\* who came to see my wife; afterwards France & I had some beer. To bed about 11 o'c[loc]k.

<sup>113</sup> The letters of 'Junius' were anonymous open letters critical of George III's government, published as a book in 1772.

<sup>114</sup> See 8 August 1867.

<sup>115</sup> James Thomson (1807–1885), anti-Corn Law campaigner and Liberal, in Preston for the meeting of the county magistrates, probably knew Hewitson from his apprentice days in Lancaster.

# July

**Tuesday 1 July 1873** In shop all day making out accounts

**Wednesday 2 July 1873** Ditto. To-day Woods finished with my shop fixtures at old shop.<sup>116</sup>

**Thursday 3 July 1873** Ditto. In evening went with Dr Ridley117 to a house in Oak Street & there saw the damnable effects of syphilis—a little child covered nearly all over with eruptions. It was an illegitimate; its father being a soldier. Working till 11 o'c[loc]k.

**Friday 4 July 1873** In shop all day again, till ab[ou]t nine when I went down to my printing office & worked till 12; then home & to bed.

**Saturday 5 July 1873** Up & in shop to sell papers by 6 o'c[loc]k. A larger no. of sales by auction in to-day's Chronicle than I ever remember. Finished work at about ten. This evening my mother\* went home again to Lancaster.

**Sunday 6 July 1873** Rose at 10.20; had a sponge bath; then breakfast. In afternoon had a sit with my wife in front room & a read from Wilmott's Pleasures of Literature.<sup>118</sup> In evening had a ramble in Avenham Park &c in search of my son Horace who had left my other children during their walk. He turned up in my absence.

**Monday 7 July 1873** Rose about 8; did not feel so well—sore throat & achy; at night, 8.30 went to Singleton's Turkish bath in Grimshaw St[ree]t; remained in it by myself till 10; then, whilst cooling down had a glass of beer. Home at 10.30.

**Tuesday 8 July 1873** Working in office shop all day; considerably better. All flat in town & in country too.

<sup>116</sup> See 22 May.

<sup>117</sup> Dr Joseph Simpson Ridley (c.1834–1886) of Lune St, medical officer of the Fulwood Union workhouse and its hospital, plus his private practice, 'to the poor he was always just and kind … though a stern moralist'. Financial problems left his family impoverished, and the *British Medical Journal* appealed for funds to help them (*BMJ,*  quoted in *PH,* 3 July 1886, p. 2).

<sup>118</sup> Robert Wilmott, *Pleasures, objects and advantages of literature: a discourse* (1851).

**Wednesday 9 July 1873** Ditto on the whole. Paid my first subscription to-day to Preston & Duchy of Lancaster Permanent Building Society—J Andrew,119 Winckley St[ree]t, secretary. I have taken five shares, representing £50.

**Thursday 10 July 1873** and same to-day. Had a desk & screen put up at end of shop to-day.

**Friday 11 July 1873** In shop all day till nine at night & then to office, where I remained till 11; then home & to bed.

**Saturday 12 July 1873** Up at six this morning. A capital Chronicle to-day for advertisements—more sales by auction than I ever have had. I am prospering in business satisfacting [sic]; it is due to an adherence to God's laws regulating industry & economy; to my own exertions & to those of my wife. Some thunder & rain to-day & at 8.10 this evening I saw part of a rainbow. Finished work at 10 at night. To bed about 11.

**Sunday 13 July 1873** Rose at 10.20. In afternoon read to my lads Bertie & Horace some natural history anecdotes. Afterwards I finished a work on literature by Rev R A Willmott—an excellent book. In evening had a little of beer & a pipe & looked through front window watching people come from church & chapel. There seemed to be much pride & vanity amongst them—extravagance sadly out of harmony with Christianity & opposed to common sense.

**Monday 14 July 1873** Out of bed about 8. Didn't have a cold bath this morning. In shop till 11; then to an arbitration case—Richard Cookson (Layton Hawes) v. Preston British Loan & Discount Co—at Longworth & Gardner's office, Chapel-st[reet]. Case about some machinery &c at Blackpool belonging to late Mr Carlyle, contractor, or rented by him from Cookson. Reported till 1.10; home; dinner; got my hair cut & was shampooed; to case again; till 2.50; [word]; bought a Robinson Crusoe & Gibbon's Decline & Fall; in shop afterwards; at night had some beer at home & a glass at Shelley Arms; to home at 9.45; supper; bed.

<sup>119</sup> James Andrew (b. 1840), land and estate agent of Winckley St, became a Liberal councillor in November 1873.

**Tuesday 15 July 1873** Up at 8. Went to Preston branch of Lancaster Bank—I bank here—& found I had a balance of upwards of £270. Today registered my latest born son with the registrar in Lord Street— Mr H Bradley.<sup>120</sup> I gave him the name of Llewellyn. God bless him. In evening—after shop was shut went up stairs to my wife & read an American newspaper & afterwards several pages of Sylvester Graham's lectures on the Human Constitution.<sup>121</sup> Supper afterwards; bed about 11.

**Wednesday 16 July 1873** Up at 8. In afternoon went to see about some velvet for my sons Bert & Horace's suits to Joe Wares\* & had a glass of porter. In evening paid Will Dobson\* last sum of money I owed him in respect to Chronicle—about £109. Working till 10.50 pm.

**Thursday 17 July 1873** At 8 this morning went with a number of Conservatives to Windermere—an excursion. We branched off at Carnforth, then on to Ulverston; then branched back to the Lake Side Station near Newby Bridge. Afterwards sailed up Windermere to Ambleside where we had something to eat then back—to Bowness, where there was "Poet Close"122 —a middle-aged, sun-burned, garrulous fellow, smoking a short pipe & selling "his books". I bought one—a medley of rigmarole & doggerel personality—for 1/6. Afterwards we went to Rigg's Hotel at Braithwaite & had dinner at 4 o'c[loc]k. A capital dinner. Had lots to eat & some sherry, champagne & a glass of gin. Returned, by Kendal, at 6.20. Had to stay at Oxenholme about an hour. Got to Lancaster about 9; here I & friend Bakewell\* got out—we had come by an earlier train than the bulk—& sauntered into Lancaster having a look at its castle & tasting its ale & pies. Got to Preston about 11; did a little work; to bed about 12.123

<sup>120</sup> Henry Bradley (1809–1882), founder member of Preston Temperance Society.

<sup>121</sup> *Lectures on the Science of Human Life,* first published in 1839*.* Graham was an American Presbyterian minister who promoted vegetarianism, temperance and wholemeal bread.

<sup>122</sup> John Close (1816–1891), the self-titled 'Poet Close', known more for his character than his poetry. In 1860 his relentless versifying at the great and the good produced a £50 Civil List pension, withdrawn the following year after criticism in the London newspapers, mockery in *Punch* and questions in Parliament (*LDP*, 22 December 1937).

<sup>123</sup> Hewitson's humorous account of the trip in the *Chronicle* defensively explains why a Liberal newspaperman might join a Conservative pleasure trip.

**Friday 18 July 1873** Not very well this morning "Heigh John Barleycorn— Oh John Barleycorn". But working all day from 9 in morning till 12 at night.

**Saturday 19 July 1873** Up at 6.15. Working in shop till 10 at night. Councillor J Edelston\* had a long sit with me—from about 9 to 10.

**Sunday 20 July 1873** Rose at 10.15. After dinner took four of my children—Bertie, Horace, Florence & Ada—to Longridge\* by train. Went up "Tootel's Height". View splendid—expansive, beautiful. Home about 5. Afterwards—when tea was over—read part of "Sermon on the Mount" to my children; then read to myself a treatise by Dr Watson Bradshaw on "Brain & Stomach" & the importance of avoiding dyspepsia.124 To bed about 12. France\* came in & kept us up.

**Monday 21 July 1873** Into shop to work, about 9, & in shop mainly all day. To-day my printers had their annual trip. They went to Blackpool. This has been the hottest day this year—a regular sweltering day. To bed about 10.

**Tuesday 22 July 1873** In shop all day. Slack day. Heard this morning that my wife's sister Ellen\* at Sheffield had been confined of a daughter on Saturday or Friday. Friday I believe. In evening my wife went to Longridge to seek lodgings for a week or two. Could only find one place at 30/- per week. In evening I read Hudson Tuttle on "The Christ Idea in History".<sup>125</sup> A tremendous storm of thunder & lightning between 8.30 & 10. Never saw such lightning.

**Wednesday 23 July 1873** Rose at 8.30; cold bath; shop at nine & remained therein all day. At 4.10 in afternoon my wife, with little child Llewellyn, Ada & Florey went to Morecambe. Shut up shop at 8.30; had a walk through park, on water side, up Fishergate & home at 10. To bed at 10.30.

<sup>124</sup> Julian Watson Bradshaw, *Mental Taxation. Brain & Stomach; or, Mind & Matter, Demonstrating How the Function of Digestion Is Influenced by the Operations of the Mind, Etc.* (London: G. Philip & Son, 1865).

<sup>125</sup> Hudson Tuttle, *The Career of the Christ-Idea in History* (Boston: Adams, 1870).

**Thursday 24 July 1873** In shop all day; at night had two or three glasses of ale with Will France;\* & I do not believe they did me very much good.

**Friday 25 July 1873** Had a letter from my wife (written by daughter Florence) this morning telling me to go down to Morecambe on Sunday, with Bert & Horace. At work till after midnight.

**Saturday 26 July 1873** Up at 6; & working in shop till 10 at night. My lads have (been) doing nothing but talk about going to Morecambe.

**Sunday 27 July 1873** To Morecambe with my two lads at 8.20. We had to walk on the shore side from Hest Bank to Morecambe. Found my wife & children well. In afternoon & evening went to the pier where my father in law\* has a refreshment place. Had sundry drops of whiskey contrary to my rule—& spent a pleasant intelligent evening.

**Monday 28 July 1873** Remained at Morecambe to-day. A brother in law of mine called John Lord Rodgett\* came out of hospital at Lancaster to-day. In afternoon I, my wife & our children had a beautiful sail on the Bay. We took Rodgett's two children—Julia & Emily—with us. On returning spent remainder of day in enjoying myself & rambling about.

**Tuesday 29 July 1873** About 11 this morning returned to Preston with my lads Bert & Horace. They asked me lots of questions about what they saw on the way. Got to Preston about 11.20. Then to County Court having cases against Robert Clarke,<sup>126</sup> proprietor of the Pilot & one Miss Harrison127 of Hull. I won them easily; for my claim was admitted. In evening Bakewell\* visited me & I drew up an address to be presented to J Crook.<sup>128</sup>

**Wednesday 30 July 1873** To-day in shop nearly all the time from 9 to 8.30. After shop hours we went to Bull Inn—I & Bakewell\*—& examined two addresses as specimens of penmanship & to be a guide in Crook's affair. Crook has saved the lives of between 20 & 30 persons on the Ribble, & it has been decided to present him with a gold watch & guard &c & an

<sup>126</sup> Robert Clarke (1823–1897), son of Lawrence Clarke, founder of the Tory *Preston Pilot* (1825–1888).

<sup>127</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>128</sup> John Crook senior (b.1831), landlord of the Pleasure Boat Inn, Ribbleside (near today's Continental).

address. Recently a presentation was made to him by some Blackburn people. On leaving the Bull we went on to John Noblet's,\* Plumpton Brook Inn; my object being to enquire about a waiter for Morecambe pier. Met with no encouragement; had two glasses of ale; home; bed.

**Thursday 31 July 1873** Working in shop all day nearly till 10 at night. John Cooper\* of the Oaks, Penwortham called on me & had a chat this aft[ernoo]n. Bed soon after 11 at night.

### August

**Friday 1 August 1873** Working in shop all day till 9.30 at night. Then to office & remained till after midnight. This was first day of Preston Agricultural Show, under new & much improved auspices. To bed about one.

**Saturday 2 August 1873** Rose at 6.10 this morning. In shop till 10 at night. Whilst sitting down stairs Tom Knowles129 of London, formerly reporter & compositor of Preston gave me a call. He stopped till about one in morning. Then I went to bed. A sad railway accident at Wigan this morning.130

**Sunday 3 August 1873** Up at 10.10. In afternoon I & my two lads Bert & Horace to see our children's grave at cemetery; afterwards into parks on south west of town. In evening reading.

**Monday 4 August 1873** In shop all day. At night I & Bakewell\* had a walk & about 10 called at Mitre Inn, Fishergate & saw a man bend a poker by striking it across his arm. To bed about 11.15.

**Tuesday 5 August 1873** Shop all day. Prorogation of parliament131 this afternoon. In evening had a walk & afterwards called at Shelley Arms & had a glass of beer. Learned that the gate money—amount received for admission—at Preston Agricultural Show which closed on Saturday came to about £800. Home at 9.50; supper; made up diary; smoke; bed.

**Wednesday 6 August 1873** This forenoon went to see Mr Thos Fair132 of the Lytham estate office respecting an article on Lytham he wants me to write for Illustrated London News. Found that he had gone to the opening of a new church at Heyhouses, about 3 miles off. I rode there in a cab. Stayed (for) the service. The Bishop of Manchester preached a

<sup>129</sup> This could be the reporter, Thomas Knowles (b. 1828) of Preston, whose plea for bankruptcy was refused in 1856 (*PC,* 1 November 1856, p. 6).

<sup>130</sup> Part of the 'Scotch Express' derailed on its way north through Wigan station, smashing into the platform and station building, killing 11 passengers and injuring 25.

<sup>131</sup> Formal ending of a Parliamentary session.

<sup>132</sup> Thomas Fair (c. 1836–1914) of Clifton Hall, agent for the Clifton estate, which included Lytham.

good sermon. Returned to Lytham by train—the train from Blackpool staying opposite the church for us. Afterwards I & several reporters, with H Large,133 chemist of Lytham had an admirable luncheon, ordered by Mr Fair, at the Clifton Arms. Subsequently I had a warm salt water bath at the new baths.134 Home at 7.

**Thursday 7 August 1873** To railway accident inquest at Wigan this morning; home at noon. Went to report it mainly for Carlisle Journal.135

**Friday 8 August 1873** In shop writing principally till 9 at night. Supper. Stayed at office till 12 o'c[loc]k.

**Saturday 9 August 1873** Up at a quarter past 6; & in shop till 10 at night.

**Sunday 10 August 1873** This morning at 8.20 went to Morecambe to see my wife & children & bring them back. In afternoon I went on pier. A sea captain from Fleetwood drowned himself at Morecambe to-day.136 In evening I & wife went on the pier to father-in-laws\* refreshment room. I had sundry squibs137 of gin. Had a chat with an old man called Maud. Came off pier at 10.10; supper; bed about 11.30.

**Monday 11 August 1873** This morning at 10 returned to Preston with my daughters Florence & Ada. The servant & my two lads Bert & Horace met us; we landed at 11.20 & they had been waiting since 9.15 they expected us landing by a train in about that time. In afternoon I went to Lytham to survey the place for article I have to write. A great circus company—Sangers's—in Preston today. Their performance is in some fields in Penwortham. Everybody—working folk particularly going to it; at any rate whilst I am writing this they are coming from it. What spendthrifts & geese! Throwing away their money—missing their work—& riding up in carriages, too idle to walk. Verily we live in peculiar days. To bed about 10.10.

<sup>133</sup> Henry Large (b. 1817).

<sup>134</sup> Presumably in Lytham.

<sup>135</sup> The dead included two passengers from Carlisle.

<sup>136</sup> James John Wheeler of Fleetwood, a retired captain (*Lancaster Gazette,* 16 August 1873, p. 9).

<sup>137</sup> Small measures.

**Tuesday 12 August 1873** This afternoon my wife & youngest child Llewellyn landed back all safe from Morecambe.

**Wednesday 13 August 1873** At work from 9 till 8.20 at night. Throng writing an article on Lytham for Mr T Fair for insertion in Illustrated London News if he can manage it.138 About tea time my brother-inlaw Fred Hall\* of Sheffield landed, on his way to Isle of Man, for an "out". This evening a Prestonian named Wilshaw,139 formerly printer & stationer in Fishergate, but for several years in America, gave me a call. He, I & Hall had three glasses of ale each at Shelley Arms. Home at a quarter to 11 o'c[loc]k; but did not get to bed till one in morning. This was my 37th birthday. When I am as old again I shall be getting old.

**Thursday 14 August 1873** Up at 8.15, & working all day till 8 at night; bed early

**Friday 15 August 1873** Same from 8.15 to about midnight—attending shop, writing &c

**Saturday 16 August 1873** Rose at 6.15 & engaged in shop till 10 at night. Ribble salmon was 10d per pound today.

**Sunday 17 August 1873** Did not get up till 10.40. Breakfast. In afternoon I read Robinson Crusoe to my lads Bertie & Horace & daughter Florey; afterwards I drilled them in their catechism—a natural commonsense Catechism relating to God, humanity & life. In evening I read Bayard Taylor's Travels Afoot.140 Afterwards I & my wife went to Will France's\* & spent the night there cheerfully. Home about 11; to bed about 11.30.

**Monday 18 August 1873** Up at 8.10. My printers &c had a cricket match to-day with the Herald hands & beat them, as they did last year. Well done Chronicle. In evening I went out with my wife; she having to get measured for a new gown in Cross Street. Afterwards I called upon Pateson,\* photographer, & we had a chat & a glass; Bakewell\* being present. To-day Bakewell went over to see Mr Ashworth of Egerton

<sup>138</sup> I have been unable to find such an article.

<sup>139</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>140</sup> Bayard Taylor, *Views Afoot; or, Europe Seen with Knapsack and Staff* (London: Sampson Low, Son, & Marston, 1869). Taylor was an American travel writer and poet.

Hall near Bolton as to secretaryship of a new Masters Association throughout the kingdom to protect themselves & secure freedom of labour.141 Bakewell had a good reception but met with no actual success. Home about ten; supper; bed.

**Tuesday 19 August 1873** In shop all day.

**Wednesday 20 August 1873** About the same.

**Thursday 21 August 1873** Partly—mainly—ditto. Working till 10.30 at night.

**Friday 22 August 1873** Sadly tired to-day. Sub-editing till 10.50. Afterwards to Borough Court at Town Hall, to give evidence in & report a case brought by a sanctimonious, philanthropic & in my opinion god-damnably two-faced humbugging & malicious fellow called John Proffitt142 who feeling aggrieved by letters which appeared in the Chronicle written by one Joseph Long143 would not refer the matter to arbitration, but entered an action against him for libel. I do not think Proffit deserved a verdict but he got one—damages 40/-. This case lasted about seven hours; & through the judge—T B Addison\* being an hour late—all being kept waiting that time—we had an eight hours spell of it. At office till about 2 in morning (Sat); then home to bed.

**Saturday 23 August 1873** Up at 9.30; got second edition ready; working all day; at night Dr Wm Smith\* called & had a glass; then Wm France\* came; then we adjourned to his house & (with pipes & glasses) stayed till about 12 midnight.

**Sunday 24 August 1873** In house all day; at night Dr Wm Smith\* came, by invitation, & had a glass. We had a pleasant sensible conversation.

**Monday 25 August 1873** In shop most of day. At night I & my wife went to theatre & saw the "Queens" or "Royal" Minstrels144 perform. There

<sup>141</sup> The National Federation of Associated Employers of Labour, led by former Anti-Corn Law activists, including Edmund Ashworth snr of Egerton Hall. The federation was set up in response to renewed trade union activity.

<sup>142</sup> See February 23 1867.

<sup>143</sup> Joseph Long (d. 1900), a Conservative and an Orangeman, had accused Proffitt of pocketing money given for charitable purposes (*PH,* 3 Oct 1908, p5).

<sup>144</sup> Blackface performers.

was a good house, & the performance was thoroughly healthy—that is very laughable. A great storm of thunder & lightning to-night—about midnight; & I had to get up to put cans on floor of back kitchen to catch the water streaming in. Lightning was immensely grand yet terrible.

**Tuesday 26 August 1873** In office & shop till 8 o'c[loc]k—mainly so, at any rate. This evening exchanged a dictionary for Sam Slicks "Nature & Human Nature".145 In house—it being wet—during greater part of evening.

**Wednesday 27 August 1873** Working in shop all day.

**Thursday 28 August 1873** Same till noon. In afternoon went to get some particulars of Lytham Annual Horse Sale. Prices high—running from about 30 to 190 guineas; but I have been told that some of the sales were fictitious—"bogus" as the Americans would say. Home by 7.40. Working till after 10 at night.

**Friday 29 August 1873** In shop till 9 at night; then to office till 12; then home & to bed.

**Saturday 30 August 1873** Rose about 6 & stayed in shop greater part of day till 10 at night; afterwards went down to Will France's\* (he & his wife\* having been by a trip to London). My wife with me. We stayed till about 12 then home; a little supper & to bed.

**Sunday 31 August 1873** Rose at 10.30. In afternoon I played with my children in front room—at parlour croquet & bowls or rather nine pins. Afterwards read to them two or three chapters from The Economy of Life, translated by Dodsley.146 At night I & wife had a walk. To bed about 10.30

<sup>145</sup> Thomas Chandler Haliburton, *Nature and Human Nature* (New York: Garrett, Dick and Fitzgerald, 1855).

<sup>146</sup> See 9 March.

### September

**Monday 1 September 1873** Working in shop all day. At night I & wife went to theatre & saw the notorious Boulton (of Parke & Boulton female-apparel &c celebrity or infamy, in London) take part in an impersonational & comic entertainment.147 Boulton is a good actor & though a man looks more like a woman than three fourths of the females met with. Home & to bed by about 11.30.

**Tuesday 2 September 1873** This forenoon went to Stonyhurst College along with my wife, Dr Smith,\* Joe Crombleholme\* & his wife148 & daughter.149 Spent a pleasant day; & at night returned by way of Chaigeley [sic] & the Chipping road to Preston. This was a beautiful drive—wood, hill, dale, river, fell & ravine. Got home, having attended powerfully to good eating & drinking, about 9.30. This day the British Pilgrims to Paray-le-Monial, in France—the shrine of one Margaret Alacoque who, it is said, was visited by Jesus Christ or his sacred heart, about 200 years ago. Several Preston people—Roman Catholics—have joined this pilgrimage.

**Wednesday 3 September 1873** In shop all day. About noon Father Walker<sup>150</sup> of St Ignatius's came & told me that Joe Crombleholme\* was on spree.<sup>151</sup>

**Thursday 4 September 1873** Working in office all day; & at night went with my wife to the theatre to see Boulton & Co.<sup>152</sup> A good entertainment; but having seen it before did not enjoy it so much.


<sup>147</sup> Frederick Park and Ernest Boulton, or Fanny and Stella, friends who liked to dress in women's clothes, had a successful double act, 'Stella Clinton' (or 'Mrs Graham') and 'Fanny Winifred Park', in the late 1860s. They also socialised in London in women's dress. In 1870 they were arrested for conspiring to commit sodomy and acquitted in 1871. Boulton had been living with Lord Arthur Clinton as man and wife: H. G. Cocks, *Nameless Offences: Homosexual Desire in the 19th Century* (London: I.B. Tauris, 2009), pp. 105–12. It is unlikely that Hewitson would have gone to see Boulton three times (see 20 October) if he believed the performer had had sex with another man.

**Friday 5 September 1873** Rose about 8 o'c[loc]k. At work till 1.30 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 6 September 1873** Rose at 6.10; & at work, mainly till 10 o'c[loc]k. When closing old Dr Smith\* called & went upstairs to have a pipe with me—also a glass. He had hardly supped—I think he had not when he felt ill in his belly; afterwards he had a sort of fit & I attended to him on the floor. I had to let him go upon it. Got him home & went for a doctor. France\* with me. Home at 12.30.

**Sunday 7 September 1873** Up at 10.10. This was my wife's 35th birthday; but we forgot all about it. In afternoon I taught my children their catechism; then played with them. In evening I & wife went on to see how Dr Smith\* was getting on; found him in bed apparently in a nice mending way. Stopped a while; then wife & I had a walk; home; to bed. Lancaster,153 station master of Brock hanged himself to-day. Poor fellow he had got low, & had taken drink freely.

**Monday 8 September 1873** Got up soon after 7; made youngest child (Llewellyn) something to eat.154 In shop all forenoon. A fine day for a wonder. We have had much wet for three successive summers. This has been a very unsettled summer. In evening read Longfellow's new book of poetry "Aftermath" & one piece taken from or forming an unconscious parallel of the Monk of St Gall's account of the appearance of Charlemagne & his army.<sup>155</sup> Only a few parts in this book good. At night I & wife spent about an hour at Pateson's.\*

**Tuesday 9 September 1873** Doing shop work, knocking about; sold some books of my own private library stock & bought some. Remained in house all evening.

**Wednesday 10 September 1873** Working in shop all day. Nothing particular transpired.

<sup>153</sup> Thomas Lancaster (1819–1873).

<sup>154</sup> Llewellyn was less than three months old.

<sup>155</sup> Hewitson's brief critique of Longfellow's new volume, published the previous week, appeared in the *Chronicle* of 13 September (p. 3), describing 'The Poet's Tale', about Charlemagne, King of the Franks, as 'weak historical plagiarism'.

**Thursday 11 September 1873** At work by 8.30. At 11.20 went to report annual general sessions—adjourned—at Court House. Lord Derby was in the chair, & was re-elected Chairman for the ensuing year. He has got very stalwart & stout looking—a large full, prominent, cleanly shaven face, with his head getting bald. There is much determination & cool sagacity in his look. The business of the Session was over about 1.30. Chief discussion was about the earnings of prisoners in the County gaols—those at Kirkdale being the lowest. Finished my work about 10.40 at night.

**Friday 12 September 1873** To work about 8.15 this morning & continued working till about two o'c[loc]k on Saturday morning. Then to bed.

**Saturday 13 September 1873** Up at 6.20; & at work all day—much tired till evening—till 10 at night. Then went to neighbour France's\* & had a glass or two; then home, got a little supper & to bed.

**Sunday 14 September 1873** Rose at 10.20; had a cold water bath then breakfast. Read a little of Bayard Taylors Travels. In afternoon Mrs France\* came; & in evening I & my wife went to Parish Church with her. Sermon very orthodox & very sleepy. An orthodox sermon is a fine soporific. I can stand anything but a really ancient worm-eaten exposition of this sort. It makes me mentally badly [sic].

**Monday 15 September 1873** Working in shop from 8.30 till 4; then read Graham's Science of Life. After shutting up shop I & wife went to the theatre & saw part of a play called "£.s.d:"—a pathetic & somewhat powerful drama. We left before the farce. Home—supper—to bed.

**Tuesday 16 September 1873** Into shop at 8.30. In shop all day. At night I & wife went to pay a bill at Joe Crombleholme's\* on Park Road. Mrs Crombleholme said that Joe had taken terribly to drinking. I regret this; for Joe is an intelligent fellow. Home at 10; supper; bed.

**Wednesday 17 September 1873** To-day drove to Great Eccleston with reporters of Guardian & Herald—to the Agricultural Show. A fine day & nice out. Show only small. In G[rea]t Eccleston village I & the two reporters had a spell of shooting at a shooting gallery; I got 3 bull's eyes out of 5 shots & beat both of them. Home about 8.30 at night. To-day Lund Church was re-opened after undergoing restoration.<sup>156</sup>

**Thursday 18 September 1873** Unwell to-day—felt as if I had got a bad cold; but at work till 9.30 at night & shortly afterwards to bed.

**Friday 19 September 1873** Felt considerably better this morning. Working in office & shop till about 2 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 20 September 1873** Rose at 6.20; working in shop & office all day till 10 at night; then went to Will France's\* & stayed there, with my wife, till about 12 o'c[loc]k. Home—little supper—bed.

**Sunday 21 September 1873** Up at 11. Sunday is a day of rest & I have a right to take advantage of it. I look upon its "rest" as including recreation & healthy physical & mental "change"—a change being "as good as a rest". After dinner I & my wife had a walk to Penwortham. In evening we went to St Wilfrid's Catholic Church to hear some special music;<sup>157</sup> afterwards we went to Pateson's\*; afterwards to Will France's\* & stayed there till 11. Then home—supper—& bed.

**Monday 22 September 1873** A very fine day this, & in afternoon I had a drive with my wife & daughter Ada to Woodplumpton—an ancient rustic place which I like. We returned by way of Bartle & Lea & got home soon after five o'c[loc]k. Stayed at home in evening reading Bayard Taylor's Travels.

**Tuesday 23 September 1873** In shop more or less all day.

**Wednesday 24 September 1873** At work all day till 8 o'c[loc]k; then I & my wife went to the theatre & saw the "caste" company go through a performance.<sup>158</sup> This is a capital company; & I was greatly pleased with it. Home about 10.10; supper & to bed.

**Tuesday 25 September 1873** Working in shop all day till 7.30 at night & then went to Charlie Hawkins,\* in West Cliff—my wife being with

<sup>156</sup> St John the Evangelist, Lund, near Kirkham.

<sup>157</sup> Including a performance by operatic tenor William Parkinson (see 9 November 1867).

<sup>158</sup> The company was touring two plays by Thomas William Robertson, *Caste* and *School*. Robertson's plays were unusual for their realism.

me—& we had supper; spending a very comfortable social evening. To-day there was a Town Council meeting at which a motion made by Mr Councillor Hibbert\* was carried to appoint a Committee to inquire into the reason why no mention was made in Mr Allsupp's\* contract as to when he would finish the Preston covered market.

**Friday 26 September 1873** At work by 8.30; & kept at it—in shop & office—till 2 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 27 September 1873** Up at 6.10; & at work till 10 at night. About closing time Bakewell\* & Pateson\* came & we went into my back room & had a chat & a glass of beer. They left at 11 & then I & wife had supper & went to bed.

**Sunday 28 September 1873** Rose about 10.30. Read. In afternoon went with Pateson\* to Bakewells\* & had tea. Stayed till a little after six & then they came to our house, Pateson's\* wife & sister159 joining us. They all had supper with me & stayed till about 11 o'clock.

**Monday 29 September 1873** Stayed in office—shop—all day & at night went with my wife to the Theatre.

**Tuesday 30 September 1873** Nothing very much stirring to-day.

<sup>159</sup> Probably Jane Pateson (1820–1885).

### October

**Wednesday 1 October 1873** To day attended funeral at St Ann's Catholic church, Westby, of Rev Canon John Walker<sup>160</sup> of St Augustine's, Preston. He died last Sunday at his brother & sisters, at Peel, near Lytham. After the funeral there was a capital luncheon at a public house hard by. Canon Walker was a very mild & kindly hearted man & I admired his homely suavity & calmness.

**Thursday 2 October 1873** Working in shop & office all day. At night went to Theatre & saw the Caste Company play the "school". It was a very excellent & interesting play. Saw John Cooper\* there. My wife was with me. Home about half past 10.

**Friday 3 October 1873** "In harness" from 8.30 in morning till 1.30 in morning.

**Saturday 4 October 1873** Up at 6.25 & working till 10 at night. O! labour I get a fair share of thee & yet I am a long way from being killed. There is nothing in the world so excellent as doing something & sticking well to it—reading, writing, thinking, selling, buying always attending to the proper requirements & enjoyments & recreations of the body.

**Sunday 5 October 1873** Rose at 10.30. Had a cold bath. In afternoon I, my wife, Will France,\* Jones161 plasterer & their wives, with a child belonging to each of us, had a drive to Woodplumpton where we had tea. Afterwards drove round by Catforth, Swillbrook, Lea &c & to Preston by 7. Then to Mr Jones's; then France & wife\* came to our house. A finish by 11. Bed.

**Monday 6 October 1873** Rose at 8. In shop & office till 7.15 at night. Then to Avenham Institution; where Colonel Wilson Patten\* MP made a speech on science, art &c & then distributed prizes. Finished work about 10 o'c[loc]k.<sup>162</sup>

<sup>160</sup> Very Rev. Canon John Walker (c.1821–1873), Jesuit, 'unassuming, obliging in manner, careful in his duties, fonder of a good pinch of snuff than of warring about creeds' (*OCC*).

<sup>161</sup> Robert Jones (c. 1835–1908), master plasterer.

<sup>162</sup> The Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge, Avenham, a mechanics' institute.

**Tuesday 7 October 1873** Working in office all day.

**Wednesday 8 October 1873** To Lancaster this forenoon to report for The Times &c Anniversary Festival of Royal Albert Asylum For Idiots & Imbeciles. It's a great & fine building on the southern side of the town. Sir J P Kay-Shuttleworth,163 Lord Derby & many MPs were present at banquet in evening—two meetings having been previously held. I got home about 11 o'c[loc]k.164

**Thursday 9 October 1873** Working in office all day.

**Friday 10 October 1873** Same till one in morning; a considerable time down at printing office—in my room. To day Alderman John Goodair\* of Preston whilst in Manchester was knocked down by a conveyance & picked up insensible & conveyed to Infirmary.

**Saturday 11 October 1873** Up at 6.20; & mainly working till 10.10 at night.

**Sunday 12 October 1873** Rose at 10.30. Afterwards had a walk with my two lads Horace & Bert. In afternoon Mr & Mrs Jones\* (plasterer) came to tea. We had a walk; then tea; then they went to church; & at night returned & stayed for some time.

**Monday 13 October 1873** This forenoon news came that Mr Alderman Goodair\* died at 9 this morning. There is a strong feeling of regret. He was never conscious after his accident. This evening considerable excitement about Taunton elections—James,<sup>165</sup> new Solicitor General (Liberal) being opposed. James was returned by a majority of between 80 & 90. Conservatives down in the mouth.

**Tuesday 14 October 1873** Engaged in shop &c all day; & at night I & wife went to the Theatre to a [sic] see a political burlesque called "The Happy Land".<sup>166</sup> It was good in some parts; but untrue & too sarcastically biased in others. Home at 10.50.

<sup>163</sup> See 10 August 1865.

<sup>164</sup> Hewitson's report made more than a column in next morning's *Times*.

<sup>165</sup> Henry James (1828–1911) had to resign his seat and stand for re-election because of his government appointment.

<sup>166</sup> An early Gilbert & Sullivan play with music, which included a caricature of Gladstone, one of Hewitson's favourite politicians.

**Wednesday 15 October 1873** Up at 8.10 & in shop mainly till afternoon when I went with Savery Maynard167 to Harry Hawkins\* (late John Hawkins's\* son) in order to see if he would stand for St Peter's ward at coming municipal election, with one sharp fellow called Marshall.<sup>168</sup> Did not see Hawkins & though we appointed a time & place to meet him failed. At night to an auction sale of Denham's169 goods. Denham, a stationer &c—is a bankrupt.

**Thursday 16 October 1873** Today Alderman John Goodair\* was buried in Brindle church yard. There was a procession of the Mayor, several members of the Corporation, tradesmen &c from the Town Hall to his residence up Garstang Road where they joined the funeral party & thence walked with it to Stanley St[ree]t. The funeral party then moved on to Brindle where the interment took place.

**Friday 17 October 1873** Working in shop & office all day & till 2 in morning.

**Saturday 18 October 1873** Rose at 6.20, & at work till 10 at night.

**Sunday 19 October 1873** Laid in bed till 10.30 this morning; then breakfast; then instructed my two sons Bertie & Horace in their catechism—throwing on one side all the popular creeds & making right & duty & love for & veneration of God as clear as I could. In afternoon I & all my children—Florence, Bertie, Horace & Ada—except Llewellyn had a walk by the Ribble side & through Avenham & Miller & Avenham Parks. At night my wife & I visited Harry Hawkins\* & his wife near Fulwood. We had a little supper & some other refreshment. Landed home about 11.30; the walk there & back being about 5 miles.

**Monday 20 October 1873** In office all day. At night I bought a copy of Waller & Denham's poems for 1/-.<sup>170</sup> Afterwards I & my wife went

<sup>167</sup> Moses Savery Maynard (1833–1909) of Lauderdale, Fishergate Hill, mill owner.

<sup>168</sup> James Marshall (b. 1824) of Wellington Terrace, corn merchant.

<sup>169</sup> The business of Joseph Alexander Denham (c.1820–1896), bookseller and stationer, of 49 Fishergate, was being liquidated but he had not been declared bankrupt. Denham was a rival to Hewitson as local correspondent for London and other newspapers (*PC,* 20 September 1873, p. 5; *PH,* 14 November 1896, p. 6).

<sup>170</sup> Probably *The Poetical Works of Edmund Waller and Sir John Denham*, ed. by George Gilfillan (1857), from the seventeenth century.

to the Theatre & saw the notorious Boulton171 (female impersonator) perform with his company. Performance good. Afterwards went to Will Frances;\* he & wife\* meeting us at the Theatre; stayed about an hour.

**Tuesday 21 October 1873** Office work all day. At night I & my wife went to the Licensed Victuallers' Ball in the Corn Exchange. It was thinly attended & "wet".<sup>172</sup> I had more of refreshments (drink) than did me good. During night I met with one Kilner173 —a young & rabid Conservative given to spouting. I found him cunning, but agreeable sociable. Home about two o'c[loc]k in the morning.

**Wednesday 22 October 1873** Rose at 9. Not very well. Had a cold water bath. O! water, how we ignore thee in our enjoyments & how we have to fall back upon thy freshness in our sorrows. Working all day; & finished about 10. My wife at a sale of stationery this af[ternoo]n. Hull election today. Pease (Conservative) beat Reed (Liberal) by about 279 votes.

**Thursday 23 October 1873** Up at 8.15. My wife not well—bad cold. At 5 went by train to Longridge & thence walked to Alston College to see Mr Peters,\* the principal, about a bill for about £98 he had neglected to pay & which came back to me dishonoured. I think this, on his part, was owing to forgetfulness. Home by 8.30. Working till 9.30.

**Friday 24 October 1873** Working all day in office & shop till 2 o'c[loc]k on Sat morning.

**Saturday 25 October 1873** Up about 6.20 this morning. This af[ternoo]n my father in law Mr J Wilson,\* from Morecambe came. At night he & I had a glass together.

**Sunday 26 October 1873** This af[ternoo]n had a walk with my two lads Bertie & Horace; after tea taught them their catechism; at night called with my father in law\* at Plumpton Brook & had a glass. Home pretty early.

<sup>171</sup> See 1 September.

<sup>172</sup> Well supplied with alcohol?

<sup>173</sup> Probably William Kilner (c. 1843–1883), Conservative trade unionist, chairman of the Operative Cotton Spinners' Association (*PH,* 30 May 1883, p. 4).

**Monday 27 October 1873** Working all day. At night went with to a great Conservative demonstration in area of Corn Exchange. R Townley Parker174 in chair. A very large meeting; but speaking that I heard was very poor. E Hermon<sup>175</sup> Esq., MP, J. Holker,\* Esq. MP, Hon F.A. Stanley,\* MP & Chamberlain Starkie<sup>176</sup> Esq MP were the chief speakers. I heard Hermon & Stanley—both poor. I telegraphed report of meeting to The Times & the Standard, London.<sup>177</sup>

**Tuesday 28 October 1873** Today at work as usual. At night I & father-inlaw\* went to Theatre & saw Mdlle Beatrice<sup>178</sup> with her drama-comedy company perform. Good acting; poor house. Home about 11.

**Wednesday 29 October 1873** At noon to-day went to Manchester & af[terward]s to a meeting of shareholders in the New Sedgwick Gunpowder Company held in King St[ree]t. I was made a small shareholder some time ago by Mr Job Bintley179 of Kendal, so as to be present at the general meeting & report.180 First time I had to leave the room—the share transfer being incomplete. But to-day I managed it & reported. Home by about 6.

**Thursday 30 October 1873** All day in shop & office & finished work about 10 at night. Municipal elections coming keenly.

**Friday 31 October 1873** Ditto. To bed, after work, at 2.15 in morning.

<sup>174</sup> See 22 July 1872.

<sup>175</sup> Edward Hermon (1822–1881), cotton magnate and Conservative MP for Preston 1868–1881.

<sup>176</sup> John Pierce Chamberlain Starkie (1830–1888), Conservative MP for North-East Lancashire.

<sup>177</sup> Hewitson's report made a column and a half in *The Times* (p. 6) and the *Standard* (p. 3).

<sup>178</sup> Stage name of Marie Beatrice Binda (1839–1878), actress.

<sup>179</sup> Job Bintley (1816–1889), a surveyor and civil engineer (*Brighouse & Rastrick Gazette* 20 July 1889, p. 5), and presumably a shareholder.

<sup>180</sup> The gunpowder factory south of Kendal operated until 1935. Hewitson published a report of the stormy meeting (*PC,* 1 November 1873, p. 3), but it is unclear why he was commissioned by Bintley.

### November

**Saturday 1 November 1873** Municipal Elections to-day. Quiet; but in afternoon there was a smell of bribery astir; & in St John's ward, where I was, one wretched candidate (E. G. Melling<sup>181</sup>) was paying 1/- per vote, or somebody was on his a/c [account]. I understand the nett gain to the Liberals was three. At night I was one of the counters for Mr J Andrew<sup>182</sup> —in the Town Hall. Aft[erwar]ds went & got an edition out for paper. Later on called at Mitre with father-in-law\* &c. Home before 10 o'clock.183

**Sunday 2 November 1873** Rose at 10.30. Went to Singleton's,\* Grimshaw St[ree]t & had a Turkish Bath. Home to dinner; in af[ternoo]n reading & catechising my children. At night we had a table rapping affair; one Mr Holden184 of Orksmirk rd making up the party. Had some curious manifestations. To bed at 12.20 in morning.

**Monday 3 November 1873** Out with my father-in-law\* this forenoon. Went & had a look through Messrs Hawkins's\* mill works. On returning had 2 "drinks".<sup>185</sup> In shop all afternoon. At 8 went with my wife to Mr James Hibberts\* (the architect) & had supper. Stayed till after midnight.

**Tuesday 4 November 1873** Working in office all day.

**Wednesday 5 November 1873** Same

**Thursday 6 November 1873** Ditto

**Friday 7 November 1873** Office & shop till after midnight.

**Saturday 8 November 1873** Up at 6.30 & in shop greater part of day till 10 at night.

<sup>181</sup> Edward George Melling (c.1817–1876), property agent, Conservative, Anglican, 'a firmly-moulded, rubicund-featured person; has a stiff vertebra; has a shrewd, gay and festive, hot-soup-at-eleven-o'clock-in-the-morning look', noted for never speaking at council meetings (*PTC*).

<sup>182</sup> See 9 July 1873.

<sup>183</sup> The Liberals gained four councillors, including Andrew, for whom Hewitson was checking the vote count.

<sup>184</sup> Joseph Holden, agent, Conservative.

<sup>185</sup> The meaning of the inverted commas is unclear.

**Sunday 9 November 1873** My daughter Ada ill of a cold today;<sup>186</sup> I & all of us remained in house all day. I reading Bret Harte.<sup>187</sup> At night R Pateson\* came; we had a pipe, a glass & a philosophical chat. He stayed till 11.15. To bed soon afterwards.

**Monday 10 November 1873** Ada worse to-day & confined to room we brought her into on Sunday. A bad cold on the chest—used linseed poultices &c. Remained in shop & house aft[erwa]rds all day. To bed about 10.30. Alderman John James Myres<sup>188</sup> was appointed Mayor of Preston to-day. He was Mayor once before; his brother Miles189 was Mayor last year (1872–3) & year before so we are getting Myresed with a vengeance.

**Tuesday 11 November 1873** In shop about nine—had a very bad night with Ada & called doctor Ridley in this afternoon. In evening I went & had tea & supper at Mr Henry Hawkins's,\* Springfield, Fulwood. Home at 11.15.

**Wednesday 12 November 1873** Had a better night last night with Ada who is I think coming round. She seemed to get worse during day & we had to call in Dr Ridley\* who treated her for inflammation of the lungs.

**Thursday 13 November 1873** Ada not so well today. and we decided to send for our Doctor (Dr Ridley). He came, pronounced that she had inflammation of the lungs, & he attended her for the same. We had previously poulticed her breast & back & he I think blistered her back. She seemed somewhat better after it. He & I at night went to see a copnosing model at Seed's190 in Derby St[ree]t. Home at 9.10 & working till 10.30. Ada had a rather uneasy night when we got to bed.

**Friday 14 November 1873** Up at 8.20. Ada ill, but not dangerous to appearance. My wife with her all day, as she has been all week in sitting room with fire night & day there. Also my wife's sister (Jane\*) who came

<sup>186</sup> Ada was two and half years old, their seventh child.

<sup>187</sup> American short story writer and poet of the California gold rush.

<sup>188</sup> John James Myres (1811–1881), surveyor, active in the mechanics' institute, Sunday School superintendent, Anglican, Conservative.

<sup>189</sup> See 30 April 1872.

<sup>190</sup> William Seed (1822–1904), owner of Derby St mills was a 'cotton spinner and spindle and fly manufacturer' (1873 Mannex trade directory). This was perhaps a prototype for a cotton spinning machine.

from Morecambe last evening. Had a desponding feeling as to Ada. Finished work at 12 at night; then home & sat up with Ada—giving her sups of warm milk & cornflower [sic] till 6 next morning.

**Saturday 15 November 1873** To shop at 6 & stayed till breakfast time. Then, having got 2nd edition ready, worked in shop till my wife came. I went to Ada & stayed with her till 6 at night. Dr Ridley\* aft[erwar]ds came, pronounced the case serious & we called in a second doctor—Dr Gilbertson191 who was of same opinion as himself, & at their request we got made chicken broth & gave part of it to Ada. I went to bed about 11.

**Sun 14 [sic] November 1873** Rose at 7.30 & continued more or less with Ada all day. She seems very weak & at night doctor gave me no hope.192

**Monday 17 November 1873** Rose at 7.30 & continued with Ada who was very ill more or less all day & sat up all night with her. She is very ill but quiet. Llewellyn unwell to-day—something in his bowels or chest. My mother in law\* came to-night from Morecambe.

**Tuesday 18 November 1873** Ada seemed nicely this morning—from 3 to 9.30 or 10 & then got worse & seemed to have some inward fits. In afternoon Father Cobb\* (Roman Catholic priest of St Wilfrid's in this town came in & I permitted him to baptise or anoint Ada. I do not believe in either; only he is a very worthy man & to please him I allowed him to do what I have named, so that Ada must be safe. We thought she was going to die this afternoon & I called in the [entry ends here].

**Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 November 1873** Retired to bed at 3.30 this morning—first time since Sunday night. Up at 9.10 o'c[loc]k in morning. My wife who had a little rest at night attending to Ada. Llewellyn still poorly. I in shop mainly from 10 to 8.30 at night. ~This evening Drs Gilbertson\* & Ridley\* came together to see Ada. They thought she would never have lived so long, & prescribed for her. I am now (1.47 Thursday morning) writing in her dear little presence; she is uneasy & yet sleeps bits. Very weak & all her sweet fullness & plumpness gone. What will the end be? Will she recover. The suspense has been fearful. I

<sup>191</sup> Dr Joseph Bray Gilbertson (1826–1893), Preston magistrate from 1880, coroner from 1886 on the death of his brother William. Conservative. (*PH,* 22 November 1893, p. 4).

<sup>192</sup> Hewitson wrote the wrong date.

hope she will live. Oh how I would work on if I only knew she would. At 4.20 this morning, after feeding & attending to Ada I laid me down upon the sofa, leaving my wife in charge of Ada; servant B mother,\* mother in law\* & Betsey in charge of Llewellyn. At 6.30 or thereabouts my wife awoke me by saying that Ada was in a fit. I jumped at once & we applied vinegar & cold water to her temples. She came out of the fit soon; but closely bordered upon two or three others afterwards; & at twenty nine & three quarters of a minute past seven same morning she quietly died away. Bless her. She was a most sharp, spirited & beautiful child. Ada was born in May 1871. At noon to-day Mr Pateson\* took her portrait—two different views, photographic. Lewellyn now very ill.

**Frida 21 November 1873** Ada who looked so sweet & innocent in her coffin this day, was again photographed by Mr Pateson\* for a brooch for my wife. Llewellyn bad.

**Saturday 22 November 1873** Llewellyn, we thought, would not get better to-day; but at noon he revived considerably.

**Sunday 23 November 1873** Miss Maher,193 Mr & Mrs Pateson\* & Miss Morgan194 came to see little Ada to day. They all felt so sorry & spoke of her being such a sweet sharp child.

**Monday 24 November 1873** Interred dear little Ada this forenoon in the dissenting portion of Preston Cemetery where my other children are interred. Rev E Bolton,<sup>195</sup> minister of Lancaster Road Congregational Chapel officiated. Before the interment I went down into the grave & saw through a glass cover the face of my little daughter Amy who was interred about 2 years ago. We interred Ada in same kind of coffin as my other children have had—iron with a glass aperture for face. My two sons Bertie & Horace, my father,\* father in law,\* & brother in law Joe\* with myself attended funeral.196

<sup>193</sup> Margarette Elwood née Maher (1821–1889), Anne Marie (1825–1892) and Catherine M Maher (1832–1892) had a clothes shop in Cannon St.

<sup>194</sup> A Mrs and Miss Morgan had a millinery and dressmaking business in Fox St.

<sup>195</sup> Rev. Edwin Bolton (1833–1902), minister of Lancaster Rd congregational chapel 1869–1874, 'a plain, dark-complexioned, clear-headed man … original in thought, fairly up in theology, and straightforward in language' (*OCC*).

<sup>196</sup> It was not unusual for women and girls to stay away from a burial. Iron coffins, and practices such as embalming, were common. Whilst the Victorians knew that dead bodies decomposed, they tried to resist this for as long as possible, partly

**Tuesday 25 November 1873** Llewellyn seemed much better today; but worse at night. Called, on business at Joe Ware's,\* Church Hotel, after shop was closed. Bakewell\* went with me.

**Wednesday 26 November 1873** Working in shop all day. In evening went up to Mr H Hawkins'\* at Springfield, Fulwood. Had tea, a chat, a smoke & a glass or two & home in a cab, which he had ordered, about 10 o'c[loc]k. Stormy night.

**Thursday 27 November 1873** Wrote a letter for Mr H Hawkins\* to day. In evening Joe Ware\* came & stopped a while. Pateson\* here & he & I remained in house till about 12 at night—reading & discussing philosophy—when we turned out to see a shower of meteors; but the meteors came not & I went home. He stayed up, at his house for upwards of an hour; but the sky was overcast & he saw no meteors.197

**Friday 28 November 1873** In office all day till 10 at night when I went down to my works & remained till 12; then home & to bed.

**Saturday 29 November 1873** My son Llewellyn is getting nicely better. We had doubts as to his life a week ago this morning. Finished work at about 11 at night. My old master (G C Clarke198) of Lancaster, with whom I served my time, died to-day.

**Sunday 30 November 1873** Rose at 10.30. In afternoon had a walk with sister-in-law Jane.\* In evening read De Quincey's Confessions—a work honestly written & showing the preliminary pleasure & ultimate hell of excess in artificial stimulants & clearly proving that as to opium it is best to have nothing to do with, except as a strict medicine. My wife & sons Horace, Bertie & sister in law Jane went to St Wilfrid's.

from a continuing belief in a bodily resurrection. I have found no other records of mourners climbing into a grave to look through windows in coffins of earlier burials, but presumably this was the purpose of the glass.

<sup>197</sup> The annual November Leonid meteor shower.

<sup>198</sup> George Christopher Clark, aged 56, owner of the *Lancaster Gazette.*

## December

**Monday 1 December 1873** Bought a mourning ring this forenoon from J Johnson,199 se[nio]r Orchard St[ree]t for £2-2-0—in memory of my four little dead daughters. Bless them. My wife to Manchester to-day to buy Xmas goods.<sup>200</sup>

**Tuesday 2 December 1873** Throng in shop &c all day

**Wednesday 3 December 1873** Wrote out this afternoon annual report for Mr J Ware\* Secretary of Preston Licensed Victuallers' Association & at night went to his house (Church Hotel, Lancaster R[oa]d) & read it over to him. Had a smoke & two glasses of whiskey & home at 10.45 pm.

**Thursday 4 December 1873** Working in shop all day. At night had a row with brother in law Joe\* as to his neglecting his work & keeping late hours. He was saucy & I ordered him out & he went. Afterwards I wrote a letter to his father\* explaining the affair.<sup>201</sup>

**Friday 5 December 1873** Learned that Joe<sup>202</sup> had gone to his father's\* at Morecambe. Had a hard day's work; & did not finish till 2 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 6 December 1873** Up at 6.25 & into shop. My father in law\* came this evening. I was working till 9.45; & then had something to drink with him at Shelley Arms. Home at 11 o'c[loc]k.

**Sunday 7 December 1873** Up at 8.30; my son Horace & daughter Florence rousing me through Horace having upset a kettle of hot water & scalding both of them. Applied oil &c. Florence not much worse; Horace badly scalded on one foot; but he improved. In afternoon I, my wife, & father in law\* to a party at Mr Jones's\* plasterer Glover St[ree]t. Only nine weeks before Jones & wife, Will France\* & wife\* & I & my wife (all being present) were at Woodplumpton & then we went in evening to

<sup>199</sup> See 19 March 1868.

<sup>200</sup> A full list of the cards, games, toys, annuals and other gifts is advertised in *PC,* 13 December 1873, p. 4.

<sup>201</sup> Presumably he returned, as he was working for Hewitson again in 1874.

<sup>202</sup> Joseph Wilson jnr.\*

Mr Jones's—poor little Ada my daughter being with us. What changes there are in this world.

**Monday 8 December 1873** In shop & about all day. Father in law\* returned to day. Working till nearly 10 at night. New machine man203 named Hayes204 started to-day. Wannan<sup>205</sup> left.

**Tuesday 9 December 1873** Rose at 9; having been somewhat mistimed. Working Directing advert circulars for an Almanack got up by friend W Livesey\*; knocking about &c.<sup>206</sup> Had my hair cut also. Finished work about nine. To bed about 10.30.

**Wednesday 10 December 1873** At work all day in shop. There was a Liberal Ball tonight; but neither I nor wife went—out of decency's sake & in love & respect for the memory of our dear little Ada.

[Entries for 11–17 December are bound half-way through the entry for 11 September]

**Thursday 11 December 1873** Same—so far as shop & office were concerned.

**Friday 12 December 1873** Ditto mainly. Machinery in printing office worked awkwardly tonight. Was down stairs in printing room from 8.30 to one o'clock—more or less—& afterwards till about 2. To bed at 2.40.

**Saturday 13 December 1873** Up at 6.25 & in & out of office all day. Finished work at about 10 at night & had a pint of ale with friend Bakewell\* at Shelley Arms. Then home; supper & bed.<sup>207</sup>

**Sunday 14 December 1873** Not so well today—got cold I think & made my heart on one side stiff by lying too awkwardly on one side. Stayed in

<sup>203</sup> Printer who operated the printing press.

<sup>204</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>205</sup> Probably Edward Wannan (b. 1842).

<sup>206</sup> This may be a 'farmer's almanack' (see 7 December 1874).

<sup>207</sup> This day's *Chronicle* carried a bad-tempered house ad, acknowledging that his rivals sold more copies whilst insulting their readers: 'The *Chronicle* … circulates amongst the most intelligent, and therefore the best, sections of the community; it leaves the illiterate and fanatical residuum to be either picked up or pandered to by those who quarrel over "the greatest circulation;" … it is the organ of the most sensible' (*PC,* 13 December 1873, p. 4).

house all morning & afternoon. Miles Myres,<sup>208</sup> ex-mayor died to-day, in his 65th y[ea]r at his residence Ribblesdale-Place. In evening my wife & sister-in-law Jane\* who came from Sheffield on Saturday went down to Pateson's\* in Cross-st[ree]t & had a chat.

**Monday 15 December 1873** Felt a little better today. Went out at half past 10 to get advertisements for my sheet & desk almanacks & returned about half past 2 in afternoon with about £15 worth for former & £2 for latter. At night shortly after 8 went with Bakewell\* to the Turkish Bath in Grimshaw St[ree]t & remained in it—having a good sweat, the thermometer being at about 170 degrees—for about an hour & a half. Home by 10.40 & after supper to bed.

**Tuesday 16 December 1873** Up this morning a little after 8 o'c[loc]k. During day collecting adverts for the Chronicle. Finished Very windy this morning & roughish till afternoon. Nearly every one of our chimneys smoked. Finished work about 9.30. Then upstairs & read a little of Beeton's Annual Siliad209—a hot thing very, & then supper, a chat & bed.

**Wednesday 17 December 1873** Up about 7.30 this morning—washed—to office just before 8 o'c[loc]k, so as to see how my foreman & apprentices kept their time. All late except one & the foreman (Whitewright<sup>210</sup>) nearly the latest. Then back & to breakfast & at work all day.

**Thursday 18 December 1873** Got this morning a notice of writ for publishing a paragraph on 6th inst[ant] respecting Mrs Sparling, wife of Rev John Sparling of Eccleston. The paragraph found fault with her being aggressive towards a Leyland woman—a factory operative & said she was thin-skinned &c.<sup>211</sup> Miles Myres interred to-day. A great procession.

<sup>208</sup> See 30 April 1872.

<sup>209</sup> [Eustace Clare Grenville Murray], *The Siliad, Or the Siege of the Seats*, Beeton's Christmas Annual, Fourteenth Season (Ward, Lock & Tyler, 1874), a mock-heroic satire on campaigning for the February 1874 election.

<sup>210</sup> John Whitewright (b. 1847).

<sup>211</sup> The *Chronicle*'s Leyland correspondent had written a paragraph headed 'Great commotion about a "drop of water" at Leyland. Outrage v. Humiliation.' (*PC,* 6 December 1873, p. 5). The over-written gossip item described Sybilla Catharine Sparling, the wife of the vicar of Eccleston, as 'a cross between a condensed Queen

**Friday 19 December 1873** This day got a writ served on me. Working all day.

**Saturday 20 December 1873** Roused at 5.30 this morning. The news machine w[oul]d not work. We had to get some of Chronicles printed on one side at Herald Office. Got machine right by about noon. At work till 10 at night.

**Sunday 21 December 1873** In house all day till about 4 in af[ternoo]n & then had a walk. Read an annual called "The Siliad"<sup>212</sup> at night.

**Monday 22 December 1873** Went to day to Bamber Bridge & Rufford to the former place to see Rev J Taylor213 & on leaving his house (the vicarage) went on to R Townley Parker's214 —Cuerden Hall. At Rufford I had an interview with Rev Mr Goggin<sup>215</sup> the rector.

**Tuesday 23 December 1873** At shop & office all day.

**Wednesday 24 December 1873** Same. Working till 10.30 at night. Then had a glass or two.

**Thursday 25 December 1873** Blessed be Xmas Day. One of the greatest of men was born on this day—Jesus.<sup>216</sup> Working &c in forenoon. Good dinner. Afternoon spent with my children. At night went to France's\* & had a play at cards & sundry glasses of ale. Home to bed about one o'c[loc]k.

**Friday 26 December 1873** All day at work till 1.20 in morning.

Elizabeth and a fish wife'; her horse had been startled by some dirty water thrown from a house, so she bawled out the woman who had done it. The vicar was also a magistrate. The police were called and later told the woman to go to the rectory and apologise, a round trip of almost ten miles, which entailed missing work.

<sup>212</sup> See 16 December.

<sup>213</sup> Rev. James Taylor (1838–1902), vicar of St Saviour's, Bamber Bridge from 1867, 'a stalwart, strongly-built, firm-muscled man; keeps his hair excellently combed; has dark cap-bordered whiskers … is fiery, manly, candid; doesn't care much for dress, and knocks about in rough, strong, plain clothes' (*OCCC*).

<sup>214</sup> See 22 July 1872.

<sup>215</sup> Rev. James F. Goggin (c. 1840–1905),' as good a looking clergyman as we have met with … a strongly-built, muscular, ruddy-hued gentleman; straight from top to toe, with a broad, compact head, set with military accuracy upon a well-formed neck and pair of shoulders. He has dark evenly arranged hair' (*OCCC*).

<sup>216</sup> Hewitson's description of Jesus as a mere mortal was unorthodox.

**Saturday 27 December 1873** Rose at 6.30. In shop & office all day.<sup>217</sup>

**Sunday 28 December 1873** Rose at eleven o'c[loc]k—breakfast, washed, read. In afternoon had a walk with my wife & her sister Jane.\* At night Will France\* & wife\* came & had some supper. A quiet social pleasant evening. Bed about 12 o'c[loc]k.

**Monday 29 December 1873** Up at 8. At work till 8.30 at night. Then went with my wife (by invitation) to a supper & ball at John Chapman's,<sup>218</sup> Cattle Market Tavern—at end of Brook St[ree]t. A jolly, rigmarolish pleasant evening. Home in a cab, which we went in, at 2 o'c[loc]k. Paid in £95 to Lancaster bank today.

**Tuesday 30 December 1873** Rose at 9. Not so well. "Merry nights—sorry morning." At work—in & out—all day. Got about £30 in a[ccount]s to day. Finished work about 9.40. Made up my diary, supped, bed, about 11 o'c[loc]k.

**Wednesday 31 December 1873** At work from 8.40 to 8.30 at night. Then had a party to supper. Mr Jones,\* plasterer, Glover St[ree]t, his wife, Mr W France,\* Pateson,\* Bakewell\*. We spent a very pleasant merry night & at 5 minutes to 12 o'c[loc]k I read Tennyson's lines on the old & the new year.219 Subsequently we all went to Frances\* for a short time & after a glass came home. I thank God that this has, on the whole, been my most prosperous year in business.

[At back of diary, brief genealogy and autobiographical notes, some of them written later, as they mention his retirement in 1890. These notes are reproduced on pp. 11-14]

[In ballpoint:] Index to Family names collected by Robert Hewitson Blackmore

[On the inside back cover are two lines of Pitman shorthand:] 'Unfortunately ? ? the ? ? in diaries from Christmas 72 to March 24/73']

<sup>217</sup> Today's *Chronicle* carried a mealy-mouthed apology for the Sparling libel (p. 5).

<sup>218</sup> John Chapman (1818–1907), farmer and pub landlord.

<sup>219</sup> Probably 'Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true' from *In Memoriam* (1850).

[Blackwood's Larger Desk Diary No. 5 1874, with a portrait of John Stuart Mill]<sup>1</sup>

[In Hewitson's hand:] Anthony Hewitson's Diary for 1874

[in another hand:] Now the property of his grandson Robert Hewitson Blackmore 14 Florizel Street, Burwood, Vic

[Anthony and Margaret Hewitson, their four children and Margaret's brother Joseph lived above the *Preston Chronicle* office and stationery shop at 125 Fishergate. Hewitson, aged 37, had owned the *Chronicle* for nearly six years and was making a comfortable living from it, alongside some freelance reporting.]

<sup>1</sup> Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/7.

### January

**Thursday 1 January 1874** God, our universal father, let this year be a more prosperous & a happier year than any I & mine have had.

Rose at 8.50 this morning; breakfast; work; at 11.25 to annual general sessions at Court house; in af[ternoo]n sent off report to M[an]chester & L[iver]pool papers. At night to Chapman's<sup>2</sup> juvenile party (Cattle Market Hotel) where my wife had previously gone with Bert, Florence & Horace. Home about 11 o'c[loc]k.

**Friday 2 January 1874** Up at 8.30. Working hard; at night had another difficulty with the machine in printing paper. John Forshaw,3 solicitor, elected a member for St Peter's ward to-day, in place of Mr Thos Edelston,\* solicitor, who was yesterday made an alderman in place of late Mr M Myres.4

**Saturday 3 January 1874** Got to sleep at 5.5 this morning; up at 6.20. Working till 11o'c[loc]k at night.

**Sunday 4 January 1874** Rose at 1 pm. In af[ternoo]n & evening read a work on the Devil a Myth, Death bed scenes of infidels & Dr Brewer's Greek History Questions & Answers.<sup>5</sup> At 9.45 went to France's\* for my wife & sister in law Jane;\* stayed awhile; then home & to bed.

**Monday 5 January 1874** Working all day. This day Mr E Myres,<sup>6</sup> nephew of late coroner, & a candidate for his place as such issued his retiring address.

#### **Tuesday 6 January 1874** Same

<sup>2</sup> See 29 December 1873.

<sup>3</sup> John Forshaw (1837–1921), solicitor, Conservative, of Hurst Grange, Penwortham. He left £40,000.

<sup>4</sup> See 30 April 1872.

<sup>5</sup> Possibly a pamphlet, William Cross, *The Devil : A Myth* (London: E. Truelove, 1872); *Death-Bed Scenes of Infidels and Christians.* (London: D. Freeman, 1828); Ebenezer Cobham Brewer, *A Guide to Grecian History, Mythology and Literature. Second Edition, Revised and Corrected.* (London: Jarrold, 1859).

<sup>6</sup> Edward Myres (c. 1844–1915), solicitor, Sunday School superintendent at Preston parish church, involved with the YMCA and boy scouts (*LDP,* 31 July 1915, p. 5).

**Wednesday 7 January 1874** Ditto. To-day Mr Alderman W. Gilbertson,\* solicitor, was elected coroner, in place of the late Mr Alderman Miles Myres. Election—a quiet formal affair—took place in assembly room of Corn Exchange.

**Thursday 8 January 1874** Ditto till about 9 at night.

**Friday 9 January 1874** Same—shop & office.

**Saturday 10 January 1874** Got to bed at about 3.30 this morning. My wife got up, for me at 6.30, & I remained in bed till 9. Then at work all day till 10 at night.

**Sunday 11 January 1874** Stayed in bed till 11 o['clo]ck—tired. In af[ternoo]n reading, Brewer's Greek Catechetical History. At night Will France\* & his wife\* called & had a glass. A quiet pleasant meeting.

**Monday 12 January 1874** Making Bills out &c all day. At night went, by invitation, with my wife to Will France's.\* A party there of 18 or 20. Had supper & spent a most convivial night.

**Tuesday 13 January 1874** Got home from France's\* at about 3.30 this morning. Rose at 8.45—felt "seedy"; but kept at work well—in & out of office—till 10 at night. Then supper & bed.

**Wednesday 14 January 1874** Rose at 8.10 this morning. Got copy ready; making bills out; paid Mr John Cooper\* £2, interest on some money borrowed; called at Joe Ware's,\* Church Hotel, Lancaster-rd he was off at Birmingham; home; directing bills till about 10.30. This evening my daughter Florence & my son Ethelbert had their first lesson in phonographic shorthand with Mr J Allen,<sup>7</sup> schoolmaster, in Avenham-lane.

**Thursday 15 January 1874** Making bills out till 8 o['clo]ck, & then throng with newspaper ads till about 10.30. Supper; bed.

**Friday 16 January 1874** In shop & office till about midnight. In bed about one.

<sup>7</sup> John Allen (d. 1904), principal of Avenham Academy.

**Saturday 17 January 1874** Rose at 6.30 this morning & into shop to sell papers & remained more or less doing so till tea time, when after tea, I made out some bills. Later on, old Wright<sup>8</sup> —an old sea carpenter, now a pattern maker, with lots of sense, & "go" in him came & we had behind screen in shop about a pint each. During this evening Mr Fort9 pulled out one of Bertie's (my son's) teeth. Supper 10.40; a pipe; bed.

**Sunday 18 January 1874** Stayed in house till evening, & then went to the Unitarian chapel, at bottom of Church-st[ree]t to hear the new parson the Rev [gap]<sup>10</sup>—preach. He made a beautiful prayer & preached an admirable sermon, full of religious freedom & sense—it was an exposition of his opinions, & all who spoke to me then & af[terwar]ds about it were much pleased with it.

**Monday 19 January 1874** Making out bills till night.

**Tuesday 20 January 1874** Same & sending out bills

**Wednesday 21 January 1874** Ditto. This evening went, on business, to Joe Ware's\*, Church Hotel, Lancaster-road. Mr Bakewell\* with me. We had sundry glasses & got back about 11 o['clo]ck.

**Thursday 22 January 1874** Ditto. This evening I & wife went to see Herr Dobler, the conjuror, in the Guild Hall. He performed some astounding tricks. Af[terwar]ds he gave a "dark séance"—like the Spiritualists—& apparently whilst tied hand & foot banged a tambourine about & made it float, rang a bell, put on & took off a gentleman's top coat &c—all most astonishing & mysterious. I & Spencer Leese,<sup>11</sup> Esquire, officiated as "the committee".<sup>12</sup>

<sup>8</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>9</sup> John and William Fort, dentists, Lune Street.

<sup>10</sup> Rev. Frank W. Walters (1845–1908), late of Harborne Baptist chapel, Birmingham (*PC,* 21 February 1874, p. 6). He became minister of St Vincent Street Glasgow Unitarian chapel in 1877, and of New Bridge Street Unitarian church, Newcastle in 1885, and wrote literary criticism on Shakespeare, Browning and Longfellow (*Aberdeen Daily Journal*, 6 November 1908, p. 4).

<sup>11</sup> See 27 February 1872.

<sup>12</sup> The dark séance (i.e. conducted in darkness) cost an extra shilling; Hewitson and Leese acted as independent observers (*PC*, 24 January 1874, p. 5).

**Friday 23 January 1874** At work in shop, office &c all day. This af[ternoo]n there was a meeting of Mr Gladstone & his cabinet in London, when it was decided to dissolve parliament, & appeal to the country.

**Saturday 24 January 1874** The announcement to-day, that parliament had been dissolved, & that the elections would immediately take place, struck everybody with astonishment. In the evening I, Ned Ambler,\* & Wm Marsh Laing Marshall13 had a confab [sic] as to a Liberal candidate for Preston & decided to go to Ulverston—Lightbourne Park—on Monday to see if Mr Schneider14 would come out.

**Sunday 25 January 1874** This evening I & Bakewell\* went to the Unitarian Chapel & were much pleased with the sermon.

**Monday 26 January 1874** This forenoon, Nancy Hogg<sup>15</sup> belonging Hoggs of the fruit & game &c shop in Fishergate, at corner of Cannon-street, fell out of a window whilst cleaning it & was killed. At 10.45 I & Ned Ambler\* went on the Schneider expedition, taking up Marshall who had gone before, at Carnforth. We had something to eat at Ulverston, then went to Barrow to see if we could learn anything of Schneider. Could not find him; came back—got off at Furness Abbey & went up to Sir James Ramsden's,<sup>16</sup> & by his advice we tried to get to Bowness where Mr Schneider lives; but were too late for trains &c; so home.

**Tuesday 27 January 1874** At work in shop &c all day In evening I & Ambler\* went as a deputation to Mr James Williamson,<sup>17</sup> table baize maker, of Lancaster, to see if he would become a candidate for Preston; Mr Schneider, from whom I had got a telegram, having declined. Mr Williamson received us kindly, but could not see his way to becoming a candidate.

<sup>13</sup> Unidentified, unless he is the Marshall connected with Liberal electioneering mentioned on 15 October 1873.

<sup>14</sup> Henry Schneider (1817–1887), Barrow industrialist, had been MP for Norwich and (briefly) Lancaster, until he was disqualified for bribing voters.

<sup>15</sup> Nancy Hogg (1814–1874).

<sup>16</sup> James Ramsden (1822–1896), Schneider's business associate.

<sup>17</sup> Probably James Williamson senior (1813–1879), a Liberal alderman, or perhaps his son, James Williamson junior (1842–1930), a Liberal councillor who became Lancaster MP 1886–1895, becoming Lord Ashton.

**Wednesday 28 January 1874** At about 10 minutes after 4 this morning—I never having been in bed—Charles Hawkins\* Esq., Jonathan Sellers,<sup>18</sup> Ambler\* & I proceeded to London, by train, to see if we could get the Treasury to find us a candidate with the necessary funds. Got to London about 10.30, had something to eat, proceeded into Westminster to a Liberal Association place where there was Mr Arthur Peel19 & Mr Stanhope<sup>20</sup> his secretary. Got no consolation. I & Ambler returned at 3 in af[ternoo]n & reached Preston at 9.30.

**Thursday 29 January 1874** To-day one Mottershead21 announced himself as the "Working Man's candidate". He was sent down by some Land or Labour League in London & was not adopted by the Liberal representative body. I was introduced to him—a very fair looking man—& told him I objected to working man's candidates. At night Mr E Hermon\* & Mr J Holker,\* the Conservative candidates seeking re-election addressed a great meeting in the area of the Corn Exchange.

**Friday 30 January 1874** To-day working in shop & office all day. Wrote a leader against Mottershead22 as a Working Man's candidate.

**Saturday 31 January 1874** Got to bed about 2.40; rose at 6.30; working till about 10. Considerable agitation about election.

<sup>18</sup> Jonathan Sellers (1823–1893) became leader of Preston's Liberals, councillor, magistrate, and ran a shuttle and bobbin making business with his brother-in-law David Irvin (for Irvin see see 29 August 1872; *PC,* 15 July 1893, p. 5).

<sup>19</sup> Arthur Wellesley Peel (1829–1912), Liberal MP, Parliamentary secretary to the Treasury, son of Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel.

<sup>20</sup> Philip James Stanhope (1847–1923).

<sup>21</sup> London silk weaver and former Chartist Thomas Mottershead (1826–1884), former ally of Karl Marx and a founder of the Labour Representation League, forerunner of the Labour Party.

<sup>22</sup> See 29 January.

### February

**Sunday 1 February 1874** Rose at 10.30. In af[ternoo]n I & my three children—Florence, Ethelbert & Horace walked to the cemetery to see grave of my children buried there. We got back at about a quarter to past 4 o'c[loc]k. In evening went with my wife to the Unitarian Chapel. At close of service took a pew for myself & family—£4 per annum.

**Monday 2 February 1874** Elections on to-day & people talking about nothing else. Went to Lancaster this af[ternoo]n. North Lancashire nomination & election—Stanley\* & Patten\* returned.

**Tuesday 3 February 1874** Preston election to-day. Voting began at 8 in morning & closed at 4 in af[ternoo]n. All mills closed from dinner time. Much crowding in Fishergate; but all orderly. The candidates were Mr E Hermon\* & Mr J Holker\* (the two previous Conservative members) & Mr Mottershead,23 who came down from London as a "Working Man's candidate". The result of the election was the return of Hermon & Holker. Mottershead polled more votes than was expected.24 At night after doing some telegraphing, I had something to drink with some Conservatives.

**Wednesday 4 February 1874** All elections to-day.

#### **Thursday 5 February 1874** Ditto

**Friday 6 February 1874** Ditto & all feeling surprised at the course the elections were taking—Conservatives turning out Liberals & on the road for a majority.

**Saturday 7 February 1874** To bed this morning about 12.35. Up at 6.35 & working more or less till 10.10 at night. Then supper, a pipe & to bed.

**Sunday 8 February 1874** Up at 9.30; got posted on shutters some telegrams relating to elections. At 10.30 went to Unitarian Chapel with my sons Bertie & Horace. Excellent sermon. In af[ternoo]n reading a work on Health & Beauty. At night to U[nitarian] Chapel with wife,

<sup>23</sup> See 29 January.

<sup>24</sup> Hermon 6,512, Holker 5,211, Mottershead 3,756.

Florence & Bertie. Af[terwar]ds reading Montaigne; then to Will France's\* for ¾ of an hour; then home; supper & bed about 11 o'c[loc]k.

**Monday 9 February 1874** To Rochdale this forenoon, to give a description of the night soil utilising system carried out by the Corporation there. Several farmers & the agent of the Corporation resident here (Peter Haygarth<sup>25</sup>) went at same time. We had dinner at Kings Arms, Rochdale; then, along with Mr Haresceugh,<sup>26</sup> the manager of the utilising system, went & examined the works. They are very effective & produce a good manure for £2-5 per ton. The cost to the town of removing night soil in this way & utilising it is about £14-8 per 1000 of inhabitants; in six surrounding Lancashire towns it was stated to be about £55 per 1000. The night soil is deposited at privies in tubs, the ashes are also, & periodically removed to the works for utilisation. Af[terwar]ds we inspected Rochdale Baths & new Town Hall in company with Alderman Taylor. Home about 8.30 at night.<sup>27</sup>

**Tuesday 10 February 1874** In shop most of day.

**Wednesday 11 February 1874** Same, & at night began to write out report of my visit to Rochdale. Af[terwar]ds went to a ball with my wife & stayed about To LAV<sup>28</sup> Sergeants ball with my wife to night.

**Thursday 12 February 1874** Finished report, which I have to be paid for to day.29

**Friday 13 February 1874** In shop & office most of day.

**Saturday 14 February 1874** Working all day. At night had some beer with Will Atherton\*, Pateson\* & Bakewell\*.

**Sunday 15 February 1874** This af[ternoo]n walked to Longton with Pateson\* & Bakewell\* to find out one Hatch30 who had been ill-used

<sup>25</sup> Probably Peter Haygarth (b. 1839).

<sup>26</sup> Joseph Haresceugh (1812–1883).

<sup>27</sup> Human waste was turned into fertiliser: https://www.manchestereveningnews. co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/how-rochdale-taught-world-use-13465978.

<sup>28</sup> Lancashire Artillery Volunteers, military reserves.

<sup>29</sup> Probably the Rochdale report, which made a column and a half of paid editorial (unbeknownst to readers) in the *Chronicle* (14 February 1874, p. 3).

<sup>30</sup> Possibly grocer Richard Hatch (1838).

by the Sparlings (Rev J & wife) of Eccleston.31 Home at 7.45 at 7.25. P[ateson] & B[akewell] had tea with me & a glass.

**Monday 16 February 1874** In shop making out bills &c to-day.

**Tuesday 17 February 1874** Tonight a meeting of Conservatives held at Castle Inn, Market Place to devise means to defend me in the damnable libel prosecution of me for libel by the saintly Rev John Sparling & his wife. I did not go. It was decided to defray my expenses.32 After the meeting France (Will)\* came, had a glass & then took me to their house, where there was a big juvenile pancake Tuesday party party [sic]; had a glass or two; then home & to bed. Gladstone resigned government to-day.33

**Wednesday 18 February 1874** In shop mainly all day.

**Thursday 19 February 1874** Ditto. Working till 12 at night.

**Friday 20 February 1874** Violent railway collision this morning between Euxton & Coppull. Scotch limited mail, through a fog, ran into a standing coal train. Much damage & destruction; & driver & stoker of mail af[terwar]ds died through the injuries they received. I went to scene of accident at noon & got some particulars for our own & other papers. Telegraphed it to The Times. Disraeli's new administration announced at 12.30 to-night.

**Saturday 21 February 1874** Home from work at 12.30 this morning; up at 6.15; to Wigan, where inquest on driver & stoker was opened, at 11.45; home at 3; working till 10.40 at night.

**Sunday 22 February 1874** Took sons Bertie & Horace to Unitarian Chapel this forenoon at 11. Working & reading in af[ternoo]n. Chapel at night with my wife & Florence my daughter. Had a walk with wife after[war]ds.

<sup>31</sup> Hewitson is gathering evidence for his libel case.

<sup>32</sup> It is not clear why Conservatives, supporters of the Church of England, would support a Nonconformist Liberal newspaper editor against a parson of their Church.

<sup>33</sup> Gladstone's Liberals had lost the election to Disraeli's Conservatives by 350 to 242 seats.

**Monday 23 February 1874** In & about shop & office all day.

**Tuesday 24 February 1874** At 8 this morning went by train with my wife to Morecambe to funeral of her sister (Mrs Overend\*) who died last Saturday in her 38th year. Rheumatism seems to have killed her. All the family living—eight sons & daughters—were present. Funeral took place at 3—af[ternoo]n, Morecambe Church yard, in same grave as Mrs Rodget [sic] (Mary's sister34) was interred on Whit Sunday 1871. I got home at almost 6.20 in evening.

**Wednesday 25 February 1874** Working in office all day, & at night to Leyland getting evidence on my behalf in the miserable libel case Sparling v. Hewitson. Bakewell\* with me.

**Thursday 26 February 1874** It was announced to-day that Colonel Wilson Patten\* MP for North Lancashire had been offered a peerage & had accepted it—as Lord Wyresdale of Winmarleigh.35 Patten has been member for his division & for the whole of Lancashire during part of the time, with a colleague, for many y[ea]rs—about 40. Simultaneously with the announcement of Patten's elevation, there appeared an address from T H Clifton36 (son of John Talbot Clifton37 of Lytham Hall) as a candidate for the seat vacated. Young Clifton is a nice young man, but I think a sort of duffer.

**Friday 27 February 1874** At work from 8 30 in morning till after midnight

**Saturday 28 February 1874** Up at 6.30. Working till 10.30. My brother Robert\* came over this evening.

<sup>34</sup> Sarah Rodgett.\*

<sup>35</sup> Wilson-Patten was 71; he was made First Baron of Winmarleigh, and known as Lord Winmarleigh (not Lord Wyresdale).

<sup>36</sup> Thomas Henry Clifton (1845–1880).

<sup>37</sup> John Talbot Clifton (1819–1882), North Lancashire MP 1844–1847.

### March

**Sunday 1 March 1874** To Unitarian Chapel with my two sons Bertie & Horace this forenoon. In af[ternoo]n all, except servant & child LIewellyn had a walk; at night I, my wife & daughter Florence to Unitarian Chapel.

**Monday 2 March 1874** In shop & office all day. My wife at Manchester on shop business. Election of borough auditors38 to-day—a wonderful farce. Two auditors to be elected; salary 16 guineas each; 4 candidates; much commotion; 96 balloting wooden boxes brought into Guild Hall for voters to mark their papers in; presiding men, poll clerks &c needed; cost perhaps £60 to the town; the two old auditors were re-elected. A most awful, damnable tin teapot storm. Sam Cragg39 & H. Davies<sup>40</sup> re-elected. Went at night to station to meet my wife who landed about 8.43. A sad explosion at Blackburn to-day.41

**Tuesday 3 March 1874** Working all day & making out bills. At night on business to Joe Ware's,\* Church hotel & had three glasses of ale. Bakewell\* with me.

**Wednesday 4 March 1874** Rose at 8.25; working till 9.10. Mainly attending to bill-making out. Bed at 11.

**Thursday 5 March 1874** Working all day.

**Friday 6 March 1874** Ditto

**Saturday 7 March 1874** Same

**Sunday 8 March 1874** Stayed in house till 5.45. Then to Leyland to see about my witnesses. At home at 8.20. Bakewell\* & then France\* with us in house & then Mrs France.\*

**Monday 9 March 1874** To Lancaster Assizes this morning—libel case, Sparling & Wife v. Hewitson. Plaintiffs live at Eccleston near Chorley

<sup>38</sup> Accountants who, as part of their private practice, checked the accounts of the council; but they had few powers to do anything about irregularities.

<sup>39</sup> See 1 November 1865, footnote.

<sup>40</sup> Henry Davies (1841–1908), chartered accountant, borough accountant until 1872.

<sup>41</sup> The explosion of two boilers at Hollin Bank Mill killed eleven and injured 26 (*PH*, 4 March 1874, p. 4).

& they brought their action for libel contained in paragraph which appeared in Chronicle on 6th of last December. In that par[agraph] Mrs Sparling was called a cross between a condensed Queen Elizabeth & a fish wife & found fault with for blowing up a poor woman at Leyland & saucing her because she threw out a little water when Mrs Sparling was driving up in her carriage near the door. Case did not come on to day. This was my son Ethelbert's ninth birthday. Home at night from Lancaster.

**Tuesday 10 March 1874** At 8.5 to Lancaster assizes again. At 10 case came on. Holker\* QC & Addison for plaintiffs; Pope QC for me. When case had got opened it was decided to refer the case as to costs damages having been totally thrown out—to Mr Russell, Manchester County Court Judge. This I af[terwar]ds learned greatly offended the Sparlings; but it is a difficult job to snub[?] those who ought to be model Christians—parsons & their wives. I had agreed, in the first instance, when hardly any costs had been incurred to apologise & pay expenses; & my counsel contended that the plaintiffs & not I should pay the subsequent costs. Home from Lancaster in the af[ternoo]n. Sparling & wife in same train. Railway trains carry both the foolish & the wise with the merciless & the shams as well as the straightforward & the human.42

**Wednesday 11 March 1874** Working all day in office.

**Thursday 12 March 1874** Mainly same.

**Friday 13 March 1874** Working in shop & office.

**Saturday 14 March 1874** Got to bed, from work, at 12.30 this morning. Up at 6.30. Working till 10 at night. Had a friend in till after 11.

**Sunday 15 March 1874** Rose at 10.20. This was my son Horace's 7th birthday; so we celebrated both his & Ethelbert's birthdays. At night I

<sup>42</sup> The judge dismissed a damages claim by the Sparlings for £500 each, and no verdict was recorded, with the question of costs referred to a county court judge. Holker, the Sparlings' barrister and Conservative MP for Preston told the court that 'the Preston Chronicle undoubtedly mainly owed its celebrity to the pen of its editor, who wrote most of the articles and paragraphs of a spicy character'. Hewitson's barrister apologised on his behalf (*PH,* 11 March, 1874, p. 3).

& my wife went to Unitarian Chapel. Af[terwar]ds to Frances;\* to bed at 11.30.

**Monday 16 March 1874** Rose at 8.15. At work mainly all day. Bought a copy of Dryden's Journal for 1/3.43 Making bills out in af[ternoo]n & evening. Working till 9. At 10 had supper; a read; a smoke; & to bed.

**Tuesday 17 March 1874** Working in shop & office all day.

**Wednesday 18 March 1874** Same to-day.

**Thursday 19 March 1874** Ditto till about 12. at night.

**Friday 20 March 1874** Ditto till same hour

**Saturday 21 March 1874** Up at 6.30; working &c till 10.10 at night

**Sunday 22 March 1874** Had a walk, with my children Florence, Ethelbert & Horace this af[ternoo]n. At night putting up pictures in one of our rooms—pasting them on the walls—at night to chapel with my wife, Florence, Ethelbert, Horace & mother in law.\* A heavy sermon against the infallibility of the Bible; & very right too.

**Monday 23 March 1874** At 7 this morning went to Manchester to report a patent case. Seed44 v Rawcliffe, Bibby & Fleming.45 Court (assizes) opened at 10; case was the only one & it lasted till after 6—an awfully dry affair. Verdict for defendants on two points. Home at 9.45.

**Tuesday 24 March 1874** Working in shop & office all day till noon. Then took my wife out for a drive—by way of Longton, Hoole, Croston &c & took a boy boy to paste up cucumber paper bills.46 Horse a devilish uneasy one; had to lead it for about 3 miles & leave it at Leyland to be fetched by the livery stable man. Took train at Leyland & came home.

**Wednesday 25 March 1874** In shop & office all day.

<sup>43</sup> John Dryden (1631–1700), poet, playwright, and critic.

<sup>44</sup> See 13 November 1873.

<sup>45</sup> Coal merchant John Rawcliffe jnr (c. 1848–1925), tanner Walter Bibby (1822–1902), and Andrew Fleming (unidentified), all former owners of the Church St mills. Seed claimed that they had infringed his patent.

<sup>46</sup> See 6 May 1873.

#### **Thursday 26 March 1874** Same

**Friday 27 March 1874** Same. Bed, from work at 1 in morning.

**Saturday 28 March 1874** Up at 6.5 & at work till 10 at night. University boat race to day. Cambridge won. To bed about 11.

**Sunday 29 March 1874** Not being so well had a Turkish bath this forenoon. In af[ternoo]n had a walk with Florence, Ethelbert & Horace, my children on the south western side of town. River Ribble much swollen & side path impassable in one part. In evening 3 children named, my wife & I went to chapel & heard a splendid discourse on "Christianity (popular): its defects & Limitations" by Mr Walters.47 Af[terwar]ds I & my wife went to France's\* & had a pleasant evening.

**Monday 30 March 1874** In shop & office.

**Tuesday 31 March 1874** Same

<sup>47</sup> See 18 January 1874.

## April

**Wednesday 1 April 1874** A tolerably easy day; & April joke making confined to children.

**Thursday 2 April 1874** To adjourned annual general sessions this forenoon & stayed there till about 3 o'c[loc]k. A fine case was made out for Mr H. Alison,48 County Treasurer, by Rev J. Shepherd Birley49 & his salary was raised from £900 to £1400 a y[ea]r. Too much. The only magistrate who spoke against it was Mr James Thomson<sup>50</sup> of Wray—an old friend of ours.

**Good Friday 3 April 1874** Working all day—newspapers must come out. Weather pretty fine; many people lounging about. This is the fault of the people at special & short holidays—they hardly know what to do with themselves. Finished work at midnight.

**Saturday 4 April 1874** Up at 6 & working—off & on—till10.20.<sup>51</sup>

**Sunday 5 April 1874** Rose moderately early. To Unitarian Chapel with my wife in forenoon; in af[ternoo]n I, my wife, & Mr Bakewell\* had a walk to Cottam—to look at one or two cottages; then walked on to Lea station. I reached Preston by train at 6.15. After tea I stayed in house & went to office to prepare for my articles "Then & Now". My wife & me & two of children went to U[nitarian] Chapel.<sup>52</sup>

**Monday 6 April 1874** In shop & office greater part of day. At night went with my wife to see Oscar Anderson53 (son of the late Professor

<sup>48</sup> Henry Alison (c. 1828–1915) of Park Hall, Charnock Richard, stayed in the job for 55 years, until his death (*PH,* 18 September 1915, p. 2).

<sup>49</sup> Rev. John Shepherd Birley (1805–1883), from an old Fylde family, who resigned from his ministry in 1850 to devote himself to public service, particularly as a county magistrate; he was chairman of the county finance committee, and was involved in the construction of the county asylums. Conservative.

<sup>50</sup> See 26 June 1873.

<sup>51</sup> The main leader in this day's *Chronicle* crowed over the ruling that Hewitson should pay £80 costs and the Sparlings around £150 for the recent libel case, and that his friends would pay his bill anyway (*PC*, 4 April, p. 4). It also mentions that the offending paragraph had been supplied by 'the local newsagent'.

<sup>52</sup> A new weekly column of *Preston Chronicle* items from the first half of the century. Local history columns in provincial papers were becoming popular.

<sup>53</sup> Oscar Longhurst Anderson (1848–1897).

Anderson,54 the "Wizard of the North") at our Theatre. A very fair entertainment to any one who had never seen such like things before; some of the tricks very marvellous; & all good. Home at 10.30

**Tuesday 7 April 1874** Engaged writing to-day. In the evening went with Will France\* & his wife\* to Mr Hurst's<sup>55</sup> at Cadley—a well-to-do farmer's house & then to Atherton's<sup>56</sup> & then after one or two stoppages home. My wife with me; she having previously gone out with Mrs France\* a tea drinking. How women like tea drinkings! [sic]

**Wednesday 8 April 1874** Mainly engaged writing to-day. Began pretty early & continued at work till about 9 at night

**Thursday 9 April 1874** Throng writing & attending to advertisements till 11 o'c[loc]k. Late about 10.45 Will France\* & Will Huntington<sup>57</sup> popped in & we had a short gossip about the Nevett v Parkinson\* case<sup>58</sup> &c, & got to bed about 12.

**Friday 10 April 1874** This morning rose at 7.50. Working all day till 1.30 in morning.

**Saturday 11 April 1874** Rose at 6.20 & in shop more or less all day. Norwood sent piano to-day.59 Price £20. At night had a glass of beer at Shelley Arms with friends Livesey (engineer),<sup>60</sup> & Bakewell.\* In shop till 10.20. My first article "Then & Now" appeared to-day.

**Sunday 12 April 1874** Rose at 10.10; af[terwar]ds writing out part of patent-trial—Seed v. Rawcliffe, Bibby & Fleming.<sup>61</sup> In af[ternoo]n had a walk with my wife & all the children round by Ribbleside & through

<sup>54</sup> See 29 January 1873.

<sup>55</sup> Possibly Thomas Hayhurst (b. 1832) of Highfield Farm, Cadley.

<sup>56</sup> Probably John Atherton (1833–1896) of Fern Bank, Cadley, owner of Hanover Street Foundry, a gentleman horticulturalist, a founder of Preston Floral and Horticultural Society, and member of the Fulwood Local Board.

<sup>57</sup> There were at least two men of this name, a mill owner and a draper.

<sup>58</sup> A dispute over commission owed to estate agent Thomas Nevett (c. 1838–1904) by William James Parkinson,\* Hewitson's friend (*PC,* 11 April 1874, p. 6).

<sup>59</sup> See 5 May 1873.

<sup>60</sup> Probably James Livesey (1833–1925), international railway engineer and inventor, son of teetotal pioneer Joseph Livesey\*. He presented a newspaper folded by a machine he had invented to Queen Victoria at the Great Exhibition in 1851 (*ODNB*).

<sup>61</sup> See 23 March.

t[he] parks. At night to Unitarian chapel & heard Mr Walters62 the parson, preach a splendid sermon on science & religion. My wife & children Florence & Horace with me. Af[terwar]ds went down to station with Jim Kenyon,\* who was going to Wray Green by train & had a pint of beer with him. Then I & my wife went to Will France's\* & stayed till 11. Home; supper; bed.

**Monday 13 April 1874** My wife went to Manchester on business to-day & I in shop making out bills &c. In the evening I & a friend went to the Guild Hall to hear Maccabe,63 the impersonator &c. I also went on business—to draw some money for printing & advertising. The performance was a very good one; but Maccabe seemed rather weak in health. Home at 10.15; supper; bed.

**Tuesday 14 April 1874** At work all day.

**Wednesday 15 April 1874** Same. Mr Alderman John Rawcliffe,\* chairman of the Preston Herald Co. came in to-day & asked if I had any objection to take the Herald off their hands. It is a paper with a good circula[tio]n & a good advertising connection. I gave him a qualified answer in the favour of having the paper.64

**Thursday 16 April 1874** Working in shop & office all day.

#### **Friday 17 April 1874** Same

**Saturday 18 April 1874** To bed from work this morning at 1.30. Up at 6.20 & working till 10 at night—in af[ternoo]n & night writing out patent case—Seed v. Rawcliffe, Bibby & Fleming; as complete a case as possible being wanted for def[endant]s to put in when appeal for new trial is made.<sup>65</sup>

<sup>62</sup> See 18 January.

<sup>63</sup> Frederic MacCabe (1831–1904) was the most famous ventriloquist of the 1860s-1880s, touring in American and Australia. He wrote *The Art of Ventriloquism* and died in Ormskirk workhouse infirmary in 1904 (*Daily Telegraph*, 25 April 1904, p. 7).

<sup>64</sup> The *Preston Herald* was a bi-weekly paper, subsidised by Preston's Conservatives. Hewitson did not buy it. By 1890 it was valued at £4357 7 3 ½ by J. H. Buxton, manager of the *Manchester Guardian* (letter from J. H. Buxton, manager, *Manchester Guardian,* to the Proprietors of the *Preston Herald,* 17 Feb 1890: *Manchester Guardian* archives, letter book 1886–1891, ref. 264, pp. 687–88).

<sup>65</sup> See 5 May 1873. Presumably Hewitson had been commissioned to provide a private report.

**Sunday 19 April 1874** [Hewitson wrote 20th] Writing out patent case nearly all day. My wife & children to Unitarian chapel morning & evening.

**Monday 20 April 1874** At appeal case all day till 10 at night

**Tuesday 21 April 1874** Went by train to Waterloo near L[iver]pool at 7 this morning to report particulars of marriage of Mr J. T. Parker Parkinson,<sup>66</sup> provision dealer of L[iver]pool & Preston to Miss Elizabeth Blackburn,67 2nd daughter of Mr Richard Blackburn, provision dealer formerly of Preston. The wedding party started from Mr Kendall's, Canning-st[ree]t, & the marriage took place at Sefton Church, a fine old building restored in time of Henry VIII. Wedding not a big, but a nice affair. Af[terwar]ds returned to Mr Kendall's at Waterloo & had wedding breakfast. I was one who sat down to it. A very pleasant affair. Returned to Preston in evening with Mr W. J. Parkinson\* & his wife. Subsequently I began writing out the everlasting patent case; but feeling "seedy" went & had a Turkish bath. Home at 9.20; supper; bed.

**Wednesday 22 April 1874** Writing out patent case all day till about 10 at night.

**Thursday 23 April 1874** Finished patent case early. In af[ternoo]n writing Af[terwar]ds wrote out the wedding referred to. Af[terwar]ds extracted my column of "Then & Now" from old paper. Finished about 10 at night.

**Friday 24 April 1874** Working hard all day till 2.45 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 25 April 1874** Up at 6.10 & at work till 10 at night, more or less.

**Sunday 26 April 1874** Took children to Unitarian chapel this morning. In af[ternoo]n Mr Thompson\* late Station Master at Kirkham & his wife came & had tea. Their child being unwell they left early. Af[terwar]ds I & wife went to Unitarian chapel. Subsequently she & I had a moonlight

<sup>66</sup> John Thomas Parker Parkinson (1845–1896) was the brother of William James Parkinson\*, Hewitson's friend, who asked Hewitson to report on the wedding as a favour (*PC,* 25 April 1874, p. 5; diary entry, 20 June 1896).

<sup>67</sup> Elizabeth Parkinson, née Blackburn (b. 1850).

walk in Avenham Park. How few married folk keep up their courtship days! And I neglect them more than I ought to do; but this was a success; at any rate a quiet reiteration.

**Monday 27 April 1874** Working all day. At night read some of Xenophon's Memorabilia of Socrates;<sup>68</sup> then went to Will Frances\* & had a pipe & a glass.

**Tuesday 28 April 1874** Same up to noon. In afternoon I, wife & two sons Bertie & Horace went to Salwick in order to find a cottage for the summer. We walked down, through Lund to Clifton then to Newtonwith-Scales, then to Salwick station & landed at Preston at 6.15. We were not successful as to getting a cottage.

**Wednesday 29 April 1874** Working in shop & office all day. In af[ternoo]n evening my wife went with some of the children to Preston Junction69 to see for a cottage in that district; but the journey turned out to be fruitless.

**Thursday 30 April 1874** Working in shop & office till 10.30 at night.

<sup>68</sup> A collection of Socratic dialogues by a student of Socrates, the classical Greek philosopher.

<sup>69</sup> Now known as Lostock Hall.

### May

**Friday 1 May 1874** Ditto. Fine morning. At work at 7.15 & continued till 12.30 at night.

**Saturday 2 May 1874** Pretty busy all day. Finished at 10.20 at night.

**Sunday 3 May 1874** To Unitarian Chapel this forenoon with my two sons Bertie & Horace, & daughter Florence. In af[ternoo]n I, my wife & daughter went to Mr W. J. Parkinson's\* (Blackburn & Parkinson, provision dealers) at a place called Bank Top or Bank Farm behind Penwortham. Spent a very pleasant af[ternoo]n & evening; & returned home about midnight. Parkinson has a large no. of books—some valuable.

**Monday 4 May 1874** Not so very well this morning; having had rather too much of a "drappie in our ee"<sup>70</sup> last night. My wife a very bad cold—caught it I think whilst walking amongst some grass yesterday at Parkinson's.\* Working my self during day.

**Tuesday 5 May 1874** Working to-day. At night went with three of my children to see Mons[ieur] Houdin<sup>71</sup> the conjuror at Corn Exchange & to get paid what he owed me for advertising.

**Wednesday 6 May 1874** Busy in office & shop till 10 at night.

**Thursday 7 May 1874** Same. My wife still bad of a cold.

**Friday 8 May 1874** Busy in office & shop till midnight.

**Saturday 9 May 1874** Up at 6.5. There was a sharp frost on this morning & people from the country say it has damaged the early potatoes. All the ground &c was white with frost. At work till 10.10.

**Sunday 10 May 1874** Rose at 9.25. To Unitarian Chapel with my sons Bertie & Horace. In af[ternoo]n Mr T. J. Bakewell\* came. He has been secretary of the Defence Fund on my behalf in the alleged Libel case, Rev John Sparling & wife of Eccleston, near Chorley versus myself. The costs

<sup>70</sup> From 'Willie Brewed a Peck o' Maut' by Robert Burns.

<sup>71</sup> This is neither Harry Houdini (1874–1926) nor Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805–1871).

altogether, including my expenses &c came to £89-1; & the subscriptions to £94-11. It was decided to devote the balance (£5-10) to the purchase of a clock—memorial clock of this foolish & unjust prosecution—for me. Quite right. More money could have been raised on my behalf if more had been wanted. Bakewell had tea & a glass with us; & left about 8. I af[terwar]ds read Mill on Liberty.<sup>72</sup>

**Monday 11 May 1874** Nice weather—milder. Working at shop & office all forenoon. Same in af[ternoo]n.

**Tuesday 12 May 1874** Ditto. Cold weather—wind in wrong quarter.

**Wednesday 13 May 1874** Ditto

**Thursday 14 May 1874** Mr Higgin73 QC took chair for first time at Preston sessions in place of Mr T. B. Addison\* who has resigned & who is lying on his death bed.

**Friday 15 May 1874** At work in shop & office all day till about midnight. An article I wrote to-day referred to the mortality in Preston. It seems that during past & preceding quarters the deaths have exceeded the births. Last quarter ending with March the mortality was nearly 44 per 1000—higher than any other town of course—& hence in the country.

**Saturday 16 May 1874** Rose at 6.10 & at work till 10.20 at night. My wife & daughter Florence went to Lancaster & Morecambe. Presentation clock came to me to-day.

**Sunday 17 May 1874** To Unitarian Chapel with sons Bertie & Horace this forenoon. In afternoon we went on bus to cemetery to see grave of my dead children. On returning we had a walk round by the Castle Hill, near Penwortham church. On going round bottom there—on south east side I found a tree in the bark of which I cut my initials about 10 y[ear]s ago. The initials were still there—a little greened over. On returning had tea & in evening read a good deal of Mill's "Liberty".

<sup>72</sup> *On Liberty* by John Stuart Mill, first published 1859, argues for individualism among other things. Mill died in 1873.

<sup>73</sup> William Housman Higgin (1820–1893), who succeeded Addison as Recorder (judge) of Preston.

**Monday 18 May 1874** In shop greater part of day. Finished reading Mill's "Liberty" in evening.

**Tuesday 19 May 1874** Working in shop & office

**Wednesday 20 May 1874** Ditto

**Thursday 21 May 1874** Same. At night went to Will Frances\* & had a glass, a pipe & a talk about trip at Whitsuntide then home & to bed.

**Friday 22 May 1874** Working in shop & office till 12.30 at night.

**Saturday 23 May 1874** Up at 6.30 this morning. Made up my mind during day that I & wife w[oul]d go to Glasgow &c & join at Edinburgh, next Wed[nesda]y evening a return trip to Preston.

**Sunday 24 May 1874** Sat up till 2 o'c[loc]k this morning sub-editing &c for next week. Fell asleep & found that I was half an hour too late for train wh[ich] left for the north at about 3. Went to bed, rose at 7 o'c[loc]k & at 8.20 I & my wife proceeded by train to Carnforth. We could get no further north, by train, than that, till night. Decided to go & spend day at Barrow where my wife's brother Jim74 (revenue officer) lives. Got there at noon; learned he & his wife<sup>75</sup> were going in an excursion across the water to Morecambe, so we went thither; starting about 4 & landing about 7 in the evening. Spent evening on pier & in refreshment room kept by my father in law Joseph Wilson.\*

**Monday 25 May 1874** To Lancaster by 9.20 train this morning. Old Lancaster we found in a "gay & festive" mood—Whit Monday processions in the street. At 11.25 started for Carlisle—I & my wife. We landed there at about 2 in af[ternoo]n. Looked at the castle there—a low, heavy, red cluster of masonry; also at the shops in principal streets which seemed good—in some cases genteel, then inspected the cathedral—a building with a lofty, powerful, majestic interior, containing a beautiful nave, a splendid 9 light window at chancel end, some fine carved stalls, some ancient painting on a screen—Popish; & several monumental tablets. Left Carlisle for Dumfries at 3.50; got to Dumfries—passing

<sup>74</sup> James Wilson (1844–1912).

<sup>75</sup> Ellen Wilson née Chambers (b. 1842).

Gretna Green which excited my interest—about 5; had tea, then walked to St Michael's ch[urc]h yard & saw Burns the mausoleum containing the remains of Burns, the poet. In evening went to Ayr; landed there at 10.45. Stayed all night at the Star Inn, High-st. A bonny lass waited upon us "auld Ayr thou wham nae town surpasses / For humble men & bonnie lasses".<sup>76</sup>

**[Tuesday 26 May 1874]** Next morning had a walk before breakfast over the auld brig of Ayr; after breakfast my wife & I walked to cottage in which Burns was born—about 2½ miles from Ayr—to Kirk Alloway & to the Auld Brig of Doon. A beautiful District. I ought to have said that on our journey to these places, & before getting out of town of Ayr, we called at the Tam o'Shanter Inn—the place where Tam used to drink, & sat in his chair & that of Souter Johnney. In afternoon we set off for Edinburgh—through Glasgow—& landed there at 6.25. In evening met with Will France\* & his wife. Stayed all night at Star Inn, Cockspur-st.

**[Wednesday 27 May 1874]** Next day went with a party to Rosslyn Chapel & Castle. Chapel a beautiful piece of ornamentation. Castle down in a fine glen; but its masonry is almost gone. Returned to Edinburgh & after dinner sauntered about. At 6.7 in evening joined Preston excursion train & landed at Preston at 1.25 on Thursday morning.

**Thursday 28 May 1874** Up at 8; to Town Council meeting at 11; reported it; hard [?] working all day till 10.30 at night.

**Friday 29 May 1874** Rose at 8 & at work in shop & office till 1.30 on Sat[urda]y morning.

**Saturday 30 May 1874** Up at 6.30. In shop & office main part of day. France\* & his wife came in at night.

**Sunday 31 May 1874** Headache when I got up through drinking some bad beer last night. In afternoon had a walk with my two sons Bertie & Horace; afterwards I & my wife went to Will France's\* & had tea; in evening we had a walk round by Ribbleton Moor—now laid out for

<sup>76</sup> The line from Burns's poem 'Tam O'Shanter' is 'Auld Ayr, wham ne'er a town surpasses, For honest men and bonie lasses'.

building purposes. Called at Mr Lackabane's<sup>77</sup> & had a pipe & a glass; then called at Robert Chew's<sup>78</sup> then walked down to Fulwood Garrison & at public houses there had 3 glasses of ale. To Preston at 9, by bus; & after staying at Will France's\* a little, went home.

<sup>77</sup> Probably Henry Lackabane (1813–1881), 'gentleman' and retired publican, of Ribbleton Villa, a Poor Law Guardian.

<sup>78</sup> Probably Roger Chew (1826–1887), farmer, of Fulwood Row.

### June

**Monday 1 June 1874** At work in shop all day. Heard that Tom Aspden\* "editor" of the Preston Herald had "gone off it". In evening we had a party & presentation at our house, in compliment to & for benefit of Robert Peake79 who has most honourably & satisfactorily served five y[ear]s with me as apprentice to reporting, &c. The presentation consisted of a gold Albert watch guard & locket; worth about six guineas. There were present myself, Alderman John Rawcliffe,\* Mr Bakewell,\* R. Pateson,\* W. France,\* Mr Salter,<sup>80</sup> my brother-in-law Joe Wilson\* & Robert Peake. We spent a merry night & "finished-up" about 2 next morning.

**Tuesday 2 June 1874** Working in shop & office all day—except a little in af[ternoo]n when I went to John Cooper's\* office. He gave me £5 in order that I might go & see the Derby race & write a descriptive article.<sup>81</sup> Working af[terwar]ds till 10.

**Wednesday 3 June 1874** Up at 3; but my wife had an objection to my going to the Derby; so I returned to bed in a very sweet temper & got up at 8. Working till 9 at night.

**Thursday 4 June 1874** To a Town Council meeting to day. Mr Councillor Fryer82 elected alderman in place of Mr Alderman Lancaster83 who has resigned. Fryer has only been in council about 2½ years.84 Working in office till 8.30.

**Friday 5 June 1874** At work till 12 at night.

**Saturday 6 June 1874** Working from 6.15 to 10.15 at night. T. B. Addison,\* Esq[uire], of Winckley Square died at 10.15 this forenoon aged 87.

<sup>79</sup> Robert John Peake (1854–1916), son of a household china dealer, became chief agricultural reporter of the *Preston Guardian* (see 30 October 1911; *LDP* 28 March 1916, p. 3). His 1911 Census entry describes him as 'worker & part-owner "Preston Guardian"'.

<sup>80</sup> See 8 June 1873.

<sup>81</sup> The Derby Stakes, the famous horse race run at Epsom Downs in Surrey.

<sup>82</sup> Charles Fryer (c.1835–1894), solicitor, Conservative, Freemason.

<sup>83</sup> Thomas Lancaster (1820–1886), Conservative mill owner, 'wears shorter hair than anybody in Preston … deeply-toned spectacles are patronised by him …he is independent, circumspect … sociable' (*PTC*).

<sup>84</sup> Aldermen were usually more senior councillors, elected by other members of the local council.

**Sunday 7 June 1874** Rose at 9.45. At noon went out with Bakewell\* to inquire about a man who had got hurt; ditto in afternoon; then had a walk with my wife & sons Bertie & Horace; after tea I & wife to John Atherton's\* in Cadley; stayed there about an hour & a half. Had 2½ glasses of gin; returned & on road home called at Joe Ware's\* the Church hotel & had two more glasses of gin; home before 10 or about 10.

**Monday 8 June 1874** Up at 8.10; working all day—or rather reading greater part—a work on modern Christianity & Mill's autobiography.<sup>85</sup> At night had a Turkish Bath with Bakewell.\* Home at 10.30.

**Tuesday 9 June 1874** Out of bed at 8.15. Lent Bakewell\* £3.10. Called on John Cooper\* in af[ternoo]n—not in; back to office, & at work till 4; tea; & at 4.45 went with my wife, by train, to Brock station, in order to see if we could find a cottage, chiefly for summer months for benefit of children & selves. Found one at Whitehorse;<sup>86</sup> but it had been let for a month to Joe Hawkins<sup>87</sup> of Newsham-house near Broughton. We were told that if he w[oul]d give it up we could have it. He treat<sup>88</sup> us kindly & said we could have the house. Home at 9.30.

**Wednesday 10 June 1874** This afternoon my wife went over to White Horse, saw Burry,<sup>89</sup> landlord there of White horse public house who has cottage a letting. It was arranged we should have it at the rate of £4-10-0 a year, & have included a small piece of garden ground behind.

**Thursday 11 June 1874** To Town Council meeting at 11 o'c[loc]k Working in shop & office all day, until 10 at night.

**Friday 12 June 1874** Same till midnight.

**Saturday 13 June 1874** Rose at 6.10 & in shop, office, &c till 10 at night.

**Sunday 14 June 1874** To Unitarian Chapel with my sons Bertie & Horace this forenoon. A strange minister90 who preached a very fair sermon. In

<sup>85</sup> Published 1873.

<sup>86</sup> Hamlet named after its inn, about eight miles north of Preston, near Myerscough.

<sup>87</sup> Son of John Hawkins.\*

<sup>88</sup> Past participle pronounced 'tret' in many English dialects.

<sup>89</sup> Samuel Burry (d. 1881).

<sup>90</sup> Not the usual minister.

afternoon I & wife were engaged packing & getting things ready for White Horse Cottage.

**Monday 15 June 1874** Goods—furniture—taken to White Horse Cottage to-day; & rent starts there from to-day. The cottage is the second building, on left-hand side, after crossing the railway bridge at White Horse. It stands back, by itself, in a fold, with gate & faces the road. My wife & Moses91 our machine man went over to unpack & fix the furniture. I went over at night.

**Tuesday 16 June 1874** I returned to Preston by 8 o clock train this morning. It takes a hard walk of a quarter of an hour to get from cottage to Broughton station—the station we go to. This night—at 9.30—I went to the cottage at White Horse; my wife having been there since yesterday, with Florence.

**Wednesday 17 June 1874** In shop & office all day, and stayed at house, my sons Bertie & Horace sleeping with me all night. This was my daughter Florence's 11th birthday. Working in shop & office all day. My wife came over at 11.30 & stayed till last train at night. I, my two sons B[ertie] & H[orace], & brother in law Joe\* went to Whitehorse by 6.20 train in evening. This was my daughter Florence's 11th birthday. She is a sharp girl & will get ballast by age. Met my wife at night on the road from the sta[tio]n.

**Thursday 18 June 1874** To Preston by 8 train from Broughton. At work in shop, office &c all day till 9.15. Then with my wife to Whitehorse.

**Friday 19 June 1874** At work from 8.30 to one o'c[loc]k on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 20 June 1874** Rose at 6.15; working till 6.15; then to White horse; my wife coming by a later train. My two sons throng in lanes, fields &c—bird-nesting,92 & fishing.

**Sunday 21 June 1874** Up at 9.20. Had a walk with my two sons; after dinner read Mill's autobiography; then had a walk with my wife,

<sup>91</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>92</sup> Hobby, now illegal, of searching for birds' nests and collecting the eggs.

daughter Florence & my son Llewellyn who is improving here. In evening had a walk with my wife to "Tyler Bill's".93

**Monday 22 June 1874** To Preston by 8 train. Employed with letters & a/cs [accounts] till noon; & then—my wife having landed in the meantime went collecting newspaper a/cs [accounts] to Fleetwood, Poulton-le-Fylde, Blackpool, Lytham & Kirkham. Home at 8.25; & worked till 9.15. Mrs Baines,94 of Lancaster, killed this af[ternoo]n at Brock station. I & my wife reached home at 10.30. Supper, a smoke, & bed.

**Tuesday 23 June 1874** To Preston by 8 train & stayed working in shop & office till 9. At 9.30 at night to Broughton & met policeman at station there. He had been to inquest at Green Man public house on body of Mrs Baines. Gave him a glass at Boar's Head & we then walked on to Myerscough.

**Wednesday 24 June 1874** To Preston at 8; & came back to Myerscough at 6.20. Gardening, with Joe,95 till dark. We worked very hard. My wife came back by 9.30 train & I went to meet her.

**Thursday 25 June 1874** Back to Preston at 8. The walk from Myerscough to Broughton station is very refreshing. To day Myerscough House, the residence of the late John Cunliffe,96 was offered for sale by auction (H. P. Watson & Son of Preston, auctioneers); but it was not sold.

**Friday 26 June 1874** Working in shop & office till 1.30 in morning.

**Saturday 27 June 1874** Up at 6.15. To day Mr W. J. Parkinson\* (Blackburn & Parkinson, provision merchants of L[iver]pool & Preston) called in at our shop & said he had bought Myerscough House for £17,500. To Myerscough with my wife at 9.30.

**Sunday 28 June 1874** Rose at 10. Read Mill's autobiography; & in evening I & my wife had a walk & she read Burns's poetry or letters whilst I read Mill—finished him at 9.30. Supper & bed. Beautiful day.

<sup>93</sup> Probably the home of William Parkinson\* (see 11 and 31 August 1867).

<sup>94</sup> Anne Baines, 75, widow of Matthew Talbot Baines, MP for Leeds 1852–1859.

<sup>95</sup> Joe Wilson, brother-in-law.

<sup>96</sup> John Cunliffe (1786–1871), magistrate, deputy lieutenant, chairman of Garstang Board of Guardians and Highway Board.

**Monday 29 June 1874** To Preston at 8 & working all day. Back to White Horse at night. Dry fine weather; but hay grass not doing so well. To Myerscough at 9.30 at night.

**Tuesday 30 June 1874** Ditto

### July

#### **Wednesday 1 July 1874** Same

**Thursday 2 July 1874** To Preston at 8. At 11.30 to annual general sessions at Court House. W. O. Pilkington,97 esq[uire], who is between 80 & 90 years of age, in chair. Business soon over. Question of a public analyst for each petty Sessional division of the County discussed.98 To Myerscough at 9.30 at night.

**Friday 3 July 1874** To Preston at 8; & remained at work in shop & office till one o'c[loc]k on Sat[urday] morning. My wife who came over during day returned to Myerscough at night.

**Saturday 4 July 1874** Up at 6.10; working in shop & office till 5.30pm; at 6.5 went to White horse, along with my son Bertie who came over to help us. Did some ditching & weed clearing till 9; then read about gardening; & at 9.30 walked to Broughton station & met my wife. Then home.

**Sunday 5 July 1874** Rose at 9; to Barton Church with my sons Bertie & Horace at 10.30. The vicar (Mr Harrison99) preached only a 10th rate sermon. In afternoon I & my two sons had a walk to Inglewhite—a beautiful walk—wild flowers in hedges & birds singing. Got back at about 5 in af[ternoo]n. In evening I played marbles with my lads, daughter Florence & my wife, in the garden.

**Monday 6 July 1874** To Preston at 8; returned at 9.30 at night. But during day went to a sale at Ivy Cottage, Broughton.<sup>100</sup> Bill making out during the day.

**Tuesday 7 July 1874** [Blank]

**Wednesday 8 July 1874** Ditto; returned at 9.30 at night.

<sup>97</sup> William Ormerod Pilkington (1786–1879) of The Willows, Ashton, retired solicitor, county magistrate, Liberal, Unitarian (*PC,* 11 October 1879, p. 5).

<sup>98</sup> Public analysts were employed by local councils to test the purity of food, drink and medicines.

<sup>99</sup> Rev. John Denby Harrison MA (c.1841–1905) had been vicar of St Lawrence, Barton since 1870 (*LDP,* 5 October 1905, p. 4).

<sup>100</sup> Ivy Cottage in Boys Lane was the home of Martha Dobson (b. 1819), a farmer's wife.

#### **Thursday 9 July 1874** Same

**Friday 10 July 1874** In shop & office all day; finished work at midnight.

**Saturday 11 July 1874** Up 6.15 in shop & office till 5.30 when I went to White Horse with my son Bertie who had come over to help us. Played at marbles with my children & at 9.40 went to meet my wife.

**Sunday 12 July 1874** Rose at 9.20. Looked after some hens we bought at Broughton in forenoon; in af[ternoo]n had a walk with wife & family. Will France\* & wife, Jones\* plasterer & wife, Walter Bond\* & wife, with two children came over in a carriage to see us & had tea. Afterwards we drove over to Myerscough House which W. J. Parkinson\* has bought. It's a nice, extensively landed & wooded but very isolated place. On returning called at Mr Porter's,<sup>101</sup> Stanzacre [sic] hall & had some refreshments. Then to White Horse where we had a glass; & then the party drove back to Preston. To bed at 10.30. My wife not so well during the night.

**Monday 13 July 1874** Could not get to Preston till 9.30 this morning through the idleness of our servant Betsy. Bill making out. Felt glumpish & melancholy about nothing. Daughter Florence came over & attended to the meals. Finished at 9; had a small look round; then to station & to White Horse.

**Tuesday 14 July 1874** At shop & office all day. To White horse at night.

**Wednesday 15 July 1874** At 8 came to Preston with daughter Florence. At 9 joined a pic-nic party & went by conveyance to Oakenclough, near Caldervale. It was an excursion in connection with Preston New Congregational Church.<sup>102</sup> Teale,103 Mann,104 R. Gardner,<sup>105</sup> Will France,\* Bakewell\* &c with us. My wife joined us as we passed White horse. The day was very fine; & we spent a very pleasant day. On landing about 12 we sauntered about & had some ale; then dinner; then to Oakenclough

<sup>101</sup> John Porter (1830–1896) of Stanzaker hall, farmer.

<sup>102</sup> A group which had left Cannon St chapel in 1869 and worshipped in Avenham Institution (the mechanics' institute, *PC,* 5 December 1874, p. 3).

<sup>103</sup> Wool merchant George Teale (1820–1883).

<sup>104</sup> Frederick Mann (c. 1822–1874), iron merchant.

<sup>105</sup> Unidentified.

paper works—Mr Jackson's; then to a hill on the north west overlooking the Fylde & some of us to Grizedale Reservoir. Returned to Oakenclough about 5; tea; another ramble; home; I meeting Florence on the way from Broughton Station to White Horse.

**Thursday 16 July 1874** Not so very well. Had a little too much J[ohn] B[arley]corn yesterday. Working till 8.25. Back at 9.30 to White Horse.

**Friday 17 July 1874** Working in shop & office all day. To bed at 1.30 Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 18 July 1874** Up at 6; & working till 9.20 at night. To-day Miss Logan106 of Barton Cottage died of consumption. Home at 9.30.

**Sunday 19 July 1874** To Barton Church, with sons Ethelbert & Horace & Daughter Florence this forenoon; in af[ternoo]n had a sleep. In evening had a ramble. Weather very hot.

**Monday 20 July 1874** To Preston at 8. At noon went over to White Horse & had dinner; in af[ternoo]n rambled about with my children; returned to Preston in evening. At 8 I & wife went to Theatre Royal & enjoyed the Comic Opera.<sup>107</sup> We stayed at our shop house this night.

**Tuesday 21 July 1874** Rose at 8; working all day—making bills out &c. At night I & wife returned to White Horse & found the children all right. Supper; bed.

**Wednesday 22 July 1874** Began writing a new series of articles to day entitled "Places & Faces".108 John Rawcliffe,\* Esq[uire], of Prospect House, Broughton very ill. He called at our shop last Saturday & had a long chat; was taken ill—inflammation of bowels—next morning.

**Thursday 23 July 1874** Heard that Mr Rawcliffe\* was in a better way. Working till 9 o'c[loc]k & then, on going home, after leaving Broughton,

<sup>106</sup> Margaret Corner, 27, daughter of John Logan, an estate manager.

<sup>107</sup> 'La Fille de Madame Angot'.

<sup>108</sup> The first instalment of the series 'Sights and Incidents; or Places and Faces. Miscellaneous Etching and Sketching. By "Atticus"' appeared in the *Chronicle* on 25 July, describing Hewitson's visit to a Shaker chapel in London the previous year. The pieces were republished in book form in 1876.

met Mr Milner,109 seed merchant & a farmer named Sandham,<sup>110</sup> & had some whiskey with them.

**Friday 24 July 1874** To work at 8. Not so well. Oh the Barleycorn. Had a sleep in afternoon; then worked on till after midnight.

**Saturday 25 July 1874** Rose at 6.10. Working in shop & office till 6; then to White Horse & during evening read Burns & played with my children. At night went to meet my wife. Got home at 10.30.

**Sunday 26 July 1874** This forenoon to Barton church with son Bertie & daughter Florence. In af[ternoo]n I, wife & Florence went to Parson Harrison's,<sup>111</sup> Barton Vicarage & had tea. A nice secluded place, built during the time of the late Mr Duell.<sup>112</sup> After tea, we (Parson & I) had a walk & a smoke; then, on returning a glass of beer. At 8.30 home, the Parson accompanying us. Beautiful day.

**Monday 27 July 1874** To Preston by 9.16 train & remained at work all day till night when I returned to White Horse.

**Tuesday 28 July 1874** To Preston at 8 & ditto.

**Wednesday 29 July 1874** At noon to-day went with R. Pateson\* to Rose Bridge Colliery near Wigan for materials for a sketch. It is the deepest perpendicular mine in the world. Could not get down, through going too late; but about two years ago I was down it with some friends. It is about half a mile deep. Returned at 6 o'c[loc]k. Alderman John Rawcliffe\* died at 4.30 this af[ternoo]n, in his 61st year.

**Thursday 30 July 1874** To Preston at 8. Working all day—hard, till 8.40 then to White Horse. Much regret felt at death of Mr Rawcliffe\* who was a kindly hearted, candid, independent minded man.

**Friday 31 July 1874** To Preston at 8, & working all day till 12 at night.

<sup>109</sup> John Milner (1838–1900), farmer, corn and seed merchant of Myerscough Planks Farm.

<sup>110</sup> Probably Robert Sandham (c. 1828–1892) of Hoole Farm, Barton, assistant overseer of the poor for Barton district.

<sup>111</sup> See 5 July.

<sup>112</sup> Rev. Thomas Duell (c. 1800–1870), the previous vicar.

### August

**Saturday 1 August 1874** Went to Mr Rawcliffe's\* funeral at Broughton Church this forenoon. Funeral at 1.30pm. Then to Broughton station & back to Preston. Returned home at night with my wife & son Horace.

**Sunday 2 August 1874** In bed till 10. After breakfast read Seneca's Morals.113 In afternoon I & wife went to Mr J. Milner's,114 Myerscough Planks; had tea; stayed till 10 at night; Mr Jolly115 of Barton Hall farm with us. Home by 10.30.

**Monday 3 August 1874** Not so very well. Mr Milner being too generous with the Barleycorn. At work more or less all day; & at night back to White Horse.

**Tuesday 4 August 1874** To Preston at usual time this morning; & working all day.

**Wednesday 5 August 1874** Same

**Thursday 6 August 1874** Ditto. To-day Mr Councillor Joseph Woods<sup>116</sup> was elected alderman in place of the late Alderman Rawcliffe.\* Preston Agricultural Show began to-day. When we got to White Horse I took my wife forward to Mr Milners;<sup>117</sup> she was wanted there; Mrs M.<sup>118</sup> being ill—on point of confinement.

**Friday 7 August 1874** In shop & office all day. Preston Agricultural Show on to day again. My wife turned up about noon & said that Mrs Milner had been delivered of a son.

**Saturday 8 August 1874** Same; up at 6.15 & working till 8.30, when I went with Mr Mitchell119 to Bull Hotel & had two glasses of whiskey. Home to White Horse at 9.30.

<sup>113</sup> Stoic philosophy.

<sup>114</sup> See 23 July.

<sup>115</sup> William Jolly (1835–1905).

<sup>116</sup> Joseph Woods (1819–1878), Conservative, grocer and tobacconist, 'a stout, active, round-faced gentleman', 'who makes up by natural shrewdness what he lacks in polished erudition' (*PTC*).

<sup>117</sup> See 23 July.

<sup>118</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>119</sup> Unidentified.

**Sunday 9 August 1874** This af[ternoo]n went with wife to Mr Milner's, Myerscough Planks & stayed till 10.10 at night. A merry night.

**Monday 10 August 1874** Considerably out of sorts; "merry nights make sorrowful mornings." What geese men must be to go to lengths which are sure to be injurious. Had a Turkish bath this afternoon & felt re-made afterwards. Home to White Horse at 9.30.

**Tuesday 11 August 1874** In shop & office all day.

**Wednesday 12 August 1874** Alderman Isherwood120 of Preston died to-day. Verily a smash is being made into the aldermanic body of Preston. This is the fourth in less than a year who has "shuffled off this mortal coil."

**Thursday 13 August 1874** My 38th birthday. I thank God that I have lived thus far & have amid all changes & struggles enjoyed & felt His wisdom & goodness. May my next 38 years & odd be similarly—nay more fully—imbued with & blessed by His excellence. Working all day & home to White Horse at night.

**Friday 14 August 1874** In shop & office all day. Finished work about midnight.

**Saturday 15 August 1874** Rose at 8 & at work all day till 9 o'c[loc]k. Then to White Horse—train very late.

**Sunday 16 August 1874** Rose at 10.30; breakfast, dressed & went to Sandham's<sup>121</sup>—a farm close by—& borrowed their horse & gig, & with wife drove to Preston; thence, in one of Harding's<sup>122</sup> wagonnettes123 to Much Hoole, where Dr Fraser,\* Bishop of Manchester was preaching on science & religion. It was too long & too hazy & altogether too poor a sermon; considering what we & others had expected. Home af[terwar]ds & had tea in Preston on the way.

<sup>120</sup> See 31 May 1865.

<sup>121</sup> See 23 July.

<sup>122</sup> Stables in Lune St.

<sup>123</sup> Small open carriage with two benches facing each other.

**Monday 17 August 1874** To work at 9.15 from Broughton station. Thought it no use going so very soon to office in a morning when I had a man there to take care of things till I arrived. It is useless people killing themselves with work. I have been thinking that I am working many more hours now than when I was a reporter &c. To White Horse at night.

**Tuesday 18 August 1874** Went up to Preston by 9.16 train from Broughton; & at work all day.

**Wednesday 19 August 1874** Same to-day.

**Thursday 20 August 1874** And same to-day. At night on going home to White Horse the Rev. Mr Harrison124 of Barton Vicarage was waiting for me; he had some printing for me, and some letters to read over respecting a private grievance. I had three glasses of beer & he had two glasses of brandy. He left at one in morning.

**Friday 21 August 1874** Up at 7; breakfast; then to Broughton station & to Preston. At work all day.

**Saturday 22 August 1874** Rose at 6.10 & working till 9.30. Then to White Horse.

**Sunday 23 August 1874** At 11 o'c[loc]k this forenoon Mr Sandham,125 a neighbouring farmer, came with his carriage & wife<sup>126</sup> & took me and my wife to White Lee, under Beacon Fell. We had dinner, & in af[ternoo]n we ascended Beacon Fell—a fine front eminence. We had a good view of Bleasdale the land below Longridge Fell—a pretty panorama of woods, farmhouses &c; but the distant scenery which would otherwise have been fine, was wrapped in mist. We af[terwar]ds returned to White Lee to tea; stayed till 10, & then returned home.

**Monday 24 August 1874** To Preston by 9.16 train, & at work till 8.30. Home at 9.30.

**Tuesday 25 August 1874** Same to-day.

<sup>124</sup> See 5 July.

<sup>125</sup> See 23 July.

<sup>126</sup> Isabella Sandham (1825–1894).

**Wednesday 26 August 1874** To Preston at 8.10. In shop & office all day. This evening it was decided to sell the Preston Herald newspaper—a good property in the Conservative interest which has been meticulously managed.

#### **Thursday 27 August 1874** Same

**Friday 29 August 1874** To-day Mr E. H. Booth127 was elected a Town Councillor for Christ Church ward, in the place of Mr J. Hibbert\* previously elected an alderman. A boozy customer named J. C. Derbyshire<sup>128</sup> was one of the candidates; but he was "nowhere."

**Saturday 29 August 1874** Rose at 6.20 this morning. Working all day in shop & office. Home to White horse at night. Sandham came & stayed till 2 in morning.

**Sunday 30 August 1874** Up at 9.30; to Barton church in forenoon. Pateson\* & Bakewell\* from Preston to dinner. In afternoon I, sons Bert & Horace, Mr Sandham, Pateson\* & Bakewell\* had a walk down into Myerscough, to look at a bridge; on returning heavy shower came on & we sheltered for ¾ of an hour at Myerscough Lodge—the old residence of Tom Tyldesley.129 There is a large farm in connection with the Lodge; the rent being I believe £600 a year.

**Monday 31 August 1874** To Preston at 9.16 this morning & at work all day, & returned at night to White Horse. Went home sooner than usual; met wife on Barton road; & we spent an hour at the Misses Cross's130 house nearly opposite Boar's Head in Barton. They are very nice, benevolent ladies. These are the ladies who spent between £200 & £300 in lowering, for the benefit of horses, Stone Brig Brow.

<sup>127</sup> Edwin Henry Booth (1828–1899), the founder of the grocery business. Hewitson ghost-wrote and published his autobiography, *Shadow and Sheen: The Life Story of Alec Gordon, Written by Himself* (Wakefield: Hewitson, 1897).

<sup>128</sup> James Clegg Derbyshire (1825–1876), drysalter (dealer in chemical products), Conservative, received only 38 votes.

<sup>129</sup> Author of the Tyldesley Diaries.

<sup>130</sup> Mary (1805–1893) and Margaret (1807–1888) Cross of Holly House, whose many bequests included Mary's funds to start a school for deaf children in Preston.

# September

**Tuesday 1 September 1874** To Preston this morning by same train. In afternoon had a Turkish bath & felt very comfortable after it. Home to White horse at 9.30.

**Wednesday 2 September 1874** Again to Preston at 9.16 and working till 9.30 at night. Then to White horse.

**Thursday 3 September 1874** To Preston by the 8 train. Mushrooms still in abundance. This has been a tremendous year for them; they are brought to the different country stations & sold there to dealers. Many come to Broughton.

**Friday 4 September 1874** At work, having come by 8 train, from 8.30 in morning to one in morning of Saturday.

**Saturday 5 September 1874** Throng from 6.20 in morning till night at 10. Then went out with wife & bought some things for the children. Stayed all night in our home at Preston; it being such a tramp late at night to White Horse.

**Sunday 6 September 1874** This forenoon to Barton Church with Horace & Bertie. In afternoon I, wife & Horace went to Mr Parkinson's\* new place at Myerscough House; had tea there; spent a pleasant af[ternoo]n & evening; & got back to White horse, well tired, at 9.30. Then supper & to bed.

**Monday 7 September 1874** To Preston at 9.16. In shop & about all day & back to White horse at night. Doing an excellent jobbing\* business just now.

**Tuesday 8 September 1874** To Preston by same train. In evening my wife came over, said the old landlord at the White Horse public house had been scolding about our two lads & our hens being in the garden, & said she would not stop any longer. At night as we went home we made up our minds to leave & return to Preston, for though we had got contract tickets till end of year it was becoming tiresome walking such a distance to & from Broughton station and the weather was getting bad & nights dark.

**Wednesday 9 September 1874** Told old landlord to make out my bill. We packed up our furniture & came to Preston to-day. At noon I went to Holker Hall where there was a sale of shorthorns. Total sum realised upwards of £15,000.131 I got back to Preston at 7 in the evening.

**Thursday 10 September 1874** Not quite so well to-day. Had too much ale yesterday. At work nevertheless all day till 11 at night. This evening a terrible accident on the Great Eastern Railway—20 killed & 50 injured.132

**Friday 11 September 1874** Up at 8.15 & at work till 12 at night. After[war]ds to bed.

**Saturday 12 September 1874** Up at 6.20; at work till noon. In aftern[oon] had a Turkish bath. Finished at work at 10.10 Then upstairs, supper, & to bed.

**Sunday 13 September 1874** At 8.20 this morning to Mr Sandham's133 at Barton; spent a very pleasant day; wife with me. We returned at 8 at night; had supper & to bed about 10 o'c[loc]k.

**Monday 14 September 1874** At work all day. Nothing special.

**Tuesday 15 September 1874** Same—working till 8 at night.

**Wednesday 16 September 1874** Ditto

**Thursday 17 September 1874** Ditto & working till 11 o'c[loc]k at night.

**Friday 18 September 1874** In shop & office till 12 at night.

**Saturday 19 September 1874** Up at 6.15 & working till 8 at night. My shop (125 Fishergate) advertised to be sold by tender to day. This to myself, as tenant, does not seem to be a fair way. I am puzzled to know how to act.

**Sunday 20 September 1874** Rose at 10; & at 11 went & had a Turkish bath. Lounged about in afternoon. In evening I & wife went to the Parish

<sup>131</sup> Holker Hall is owned by the Duke of Devonshire, whose Holker herd was sold, for a total equivalent to £1.7 million at 2022 prices.

<sup>132</sup> Two trains collided at Thorpe near Norwich.

<sup>133</sup> See 23 July.

Church with Will France\* and his wife. Afterwards they came to our house & had a chat & supper. We talked chiefly about my shop & what I ought to do.

**Monday 21 September 1874** To-day wrote a par[agraph] of 40 lines respecting fire engines for Shand Mason & Co., London (manufacturers of fire engines etc) & received £5 for it & prospective services.

**Tuesday 22 September 1874** Working in shop & office all day. At night called at Will France's\* & along with Bakewell\* had a pipe & a glass there & played at dominos till 11 o'c[loc]k.

**Wednesday 23 September 1874** At 3.30 this af[ternoo]n went to Bangor, in Wales to meet some Preston, Manchester & L[iver]pool gentlemen assembled there respecting a slate quarry they were thinking of taking in the neighb[ourhoo]d.134 Stopped at nearly every station. Reached Bangor at 8.45. Met my party at the British hotel. After tea had b[ee]n ordered I went to post office & sent a telegram to my wife that I had landed all right. Then back; good tea—a chat; walk out to station; & bed at 11.30.

**Thursday 24 September 1874** Rose at 7.15 & had a walk on the western side of Bangor; saw at a distance the tubular & suspension bridges over Menai Straits. A glorious morning & view splendid. Bangor is a quaint old town running along the bottom of a hill. After breakfast our party drove off to see a slate quarry opposite Lord Penryn's at Bethesda, about 5 miles from Bangor. Romantic country; quarry a good one. Dinner at Bangor at 2.30. Home at 4.45; & reached Preston, after a splendid journey for sight-seeing, at 10.30.

**Friday 25 September 1874** Up at 8; working till midnight.

**Saturday 26 September 1874** Rose at 6.30; & at work till 10.

**Sunday 27 September 1874** Rose at 10.20; in afternoon went to see our children's grave at cemetery; Bertie, Horace & Florence with me. Beautiful day. At night to Unitarian Chapel.

<sup>134</sup> Hewitson wrote a column and a half about his trip and the slate quarry (*PC,* 3 October 1874, p. 3). His article may have been commissioned to encourage investment.

**Monday 28 September 1874** Rose at 8; had a sponge bath; & to work, remaining at it till 8 at night.

**Tuesday 29 September 1874** Same to-day

**Wednesday 30 September 1874** And to-day

# October

**Thursday 1 October 1874** Ditto

**Friday 2 October 1874** Ditto & working till midnight.

**Saturday 3 October 1874** My wife got up this morning early & I laid in bed till 9.30; then cut [sic] out 2nd editions; worked all day till 10.30 at night. Had an excellent day in selling Chronicles. This af[ternoo]n my wife went to her parents at Morecambe.

**Sunday 4 October 1874** To Morecambe this morning. Rode to Lancaster then to Hest Bank then walked on sea side to Morecambe. In af[ternoo]n I, wife, mother in law\* & sister in law Annie\* went to Heysham & inspected the old stone coffins &c there.

**Monday 5 October 1874** Rose at 8; in forenoon went to have luncheon with Councillor Williamson135 residing in Church-st[ree]t, Lancaster. Bought a lithographic view of Lancaster from Richardson,136 bookseller New-street. After luncheon went with Mr Williamson to inspect works of firm on Quay near railway bridge. Immense affair. Far greater & much more wealthy than I expected finding.137 Then to Morecambe by train. On arriving had dinner, & then to some horse racing, on sands, with wife & father-in-law.\* Spent evening on pier end.

**Tuesday 6 October 1874** Home by train at 8.10. Landed at Preston at 9.30 & found all right. Working all day.

**Wednesday 7 October 1874** Rose at 8.10 & in shop all day. At night my wife came back from Morecambe & I & my children were all glad to see her. Domestic love is a blessed thing. It means the universe on a small scale.

**Thursday 8 October 1874** Sponge bath on rising, as usual. Then to work all day till 11 o'c[loc]k at night.

<sup>135</sup> Probably James Williamson junior (1842–1930), the future Lord Ashton.

<sup>136</sup> Joseph Richardson (b. 1830).

<sup>137</sup> The Williamsons owned one of Britain's largest oil cloth (linoleum) factories: Philip J. Gooderson, *Lord Linoleum: Lord Ashton, Lancaster and the Rise of the British Oilcloth and Linoleum Industry* (Keele, Staffordshire: Keele University Press, 1996).

**Friday 9 October 1874** Up at 8; working all day till midnight. Feel somewhat melancholy—idiotically so—& all about nothing. Must get up my stamina & physical force, that being the grand motor-power of humanity. All people suffering from melancholy should strengthen their bodies. Strong bodies are the cases of strong minds.

**Saturday 10 October 1874** Rose at 6.30 & working till 10.10 at night. Then supper & bed.

**Sunday 11 October 1874** At 8.20 this morning I, wife, & daughter Florence went to Mr J. Milner's,138 Myerscough Planks Farm. Returned at 8 o'c[loc]k.

**Monday 12 October 1874** Rose at 8.15; had a sponge bath then breakfast & to work, & was at work all day.

#### **Tuesday 13 October 1874** Ditto

**Wednesday 14 October 1874** This forenoon went to Southport with & at expense of John Cooper\*, Esq[uire], The Oaks, Penwortham. Looked at principal places—went on pier, saw Hesketh Park, inspected Winter Gardens, the Aquarium (a very surprising place), the Cambridge Hall &c. Returned in evening & went & dined with Mr Cooper at his residence. Home at 10.30 & af[terwar]ds to bed.

**Thursday 15 October 1874** Up at 8.30; working hard till 11 o'c[loc]k at night.

**Friday 16 October 1874** Ditto & working till 12.30 at night.

**Saturday 17 October 1874** Rose at 6.30. Working in shop & office all day. In evening went to Charlie Hawkins,\* West Cliff to see if he w[oul]d come out as a candidate for St John's Ward. He refused.139

**Sunday 18 October 1874** Rose at 10.30. Af[terwar]ds went & had a Turkish bath. In afternoon Mr Thompson\* (formerly station master at Kirkham) called with his wife & child & had tea. At night I & my wife went to Will France's\* & stayed about an hour & a half.

<sup>138</sup> See 23 July.

<sup>139</sup> Hewitson was looking for a Liberal candidate for the council elections.

**Monday 19 October 1874** Rose at 8.35; in shop all day. At night went with my wife to a concert at St Ignatius's girls' school. Some good amateur & professional singing—amateur being better than professional. Home at 10.30.

**Tuesday 20 October 1874** Working briskly this forenoon. In af[ternoo]n went to Fleetwood, met Captain Jameson,140 looked round the new dock works which are progressing rapidly; then had a glass or two with him; & landed home about 7 o'c[loc]k.

**Wednesday 21 October 1874** Busy in office till 11 at night—from 9 in morning.

**Thursday 22 October 1874** Same from 9 till 9.

**Friday 23 October 1874** To-day saw Mr James Hogg141 of West Cliff & agreed to purchase from him the Mitre Inn, Fishergate, some rooms &c & a warehouse in Cannon Street for £3,500. I propose, at some time, making out of this property my shop, house & printing works. Harry Hawkins\* agreed to day to be a candidate for St John's Ward. I wrote his address & printed it.

**Saturday 24 October 1874** Rose at 6.15 this morning & at work till 8; then w[ith] H. Hawkins\* to a meeting of his clerks142 &c—election men; then had a glass or two & back to office. Bed at 11.15.

**Sunday 25 October 1874** Up at 10.50. Breakfast; then a walk on Avenham Walks & in the park with sons Horace & Bertie & brother-in-law Joe.\* In af[ternoo]n read Haliburton's "Nature & Human Nature" (Sam Slick style—excellent). In evening went with my wife to Lancaster road Congregational Chapel & heard Henry Vincent,143 the lecturer, preach. Sermon awfully orthodox—yet here & there very fine; style of delivery splendid; voice failing. Af[terwar]ds had a walk with wife then home.

**Monday 26 October 1874** Working in shop & office.

<sup>140</sup> See 16 June 1873.

<sup>141</sup> James Hogg (1809–1876), former linen merchant of Cannon St.

<sup>142</sup> Polite term for electioneers, often ready to use deceit, money and beer to gain votes.

<sup>143</sup> Henry Vincent (1813–1878), an old Chartist, known for his powerful speeches.

#### **Tuesday 27 October 1874** Ditto

#### **Wednesday 28 October 1874** Ditto

**Thursday 29 October 1874** At noon to-day went to annual meeting of Sedgwick New Gunpowder works at Manchester.144 Had some shares in this company transferred to me some time ago by Mr Job Bintley of Kendal so as to be able to gain admission to the meetings & if necessary report them. After meeting had a ramble in Manchester. Home at 6 o'c[loc]k.

**Friday 30 October 1874** Working in shop & office all day.

**Saturday 31 October 1874** Up at 6.30; working till evening; then to H. Hawkins's\* election meeting at John O'Gaunt & spoke. Later on returned here with Charlie Hawkins\* who decided to be a candidate for St John's ward, along with his brother Henry. This was a great surprise.

<sup>144</sup> See 29 October 1873.

## November

**Sunday 1 November 1874** At meeting of electioneering men in our shop this forenoon. In afternoon I, Charlie Hawkins\* & others drove up to H. Hawkins\* in Fulwood. I had tea & returned at 9.30. Then down to Charlie Hawkins's & then home.

**Monday 2 Nov 1874** Election day. At close of poll it was found that our men—Charlie\* & Harry Hawkins\* had won in the ward (St John's) they were candidates. Harry was at top of poll, Charlie next. This was a great victory for Charlie, though it was not definitely known before that morning that he would come out as a candidate succeeded [sic] in defeating "Pepper Parker"145 —a disreputable dog who had represented St John's ward for 21 years.

**Tuesday 3 November 1874** Paying election bills for the Hawkins's\* this af[ternoo]n & evening.

**Wednesday 4 November 1874** Attending to my own business & occasionally to election work.

**Thursday 5 November 1874** Made a calcula[tio]n to-day of election expenses [note in Pitman shorthand follows, which appears to say: 'Find have spent all five hundred and fifty pounds in the accounts'].146

**Friday 6 November 1874** Attending to shop & office work.

**Saturday 7 November 1874** Same; at night had a talk with a number of electioneers.

**Sunday 8 November 1874** Having b[ee]n hard worked, laid in bed till noon to-day. In af[ternoo]n read a little &c &c & at night went with my children Florence & Bertie to Unitarian Chapel. Afterwards Will France\* came in & we had a glass & a pipe.

<sup>145</sup> James Parker (1814–1875), grocer, of Winckley Square, a Conservative, owned cotton mills at Roach Bridge and Kirkham. A 'small, cautious, mystical-looking, mouldy-hued gentlemen, never had much respect for verbs; not a learned man, likes good seasoning; is better grocer than Town Councillor' (*PTC*).

<sup>146</sup> Thanks to Kathryn Baird and Liz Evans for shorthand transcription. The sum is equivalent to £55,000 today and some of it was probably spent on bribes.

**Monday 9 November 1874** To-day Charles Fryer,147 solicitor, was elected Mayor of Preston, & Will Hayhurst,148 pawnbroker, alderman in place of Samuel Smith,149 deceased. This caused a vacancy in St John's ward, & the two lately defeated candidates there—Pepper Parker<sup>150</sup> & Miles Dent151 re-appeared in the field. The Liberals disgusted at Pepper's appearance decided to get someone to oppose him & got Mr George Galloway152 of Ashton Bank, manufacturer to come out; but we found a flaw in his qualifications, so had to give him up. Galloway is a very nice gentleman

**Tuesday 10 November 1874** Bothering about a new candidate nearly all day & at night found one in the person of Mr George Teale,<sup>153</sup> woollen draper, Fishergate.

**Wednesday 11 November 1874** Bothering about electioneering work nearly all day. At night went to a meeting at Geo[rge] Teale's;\* then away home—being not so well to-day through last night's jollity.

**Thursday 12 November 1874** Same to-day. At night attended a meeting of Mr Teale's\* supporters at the John O'Gaunt. A very capital meeting. Then several of us went to Mr Teale's, had a glass & a smoke & departed. I home knocked up with yesterday night's business; they to John O'Gaunt Frenchwood Tavern Harry Hawkins\* called to-day, said his wife had brought him a son & "stood" a bottle of champagne.

**Friday 13 November 1874** Minding shop, office & election work all day.

<sup>147</sup> See 4 June.

<sup>148</sup> William Hayhurst (1828–1876), brewer, Conservative, Freemason, 'a round, boilinghot, merry-faced, genial-looking man' who used to lead a brass band at the parish church (*PTC*).

<sup>149</sup> Samuel Smith (1799–1874), tallow chandler and soap boiler, pork butcher, Liberal, Wesleyan.

<sup>150</sup> See 2 November.

<sup>151</sup> Sometimes an innkeeper, sometimes described as 'gentleman'.

<sup>152</sup> George Galloway (1822–1912), cotton manufacturer and merchant, freemason (*PH* 31 July 1886); married to Ellen, daughter of John Hawkins of Newsham House. Became Liberal councillor 1876, alderman 1887, mayor 1890–1891, Preston magistrate 1882, county magistrate 1893 (*PH,* 14 Feb 1912, p. 4). Attended Cannon St Independent Chapel and was instigator of expulsion of some long-standing members (*PH,* 6 Nov 1869, p. 5).

<sup>153</sup> Teale had been a councillor in the 1850s (*PC,* 28 July 1883, p. 5).

**Saturday 14 November 1874** Looking after newspaper. At night electioneering.

**Sunday 15 November 1874** Taking it philosophically.

**Monday 16 November 1874** Electioneering for St John's Ward.

**Tuesday 17 November 1874** Same. Contest terrible between "Pepper" Parker—a wretched, drunken, libertine & Geo[rge] Teale\* who is a respectable man. Bribery &c terrific. Parker won.154

**Wednesday 18 November 1874** In the dumps about the election. Cost on Teale's\* side about £560.

**Thursday 19 November 1874** Bothering considerably about Teale's\* election business.

**Friday 20 November 1874** Ditto; but looking after Number One.

**Saturday 21 November 1874** Same.

**Sunday 22 November 1874** Spent a moderately serene day.

**Monday 23 November 1874** Working all day. Went to Leeds to day & bought a folding machine from Mr Geo[rge] Pallister.<sup>155</sup> Fog in & about Leeds awful. A terrible fog.

**Tuesday 24 November 1874** Same—in respect to working.

**Wednesday 25 November 1874** All day working

**Thursday 26 November 1874** Working all day.

**Friday 27 November 1874** At work all day—as usual.

**Saturday 28 November 1874** Working all day. My father-in-law\* &c came to-day from Morecambe.

<sup>154</sup> Three decoy candidates named Parker also stood, in an effort to confuse Conservative voters (*PH,* 14 November 1874, p. 5).

<sup>155</sup> Pallister was a printer's broker and valuer; the machine would avoid the need to fold newspapers by hand.

**Sunday 29 November 1874** To Unitarian chapel this forenoon with father-in-law.\* Reading in af[ternoo]n. To same chapel at night with f[ather] in l[aw] & Joe my brother-in-law.\*

**Monday 30 November 1874** Knocking about from 9 in morning till 8 at night. To-day my father-in-law\* took McVities156 house in Cannon-st[ree]t for £6 till end of April next.

<sup>156</sup> Robert McVitie (1822–1900), tailor, or his son, J.J. McVitie.

### December

**Tuesday 1 December 1874** At work all day.

**Wednesday 2 December 1874** Busy all day. Went to a printer's sale at Heywood to-day. His name was Priestley.<sup>157</sup> He had published a Tory paper called the Standard & had "gone through". Home at 10 at night. Bought about £7.14 worth of goods.

**Thursday 3 December 1874** Working from 9 in morning till 10.30 at night.

**Friday 4 December 1874** Hard at work all day till after midnight.

**Saturday 5 December 1874** Up at 7 o'c[loc]k—very late—& working in shop & office till late. New folding machine did well. After 10 went to the Castle, had a glass, then to Plumpton Brook\* & brought home father in l[aw].\*

**Sunday 6 December 1874** Laid in bed late. In af[ternoo]n I & wife & children went down to father-in-law's\* in Cannon st[ree]t & stayed till night. A very pleasant afternoon & evening. Felt well through having a Turkish bath.

**Monday 7 December 1874** Working in shop, office & out of doors (looking after advertisements for Farmers' Almanack<sup>158</sup>) all day. At night to a meeting to form a new Liberal Club. Subscribed 20 shares.

**Tuesday 8 December 1874** At work very hard all day. Sent for Dr Ridley\* at night. I bow before the goodness of God & before his mystery & goodness that. At 10 minutes after 12 at midnight (Wednesday morning December 9th) my wife was safely delivered of a fine healthy daughter.

<sup>157</sup> James Priestley (b. 1854) launched the *Heywood Standard* in 1871, and was back in business as a printer by 1883: John Albert Green, *Bibliography of the Town of Heywood* (Heywood: Advertiser office).

<sup>158</sup> Hewitson published this 80-page almanac for sixpence; it included articles on cheesemaking, probably written by his friend William Livesey, an authority on the subject: William Livesey and Anthony Hewitson, 'The Late Mr. Wm. Livesey, His Autobiography and Reminiscences, Edited by Mr A. Hewitson', *Preston Guardian*, 29 January 1910.

Oh, the mystery of life !! Most wonderful. I hope all will go on well. This was Ad Mabel.

**Wednesday 9 December 1874** Working in shop & office all day. My wife & our little daughter going on nicely. My mother-in-law\* attending to my wife & young daughter.

**Thursday 10 December 1874** Same

**Friday 11 December 1874** Same. Finished work early.

**Saturday 12 December 1874** At work from 7 this morning to10 at night.

**Sunday 13 December 1874** Spent this day easily. Father-in-law\* & sisters in law up in af[ternoo]n & we had tea together.

**Monday 14 December 1874** Minding my work. To-day my new reporter Mr Neill159 came from Manchester in Peake's<sup>160</sup> place. Wages 30/= per week.

**Tuesday 15 December 1874** Out for advertisements for my sheet & desk almanacks to-day & got about £15 worth.

**Wednesday 16 December 1874** Working in office to day.

**Thursday 17 December 1874** Same

**Friday 18 December 1874** Same

**Saturday 19 December 1874** Sheet Almanack, given to-day. A better sale of paper than expected.

**Sunday 20 December 1874** In house all day. At night had a glass or two with father-in-law\* at Port Admiral & Plumpton Brook.\*

**Monday 21 December 1874** Hard at work all day.

**Tuesday 22 December 1874** Same

**Wednesday 23 December 1874** Same

<sup>159</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>160</sup> See 1 June.

**Thursday 24 December 1874** Chronicle brought out to-day instead of Saturday, owing to Xmas Day being on Friday.

**Friday Xmas Day 1874** My wife, children, father & mother-in-law,\* brother-in-law Joe,\* two sisters-in-law & two nieces (Rodgett's\* daughters) had dinner, tea & supper here to-day. In forenoon I looking after fires whilst my mother-in-law\* was cooking. We had roast turkey, beef & minced pies with admirable ale for dinner. In afternoon I read part of Dickens's Xmas Carol. At night after getting a special edition for to-morrow ready, I had a game at cards. Then at 10.30 to work, & remained till 1.30 in morning.

**Saturday 26 December 1874** Up at 8.40—Moses<sup>161</sup> in shop. A slack day. Closed at 4—same as other newspaper offices in town. In evening went with father-in-law\* to some shows in Orchard; then had a glass or two.

**Sunday 27 December 1874** Remained in house all day & in af[ternoo]n heard my children say their catechism &c.

**Monday 28 December 1874** Busy in office & shop till 10.25; then went to Kirkham, Lytham, Fleetwood & Blackpool collecting newspaper a/cs [accounts]. Very winterly—snow, frost & trains late. New Bremner treddle [sic] machine came to-day from Harrild & Sons, London.<sup>162</sup>

**Tuesday 29 December 1874** Throng in office & shop. Got new machine up into working order to-day after a severe struggle.

**Wednesday 30 December 1874** Busy in office & shop.

**Thursday 31 December 1874** Had a few glasses, after working hours. Father & mother in law\* &c came in to see new year in a right style.

<sup>161</sup> One of the *Chronicle* printers (see 15 June).

<sup>162</sup> Small foot-operated press, probably for producing page proofs.

[Pettitt's Scribbling Octavo Diary for 1875, interleaved blotting, with an almanack]<sup>1</sup>

[Above first entry, in Hewitson's hand:] A Hewitson's Diary Preston

[Anthony and Margaret Hewitson, their five children and Margaret's brother Joseph lived above the *Preston Chronicle* office and stationery shop at 125 Fishergate. Hewitson, aged 38, had owned the *Chronicle* for nearly seven years and was making a comfortable living from it, alongside freelance reporting, printing, and Margaret's stationery business. There are no entries from 31 May to 14 October, when Hewitson lost the diary during a move to the countryside for the summer.]

<sup>1</sup> Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/8.

## January

**Friday 1 January 1875** I thank God for seeing another new year. After celebrating the opening of the new year—perhaps not too wisely but too well, got to bed about 2. Up at 8.45. Working all day. Finished work at 1.30 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 2 January 1875** This day the Chronicle was enlarged from 48 to 56 columns.<sup>2</sup>

**Sunday 3 January 1875** In house all day—reading about arctic voyaging in the aft[ernoo]n & evening.3

**Monday 4 January 1875** At work all day. Registered Christened my daughter's birth to-day & named her Mabel.

**Tuesday 5 Jan 1875** Same

**Wednesday 6 Jan 1875** Same

**Thursday 7 Jan 1875** Same

**Friday 8 Jan 1875** Same

**Saturday 9 Jan 1875** Same

**Sunday 10 January 1875** Had a Turkish bath this forenoon. Went into one room & stayed a little when the heat was nearly 200 degrees.

**Monday 11 January 1875** In shop all day & at night to the Theatre with my wife & son Horace to see the pantomime of "Little Bo Peep". Pretty fair; good transform[atio]n scene.4

**Tuesday 12 January 1875** Ditto & to Theatre with my son Ethelbert at night. New servant Margaret from Penrith came to-day.<sup>5</sup> Wages 2/- per week. She's a girl of about 16 y[ea]rs old.

<sup>2</sup> The eight-page *Preston Chronicle* went from six columns per page to seven, the equivalent of more than one extra page.

<sup>3</sup> The British Admiralty had announced plans for an expedition to the North Pole via Smith Sound, to be led by Sir George Strong Nares.

<sup>4</sup> A pantomime convention in which characters or scenery undergo a magical change.

<sup>5</sup> Unidentified.

**Wednesday 13 January 1875** To Manchester to-day to look at a steam boiler. My boiler & engine<sup>6</sup> are too small. Took Bakewell,\* who is versed in machinery with me. Not satisfied as to price. Returned at 6.10 in evening.

**Thursday 14 January 1875** Working in office & shop all day. At night the travelling agent of Shand, Mason & Co called upon me & had a glass.<sup>7</sup> Aft[erwar]ds I was writing—throng till midnight. To-d

**Friday 15 January 1875** This morning's papers announced Mr Gladstone's resignation as leader of the Liberal party.<sup>8</sup> Finished work at midnight.

**Saturday 16 January 1875** Up at 7 & into shop & remained in more or less all day. At night one Draper,9 proprietor of Ormskirk Chronicle, waited upon me along with another person & we had three glasses at Shelley Arms. Later on Mr G S Kenyon<sup>10</sup> (Claughton) called & informed me that he had passed the College of Physicians, Edinburgh & later Ned Ambler\* & Will France\* called & we had a glass.

**Sunday 17 January 1875** In house, reading &c all day till evening then to Unitarian Chapel with my daughter Florence; aft[erwar]ds to fatherin-law's;\* home at 10.00.

**Monday 18 January 1875** Making out bills &c all day nearly till 9 at night.

**Tuesday 19 January 1875** Same till 10.

**Wednesday 20 January 1875** Same

<sup>6</sup> For the *Preston Chronicle*'s steam-powered printing press.

<sup>7</sup> Hewitson had done some writing work for this fire engine manufacturer (see 21 September 1874).

<sup>8</sup> William Gladstone had led the Liberals to a surprise defeat in the 1874 general election.

<sup>9</sup> Peter Draper (1824–1890), Conservative journalist, former editor of another Ormskirk paper, the *Advertiser* (*Liverpool Weekly Courier*, 6 December 1890, p. 7). His *Chronicle* was published 1872–78.

<sup>10</sup> Possibly a brother (unidentified) of Hewitson's friend James Kenyon.\*

**Thursday 21 January 1875** To day found a very bad leakage in boiler & had to borrow a portable engine & boiler from Mr T Standing.<sup>11</sup>

**Friday 22 January 1875** Got in portable affair to-day. A big job.

**Saturday 23 January 1875** To Bolton to day with Mr Livesey<sup>12</sup> & Mr Bakewell\* to look at a boiler—no go. Then to Halshaw Moor;13 then home.

**Sunday 24 January 1875** Easy day. To Unitarian Chapel at night.

**Monday 25 January 1875** Making out bills.

**Tuesday 26 January 1875** Bill making out & ill with sore eyes—inflamed.

**Wednesday 27 January 1875** Making out bills.

**Thursday 28 January 1875** Making out bills &c &c

**Friday 29 January 1875** In shop & office

**Saturday 30 January 1875** In shop & office all day.

**Sunday 31 January 1875** Had a Turkish Bath this morning. In aft[ernoo]n & evening reading Theodore Parker14 to my father-in-law\* who was "floored".<sup>15</sup>

<sup>11</sup> Thomas Standing (b. 1824), agricultural machinery merchant, Fishergate.

<sup>12</sup> Probably William Livesey.\*

<sup>13</sup> A district of Farnworth near Bolton.

<sup>14</sup> See 25 March 1866.

<sup>15</sup> Hung over?

### February

**Monday 1 February 1875** Making out bills. At night went to the Mitre Inn16 which, with other property, I have bought. Told landlord (Banks<sup>17</sup>) I should raise his rent from £80 to £100 a y[ea]r also take some of the premises from him, but gave him a lease. He was satisfied.

**Tuesday 2 February 1875** Making out bills all day.

**Wednesday 3 February 1875** Rose at 8.30. Making out a/cs [accounts]. At night to theatre with wife & saw a farce "Punch & his Persecutors"—a burlesque upon a fellow named Jim Emmet who recently summoned three young fellows for snowballing him.<sup>18</sup>

**Thursday 4 February 1875** A very hard day's work & therefore a very good day's work. All work is religion. At it till 11.30 at night.

**Friday 5 February 1875** Rose at 8.45. Worked hard all day—in shop writing for paper &c till after midnight.

**Saturday 6 February 1875** Up at 9. At work all day till 9.30. Then Will Atherton\* & Pateson\* called & we talked about my intended engine.

**Sunday 7 February 1875** Got up at 11.45. Had dinner & then drove to John Milner's,19 Myerscough, on business. Daughter Florrie with me. Awful dark back.

**Monday 8 February 1875** Making out bills all day except a little in forenoon when I went with Pateson\* to Mr J Clayton's20 foundry as to my engine. Looked through the foundry works. Very extensive & first class.

<sup>16</sup> On the opposite side of Fishergate to Hewitson's current premises.

<sup>17</sup> Joseph Banks (b. 1828) ran this pub 1873–1881.

<sup>18</sup> A Mr Emett of Great Avenham Street, Preston had objected to the noise of the snowballers. Defence solicitor, Mr Blackhurst, asked: 'Had you not a huge funnylooking nightcap, with a knob at the end, when you made your appearance at the window?' The three snowballers had then shouted 'Here's Punch!' and targeted Mr Emett, who returned fire with lumps of coal. A snowball broke a window. The snowballers were fined ten shillings each plus costs (*PC,* 16 January 1875, p. 5). Hewitson reviewed the skit (*PC,* 6 February 1875, p. 5).

<sup>19</sup> See 23 July 1874.

<sup>20</sup> Joseph Clayton (1801–1885), engineer and ironfounder, he designed and installed the boilers of the Houses of Parliament and the British Museum (*PH,* 5 December 1885, p. 7).

#### **Tuesday 9 February 1875** Same

**Wednesday 10 February 1875** Ditto

**Thursday 11 February 1875** Working till midnight.

**Friday 12 February 1875** Ditto

**Saturday 13 February 1875** Ditto to 11 o'c[loc]k.

**Sunday 14 February 1875** Rose at 11.40 this forenoon. In aft[ernoo]n read Sterne's Tristram Shandy;<sup>21</sup> aft[erwar]ds father-in-law\* came & then mother-in-law\* & spent the evening with us.

**Monday 15 February 1875** Making out bills. Joe begun his new lodgings to-day.<sup>22</sup>

**Tuesday 16 February 1875** Same. To-day Dr Kenealy23 was elected MP for Stoke in place of Ge[orge] Melly;24 & John Mitchell<sup>25</sup> [sic] for Tipperary. Wonders never cease. Father in law\* gave up McVities house in Cannon-st[ree]t<sup>26</sup> to day & stayed with mother-in-law\* at our house at night.

**Wednesday 17 February 1875** Father & mother-in-law\* to Sheffield; I went to Clapham Cave & inspected it.<sup>27</sup> Fine day; remarkable cave. Home at 7 pm.

<sup>21</sup> Laurence Sterne, *The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman* (Dublin, 1759–1767).

<sup>22</sup> Joseph Wilson, brother of Hewitson's wife Margaret, working for Hewitson as a printing apprentice, had lived with his employer throughout his apprenticeship.

<sup>23</sup> Edward Kenealy (1819–1880) later became infamous as defence barrister in the Tichborne Claimant trial.

<sup>24</sup> George Melly (1830–1894), had resigned as MP for Stoke to concentrate on his businesses. He was an unsuccessful Liberal candidate for Preston in an 1862 by-election.

<sup>25</sup> Irish republican radical journalist John Mitchel (1815–1875) was elected unopposed. He had been sentenced to 14 years of transportation for treason in 1848 because of his journalism, but escaped to the United State in 1853. He was denied his seat as a convicted felon.

<sup>26</sup> See 30 November 1874.

<sup>27</sup> Spectacular cave now known as Ingleborough Cave, near the village of Clapham in the West Riding of Yorkshire. Hewitson's visit appeared as no. 26 in his 'Sights and Incidents' series (*PC,* 27 February 1875, p. 6).

**Thursday 18 February 1875** Employed in office all day.

**Friday 19 February 1875** Same

**Saturday 20 February 1875** Same

**Sunday 21 February 1875** Did not get up till late. In aft[ernoo]n read Tristram Shandy & a lecture on Kent's Cavern.<sup>28</sup>

**Monday 22 February 1875** Making out bills &c to-day.

**Tuesday 23 February 1875** Same partially. Had two glasses of port wine with Mr H C Walton29 this aft[ernoo]n.

**Wednesday 24 February 1875** Sub-editing &c to-day. Herald & Guardian enlarged their supplements to-day. Owing to a defect in Herald machine I printed sup[plement] for the proprietors.30

**Thursday 25 February 1875** This evening Mr Joseph Dearden31 died. He was the Corporation beadle. Working in shop & office all day & till 11 at night.

**Friday 26 February 1875** Working in shop & office all day.

**Saturday 27 February 1875** Same. Paid for interest &c on money & rent in connec[tio]n with Mitre property to J Forshaw.32 Total purchase money £3,500; have paid £500 myself. At night, after shop closed had a chat & glasses of beer with friend Pateson.\*

**Sunday 28 February 1875** Had a Turkish bath this forenoon. In aft[ernoo]n read Tristram Shandy & a lecture on atoms.

<sup>28</sup> A cave near Torquay, Devon.

<sup>29</sup> See 21 June 1865.

<sup>30</sup> Preston's two biggest papers published smaller Wednesday editions (supplements) besides main Saturday editions. Hewitson's *Chronicle* published only on Saturdays. Such co-operation between rival papers was not unusual.

<sup>31</sup> Joseph Dearden (1811–1875) had carried out ceremonial duties such as carrying the mayor's mace for 38 years. One of the 'Seven men of Preston' who signed the first pledge of total abstinence from alcohol in 1833; local historian, publishing a history of the temperance movement and writing for local newspapers (*PC,* 27 February 1875, p. 4). He left 800 books, plus engravings, autographs and old playbills (*PH,* 21 April 1875, p. 8).

<sup>32</sup> See 2 January 1874.

# March

**Monday 1 March 1875** Dearden buried to-day. Went to funeral with Mr W[illia]m Livesey\* & Mr Boyden.33 We three went in a carriage & being cold & Mr Livesey not well returned after funeral service in chapel. It was a public funeral. In shop in aft[ernoo]n & writing at night.

**Tuesday 2 March 1875** Ordinary working to-day.

**Wednesday 3 March 1875** Same

**Thursday 4 March 1875** Same & working till 11 o'c[loc]k at night.

**Friday 5 March 1875** Same & working till 12 at night.

**Saturday 6 March 1875** Up at 7; working till 10.20 at night.

**Sunday 7 March 1875** Up at 12 at noon. Reading in aft[ernoo]n & evening.

**Monday 8 March 1875** My new boiler from Joe Clayton's, Soho Foundry, came to-day. A very good one. Price of it & putting up to be £150. Sent back Standing's agricultural engine & boiler (which I had borrowed) to-day. To Tradesmen's Ball with my wife to-night.

**Tuesday 9 March 1875** In office & shop all day. Had to give men allowance drink to-day.34 My son Bertie's birthday to-day.

**Wednesday 10 March 1875** Same.

**Thursday 11 March 1875** Same. New boiler had fire put under it this evening, so more allowance drunk. This allowance business particularly amongst mechanics & bricklayers is an unfair & damnable thing. They have no right to anything beyond their wages; but they might idle their time or "jerry" their work so one has to submit to this blackmailing process.

<sup>33</sup> George Boyden (1835–1924), part-owner and editor, *Preston Herald.* Had worked for papers in Stamford, Tiverton and Bristol before Preston*,* He later became owner-editor of the *Stratford-on Avon Herald* for more than 40 years until his death (*Leamington Spa Courier,* 22 August 1924, p. 4)*.* Marie Corelli was awarded a farthing damages against him for libel in 1903 (*PH,* 19 December 1903, p. 4).

<sup>34</sup> See entry for 11 March 1875; customary supply of drink to labourers at set stages of a piece of work.

**Friday 12 March 1875** Working all day. Boiler in excellent trim & worked well.

**Saturday 13 March 1875** Shop soon after 7 o'c[loc]k & at work till 10 at night.

**Sunday 14 March 1875** Rose at 11 this forenoon. In house all day.

**Monday 15 March 1875** In shop & office.

**Tuesday 16 March 1875** Ditto

**Wednesday 17 March 1875** Visited Lancaster Asylum for the Insane to-day to get particulars of it with the view of giving a descript[tion]n of same in Chronicle.

**Thursday 18 March 1875** Working in shop & office till 12 at night.

**Friday 19 March 1875** Same

**Saturday 20 March 1875** Rose at 6.30 & in shop till 10 at night.

**Sunday 21 March 1875** To tea this aft[ernoo]n with my wife to one Croasdale,35 Will France's\* relative.

**Monday 22 March 1875** Not over well—too merry last night. Brother in law John Wilson\* here. He got me to draw up a print circular as to his business at Lancaster, his manager—Heap—having started business on his own a/c [account].

**Tuesday 23 March 1875** Working in shop & office all day.

**Wednesday 24 March 1875** Same

**Thursday 25 March 1875** Same

**Friday 26 March 1875** Same

**Saturday 27 March 1875** Same

**Sunday 28 March 1875** Remained in home till 10 at night; then with wife went to Jones's plasterer,\* where there was a party & remained till 12.30.

<sup>35</sup> Possibly James Croasdale, landlord of the Market Hotel, Tithebarn St.

**Monday 29 March 1875** Rose at 8.30; shut up shop at 3 pm; aft[erwar]ds had a jaunt to Leyland in a conveyance with wife, sons, France,\* Bond\* & their wives. Had tea 1/6 each; home at 8.

**Tuesday 30 March 1875** In office & shop all day.

**Wednesday 31 March 1875** Went to laying of first stone of first place an hotel—at St Anne's on the sea, between Lytham & Blackpool this forenoon. Master Clifton, a boy,36 son of T H Clifton MP37 for North Lancashire laid it. St Anne's is a wild sand hill spot; intended at some time to be a watering place. After ceremony to a luncheon at Clifton Arms, Lytham. Home at 6 with Harry Hawkins\* who called upon me at night.38

<sup>36</sup> John Talbot Clifton (1868–1928), who became a traveller and hunter, after Eton and Cambridge.

<sup>37</sup> See 6 March 1866. Clifton had become an MP in 1874.

<sup>38</sup> The seaside resort of St Annes, named after Lady Anne Bentinck, the aunt of Sir John Talbot Clifton's wife. The Clifton family of Lytham Hall owned the land.

# April

**Thursday 1 April 1875** At work in shop & office all day.

**Friday 2 April 1875** Ditto & shop

**Saturday 3 April 1875** Ditto

**Sunday 4 April 1875** Will France\* & I had a Turkish bath this forenoon. In aft[ernoo]n he, his wife, Mr Jones,\* plasterer, Walter Bond,\* printer & Mr Jolly,39 spirit dealer & their wives &c had tea at my house & spent the night with us. A very lively affair.

**Monday 5 April 1875** Up at 8.15 & working more or less though not so very well all day.

**Tuesday 6 April 1875** (Same). At night went up to Harry Hawkins,\* Springfield, Fulwood. Had tea then met, there, Mr Tullis,40 contractor & Mr Irvine,41 barrister & had a lively time of it. A big discussion about the Bible occupying part of the time.

**Wednesday 7 April 1875** Same as to work.

**Thursday 8 April 1875** Same

**Friday 9 April 1875** Same

**Saturday 10 April 1875** Same. This aft[ernoo]n my father-in-law\* came over from Morecambe. At night I went to see Dr Brown,42 Winckley Square, as to a Chancery case. Had a glass or two of wine after a chat. He is a very nice fellow fond of a quiet joke

**Sunday 11 April 1875** Went to Unitarian Chapel this forenoon & brought away my books. I am the only printer who goes to that chapel.

<sup>39</sup> James Jolly, wine and spirit merchant of Friargate, possibly the same Jolly who courted the vicar's wife while her marriage was still a secret (see 28 June 1872).

<sup>40</sup> There were three Tullis brothers, all builders, who created many of Preston's major buildings: Alexander (1819–1891), David (1822–1902) and the latter's son, also David (c. 1848–1902), also a builder.

<sup>41</sup> Probably Pearson Robert Irvine (d. 1881).

<sup>42</sup> Dr Charles Brown (1836–1925), author of *Sixty-Four Years a Doctor: Reminiscences of Sir Charles Brown, an Octogenarian Lancashire Doctor* (Preston: George Toulmin & Sons, 1922).

I have endeavoured to please the Congrega[tio]n & promote the cause by printing in my paper sermons—very heterodox—& yet some of them have taken a printing job to a Methodist.43 At night had a pleasant time with father in law,\* France,\* Pateson\* &c

**Monday 12 April 1875** In shop main of day.

**Tuesday 13 April 1875** Same

**Wednesday 14 April 1875** This aft[ernoo]n my wife went to her father's\* at Morecambe with Llewie & Mabel.

**Thursday 15 April 1875** In shop &c all day. At night spent an hour & a half at Will France's\*. It was his birthday & he was giving a party.

**Friday 16 April 1875** Working in shop & office all day.

**Saturday 17 April 1875** In shop all day.

**Sunday 18 April 1875** To Morecambe with Florence my daughter this morning. Walked from Hest Bank to Morecambe along sands side. Beautiful walk—tide in, sea birds flying about. Spent a good part of day on pier where my father in law\* has a refreshment room.

**Monday 19 April 1875** Home at 8.10. In shop most part of day.

**Tuesday 20 April 1875** Same. At night had walk & a few glasses with Will France.\*

**Wednesday 21 April 1875** In shop all day & stayed in house main part of night. To bed at 10.30.

**Thursday 22 April 1875** This forenoon, soon after 10, Mr W Fort,44 dentists, Lune-st[ree]t, Preston had a paralytic stroke in our shop whilst talking with me. Got him a stimulant, took him home, & got a doctor. At work all day aft[erwar]ds .

**Friday 23 April 1875** At work all day.

#### **Saturday 24 April 1875** Same

<sup>43</sup> Possibly George Toulmin, Hewitson's rival and former employer.

<sup>44</sup> William Fort (1817–1875), Conservative, Anglican.

**Sunday 25 April 1875** This morning Mr Fort,45 who had never rallied, nor properly recovered consciousness, died. Age 58. At 8.20 to my father's,\* at Lancaster, with my sons Bertie & Horace. My wife went there from Morecambe on Thursday. A nice day.

**Monday 26 April 1875** Returned with my two sons from Lancaster early this morning. Wife returned in aft[ernoo]n.

**Tuesday 27 April 1875** Working all day.

**Wednesday 28 April 1875** Same

**Thursday 29 April 1875** Same

**Friday 30 April 1875** Same

<sup>45</sup> See 22 April.

### May

**Saturday 1 May 1875** A beautiful morning. Only a poor show of May day decorations amongst horses.46 Had a few glasses at France's\* at night.

**Sunday 2 May 1875** Reading &c & had a walk in aft[ernoo]n with my two lads Bert & Horace.

**Monday 3 May 1875** Working all day

**Tuesday 4 May 1875** Same & at night went up to Mr Metcalfe's47 at Ashton with France.\* Our wives had had tea there before. Returned soon & stayed at France's\* till late.

**Wednesday 5 May 1875** In shop &c all day

**Thursday 6 May 1875** Ditto

**Friday 7 May 1875** Ditto. To-day Fryer48 signed agreement to take his warehouse in Cannon-st[ree]t for 7 years—rent £46-10.

**Saturday 8 May 1875** Same more or less

**Sunday 9 May 1875** Reading Baedeckers Guide to Paris49 —a splendid little work nearly all day.

**Monday 10 May 1875** This aft[ernoo]n I, my wife, & children Llewellyn & Mabel with France's\* wife & youngest child had a drive by Ashton, Lea, Cottam, Woodplumpton, Broughton & on to Myerscough (& Roebuck); then home; beautiful. At night Banks<sup>50</sup> (Mitre) signed agreement to take place for 7 y[ear]s—rent £101-10 per year.

**Tuesday 11 May 1875** In shop & office all day.

<sup>46</sup> Horses were decorated with brasses and ribbons on May Day, particularly in Northern England.

<sup>47</sup> Possibly John Metcalf (c. 1843–1900), hot water engineer.

<sup>48</sup> Frank J. Fryer, soap and candle maker, presumably a sitting tenant (see 21 August 1881).

<sup>49</sup> Published in English 1867.

<sup>50</sup> See 1 February.

**Wednesday 12 May 1875** Same

**Thursday 13 May 1875** Same

**Friday 14 May 1875** Same

**Saturday 15 May 1875** Same. My father\* came over from Lancaster this aft[ernoo]n. At night he & I went into Orchard which was full of shows &c. We went into some—my sons Bert & Horace with us—& had a few shots in shooting galleries.

**Sunday 16 May 1875** Had a walk this aft[ernoo]n with my two sons Bert & Horace & father\* through Avenham & Miller parks.

**Whit Monday 17 May 1875** Great processions to-day in town. Very fine, Catholic guilds particularly—but Protestant schools were greater.<sup>51</sup> In evening I, my two sons & father\* had a walk & saw two or three drunken young women—one shamefully inebriated. At 10.20 I & my wife went to Glasgow by a cheap trip.

**Tuesday 18 May 1875** Landed at Glasgow at 5.30 this morning. Went to steamship Iona, along with many of the excursionists, had a wash & breakfast on board & sailed down Clyde, through Kyles of Bute to Tichnibrough [Tighnabruaich]*;* then back—staying at Rothesay a while—& then to Glasgow, landing at 7.15. Aft[erwar]ds to the Royal. Slept at Washington.<sup>52</sup>

**Wednesday 19 May 1875** Rose at 8, breakfast, looked through Glasgow Cathedral & St George's Square & then by train to Balloch; aft[erwar]ds by steamboat to Tarbert, opposite Ben Lomond. A beautiful sail. Got back to Glasgow at 5 o'c[loc]k; tea at Washington & left by train at 6.20

**Thursday 20 May 1875** Landed at Preston at 2 o'c[loc]k this morning, home & found all children right. To bed & up at 8. In shop & office all day.

**Friday 21 May 1875** Ditto

<sup>51</sup> The Catholic Guilds were friendly societies, clubs providing welfare benefits.

<sup>52</sup> Washington Hotel, Sauchiehall St, demolished 1935.

#### **Saturday 22 May 1875** Ditto

**Sunday 23 May 1875** At 9.10 this morning I & wife to L[iver]pool; in aft[ernoo]n to London which place we reached at 9.45 & stayed at an hotel in Arundel St[ree]t.

**Monday 24 May 1875** Up at 8, took lodgings at Mrs Holman's coffee & dining house, 143 Fleet St[ree]t, then to Zoological Gardens; then to Madame Tussaud's exhibition; then to House of Commons; then to Cremorne Gardens; & got back to lodgings at 11.30 at night.

**Tuesday 25 May 1875** To several places for a/cs [accounts];53 then to Webb st[ree]t trying to find School of Anatomy,54 which had b[ee]n shifted; then to Bernard Bussey's\* in Grosvenor Park, Camberwell, where we had dinner; then with him to House of Commons & Westminster Abbey. Spent night in looking about.

**Wednesday 26 May 1875** To the Derby race,<sup>55</sup> by road, with wife. An immense sight. Never saw anything like the life on the road, the multitude at race, & the scenes coming back. Got to lodgings at 10.30.

**Thursday 27 May 1875** Returned to Preston by train reaching here at 3.40. Working in shop till 11. Found all right.

**Friday 28 May 1875** My new engine started to-day; but not in perfect working order; it will be more right next week. A beautiful horizontal engine made by Omman[e]y & Tatham of Salford.

**Saturday 29 May 1875** In shop & office till 7.10; then went & had a Turkish bath. At night Will France\* called & had a glass.

**Sunday 30 May 1875** In house all day—packing, reading &c

**Monday 31 May 1875** From this date to Monday Oct 25 no entry appears, owing to this book being lost. In the interval we have had our children at

<sup>53</sup> Probably advertising agents, to sell advertising space for national products and/or to collect fees owing.

<sup>54</sup> Edward Grainger's School of Anatomy in Webb St near Guy's and St Thomas's hospitals had closed in 1842.

<sup>55</sup> The famous horse race at Epsom, 18 miles south of London.

a cottage belonging to Mr Adam Leigh,<sup>56</sup> Lea, not far from Clock House on the right hand side of the road at the turn, just before reaching Clock House. Rent for six months 3/6 per week.

Have not had much time to spare for pleasure at Lea; but for all that have spent some very comfortable hours.

<sup>56</sup> See 30 March 1872.

# October

**Thursday 14 October 1875** Young Squire Wilson-Ffrance, Rawcliffe Hall, burnt ("for fun"), the old peg mill<sup>57</sup> in Little Eccleston this evening.<sup>58</sup>

**Friday 15 October 1875** [No entry.]

**Saturday 16 October 1875** Gave to each purchaser of Chronicle, picture representing Archbishop & Bishops of England & Wales.59

**Sunday 17–Sunday 24 October 1875** [No entries]

**Monday 25 October 1875** Joe Wilson, jun[io]r (brother in law)\* who has served his time with me began as journeyman to-day or rather as my foreman.<sup>60</sup> Wages 35/= per week for first year; £2 aft[erwar]ds. Supper & presentation tonight in honour of his coming of age & being out of his time. Proceedings very jolly.

**Tuesday 26 October 1875** Rose at 8.30. Not over excellent in spirits, having had too many last night. In aft[ernoo]n I, wife & several other parties went to W J Parkinson's,\* Myerscough House; had tea, a dance, supper & a chat &c. Returned about midnight.

**Wednesday 27 October 1875** At work about 8.45 & kept hard at it till 6 o'c[loc]k at night when I went to Harry Hawkins's,\* Springfield, whither my wife & two sisters in law had previously gone. Had tea. Aft[erwar]ds played at cards. Remained till 11 o'c[loc]k.

**Thursday 28 October 1875** This forenoon went to Garstang. Young Wilson-Ffrance, & two London swells named Burt & Dixon, were

<sup>57</sup> Type of windmill that could be turned to face the wind.

<sup>58</sup> Robert John Barton Wilson-Ffrance (1855–1897), heir to a large Fylde estate, had an old windmill in Little Eccleston soaked in paraffin and set fire to it (the flames could be seen for miles) to celebrate winning a county court case at Garstang, brought by the landlady of the Black Bull, Great Eccleston, for £25 owed for board, lodging and refreshment for himself and four of his friends from summer 1874. The defence was a 'plea of infancy', as he was still a minor as a ward in chancery. As the landlady left court, she was heard to say: 'He's 13st. weight and nearly six feet high —a nice infant, certainly!' (*Berwickshire News,* 12 October 1875, p. 6).

<sup>59</sup> Many newspapers gave or sold the same sheet of engravings, presumably produced by a London printer, to mark the Church Congress, a meeting of the worldwide Anglican church, in Stoke.

<sup>60</sup> Wilson had completed his printing apprenticeship.

brought up on remand at Garstang Town Hall for ducking in a water tank, & burning, one wig & gown of one Mr Mugliston, barrister, of London at Ffrance's residence—Rawcliffe Hall. Mugliston had come down to defend Ffrance in a case of debt. The matter was arranged apologies etc., Ffrance has been a terrible wild foolish "shaver".<sup>61</sup>

**Friday 29 October 1875** My father in law\* bought to day Bank Top in Penwortham, the property of W J Parkinson,\* Myerscough House, for £595.<sup>62</sup>

**Saturday 30 October 1875** Up at 9.45—did not get to bed till 2 in morning; working all day till 3 pm when I went to see our children at cottage Lea road.

**Sunday 31 October 1875** Mother in law\* down at my cottage this weekend.

<sup>61</sup> The barrister, probably Henry B Mugliston (b. 1849), had tried to stop Wilson-Ffrance from setting fire to the windmill.

<sup>62</sup> Wilson had retired from running the Morecambe pier refreshment rooms. The house included stable and coachhouse, and three-quarters of an acre of gardens.

# November

**Monday 1 November 1875** Working all day in shop & office

**Tuesday 2 November 1875** Ditto

**Wednesday 3 November 1875** Ditto

**Thursday 4 November 1875** Same. Looked in, with my son Ethelbert, at Exhibition63 this evening, for a little while.

**Friday 5 November 1875** Hard working in shop & office all day. My wife, children &c left cottage at Lea for home to-day. Weather bad & our time for renting cottage about up.

**Saturday 6 November 1875** Good deal of talk to-day as to Mayoralty of Preston as to whom the honour should fall upon. All uncertain. At work till about 10 pm.

**Sunday 7 November 1875** Stayed in house all day arranging pictures in sitting room &c. At night reading Darwin's Origin of Species.64

**Monday 8 November 1875** Working in shop.

**Tuesday 9 November 1875** Joe Hallmark<sup>65</sup> elected Mayor of Preston to-day. He's an ironmonger—a plain genial, decent sort of fellow. There was a luncheon aft[erwar]ds at which talk "ran high". Chas Fryer,66 late mayor, elected Town Clerk to-day in place of R Ascroft\*, resigned.

**Wednesday 10 November 1875** Working in shop all day. At night to the Exhibition to get particulars of the scientific department. Aft[erwar]ds had a pint of beer with Will Atherton\* &c &c then home at 11.10.

**Thursday 11 November 1875** Working in office all day.

<sup>63</sup> The Preston Exhibition of Works of Art, Industry, &c.

<sup>64</sup> Darwin's book had been first published in 1859, and was in its sixth edition by 1875, the ensuing debate still fierce, reignited in 1874 by a lecture from the eminent scientist John Tyndall (1820–1893), who Hewitson admired.

<sup>65</sup> Joseph Bithell Hallmark (1834–1892), ironmonger, Conservative, Anglican, 'quick, sanguine and tenacious; has excellently-sized cheeks; washes himself well'. He left £11,739 (*PTC*).

<sup>66</sup> See 4 June 1874.

**Saturday 13 November 1875** To bed at 2 am; up at 9.30; working all day.

**Sunday 14 November 1875** Mayor's procession to Parish Church to-day. Went to Town Hall & shook hands congratulating mayor; then away.

**Monday 15 November 1875** In shop all day. My father-in-law\* here.

**Tuesday 16 November 1875** My father in law\* p[ai]d for Bank Top property to-day.

**Wednesday 17 November 1875** This evening went to [E]xhibition.

**Thursday 18 November 1875** Working all day & till 10.30 at night.

**Friday 19 November 1875** At work all day till after midnight.

**Saturday 20 November 1875** This evening went to Walton-le-Dale to a rearing supper of H Snape—of a house between Walton & Higher Walton. Stayed till 10.30; got rather too much whiskey punch, but spent a pleasant evening. Home at 11.5.<sup>67</sup>

**Sunday 21 November 1875** Had a Turkish bath this forenoon.

**Monday 22 November 1875** Early this morning Councillor James alias "Pepper" Parker died, at his residence Winckley Square. He had led a dissolute life. Died wealthy.<sup>68</sup>

**Tuesday 23 November 1875** Working all day. At night went to Exhibition (at Corn Exchange) with three of my children—Florrie, Bertie & Horace. I went up to outside of building, upon a specially constructed platform & saw a fine electric light displayed.69

**Wednesday 24 November 1875** At work all day. At night to a great meeting in the theatre condemnatory of the duty (5 per cent) on cotton

<sup>67</sup> A celebration of the completion of building work on Birch House, Walton-le-Dale, the new home of Henry Snape (1829–1878), auctioneer and timber dealer, Poor Law Guardian.

<sup>68</sup> See 2 November 1874.

<sup>69</sup> Hewitson's friend Pateson had helped set up the electric light.

goods sent from England to India.<sup>70</sup> Mr E Hermon,\* MP for Preston, in chair. Numerous speeches & some of the "orators" wretched speakers. The operative men surpassed, in speaking, the masters.

**Thursday 25 November 1875** Very hard day's work in writing, bookkeeping &c

**Friday 26 November 1875** Writing hard all day. Pepper Parker buried to-day. No public sympathy. George Galloway,\* manufacturer, & John Bamber,<sup>71</sup> joiner, candidates for his seat. At work till 2.30 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 27 November 1875** Working in shop & office all day.

**Sunday 28–Thursday 30 November 1875** [No entries]

<sup>70</sup> The duty was removed on all but the highest quality goods in 1879, and abolished completely in 1882.

<sup>71</sup> John Bamber (1823–1881) of Ribblesdale Place, joiner and builder, Conservative.

## December

**Wednesday 1 December 1875** Working all day. In evening on election business & later on to Exhibition; thence to a sort of supper at Angel Inn with members of the Scientific Council<sup>72</sup> & got more whiskey punch than did me good.

**Thursday 2 December 1875** Up & at work by 8.35 but not well & went & had a Turkish bath. Aft[erwar]ds at work till 10 at night.

**Friday 3 December 1875** Working hard all day.

**Saturday 4 December 1875** Same up to tea time & then gossiping on election matters &c

**Sunday 5 December 1875** Reading; at night went with my wife to Will France's\* & had a smoke & a glass.

**Monday 6 December 1875** Working & knocking about.

**Tuesday 7 December 1875** Same

**Wednesday 8 December 1875** Same

**Thursday 9 December 1875** In shop & office till evening & then to an elec[tio]n meeting of Mr Galloway's\* supporters.

**Friday 10 December 1875** Working in connection with paper all day.

**Saturday 11 December 1875** Same—up at 6 & at work till 9 when I went out with two friends on elec[tio]n matters & did not return till after midnight.

**Sunday 12 December 1875** Reading in house greater part of day except for a period in aft[ernoo]n when I & my wife went to see our children's grave at cemetery.

**Monday 13 December 1875** Working in shop all day. At night to three ward meetings in favour of Mr Geo[rge] Galloway.\* Good meetings.

<sup>72</sup> Organisers of the scientific part of the recent exhibition, including Hewitson's friend Robert Pateson.\*

Aft[erwar]ds went to Bull Hotel with Mr Galloway &c & remained there discussing vital election moves till after 11 o'c[loc]k.

**Tuesday 14 December 1875** In shop & office till about 8.35 & then, being requested, went to a private meeting to arrange for to-morrow's warfare.

**Wednesday 15 December 1875** Election Day—St John's ward—great fight. Money spent on both Bamber's & Galloway's\* side. Bamber won by 70 votes. Galloway w[oul]d, I think, have won but for treachery of one of the men who agreed to work on his side & then went over to the other. In the evening I had sundry glasses & later on went to hear a reading by "Leo Ross"73 at Town Hall, with my wife & Florrie my daughter.

**Thursday 16 December 1875** Busy in shop &c all day.

**Friday 17 December 1875** Same till after midnight. To bed at about 2 am Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 18 December 1875** Up & at work by about 7. Kept at work till 8.30. This was our sheet almanack day. After 8.30 had a few glasses with friends & later on H. L. Whitehead74 and I did a little chamming75 in my shop. Stayed up with him till about 12.

**Sunday 19 December 1875** Got up late & read.

**Monday 20 December 1875** Working all day. Bought a safe to-day for £15-10 from Mr H C Walton,<sup>76</sup> auctioneer, & had it fixed in shop.

**Tuesday 21 December 1875** Same

**Wednesday 22 December 1875** Same till 10.30 at night.

**Thursday 23 December 1875** Same till midnight.

<sup>73</sup> Elocutionist and dramatic reader.

<sup>74</sup> Henry Lawson Whitehead (1836–1925?) of Avenham Terrace, wholesale grocer. Liberal, Wesleyan.

<sup>75</sup> Drinking champagne (to excess): Jonathan Geen, *Green's Dictionary of Slang*, https:// greensdictofslang.com/entry/vqrwbli.

<sup>76</sup> See 21 June 1865.

**Friday 24 December 1875** Brought out Chronicle to-day; tomorrow being Xmas Day. Gave an office almanack to day—a good one.

**Saturday 25 December 1875** Had a Turkish Bath this forenoon. I & my wife & family had a turkey & plum pudding for dinner. In aft[ernoo]n I played at Beggar My Neighbour<sup>77</sup> with my children. At night went to Will France's\* & had a glass or two & a pipe.

**Sunday 26 December 1875** In afternoon had a walk with my sons Bert & Horace to Bank Top, Penwortham—place my father in law\* has bought.

**Monday 27 December 1875** This forenoon took my wife & my children Florence, Bert, Horace & Llewellyn to Southport. Very mild day. On getting to Southport we saw the pier—rode to end & back; then to Winter Gardens & Aquarium & after sauntering about for a while returned home. At night I & my wife went to pantomime at Theatre— Parkinson's;\* "Cinderella" being given by opera company. Full house & good performance.

**Tuesday 28 December 1875** Working all day. Llewie not so well & sent for doctor—got cold or something.

**Wednesday 29 December 1875** This morning Paley's mill, off London Road, was burned down. At night I went to see Harry Hawkins\* who had been ill for several days. Stayed about 3 hours & came back with Mr Tullis,78 calling at his house for a short time, & then home.

**Thursday 30 December 1875** Busy working in shop all day.

**Friday 31 December 1875** Same. At night Will France\* called & had a few glasses. I let new year into his house & then came to let it into my own. It being deemed lucky—an "old wife's" tale—for a dark complexioned man to do this. Sat up till about 2 am Sat[urday] morning. This year has been a prosperous one for me & on behalf of myself & my wife & family. I thank God for all his goodness.

<sup>77</sup> Card game.

<sup>78</sup> See 6 April.

[Letts's No. 26 Pocket Diary]<sup>1</sup>

[on title page in Hewitson's hand:] A Hewitson's Diary

[Anthony and Margaret Hewitson and their seven children now lived away from the newspaper office, at 1 Avenham Terrace, in a middle-class area. Instead of Nonconformist chapels, they attended the Anglican St George's church in the town centre, whose congregation (according to Hewitson in 1869) comprised 'young ladies wearing on just one hair the latest of bonnets, and elaborated with costly silks and ribbons; tender gentlemen of the silver-headed cane school and the "my deah fellah" region; quiet substantial looking men of advanced years, who believe in good breeding and properly brushed clothes; elderly matrons, "awfully spiff" as Lady Wortley Montague would say; and a few well-disposed tradespeople who judiciously mingle piety with business, and never make startling noises during their devotional moments'. The Hewitsons fell into the last category. Margaret's father Joseph Wilson\* died in 1879. Hewitson, 44, was still owner-editor of the *Preston Chronicle;* he had moved his publishing office across Preston's main street, to 18a Fishergate, in front of the Mitre public house, which he owned. While he acknowledged in his 1872 volume that he had not kept a diary for some years, here there is no explanation for the gap from 1875 until 1881, so we do not know if there are any missing volumes. Hewitson writes nothing under many dates, and the last entry for this year is 5 November. The frequent crossings-out suggest that he often made up his diary retrospectively, sometimes mixing up the weeks.]

<sup>1</sup> Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/17.

[Before first entry:]

God be with me & may this year be a happy and prosperous one to me & mine.

AH

### January

**Saturday 1 January 1881** Working from about 10 am to about 10.30 pm with some easy intervals.

**Sunday–Monday 31 January 1881** [No entries]

### February

#### **Tuesday 1–Friday 4 February 1881** [No entries]

**Saturday 5 February 1881** Thomas Carlyle died to-day in his 86th year at 5 Cheyne row Chelsea.

**Sunday 6 February 1881** Alderman & Mrs Hibbert<sup>2</sup> at our house this evening.

#### **Monday 7–Wednesday 9 February 1881** [No entries]

**Thursday 10 February 1881** Rose at 5.20. Went to station. Met Alderman J. Hibbert\* (Mayor of Preston). With him at 6. Proceeded to Ecclefechan, to funeral of Thomas Carlyle. Did not know on starting what time funeral would take place. On getting to Carlisle overtook funeral party and rode with one of the undertakers forward. Corpse in a very plain hearse on a truck behind. Got to Ecclefechan station a little after 10. Funeral at about 12.35 in U[nited P[resbyterian] church yard—right hand corner after entrance. No ceremony—not a word said or sung by anybody.3 Mr J. A. Froude,<sup>4</sup> Mr Lecky<sup>5</sup> & Professor Tyndall<sup>6</sup> amongst those present. Very few strangers present. The family mourners included James Carlyle (Thomas's brother) & some nephews & nieces of Thomas. During our stay at Ecclefechan we visited the "Arched House" where T. Carlyle was born. Returned same day, getting to Preston about 7.35 pm. I afterwards worked at ledger & adverts till 11.25. Then to bed; but slept very little. An account of my visit to Ecclefechan afterwards appeared in the Chronicle.<sup>7</sup>

<sup>2</sup> James Hibbert,\* now mayor of Preston, and his French wife, Anna Harriette (b. 1836).

<sup>3</sup> This uninvited attendance at the funeral of one of the nineteenth century's most influential thinkers was a mixture of homage and literary tourism. Hewitson had visited Carlyle at his Chelsea home, also uninvited (see 3 October 1872). The body was taken from London by train.

<sup>4</sup> James Anthony Froude (1818–1894), Carlyle's disciple and biographer.

<sup>5</sup> William Lecky (1838–1903), Irish historian and political theorist.

<sup>6</sup> John Tyndall (c.1822–1893), Irish shoemaker's son, physicist, mountaineer, and populariser of science, who studied the greenhouse effect, although not under that name. Worked for the Ordnance Survey in Preston, in the early 1840s, before he was sacked in 1843 along with the other Irish surveyors for complaining about poor treatment by their English bosses. Became superintendent of the Royal Institution in London.

<sup>7</sup> Hewitson's obituary and funeral report made one-and-a-half columns in the *Preston Chronicle* (12 February 1881, p. 3) with a more personal two-column article

**Friday 11–Sunday 20 February 1881** [No entries]

**Monday 21 February 1881** With Alderman Hibbert\* in the Mayor's Parlour talking, smoking and glass-lifting from about 3 to 7.30 pm.

**Tuesday 22–Saturday 26 February 1881** [No entries]

**Sunday 27 February 1881** To St George's church with Bertie & Horace in forenoon.

**Monday 28 February 1881** [No entry]

the following week ('"The Sage of Chelsea." Half a day where he was born and buried. [By a Preston Scribe.],' *PC,* 19 February 1881, p. 6), describing how Hewitson imposed himself on Froude, Lecky and Tyndall.

### March

**Tuesday 1 March 1881** Ald[er]m[an] Hibbert,\* Mrs Hibbert, I & my wife to Mr H. Davies's,<sup>8</sup> Ashton freehold<sup>9</sup> this day—wives went in the af[ternoo]n; husbands in evening. Did not enjoy myself very much, owing chiefly to the proud, starchy, empty-headedness of Mrs Forshaw.<sup>10</sup> She did not say much; but her manner—oh my! And [word]; at least came from [word]. Her husband (Alderman Forshaw<sup>11</sup>) was present & was very familiar. & why not? Returned w[ith] H[ibbert] & wife, in a cab, at about 11.40. Snowing, or had been.

**Wednesday 2 – Saturday 5 March 1881** [No entries]

**Sunday 6 March 1881** To church (St. G[eorge's]) with B[ertie] & H[orace].

**Monday 7–Tuesday 8 March 1881** [No entries]

**Wednesday 9 March 1881** My son Bertie 16 y[ea]rs old to-day. How short the time seems since I was running for the doctor, when he was being born!

#### **Thursday 8–Saturday 12 March 1881** [No entries]

**Sunday 13 March 1881** To St. George's ch[urc]h in forenoon with my two sons Bertie & Horace. In af[ternoo]n walked over to the Oaks, Penwortham, to inquire after health of Mr John Cooper,\* who, I found was laid up with gout &c in his bed. On returning had a read about Irish landlords & tenants<sup>12</sup> & later on a very long read in Mr Carlyle's Reminiscences.13 Czar of Russia Alex[ande]r 2 assassinated to-day.14

<sup>8</sup> Davies\* was now chief proprietor of the Conservative *Preston Herald* and *Blackburn Standard.*

<sup>9</sup> Area of Preston originally developed by a freehold land society, part of an unsuccessful national movement to provide cheap properties to Liberal supporters of enough value to make them eligible to vote.

<sup>10</sup> Hester Eliza Forshaw née Horrocks (b. 1838), granddaughter of John Horrocks, of the wealthy cotton family.

<sup>11</sup> See 2 January 1874.

<sup>12</sup> Prime Minister William Gladstone had announced plans for legislation to increase the rights of tenants in Ireland.

<sup>13</sup> Carlyle's *Reminiscences,* edited by Froude and rushed out after his death, gave a shocking and candid account of his marriage to Jane Carlyle, and caused a sensation.

<sup>14</sup> The assassination was the start of Russia's revolutionary era.

#### **Monday 14 March 1881** [no entry]

**Tuesday 15 March 1881** We removed to-day (Tuesday) to 6 Fishergate Hill, Preston.<sup>15</sup> Rent £40 per year & to clear.<sup>16</sup> Landlord—Ex[ecut]ors of late Nicholas Hayes.<sup>17</sup> Have taken it on a lease for five years. It is a good & on the whole comfortable house.

#### **Wednesday 16–Friday 18 March 1881** [No entries]

**Saturday 19 March 1881** This af[ternoo]n taking down my books (left) from 1 Avenham Terrace to 6 Fishergate Hill. In evening had 2 glasses of whiskey with the Mayor in the Town Hall.

**Sunday 20 March 1881** Putting up my books in two new cases which cost me £10—made by Golifer<sup>18</sup> joiner, Cannon-st[ree]t. And at about 5 in af[ternoo]n went with my wife & her mother\* to Will France's\* where we had tea & spent a pleasant evening.

**Monday 21 March 1881** Called at Mr Jno [John] Cooper's\* office, Winckley-st[ree]t & found him there. He had sufficiently recovered from his late indisposition to be able to do this; but he seemed much thinner When I mentioned this he s[ai]d—referring to his age (going on 73) "Aye, aye; 73 times up"

To Theatre with my son Bertie at night. Play—"HMS Pinafore".

#### **Tuesday 22**

Bought, or rather exchanged, my old for a new gold watch to-day at Johnson's, Orchard Street. Price of new one £32.

#### **Wednesday 23**

Had a sitting with Alderman Hibbert at his house for 2 or 3 hours this night, talking about municipal matters, Thomas Carlyle &c

**Thursday 24 March 1881** [No entry]

<sup>15</sup> Three-storey townhouse at the western end of Preston's main street.

<sup>16</sup> Meaning unknown.

<sup>17</sup> Hayes (1806–1881), grocer and brushmaker, once Preston's only Roman Catholic councillor, died 6 February (*PC,* 12 February 1881, p. 5).

<sup>18</sup> James Golifer (1830–1913).

**Friday 25 & Saturday 26** Working hard more or less, specially hard on Friday.

**Sunday 27** To St George's church with my sons E, H & L in forenoon. In af[ternoo]n finished Carlyle's Reminiscences. At night reading a book entitled Five Years Penal Servitude. Afterwards took home my motherin-law; wife with me. Very cold. East wind. Home at about 10.25.

**Monday 28 March 1881** To Theatre Royal with my son to night & saw burlesque "H M S Pinafore".19 Good company. Piece laughable here & there; but not so good as I had expected.

**Tuesday 29 March 1881** Working all day.

**Wednesday 30 March 1881** Ditto. At 8.45 went to the Mayor's (Ald[erman] Hibbert's\*) had a long chat & left about midnight. Our talk was about corporate matters, Thomas Carlyle &c.

**Thursday 31 March 1881** To-day amongst other things reporting adjourned annual General Sessions at Preston Court House. Spoke to Mr J Thomson<sup>20</sup> JP of Wray. The Rev Shepherd Birley21 was present & looked aged & fat and wild about his eyes. He has been ill.

<sup>19</sup> Gilbert and Sullivan's fourth operatic collaboration and their first international sensation, first performed in 1878; presented in Preston by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company.

<sup>20</sup> See 26 June 1873.

<sup>21</sup> See 2 April 1874.

# April

**Friday 1 April 1881** Mr John Cooper\* my old & true friend (I mean John of the Oaks, Penwortham) made us an excellent money present to-day.

**Saturday 2 April 1881** [No entries]

**Sunday 3 April 1881** To church (St George's) with my three sons E[thelbert], H[orace] & L[lewellyn] this forenoon. In af[ternoo]n I finished Carlyle's Reminiscences (2 vols). First much pleasanter reading than the second. After[war]ds read for some time the experiences of a man sentenced to 5 years penal servitude.<sup>22</sup> A graphically written book. At night I & my wife accompanied her mother,\* who had been to her tea at our house. Cold. East wind. Home by about 10.30.

#### **Monday 4 April 1881 [**No entries]

**Tuesday 5 April 1881** Had a Turkish bath this af[ternoo]n & at night to Mayor's parlour with Mayor & Councillor H. Davies.\* We stayed till about midnight & then they accompanied me home (6 Fishergate Hill) where they remained for a while.

**Wednesday 6 April 1881** Not so well. To old John Bamber's23 furniture sale in the af[ternoo]n with my wife. I bought portraits of R Townley Parker & late Lord Derby.24

#### **Thursday 7–Friday 8 April 1881** [No entries]

**Saturday 9 April 1881** This af[ternoo]n to Rawtenstall to report a Conservative meeting for the London Standard.<sup>25</sup> Had to come home by going round by Manchester. Home at 2.45 am Sunday morning.

**Sunday 10 April 1881** Felt tired this forenoon & did not go to church; but my wife & three sons & Mabel did. In af[ternoo]n had a walk w[ith] 3 sons through Penwortham. Reading af[terwar]ds.

<sup>22</sup> Edward Callow, *Five Years' Penal Servitude: By One Who Has Endured It* (London: Richard Bentley & Son, 1877).

<sup>23</sup> See 26 November 1875.

<sup>24</sup> Bamber's Conservative politics were reflected in the portraits.

<sup>25</sup> The speaker was Sir John Holker, Preston Conservative MP, who had been attorneygeneral until Gladstone's Liberals won the 1880 general election. Hewitson's report made half a column (*Standard,* 11 April 1881, p. 3).

**Monday 11 April 1881** This af[ternoo]n Mrs Hibbert<sup>26</sup> &c to our house. Mr H[ibbert]\* fetched her at night. We had a long smoke, chat &c. Mrs H[ibbert] was staying while my wife made her two jars for St Matthew's bazaar.

**Tuesday 12–Wednesday 13 April 1881** [No entries]

**Thursday 14 April 1881** Mrs Hibbert again at our house on same business this af[ternoo]n. Mr H[ibbert]\* came for her at night & stayed a while as usual.

**Friday 15 April 1881** Finished work this evening at 11.30—2½ hours sooner than I generally do.

**Saturday 16 April 1881** [No entry]

**Easter Sunday 17 April 1881** To St George's ch[urc]h with 4 of my children this forenoon. Sat down—in doubt & disgust—while the Athanasian creed27 was being read.

**Easter Monday 18 April 1881** At work till noon. Closed shop about 1pm. Peddling about at home in afternoon. Cap[tai]n (LAV), Mrs & Miss Whitehead<sup>28</sup> at our house.

**Tuesday 19 April 1881** Went to Mr Alderman Hibbert's\* this evening where had previously gone my wife & daughter. Stayed till about midnight.

**Wednesday 20 April 1881** Working all day.

**Thursday 21 April 1881** Ditto

**Friday 22 April 1881** Ditto

**Saturday 23 April 1881** Ditto more or less the same.

<sup>26</sup> See 6 February 1881.

<sup>27</sup> Statement of Christian belief emphasising the doctrine of the Trinity, and, unusually, includes an 'anathema', saying that evil-doers will go 'into everlasting fire'.

<sup>28</sup> Anthony H.H. Whitehead (c. 1820–1892), Irish-born former soldier and officer in the Lancashire Artillery Volunteers, freemason and Mrs Jane Whitehead (1824). They had three unmarried daughters at this time. (*PH,* 24 September 1892, p. 2).

**Sunday 24 April 1881** To St George's ch[urc]h with my wife & 4 children this forenoon. In af[ternoo]n & night reading.

**Monday 25 April 1881** At work. Mrs Hibbert & her sister-in-law (Mrs Fryer29) to tea & supper. Nothing particular.

**Tuesday 26 April 1881** To Much Hoole to look at furniture, for sale next day, of Rev R Brickell30 deceased. Wanted a book case but his too small for my purpose. Fine day. Walked from & to Midgehall station. Got my glass cased book case in to-day. It was bought at John Gardner's31 sale, 1 Spring Bank & cost me £4=7.

**Wednesday 27 April 1881** Went down to Mr Hibberts after working all day & stayed till about midnight.

**Thursday 28 April 1881** At work

**Friday 29 April 1881** D[itt]o

**Saturday 30 April 1881** D[itt]o, more or less

<sup>29</sup> Martha Fryer née Hibbert (1838–1885), youngest sister of James Hibbert. Francis James Fryer, soap and candle maker (and Hewitson's tenant of a Cannon St warehouse), was her second husband, Robert Livesey her first.

<sup>30</sup> Rev. Robert Brickel (c. 1813–1881), rector of Hoole.

<sup>31</sup> Unidentified.

### May

**Sunday 1 May 1881** To St George's church this forenoon. Reading in af[ternoo]n. At night went & had a chat with Hibbert.\*

**Monday 2 May 1881** Working all day—getting up & sending off questions as to free libraries, tramways &c for J Hallam<sup>32</sup> of Toronto.

**Tuesday 3 May 1881** At work & had a Turkish bath at Singleton's,\* Grimshaw St to-day.

**Wednesday 4 May 1881** Work all day.

**Thursday 5 May 1881** Ditto

**Friday 6 May 1881** D[itt]o. Mr E Hermon,\* senior MP for Preston, died this morning in London. He was taken ill in House of Commons last evening. Much respected & liked in Preston—Liberal Conservative—in reality a Liberal, but by peculiarity or accident of circumstance caught by the Conservatives. He represented Preston since 1868.

**Saturday 7 May 1881** Working. In af[ternoo]n had a glass & a pipe with Alderman Hibbert.\*

**Sunday 8 May 1881** To St George's church with Florrie, Bert, Horace & Llewellyn this forenoon. Reading in af[ternoo]n & evening Wylie's Carlyle33 & Carlyle's French Revolution.

**Monday 9–Tuesday 10 May 1881** [No entries]

**Wednesday 11 May 1881** Mr Hermon MP buried to-day at Peppard Church, between Wyfold Court & Henley-on-Thames.

**Thursday 12–Saturday 14 May 1881** [No entries]

<sup>32</sup> John Hallam,\* an old friend, needed the information for his successful campaign for a Toronto public library: John Ross Robertson, *Landmarks of Toronto* (Toronto: Robertson, 1894), vol. i.

<sup>33</sup> William Howie Wylie, *Thomas Carlyle. The Man and His Books* (London: Japp, 1881).

**Sunday 15 May 1881** To church (parish) it being the Mayor's Quarterly procession. H T Thompson Liberal candidate34 with the Mayor.35

**Monday 16–Tuesday 17 May 1881** [No entries]

**Wednesday 18 May 1881** At work all day. To a great Conservative meeting in Exchange at night. Reporting for The Times. 36

**Thursday 19 May 1881** Working all day. To C W Hawkins\* (Whinfield) to dinner this evening. Liberal leaders—a poor lot on the whole present. Also the Liberal Candidate,37 Mr G Melly38 &c.

**Friday 20 May 1881** Preston Election to-day. Mr Ecroyd,39 Conservative Candidate elected by a majority of 1604. A great surprise. Biggest hammering the Liberals & Radicals ever had in Preston.

**Saturday 21 May 1881** All talking about the result of the election & all immensely surprised. Liberals & Rads appear to have had breath knocked out of them.

**Sunday 22 May 1881** To St George's Church in morning with my wife & four of the children. In af[ternoo]n reading. In evening Mr & Mrs Hibbert\* came & had supper.

**Monday 23 May 1881** At work all day.

**Tuesday 24 May 1881** At about 9.30 this morning I & my wife & Mr Hibbert\* & his wife with their son Joe, aged 12 this day, went to Stonyhurst College. We went in a four-wheeled open carriage with a driver. Very fine day but dusty through east wind. Had a very pleasant time of it at the College. Saw all worth seeing & had a good dinner there through the hospitality of Father Eyre40 the rector. Returned at

<sup>34</sup> Henry Yates Thompson (1838–1928), publisher of the *Pall Mall Gazette,* was standing in the by-election to replace Hermon. Hewitson endorsed him (*PC,* 14 May 1881, p. 4).

<sup>35</sup> The mayor, James Hibbert, was a Liberal.

<sup>36</sup> Hewitson's report made less than half a column (*The Times,* 19 May 1881, p.11).

<sup>37</sup> Thompson (see 15 May 1881).

<sup>38</sup> See 16 February 1875.

<sup>39</sup> William Farrer Ecroyd (1827–1915) was a Preston MP until 1885. East Lancashire mill owner who went from Liberal Quaker to Conservative Anglican.

<sup>40</sup> Rev. William Eyre (d. 1898), Jesuit, rector 1879–1885.

about 4.30 by way of Chaigeley [sic]—beautiful drive round the end of Longridge Fell—trees, fields etc beautiful. Got to Preston at 8.30 & had some supper at Mr Hibberts.\* Home.

**Wednesday 25 May 1881** [No entry]

**Thursday 26 May 1881** Working & [word] too

**Friday 27 May 1881** Ditto

**Saturday 28 May 1881** Ditto more or less

**Sunday 29 May 1881** To St George's church this forenoon. In af[ternoo]n had a walk with my wife. At night reading.

**Monday 30 May 1881** At work

**Tuesday 31 May 1881** Ditto

# June

**Wednesday 1 June 1881** D[itt]o **Thursday 2 June 1881** D[itt]o **Friday 3 June 1881** D[itt]o

**Saturday 4 June 1881** D[itt]o

**Sunday 5 June 1881** To St G[eorge]'s Ch[urc]h this forenoon w[ith] my wife & three or four of my children. At night I & my wife to Mr Hibbert's\* to hear his a/c [account] of an out into Yorkshire.

**Whit Monday 6 June 1881** Saw the processions41 (Catholic & Protestant) in Preston. Very good. Aft[erwar]ds into the "Orchard".

**Tuesday 7 June 1881** To-day with my sons Ethelbert, Horace & Llewellyn to Liverpool. We went to Birkenhead Park,42 to New Brighton—by water—& then inspected the Museum & Picture Gallery at L[iver]pool. Got home at about 10.50—well tired.

**Wednesday 8 June 1881** At work all day.

**Thursday 9 June 1881** D[itt]o

**Friday 10 June 1881** D[itt]o

**Saturday 11 June 1881** D[itt]o

**Sunday 12 June 1881** To ch[urc]h this forenoon with my three sons. In af[ternoo]n reading Carlyle's French Revolution.

**Monday 13 June 1881** H. Davies\* & wife to supper.

**Tuesday 14 June 1881** At 7.30 this morning proceeded by train to Barrow-in-Furness to see "The City of Rome"43 launched. Went in same compartment as old Durance44 of Preston the engine driver. He

<sup>41</sup> Whitsuntide tradition.

<sup>42</sup> The inspiration for New York's Central Park.

<sup>43</sup> Built for the Inman line, to sail between Liverpool and New York.

<sup>44</sup> Joseph Dewrance (1811–1887), born in Whitehaven, coal miner before driving trains in the 1840s for the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, the first inter-city railway

was one of the old lot brought into Lancashire by George Stephenson. The City of Rome is the next in size to the "Great Eastern". The launch was beautifully effected but the affair had a gloom thrown over it by an explosion, on board, (about 1½ hour before) by the explosion of a little boiler, t[he] result being 4 persons (workmen killed) & several hurt. After the launch a lunch. I returned by a special train reaching Preston about 5. Had a warm bath at Baths & Washhouses, Saul St[ree]t, Preston then work & telegraphed an account of the launch to the Daily News.45

**Wednesday 15 June 1881** Work. Then to a presentation & wedding celebration dinner at Mr R. Wilkinson's [sic],46 The Grove, Longton, near Preston. Only drank claret & soda water &c.

**Thursday 16**–**Friday 17 June 1881** [No entries]

**Saturday 18 June 1881** Work. Late. Mr E. Hermon's\* will made known to-day. Sum proved about £5,81 £580,000. Bought Peter Pinder's [sic]47 works for 16/6.

**Sunday 19 June 1881** To ch[urc]h (St G[eorge's]) with Florrie, E[thelbert], H[orace] & L[lewellyn]. In af[ternoo]n & evening reading Carlyle's Revolution.

**Monday 20 June 1881** Working all day.

**Tuesday 21 June 1881** D[itt]o

**Wednesday 22 June 1881** D[itt]o

**Thursday 23 June 1881** D[itt]o

**Friday 24 June** D[itt]o

**Saturday 25 June 1881** D[itt]o more or less

in the world (*Leeds Intelligencer,* 24 December 1841, p. 8). He later worked on the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway.

<sup>45</sup> Hewitson's report appeared in the *Daily News,* 15 June 1881, p. 6.

<sup>46</sup> Richard Wilkins (1816–1884), owner of a Longton brewery, Wesleyan and Conservative (*PH* 15 October 1884, p. 2). The party was for his son Thomas, back from his honeymoon.

<sup>47</sup> Peter Pindar was the pseudonym of satirist John Wolcot (1738–1819).

**Sunday 26 June 1881** To St Georges ch[urc]h this morning with my three sons.

**Monday 27 June 1881** Working.

**Tuesday 28 June 1881** d[itt]o.

**Wednesday 29 June 1881** I sent little Jno. Morgan48 my reporter away to day through absenting himself from work. He had done this sort of thing so often and was setting so bad an example that I got tired of him. I reporting this af[ternoo]n annual meeting of the Lanc[ashir]e & Cheshire branch of British Medical Association at Preston.

**Thursday 30 June 1881** To annual general sessions (reporting) to day. Kenney,49 my reporter, in Morgan's place, came to day to Preston.

<sup>48</sup> See 11 March 1872.

<sup>49</sup> Unidentified.

## July

**Friday 1 July 1881** Kenney aforesaid began work for me this morning at 30/- per week.<sup>50</sup>

**Saturday 2 July 1881** At work more or less all day.

**Sunday 3 July 1881** To Ch[urc]h in morning. Reading in af[ternoo]n. Mr & Mrs Hibbert\* with son Jim to our house at night.

**Monday 4 July 1881** Not so well. Had a Turkish bath.

**Tuesday 5 July 1881** At work all day.

**Wednesday 6 July 1881** Up at 6.10 this morning & with my sons Bert & Horace went to the swimming bath in Saul-st[ree]t & had a swim. Af[terwar]ds working.

**Thursday 7 July 1881** Working all day. My wife with daughter Lettie went to Blackpool this af[ternoo]n to stay at same place as Mrs Fryer<sup>51</sup> (J Hibbert's sister's) Blackpool Cottage The Beach.

**Friday 8 July 1881** No entries

**Saturday 9 July 1881** Working more or less from 10 in morning till 10.40 at night.

**Sunday 10 July 1881** Went to Blackpool this morning to see my wife & daughter Letty. In af[ternoo]n we with Mr & Mrs Fryer & Mr & Mrs Fisher<sup>52</sup> of Preston had a beautiful carriage drive to Carleton near Poulton. Home Back to B[lack]pool about 5. Had tea & home by 7.35 train in evening, leaving my wife & Letty with Jane53 our servant behind.

#### **Monday 11 & Tuesday 12 July 1881** At work

**Wednesday 13 July 1881** Had a bath this morning with my sons Horace & Ethelbert.

<sup>50</sup> Kenney's wage in 1881 was half what Hewitson had earned in 1866, albeit as chief reporter for a bigger paper, *The Preston Guardian.*

<sup>51</sup> See 25 April.

<sup>52</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>53</sup> Jane Beetham was from Bispham near Blackpool.

**Thursday 14 July 1881** [No entry]

**Friday 15 July 1881** Annie Wilson,\* my wife's sister married to day at Manchester Cathedral to a photographer named Frank Brant [sic]. Don't care for this affair. Bad.54

**Saturday 16 July 1881** Saw the married couple to night. Don't care for the male and the female is very indiscreet. They went to Glasgow early next early next morning.

**Sunday 17 July 1881** To St George's ch[urc]h this morning with my sons H[orace] & E[thelbert].

**Monday 18–Tuesday 19 July 1881** [No entries]

**Wednesday 20 July 1881** Paid last remnant of my poor rates.55 Had previously paid as much as would have qualified me for two places.

**Thursday 21–Saturday 30 July 1881** [No entries]

**Sunday 31 July 1881** Very heavy rain for 3 or 4 hours this morning. Ribble very high. Part of coffer dam<sup>56</sup> of Preston & Southport railway co[mpany] near Penwortham Bridge washed down.

<sup>54</sup> Anne (born in 1858) died two years after her marriage to Francis Brandt (b. 1840).

<sup>55</sup> Local tax funding Poor Law relief.

<sup>56</sup> Enclosure built in water, which is pumped out to create a dry working area. A new bridge for the West Lancashire railway was being built across the River Ribble at Penwortham.

### August

**Monday 1 August 1881** This af[ternoo]n I drove my wife & daughters Florrie, Mabel & Rosaline to Leyland "for an out". Very beautiful day. Horse was a hired one & it was a devilish bad one to keep on its feet.

**Tuesday 2 August 1881** To-day to Stonyhurst—"the Academy Day". Went with Mr Hibbert\* (Mayor), Mr J Brown<sup>57</sup> & four priests three priests from St Ignatius's, Preston. At Alston Lane we picked up Father Walton<sup>58</sup> (the resident priest) & Father Hawksworth59 from Chorley who was staying here. Had some champagne—about 3 glasses each, with the excep[tio]n of St Ignatius priests—& then drove on to Stonyhurst Col[lege]. Father Walton is a very lively anecdote-telling priest & rare company. We got to Stonyhurst Col[lege] shortly before 11. A great company. The prizes distributed in the new great hall which was inaugurated by the ceremony. Ladies present for the first time at this "Academy Day". Had lunch & dinner at the College. Left about 9 at night. Got home about 11.30.

**Wednesday 3 August 1881** To-day Miss Ratcliffe<sup>60</sup> of Bluebell, Church-st[ree]t, was barbarously murdered by her sweetheart J. A. Simpson.

**Thursday 4–Friday 5 August 1881** [No entries]

**Saturday 6 August 1881** Work more or less all day till 10.45 at night.

**Sunday 7 August 1881** To St George's Ch[urc]h w[ith] my 3 sons this morning & heard a dull sermon. Reading Carlyle & Eckerman61 in the af[ternoo]n.

**Monday 8 August 1881** At work all day.

<sup>57</sup> Probably Joseph Brown (c. 1833–1901), a son of Catholic brewer Matthew Brown who continued in the family business at the Pole St brewery; Conservative.

<sup>58</sup> Rev. Thomas Walton (c. 1831–1897), formerly of St Augustine's, Preston.

<sup>59</sup> Rev. John Hawksworth (c. 1829–1888) of St Mary's, Chorley, formerly of St Augustine's, Preston, a very good tenor.

<sup>60</sup> Anne Ratcliffe, 16, killed by John Aspinall Simpson, 21, an unemployed lawyer's clerk who had promised to marry the pregnant girl.

<sup>61</sup> Probably Johann Peter Eckermann (1792–1854), German poet and author of *Conversations With Goethe.*

**Tuesday 9 August 1881** D[itt]o. Had a swim with my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] in public swimming bath this morning at 7 o'clock.

**Wednesday 10 August 1881** At work

**Thursday 11 August 1881** D[itt]o

**Friday 12 August 1881** D[itt]o

**Saturday 13 August 1881** D[itt]o and in evening to Town hall—Mayor's parlour—where I had a few glasses with the Mayor Alderman Hibbert.\* This is my 45th birthday.

**Sunday 14 August 1881** Had a Turkish bath this forenoon.

**Monday 15 August 1881** At work mainly

**Tuesday 16 August 1881** D[itt]o

**Wednesday 17 August 1881** D[itt]o

**Thursday 18 August 1881** D[itt]o

**Friday 19** D[itt]o

**Saturday 20 August 1881** Working pretty hard. In the evening had a smoke & a few glasses with the Mayor, in his parlour at Town Hall.

**Sunday 21 August 1881** To St George's ch[urc]h in forenoon. Had a Turkish bath this forenoon. In af[ternoo]n I & my wife went with Frank Fryer62 (my tenant of a warehouse in Cannon st[ree]t) & his wife63 to Goosnargh. Spent a pleasant af[ternoo]n. Had tea at the Grapes. Looked into the Hospital64 af[terwar]ds & then returned & spent the evening at Fryer's.

**Monday 22 August 1881** [No entries]

<sup>62</sup> See 7 May 1875.

<sup>63</sup> See 25 April 1881.

<sup>64</sup> Bushell's Hospital, Goosnargh, an old people's home, for Protestant 'decayed gentlemen or gentlewomen, or persons of the better rank' ('Bushells Hospital', *Historic England*, https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1073535).

**Tuesday 23 August 1881** Archbishop McCabe of Dublin was preaching at St Augustine's to-day & my reporter (Kenney who is an Irishman) sa

**Wednesday 24 August 1881** [No entry]

**Thursday 25 August 1881** Very wet day. A flood in the Ribble at night.

**Friday 26–Saturday 27 August 1881** [No entries]

**Sunday 28 August 1881** Went to day with my wife & W. France\* & his wife\* by conveyance to Inglewhite where we had dinner. Then round by Whitechapel & Brock Head Dam through Claughton to W. J. Parkinson's,\* Myerscough House, where we had tea. Got to Preston about 9 o'clock. A beautiful "outing". Af[terwar]ds had a little supper at France's\* & left there about 10.30.

**Monday 29 August 1881** [No entry]

**Tuesday 30 August 1881** At about 7 this morning went with my son Horace to the baths Saul stt, Saul-st[ree]t where we both had a swim. He has learned now.

**Wednesday 31 August 1881** [No entry]

## September

#### **Thursday 1–Saturday 10 September 1881** [No entries]

**Sunday 11 September 1881** To ch[urc]h with my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] in morning. Reading in af[ternoo]n. At night went to see Ald[er]m[a]n Hibbert\* who had been ill of gout or rheumatism.

#### **Monday 12 September 1881** [No entry]

**Tuesday 13 September 1881** To-day rode by train, with my sons Ethelbert & Horace to Scorton. Then walked to Cockerham & had something to eat & drink at the Plough. Then to Cockersand Abbey—walking. Then to Glasson where we crossed the Lune in a boat, to the Overton side. Walked to Overton & had refreshment then to Middleton & Heysham (upper Heysham very beautiful with its shady trees & bird music and lower Heysham curious with its stone coffins. Af[terwar]ds walked to Morecambe where we had a bathe in the Winter Gardens swimming bath. Then some tea &c & then by train to Lancaster where we paid a visit to my parents. Left Lancaster for Preston by 10 pm train & reached far end all right.<sup>65</sup>

**Wednesday 14 September 1881** Saw our the writer of "Our Ladies Column"66 —which appears in Chronicle to-day.67 She is the widow of Dr Edwin Lankester<sup>68</sup> & sister of Mr S. Pope Q.C.69 Is a very large, shrewd, well-educated, well mannered woman.

#### **Thursday 15–Friday 16 September 1881** [No entries]

<sup>65</sup> They walked about 16 miles.

<sup>66</sup> Phebe Lankester (1825–1900), daughter of a Manchester mill owner. She wrote on nature and botany for the *Penny Cyclopedia*, the *Popular Science Review* and in books. Her writing increased after her husband's death in 1874, and she wrote on women's health, education, and social issues in *The Queen*, *Chambers's Journal*, and the *Magazine of the Arts*. She wrote a weekly syndicated column for provincial papers like the *Preston Chronicle* for 20 years after her husband's death, promoting women's causes, although she was not a radical (*ODNB*).

<sup>67</sup> Hewitson may be updating his diary on a Saturday, the *Chronicle*'s day of publication.

<sup>68</sup> Dr Edwin Lankester (1814–1874), well known medical reformer, and coroner for central Middlesex.

<sup>69</sup> Samuel Pope (1826–1901), Recorder of Bolton.

**Saturday 17 September 1881** Working more or less all day till 10.45 at night.

**Sunday 18 September 1881** At St George's ch[urc]h this forenoon with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace]. In af[ternoo]n reading & same at night I, my wife & daughters Florence & Rosaline went to Mr Coopers,\* The Oaks, Penwortham.

**Monday 19 September 1881** At 8.10 this morning started by train—with my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] for Windermere—the "circular tour", 5/6 each. Went round by Grange & on to Ulverston then back & round by another line to Lakeside. Then by steamer to Ambleside. Called on Mr Bernard Cooper (brother of Mr Cooper, The Oaks, Penwortham) who is an invalid & staying with his wife & family at Gale Bank. He was very sociable—gave me refreshment—& we had a cheerful time. Then I & my lads walked to Rydal Mount, then climbed Nab Scar—a very tough, hot job—I walked up to its top—grand views all along. Then dropped down to Grasmere, looked at Wordsworth's & Hartley Coleridge's graves; also looked into the church—the parson is apparently a "High ch[urch]" man—fond of crosses &c. Subsequently walked back to Ambleside—a beautiful walk—hills & trees delightfully reflected in the waters of Rydal Water. Saw cottage where Hartley Coleridge lived, facing the water. Got some refreshment at Ambleside then by boat, as the evening was darkening, down to Bowness. Lights of "Old England" shone upon the water. Walked up to railway station. Left at 8.50. Home at 10.50.

**Saturday 24–Friday 30 September 1881** [No entries]

# October

#### **Saturday 1 October 1881 [no entry]**

**Sunday 2 October 1881** To St George's ch[urc]h in forenoon with my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace]. In af[ternoo]n I, my wife, W France\* & his wife by train to Lea road. Then walked on to C Birley's,70 Bartle Hall to get a pass from him to inspect new steamer City of Rome, at L[iver]pool, he being chairman of the Inman Company, the owners. He treat me kindly, gave me his card, but she he was not sure we c[oul]d get on.

**Monday 3 October 1881** To L[iver]pool to see City of Rome (Inman new steamer). My wife & W France\* & his wife with me. We c[oul]d not get on board but we spent time well—sailed across to Birkenhead & saw the Mersey tunnel works. Then had dinner at L[iver]pool. Af[terwar]ds rode on bus to Alexandria dock, north end, inspected the steamship "Helvetia" (National line). She is a very big boat & is about 150 yards long & between 4000 & 5000 tons freightage power. Af[terwar]ds rode back to L[iver]pool centre & examined Art Gallery. Beattie71 my new reporter came to-day from Aberdeen

**Tuesday 4 October 1881** To a dinner at night at Bull Hotel, Preston given by Mr Jonathan Sellers,<sup>72</sup> Chairman of Preston Liberal Club. Covers laid for 50. Excellent fare. Broke up about 11 & then went with several (Major Goodair,73 Captain Pilkington,74 C W Hawkins\* &c) to the Liberal Club where we stayed talking & drinking champagne till about 3 in the morning.

**Wednesday 5 October 1881** Not so well. Might well not be. Had a Turkish bath. Working af[terwa]rds till about 10 at night.

<sup>70</sup> Charles Birley (1812–1891), from a wealthy flax manufacturing family which dominated the town of Kirkham.

<sup>71</sup> This may be the former *Aberdeen Journal* reporter Thomas Ross Beattie (b. 1858), who was living in Sheffield earlier in the year. He later became sub-editor of the *Kaffrarian Watchman* until 1892, then owner-editor of the *Kokstad Advertiser,* both in South Africa (*Aberdeen Weekly Journal*, 14 Nov 1900, p. 7; *Aberdeen Journal,* 16 October 1901, p. 4).

<sup>72</sup> See 28 January 1874.

<sup>73</sup> Probably William Henry Goodair (c. 1838–1886).

<sup>74</sup> Possibly Captain John Ormerod Pilkington (b. 1855).

#### **Thursday 6–Saturday 8 October 1881** [No entries]

**Sunday 9 Oct 1881** To St Geo[rge]'s ch[urc]h in morning with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace]. In af[ternoo]n I, my wife, W France & his wife on out to Lea & Bartle.

To St George's ch[urc]h in morning with E[thelbert] & H[orace]. In af[ternoo]n reading Ruskin's "Unto this Last" & af[terwar]ds Boswell's Johnson.<sup>75</sup>

#### **Monday 10 October 1881** At work all day

**Tuesday 11 October 1881** Went to L[iver]pool to-day & inspected (in Langton Dock) the Inman steamer "City of Rome"—fine new screw steamer. About 200 yards long; boiler & engine power 10,000 horse; will carry about 1750 passengers. While on board saw the Helvetica leave dock for her outward journey to New York.

#### **Wednesday 12 October 1881** [No entry]

**Thursday 13 October 1881** This af[ternoo]n the "City of Rome" sailed from the Mersey for New York. Awful storm rose at night & continued till Friday af[ternoo]n. Aft[erwar]ds heard that the City of R[ome] behaved admirably in the storm & the Helvetica broken down off Queenstown in her forecastle had to return to L[iver]pool. Five of her crew being hurt.

#### **Friday 14 October 1881** [No entry]

**Saturday 15 October 1881** To day to [word] Mr J Forshaw,76 solicitor, Cannon-st[ree]t, Preston £500 (in check on Lancaster bank) on deposit at 5 per cent; withdrawable any time.

**Sunday 16 October 1881** To St George's ch[urc]h with my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] this forenoon. In af[ternoo]n & evening reading Boswell's Life of Johnson.

**Monday 17 October 1881** Working more or less all day.

<sup>75</sup> John Ruskin, *Unto This Last* (H. R. Allenson, Limited, 1862), a critique of capitalist economics; James Boswell, *The Life of Samuel Johnson* (London: Printed by H. Baldwin for C. Dilly, 1791), a classic of British biography.

<sup>76</sup> See 2 January 1874.

```
Tuesday 18 October 1881 D[itt]o
```
**Wednesday 19 October 1881** D[itt]o

**Thursday 20 October 1881** D[itt]o

**Friday 21 October 1881** At work from about 9 in morning till 2 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 22 October 1881** Wrote out to-day address of J. Eccles<sup>77</sup> & Levi Fish<sup>78</sup> as candidates for St John's Ward. Bought Trevelyan's Life of Macaulay to-day. Jabez B. Jones\* ordered by Court of Chancery to pay £500 odd back to shareholders of W Brown & Co as secret promotion money.79

**Sunday 23 October 1881** Went to printing works in Cannon st[ree]t (no 21) to start my foreman & journeyman Billington<sup>80</sup> with Eccles & Fish's address. Aft[erwar]ds had occasion to walk to Ashton. In af[ternoo]n reading Boswell's Johnson. D[itt]o night.

**Monday 24–Friday 28 October 1881** [No entries]

**Saturday 29 October 1881** Had a small inflammation in one or both eyes to-day & through having to keep very quiet felt like a fish out of water. Couldn't or hadn't to read. What a misery!

**Sunday 30 October 1881** Stayed in bed till nearly noon nursing my eyes & doing a nursing business nearly all day.

**Monday 31 October 1881** To work

<sup>77</sup> Joseph Eccles (1843–1908), mill owner of Tulketh Hall.

<sup>78</sup> Levi Fish (c. 1836–1904), mill owner who began work as a handloom weaver aged seven, Wesleyan.

<sup>79</sup> The case concerned the sale of a pub and brewery in Euston Street, Preston.

<sup>80</sup> Probably John J. Billington (b. 1855); a journeyman has completed his apprenticeship.

# November

**Tuesday 1 November 1881** Same all day. Liberals "licked". I think politics have nothing to do with municipal matters; but many geese think they have.

**Wednesday 2 November 1881** At work.

**Thursday 3 November 1881** Same

**Friday 4 November 1881** Same

**Saturday 5 November 1881** To Manchester Assizes to-day. Trial of Simpson for murder of Ann Ratcliffe<sup>81</sup> at Preston; only it did not come off; so sauntered about Manchester—in af[ternoo]n—to Peel Park Museum &c

[No further entries]

[Collins' Portable Diary]<sup>1</sup>

[Anthony and Margaret Hewitson and their seven children lived in a large townhouse at 6 Fishergate Hill, Preston, and Hewitson, aged 47, still owned and edited the *Preston Chronicle* while Margaret ran an associated shop selling stationery, fancy goods, books, newspapers and magazines*.* Their eldest son Ethelbert assisted his father with reporting. In 1883 Hewitson had published a huge history of Preston (nearly 600 pages), originally intended for the 1882 Preston Guild, a civic festival held every 20 years. Also in 1883, he and his daughter Florence had gone on holiday to the United States and Canada. He made a good living from this weekly paper, but journalism was changing, as publishers tried to attract more working-class readers; in contrast, the *Preston Chronicle*  advertised itself as an 'excellent Middle-class and Family Journal' in the 1882 *Newspaper Press Directory*. Meanwhile, Hewitson's more successful Liberal rival, the bi-weekly *Preston Guardian,* started a children's nature club for young readers in 1884, the Animals' Friend Society, which had 10,000 members by 1888.<sup>2</sup> Other papers increased their coverage of sport, association football in particular, and a free-standing local sports paper, *Football News,* launched in September 1884, ran for at least three years. Hewitson's *Chronicle* carried less sports news than his rivals. Hewitson was also out of step with most of Preston in his suspicious, qualified support for Conservative-led plans to build a huge new dock on the River Ribble. It is not known whether he kept a diary in 1882 or 1883.]

#### **Memoranda from 1883**

God Bless and Protect me and mine this year & always.

<sup>1</sup> Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/9. A loose 1909 newspaper cutting about William Livesey at front of this diary has been moved to front of 1911 diary, for the sake of chronology.

<sup>2</sup> *PG*, December 22 1888, p. 4; *PG* jubilee supplement, 17 February 1894, p. 16.

## January

**Tuesday 1 January 1884** Went to work at the shop and office from about 10 in the forenoon till about one pm. Holiday in the afternoon. At night had a few games of cards at home with my wife, sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] &c

**Wednesday 2 January 1884** Working all day. At night I and my wife went, by invitation, to W France's\* and spent the time very socially till nearly midnight.

**Thursday 3 January 1884** Working hard all day till about 10.30 at night.

**Friday 4 January 1884** D[itt]o till after midnight.

**Saturday 5 January 1884** Had a fairly easy day as to work. In the evening a blustering, blackguardly fellow—Alderman B Walmsley3 assaulted me in Fishergate—struck at me several times with a folded newspaper on account of some paragraphs in the Chronicle. I did not retaliate & decided to summon him before the magistrates.4

**Sunday 6 January 1884** In bed till nearly noon. In afternoon Mr Standen,<sup>5</sup> a young naturalist from Goosnargh came to my house, had tea & then went with me and my wife to St George's church. Good music. He af[terward]s for upwards of an hour was at my house. A very nice intelligent young fellow.

**Monday 7 January 1884** Bothering about the Walmsley job.

<sup>3</sup> Benjamin Walmsley (1837–1904), former landlord of the Red Lion, Church St, now owner of Lord St mill, Conservative councillor, keen cricketer.

<sup>4</sup> Hewitson was selling his newspaper in his shop, with his wife, chatting to auctioneer Henry Walton (see 21 June 1865) and yarn and insurance agent Henry Nightingale (1815–1894) when Walmsley came in to buy a paper. Hewitson had sniped at Walmsley for years, and a veiled reference in this week's paper infuriated Walmsley so much that he slapped Hewitson in the face repeatedly with a rolled-up copy of his own paper, in Fishergate (*PH,* 19 January 1884, p. 6). For more analysis of the entries for 5–11 January 1884 see Hobbs, *Fleet Street in Every Town,* ch. 5.

<sup>5</sup> Robert Standen (1854–1895), an expert on molluscs who went on to work at the zoology department of Owens College, Manchester (forerunner of Manchester University: *Manchester Guardian,* 18 March 1925, p. 11). Hewitson had previously reprinted some of Standen's articles on Lancashire wildlife from the *Field Naturalist*  magazine.

**Tuesday 8 January 1884** Working. In af[ternoo]n took out a summons against the blustering blackguard.

**Wednesday 9 January 1884** At work all day. To-day Richard Cookson 73 y[ea]rs of age married a woman<sup>6</sup> aged 71 after 50 years courting. He lives at Goosnargh.

**Thursday 10 January 1884** Working all day. Wrote my first article about my American tour to-day.<sup>7</sup>

**Friday 11 January 1884** Hard at work from 9.30 in morning till 1.45 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 12 January 1884** At noon today went to a lunch at the Park Hotel of a number of gentlemen belonging to the North Lancashire Liberal Registration Association.<sup>8</sup> Lord Edward Cavendish9 —a tall red whiskered, awkward speaking gentleman, was in the chair. Good speech by Rev J Wayman10 of Blackpool about Liberal Government

**Sunday 13 January 1884** To church in evening with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace].

**Monday 14 January 1884** George White<sup>11</sup> bound apprentice to me, to learn reporting &c from to day till 14th of January 1889. In the evening I & my son Ethelbert at Fleetwood reporting Colonel F Stanley\* for London Times. We stayed all night at the Crown Hotel there.

<sup>6</sup> Alice Sumner. Neither party are mentioned in the resulting gossip item (*PC,* 12 January 1884, p. 5).

<sup>7</sup> Hewitson and his eldest daughter Florence sailed from Liverpool on 25 October 1883, visiting his sister Alice\* in Brooklyn, where she lived with her husband, Rev Dr John Finch. Hewitson returned on 4 December, his daughter on 30 January. He wrote about it in 35 weekly columns in the *Preston Chronicle*, under the title '"Westward Ho!" America: There and back again. Scenes and sights on sea and land. Particulars of a recent trip', 12 January-20 September, republished as a book April 1885. Many similar books were published at the time, including *Our American Cousins* (1883) by the editor of the *Newcastle Weekly Chronicle,* W.E. Adams, which may have inspired Hewitson.

<sup>8</sup> Organisation promoting voter registration among Liberals.

<sup>9</sup> Lord Edward Cavendish (1838–1891), Liberal politician and soldier.

<sup>10</sup> Rev. James Wayman (c. 1840–1899), minister of Victoria St Congregational church, president of Blackpool Liberal Club.

<sup>11</sup> This may be George Ward (see 5 June); a George W Ward, aged 15, is described as a reporter in the 1881 census, so this may not be him.

**Tuesday 15 January 1884** Home by a train wh[ich] left Fleetwood soon after 8. At work more or less all day.

**Wednesday 16 January 1884** Brought Alderman Benjamin Walmsley of Preston before the magistrates, at the police court for assaulting me on the 5th inst. Mr Tilly<sup>12</sup> (Johnson\* & Tilly, Lancaster) appeared for me. Mr W Blackhurst,13 Preston for Walmsley. After my evidence & a vile speech from Blackhurst the Bench fined Walmsley 20/- & costs in default 7 days imp[risonmen]t. Everybody seemed slow.14

**Thursday 17 January 1884** At work all day.

**Friday 18 January 1884** D[itto] from 9.20 in morning till 12.30 at night.

**Saturday 19 January 1884** At work more or less all day.

**Sunday 20 January 1884** Laid in bed till ab[ou]t 11; reading in af[ternoo]n; to St George's church with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] in evening. Son E[thelbert] not well & stayed at home.

**Monday 21 January 1884** After work I, my wife, & my daughter Rosaline went to the Theatre Royal to see the pantomime. It was a very long affair entitled "Dick Whittington". A few good things in it—transformation scene very good; remainder chiefly mediocre.

**Tuesday 2 January 1884** Working all day.

#### **Wednesday 23 January 1884** Same

**Thursday 24 January 1884** Same. At night I & my son Bertie at Blackpool reporting speech of Lord Randolph Churchill15 for the London Times.<sup>16</sup>

<sup>12</sup> William Tilly (1839–1916), solicitor, former pupil of Hewitson's mentor and friend, Thomas Johnson; clerk to Morecambe Local Board.

<sup>13</sup> William Blackhurst (1826–1904), from an old Preston legal family, schoolmate of John Bright, he represented the workers during the Preston Lock-Out of 1853–1854, although he was a Conservative (*LDP,* 18 February 1904, p. 5).

<sup>14</sup> Hewitson had described Walmsley as having 'not only one slate off, but the whole of his roof off', an ass and a brainless fool, according to Blackhurst. Hewitson lost his temper under cross-examination, and began to insult Blackhurst, who claimed that Hewitson had once threatened George Toulmin\* and called him a 'grey-headed old devil' because of an article referring to Hewitson in Toulmin's *Preston Guardian*  (*PH,* 19 January 1884, p. 6).

<sup>15</sup> Lord Randolph Churchill (1849–1895), MP for Woodstock and father of Winston Churchill.

<sup>16</sup> The report made four columns in next morning's *Times*.

He is a smart, effective, impertinent speaker. Telegraphed the speech. Af[terwar]ds stayed all night at a comfortable hotel, near the post office.

**Friday 25 January 1884** Off from B[lack]pool home by train at 10 mins past 8 in morning. Landed at about 8.45. Had breakfast; then to work till half past 12 at night.

**Saturday 26 January 1884** To work at 10.20. At it more or less till nearly 11 at night. Barometer very low—within half an inch of bottom. Very windy.

**Sunday 27 January 1884** Laid in bed till nearly noon. In af[ternoo]n reading. To St G[eorge]'s church with my sons at night.

**Monday 28 January 1884** At work all day.

**Tuesday 29 January 1884** In evening got a telegram from daughter Florence, from Queenstown,<sup>17</sup> stating that she w[oul]d be at L[iver]p[oo]l per "City of Chicago" in the morning.<sup>18</sup>

**Wednesday 30 January 1884** My daughter Florence returned to daughter day from America in the SS "City of Chicago"—same boat she & I went out in. I went to L[iver]pool to meet her—sailed down Mersey in a tender as far as New Brighton. Daughter had a very rough voyage & was sick again. To Preston—home—both of us early

**Thursday 31 January 1884** Working hard all day.

<sup>17</sup> Now known as Cobh, on the southern tip of Ireland, a major transatlantic port.

<sup>18</sup> Florence had stayed on in the US after Hewitson's return in December 1883.

# February

**Friday 1 February 1884** D[itt]o

**Saturday 2 February 1884** D[itt]o—more or less

**Sunday 3 February 1884** To St George's ch[urc]h in morning with my three sons. In af[ternoo]n reading. At night W France\* and his wife called.

**Monday 4 February 1884** Wrote out two addresses to day—one to Jno. Darlington,19 colliery proprietor & other to his eldest son.<sup>20</sup> Complimentary, congratulatory. Mr Chas. Rowe,<sup>21</sup> J D's agent paid me for them.<sup>22</sup>

**Tuesday 5 February 1884** Sister in law Ellen Hall\* from Sheffield called, with her brother Jno Wilson\* of Lancaster. He has lost his wife23 —run away—been away 3 months, with 3 children. She has money & he badly wants her. What for?

**Wednesday 6 February 1884** The above two went to Manchester today & found the runaway, but she w[oul]d not agree to return until he had made certain alterations at their house.

**Thursday 7 February 1884** I working hard all day as I have been doing all week.

**Friday 8 February 1884** Ellen Hall, sister in law,\* returned to-day here.

**Saturday 9 February 1884** To Lancaster at noon with sister-in-law Ellen Hall\* of Sheffield to see brother in law Jno Wilson\* (executor) about her share under her late father's\* will.

**Sunday 10 February 1884** Laid in bed till about noon. In af[ternoo]n reading. To St George's ch[urc]h at night with my sons. A quiet orthodox sermon.

<sup>19</sup> James Darlington (1827–1918), owner of Blainscough Hall Colliery, Coppull.

<sup>20</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>21</sup> Charles Rowe (c. 1830–1894), Preston agent for the Blainscough Hall Colliery, later a Preston Conservative councillor, Poor Law Guardian, magistrate.

<sup>22</sup> James Darlington owned a coalmine at Coppull near Chorley.

<sup>23</sup> Mary Ann Wilson (née Cordingley, d. 1872).

[Before next entry, in pencil:] Tom Johnson

**Monday 11 February 1884** To Lancaster by 8.5 morning train to see sister in law E Hall\* & get her some money—as much of balance of her share as I c[oul]d. I succeeded, by agreement, in getting her £245. In morning saw & spoke & walked through some of the quaint, round about streets of Lancaster with my old & very valued friend Tom Johnson,\* solicitor. He is getting very grey. While we walked he talking very good sense & kept kicking off & hunting up orange peel to kick it off the footway. He told me he had left the Church of England—broken away from it again—to join the Salvation Army—that he had taken a dive into the mud with them & w[oul]d go through & see what it was like. He is eccentric but most intelligent, honest, & excellent-hearted. I left Lancaster at night with E Hall & we came to our house.

[Dates below wrongly revised]

**Monday 12 February 1884** At work

**Tuesday 13 February 1884** D[itt]o

**Wednesday 14 February 1884** Same. E Hall returned to Sheffield.

**Thursday 15 February 1884** [no entry]

**Friday 15 February 1884** Working all day.

**Saturday 16 February 1884** Same

**Sunday 17 February 1884** In bed till nearly noon. Inserting corrections in my Hist[ory] of Preston24 in af[ternoo]n &c. At night I & my sons to St George's church.

**Monday 18 February 1884** Working & manoeuvring about business all day. Things very flat & money damnably scarce—that is to say in respect to getting it, in the shape of a/cs [accounts]. To day—in evening—I went to Longridge & had a short chat, on business as to myself, & as to lectures on his part. He is a shrewd, cool, kindly man—R Catholic priest at Longridge.<sup>25</sup> Was formerly a Jesuit. Now belongs to the "seculars".

<sup>24</sup> First published 1883.

<sup>25</sup> Hewitson omits to name the learned Rev Dr. Charles Boardman (c. 1830–1894), former librarian of Stonyhurst College and sub-editor of Jesuit publication *The* 

Their life is easier—this world a bit more. Bought today a translation of Heine's "Trip to the Brocken".<sup>26</sup> A charming little work.

#### Tuesday & Wed Do. As to work

Tues, Wed & Thurs D[itt]o as to work

#### **Friday 22 February 1884** D[itt]o

**Saturday 23 February 1884** Easy, as to work, but annoyed as to certain mistakes in the paper (Chron[icle]). In evening bought Sala's "Dutch Pictures"27 & went a dunning<sup>28</sup> for money. And got what I went for.

**Sunday 24 February 1884** Reading in af[ternoo]n. To St Geo[rge]'s church with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] in evening. A dull sermon as usual.

**Monday 25 February 1884** Hunting after work, for printing office, & for money. Everything seems very dull in Preston.

**Tuesday 26 February 1884** Working in ordinary way, much of the day.

**Wednesday 27 February 1884** Same

**Thursday 28 February 1884** D[itt]o. Mr Garlick's29 report & plans as to Ribble dock &c passed to-day by the Town Council. Dock in wrong place—too far off.30

**Friday 29 February 1884** At work all day till about 1.30 on Sat[urday] morning.

*Month.* He was currently involved in a theological to-and-fro in the correspondence column of Hewitson's *Preston Chronicle.*

<sup>26</sup> Heinrich Heine, *A Trip to the Brocken; Tr. by R. Mc. Lintock.* (London: Macmillan, 1881).

<sup>27</sup> George Augustus Sala, *Dutch Pictures with Some Sketches in the Flemish Manner* (London: Tinsley, 1861).

<sup>28</sup> Making persistent demands for money owed.

<sup>29</sup> See 14 January 1868.

<sup>30</sup> The *Preston Guardian* and *Preston Herald* gave their readers a free map of the proposed new river dock in their Saturday editions, a sign of their greater support for the scheme.

# March

**Saturday 1 March 1884** Tolerably easy day; business dull.

**Sunday 2 March 1884** Reading in af[ternoo]n & sleeping. To St Geo[rge]'s ch[urc]h with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] in evening.

**Monday 3 March 1884** At work more or less all day

**Tuesday 4 March 1884** D[itt]o

**Wednesday 5 March 1884** D[itt]o

**Thursday 6 March 1884** D[itt]o

**Friday 7 March 1884** D[itt]o

**Saturday 8 March 1884** D[itt]o

**Sunday 9 March 1884** In af[ternoo]n reading. In evening I & sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] to St George's ch[urc]h.

**Monday 10 March 1884** At work more or less all day.

**Tuesday 11 March 1884** D[itt]o

**Wednesday 12 March 1884** Working all day.

**Thursday 13 March 1884** At work all day till 10 at night.

**Friday 14 March 1884** Working hard all day. Ge[orge] Chisholm,31 an engineer on the Inman line of L[iver]pool & New York steamers whom we got acquainted with while crossing the Atlantic & whom I had invited came this evening & stayed all night. On returning from work we stayed up very late.

**Saturday 15 March 1884** To work at 10.30. At work more or less all day. Chisholm went home, to Higher Broughton, Manchester, to-night.

**Sunday 16 March 1884** I & my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] to St George's ch[urc]h this forenoon. Had a walk with Mr H Barking32 [?] through

<sup>31</sup> A George Chisholm (b. 1859) of the Liverpool Mercantile Marine qualified as a Second Class Engineer in 1887 (*Liverpool Daily Post,* 28 February 1887, p. 8) and by 1891 was chief engineer of the SS Khalif.

<sup>32</sup> Unidentified.

Avenham & Miller Parks. In af[ternoo]n had a walk round the water side with my wife & daughter F[lorence]. To tea & during the whole evening had Mr J V Caffrie,33 a doctor (medicine) of Penwortham—came lately. Has written some verses for the Chronicle.

**Monday 17 March 1884** At work all day.

**Tuesday 18 March 1884** Same. Felt unwell in evening—as if I had got cold.

**Wednesday 19 March 1884** Did not get up till 12.20 (noon). Unwell—as if I had a slow fever upon me. Afterwards went to office; sub-edited &c & returned home & began my American article. At 7 in evening I went to see Mr S Simpson,34 East Cliff, on business & stayed till 9; then home.

**Thursday 20 March 1884** Unwell, but working all day.

**Friday 21 March 1884** Same from 9.20 in morning till 12 at night.

**Saturday 22 March 1884** Little better. My brother Robert\* from Lancaster came over today. He went back on Sunday evening.

**Sunday 23 March 1884** Nothing particular. Getting better. Rectifying some of my books in forenoon; in af[ternoo]n reading; at night I, daughter F & sons E& H to St George's chh. Dull sermon.

**Monday 24 March 1884** At work & looking about for money.

**Tuesday 25 March 1884** To St Anne's-on-Sea to day in order to get materials for an article on the place.35 Mr T Fair,36 who will pay me for

<sup>33</sup> J. Von Caffrie had poetry and articles published in the *Preston Chronicle* and *Preston Herald* in late 1883 and early 1884, under the initials J.V.C. He was one of many amateur poets published by local newspapers: Andrew Hobbs and Claire Januszewski, 'How Local Newspapers Came to Dominate Victorian Poetry Publishing', *Victorian Poetry,* 52, no. 2 (2014): 65–87.

<sup>34</sup> Stephen Simpson (1832–1891), gold thread manufacturer (*PH,* 18 November 1891, p. 3), former Liberal councillor. In 1870 Hewitson described him as 'a small, neatlyfashioned, quick, smart-tempered, good-hearted man … full of chat, mirth, and market quotations; is light-complexioned, brisk featured, has dark, swiftly-stirring eyes; is polished in figure, and looks like an Anglicised Frenchman' (*PTC*, p. 63).

<sup>35</sup> The seaside resort of St Annes was a planned town, built on a grid pattern, on Clifton estate land. A pier was opened in 1885.

<sup>36</sup> See 6 August 1873.

the article, wants it for one of the Manchester evening papers. I called at his house and had lunch. Then I went with him in his carriage to St Anne's round which I rode, & then he left me to my own wanderings & musings. Quiet but pleasant. Home at about 7 in evening.

**Wednesday 26 March 1884** Work

**Thursday 27 March 1884** Same

**Friday 28 March 1884** Same

**Saturday 29 March 1884** Same

**Sunday 30 March 1884** In forenoon rectifying my books; in af[ternoo]n reading; at night to St George's ch[urc]h with daughter F[lorence] & sons E[thelbert] & H[orace]. Dull sermon.

**Monday 31 March 1884** In af[ternoo]n writing out part of article on St Anne's. Same in evening.

# April

**Tuesday 1 April 1884** Finished article on St A[nne's] this evening. Hard work, having previously described St Anne's, which in one sense contains nothing, twice.

**Wednesday 2 April 1884** At work hard. In evening till 10.30 writing American descriptive article.

**Thursday 3 April 1884** Finished American article & on with other things till 10 at night.

**Friday 4 April 1884** At work all day—"labor omnia vincit" till 1.30 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 5 April 1884** Easy day.

**Sunday 6 April 1884** To St George's ch[urc]h in evening with daughter F[lorence] & sons E[thelbert] & H[orace]. Sermon up to nothing particular

**Monday 7 April 1884** At work all day. Reading about circus life in evening. My wife & daughter F[lorence] to Theatre Royal to see company in "Fun on the Bristol".37

**Tuesday 8 April 1884** At work d[itt]o. In evening I & sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] to Theatre Royal & saw above company. The piece is a sort of burlesque comedy—full of extravagant incongruous behaviour.

**Wednesday 9 April 1884** At work d[itt]o—till 10 at night.

**Thursday 10 April 1884** Same till 10.

**Good Friday 11 April 1884** Fine day; many people out in conveyances &c, especially in af[ternoo]n. "Shop" closed. I at work till 11 at night.

<sup>37</sup> Musical comedy written by George Fawcett and John F. Sheridan, set on the Hudson River steamer 'Bristol', which, coincidentally, Hewitson took from New York to Boston in 1883.

**Saturday 12 April 1884** At work—easy—all day. Vast number went from Preston to Blackburn to see a football match between the "Rovers" (Blackburn) & the North End club (Preston).

**Easter Sunday 13 April 1884** To St George's ch[urc]h in forenoon with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace. Sillyish sermon. Reading about circus life & Life of Canon Kingsley38 af[terwar]ds.

**Easter Monday 14 April 1884** I, my wife, & children went to Avenham Park in af[ternoo]n. Egg rolling, orange pitching &c. Altogether there would, I estimate, be about 20,000 on the ground. At night I, my wife, daughter Florence\* & my brother Willie's wife39 (staying with 2 children with us) to Theatre Royal to see "Princess Ida"40 —a "per-version". Dresses & persons of actors & actresses good; rest not very much, except scenery which was best of all.

**Tuesday 15 April 1884** Went with Jabez B Jones<sup>41</sup> to Chorley, thence to Heapey (to both by train, then walked over Anglezarc [sic] Moor to Rivington, where, at Black-a-Moor ("Black Lad") Inn we had each a pint of ale & some beef & butter cakes. Then looked through the church on the hill—a little, low roofed, old-but-restored place containing some brass & a painted board relating to B[ishop] Pilkington &c—& then through the Dissenting or Presbyterian Chapel which contains the Lord Willoughby pew & a terribly filled up tablet on east side relating to his family. Afterwards to Horwich—examined filter beds of L[iver]pool Waterworks; called at a public & had some whiskey; to Chorley; in St Laurence's or Parish Ch[urc]h; home.42

**16–19** Working very hard

<sup>38</sup> Charles Kingsley (1819–1875), Anglican cleric, proponent of Christian socialism and 'muscular Christianity', author of *The Water-Babies, Westward Ho!* and many other works.

<sup>39</sup> Emily Hewitson née Lister (1847–1929), who had three daughters and a son.

<sup>40</sup> Gilbert & Sullivan's latest comic opera.

<sup>41</sup> See 28 October 1865. Jones had worked at Rivington for Liverpool Corporation waterworks in the 1850s (*PH,* 10 October 1891, p. 5).

<sup>42</sup> A walk of around 12 miles.

**Sunday 20 April 1884** To St George's with son H[orace] in morning. To cemetery with my wife & my daughters F[lorence], M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] in af[ternoon]n. Reading during evening.

**Monday 21 April 1884** At work all day—in & out.

**Tuesday 22 April 1884** D[itt]o

**Wednesday 23 April 1884** D[itt]o

**Thursday 24 April 1884** To Town Council meeting, reporting with son Ethelbert. Proceedings lasted 2 hours. Much talking—rapid, mumbled & highly charged with defective grammar.

**Friday 25 April 1884** At work all day. Mr Margerison43 who with his wife & children, brother &c is going to Philadelphia (they are in soapmaking business & are going to start a trade in Phil[adelphia]) came & bade me good by [sic]. I had done work at 12.40 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 26 April 1884** Had a letter from S Tyler,44 New Orleans, this morning. The Margerisons sailed this af[ternoon]n from L[iver]pool in the "Alaska" SS. Sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] went to my brother Willie's,\* Pendleton, Manchester, this afternoon. Margerisons sailed to day.

**Sunday 27 April 1884** Stayed in house all day—chiefly reading. At night my wife & d[aughte]r Florence went to St George's ch[urch].

**Monday 28 April 1884** At work more or less all day. At night wrote three letters to relations & friends in America. My wife, d[aughte]r F[lorence] & one of sons to Theatre Royal. My sons returned from Manchester about 9 at night.

**Tuesday 29 April 1884** Working all day. At night I, my wife & d[aughte]r Florence to Gaiety Theatre, on Tithebarn St[ree]t., to see Colonel Boon & his performing lions—one lion & four lionesses—very clean, lively, fine

<sup>43</sup> Either James or William Margerison, who both emigrated to Philadelphia with their families, but returned after two and a half years: Joshua Margerison, *Autobiography of Joshua Margerison*, 1897, pp. 15–16.

<sup>44</sup> Unidentified.

animals. He had them under excellent control. A female was with him.45 The bulk of the other part of the performance not up to much.

**Wednesday 30 April 1884** Working all day.

<sup>45</sup> American lion-tamer Colonel Edgar Daniel Boone (c.1841–1903) and 'Miss Milli Carlotta' (Ellen Kelly, his wife).

### May

**Thursday 1 May 1884** A cold, wet, strange looking first of May. Customary decking out & parade of railway horses &c not good.46 I suppose this is mainly owing to the dullness—hard-up-ness—of the times.

**Friday 2 May 1884** At work all day, hard, till 12.38 in morning.

**Saturday 3 May 1884** Easy as to work. Weather cold. A hailstorm in the evening. Every body complaining of the unseasonableness of the weather.

**Sunday 4 May 1884** To St Geo[rge]'s Ch[urc]h in forenoon with son E[thelbert] or H[orace]—forget which. Sermon fairly good. In af[ternoon]n & evening reading Life of Canon Kingsley—a fine, brave, beautiful soul.

**Monday 5 May 1884** At work all day—more or less.

**Tuesday 6 May 1884** Same

**Wednesday 7 May 1884** Same—especially "more"

**Thursday 8 May 1884** Same—Cutting out "copy,"47 reading "pars," writing replies to letters, finishing my weekly dose of the article on America—"Westward Ho"; reading paragraphs, then playing draughts with son Horace who is a good player.

**Friday 9 May 1884** Same—very especially "more."

This may be of some service to somebody: it is best to work when you are young & can [both underlined twice] work. In age, or old age—not reached yet by me—you cannot I am sure work. But you can, or should enjoy the fruits of work.

**Saturday 10 May 1884** Easily-worked day. Till night, when I had to "go on" till 10.40.

<sup>46</sup> See 1 May 1875.

<sup>47</sup> Hewitson was cutting snippets of 'copy'―editorial matter―from other publications.

**Sunday 11 May 1884** To Christ Ch[urc]h, Fulwood, this forenoon, with son Ethelbert, to report sermon of Dr Fraser,\* Bishop of Manchester. Good sermon, condemnatory of extravagance, selfishness, &c. & emphasising the propriety of the C[hurch] of E[ngland] reaching the masses. The Bishop is a practical, hard working, earnest man.

**Monday 12 May 1884** At work, more or less, all day.

**Tuesday 13 May 1884** This morning I & my wife had an out to L[iver]pool. We went on board the latest addition to the National Steamship Co—a fine, great splendidly finished boat called "America"—built for quick steaming between L[iver]pool & New York. She was built at Glasgow & is upwards of 6,000 tons register[?] & mainly for passengers. Afterwards had a sail to New Brighton. Then returned & looked at some of the shops. Saw through a wax work place near St George's Hall. Went to see my old friend John Noblet\* who formerly owned Plumpton Brook Inn, Lawson-st[ree]t, Preston, & is now managing a public house in Great Cross hall st[ree]t, Liverpool. Home by 10.15 train, landed at 11.30.

**Wednesday 14 May 1884** Working very hard all day.

**Thursday 15 May 1884** Same.

**Friday 16 May 1884** Ditto. Finished work at 12.45 in morning.

**Saturday 17 May 1884** At work, more or less all day. Business generally dull. Much complaining & yet there is much money in the country.

**Sunday 18 May 1884** Staid [sic] in house all day—reading George's "Social Problems"48 in the af[ternoo]n.

**Monday 19 May 1884** At work more or less all day.

**Tuesday 20 May 1884** D[itt]o

**Wednesday 21 May 1884** D[itt]o. [in pencil: X Tully]

<sup>48</sup> Henry George, *Social Problems.* (London, 1884), advocating socialist land reforms.

News published today of the arrest, in New York, of G.T. Tully,49 the runaway sub-manager of Preston Bank on the charge of embezzlement or forgery or both. He "bolted" last October.

**Thursday 22 May 1884** At work all day till 10.30 at night.

**Friday 23 May 1884** D[itt]o till after midnight.

**Saturday 24 May 1884** D[itt]o more or less till 10.38 at night.

**Sunday 25 May 1884** I, my wife, son L[lewellyn] & daughters F[lorence] & R[osaline] had a walk in forenoon; sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] with daughter L[etitia] to St George's Ch[urc]h. In afternoon I had a read finished George's "Social Problems" & had a short dip into the Life of Canon Kingsley. At night had a walk with my wife & then we went to Mr H.C. Walton's<sup>50</sup> (Walton's Parade) & had a talk & some whiskey & supper. Home about midnight.

**Monday 26 May 1884** Working more or less.

**Tuesday 27 May 1884** Working hard all day till late.

**Wednesday 28 May 1884** Soon after 9 in morning I, my wife & about a dozen other persons including W.F. Moore,<sup>51</sup> Jas. Robinson<sup>52</sup> (spirit

<sup>49</sup> Gerald T. Tully, sub-manager of the Preston Banking Co Ltd, disappeared in October 1883. Some £10,000 was found to be missing from the accounts. Preston cheesemonger Joseph Toulmin, whose brother George owned the *Preston Guardian*, spotted Tully on Broadway and asked a New York policeman to arrest him. The *Preston Herald* reprinted the 'crisp and racy details' from the *New York Times*, noting the 'lively head lines peculiar to American journalism'. Detective Inspector Brown of Preston police later sailed to New York, and the Home Secretary asked for Tully's extradition, but fraud and embezzlement were not included in the extradition treaty. Despite a civil case against him, and bankruptcy proceedings in Britain (it seems he had in fact stolen £29,500, nearly £1 million in today's money), by November 1885 Tully was running a hat shop on Broadway, not far from his wife's millinery and baby linen shop. He died a free man in Chicago in April 1888.

<sup>50</sup> See 21 June 1865.

<sup>51</sup> William Francis Moore (1823–1900) of Spring Bank, accountant and insurance agent, a borough auditor for 20 years, expert on mortality statistics, involved in the Preston Sanitary Association and the blind institute with Hewitson (*PH,* 3 February 1900, p. 5).

<sup>52</sup> James Robinson (1834–1914), wine and spirit merchant of Church St.

merchant), Peter Edelston,53 father of Alderman T. Edelston, Jno Richardson54 & W. Blackburn<sup>55</sup> went in a wagonette to a farmhouse in Cockerham, near the Gull Moss. After refreshments walked to the Moss & saw lots of nests containing eggs. Lots of young birds; & saw thousands of old sea gulls—black-headed ones. Returned—feet of women damp with the Moss—& had a plain substantial dinner at the farm house. Kept by a man named, I think, Lewty.<sup>56</sup> Af[terwar]ds saw chatted & [word] outside, then into the fields. Saw lots of hares. Had some tea. Got home about 9.30pm.

**Thursday 29 May 1884** Hard at work

#### **Friday 30 May 1884** D[itt]o

**Saturday 31 May 1884** Working more or less. Agnes Noblet,<sup>57</sup> a daughter of Jno. Noblet,\* formerly of Preston & now of L[iver]pool, came on a visit to-day.

<sup>53</sup> Peter Edelston (1808–1886), who went from handloom weaver to mill manager, Liberal, had voted for Henry Hunt in 1830 and was a Chartist (*PH,* 17 March 1886, p. 4), 'a man of much shrewdness and intelligence … and thorough straightforwardness' (*PTC*).

<sup>54</sup> Probably John Richardson (1825–1898), steward of Preston's Reform Club (see 15 October).

<sup>55</sup> William Blackburn (1831–1914), grocer, of Church St, Liberal, teetotaller, Congregationalist, member of the Peace Society (*PH,* 26 September 1914, p. 5).

<sup>56</sup> Richard Lewty (1827–1889) of Moss Farm.

<sup>57</sup> Mary Agnes Noblet (1865–1899).

# June

**Sunday 1 June 1884** To St George's Ch[urc]h with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] in forenoon. In af[ternoo]n had a walk. Af[terwar]ds reading Washington Irving,<sup>58</sup> &c.

**Whit Monday 2 June 1884** To shop till noon—watching processions,59 with my wife & some of my children. In a[fternoo]n watched processions from window of house, 6 Fishergate Hill. At night with my wife to the "Orchard" where we had been at noon.

**Tuesday 3 June 1884** Working in forenoon. In af[ternoo]n I & my wife & son L[lewellyn] & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] to the Pleasure Gardens in Ribbleton. Dancing, acrobating &c. Saw some nice birds. "The Dingle" a pretty umbrageous<sup>60</sup> place.

**Wednesday 4 June 1884** At work hard all day—on Whitsuntide matter &c for the paper.

**Thursday 5 June 1884** [Above this entry, in pencil, a cross and 'Ward'] D[itt]o. Cancelled the indentures of G Ward,<sup>61</sup> apprentice to reporting for disobedience & negligence. A sharp, fast, impertinent, aggravating youth. To opening of children's wards, Infirmary in af[ternoo]n—reporting.

**Friday 6 June 1884** Working hard all day from about 9 in morning till nearly 2 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 7 June 1884** Working more or less all day till 10.35 at night.

**Sunday 8 June 1884** To St George's church in forenoon with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace. Reading in af[ternoo]n.

**Monday 9 June 1884** At work more or less all day. My daughter Letty began to be ill to day—very quiet.

**Tuesday 10 June 1884** At work as before. Letty very poorly.

<sup>58</sup> American short story writer, author of 'Rip Van Winkle' and 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'.

<sup>59</sup> Whitsun church processions.

<sup>60</sup> Shady.

<sup>61</sup> Unidentified. This may be George White (see 14 January).

**Wednesday 11 June 1884** Same. At night called in Dr E. Moore,62 who was not sure what ailed Letty. He hinted at Scarlatina,63 but was not sure.

**Thursday 12 June 1884** Working all day. Letty very ill.

**Friday 13 June 1884** Same. Dr pronounced Letty's case one of scarlatina & it appeared to be of the malignant form—nearly all seemed to settle in her throat.

#### **Saturday 14 June 1884** Same

**Sunday 15 June 1884** Stayed at home—kept feeding Letty with new milk, Brands Essence of Beef &c. She began to mend, very distinctly at night. This evening Mr Wood64 preached last sermon in St George's ch[urc]h, prior to remodelling the interior. Services to be held in one of the rooms connected with new Public Hall at Corn Exchange till the alterations are completed.

**Monday 16 June 1884** Letty going on improving. I at shop more or less all day. Alterations at St George's Ch[urc]h were commenced to=day.

**Tuesday 17 June 1884** Letty continuing to improve. G.T. Tully,65 the runaway Preston Bank sub-manager, ordered by New York authorities to be extradited to Preston. He was arrested the other week in Broadway, New York. I at work all day.

**Wednesday 18 June 1884** Work all day. Letty getting better.

**Thursday 19 June 1884** At work & Letty continuing to mend.

**Friday 20 June 1884** D[itt]o. From 9.20 in morning till 2 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 21 June 1884** Working more or less all day from 10 in morning till 10.40 at night.

<sup>62</sup> Dr Edwin J. Moore (c. 1831–1909), came to Preston as surgeon at the dispensary in 1853, becoming prison surgeon in 1858, besides his private practice (*LDP,* 5 May 1909, p. 4).

<sup>63</sup> Scarlet fever.

<sup>64</sup> See 7 August 1881.

<sup>65</sup> See 21 May.

**Sunday 22 June 1884** This morning with my sons E[thelbert] & L[lewellyn] to room behind Public Hall at Exchange, where congregation of St George's Ch[urc]h have to worship till the improvements contemplated at that ch[urc]h have been made. Good, light, square room. Walls smelt of damp. About 140 present—chiefly middle & upper classes, more mixed than hitherto through character of room compelling this. Collec[tio]n to defray expenses. In a[fternoo]n I with my wife & daughter Letty went to Blackpool. Very dry weather & somewhat blustery. On North Pier met with Jas. Newsholme66 the circus man. He has a circus at B[lack]pool. Had a chat with him. Got refreshments & tea. Returned by train which landed at Preston a little before 8.30pm.

**Monday 23 June 1884** At work all day. Nothing new.

**Tuesday 24 June 1884** D[itt]o

**Wednesday 25 June 1884** D[itt]o

**Thursday 26 June 1884** To meeting of County (Lancs) Magistrates in forenoon in county Sessions Hall, Fishergate. Ralph Assheton<sup>67</sup> Esq in the chair.

**Friday 27 June 1884** Working hard all day.

**Saturday 28 June 1884** Same more or less.

**Sunday 29 June 1884** To Much Hoole in respect to a pew difficulty in the church (two families wanting one pew) in forenoon. Expected a row. Quietness. In evening I & my wife to Thurston Wiggans'68 in Penwortham to see our little daughters Mabel & Rosaline—sent there to be out of way of any contagion in Letty's case. Home at 9.10pm.

**Monday 30 June 1884** T. Love69 came into my service to day (from Oldham) as reporter. Cottam's<sup>70</sup> shop & house, at north western end

<sup>66</sup> James Newsome (1842–1912), 'genius of the ring'.

<sup>67</sup> Ralph Assheton (1830–1907 of Downham Hall, landowner, county magistrate, former MP for Clitheroe.

<sup>68</sup> Thurston Wiggans (c.1860–1892), reporter on the *Preston Chronicle,* subsequently on the *Wigan Examiner* (*PC* 13 February 1892, p. 5).

<sup>69</sup> Possibly Thomas Love (b. 1850), a former teacher.

<sup>70</sup> Hat manufacturer William Wainman Cottam (1836–1913), Freemason.

of Cannon St[ree]t was sold by auction to-day for £4,700. My daughter Florence & little Jane<sup>71</sup> left to day.

<sup>71</sup> Jane Beetham, servant. Florence may have gone to Carlisle, where her fiancé George Barker lived (see 3 September).

# July

**Tuesday 1 July 1884** Nothing particular in outside world.

**Wednesday 2 July 1884** D[itt]o. At work as before.

**Thursday 3 July 1884** Same. Weather very hot & rain much wanted.

**Friday 4 July 1884** D[itt]o. Began work at 9.20 in morning & finished at 12.50 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 5 July 1884** This af[ternoo]n my wife & my daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] to Blackpool for a fortnight or so as a change for my wife & L[etitia].<sup>72</sup>

**Sunday 6 July 1884** In house all day. Reading in af[ternoo]n—finished memoir & Life of Canon Kingsley.

**Monday 7 July 1884** At work all day mainly.

**Tuesday 8 July 1884** Same. Heavy thunder & lightning in the evening.

**Wednesday 9 July 1884** Same

**Thursdays 10 July 1884** Same

**Friday 11 July 1884** At work from 9.20 in morning till 12.45 on Sat[urday] morning. My wife & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] returned from Blackpool.

**Saturday 12 July 1884** Working more or less all day. Very heavy rain in evening. John Humber73 of Winckley Square died this evening in his 80th year. He was a steady, dry, plodding, wilful screw.74 Was formerly connected with Preston Corporation & was once Mayor. No body that I can hear weeps at his death.

**Sunday 13 July 1884** At home all day. Reading in af[ternoo]n & sleeping.

<sup>72</sup> Letitia was recovering from scarlet fever (see 9–19 June).

<sup>73</sup> John Humber (1805–1884), mill owner and businessman, mayor 1857–1858, Conservative; he was eligible to vote in six or seven different constituencies, and in the 1880 election travelled the country to use them all (*PH,* 16 July 1884, p. 2).

<sup>74</sup> Meaning unclear; possibly an employer who put pressure on his workers to vote for him or his candidate.

**Monday 14 July 1884** Working more or less—perhaps less—all day.

**Tuesday 15 July 1884** Same. Bought some minion type<sup>75</sup> (upwards of 600lbs) & an imposing stove belonging to "Fair Trade Newspaper Co",<sup>76</sup> Friargate—under Catholic Working Men's News Room.

**Wednesday 16 July 1884** Same. My wife went to L[iver]pool to=day to see for a servant at one of the Roman Catholic Institutions.

**Thursday 17 July 1884** I at work all day till about 10 at night.

**Friday 18 July 1884** All day at work till 12.45 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 19 July 1884** At work from 10.30 in morning till 10.40 at night. This evening at 6.15 my sons E[thelbert], H[orace] & L[lewellyn] went to Garstang—fishing &c—for a week or so—their annual holiday; lodging with Mrs Cardwell. 77

**Sunday 20 July 1884** In house all day till after tea (reading in af[ternoo]n a work on the Sagacity & Morality of Plants).<sup>78</sup> In evening had a walk with my wife & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] into Penwortham. At night W France\* called.

**Monday 21 July 1884** Not very well; through France\* calling, I suppose. Got a letter from son Bertie at Garstang—all right—fishing.

**Tuesday 22 July 1884** All day at work. Got a letter from my son Bertie at Garstang. All going on right.

**Wednesday 23 July 1884** Same. Expected a letter from sons. None came. They were up Wyre &c79

**Thursday 24 July 1884** Same. Letter from Bertie. Right—sight seeing up at Caldervale &c

<sup>75</sup> Small type (7-point) used for printing text.

<sup>76</sup> Only four issues of the newspaper, part of the national 'fair trade' movement advocating protectionism, were published (*PC,* 12 July, p. 4).

<sup>77</sup> Possibly Mary Ann Cardwell (b. 1845), a widow, in the Market Place.

<sup>78</sup> John Ellor Taylor, *The Sagacity & Morality of Plants: A Sketch of the Life & Conduct of the Vegetable Kingdom* (London: Chatto & Windus, 1884).

<sup>79</sup> The River Wyre rises in the Bowland Fells and flows into the Irish Sea at Fleetwood.

**Friday 25 July 1884** Boys—my sons—home at 8.20 morning. I found fault with them for not coming last night.

**Saturday 26 July 1884** At work more or less all day. Weather very broken—very showery. Finished work at 10.40 at night.

**Sunday 27 July 1884** At home—never stirred out—all day. Reading &c

**Monday 28 July 1884** At work all day.

**Tuesday 29 July 1884** Same

**Wednesday 30 July 1884** Same. Put bum-bailiff<sup>80</sup> into Chapman's<sup>81</sup> place—part of my office in Cannon St[ree]t for rent &c

**Thursday 31 July 1884** Same. Weather fine. Got paid from Chapman & released him of bumdom & at once re-let the room to D Miller,<sup>82</sup> auctioneer, for same rent £20.

<sup>80</sup> Derogatory term for a bailiff who collects debts.

<sup>81</sup> John George Chapman (b. 1849), auctioneer, probably renting the former lecture hall of the mechanics' institute. He owed Hewitson £17 6 shillings, according to a meeting of creditors in January (*PC,* 19 January 1884, p. 2).

<sup>82</sup> Probably David Miller (b. 1840), a provision dealer, who renamed them the 'Victoria Sale-rooms'. Became a councillor, declared bankrupt in 1888 (*LEP,* 23 October 1888, p. 3).

### August

**Friday 1 August 1884** At work from 9.30 in morning till nearly 2 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Sunday 3 August 1884** Laid in bed—not well in my back—till nearly noon. In af[ternoo]n & evening reading Sandford Fleming's "England & Canada".83 At night with children &c [This entry undated:] At home all day. Reading in af[ternoon]n.84

**Monday 4 August 1884** In af[ternoo]n drove my wife & children to Inglewhite in a 4 wheeler. Had a ramble up lane af[terwar]ds towards Whitechapel. Return, had something to eat, then down by Brock & home by Myerscough.

**Tuesday 5 August 1884** With my wife & son E[thelbert] to Stonyhurst College—the Academy Day. Large & imposing affair. Good lunch. Back by way of Chaigheley [sic]. Very pretty. Gathered some wild flowers by the road side. Some tea at Derby Arms, Thornley. Home by 8.30 pm.

**Wednesday 6 August 1884** At work all day till 10.20 pm.

**Thursday 7 August 1884** Same—nearly.

**Friday 8 August 1884** Working till 1.30 in morning. Home. Sat reading.<sup>85</sup> Went back to office to get some corrections made—blundering work.

**Saturday 9 August 1884** To Lancaster at noon with son E[thelbert] to report a Conservative demonstration<sup>86</sup> for the "Times" & "Standard", London. In evening went to banquet at King's Arms, Lancaster. Got back to Preston at 10.15. Working till 2 in morning. The chief speakers at Demonstration were—Lord Winmarleigh<sup>87</sup> (in the chair) wonderful

<sup>83</sup> Sandford Fleming, *England and Canada: A Summer Tour between Old and New Westminster: With Historical Notes* (London: S. Low, Marston, Searle & Rivington, 1884). Hewitson had visited Canada during his 1883 American trip.

<sup>84</sup> Hewitson seems to have written two entries for Sunday and none for Saturday.

<sup>85</sup> Proof-reading.

<sup>86</sup> Part of a national Conservative movement resisting Gladstone's Representation of the People Act (the 1884 'Third Reform Act'), which promised men in the countryside the same voting rights as in urban areas.

<sup>87</sup> John Wilson-Patten.\*

in body & mind for his age—upwards of 80; Mr E Gibson<sup>88</sup> MP (Dublin University) a smart, cute sarcastic fellow & Colonel Stanley\*—genial but involved.

**Sunday 10 August 1884** At home reading in af[ternoo]n.

**Monday 11 August 1884** To the Lakes—circular tour—by Lake side & up Windermere to Bowness. Af[terwar]ds went to Ambleside, Stock Ghyll Force & then to Grasmere. Returned by way of Kendal. Home at 9.30. My wife & W France\* & his wife with me.

**Tuesday 12 August 1884** Easy day. Kate Cooney, an Irish servant for us, went away after being with us a week.

**Wednesday 13 August 1884** Today my wife went to Lancaster to see for a servant, in place of the Irish beauty. Found one called Fanny Park.89 I at work all day—hard.

**Thursday 14 August 1884** Same as to myself. The new servant landed this evening. A clean comely good looking girl.

**Friday 15 August 1884** At work from 9.30 in morning till 11.45 at night very early for this night.

**Saturday 16 August 1884** Easy day. Mr W Livesey\* told me his father (Joseph Livesey,\* the veteran teetotaller) had been having a bad fit of illness. Finished work at 10.30.

**Sunday 17 August 1884** To Barrow, by boat excursion, at 7.30 in morning with my wife & sons E[thelbert] & H[orace]. Beautiful day. Went to Furness Abbey. It looked noble in its ruins. Home again at 9.30. Boat the "Clifton" overcrowded & many rough, damnably drink-guzzling people, young & old & both sexes, on board. Overcrowding & drinking spoiled our pleasure on the water.

**Monday 18 August 1884** At work more or less all day.

<sup>88</sup> Edward Gibson (1837–1913) QC, Conservative MP.

<sup>89</sup> Possibly Fanny Park (b. 1870), whose parents ran the Coachmaker's Arms in St Leonard's Gate.

**Tuesday 19 August 1884** At work all day. Mr Joseph Livesey,\* 13 Bank Parade—father of local teetotalism & in his 91st year—reported to be very unwell.

**Wednesday 20 August 1884** Again at work all day till 10.30 at night.

**Thursday 21 August 1884** Ditto

**Friday 22 August 1884** Ditto from 9.30 in morning till 12.45 on Sat[urday] morning. Weather very hot.

**Saturday 23 August 1884** Fairly easy day. At shop—on & off—till 10.35 at night.

**Sunday 24 August 1884** Had a Turkish bath at W Singleton's,\* Grimshaw St[ree]t this forenoon. In af[ternoo]n reading Sandford Fleming's "England & Canada". Af[terwar]ds I, my wife & son E[thelbert] to Longton per train, to look at a "dwelling house" in Chapel Lane advert[ise]d for sale. Disappointed—only a shanty in the centre of a long narrow strip of orchard & garden ground, at side of road. Home at 6.30.

**Monday 25 August 1884** Working more or less all day.

**Tuesday 26 August 1884** Working easily.

**Wednesday 27 August 1884** Ditto harder till ab[ou]t 10.30.

**Thursday 28 August 1884** Florrie & Ge[orge] E Barker90 called. I at work all day.

**Friday 29 August 1884** Same as to work. Finished it at 12.20 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 30 August 1884** Easiest sort of day.

**Sunday 31 August 1884** In house all day. In af[ternoo]n reading Sandford Fleming's "England & Canada". At night reading &c

<sup>90</sup> George Ellis Barker (1862–1907) of Carlisle, Florence's fiancé, tobacconist, son of a hotel keeper.

### September

**Monday 1 September 1884** Working easily all day.

**Tuesday 2 September 1884** D[itt]o. Mr Joseph Livesey,\* the veteran teetotaller died shortly before 3 this af[ternoon]n at his residence, 13 Bank Parade, Preston, in 91st year of his age.

**Wednesday 3 September 1884** My daughter Florence married to-day to George Ellis Barker of Carlisle. Marriage at Christchurch, Preston. Revd H Wood,91 Vicar of St George's, Preston, officiated. Party left my house, 6 Fishergate Hill ab[ou]t 12 minutes past 11 in forenoon, in relays of carriages. Party consisted of G E Barker (bridegroom), Mr Sweeney92 (Newcastle) best man, Miss Sheffield93 (first maid) my sons Bertie & Horace & Llewellyn, Miss Eliza Ann France (2nd maid), my wife, Mr & Mrs W France,\* my daughter Florence, daughters Mabel, Rosaline, Letitia & myself. Showery at beginning, sun shining af[terwar]ds. Returned to my house & had wedding breakfast & made speeches & had as the Americans say a "good time". In af[ternoo]n Florence & her husband away north per train. I & Will France\* had a walk into Penwortham, leaving bulk of party enjoying themselves, barring sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] who went to work.

**Thursday** 4 **September 1884** Working all day—not so well—yesterday's enjoyment in reaction.

**Friday 5 September 1884** This af[ternoo]n Mr Joseph Livesey\* interred in Preston Cemetery Nonconformist part. A great funeral.

**Saturday 6 September 1884** Gave a portrait of Mr J Livesey\* with Chronicle. Had a great—an unexampled sale. Finished work about 11.15 pm.94

**Sunday 7 September 1884** At home all day—tired somewhat. Reading in af[ternoo]n & evening.

<sup>91</sup> See 7 August 1881.

<sup>92</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>93</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>94</sup> Hewitson devoted the back page of the *Chronicle* to an obituary and report of the funeral, with portrait.

**Monday 8 September 1884** At work main of day. In evening I & my wife went to the Theatre Royal & saw Doyle Carte's [sic] company play "Her Majesty's Ship Pinafore"—a lively comedy, containing some good songs & music.

**Tuesday 9 September 1884** Working all day. In evening I & my wife went to see the "Two-headed Nightingale"95 in the Corn Exch[an]ge assembly room. The "Nightingale" was a disappointment to me. It consisted of two females—black, born in America—Carolina I think twins, joined at the back. They c[oul]d sing & dance nicely. Some good conjuring by one of the company.

**Wednesday 10 September 1884** At work hard all day till about 10.30 at night.

**Thursday 11 September 1884** Ditto

**Friday 12 September 1884** Working from 9.20 in morning till 12.40 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 13 September 1884** Not so well. Had a Turkish bath at W Singleton's,\* Grimshaw-st[ree]t (dirtily kept place) in af[ternoo]n. In evening, till 10.40 at shop.

**Sunday 14 September 1884** In bed latish—unwell—a boil on bottom of back. In evening wrote the greater part of my last "Westward Ho!" article.

**Monday 15 September 1884** At 8.30 (for 8.15) this morning I & my wife went to London by cheap trip. About 8½ hours in going! Went from Rugby, by Northampton. Weather fine. In evening, after arriving & taking lodgings at a coffee house (Holman's) 143 Fleet St[ree]t,96 we were taken to Elephant & Castle Theatre, by my old friend Rich[ar]d Quittenton,97 foreman of the Budget &c, Red Lion Court. We sat in one

<sup>95</sup> Millie and Christine McKoy. See 7 February 1872.

<sup>96</sup> Run by Mrs Lydia Holman (b. 1830).

<sup>97</sup> Richard Quittenton (1833–1914) met Hewitson when both were apprentices at the *Lancaster Gazette*, and gave Hewitson a job on the *Brierley Hill Advertiser* soon after his apprenticeship ('Anthony Hewitson', *Yorkshire Bibliographer*, 1 [1888], 190–92). By 1884 Quittenton, under his pen-name of Roland Quiz, was editor of the *Weekly Budget*, a general magazine, and also responsible for the *South London Press, Funny* 

of the stage boxes and, through RQ, were admitted free. Got back to Fleet St[ree]t about midnight.

**Tuesday 16 September 1884** Knocking about in neighb[ourhood]d of St Paul's, Paternoster Row, Jermyn St[ree]t,—in search of cheap Xmas cards, with my wife. At night we went to "The Healtheries" near South Kensington Museum—a mixture of buildings wherein are exhibited all sorts of food, cooking appliances, confectionery, machinery &c—a kind of big shopkeeping affair on a highly systematised basis. Grounds on one side—higher side—illuminated with vast no. of glass lamps, coloured, and Chinese lanterns. Some very good band music. In a glass roofed building above a very interesting display of civil & military costume, in historical order.98

**Wednesday 17 September 1884** For some hours I looking after an ac[count] & my wife looking out for Xmas specialities &c. In af[ternoo]n I went with her to a shop near Paternoster Square, where she had found some very cheap Xmas goods. Af[terwar]ds I went after an ac[count] to Vauxhall end of Walworth road. Journey was an awful hunt & was thrown away. At night on shop work with my wife. Had a glass at Mitre Inn, Fleet St[ree]t, about 10.

**Thursday 18 September 1884** Collecting ac[count]s in forenoon; in af[ternoo]n we went to Crystal Palace. At 9.15 (for 9) at night left Euston station for Preston. Fell asleep—very sound—soon after leaving Wigan & did not wake till 4.25 am—ab[ou]t 2 hours past time due at Preston. Case of over-carrying. Awoke when train was on Shap Fells! Got out at Penrith. Returned at 7.41; home at about 10.45 & to work more or less till 12.30 next morning.

**Friday 19 September 1884** Our 26th Wedding Day. I thank God we are here so well & prosperous.

*Folks, Young Folks* and *Pictorial News*. His Tim Pippin stories for *Young Folks Budget* were published as books. He was a friend of Charles Dickens and Robert Louis Stevenson (Death Of "Roland Quiz", *Chelmsford Chronicle* 23 January 1914, p. 5).

<sup>98</sup> The International Health Exhibition, which opened in May 1884. Sala wrote about it in the *Illustrated London News* (2 August 1884, pp. 90–95).

**Saturday 20 September 1884** At work all day from 10.15 in morning till 10.40 at night. At noon to=day my wife & my son E[thelbert] went by cheap trip, to Carlisle, to see my daughter Florrie.

**Sunday 21 September 1884** I & my sons H[orace] & L[lewellyn] to St George's substitute church (crush room of Public Hall). In af[ternoo]n I reading & sleeping; d[itt]o to some extent at night.

**Monday 22 September 1884** At work all day. Writing & reading at night.

**Tuesday 23 September 1884** Working all day. My wife & son E[thelbert] returned from Carlisle in afternoon.

**Wednesday 24 September 1884** Working all day till about 10 at night.

**Thursday 25 September 1884** Ditto

**Friday 26 September 1884** Same till 2 o'clock on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 27 September 1884** At work ab[ou]t 10.15 & kept at it more or less till 10.45 at night.

**Sunday 28 September 1884** Up at 9.45. Washed, breakfasted, read part of Davidson's "New Book of Kings".99 In af[ternoo]n reading d[itt]o. At night all of us, servant included, to church—I, my wife & sons E[thelbert]& H[orace] to St George's lot; son L[lewellyn] & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] with servant to Christch[urch].

**Monday 29 September 1884** At work more or less all day. At night I & my wife went to see Fred. Maccabe100 in his character entertainment in Guild Hall. We had seen it before. It was very good.

**Tuesday 30 September 1884** Working all day.

<sup>99</sup> John Morrison Davidson, *The New Book of Kings* (London: Modern Press, 1884); Davidson was a republican socialist journalist, London correspondent for the *Bradford Observer* and *Leeds Mercury*.

<sup>100</sup> Frederic MacCabe, ventriloquist. See 13 April 1874.

### October

#### **Wednesday 1 October 1884** Ditto

**Thursday 2 October 1884** At work all day. Miss Ascroft101 (daughter of Mr W Ascroft,102 solicitor, Preston) married today to young Dickson,103 8th son of Joe Dixon, solicitor. Miss Cross,104 Redscar, married today also—to some army man old enough to be her father.<sup>105</sup>

#### **Friday 3 October 1884** At work

**Saturday 4 October 1884** This af[ternoo]n my wife took my daughters Rosaline & Letitia to Carlisle—to my daughter Florrie's, to stay a while. Told our servant Fanny to lose our Tom cat this evening—we have a "she"—he is dirty lazy slenchy<sup>106</sup> & too devoted to night work. He was taken up street & duly lost.<sup>107</sup>

**Sunday 5 October 1884** Reading in afternoon. To "crush room" church (sub[stitute] for St George's) at night with my sons.

**Monday 6 October 1884** At work all day. Reading at night.

**Tuesday 7 October 1884** Same during day. In the evening went to see Mr Stephen Simpson,<sup>108</sup> gold thread manufacturer, East Cliff ab[ou]t his works—the revision of a description of it which had appeared in the Chronicle. Had 2 glasses of whiskey with him. Stayed till 10.15.

**Wednesday 8 October 1884** At work all day. At 7.45 pm I & my son Bertie met my wife at the Railway Station. She landed all safe. The engine

<sup>101</sup> Emily Isabella Ascroft (1859–1933).

<sup>102</sup> William Ascroft (c. 1830–1916), solicitor.

<sup>103</sup> Edmund Dickson (1855–1929), also a solicitor.

<sup>104</sup> Diana Beatrice Annie Cross (1859–1939), daughter of an old Preston family which owned land in Ribbleton, Grimsargh and Cottam.

<sup>105</sup> Major William Langmore Wreford (1841–1917) of Broughton House, Sevenoaks, Kent.

<sup>106</sup> To slench is to slink or sneak.

<sup>107</sup> On this day the *Preston Guardian* cut the price of their 12-page Saturday edition from 2d to 1½d, aiming to attract 'readers of the industrial class … to whom the former price of our Saturday's publication might operate in some measure as a deterrent …'(*PG,* 4 October 1884, p. 5). Hewitson's eight-page *Chronicle* remained at 2d.

<sup>108</sup> See 19 March.

which drew the train she came by was a very big one & quite new. It was a three cylindered one—I at least thought so. One cylinder—very big one—was in front, under the buffer plank. This I believe is an engine for using up or getting as much power as possible out of the exhaust steam. It is on "Webb's system".109

**Thursday 9 October 1884** Working all day. Threatened to send servant away to-day. She is a minx.

**Friday 10 October 1884** Working from 9.30 in morning till 12.50 at night.

**Saturday 11 October 1884** At shop, works &c. This afternoon the first sod of the big new dock on south side of Ribble, opposite Marsh, was cut by Alderman Gilbertson.\* Luncheon afterwards. I declined to go. Object to way Ribble scheme has been pushed forward &c.<sup>110</sup>

**Sunday 12 October 1884** At home in forenoon reading, &c. In af[ternoo]n I, my wife, daughter Mabel & servant had a walk round by Penwortham Bridge & along side of the Holme to see the site of sod cutting. A stupid, navvy like man in somebody's employ stopped us. I said that we had a right to look at what belonged to the ratepayers that I was one—that (after giving my name) he might summon me. So I passed on & went to sod cutting site at foot & on the north east side of Castle Hill. At night I & a few others rode over to Rev T A Peters's,\* The Hermitage, Grimsargh to a Harvest thanksgiving service. Good congregation at his little church; nice service. Afterwards we went into Mr Peters's residence (school attached) hard by & had a smoke & a glass of whiskey. Got back to Preston about 10.30 pm.

**Monday 13 October 1884** At work more or less all day.

<sup>109</sup> F. W. Webb, Locomotive Superintendent of the London and North Western Railway 1871–1903 refined this way of using steam more efficiently.

<sup>110</sup> Hewitson gave a brief, disparaging mention of the occasion in his 'Stray Notes' gossip column in this day's *Preston Chronicle:* 'We expect that some good will come to Preston … but … we are by no means in unison with those who fancy that it will transform the town into a sort of perennially blossoming maritime Paradise.' In contrast, the Conservative *Preston Herald,* mouthpiece of the dock promoters, devoted its leading article to the sod-cutting: 'This day (Saturday, the 11th of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-four) will remain to the end of time a most memorable day in the history of Preston …'

**Tuesday 14 October 1884** D[itt]o. At night I & my wife to Theatre Royal to see E Terry<sup>111</sup> the comedian. He was very good.

**Wednesday 15 October 1884** In forenoon to Longton to report funeral of Richard Wilkins,<sup>112</sup> maltster & brewer, who died on previous Saturday night aged 68. A very large funeral. Interment in church yard—first interment of a Dissenter. (Wilkins was a W[esleyan] Methodist) there according to new Burials Act. A W[esleyan] Methodist as well as the Vicar conducted inside service. I was with John Richardson113 (Reform Club Steward, Preston).

**Thursday 16 October 1884** At work all day. Not so well. Had too much brandy & whiskey to keep out cold yesterday, the day being very wet.

**Friday 17 October 1884** At work all day from 9.25 in morning till about 2 next morning.

**Saturday 18 October 1884** Working easy.

**Sunday 19 October 1884** Laid in bed till ab[ou]t 11.30 in forenoon; then had a read in book about Reform—Political. In af[ternoo]n I & my wife & daughter Mabel &c had a walk into Penwortham. At night I, my wife & sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] to St George's (crush room—Public Hall). Son L[etitia] & daughter M[abel] to Christ Ch[urc]h with servant.

The Holme, per foot path to see where sod cutting of previous day had taken place. About 100 yards off it a man like a labourer, in service of somebody stopped us. I said that the work to be done & land on which it had to be done belonged to the rate payers of Preston: that I was one & that I wanted to see part of my property. I then gave him my name, said he might summons me for trespass if he liked & walked past him to the side of the sod cutting on the north east side & at foot of Castle Hill. On returning I had some words with the aforesaid man & another about summoning but heard no more of it.

**13 Monday**. Working more or less.

<sup>111</sup> Edward O'Connor Terry (1844–1912), supposedly the 'illegitimate' son of Chartist leader Feargus O'Connor.

<sup>112</sup> See 15 June 1881.

<sup>113</sup> See 28 Mary 1884.

**14 Tuesday**. D[itt]o. At night I & my wife to theatre to see Terry the comedian. He was very good.

**15 Wednesday**. At work all day.

**16 Thursday**. D[itt]o

**Monday 20 October 1884** At work & bothering ab[ou]t all day.

**Tuesday 21–Thursday 23 October 1884** D[itt]o

**Friday 24 October 1884** At work from 9.25 in morning till 2.10 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 25 October 1884** Working off & on all day.

**Sunday 26 October 1884** Reading in forenoon & af[ternoo]n. At night I & son H[orace] to St George's ("crush" room) Son E[thelbert] to Longton to report Wilkins's114 funeral sermon.

**Monday 27 October 1884** Easy day

**Tuesday 28 October 1884** D[itt]o. At night I & my wife to Theatre Royal to see Barry Sullivan115 in "The Gamester". He took his part excellently. Good house.

**Wednesday 29 October 1884** Working all day more or less.

**Thursday 30 October 1884** Working hard all day.

**Friday 31 October 1884** D[itt]o from 9.30 in morning till about 2 am Sat morning.

<sup>114</sup> See 15 October.

<sup>115</sup> Classical actor Barry Sullivan (1821–1891).

## November

**Saturday 1 November 1884** Working easily all day. Municipal elec[tion]s contest in 2 wards. David Miller<sup>116</sup> & "Leather" Parker<sup>117</sup> new members.

**Sunday 2 November 1884** At home reading all day.

**Monday 3 November 1884** At work more or less.

**Tuesday 4 November 1884** Same

**Wednesday 5 November 1884** Working all day. At 9.30 night I, my wife & sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] went to Fancy Dress Ball given by the Mayor (Alderman John Forshaw\*) in the new Public Hall. I went in character of Sir Roger L'Estrange,118 my wife as an Andalusian lady, son E[thelbert] as a British naval lieutenant & son H[orace] as a Chronicler temp. Ed.4.119 About 608 persons were at the ball which was brilliant & beautiful.<sup>120</sup> Supper—champagne, peacock, chicken &c &c—soon after 12. We stayed till about 4 in morning. I did not (c[oul]d not) dance.

**Thursday 6 November 1884** Rose at 10; to work af[terwa]rds; & working till 10 at night—awfully tired—badly. I understand that many persons were in a very physically dished condition to-day.

**Friday 7 November 1884** At work from 9.20 in morning till 2.30 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 8 November 1884** Working more or less all day. Finished at 10.50.

<sup>116</sup> See 31 July.

<sup>117</sup> Leather dealer William Parker. These two Conservatives replaced two Liberals.

<sup>118</sup> L'Estrange is an odd choice for a supposedly Liberal journalist. He was the Royalist government censor in the Civil War period and disapproved of the whole idea of news: 'it makes the multitude too familiar with the actions and counsels of their superiors, too pragmatical and censorious, and gives them not only an itch but a kind of colourable right and license to be meddling with the government': Andrew Pettegree, *The Invention of News: How the World Came to Know About Itself* (Yale University Press, 2015), p. 237.

<sup>119</sup> Chronicler from the time of Edward IV, punning on the title of his father's newspaper.

<sup>120</sup> The full list of guests and their costumes is fascinating (*PC,* 8 November 1884, p. 6).

**Sunday 9 November 1884** Up at 10.30. Read Tom Shuttleworth's121 Diary of his trip to America122 (slovenly done, from a purely literary point) till 12.30; then to Much Hoole Ch[urc]h, with my wife. Home by 6.30 train from Longton—waited 90 minutes there. Beautiful waiting that way.

**Monday 10 November 1884** This forenoon to Thistleton about 5 miles from Kirkham to WP Miller's.123 E Kirk124 of Pendleton with me. We were met at Kirkham station by Mr Miller's carriage & driven in it to his house. Had on arriving a glass of sherry & a biscuit; then drove over to Mr Miller's estate in Larbrick & inspected portions of an old road dug open—in some fields—for our inspection. We saw 4 sections in good lineage & about 4 feet wide, loosely paved. They suggested a Roman connection or origin. Afterwards we walked across fields to Danes' Hill near Elswick. It is supposed that this Hill (a slightly elevated piece of ground), containing grown turnips which were being plucked during our visit—was the site of a battle fought in or about the Commonwealth time; cannonballs, chain shot &c having at intervals been found ploughed up I sh[oul]d think in the ground. At about 3pm we had lunch at Mr Miller's & then Kirk & myself were driven back to Kirkham railway station. Reached Preston about 4.30—I to my shop, Kirk on, by train, homewards. WP Miller a very nice gentleman.

**Tuesday 11–Thursday 13 November 1884** Nothing particular. Working more or less all the time.

<sup>121</sup> Thomas Moss Shuttleworth (1834–1889), solicitor, clerk of assize for the Northern Circuit, Keeper of the Seal for the County Palatine and District Registrar for the High Court, Freemason and keen cricketer (*PH,* 18 September 1889, p. 5).

<sup>122</sup> T. M. Shuttleworth, *A Tour in Canada and the United States of America from the Diary of T.M. Shuttleworth, Esq.* (Preston: H Oakey, 1884). Shuttleworth's trip was August-October 1884. Hewitson's American and Canadian travelogue had been published in the *Chronicle*, but would not appear in book form until April 1885.

<sup>123</sup> William Pitt Miller (1849–1893), son of T. Miller, majority owner of Horrocks, Miller & Co, one of Lancashire's biggest cotton manufacturers (*Blackpool Herald,* 10 November 1893, p. 5).

<sup>124</sup> Edward Kirk (1832–1886), born in Goosnargh, editor of the *Eccles Advertiser* and an authority on Roman roads, former stationmaster at Leyland and Worsley, council member of the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society and Manchester Literary Club. Hewitson and his brother William, also interested in history, attended his funeral (*Manchester Evening News,* 1 April 1886, p. 3).

**Friday 14 November 1884** At work from 9.25 in morning till 2.10 or thereabouts on Sat morning.

**Saturday 15 November 1884** My brother William\* & his wife,125 from Manchester called. In af[ternoon]n I went with him to see a match between the Preston North End Football Club & a club from Bolton played on North East side of the town. Many thousands were there. This was the first football match I ever saw played. I don't care for the game & I believe it would not by any means be so very popular as it is if it were not for the betting & gambling mixed up with it. At night I, my wife, my brother & his wife went to a cheap concert in the Public Hall. Later when my shop was closed, we went to W France's\* bootmaker, there met W Parkinson\* the eminent operatic tenor singer, had two or three glasses of whiskey, told & heard some good stories, heard WP sing "The Anchor's Weighed" (beautifully) & got home about 12.40.

**Sunday 16 November 1884** This morning at 10.15 went with my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] & brother W[illiam]\* to Guild Hall, to go with the Mayor (Alderman J Forshaw\*) to the Parish church—walk in procession. There was a very large muster. Aft[erwar]ds brother, I & a young man called Cummings<sup>126</sup> had a walk down to the Quay side; looked about—at new improvement works, vessels in the river &c; then home. In af[ternoo]n my brother returned home; his wife going to her sister's<sup>127</sup> on north side of the town (Cumming's wife) I at home reading chiefly.

**Monday 17 November 1884** At work more or less.

**Tuesday 18 November 1884** To Manchester at noon, to see about Xmas cards, to propose W.P. Miller<sup>128</sup> of Thistleton as a member of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society &c. Home at 9.30pm.

**Wednesday 19 November 1884** At work all day, at night to a Conservative demonstration in Public Hall with aid, telegraphed report to The Times, London & Yorkshire Post, Leeds. Finished about 11.45.

<sup>125</sup> See 14 April.

<sup>126</sup> Thomas Cumming (1856–1918).

<sup>127</sup> Charlotte Eliza Cumming (née Lister, b. 1860).

<sup>128</sup> See 10 November.

**Thursday 20 November 1884** In forenoon to Darwen Bank to see Mrs Rodgett about some type cases &c which per Mr R[odgett]'s129 orders, she gave me. Pretty place.

**Friday 21 November 1884** Working hard all day.

**Saturday 22 November 1884** Easy day. Saw Mr W.P. Miller. He called with a piece of concrete, found at Singleton—on site of his brother's house. I promised to find out what it was, if possible.

**Sunday 23 November 1884** Reading. To St George's (crush room) at night with my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace].

**Monday 24 November 1884** At work, more or less all day.

**Tuesday25 November 1884** D[itt]o

**Wednesday 26 November 1884** D[itt]o

**Thursday 27 November 1884** D[itt]o

**Friday 28 November 1884** D[itt]o all day from 9.20 in morning to 12.55 at night.

**Saturday 29 November 1884** Easy day.

**Sunday 30 November 1884** Up at 10.30 in morning. Reading main part of day.

<sup>129</sup> Edward Rodgett (1814–1885), former owner of a cotton mill at Higher Walton. It is not clear why he would have printing items.

### December

#### **Monday 1 December 1884** Working all day.

**Tuesday 2 December 1884** D[itt]o

**Wednesday 3 December 1884** D[itt]o

**Thursday 4 December 1884** At work all day. At night went to the Public Hall, corn exchange, where Professor Tyndall130 delivered prizes to Harris Institute students & then gave an address on the germ theory of diseases &c. He looked about 65—medium size, very neat figure, large face, prominent nose—very—a thin neck & a deal of hair on his head. His wife131 —a dark-complexioned person & apparently 20 or 25 years his junior was in the audience—near W Ascroft's wife132 —quizzing him at times through a large opera or field glass.

#### **Friday 5 December 1884** [no entry]

**Saturday 6 December 1884** Had a Turkish bath in af[ternoo]n (Singleton's,\* Grimshaw St[ree]t). In the hottest room, into wh[ich] I several times went, the heat was once nearly 220 degrees. That was heat. Could only stand it a minute or two.

**Sunday 7 December 1884** Rose late; read Tylor's Anthropology133 in af[ternoo]n; to ch[urc]h with my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] at night.

**Monday 8 December 1884** At work all day. Nothing particular, except my severe blowing up of some of my men at the printing office.

**Tuesday 9 December 1884** D[itt]o. My daughter Mabel's 10th birthday. She is very little & thin & white looking for her age.

**Wednesday 10 December 1884** Working all day.

<sup>130</sup> Tyndall had attended the Harris Institute when it was a mechanics' institute when he worked for the Ordnance Survey in Preston, in the early 1840s. By 1884 he was superintendent of the Royal Institution in London. See 10 February 1881.

<sup>131</sup> Louisa Charlotte Tyndall (1845–1940), eldest daughter of Lord Claud Hamilton and Lady Elizabeth Proby of Heathfield Park, Sussex.

<sup>132</sup> Christiana Ascroft (c. 1835–1907).

<sup>133</sup> *Anthropology: An Introduction to the Study of Man and Civilisation* (1881) by Sir Edward Burnett Tylor (1832–1917), founder of cultural anthropology.

#### **Thursday 11 December 1884** D[itt]o

**Friday 12 December 1884** D[itt]o. Began about 9.30 & went on till about 1.45 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 13 December 1884** Working all day on North End footballer named Belger,134 broke one of his legs today in a game at Preston. I wish lots w[oul]d do same. I'm disgusted with it & the gambling associated w[ith] it.135

**Sunday 14 December 1884** Reading in af[ternoo]n. At night to St George's temporary place of worship with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace.

**Monday 15 December 1884** In af[ternoon]n I, W France\* & W Hale136 visited Mr Edge's sewing machine works on west side of North R[oa]d.137 About 90 girls employed in making different articles of wearing apparel, female chemises; others—males—also employed. A very compact, busy, systematic place. Quite a "sight."

**Tuesday 16 December 1884** Working fairly hard all day.

**Wednesday 17 December 1884** My daughter Florrie, of Carlisle, came this afternoon with my little daughters Rosie & Lettie who have been staying with her several weeks. They all looked very well—especially the two little ones. How soon they can travel from Carlisle to Preston in about 2 hours & 4 minutes.

**Thursday 18 December 1884** Working hard—very—all day till about 10 at night.

**Friday 19 December 1884** D[itt]o from 9.25 in morning till 1.50 next morning.

<sup>134</sup> John Belger (1863–1895), Preston North End FC's captain and main goal scorer, known as the 'goalkeeper smasher'. The injury ended his playing career; he went on to run two Preston pubs.

<sup>135</sup> Hewitson was presumably reporting the footballer's injury for a late edition of the *Preston Chronicle*, which does not seem to have survived.

<sup>136</sup> William Hale (1830–1911), Conservative councillor, retired pig and provision dealer, 'full of fun and mischief … quick-witted, but his repartee was of the bludgeon character' (*LDP* 28 December 1918, p. 3).

<sup>137</sup> For a feature, 'Mr George Edge's Ladies' and Children's Underclothing Manufactory, North Road', part of a series on 'Our Local Industries (*PC,* 27 December 1884, p. 6).

**Saturday 20 December 1884** At work, fairly hard, all day. My wife has b[ee]n very throng selling Xmas cards this week.

**Sunday 21 December 1884** Up late; reading in af[ternoo]n; my wife & daughter F[lorence] to Manchester in the evening to be ready to buy Xmas cards early—more wanted—& get home soon. I & son E[thelbert] to Unitarian Chapel to hear an address by Rev W Sharman,138 the regular minister, on the last utterances of Carlyle as made known in Froude's last vol[ume] "History of his life in London."139 Vol[ume]. defended the bulk of its personal revelations so objectionable to the critics—with earnestness & ingenuity. On returning found JV Caffrie140 —a young, well-read gentleman, with a faculty for writing—waiting for me. He had come by arrangement to have a chat. We talked, smoked, read & had two or three glasses of whiskey each; & at about 10.30 he left & went to his lodgings—I think—in Farington.

**Monday 22 December 1884** Working hard in shop.

**Tuesday 23 December 1884** Same

**Wednesday 24 December 1884** Same chiefly. At shop mainly till 11.20 with my wife & sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] & L[lewellyn] selling Xmas cards. Streets, as we went home, in a lively but fairly orderly state considering the season. Went to bed about 2 in the morning.

**Thursday 25 December 1884** Got up at ab[ou]t 10.30 in forenoon; had breakfast; felt seedy; had a walk (with Florrie's husband141 who landed from Carlisle at ab[ou]t 3 this morning) down the river side to Ashton; then round on new road to Ashton Moor & across by Marsh, home. Good dinner—all children present. In af[ternoo]n had a walk with my wife, d[aughte]r F[lorrie] & her husband & son L[lewellyn] to southeast side of Penwortham—nearly to Tardy Gate. At night I, my wife &

<sup>138</sup> Rev William Sharman (1841–1889) and his American wife Sophia were early members of the Socialist League, and he was a friend of Ruskin, Italian revolutionary Mazzini, American poet Walt Whitman and English socialist and arts and crafts pioneer, William Morris.

<sup>139</sup> The sensational new book, James Anthony Froude's *Thomas Carlyle: A History of His Life in London, 1834–1881,* a painfully honest portrait of the great thinker and historian, including the Carlyles' difficult marriage. The book caused a scandal.

<sup>140</sup> See 16 March.

<sup>141</sup> George Barker.

d[aughte]r F[lorrie] & her hus[band] to Mr W France's\* by invitation, & stayed there till nearly midnight.

**Friday 26 December 1884** Working hard from about 10 in morning till 1.45 next morning.

**Saturday 27 December 1884** Easy day. One of daughters of Wilson,142 photographer, drowned today in Penwortham lodge. Ice broke—skating.

**Sunday 28 December 1884** Rose late; reading; to St George's ch[urc]h at night with my son E[thelbert].

**Monday 29 December 1884** Working hard all day, with my wife—who has b[ee]n at it in shop very hard & faithfully for weeks—till ab[ou]t 10 at night.

**Tuesday 30 December 1884** Same. My daughter Florence went back to Carlisle at 4.30 this af[ternoo]n. Her husband had telegraphed that he had sprained his ankle while skating.

**Wednesday 31 December 1884** Working very hard all day till about 10.40 at night. Then home with my wife. All went to bed except her & myself. We stayed till the New Year came in. I thank God we have all seen the old year safely to the end, & that it has been a prosperous year to us on the whole.

<sup>142</sup> Fanny Wilson of Great Avenham St, aged 17.

[Collins' Portable Diary]<sup>1</sup>

[On title page, in Hewitson's hand:] A. Hewitson's Diary

[Anthony and Margaret Hewitson and their seven children rented a large townhouse at 6 Fishergate Hill, Preston. Anthony, aged 48, owned and edited the *Preston Chronicle* while Margaret ran an associated shop selling stationery, fancy goods, books, newspapers and magazines*.*  Their two sons, Ethelbert, 20, and Horace, 18, assisted their father as reporters. While Preston's two main papers, the *Guardian* and the *Herald,*  worked hard to attract working-class readers, Hewitson's smaller, more expensive *Chronicle* looked increasingly dated, and was carrying more national display advertising (less profitable than local adverts), suggesting a decline in sales and profits.]

[Memoranda from 1884:]

May this year be, by God's guidance & blessing, a prosperous & happy one to me & mine.

A.H.

<sup>1</sup> Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/10.

## January

**Thursday 1 January 1885** Having worked late last night & then sat up to see the new year in, with my wife, I did not get out of bed till ab[ou]t 9.30. Then to shop, working till 1.30 pm; then home, & after dinner resumed work till ab[ou]t 5.40. In evening I, my wife, sons E[thelbert] & L[lewellyn] (latter in charge of servant) & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] went to see the pantomime at Theatre Royal. Son H[orace], through work, c[oul]d not go. We enjoyed it.

**Friday 2 January 1885** Working hard all day.

**Saturday 3 January 1885** Easy day till evening then working pretty hard till ab[ou]t 10.40.

**Sunday 4 January 1885** Up late; reading; to St. Geo[rge]'s (crush room)<sup>2</sup> at night with son E[thelbert]. Good sermon on the whole & for the preacher (Wood).3

**Monday 5 January 1885** At shop all day. Sh[oul]d have gone to Thistleton—to W. P. Miller's—with E. Kirk of Pendleton;4 but the weather stopped me. At night I, my wife, son E[thelbert] & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] to Public Hall to hear some music by boys from Farningham.<sup>5</sup> Good.

**Tuesday 6 January 1885** Working at shop all day. Horse fair. Gave notice for reconveyance of my shop & other property to self—Buck & Dicksons &c being the solicitors.<sup>6</sup>

**Wednesday 7 January 1885** At work all day.

**Thursday 8 January 1885** Same

**Friday 9 January 1885** Same

<sup>2</sup> The congregation worshipped in a room at the Public Hall, also known as the Corn Exchange, during building work at St George's CE church.

<sup>3</sup> The vicar, Rev Charles Harrison Wood (1825–1899).

<sup>4</sup> See 10 November 1884.

<sup>5</sup> A 'military band of 30 little boys' from the Homes for Little Boys, Farningham and Swanley (*PC,* 3 January 1885, p. 1).

<sup>6</sup> See 11 February entry, presumably Hewitson is giving a month's notice of paying off his mortgage on this property.

**Saturday 10 January 1885** Same f[ro]m 9.30 in morning till ab[ou]t 2.30 on Sat morning.

**Sunday 11 January 1885** Up latish. Reading in af[ternoo]n. To St George's with sons E[thelbert], H[orace] & L[lewellyn] at night. Sent servant (Fanny Park) away to-day.<sup>7</sup> After church W. France\* & his wife came & stayed two or three hours.

**Monday 12 January 1885** Not so well, but up pretty early. At work more or less all day & at night to committee meeting of Sanitary Association.<sup>8</sup> Got a 13 gallon barrel of whiskey to-day from Glenglassaugh, near Portsoy Working all day—at shop. It cost £10.7 with carriage included (4/-).

**Tuesday 13 January 1885** Working all day at shop.

**Wednesday 14 January 1885** D[itt]o & in af[ternoo]n dictated to my son Horace a speech for a young gentleman9 on the Female Franchise question to be delivered at the Longridge Debating Society's meeting. Was introduced by Rev W Sharman\* to Mr Fitzgerald,<sup>10</sup> who gave a lecture this evening on Egypt.

**Thursday 15 January 1885** At work all day till ab[ou]t 10.30 at night. Was introduced, by Rev Mr Sha

**Friday 16 January 1885** Ditto from 9.25 in morning till 1.15 on Sat morning.

<sup>7</sup> See 13 August 1884.

<sup>8</sup> Hewitson was one of the initiators of this public health association (*PC,* 8 November 1884, p. 5).

<sup>9</sup> Probably James Greenall (1853–1911) of Fir Tree Cottage, Dutton, Longridge, a land agent. An example of the tangle of connections between local papers and local culture: Greenall asked Hewitson to write a speech, which Greenall delivered at the meeting; a report of the meeting (perhaps by Greenall?) then appeared in Hewitson's paper (*PC,* 24 January 1885, p. 6).

<sup>10</sup> Charles Fitzgerald, a former army captain, traveller and journalist, first editor of the Democratic Federation's *Justice* newspaper, friend of William Morris, lectured on his experiences as *Manchester Guardian* correspondent in Egypt during the 1882 British invasion (*PC,* 17 January 1885, p. 5). He disappeared in the Balkans in 1894 ('What's become of Fitzgerald?' *Westminster Gazette* 11 November 1895, pp. 1–2).

**Saturday 17 January 1885** At work from 10.30 in morning to 10.30 at night. Large idiotic football crowd in Fishergate this evening to ascertain result of match in London. North End (Preston's club) v Corinthians.<sup>11</sup>

**Sunday 18 January 1885** Reading in aft[ernoo]n. To St George's (crush room—Xchange) in evening with my sons E[thelbert], H[orace] & L[lewellyn].

**Monday 18 January 1885** Working all day

**Tuesday 20 January 1885** Same

**Wednesday 21 January 1885** Same. The "claimant" to the Tichborne title & estates<sup>12</sup> at Gaiety Theatre13 to-night defending his claim & condemning his 10 years imprisonment.

**Thursday 22 January 1885** Same. At night I & my wife went to Gaiety Theatre to see "the claimant"—the alleged Sir Roger Tichborne, who has recently been released on ticket of leave, after ab[ou]t 10 y[ea]rs imp[risonmen]t for perjury. Prior to his trial he paid a visit to Preston, & at a public gathering—anyhow audience—in the Corn Xchange—I put two or three questions to him. He answered them cunningly but badly. The chief questions were—Did he know anybody except himself who had forgotten t[he] name of his mother and the very alphabet o[f] a language he once was well acquainted with. He looked considerably thinner & was going quite grey in whiskers on Thursday night.

**Friday 23 January 1885** Working from 9.30 am to 2 pm [sic] Saturday morning.

**Saturday 24 January 1885** Working all day. Attempt made this af[ternoo]n to blow up House of Commons & The Tower by Fenians it

<sup>11</sup> The football fans crowded outside rival newspaper offices to follow the game by telegraphed bulletins posted in the windows. Preston North End lost 2–3 to the public school/university side at the Oval, London.

<sup>12</sup> The 'Tichborne Claimant' to an aristocratic fortune had been jailed as a fraud in 1874 (he was Arthur Orton, a butcher from Wapping) and released in October 1884.

<sup>13</sup> The 2,000-seat New Gaiety Palace of Varieties opened in 1882 on Tithebarn St.

**Sunday 25 January 1885** Bothering ab[ou]t—helping, with wife, sons &c—in house till tea time. Reading Tylor's Anthropology aft[erwar]ds.

**Monday 26 January 1885** At work, not hard, all day. Great excitement ab[ou]t the London explosions, & much anxiety as to condition of our General (Stewart) & his men in the Soudan.<sup>15</sup>

**Tuesday 27 January 1885** At work all day—easy. This afternoon Dora Hornby<sup>16</sup> of Breckell's House,<sup>17</sup> Preesall, near Fleetwood, came to be our general house servant. Wages at the rate of £10 per year.

**Wednesday 28 January 1885** At work.

**Thursday 29 January 1885** Same

**Friday 30 January 1885** Same. Began at 9.30 in morning, and finished at 2.15 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 31 January 1885** At work more or less

<sup>14</sup> The bombings of the House of Commons, Westminster Hall and the Tower of London were part of a campaign for Irish independence. Two policemen and four civilians were injured.

<sup>15</sup> Sir Herbert Stewart, killed by Sudanese forces in the Battle of Abu Tulayh (or Abu Klea), 16 and 18 January 1885, during the failed expedition to rescue General Gordon, under siege in Khartoum.

<sup>16</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>17</sup> Unidentified.

# February

**Sunday 1 February 1885** Reading in af[ternoo]n Wallace's small work on Registration & Vaccination returns.<sup>18</sup> At night I & son H[orace] to St George's (crush) church.

**Monday 2 February 1885** Working all day.

**Tuesday 3 February 1885** News received this or published this morning to t[he] effect that a young woman nam English woman named Dudley19 had shot O'Donovan Rossa<sup>20</sup> (the high priest of the dynamite school—dynamite to blow up English buildings for the sake of securing concessions to Ireland) in New York. Everybody pleased.

**Wednesday 4 February 1885** Everybody disappointed to learn that O'Donovan Rossa is likely to recover.<sup>21</sup>

**Thursday 5 February 1885** Unwell. Had a Turkish bath in af[ternoo]n heat during part of time being 225 degrees. Working till 10.5 at night—on leaving the bath. News published of the fall of Khartoum this morning. Great shock to English.

**Friday 6 February 1885** Unwell—had a very heavy sweat in bed this morning; but not right by any means. Feel achy, weary and run down. Did my editorial work at home & reading<sup>22</sup> too. Finished ab[ou]t 11pm.

**Saturday 7 February 1885** Gave Love,23 my reporter, notice to leave. Somewhat better. To shop at 11. Working off & on till ab[ou]t 6.45pm. then had tea & stayed at home till 9.40. To shop. Home at 10.35pm.

<sup>18</sup> Alfred Russel Wallace, *To Members of Parliament and Others. Forty-Five Years of Registration Statistics, Proving Vaccination to Be Both Useless and Dangerous* (London: E.W. Allen, 1885). Wallace (1823–1913), who shares the credit with Darwin for developing a theory of evolution, opposed compulsory vaccination for smallpox.

<sup>19</sup> Lucille Yseult Dudley (b. 1860), an English nurse and aspiring actress.

<sup>20</sup> Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa (1831–1915), a leader of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, exiled to New York. He edited the *United Irishman* newspaper and led a campaign of 1880s London bombings.

<sup>21</sup> He was treated for gunshot wounds to the back, one bullet was never removed.

<sup>22</sup> Proof-reading.

<sup>23</sup> See 30 June 1884.

**Sunday 8 February 1885** Laid in bed till noon, not well, achy, run-down. In af[ternoo]n & night reading Tylor's Anthropology & Ruskin's Sesame & Lilies.24

**Monday 9 February 1885** To work ab[ou]t 9.40. Tired in feeling—slept badly last night but on the feel [sic] better than I did last week end.

**Tuesday 10 February 1885** At work, all day.

**Wednesday 11 February 1885** An important day. Paid off mortgage money (£1500) on Mitre property, Fishergate & warehouses &c in Cannon-st[ree]t and the whole lot is now (thank God, my wife & myself) my own. I gave £3,500 for it. Soon after purchasing I had £1500 offered for my bargain, but declined—wanted to hold on. Have since added £1000 to the value of the property by making my shop in part of it—the stationery shop.<sup>25</sup>

**Thursday 12 February 1885** At work all day. Was, with wife, invited to go to Volunteer Sergeants' Ball. But I was not well enough, so stayed at home.

**Friday 13 February 1885** Same. To work at 9.30 in morning; remained at work till 1.45 next morning.

**Saturday 14 February 1885** To work no Had a walk through the higher sides of the Parks and then to work, reaching shop ab[ou]t 11. Very nice mild day for the time of year. Finished work (wife &c also) at 10.35pm.

**Sunday 15 February 1885** Stayed in bed (not well) till 1pm. In af[ternoo]n & evening reading Ruskin's "Sesame & Lilies." Dr Brown<sup>26</sup> of Winckley Sq[ua]r[e] called at night & stayed an hour. He read to me main part of a lecture on zymotic diseases<sup>27</sup> which he is going to deliver under auspices of Preston Sanitary Association.

<sup>24</sup> John Ruskin, *Sesame and Lilies* (London: Smith, Elder & co, 1865), gives Ruskin's views on the natures and duties of men and women.

<sup>25</sup> An 1880 planning application shows Hewitson's plans for turning the front room of the pub into a shop: Alterations―Mitre Inn, 18 Fishergate, Lancashire Archives CBP/2/4544.

<sup>26</sup> See 10 April 1875.

<sup>27</sup> Acute infectious diseases.

**Monday 16 February 1885** At work more or less all day.

**Tuesday 17 February 1885** D[itt]o till noon then (this being Shrove Tuesday) shut up shop & was at home, playing with my sons at bagatelle. At night I, my wife & son E[thelbert] to St Walburge's School, Maudlands, to a nigger<sup>28</sup> minstrel entertainment &c. Very good. Those taking part in it belonged to the place as present or past scholars. Father Papall,29 the chief resident priest gave us tickets.

**Wednesday 18 February 1885** At work all day. Nothing particular locally, while, generally, there is anxiety as to the war in the Soudan.

**Thursday 19 February 1885** At work all day till 10 at night. Feel much better. Son Bertie (E) not so well. Seems to have a cold on him same as that I had.

**Friday 20 February 1885** At work from 9.30 in morning till ab[ou]t 2 on Sat morning. Sent son Bertie home earlier—ill, or not as well as he sh[oul]d be for staying up.

**Saturday 21 February 1885** At work more or less from 10.45 am to 10.30pm.

**Sunday 22 February 1885** Stayed in bed till nearly one pm—mending up. In af[ternoo]n & evening reading Ashley's Life of Lord Palmerston.30 Dr Brown came at 8pm & stayed ab[ou]t an hour. He read to me the introductory part of his lecture.31

**Monday 23 February 1885** At work all day, easy.

**Tuesday 24 February 1885** D[itt]o. At night I & my wife to Theatre Royal to see Hamilton's Diorama32 of Eastern Scenery &c. Good entertainment. Not a paying house. Cancelled G White's indentures to-day.33

<sup>28</sup> This word was known to be abusive and not neutral at this time.

<sup>29</sup> Nicholas Papall (1821–1900), 'dark-haired, sharp-eyed, spectacled; diminutive, warm-blooded, he is about the most animated priest we know of' (*OCC*).

<sup>30</sup> A biography of the late Liberal Prime Minister: Evelyn Ashley, *The Life and Correspondence of Henry John Temple, Viscount Palmerston* (London: John Bentley, two volumes, 1876 and 1879).

<sup>31</sup> See 15 February.

<sup>32</sup> See 27 August 1866.

<sup>33</sup> See 14 January 1884.

**Wednesday 25 February 1885** At work all day.

**Thursday 26 February 1885** Same

**Friday 27 February 1885** Same from 9.30 in morning till 2.15 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 28 February 1885** Moderately easy work from 10.40 am to 10.35pm.

# March

**Sunday 1 March 1885** Stayed in bed till 12 at noon. In af[ternoo]n had a walk, with my wife & daughter Letitia from by Quay side & round by top of the Willows in Ashton. Reading aft[erward]s. To St George's (crush room) at night with my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace].

**Monday 2 March 1885** At work more or less all day.

**Tuesday 3 March 1885** Ditto

**Wednesday 4 March 1885** At work from ab[ou]t 9.30 to 7.15pm. Aft[erwar]ds, at 8, to a lecture on "Catching diseases, & how to prevent them" given by Dr Brown,34 of Winckley-Sq[ua]re, in Upper Crush Room of Public Hall. Very good address, Councillor Galloway\* in chair in absence of Alderman Satterthwaite.35 I had to hunt up Mr Galloway & then prepare a speech for him.

**Thursday 5 March 1885** Working hard all day.

**Friday 6 March 1885** Same

**Saturday 7 March 1885** To work at 10.20 am & at it more or less till 10.40 at night. Love, reporter, finished his work (as per notice I gave him) to-day.

**Sunday 8 March 1885** In bed till 11am. In af[ternoo]n, till 3.15, reading, then with my wife & sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] to Longton, by rail. Walked into Longton, & to Walmer Bridge & to Walmer House, which house we heard was to let; but it was not. Home by 7 o'c[loc]k.

**Monday 9 March 1885** Caffrie36 came a month on trial, as reporter &c to day. My son Ethelbert's 20th birthday to-day.

<sup>34</sup> See 15 February.

<sup>35</sup> John Satterthwaite (1833–1903), leather currier, Quaker, Liberal, Preston and county magistrate, he served on the council for 18 years, and was mayor during the Lancashire Cotton Famine, when he read the Riot Act to disperse starving workers; his hat was knocked off by a brick while he was reading (*LEP,* 22 October 1903, p. 3).

<sup>36</sup> See 16 March 1884.

**Tuesday 10 March 1885** At work all day till ab[ou]t 10 at night. Called on Mr Jno Cooper\* in af[ternoo]n at his office in Chapel Winckley st[ree]t. He had had a slight attack of paralysis that morning.

**Wednesday 11 March 1885** At work all day. At night (8) to a com[mitt]ee meeting in connec[tion]n with the Sanitary Assoc[iatio]n. Finished about 9.20, & then home.

**Thursday 12 March 1885** Same till 10.20pm.

**Friday 13 March 1885** D[itt]o from 9.30 in morning till 2.20 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 14 March 1885** At work more or less from 10am to 11pm.

**Sunday 15 March 1885** Laid in bed till 11.30 forenoon. Had a read, about Witches & Magic in af[ternoo]n—followed by a walk with my wife & my daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] into Penwortham. Beautiful af[ternoo]n. At night Dr Brown (Winckley Square) came & stayed chatting for ab[ou]t an hour.

**Monday 16 March 1885** Working a little. At night presided at a com[mitt]ee meeting of Sanitary Associa[tio]n.

**Tuesday 17 March 1885** At work all day.

**Wednesday 18 March 1885** Went to Theatre at night (after working all day) with my wife. The play was entitled "The Denounced"—a very exciting, sensational affair, but with two or three good morals in it.37

**Thursday 19 March 1885** At work all day.

**Friday 20 March 1885** Same—began at 9.30 in morning & finished at about 3 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 21 March 1885** Working all day.

**Sunday 22 March 1885** In bed till noon. In af[ternoo]n went to see how Mr Cooper\* (Oaks, Penwortham) was. Found him improving.

<sup>37</sup> The play, *Denounced* (no definite article) was about the Czech nihilists (review, *PH,*  18 March 1885, p. 2).

**Monday 23 March 1885** Called at Jacob Fair's38 office Winckley-st[ree]t respecting Brookhouse, Brock,39 which is to let & which my wife, sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] & daughter L[etitia] went to look at yesterday. A man named Hilton40 has been using it for the last 10 y[ea]rs as a school.41 Rent £32, or with some land adjoining £41-17 or thereabouts. Saw Mr Fair in af[ternoo]n & he s[ai]d he w[oul]d give me the preference.

**Tuesday 24 March 1885** [Hewitson wrongly writes 25 Tue] This af[ternoo]n I & my wife went to look at Brookhouse. We decided to take it if Mr Fair will put it into proper order.

**Wednesday 25 March 1885** [no entry]

**Thursday 26 March 1885** At work all day till nearly 9 at night.

**Friday 27 March 1885** Working from 9.30 in morning till ab[ou]t 3 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 28 March 1885** At work for a moderate time. In evening to Guild Hall to hear a lecture on Heating, Lighting & Ventilation by Mr J Newton42 CE of Manchester & formerly of Preston. Afterward to Mayor's Parlour aft[erwar]ds [sic]. Home about 10.50.

**Sunday 28 March 1885** Stayed in bed till noon: in af[ternoo]n reading Life of Lord Palmerston by Evelyn Ashley. D[itt]o night.

**Monday 30 March 1885** At work, more or less, all day. Times, generally speaking, dull; but I must not complain.

<sup>38</sup> Jacob Wilson Fair (1835–1901), agent for the Earl of Bective (formerly Lord Kenlis), the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres and other landowners in the Garstang, Fylde and Wigan areas (*Wigan Observer,* 13 February 1901, p. 5).

<sup>39</sup> A large detached villa set back from the main Preston-Lancaster road, seven miles north of Preston.

<sup>40</sup> William Kays Hilton (b. 1836).

<sup>41</sup> The North Lancashire Collegiate School, a boys' boarding school (*PH,* 8 July 1876, p. 8). There were 15 pupils aged nine to 20 years old in 1881.

<sup>42</sup> John Newton (1829–1896), borough surveyor of Preston, 1856–1866, known for his 'general urbanity and kindness' (*PC,* 7 July 1866). He went to Manchester to set up a civil engineering partnership with former master Charles Cawley. The talk was hosted by Preston Sanitary Association, of which Hewitson was an instigator.

**Tuesday 31 March 1885** At work. Bought a drag carriage43 to day, from Crook, agricultural implement agent, bottom of Chapel Walks for £28. A very good one—new: it cost £40.

<sup>43</sup> A horse-drawn carriage with seats inside and on top of the cab. It is never mentioned again by this name, instead Hewitson refers to a horse and trap, a smaller, open carriage.

# April

**Wednesday 1 April 1885** Same—as to work.

**Thursday 2 April 1885** Same. J. Humber's Mill,44 in Bushell-st[ree]t, off Lancaster Rd, burned down between 6 & 10 this evening. Estimated damage about £30,000 which must be covered by insurance (see below— Sat. entry—for reason)

**Good Friday 3 April 1885** At work all day. Fine weather. Great numbers of people out—on foot, in carriages, by train. I began work at 9.30 in morning & finished at 11.30 at night.

**Saturday 4 April 1885** Working more or less. J Humber, whose mill was burned on Thursday evening came into my shop. He seemed cheerful. Dispensed with Caffrie's services.45 He is willing &c; but does not know any short-hand.

**Easter Sunday5 April 1885** At home all St George's ch[urc]h with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] in forenoon. I sat down as a protest—as I always do—while the Athanasian Creed46 was read. In af[ternoo]n reading & d[itt]o partially at night.

**Easter Monday 6 April 1885** Working all day. Love, reporter, began again with me to-day.47 Had holiday in af[ternoo]n & Do had a walk with my wife, round waterside across Avenham Park &c. Showery but several thousands of children playing with eggs &c on ground.

**Tuesday 7 April 1885** Working all day.

**Wednesday 8 April 1885** D[itt]o. To Theatre Royal at night with my wife. Very sensational piece called "Taken From Life"

**Thursday 9 April 1885** At work all day till 10.30 at night.

**Friday 10 April 1885** D[itt]o from 9.20 in morning till 2 on Sat morning.

<sup>44</sup> Jack Humber (1859–1924) of Darwen Bank, Walton-le-Dale, mayor of Preston 1891–1892, Conservative.

<sup>45</sup> See 9 March.

<sup>46</sup> See 17 April 1881.

<sup>47</sup> See 7 March.

**Saturday 11 April 1885** At work from 10.50 in morning till 10.40 at night. Paid (£28) for & brought my carriage to Mitre stable. The carriage originally belonged to Dr Anderson,48 army doctor, who having to go out to war in the Soudan had to dispose of it suddenly to J.L. Crook, from whom I bought it. Very good one.

**Sunday 12 April 1885** Home all day. Reading Life of Lord Palmerston. At night Dr King49 called & we had a smoke & some whiskey. My sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] to Farington church in forenoon, in expectation of a row or scene—Vicar (Power) being at variance with curate (Maxwell) & bulk of congregation. But all was quiet.<sup>50</sup>

**Monday 13 April 1885** Working more or less all day. At night I & my wife went to Theatre Royal to see an opera ("Falka") piece. Large company; plot complicated—grave, gay & humorous.

**Tuesday 14 April 1885** Working—nothing in particular.

**Wednesday 15 April 1885** At work all day.

#### **Thursday 16 April 1885** Ditto

**Friday 17 April 1885** D[itt]o from 9.25 in morning till 1.45 on Sat morning. Change in weather—warmer.

**Saturday 18 April 1885** Easy day. Weather very bright & warm. Finished work at 10.40pm.

**Sunday 19 April 1885** In bed till near noon. In af[ternoo]n I, my wife, & my son L[lewellyn] & daughters M[abel] & R[osaline] had a walk into Penwortham. My sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] to Farington church. My daughter L[etitia] & servant Dora to Preesall. All home at night.

**Monday 20 April 1885** Working all day.

<sup>48</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>49</sup> Dr George Mark King (b. 1859), former house surgeon of Preston infirmary.

<sup>50</sup> The row happened in a meeting the following day, making three columns in the *Chronicle*, about the vicar Rev Henry Power (1807–1889) dismissing his curate, Rev John Maxwell (b. 1842), for criticising the vicar's luxurious lifestyle (*PC,* 18 April 1885)).

**Tuesday 21 April 1885** Same & to a sale of things belonging [sic] Roger Charnley,51 ironmonger up White Horse Yard, off Friargate. Bought several things.

#### **Wednesday 22 April 1885** Same

**Thursday 23 April 1885** Working. Dan Ashcroft<sup>52</sup> came & asked me if I had got a house, as he had one which he thought w[oul]d suit me for £35. I agreed to try it.

**Friday 24 April 1885** At work from 9.25 in morning till 12.35 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 25 April 1885** At work at 10.40 in morning. During day saw another house at Hothersall's, "County Mews," & that which Dan Ashcroft named.

**Sunday 26 April 1885** Cleaning & packing pictures (ready for "shifting) nearly all day (Sunday). At night reading part of Vol 2 of Ashley's Life of Lord Palmerston.

#### **Monday 27 April 1885** [no entry]

**Tuesday 28 April 1885** Went over to Brookhouse at noon with my wife. We were met by Mr J.W. Fair,53 the agent, in the af[ternoo]n & he went round the place with us to write down what needed repairing. Hilton, the withdrawing tenant, has let things get into a very bad way—outside grounds specially.

#### **Wednesday 29 April 1885** [no entry]

**Thursday 30 April 1885** [no entry]

<sup>51</sup> Roger Charnley (b. 1819) of Cottam Hall.

<sup>52</sup> Daniel Ashcroft (1833–1901), auctioneer, horse dealer, landlord of the Black-a-Moor's Head, Lancaster Rd, despite being a lifelong teetotaller, Conservative councillor (*PH,* 20 November 1901, p. 8), he lost his seat in the same election as did Hewitson in 1898 (see 1 November 1898).

<sup>53</sup> See 23 March.

# May

**Fri 1 May 1885** [no entry]

**Saturday 2 May 1885** Bought & took possession of & paid for horse "Charlie" this forenoon. Price £53. Got harness &c from Walmsley's54 ex[ecut]ors (Crooked Lane) for about 12 guineas. Drove over to Brookhouse in af[ternoo]n.

**Sunday 3 May 1885** In af[ternoo]n drove over to Goosnargh—my wife, sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] & daughter L[etitia] with me.

**Monday 4 May 1885** At shop mainly all day.

**Tuesday 5 May 1885** In af[ternoo]n I & my son H[orace] & daughters M[abel] & R[osaline] to Brookhouse. Looked about, gave some orders, had 3 glasses of ale at White Bull, had a chat with a few old people & returned to Preston.

**Wednesday 6 May 1885** At 10.15 in morning went to Brookhouse, met Mr Fair there, & he went round af[ternoo]n to order what sh[oul]d be done or decide thereon. At noon had dinner with Mr Fair & the Brock tenantry he, as agent has to do with at the "Green Man" public house. To Preston by 2.10pm train.

**Thursday 7 May 1885** Working hard all day.

**Friday 8 May 1885** Same from 9.20 in morning till 12.30 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 9 May 1885** At 1.30 this morning heavy hail shower. Stones bounced upon fender of dining room—had fallen down chimney. Weather very cold—everybody complaining.

**Sunday 10 May 1885** Helping to get ready for removal to Brookhouse.

**Monday 11 May 1885** Up at 6. Men of my own & from Hardings at work getting out furniture. Slept at Brookhouse for first time to night.

<sup>54</sup> J. Walmsley had a carriage works in Crooked Lane.

**Tuesday 12 May 1885** D[itt]o as to furniture. Gave up key of house 6 Fishergate-hilll, Preston to Mr Jas. Hodgkinson55 who succeeds me as tenant.

**Wednesday 13 May 1885** My men—Joe<sup>56</sup> & Sam<sup>57</sup> & son H[orace]—at work to day arranging furniture at Brookhouse. All upset owing, of course, to removing &—this made matters worse—to whitewashers, painters &c being at work. C[oul]d get nothing really straight & right.

**Thursday 14 May 1885** To day entered upon tenancy of two rooms connected with Central Working Mens Club, Fishergate (nearly opposite my shop) for use in our eating & (on Friday nights) sleeping. Rent 3/- per week clear.

**Friday 15 May 1885** At work (coming in by horse & trap with my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace]) from 8.50 in morning till 2 o'c[loc]k on Sat morning. Slept in room of C[entral] W[orking] M[en's] C[lub].

**Saturday 16 May 1885** Up at 9.20. Working till 10.30pm, & then drove home with son E[thelbert]. Reached Brookhouse ab[ou]t 11.30.

**Sunday 17 May 1885** Rectifying my books & putting up pictures in Library Room nearly all day.

**Monday 18 May 1885** To Preston at 8.15 in morning with sons E[thelbert] & H. Stayed at shop till ab[ou]t 8.15 at night; then to Brookhouse.

**Tuesday 19 May 1885** To Preston with son E[thelbert] at 8.10. In af[ternoo]n went down to Brookhouse & worked very hard, levelling & rectifying road in front, for some hours.

**Wednesday 20 May 1885** At work at Preston all day.

**Thursday 21 May 1885** Same

**Friday 22 May 1885** Same till 12.

<sup>55</sup> Probably James Hodgkinson (1824–1897), yarn agent, moving round the corner from Spring Bank.

<sup>56</sup> Probably Joe Wilson, Hewitson's brother-in-law and printing foreman.

<sup>57</sup> Unidentified.

**Saturday 23 May 1885** At work from 10.15 in morning till 10.35 at night. Then drove to Brookhouse with son E[thelbert].

**Sunday 24 May 1885** At home all day & in the evening straightening up some of the front or side ground.

**Whit Monday 25 May 1885** To Preston—some of children with me in trap & then by train with my wife. Saw the processions & sights in the Orchard &c. Dora (servant) & younger children home by 6.15pm train. I & wife called at W France's\* & had some a little whiskey & water. Home in trap at 9.15.

**Tuesday 26 May 1885** Went to Garstang & Catterall station this forenoon, with son L[lewellyn], along canal bank, to enquire ab[ou]t some floor cloth from Lancaster. Not there so returned. Delving in front ground in af[ternoo]n. Sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] drove to Goosnargh—club day<sup>58</sup> there. Home about 8pm.

**Wednesday 27 May 1885** Working at P[resto]n all day.

**Thursday 28 May 1885** Same

**Friday 29 May 1885** Same

**Saturday 30 May 1885** Same. Home late—reached at about 11.30pm.

**Sunday 31 May 1885** At home. In evening had a beautiful walk up Bilsborough lane & round by the Gipsy Lane &c with my wife & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] & servant Dora.

## June

**Monday 1 June 1885** At work at Preston all day.

**Tuesday 2 June 1885** D[itt]o

**Wednesday 3 June 1885** In af[ternoo]n drove over to Brook-house, with an upholsterer, & at night returned with him & took back sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] who looked very sour because time was late. Weather very warm to-day.

**Thursday 4 June 1885** Ordinary work all day. This is a curious, struggling, come & go, sunshine & shade, easy & vehement life. I think the next will not surpass it for variety.

**Friday 5 June 1885** Working from ab[ou]t 9 in morning till 12.35 on Sat morning. Hard day, as usual, this Friday.

**Saturday 6 June 1885** Up at 9.30 in morning. Working and reading all day. Home at 10.35. Joys of rural life! Landed at 11.20.

**Sunday 7 June 1885** In bed till ab[ou]t 10. During day, wh[ich] was rainy & miserable, doing some furniture readjustment.

**Monday 8 June 1885** All day at work. Doing well with newspaper & in jobbing office59 just now. Stationery (shop business) very slow—slow as dullness itself.

**Tuesday 9 June 1885** D[itt]o as to work. Gladstone's Ministry defeated by a majority of 12 on Budget proposals as to increase of duty on beer & spirits. Much astonishment.

**Wednesday 10 June 1885** Same as to work. Meeting to night in Guild Hall as to raising subscriptions for decorations when Prince of Wales comes—16th & 17th next month—to Preston.60 It was decided to solicit subscriptions. The expense sh[oul]d have been defrayed out of the

<sup>59</sup> Job printing of one-off jobs such as letterheads, circulars or programmes.

<sup>60</sup> HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, was coming to open the Royal Agricultural Society's show on Moor Park, and lay the foundation stone of the new dock named after him.

**Thursday 11 June 1885** Grinding away on the usual lines, as to work.

#### **Friday 12 June 1885** Same

**Saturday 13 June 1885** At work, more or less, all day till 10.45pm. Then home to Brookhouse. To bed at midnight.

**Sunday 14 June 1885** Up at 9.30. Went with son H[orace] to Barton ch[urc]h, but there was no service—cleaning the church. Looked around the graveyard—especially at the tombstones of John Hawkins\* & sons family dead & broken up—& at that to the Vicar's (Rev J.D. Harrison's) wife.<sup>61</sup> Latter very nice; but Harrison<sup>62</sup> is going to get wed again. Damn such affection & such yearning for fresh wifery. Bed &c.

**Monday 15 June 1885** At work—soliciting advertisements for my guide, the 3rd edition of which I am going to issue for Royal Agricultural Show week.63 Got £10 worth. Gave £3-3 sub[scriptio]n for decorations.

**Tuesday 16 June 1885** At shop all day. Dull business there. Town dull— "all silent & all damned" so to speak.

**Wednesday 17 June 1885** As usual—work, which, I find, is the Grand elixir & Catholicon.64

#### **Thursday 18 June 1885** Same.

**Friday 19 June 1885** From 9 in morning to 12.50 at night working. Then read some of my "Westward Ho!" Pride—rubbish that; but I am human.<sup>65</sup>

**Saturday 20 June 1885** To day Rev J Taylor,66 vicar of Bamber Bridge, called. A decent fellow, who was fond of a glass & who has been, by

<sup>61</sup> Matilda Harrison née Gillett (1847–1884).

<sup>62</sup> See 5 July 1874.

<sup>63</sup> A penny guide to Preston that Hewitson had first produced for the 1882 Preston Guild.

<sup>64</sup> Panacea, remedy, for all difficulties.

<sup>65</sup> In April Hewitson had republished in book form his account of an 1883 trip to America, first published weekly in the *Preston Chronicle* in 1884.

<sup>66</sup> See 22 December 1873.

way of mending up at Alexandra<sup>67</sup> &c as ward chaplain. Told him that old H Power, vicar of Farington, had been playing what was practically "Hell & Tommy"<sup>68</sup> —defying his congregation &c—creating [?], though messily [?] so.69

**Sunday 21 June 1885** Wild & wet sort of day. At night Mr Balshaw,<sup>70</sup> schoolmaster of Bilsborough school & his wife<sup>71</sup> called, by request. Had some talk & whiskey with them & had a quiet half pensive, half idiotic walk, alone, aft[erwar]ds.

**Monday 22 June 1885** [no entry]

**Tuesday 23 June 1885** [no entry]

**Wednesday 24 June 1885** Working. Labor omnia vincit.<sup>72</sup>

**Thursday 25 June 1885** Same

**Friday 26 June 1885** Ditto

**Saturday 27 June 1885** Same. Home, landed about 11.30.

**Sunday 28 June 1885** Up late; working about. Reading Astley's Life of Palmerston. Walk out with my wife & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia].

**Monday 29 June 1885** Sent Dora (Preesall girl) away to day. A blockhead, amorous, loutish & slovenly, but useful in coarse work. Engaged in her place a widow named Jane73 who came in af[ternoo]n to Brookhouse wages 4/- per week.

**Tuesday 30 June 1885** To Barrow-in-Furness at 11.11 in morning with my son E[thelbert]. Memorial statue of late Lord Frederick Cavendish74

<sup>67</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>68</sup> To upset things.

<sup>69</sup> See 12 April.

<sup>70</sup> Amos Balshaw (1842–1901).

<sup>71</sup> Mary Balshaw née Meteyard (b. 1840).

<sup>72</sup> Work conquers all.

<sup>73</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>74</sup> Lord Frederick Charles Cavendish (1836–1882), Liberal politician, whose family was involved in the development of Barrow. He had been stabbed to death in Phoenix Park, Dublin in 1882, shortly after becoming Chief Secretary for Ireland, by

unveiled there by Earl Spencer<sup>75</sup> —a sandy-bearded, homely looking, sun-burnt faced gentleman, apparently 55 y[ea]rs of age. Telegraphed 1 ¼ col[umns] to Irish Times, by order.<sup>76</sup> Aft[erwar]ds to Lancaster where we stayed 2 hours. Looked through old churchyard & saw a bit of old Roman wall below the Vicarage. Got home at 9.25 at night.

the Irish National Invincibles, a more radical breakaway from the Irish Republican Brotherhood.

<sup>75</sup> John Poyntz Spencer, 5th Earl Spencer (1835–1910), Liberal politician.

<sup>76</sup> Hewitson had been commissioned, rather than writing 'on spec'.

## July

**Wednesday 1 July 1885** Working all day at shop.

**Thursday 2 July 1885** Ditto

**Friday 3 July 1885** And the like—began work at 9.5 in morning; finished at 2.5 in morning.

**Saturday 4 July 1885** At work from 10.15 in morning till 10.45 at night. Then home to Brookhouse.

**Sunday 5 July 1885** Up at 8.20 in morning & then rode off with & in Mr WJ Parkinson's\* (Myerscough House) trap; his son Malcolm<sup>77</sup> & his Liverpool salesman with us. We went to top end of Goosnargh then left horse & trap at a farm house & walked to top of Parlick Pyke. Beautiful view. On getting to bottom went to Woodgates where Canon Parkinson<sup>78</sup> was born—a plain good house, with a stone in front dated 1768, by inscription & then by inscription saying (Latin) that nothing profane sh[oul]d enter there. Afterwards to Myerscough House & had tea there; my wife having walked down during af[ternoo]n.

**Monday 6 July 1885** To-day blew up, before starting, the new old servant Jane. Idle & independent. Engaged James Ward, <sup>79</sup> a lad, from Preston, to come & look after house, garden &c for 4/- per week.

**Tuesday 7 July 1885** At noon to-day boy James Ward came to Brookhouse as servant boy—wages 4/- per week. I at work all day. James is a quiet, dark complexioned, fat faced docile boy.

**Wednesday 8 July 1885** Working all day. Nothing particular.

**Thursday 9 July 1885** Same. Gave 10/6 for street (Fishergate) illumination. Had previously given £3-3-0 for streets' decorations (Prince of Wales visit approaching).

**Friday 10 July 1885** Working all day from 9 in morning till 1.30 on Sat morning.

<sup>77</sup> Malcolm Parkinson (b. 1865).

<sup>78</sup> Canon Richard Parkinson (1797–1858).

<sup>79</sup> Unidentified.

**Saturday 11 July 1885** Working. Town getting distinctly dotted with strangers—many apparently for Royal Agricultural Show. Reached home at 12.10am.

**Sunday 12 July 1885** In af[ternoo]n—after tea—I & my wife & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] had a walk to Myerscough Lodge—about 1 ¾ miles from Brookhouse. Thos Tyldesley, grandson of Tyldesley the Royalist lived at this Lodge.<sup>80</sup> We found it used as a farm house, dirty & dilapidated. One of the servant men told me that the fine old carved & panelled chimney piece in north west room, ground floor, had been taken away to London. This, I believe, is Duchy<sup>81</sup> property.

**Monday 13 July 1885** Had a look at Moor Park, Preston. The Royal Agricultural Society of England is having its annual show here this week—from tomorrow (for public) till next Monday.

**Tuesday 14 July 1885** To Royal Agricultural Show. Getting particulars of implements with my son & Mr Love, my reporter, to send off to Daily News & Leeds Mercury.

**Wednesday 15 July 1885** Doing the Show. Town getting throng.

**Thursday 16 July 1885** Prince of Wales came to-day. A big, finely cheering, officially blustering, cheering, reception. The Prince went to new Public Hall & then to show. He seemed bulky, kindly & hard work. In t[he] evening he went to Lathom House,<sup>82</sup> near Ormskirk.

**Friday 17 July 1885** P[rince] of Wales laid corner stone of our Dock to-day. A big, formal, finely cut affair. Copland photographed the party [Figure 6].83

<sup>80</sup> Hewitson and Joseph Gillow had edited and published the diaries of Thomas Tyldesley.

<sup>81</sup> Duchy of Lancaster, property held in trust for the monarch as Duke of Lancaster.

<sup>82</sup> Home of Edward Bootle-Wilbraham, first Earl of Lathom (1837–1898), Conservative politician and Lord Chamberlain of the Household.

<sup>83</sup> Hewitson bought a framed print of this picture in 1906 (see 16 October 1906).

Fig. 7**.** The Prince of Wales (right, standing, in top hat) at the ceremony to lay the foundation stone of the Albert Edward Dock, Preston, 17 July 1885. Hewitson (front centre, turning to face the camera) is sitting at the press bench with other reporters. Photograph by Copland, Preston; used with permission of Lancashire County Council Red Rose Collections, https:// redrosecollections.lancashire.gov.uk), CC BY.

**Saturday 18 July 1885** I at work all day till 10.45. Then to Brookhouse.

**Sunday 19 July 1885** In af[ternoo]n rode over with my son E[thelbert] & one of brother-in-law's (Hall\* of Sheffield) sons—two being here to Royal Ag[ricultural] Show ground at Preston, in af[ternoo]n Bishop of Manchester84 preached in a tent on the ground, to a number of the herdsmen, &c &c. Sermon—a plain, good one—advocated kindness to dumb animals, importance of attending divine service on Sunday &c. I telegraphed a few words of it to the Daily News, London & t[he] Leeds Mercury. Home (Brookhouse) aft[erwar]ds. Reading Life of Lord Palmerston in evening.

<sup>84</sup> James Fraser.\*

**Monday 20 July 1885** Jane or Jennet, the servant, left this morning.<sup>85</sup> We c[oul]d not do with her. She wanted to be a sort of lady. One day she told me that "those who do the least work get best on", & that she had worked enough!!

**Tuesday 21 July 1885** Working all day.

**Wednesday 22 July 1885** Same.

**Thursday 23 July 1885** Ditto.

**Friday 24 July 1885** Landed at Preston at 9 in morning. Working all day ("Labor omnia vincit" & "Laborare est orare"<sup>86</sup>) till 12.30 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 25 July 1885** Didn't sleep well in morning. Weather hot; flies biting nose; up at 9.15. Working all day. Started for home at 10.45 pm. Moonshine, hot mist. Landed at 11.45.

**Sunday 26 July 1885** Rose about 10 o'c[loc]k; set lad an example in cleaning house. Making myself useful aft[erwar]ds. In evening, reading

**Monday 27 July 1885** At work pretty early. Servant (Ellen Lowee[?])<sup>87</sup> came this evening with us from Preston. These domestic servants are a complete nuisance & I don't think we shall ever get one to really suit us.

**Tuesday 28 July 1885** At work more or less all day. Fine weather—grand for the hay harvest.

**Wednesday 29 July 1885** To-day W[ilia]m Parkinson\* the operatic tenor singer called. He has disposed of the residue of his interest in the Theatre Royal, & in a few weeks is going on a health tour to Australia. He will, I suppose, mingle business (singing) with health-seeking. He promised to send me some descriptive letters for the Chronicle.

**Thursday 30 July 1885** Work all day. Home sooner. Weed clearing for a while.

<sup>85</sup> See 29 June.

<sup>86</sup> To work is to pray.

<sup>87</sup> Possibly Ellen Lowe (b. 1865), a weaver.

**Friday 31 July 1885** Throng\* all day with newspaper work. At night Ernest King,\* with whom I got acquainted while he had Blackburn Times about 20 years ago, & who has for some years been in America, & is now proprietor of the Middletown Sentinel gave me a call.

#### August

**Saturday 1 August 1885** E King\* called on me again this morning & I showed him round. Finished work ab[ou]t 10.35. Reached home ab[ou]t 12. Nice night.

**Sunday 2 August 1885** Up at a rather late hour. In af[ternoo]n read a further portion of Ashley's Life of Lord Palmerston. In evening had a walk with my wife.

**Monday 3 August 1885** Reached Preston with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] ab[ou]t 9.30. Holiday, many principal shops closed. Amongst my letters one from a Walker<sup>88</sup> stating that Ernest King\* w[oul]d not be able to see me on Wed as arranged; that he & a few friends were to day going to have an out into the country; & that he & they w[oul]d be pleased to see me. I went by train to Blackburn; met the party at the station there; proceeded by train to Ingleton, via Hellifield (fare there & back from Blackburn 2/3). I was brought up at Ingleton, with my grandfather ("old Tommy Moor") & it was like balm & beauty & ancient happiness to me. We looked about—went up to the Storrs; had dinner at Ingleborough Hotel—good "spread"—speeches after dinner. Mr Abram,89 author of History of Blackburn & editor of Blackburn Times, proposed my health—said he had known me, by repute, for 18 years. He is a plain, sandy complexioned, strongly built, kindly, homely man. I like him. He can tell a good story. Both of us went ahead at story telling. Saw my cousin Thomas Moor & promised to go over again this month

<sup>88</sup> Possibly John Walker (1845–1892), employed by King on the *Blackburn Times* in 1865, rising to sub-editor and business manager under new owners the Toulmins. By 1885 he was editor of the Toulmins' *Warrington Examiner*, shortly to take over the paper as proprietor: George Hull, *The Poets and Poetry of Blackburn* (Blackburn: G & J Toulmin, 1902).

<sup>89</sup> William Alexander Abram (1835–1894), son of a nonconformist minister, was a contemporary of WT Stead at school in Silcoates near Wakefield. He moved from printing to journalism, editing the short-lived *Blackburn News* in 1860. He ran the newly opened Blackburn public library 1860–1867 and co-edited the complete works of the Cavalier poet Robert Herrick. The Toulmins made him editor of the *Blackburn Times* when they bought the paper from King in 1867: Andrew Hobbs, 'The Poet, the Newspaper Editor, and Working-Class Local Literary Culture in Victorian Blackburn', *Transactions of the Historic Society of Lancashire & Cheshire*, 168 (2019), 93–116.

to Ingleton which is becoming quite a resort for excursionists.90 Landed at Preston about 10.40pm.

**Tuesday 4 August 1885** I, my wife & son E[thelbert] to Stonyhurst College—the "Academy day".91

**Wednesday 5 August 1885** Not well, but working.

**Thursday 6 August 1885** Ditto.

**Friday 7 August 1885** Same somewhat. Better in health.

**Saturday 8 August 1885** Working all day.

**Sunday 9 August 1885** At home all day; in af[ternoo]n reading Life of Lord Palmerston—an excellent, cute, sound-minded man. In the evening to

[Two blank pages are glued together here, diary entries continuing unbroken onto following page]

Mr Jackson's92 Catterall House, ab[ou]t 1 ½ mile north of our house. Nice, substantial place, built by one Fielding who once worked Catterall Mill, & was able to make the house very proper, for I am told he failed to pay 20/- in the pound.93 Mr Jackson—a cattle dealer—a shrewd, plain, homely, sandy-haired, light-pink face. His wife94 a good-looking, smart sort of person. Two of his sisters (from Wray Green95) over. Nice, quiet persons—old maids, but not snarlers or shriekers.96 Spent a pleasant evening. My wife with me. We got back home at about 10.45.

<sup>90</sup> The mountain scenery and caves around this Yorkshire village where Hewitson grew up became more popular after articles in the local press, leading to the formation of a company earlier in 1885 to make the waterfalls accessible to the public.

<sup>91</sup> Prize-giving.

<sup>92</sup> George Jackson (b. 1850).

<sup>93</sup> I.e. failed to pay his debts in full. Catterall Works were auctioned in 1849 (*Manchester Courier,* 14 July 1849, p. 12), no other information available.

<sup>94</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>95</sup> The modern spelling is Wrea Green.

<sup>96</sup> Not feminists; Hewitson was referring to the 'shrieking sisterhood', a phrase coined by Eliza Lynn Linton in an anonymous 1870 *Saturday Review* attack on feminists.

**Monday 10 August 1885** To Preston. Not so very well. At work more or less all day. Weather mildish.

**Tuesday 11 August 1885** Working at shop & partly engaged in composing a paper on the Hoghton family and Hoghton Tower for the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society.

**Wednesday 12 August 1885** Same. Finished my paper about 9pm. Home by train.

**Thursday 13 August 1885** My birthday. I am 49 to-day. Thank God for all His kindness & furtherance & help.

**Friday 14 August 1885** Working all day. Finished at ab[ou]t 1.50 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 15 August 1885** At work in forenoon. In af[ternoo]n to Hoghton Tower (W Livesey,\* an old friend & Mr J Mackie97 [sic] editor of the Preston Herald with me as friends; Mc [McKay] took two of his children. At Hoghton Tower there were about 50 of the Lanc[ashire] & Chesh[ire] Ant[i]q[uarian] party. I read my paper in the great dining hall.98 We aft[erwar]ds looked about. Then to Boar's Head & had tea—2/- each. Then a discussion in a field opposite, my son E[thelbert] reporting. At night on getting to Brookhouse, found that my father from Lancaster, & sister Alice99 & her only child Bertie (from Brooklyn) had come. We sat up talking &c till a very, very late hour.

<sup>97</sup> James McKay (1847–1894), born in Thurso, grew up in Burnley and in 1869 launched the *Burnley Standard* which ran for 17 issues. In the 1870s he worked in Worcestershire, then was editor of the *Blackpool Gazette.* In 1879 he was editor of the *Burnley Advertiser* until it merged with the *Burnley Express* in 1880, when he moved to the *Preston Herald* until about 1892. Assistant editor of the *Western Mail*, Cardiff, editor of *Aberdeen Journal* and *Evening Express* in 1894 but died the same year. Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (obit, *PG,* 4 Aug 1894).

<sup>98</sup> Hewitson was reading a research paper on the ancient fortified manor house of Hoghton Tower, between Preston and Blackburn, as part of the programme of the recently established Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society: 'Proceedings: Saturday August 15th, 1885: Hoghton Tower', *Transactions of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society*, 3 (1886), 247–49. Ethelbert's report on his father's big day made one and a half columns in Hewitson's paper, with other reports, very similar, appearing in newspapers around Lancashire.

<sup>99</sup> Alice Finch, née Hewitson (1852–1931). Married Rev Dr John Finch (1849–1921), emigrated to USA.

**Sunday 16 August 1885** Up latish. W France,\* his wife & their son F<sup>100</sup> came this morning, & spent a pleasant day with us. They (Frances) returned, as they came, by train in the evening.

**Monday 17 August 1885** To-day Frank Janaway101 came to day, to Brookhouse to look after garden & grounds & make himself generally useful. My sons E[thelbert] & H[orace], with brother-in-law Jno Finch,<sup>102</sup> out shooting in Bilsborough this af[ternoo]n. My wife & sister A[lice]\* at Preston in af[ternoo]n, having on the way called at Fernyhalgh to see one of Harrison's daughters103 married. Home with me at 7.

**Tuesday 18 August 1885** My father,\* sister A[lice]\* & her husband\* & son returned to Lancaster. Frank left, & Ellen the servant.

**Wednesday 19 August 1885** At work all day.

**Thursday 20 August 1885** Servant Ellen returned to serve her notice. I told her if she did not her wages would be forfeited.

**Friday 21 August 1885** Old John came to day (from Workhouse) to garden & make himself generally useful. No wages.

**Saturday 22 August 1885** Sister A[lice]\* & her husband\* & son returned to Brookhouse this af[ternoo]n. Home at 11.45.

**Sunday 23 August 1885** Reading & cleaning house in forenoon. In af[ternoo]n I, my wife, & sister A[lice]\* had a drive out round by Inglewhite, Whitechapel, Brock head, down Claughton & so home to Brookhouse. Atmosphere clear—scenery beautiful, Fyldeward.104

**Monday 24 August 1885** To Preston with son E[thelbert], pretty early. I home (Brookhouse) to play at noon—he returned at 6.15. Had a drive round by Garstang & St Michael's.

<sup>100</sup> Frederick William France (1860–1915).

<sup>101</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>102</sup> Rev Dr John Finch (1849–1921) of Hoboken, New Jersey.

<sup>103</sup> Adela Bertha Harrison (1866–1946), youngest daughter of James Leyland Harrison of Ladye Well, Fernyhalgh, Hewitson's paper carried a detailed account, possibly written by Margaret Hewitson (*PC,* 22 August 1885, p. 5).

<sup>104</sup> Towards the Fylde.

**Tuesday 25 August 1885** To Preston with son H[orace] & after opening letters & attending to other things I returned to Brookhouse. During af[ternoo]n went out into some fields at back with brother-in-law Finch\* & sons E[thelbert,] L[lewellyn]—they shooting throstles,105 a thing I do not approve of. In evening had some quoiting. I did badly at that played some ridiculously bad quoits.

**Wednesday 26 August 1885** To Preston in morning with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace]. Worked. Returned at noon & spent main of af[ternoo]n with brother in law F[inch]\*—he with gun, wh[ich] I bought (new) to-day for £4 from Richards, gunmaker, Preston. Strong, plain, good double barrelled breach loader. In evening quoiting in garden. I played pretty well. Opened a new barrel of whiskey—strong.

**Thursday 27 August 1885** At work at Preston all day. Sister A[lice]\* & her husband & son returned to Lancaster, in evening. They were sorry to leave, & our youngest children were equally sorry to part with them.

**Friday 28 August 1885** Working all day at Preston, from 9 in morning till 1.30 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 29 August 1885** Out of bed at 9.20. Breakfast & then to work. John Huntington,<sup>106</sup> from Cleveland, in Ohio (USA) at Preston this evening. I did not see him. Started for Brookhouse at 10.40pm & landed all right.

**Sunday 30 August 1885** My wife & sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] drove over to Lancaster this morning to my parents' house in Bowerham-lane & to hear brother-in-law Finch\* preach in the Independent Centenary chapel. I at home rearranging pictures some hours then reading, then taking my children M[abel], R[osaline], L[lewellyn] & Let[itia] on walk. At night sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] returned & gave a favourable account of Finch's preaching.

<sup>105</sup> Thrushes.

<sup>106</sup> John Huntington (1832-1893) had been a union leader during the Preston Lock-Out (1853–1854). Blacklisted and unable to find work, he emigrated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he made his fortune and became a partner in the Standard Oil Company (*PH,* 13 October 1883, p. 2; *LEP,* 12 January 1893, p3).

**Monday 31 August 1885** I to Lancaster by 8.20 train. Then with my wife, my sister & her husband107 to Ingleton, by train—having to wait at Clapham junction<sup>108</sup> 1¼ hour. On reaching Ingleton, were met by my cousin Thomas Moor. Went to see the scenery in Swilla Bottom. Very romantic & beautiful. At night met with some Preston people (Councillor Hale,109 &c) at Wheatsheaf & had some whiskey. Slept—I & wife—at cousin's.

<sup>107</sup> Alice\* and John Finch.\*

<sup>108</sup> Clapham in Yorkshire.

<sup>109</sup> See 15 December 1884.

### September

**Tuesday 1 September 1885** I, my wife & six of the Preston lot to Dent by Ribble Head. Fine. Went to & examined source of the Ribble—a small spring running from a rocky hole, on south-west side of Gearstones. Then to Dent where we inspected the church & saw grave of my grandfather & grandmother (Thomas & Dorothy Moor\*) & had dinner at the Sun Inn, once my grandfather's property. When a little lad I often went with him to Dent. His grave is at east end of the church. Saw a monolith drinking fountain to memory of Prof. A Sedgwick the geologist.<sup>110</sup> Back by Barbon. At night, at Ingleton, had a "good time" with cousin T[homas] M[oor], Tom Boyd<sup>111</sup> (an old companion) & one Hewitson (stepson of my uncle Bob Hewitson.<sup>112</sup>

**Wednesday 2 September 1885** Home with my wife.

**Thursday 3 September 1885** Working hard.

**Friday 4 September 1885** D[itt]o

**Saturday 5 September 1885** At work from 10.15 to 10.50 at night. Paid £400 on a/c [account] of £800 for Cannon st[ree]t office premises (No. 21) (p[ai]d to executors of Joseph Livesey\*). The original Mechanic's Institute.

**Sunday September 1885** Went to Wesleyan Chapel in Bilsborough Lane, with daughters R[osaline] & L[etitia] but found there was no service—school & service in af[ternoo]n only. I went to this place because I thought the children w[oul]d be kept out of mischief—better than rambling about at home. Chapel a whitewashed, octagonal-looking dumpty place, plain as a barn nearly inside. Reading in af[ternoo]n. In evening had a walk with my wife & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] up Brock.

**Monday 7 September 1885** At work all day, at Preston.

<sup>110</sup> Adam Sedgwick (1785–1873), one of the founders of modern geology.

<sup>111</sup> Thomas Boyd (1835–1905), tailor, wrestler and Conservative.

<sup>112</sup> Robert Hewitson (born Robert Balderstone Ellershaw in 1829), whose mother Elizabeth Ellershaw (b. 1811) married Robert Hewitson (b. 1807), older brother of the diarist's father. Thanks to Margaret Dickinson for this information.

**Tuesday 8 September 1885** To Preston in forenoon. At noon drove over to Brookhouse with my son E[thelbert]. After dinner set off with my wife, son E[thelbert] & old man John to a lane full of ferns under & at north-western end of Beacon Fell. We wanted to get some for our grounds but rain came on & after staying for half an hour at Green Man Inn, Inglewhite, where I had a glass of ale, we returned home to Brookhouse—weather gradually getting worse—without a single fern.

**Wednesday 9 September 1885** At home at Preston.

**Thursday 10 September 1885** Same. Bro[ther] in law Finch\* left Lancaster (for Glasgow via State Line "City "State of Nevada") this morning for New York.

**Friday 11 September 1885** Same. At work from 9 in morning till 1.30 on Sat. morning.

**Saturday 12 September 1885** At work by 10.15 in morning. Easy. In evening much excitement & Fishergate opposite my shop (No 18½) nearly blocked with young & mature & middle aged men (idiots w[oul]d be a better definition) waiting for return of race, at Edinburgh, run this af[ternoo]n between one Cummings of Preston113 & George114 —latter an amateur. George lost. He had previously beaten Cummings.<sup>115</sup>

**Sunday 13 September 1885** In af[ternoo]n reading. Had a walk.

**Monday 14 September 1885** At work all day. Times dull.

**Tuesday 15 September 1885** Same

**Wednesday 16 September 1885** Same

**Thursday 17 September 1885** At work all day

<sup>113</sup> William J. Cummings (1858–1919) was from Paisley, and had been training near Preston.

<sup>114</sup> Walter George (1858–1943).

<sup>115</sup> Hewitson had no interest in sport and his *Chronicle* carried little sporting news one possible reason for its decline at a time when organised sport, and its coverage, was becoming hugely popular. The crowds were standing outside the offices of the *Preston Herald* (120 Fishergate) and the *Preston Guardian* (127 Fishergate), who were probably announcing updates sent by telegraph.

**Friday 18 September 1885** Same—beginning at 9 & finishing at ab[ou]t 12.30 on Sat. morning.

**Saturday 19 September 1885** Attending to shop & newspaper work all day. Home at ab[ou]t midnight.

**Sunday 20 September 1885** Finished Ashley's Life of Lord Palmerston & began 2nd vol of Froude's Carlyle—Life in London. 116

**Monday 21 September 1885** At shop all day—nothing particular— Times very dull.

**Tuesday 22 September 1885** Went Went with son E[thelbert] by our own horse & trap to Great Eccleston Agricultural Show. We started from Brookhouse, & went through Churchtown & St Michael's. A beautiful day. Good show. Damnably bad dinner at Black Bull. Perhaps this was owing to the small sum paid by the Society. A miserable top end—chairman's end. Nobody. <sup>117</sup> Home at 6.30 pm

**Wednesday 23 September 1885** Nothing particular.

**Thursday 24 September 1885** At shop all day. Sub-editing & doing all sorts of things—good, bad & indifferent, but trying to do the good ones.

**Friday 25 September 1885** The servant Ellen Lowe[?]118 left us this forenoon after a month's notice. She was an impertinent, gossiping, bad-tongued, incompetent & idle person. C[oul]d do no good with her. I at work till 12.30 on Sat. morning.

**Saturday 26 September 1885** Work all day. At night street crowded— Fishergate, opposite my shop. National foot race—Cummings, a Prestonian won.119

**Sunday 27 September 1885** "Doing about" till late in af[ternoo]n; then reading 2nd vol (last) of Froude's Carlyle.

<sup>116</sup> See 21 December 1884.

<sup>117</sup> Presumably no guests of quality.

<sup>118</sup> See 27 July, 18 and 20 August.

<sup>119</sup> See 12 September.

**Monday 28 September 1885** Easily at work. In evening attended a committee meeting of Preston Sanitary Association at Central Working Men's Club; I in chair; business of a formal character. Home by 9.30 pm train. Old Ellen came to night from pm as servant.

**Tuesday 29 September 1885** At work all day at work [sic]

**Wed 30 September 1885** Same. Decided to let old Ellen go back—no use—old, ill, whining.

# October

**Thursday 1 October 1885** At work all day. Mary Johnson120 (widow, late of Darwen, & originally of Garstang) came to my house at noon to-day. Wages 5/- per week, & keep &c.

**Friday 2 October 1885** To Preston at usual time. Working all day. Finished sooner than usual—11.30 at night. Went to staying rooms (Central Working Men's Club, Fishergate), read a while, had some whiskey & a pipe of tobacco & then to bed.

**Saturday 3 October 1885** To-day (in af[ternoo]n) "Old Dan"—head gardener at Preston Union Workhouse<sup>121</sup> came to garden & make himself generally useful. Wages 2/6 per w[ee]k & keep. I home by train at 9.58 at night.

#### **Sunday 4 October 1885** [No entry]

**Monday 5 October 1885** At 7.54 left Brock with my wife for London. (Excursion from Preston—fare there & back 15/- each). Reached London about 5.30 pm. Had for travelling company a butcher of Preston named Lawrenson,<sup>122</sup> his wife, &c—jolly people, fond of good eating, & generous. Took lodgings at a place in Shoe Lane—one Plowman's,123 tailor &c. Clean bed, but hardly slept a wink owing to noise made by engine of an adjoining printing establishment—a thumping irregular sounding, semi-grinding, half-devil sort of noise.

**Tuesday 6 October 1885** Got lodgings at 143 Fleet Street.124 With my wife buying Xmas cards nearly all day. At night we went to the Inventions Exhibition, South Kensington.<sup>125</sup> Exhibition a huge, wide-spreading lot of machinery &c—mainly like a great collection of mechanical shops. Nicest sight in open grounds on one side—illuminations, fountain playing—coloured & electric lights.

<sup>120</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>121</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>122</sup> John Lawrenson of Friargate.

<sup>123</sup> George (b. 1831) and Eliza Plowman (b. 1829), 76 Shoe Lane, off Fleet Street.

<sup>124</sup> Holman's coffee house, where they stayed in May 1875 and September 1884.

<sup>125</sup> The Inventions Exhibition was a world's fair, covering 22 acres and attracting three and three-quarter million visitors in its six-month run.

**Wednesday 7 October 1885** Buying Xmas goods nearly all day.126 At night to the Aquarium in Westminster.127 A common, sensational moneyextracting affair. A shameful number of harlots & young men (several under influence of drink) were visible & became more numerous as the night wore on.

**Thursday 8 October 1885** At noon saw the preliminaries—or part of the Earl of Shaftesbury's128 funeral, in Westminster Abbey. Great number of people—apparently good, bad & indifferent in & outside the building. Coffin covered with wreaths. Funeral aft[erwar]ds took place some miles out of London. Left Euston station at 4.10 pm, home at Brock at 10.10 pm.

**Friday 9 October 1885** At work all day till 12.45 at night.

**Saturday 10 October 1885** Working all day. During forenoon Rev Mr Sharman\* (Unitarian) brought into shop & introduced Mr George Jacob Holyoake,129 the well known secularist—a sharp, cool, small-eyed, pinkskinned, thoughtful man about 70 yrs old, wearing felt hat & thick, black top coat. He had been lecturing at Preston on Wed night. We had a short, pleasant chat. I & wife home ab[ou]t 10pm.

**Sunday 11 October 1885** At home. Reading in af[ternoo]n & took daughters R[osaline] & M[abel] out for a walk.

**Monday 12 October 1885** Work all day. Times dull—general business depressed.

**Tuesday 13 October 1885** D[itt]o

**Wednesday 14 October 1885** D[itt]o. Politics chiefly talked about. General election near. No chance at Preston for the Liberals—number

<sup>126</sup> For Margaret Hewitson's stationery and fancy goods shop.

<sup>127</sup> The site of the huge Royal Aquarium and Winter Garden is now occupied by Methodist Central Hall.

<sup>128</sup> Anthony Ashley Cooper, seventh Earl of Shaftesbury (1801–1885), politician, philanthropist and social reformer, best known for his reforms of child labour.

<sup>129</sup> George Jacob Holyoake (1817–1906), campaigner for the co-operative movement, a socialist and atheist ('freethinker'). He was jailed for blasphemy, and edited the secularist journal *The Reasoner* (1846–1861).

of voters too small—organisation bad—leaders of the party not liked fussy, inflated nobodies.

**Thursday 15 October 1885** D[itt]o as to work.

**Friday 16 October 1885** Same. Finished about 12.30 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 17 October 1885** At work more or less from 10 in morning till 9.40 at night. Home, with my wife, by train.

**Sunday 18 October 1885** Up at 9.45 in morning. Breakfast, looked about, dinner; read part of Carlyle's Life (last vol of Froudes). In evening I, my wife & son H[orace] rode over in our trap—by Broughton & up Durton Lane to T.A. Peters',\* the Hermitage, Grimsargh. Boys' academy. Harvest festival in chapel of the place—adjoining—a neat, unsubstantial structure. Peters preached—a sermon not his own, in my opinion. Several visitors from Preston. Had a smoke & some whisky. Home at 10pm.

**Monday 19 October 1885** Work more or less all day. Nothing particular.

**Tuesday 20 October 1885** D[itt]o as to work. In af[ternoo]n I & my wife went to Prescotts Gardens (nursery) Cottam to purchase some shrubs &c for Brookhouse—landlady to pay for them.

**Wednesday 21 October 1885** Working all day. At night went to first annual meeting of Preston Sanitary Assoc[iatio]n, held in news room of Central Working Men's Club, Fishergate. Small but earnest lot present. Home by train (my wife waiting for me at shop) by 9.30 train. On getting home wrote out Geo[rge] Galloway's\* election address, he seeking re-election as one of the representatives in our Town Council, of Fishwick Ward. How the world is deceived.130

**Thursday 22 October 1885** Working hard all day. About noon to day Dr Fraser, bishop of Manchester, died suddenly. He was a hard-working, excellent bishop.

**Friday 23 October 1885** At work, from 9 in morning till 12.30 in morning. The usual toil, thought, writing & moil of a newspaper editor's life.

<sup>130</sup> Presumably voters would think that the candidate had written their own election address.

**Saturday 24 October 1885** Tolerably easy day. Colonel Stanley\* spoke in Exchange in af[ternoo]n. He is a mild, gentlemanly Tory & seeks elec[tio]n for the Blackpool division of this county.

**Sunday 25 October 1885** My wife & son Horace to Preston, to get off to London a news parcel131 I last night forgot. Home at noon. I reading Froude's Life of Carlyle in af[ternoo]n & evening.

**Monday 26 October 1885** Easy work all day. "Boy" Booth132 —a lad learning to be a reporter—returned to my service, after a fortnight's withdrawal, by consent to-day. Weather getting wintery—rain, leaves coming off. Views of places—houses, waterpits &c more visible through this.

**Tuesday 27 October 1885** At work, as usual, on such day. Times in respect to general business dull & hard.

**Wednesday 28 October 1885** At work all day. Nothing very new. Road to & from Brookhouse getting very hard, through being dotted here & there & covered in this part & that with big patches of broken stones but then the road will by & bye be better for them.

**Thursday 29 October 1885** To Preston by train at 7.50 in morning. Had to hurry—ran part of way. Wish railway trains were always as punctual. On reaching Preston had a short talk with W.J. Parkinson,\* Myerscough House—& then with A. Simpson133 of Elmhurst, near Garstang. Son E[thelbert] reporting this evening at Wray for Lancaster Observer. He will be reporting for ditto at Glasson Dock at night, McCoan's134 speech.135

**Friday 30 October 1885** At work from 9.10 in morning till 12.30 at night.

**Saturday 31 October 1885** Easy work. Home by 9.30 train.

<sup>131</sup> Presumably reports of Stanley's speech for London newspapers.

<sup>132</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>133</sup> Albert Simpson (1838–1924), Conservative councillor and magistrate, Preston mill owner, inveterate writer of letters to the local press (*LDP,* 21 January 1924, p. 4).

<sup>134</sup> James Carlile McCoan (1829–1904), independent MP, formerly a member of the Irish Home Rule League, standing as a Liberal candidate for Lancaster.

<sup>135</sup> See 5 November for additional 29 October entry.

# November

**Sunday 1 November 1885** Up at 9 in morning. Bothering about for several hours. In af[ternoo]n reading a little. In evening I & my wife walked to WJ Parkinson's,\* Myerscough House, had tea, a miscellaneous talk, some tobacco & whiskey. Home (by our trap which son H[orace] brought) at ab[ou]t 10.15pm.

[Two pages for 2–8 November blank, crossed through, but diary continues on following page, uninterrupted, Hewitson ignoring printed dates]

**Monday 2 November 1885** Municipal elections. Dull in Preston. Opposition in only one ward (Fishwick).

**Tuesday 3 November 1885** Working all day.

**Wednesday 4 November 1885** Dull times generally—The elec[tio]n not creating much excitement at Preston. My daughter Lettie sick. Sent down Mr Edwin Moore136 surgeon, of Preston, to her, in evening, by train. On his return I met him, got some medicine & down home with it by train. Presenta[tio]n to Mayor Forshaw137 &c.

**Thursday 5 November 1885** Daughter Lettie somewhat better this morning. Dr Moore went down to her again & found her improved. P.S. This refers to last Thursday Oct 29—Mr Sharman called with Mr Fitzgerald138 who had b[ee]n lecturing in Unitarian chapel night before. He has b[ee]n M[an]c[heste]r correspondent for the London Standard. A mild, fair looking, clear-eyed man.

**Friday 6 November 1885** Working from 9.20 in morning till 2.30 Sat morning.

**Saturday 7 November 1885** Working all day. Home by 9.34pm train.

**Sunday 8 November 1885** At home all day. In evening reading Froude's Life of Carlyle. Fine but extracts very mournful & depressing.

<sup>136</sup> See 11 June 1884.

<sup>137</sup> Forshaw was ending his year as mayor.

<sup>138</sup> See 14 January.

**Monday 9 November 1885** At work more or less working. Weather dull very.

**Tuesday 10 November 1885** Ditto. At noon went down home—nursed my daughter L[etitia] &c. In evening went to Rawcliffe's,139 Myerscough Lodge & ordered six loads of potatoes—3 of "champions" & 3 of "Magnums".140 Price 5/6 per load delivered at home.

**Wednesday 11 November 1885** Working all day. Weather very dull. Activity in the selfish bigoted humbugging political world.

**Thursday 12 November 1885** Same.

**Friday 13 November 1885** Ab[ou]t same. Ann141 the servant came at noon to-day to B[rook]house.

**Saturday 14 November 1885** This forenoon Mr John Hallam,\* wool, hide &c dealer of Toronto turned up. I showed him around somewhat. At night he went with me to Brookhouse & stayed all night.

**Sunday 15 November 1885** In forenoon had a walk towards Inglewhite. Weather fine; sky clear; sun light. In af[ternoo]n had a walk with Mr Hallam\*—a determined, ill-looking, well-read, careful, sober, roughmannered man.

**Monday 16 November 1885** To Preston with my wife & Hallam.\* He on to Chorley & L[iver]pool.

**Tuesday 17 November 1885** Hard frost; very cold driving to Preston. But all safe—horse sharpened142 —cost ab[ou]t 1/9. At work.

**Wednesday 18 November 1885** D[itt]o as to work. Weather cold.

**Thursday 19 November 1885** At work all day & stayed at shop till nearly 9 waiting for my son E[thelbert] who was reporting a big Liberal demonstration in Public Hall. Russell143 —a Temperance hotel keeper

<sup>139</sup> Richard Rawcliffe (1845–1917), farmer.

<sup>140</sup> Varieties of potato.

<sup>141</sup> See 3 August 1887. Possibly Ann Lancaster (b.1871 in Pwllheli).

<sup>142</sup> Sharp ridges were welded to horse shoes to help them grip on ice.

<sup>143</sup> Thomas Wallace Russell (1841–1920), owner of a Dublin temperance hotel, was elected Liberal Unionist MP for South Tyrone in 1886 and served in Lord Salisbury's government.

& "lobby" man144 —the Liberal candidate. Don't care for him—an adventurer in my opinion.

**Friday 20 November 1885** Work hard all day from about 9.15 in morning. At night a Conservative demonstration in the Public Hall. Conservative candidates, Tomlinson145 & Hanbury,146 who will, I think, be elected by large majority.

**Saturday 21 November 1885** Fairly easy day. Bad business day. Politics & football the main attractions. Home by 9.34 train. Beautiful, cold moonlight.

**Sunday 22 November 1885** In af[ternoo]n with daughter Lettie—she playing on hand organ. Aft[erwar]ds I finished Froude's 2nd vol of Carlyle's Life. Honest book.

[2 pages for 23–29 Nov blank, crossed through, but diary continues on following page, uninterrupted, with printed dates crossed out]

**Monday 23 November 1885** Considerable excitement in Preston— Nomination Day—Mr Tomlinson & Mr Hanbury (Conservatives) & Mr Russell (Liberal—"carpet bag"147 gentleman) nominated.

**Tuesday 24 November 1885** Election Day. Comparatively quiet. None of t[he] old fly-racket of conveyances—cabs &c148 —Poll kept open till 8pm. Result declared at 10.30. The two Conservatives elected by a very large majority. I stayed up—talking & drinking—until I couldn't tell what hour. Stayed at Preston all night.

**Wednesday 25 November 1885** Up at 8.30. Great rejoicing on part of Conservatives. I was congratulated on being a sort of prophet, for I said over & over ag[ai]n, that Russell c[oul]d not win. Not well—"merry nights make sorrowful mornings." Had a Turkish bath in af[ternoo]n. Home to Brookhouse at night.

<sup>144</sup> He lobbied politicians as parliamentary agent of the Irish temperance movement.

<sup>145</sup> William Edward Murray Tomlinson (1838–1912), lawyer, part owner of a Wigan coalmine, Conservative MP for Preston 1882–1906.

<sup>146</sup> Robert William Hanbury (1845–1903), owned coalmines in Staffordshire.

<sup>147</sup> A carpet bagger was an electoral candidate with no connection to the constituency (in twenty-first-century parlance, a candidate who is parachuted in).

<sup>148</sup> Free transport for voters who had promised their vote to a particular candidate.

**Thursday 26 November 1885** At work, fairly hard all day. The elections going against the Liberals.

**Friday 27 November 1885** Working all day. Elections still going against the Liberals, who expected a fine majority. Gladstone (for Midlothian) & Lord Hartington (for Rossendale division) however returned by big majorities.149

**Saturday 28 November 1885** Working moderately all day. Home at 9.50pm.

**Sunday 29 November 1885** Up about 10. Bothering & working. In af[ternoo]n & evening reading Darwin's "Expression of the Emotions".<sup>150</sup> Curious. Dry. Honest.

**Monday 30 November 1885** Work all day. Election excitement—crowds in main street—Blockheads, fanatical geese mainly who care more, apparently, for mere party victory than truth & permanent principles. Joe Clayton151 died to-day.

<sup>149</sup> The General Election ran from 24 November to 18 December. The Liberals failed to win a majority, with 319 seats (of a total 670) against the Conservatives' 247, while the Irish parliamentary party held the balance of power with 86 seats. So the Conservatives under Lord Salisbury formed a short-lived minority government, dependent on the Irish MPs.

<sup>150</sup> Charles Darwin, *The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals* (London: John Murray, 1872), an application of the theory of evolution to human emotions and intellect.

<sup>151</sup> See 8 February 1875.

## December

**Tuesday 1 December 1885** Working all day. As to election crowds, ditto, chiefly.

**Wednesday 2 December 1885** Working as usual.

**Thursday 3 December 1885** Same. My son Bertie not so well—complains of his heart. Sent him to old Dr Monk,<sup>152</sup> who said he had no disease, but was suffering from some deranged action of the heart. Medicine &c.

**Friday 4 December 1885** Working hard all day from ab[ou]t 9.15 in morning to 12.30 night.

**Saturday 5 December 1885** Old Mr Whittle,153 mayor, Chorley last year, called, amongst others for a copy of Chronicle. We had a short talk about the elec[tio]n for Chorley division (he is a Conservative) & he said "We sent Wright154 (Liberal candidate from Birmingham) damn'd sharp back home at night by train."

**Sunday 6 December 1885** In af[ternoo]n reading Darwin's Expression of the Emotions, hearing Letty play organette, &c.

**Monday 7 December 1885** Cold. Working. Election excitement subsiding. Home at night by train with my wife who always comes by train. Chair at San[itary] Ass[ociatio]n.

**Tuesday 8 December 1885** Sharp frost. Went to Preston by train. Girl came to shop.<sup>155</sup>

**Wednesday 9 December 1885** Very cold. Election excitement down.

<sup>152</sup> Dr Thomas Monk (1807–1888), former mayor, county and borough magistrate, deputy-lieutenant of Lancashire, had been medical officer for many friendly societies. In 1858 he was convicted of forging a patient's will and served ten years in prison, returning to Preston in 1868 to continue his practice (*PC,* 20 February 1858, p. 4).

<sup>153</sup> Thomas Whittle (1818–1890), owner of a Chorley coalmine and many other businesses.

<sup>154</sup> Harold Wright gained less than half the votes of the winning Conservative candidate.

<sup>155</sup> Presumably a new shop assistant.

**Thursday 10 December 1885** Cold. Got to Preston about 9.10. Work as usual.

**Friday 11 December 1885** Dull business; weather cold.

**Saturday 12 December 1885** To work at 10.10 morning. Business quiet. Richard Lancaster,<sup>156</sup> beer agent, apprehended to-day on charge of embezzlement. I & my wife home by 9.35 pm train.

**Sunday 13 December 1885** Got up at 10.15 morning. Working somewhat. In af[ternoo]n Letty playing for me. In evening I reading Darwin's "Expression of t[he] Emotions." Bed 11.

**Monday 14 December 1885** Working moderately all day. Election excitement gone quite down. Grumbling about hardness of the times, business competition &c. Everybody wants to be in business, if they have any capital & are not independent, & everybody seems to be getting into the business of everybody else.

**Tuesday 15 December 1885** Meeting to-day of CW Hawkins'\* creditors he being representative of firm of Messrs John Hawkins\* & Sons, cotton manufacturers &c, Preston. Trade depression, heavy expenditure & stupidity the cause of it. Ten years ago one looked upon this firm as being well nigh as strong as the rock of Gibraltar.

**Wednesday 16 December 1885** Working all day.

**Thursday 17 December 1885** Same. Weather very open & mild. Got a pair of new driving gloves to day for 5/-. Strong hairy-backed wool lined in anticipation of cold. It is the biggest physical punishment I have had driving in the cold to Preston—for the time I am on the road (when the weather is very cold) I had rather be in House of Correction than driving.

**Friday 18 December 1885** All day at work. Finished at 1.30 on Sat morning. Edward Rodgett<sup>157</sup> of Darwen Bank died to-day.

<sup>156</sup> Agent for an Edinburgh brewery, he had stolen £540 from his employers. See 6 January 1873.

<sup>157</sup> See 20 November 1884.

**Saturday 19 December 1885** At work more or less all day till 10.30 at night. I & my wife (she busy selling Xmas cards) stayed all night in Preston.

**Sunday 20 December 1885** At 8.25 I & my wife to Brookhouse by train. In af[ternoo]n & evening reading, mainly Darwin's "Expression of Emotion". Letty played.

**Monday 21 December 1885** Working to-day. Xmas card trade in which my wife takes the leading part, beginning to be busier. Weather very open.

**Tuesday 22 December 1885** Same.

**Wednesday 23 December 1885** Same; but not as to weather—keen frost. Got horse "sharpened"—cost 1/9.<sup>158</sup>

**Thursday 24** Got my usual Friday's work finished by 11.40 at night. Staid all night at room across street, as I did night before. Heard bells of Parish Church (St John's) ring in sweetly Xmas Day.

**Friday 25 December 1885** Down home, with my wife, by 8.15 morning train. A dull, somewhat muggy morning. Had for our dinner one of our geese—a very fat tender bird—some plum pudding & dessert. Children playing in af[ternoo]n & evening—also at cards—I & my wife & old Dan with them. My sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] to Preston in trap to help in finishing work for & at printing office.

**Saturday 26 December 1885** A very dull day—as to both business & weather. A mixed up half-holiday, hugger-muggering159 sort of day. Staid with my wife all night at room over the way—could not leave business in time to catch last train for Brock.

**Sunday 27 December 1885** Home, with wife, by 8.15 morning train. Found on landing my wife's brother John Wilson\* & his wife & one of children from Lancaster had come. Don't like him or her—greedy, grasping &c. They went away in af[ternoo]n. This forenoon Joe Crombleholme,\* a well known Prestonian, died at his home, in Park

<sup>158</sup> See 17 November 1885.

<sup>159</sup> Confused, disorderly.

road, Preston, very suddenly, in his 59th y[ea]r. A well read man, with fine natural capacity.

**Monday 28 December 1885** To work with my wife & sons E[thelbert] & H[orace]. My wife throngish with New Year card selling.

**Tuesday 29 December 1885** Same—weather damp.

**Wednesday 30 December 1885** I by train to Broughton intending to go to Woodplumpton Lodge for some money from a windy, presuming, big man—Rev J. Hall<sup>160</sup> —who married Mrs Ray, a widow. He a widower with five or six children, she a widow with six or seven. Beautiful combination, containing elements of much Bedlamism. Found they had removed to L[iver]pool which made me mad, & determined to be down on J.H. & his wife with law. Walked on to Preston, trying to ferret out J.H.'s L[iver]pool address &c. Afterwards went to Preston Cemetery to Mr J. Crombleholme's\* grave. He was buried this forenoon. Saw down into grave, where was his coffin, bearing a plate & brass crucifix. He was a Roman Catholic; but not a bigoted one. Threw a handful of mould down upon the coffin; then after a momentary prayer, went on & had a look at grave of my wife's father & mother,\* & then at the grave of my four little children—the former at eastern end of Nonconformist mortuary chapel, the latter in the northern side. Afterwards back to Preston & to my work—main part of work being compilation of a small pamphlet denunciatory of Salvation Army. For Mrs Bowling<sup>161</sup> (widow of Roger Bowling<sup>162</sup>) of Bentham House, Bentham above Lancaster, of which pamphlet I printed, for her, 300 copies. I wrote this pamphlet, primarily, as a matter of business, for Mrs B to do as she liked with it. But it contained some of my own opinions. She has lost a daughter amongst the Salvationists—daughter has gone over or been drawn over to them, & I am informed that one of the Salvationists is going to marry

<sup>160</sup> Rev. James Hall, former Primitive Methodist minister, temperance lecturer and author (*Birkenhead News*, 22 January 1887, p. 6).

<sup>161</sup> Possibly Elizabeth Bowling (b. 1841), farmer's wife, formerly of Preston and Scotforth, who later emigrated to King Island off Tasmania (*PH,* 19 November 1892, p. 3).

<sup>162</sup> Roger Thomas Bowling (1825–1883).

her. Seeing that the mother of this daughter (one of several children) has money, this may not be a bad enterprise, in the "worldly" sense.163

**Thursday 31 December 1885** Working hard all day—my wife also till 11 o clock at night. We stayed all night at the rooms we hire across the street. We had some talk & some whiskey by ourselves; & when 12 o cl[oc]k struck I kissed her & wished her many happy new years. A while afterwards we went to bed.

I thank God for all His mercy, blessings, & kindness to me & mine during 1885.

<sup>163</sup> The Salvation Army, an evangelical break-away from the Methodist church which used military ranks and uniforms, was not seen as respectable.

[T J & J Smith's Small Scribbling Diary with Almanack. No. 6, 1887]<sup>1</sup>

[Inside front cover, possibly breakages/damage caused by a servant:]

Joe— half price hand painted globe – 5/- April 4— Broke ladder 5— Destroyed 2/- worth flower seeds 9 lamp glasses May 19— Gave boy 1/- Spoiled piece oil cloth—floor—by letting off gun without instructions.

[In Hewitson's hand:] A. Hewitson's Diary. Brook house, Bilsborrow, Nr Garstang.

[In another hand:]

Now the property of his grandson Robert Hewitson Blackmore, 14 Florizel Street, Burwood, Vic

[Anthony and Margaret Hewitson and six of their children lived in a rented rural mansion, Brook House, at Bilsborrow, a hamlet seven miles north of Preston. Anthony, aged 50, owned and edited the *Preston Chronicle* while Margaret ran an associated shop selling stationery, fancy goods, books, newspapers and magazines*.* Their two sons, Ethelbert, 22, and Horace, 20, assisted their father as reporters. Hewitson rented out a house at 48 Fishergate Hill and some town-centre commercial

<sup>1</sup> Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/11.Some interleaved blotting pages have items with prices written on them, but are difficult to read.

property, including the Mitre Inn, Fishergate, and a warehouse in Cannon St. Eldest daughter Florence now lived with her husband in Carlisle. No diary survives for 1886, when the Liberal party had split over Gladstone's Irish Home Rule policy. Hewitson had parted ways with his former hero and now favoured the breakaway Liberal Unionists and the Conservatives. His newspaper rival, George Toulmin, and his sons George and James Toulmin, had launched a Gladstonian Liberal evening newspaper, the *Lancashire Evening Post,* in November 1886, strengthening their hold on the competitive local newspaper market. There are no circulation figures for Hewitson's *Preston Chronicle,* but its sales were probably falling, far below the 20,000 weekly circulation of the Toulmins' *Preston Guardian.*<sup>2</sup> As in other industries, 'small masters' such as Hewitson were being squeezed by the concentration of capital and large-scale production.3 ]

[on Memoranda page:]

Diary of Anthony Hewitson, Brook house, Bilsborrow for 1887

[Before first entry:]

God our Father keep me and mine safely under Thy wing, and guide and guard us all this year and always

<sup>2</sup> *PG,* 9 February 1887, p. 6.

<sup>3</sup> Geoffrey Crossick, 'The Emergence of the Lower Middle Class in Britain: A Discussion', in *The Lower Middle Class in Britain 1870–1914*, ed. Geoffrey Crossick (Croom Helm, 1977), p. 15.

## January

**Saturday 1 January 1887** Working moderately all day. B[rother] in L[aw] Jas Wilson\* returned home to Aberdeen this forenoon. My wife & I at work till about 10.45 at night; then across to the rooms,4 and in fair course to bed.

**Sunday 2 January 1887** Rose early; both of us to Brock per 8.15 morning train. In afternoon I finished reading Dr Fothergill's work on Will Power<sup>5</sup> and began one by Prof. Young on The Sun.<sup>6</sup>

**Monday 3 January 1887** To Preston by train at 10.35, to pay some money & sign my name in respect to my shop property, 21 Cannon St being mortgaged for £400 to Star Bowkett So[ciet]y. My son Horace having got an "appropriation" and I taking it from him for that amount. Money lent without interest for a number of years, else I should not have borrowed it.<sup>7</sup>

**Tuesday 4 January 1887** To Preston—easyish work. Home in fair time.

**Wednesday 5 January 1887** To Preston with son Horace per train. Working very hard all day till about 9.10 at night. Then home, with Horace, by train. Cold, snow, frost.

**Thursday 6 January 1887** To P[resto]n by train; working hard, all day. Nothing very special. Cold, business slack. Letter, I think, from daughter Letty—2nd since she went to Carlisle.<sup>8</sup> Home at night by train. Last day this of the three set apart for Preston Great Horse Fair.

**Friday 7 January 1887** Hard work from about 9.30 (shortly before which we landed at Preston in the conveyance) till about 12.45 on Sat[urday]

<sup>4</sup> The Hewitsons rented rooms on Fishergate to stay in when working late.

<sup>5</sup> J. Milner Fothergill, *The Will Power: Its Range in Action* (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1885), https://wellcomecollection.org/works/a9n4wuy4.

<sup>6</sup> Probably Charles Augustus Young, *The Sun and the Phenomena of Its Atmosphere* (New Haven, Conn.: C. C. Chatfield, 1872), http://hdl.handle.net/2027/hvd.320440 24174229.

<sup>7</sup> Possibly Horace had been lent £400 interest-free by the Starr-Bowkett Society (a mutual society which made interest-free loans to members), which Hewitson used to pay down a mortgage on his Fishergate shop (21 Cannon St was a warehouse and other rooms, used by Hewitson for printing, not a shop).

<sup>8</sup> Presumably Letitia, aged seven, was staying with her big sister Florence.

morning. Read a little of Geo[rge] Dawson's lecture on Wordsworth.9 Good, clear, healthy, very thoughtful.

**Saturday 8 January 1887** Could not get one of my boots on—short Wellingtons—which I had made for me about a week ago. Had to wait until boy borrowed me an elastic sided boot from W France,\* shoemaker, who stretched the boot, which some hours afterw[ards] I got & was satisfied with. Home with my wife per 9.35 pm train.

**Sunday 9 January 1887** Laid in bed till nearly 11 in forenoon. In aft[ernoo]n I and my wife drove over to W J Parkinson's,\* Myerscough Park & had dinner—turkey, water hen, beef, pudding &c. Afterwards had a long talk, a smoke & some tea & weak uisgebaugh<sup>10</sup> —I watered it heavily. Home.

**Monday 10 January 1887** At home all day, writing first part of a lecture entitled "A Thousand Miles in & about Scotland" which I have to give before the Longridge Debating Society on the evening of Feb 3.

**Tuesday 11 January 1887** All day at home, going through one of the ledgers—to pick out old a/cs [accounts] and see that nothing was omitted. My son Horace near me, making out a/cs.

**Wednesday 12 January 1887** To Preston. Working, sub-editing,\* writing &c, till about 9.15 at night. Then home with my wife per 9.35 train. Weather cold & very wintery.

**Thursday 13 January 1887** To Preston by train 8.30 morning. Subediting\* chiefly all day. Home at night by train & did a little work aft[erward]s.

**Friday 14 January 1887** By carriage with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] to Preston. Cold—very heavy fog. In aft[ernoo]n worst fog I ever saw in Preston—about 4.30. Cleared up later on. Working—writing & proofreading—till about 12.40 on Sat[urday] morning. Then across to rooms, where I had a smoke & some whiskey. Read in Geo. Dawson's

<sup>9</sup> In George Dawson, *Biographical Lectures*, ed. by George St Clair (London: Kegan Paul, Trench & Co, 1886).

<sup>10</sup> Irish word for whiskey, literally 'water of life'.

Biographical Lectures, & read in Chronicle—to correct it—and then to bed.

**Saturday 15 January 1887** To shop about 10.25. Easy working all day. Daughter Florence brought back daughter Letitia this aft[ernoo]n—to Preston first, thence to Brook house. My wife with them at 6.5; I per 9.35 train. Much footballing blocking (crowd—news)<sup>11</sup> at Preston.

**Sunday 16 January 1887** In aft[ernoo]n reading Professor Young's work on "The Sun"—very able. Weather cold. Did not go out.

**Monday 17 January 1887** Son L[lewellyn]<sup>12</sup> resumed school & it did not start till tomorrow. At home all day, continuing my writing of lecture on Scotland. Awfully cold day—east wind. Never felt so cold a day for at least 25 years. My three daughters (M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia]) told me they were very cold—starved at school. Too far from fire. But the master (Balshaw)13 crowded up to it & monopolised it. A very considerate master.

**Tuesday 18 January 1887** To Preston to work. Son L[lewellyn] to grammar school & before they begin a half holiday proclaimed—or proclaimed at noon. After noon holiday today because five new pupils have come! Nice for masters.

**Wednesday 19 January 1887** Working hard—sub editing and writing all day till 9 at night. Then home per train with my wife. Sons H[orace] & L[lewellyn] by conveyance. Son E[thelbert] & daughter F[lorence] to Conservative Soiree in Public Hall & so staid at Preston all night. I suppose young people & fools must have vent holes—safety valve openings—by dances. Dancing is a queer thing—or rather the love of it.

**Thursday 20 January 1887** At work all day sub-editing—nothing particular. Home per conveyance at night.

**Friday 21 January 1887** A hard throng day. "At it" from 9.5 in morning till about 3 on Sat[urday] morning.

<sup>11</sup> See 17 January 1885.

<sup>12</sup> Aged 13.

<sup>13</sup> See 21 June 1885.

**Saturday 22 January 1887** Laid in bed till 9.45; working till 9. Home with my wife & daughter F[lorence] at 9.35 pm.

**Sunday 23 January 1887** Stayed in bed till 11. In aft[ernoo]n had a walk up Bilsborrow Lane & down by Matshead Mill. In the mill dam saw some ducks—tame—and a swan which came close to me—wanting me to give it something. In the evening reading Professor Young's book on The Sun.

**Monday 24 January 1887** Remained at home all day. Finished writing greater part of my lecture on Scotland. My daughter Florence left for her home (in Carlisle) this aft[ernoo]n.

**Tuesday 25 January 1887** To Preston by train with sons E[thelbert] & L[lewellyn]. Finished my lecture writing. At night—10 o'c[lock]—found Sandham's son,14 Banks the butcher,<sup>15</sup> & a points man16 from Broughton at my home. They had come about auditing some friendly soc[iety]'s a/cs [accounts]. Son Horace went through them with Banks. Aft[erwar]ds they played cards all except pointsman & left about 11.30.

**Wednesday 26 January 1887** Working hard all day at Preston. Nothing very special.

**Thursday 27 January 1887** At work hard all day—hard—barring times when persons came in to gossip. It is astonishing what time can be used up in gossipping [sic] & what a lot of people there are who have the time. But one may get wisdom from gossip—knowledge of past and present, for though I think I know much, I have very much to learn & I am willing to take a lesson from any honest person.

**Friday 28 January 1887** Grinding away at work all day from about 9 in morning till 2 o'c[lock] on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 29 January 1887** To work about 10.30 in morning. In shop all aft[ernoo]n and night. My wife & son E[thelbert] to annual dinner and ball of Preston printers, at Mess Rooms, Starkie St[reet]. An association

<sup>14</sup> Probably John James Sandham (1860–1933), son of Robert Sandham (see 23 July 1874).

<sup>15</sup> Thomas Banks (1852–1925).

<sup>16</sup> Operator of railway points or junctions.

man from Manchester named Slatter<sup>17</sup> (a JP as well) & one of the local officials the first to get drunk. My wife would not dance with Slatter. Mrs Mackay<sup>18</sup> (wife of editor of Herald\*) with my wife—my wife left about 12, with son E[thelbert], & we all slept across in the rooms.

**Sunday 30 January 1887** Up at 7.45; at 8.20 to Brock. In aft[ernoo]n I my wife & daughter L[etitia] rode over to Churchtown, where we attended service at church. No sermon—some boys catechised,19 apparently for confirmation, instead. Fine day. Home—tea. Finished Prof Young's work on The Sun and began Lady Holland's life of her father—Rev Sydney Smith,20 a healthy, humorous, learned, excellent man I like, very much, SS.

**Monday 31 January 1887** To Preston per 8.31 train in morning, with son L[lewellyn], leaving sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] at home, peddling about. I working moderately. The older I live the more am I convinced that employment of some kind—mental or physical—is a necessity for health of mind, soul and body. Inaction is the precursor of illness & if not checked means decay & death. My wife went to Manchester to buy things for shop today.

<sup>17</sup> Henry R. Slatter (c. 1830–1902), general secretary of the Typographical Association, the printers' union, and Manchester's first magistrate from the labour movement.

<sup>18</sup> Elizabeth McKay (b. 1853).

<sup>19</sup> Question-and-answer profession of doctrine and belief.

<sup>20</sup> Lady Saba Holland, *A Memoir of the Rev. Sydney Smith, by His Daughter, Lady Holland* (London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, 1855), celebrating the life of the author, wit and clergyman Sydney Smith (1771–1845), founder of the second *Edinburgh Review*.

### February

**Tuesday 1 February 1887** Working at Preston all day—not hard. Well, while I want to work & to go on working in some way, I don't want to work over hard. Home at night.

**Wednesday 2 February 1887** Fully and somewhat hardly at work specially in aft[ernoo]n and evening. Writing from about 4 o'c[lock] to 9. Then home with my wife.

**Thursday 3 February 1887** To Preston by train with sons E[thelbert] & L[lewellyn]; son H[orace] staying behind to attend Garstang sessions<sup>21</sup> &c. In the evening I went up to Longridge & read a paper entitled "A Thousand Miles in and about Scotland"—the record of a trip I & my wife had in August 1882. The paper was read before the Longridge Debating Society, or rather under the auspices of that Society. A very bad attendance—weather rough & two other meetings same night in the village. My paper contained much interesting matter—I think so; but I feel sure my reading of it was defective—I mean the style. I'm no reader. But at close a note of thanks was proposed & recorded to me, in very eulogistic terms & it was passed unanimously, & if it had not, by such an audience, I should have wondered much & been highly disgusted as much with myself as those present. Afterwards went in a cab to Mr Wareing's,<sup>22</sup> east of the little, ugly, old church, & stayed all night with them. He is a quarry master and a nice, sensible, genial, elderly man. I had two or three glasses of whiskey; he had some w[hiskey] also.

**Friday 4 February 1887** Up soon after 7 o'c[lock]; good breakfast; to Preston per 8.10 train. Did not feel well, but worked hard all day till about 12.30 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 5 February 1887** Rose about 10 o'c[lock]. To work about 10.30. Working fairly easy, all day. Home, with my wife, per 9.35 train—after treating Mr Miles,23 the station master to a glass of whiskey & having one myself.

<sup>21</sup> Magistrates' 'petty sessions', court hearings.

<sup>22</sup> Henry Waring (d. 1892), owner of quarries in Longridge, Mellor and Brinscall, involved in the co-operative movement, a Roman Catholic and a Liberal (*PC,* 24 September 1892, p. 5).

<sup>23</sup> James Miles (c. 1830–1894), Preston station master.

**Sunday 6 February 1887** Up shortly before 11. Af[terwards] knocking about the house. In aft[ernoon] I & my wife had a walk as far as a farm house opposite Brockholes Arms, then back. In evening read some of life of Sydney Smith, by his daughter.

**Monday 7 February 1887** Jobbing about at home. Throng altering a door in forenoon; in aft[ernoon] mending garden fence; at night reading Lady Holland's Memoir of her father (Rev Sydney Smith). Then went to the railway station to meet my wife.

**Tuesday 8 February 1887** In forenoon boy Joseph24 (I accompanying him) drove our older cow to put it in a sale at a place nearly opposite the Brockholes Arms, Claughton. On getting there I had some gossip with the person on whose premises the sale was going to take place—an old man named Gornall,<sup>25</sup> formerly joiner in Preston—tall, bulky, pale, mild-looking. Then had some roast beef & potatoes, along with four or five others, in the house; then looked about. Sale commenced about 1.30 in aft[ernoo]n. Miscellaneous household goods &c; also cattle, sheep & hay. I bought a very big carpet bag for 1/-; a marble-racing concern for the children for 2/6; a ladder for 11/-. Did not sell my cow. Gave £15.15. for it at a sale by auction, about a year ago; had today only £12.10 (after much whipping) offered so ordered it to be driven home again. They say "cattle are very down at present". Evidently they are.

**Wednesday 9 February 1887** To Preston by train. Saw Mr Albert Simpson,<sup>26</sup> of Elmhurst, nr Garstang & had a talk with him about some strictures of mine upon Alderman Ben Walmsley27 of Preston, for calling him (A.S.) "an ass". B W has sent me a lawyer's letter stating that proceedings are going to be taken against me for censuring and commenting upon him. I at work all day—mostly.

<sup>24</sup> Probably Joseph Akers (b. c.1871) from Bleasdale reformatory; in 1882 he had been sentenced to five years in a reformatory. He was in trouble again in September 1887, for theft at Bolton-le-Sands (*Calendar of Prisoners tried at the general quarter sessions of the peace, Lancaster, 2 January 1888*, entries for 23 May and 9 June).

<sup>25</sup> John Gornall (b. 1807), farmer and secretary of the Lancaster Farmers' Auction Mart Co Ltd, lived at Beech House.

<sup>26</sup> See 29 October 1885.

<sup>27</sup> See 5 January 1884.

**Thursday 10 February 1887** At work, hardish, all day & home by trap at night.

**Friday 11 February 1887** To Preston per trap, landing shortly before 9 in morning. Consolation—encouragement—just when I had started writing "Stray Notes" this aft[ernoon], in room across, in came my wife saying she had been told t[hat] B Walmsley meant to go on, had retained Jack Addison, QC & that a writ w[oul]d be served upon me in the morning. Finished work about 12.30 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 12 February 1887** Up about 9. Working. Was told in aft[ernoo]n that B Walmsley had decided not to go on with his case against me. I & my wife stayed all night at Preston.

**Sunday 13 February 1887** To Brock, both my wife & self, per 8.15 morning train. Aft[erward]s I bothering about. In aft[ernoon] had a short walk, towards Myerscough Hall with my wife & daughters, M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia]. In evening reading Memoirs of Rev Sydney Smith. Excellent—sense, wit, humour & goodness.

**Monday 14 February 1887** Stayed at home today cleaning up grounds raking about &c—trying to make myself rurally comfortable. Fresh air—must have done me some good. At night read Sydney Smith's Life by Lady Holland.

**Tuesday 15 February 1887** To Preston. In aft[ernoo]n called on Mr John Cooper\* at his office in Winckley St. Though infirm & in his 80th year he seemed to be in good spirits and still fond of a good story. His son George<sup>28</sup> —a barrister—came in. George is a rough, ready, "blueish",29 easy-going customer. J C lent me life of—Rev Gilpin30 and one on Kisses (verses) by Joannes Secundus.31

<sup>28</sup> George Cooper (c. 1851–1891).

<sup>29</sup> Meaning unknown.

<sup>30</sup> Probably George Carleton and William. Freake, *The Life of Mr. Bernard Gilpin, Some Times Parson of Houghton in the Bishopricke of Durham: A Man for His Singular Piety and Integritie Famous, and Renowned Over All the Norrherne* [sic] *Parts of This Kingdome of England* (London: William Jones, 1629).

<sup>31</sup> Joannes Nicolai Secundus, *Kisses: A Poetical Translation of the Basia of Joannes Secundus Nicholaius* (London), verses by the Dutch poet, first published 1541.

**Wednesday 16 February 1887** Working all day. Nothing very particular. Chit chat32 writing &c

**Thursday 17 February 1887** Sub-editing mainly.

**Friday 18 February 1887** D[itt]o an article on Note Writing for the paper (Chronicle). Finished work about 12.30. Aft[erwards] read some of Geo Dawson's lecture on Wordsworth.

**Saturday 19 February 1887** To work about 10.15. At it more or less till 9.15. Then with my wife to Brock, per 9.35 pm train.

**Sunday 20 February 1887** Stayed in bed till about 11.40 in morning. Then bothering about. In aft[ernoo]n d[itt]o. In evening sleeping & reading Sydney Smith's letters. A cold, miserable day—drizzly &c—outside. To bed about 11 o'c[lock].

**Monday 21 February 1887** To Preston per conveyance with sons E[thelbert], H[orace] & L[lewellyn]. Working moderately all day.

**Tuesday 22 February 1887** At work all day. In the evening I & my wife went to the Theatre Royal to see Barry Sullivan33 play. The piece was the "Gamester".34 Full house; company good; Barry, who is now about 70 years old, I believe, looked well—good figure, good voice, excellent attitudes, acting and emphasis—a real actor. But I did not like the play—too sad & melancholy & dismal, & ended painfully. Not such a tragedy as I sh[oul]d care to see any more. I & my wife stayed all night in Preston—at the rooms across the way—the rooms in Central W[orking] Men's Club. We had a few oysters for supper.

**Wednesday 23 February 1887** Up soon after 8. To work about 9. At work till 9.20 at night. Writing chit chat in aft[ernoo]n. Home with my wife per 9.35 train.

**Thursday 24 February 1887** Working hard all day—sub-editing &c. At night home—late—in conveyance with my son Bertie.

<sup>32</sup> A weekly gossip column, 'Local Chit Chat', signed 'Merlin'.

<sup>33</sup> See 28 October 1884.

<sup>34</sup> A comedy of manners by James Shirley, first performed 1633.

**Friday 25 February 1887** Sub-editing, writing notes &c. Called on Will France\* in aft[ernoo]n. He has been buying about 300 vol[ume]s of books, from Vicar of Croston, for the Preston Union Workhouse. Gave, I believe, about £2.10.0 for them. Old theology, religious treatises &c—& according to the written list he showed me, such a mess, medley and farrago of arrant rubbish as I never before saw. I finished work about 2.30 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 26 February 1887** To work about 10.30 this forenoon. Sisterin-law Jane Threlfall,35 on coming from Blackleach, Woodplumpton, to Preston market this morning met with an accident—horse began kicking, broke both shafts of conveyance and played havoc with the front part—a devil of a horse. She was bruised & shook. At night I superintended a drawing, in connection with recent Fulwood Church bazaar for a piano in Public Hall, at request of Alderman Forshaw.\* Captain Winstanley,36 son of late W Winstanley37 of West Cliff & Chaigeley Manor was the winner. I & my wife home per 9.35 pm train.

**Sunday 27 February 1887** In aft[ernoon] drove over, with my wife & daughter L[etitia], to Woodplumpton—they to Blackleach (my wife's sister's38) I to W[illia]m Turner's39 in Bartle. Had tea at W T's; he is a decent, rough-headed, shrewd little fellow, with a little farm. My wife &c called on me on their return, & we drove home, as we came, through Broughton.

**Monday 28 February 1887** I, & my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace], stayed at home today. Removed the poultry shed from the yard near the house to the little meadow over the canal hedge. We have about 60 hens & 2½ cocks; also 5 ducks & drakes.

<sup>35</sup> Jane Threlfall née Wilson (1848–1890).

<sup>36</sup> Probably John Arthur Winstanley (1856–1937).

<sup>37</sup> William E. Winstanley (c. 1810–1873). His son sold Chaigeley Manor in 1882.

<sup>38</sup> Jane Threlfall.\*

<sup>39</sup> William Turner (b. 1833).

# March

**Tuesday 1 March 1887** To Preston with sons E[thelbert] & L[lewellyn]. Horace staying at home. In the evening I and W France\* went to Wombwell's Menagerie near the Orchard. A big collection, but not so very excellent. Some fine lions & tigers, several camels or dromedaries, two very handsome zebras, nearly all the rest mediocre. Home by train about 9.35.

**Wednesday 2 March 1887** Working hard all day—till 9.20 at night. Nothing very particular in town. Very considerable complaining about dullness of business.

**Thursday 3 March 1887** To Preston by conveyance. Met Mr John Cooper,\* who is in his 80th year. He said "Hulton's gone"—meaning that ex County Court judge W A Hulton40 of Penwortham was dead. He died this morning in his 85th year. A tall, grave, old-womanly, wilful highly respectable man. J.C. though feeble, looked very well for his years. Home by train at night; son E[thelbert] having gone round by conveyance, to the annual dinner of the Kirkham Hunt, at the De Tabley Arms in Bartle.

**Friday 4 March 1887** To Preston by con[veyance] with all my three sons. At work—writing &c &c—till about 2.20 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 5 March 1887** Rose just before 10 o'c[lock], breakfasted, to shop; working off and on, all day. Preston North End footballers beaten to day by West Bromwichers at Nottingham. A big, idle, godless, hands-in-breeches-pockets, smirking, spitting crowd in Fishergate waited a considerable time for the result. This sort of crowd frequently congregates, for a like purpose, in this street. Could like to see a hose pipe opened or turned full on them. I & my wife home per 9.35 pm train. Ex-Judge Hulton buried today at Penwortham church.

#### **Sunday 6 March 1887** [blank]

**Monday 7 March 1887** To Preston working &c

<sup>40</sup> William Adam Hulton (1802–1887), county court judge, antiquary and amateur printer, a Conservative.

#### **Tuesday 8 March 1887** Same

**Wednesday 9 March 1887** Same till 9.20; then home per 9.35 train.

**Thursday 10 March 1887** Ditto as to working, but not so late

**Friday 11 March 1887** Same till about 2 o'c[lock], or later, on Sat morning.

**Saturday 12 March 1887** To work at 10.30 and "off & on" till 9.20pm, then home.

**Sunday 13 March 1887** Fussing about, after getting up late. In aft[ernoon] I & my wife went to feed the hens. At night had a long & pleasant read in the Memoirs of Sydney Smith—conscienscious [sic], industrious, witty, healthy, intellectual Sydney, one of the best, loveliest, kindest, and most humorous of writers & divines.

**Monday 14 March 1887** At Preston, working more or less all day. Home at night in the con Very much annoyed at night—hadn't got key of shop, to close with—son Horace had it; to wait till 10.50 before I c[oul]d see my foreman, who had another key; then had to send for errand boy's key (mine with son H) so as to get into our rooms across, having to sleep there by myself, for last train out to Brock was timed to leave Preston at 9.35pm. No fire; whiskey did not warm me; don't think I got rightly warm in bed till about 5.30 next morning.

**Tuesday 15 March 1887** Foreman's wife brought me some hot tea & two eggs & a muffin. Very kind & considerate. Off to Ingleton by 8.10 morning train per L.N.W. Railway. Had a first class free pass. Saw my wife on platform at Brock station waiting for 8.30 train by which to go to Preston. Explained to her (through carriage window) cause of my stay in Preston. Reached Ingleton, via Low Gill Junction, shortly after 11. Hills lined & ridged & seamed with snow. East wind. Got some information for 2nd edition of my Ingleton Guide.41 Tried for a couple of advertising farmers;42 didn't succeed; got dinner and tea at Broadwood Cottage (Mr J Hewitson's43). Had a chat with Tom Boyd.44 Got sundry glasses of gin.

<sup>41</sup> *Guide and Visitors' Handbook to Ingleton and District, in the West Riding of Yorkshire.* 

<sup>42</sup> I.e. tried to sell advertising space to two farmers.

<sup>43</sup> John Hewitson (b. 1830), contractor.

<sup>44</sup> See 1 September 1885.

Left per 6.15pm train; arrived at Brock about 9; home; had some warm milk; went out 9.45 to station and met my wife.

**Wednesday 16 March 1887** To Preston, by train, with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] & L[lewellyn] by train. I & son E[thelbert] home by train 9.35 at night. On getting home, learned that sons H[orace] & L[lewellyn] (who had set off home per trap) had met with an accident, on high road, near Barton vicarage—a butcher named Dixon, with another man named Mayor from Preston, both drunk, furiously drove his trap while on wrong side, into them—sons thrown out, somewhat shaken, our trap very badly smashed, & horse broke loose, & ran away though aft[erwards] recovered—stopped—about half a mile north. Leg cut and knee hurt. Shall endeavour to make the reckless brutes (Dixon and Mayor, who, I learn, paid no heed to shoutings to go slower & get on their right side) pay for all the damage &c.45

**Thursday 17 March 1887** 18. All of us (I, son Self and sons E[thelbert] & L[lewellyn] to Preston per 8.30 train. I working all day & getting information about the two Preston brutes. Home, per train, at 6.5pm getting out at Broughton & gathering up information on the way.

**Friday 18 March 1887** To Preston, making inquiries &c ditto; put Preston brutes in my lawyer's hands. Sub-editing, editing &c till about 2 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 19 March 1887** Up & to work about 10.30. Pursuing my investigations as to the two Preston brutes. Have them "fast as a thief in a mill". Had an interview with J Foster46 (cotton) about base, bigoted action of some Preston Liberals.47 Home, with my wife per 9.35pm train.

**Sunday 20 March 1887** In aft[ernoon] had a walk into the field with my wife & daughters M[abel] R[osaline] & L[etitia] to feed poultry—about 60. They ran towards us. Weather rather cold. In evening reading letters of Sydney Smith, following his life by Lady Holland.

<sup>45</sup> Thomas Dixon and Richard Mayor, Preston butchers, otherwise unidentified. Horace stopped the two from getting away by steering their horse into a nearby farm.

<sup>46</sup> Joseph Foster (1841–1899), mill owner.

<sup>47</sup> This may refer to the support of some Liberal councillors for an attempt to stop lucrative council advertising appearing in Hewitson's *Chronicle* (see 31 March).

**Monday 21 March 1887** To Preston per 8.30 morning train. Sub-editing &c. Home at night.

**Tuesday 22 March 1887** To Ingleton per 8.25 morning train from Brock, via Low Gill. Foot warmer under my feet in carriage. Occupied main part of my time going on revising my Guide to Ingleton (2nd edition). On arriving called at my cousin T Moore's48 —he not in. Went to Ingleboro[ugh] Hotel, had some soda water & gin. Then to the Wheat Sheaf Inn where I had a bottle of ginger ale. Aft[rewards] round by Backgate. Called on aunt Prudence.49 Next had a look at old house (Bows House—Pan Well House) where I lived with my grandfather.\* Then round by the Bank. Had dinner with cousin TM. In aft[ernoon] he went with me about an advertisement or two for my Guide. Back to Brock per train leaving Ingleton at 6.10. Arrived about 9.

**Wednesday 23 March 1887** To Preston—working at shop in forenoon. In aft[ernoon] writing & continued doing so till about 9. Then, per 9.35 train to Brock.

**Thursday 24 March 1887** Sub-editing, shop working, proof-reading. Home per 9.35pm train.

**Friday 25 March 1887** Per 8.30 morning train to Preston. Working from about 9 in morning till 2.10 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 26 March 1887** To work about 10.30 in morning. Ordered Napier's History of Peninsular Campaign—6 vols, new, for 16/-.50 Home with my wife per 9.35pm train.<sup>51</sup>

**Sunday 27 March 1887** In aft[ernoon] had a short walk out—to field with my wife & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia], to feed the poultry. Later on read & finished Sydney Smith's letters—566 in all.

<sup>48</sup> Thomas Moore (1821–1895).

<sup>49</sup> Prudence Harrison (née Hewitson, b. 1826).

<sup>50</sup> William Francis Patrick Napier, *History of the War in the Peninsula and in the South of France, from the Year 1807 to the Year 1814* (6 Vols) (London: John Murray/Napier, 1828–1840).

<sup>51</sup> This day the two men who crashed into Hewitson's horse and trap appeared before the county magistrates, who fined Thomas Dixon ten shillings plus costs for furious driving, 2/6 for drunkenness, and Richard Mayor was ordered to pay costs for drunkenness (*PC,* April 2, 1887, p. 2).

Excellent—sensible, humorous, healthy, manly. Aft[rewards] read about 40 pages of Life of Frank Buckland, by his brother-in-law Bompas.<sup>52</sup>

**Monday 28 March 1887** Went per 8.30 morning train with my sons to Preston. Attending, moderately, to business. In aft[ernoon] ordered frames for Ingleton Album views.53 At night I my wife & foreman JW54 throng putting pictures in the frames. Home per 9.35 train.

**Tuesday 29 March 1887** To Ingleton, from Brock per 8.25 morning train, via Low Gill, with album views &c. Morning rather cold, but a nice look of early Spring crept into it as the morning wore on. Got to Ingleton about 11.15—charged me 3d for riding over the bridge from Thornton side to the Midland station on the other side, less than or certainly not more than a quarter of a mile.<sup>55</sup> Abominable carriage, I was in a 1st class one. In aft[ernoon] went with cousin T Moore56 to Marton's Arms (old Church Stile) in Thornton. Landlord's son took me in a conveyance up past Thornton Hall; thence—after looking about in different parts—to base of Hunt's Cross.57 Cousin Thos remained in the road while I & landlord's son climbed to the top. Fine, wide-reaching view. On returning visited ruins of Thornton Old Hall and went to a small eminence in a field about 300 yards west from which, it is said, some soldiers of Cromwell blew down the old Hall. Stayed at Ingleton, with cousin TM, all night.

**Wednesday 30 March 1887** Off to Preston, by 8.45 morning train from Ingleton, by Low Gill. Reached Preston about 11.15. Worked hard all day till about 9.20; then home, to Brock, by train.

**Thursday 31 March 1887** Hard working at Preston all day. In the evening wrote a chapter for my Ingleton Guide about Thornton, &c. Alderman B

<sup>52</sup> George Cox Bompas, *Life of Frank Buckland* (London: Smith, Elder, & Co., 1885). Buckland (1826–1880) was a surgeon and natural historian.

<sup>53</sup> Unidentified. Hewitson may have planned to sell the pictures, or give them as inducements to advertise in his guide.

<sup>54</sup> Probably Joseph Wilson junior.\*

<sup>55</sup> Two rival and uncooperative railway companies each had a station at opposite sides of Ingleton viaduct.

<sup>56</sup> See 22 March.

<sup>57</sup> Limestone outcrop overlooking Ingleton.

Walmsley's<sup>58</sup> base, mean, malicious move to get the Chronicle deprived of Corporation advertisements defeated today, at a meeting of the Town Council, by a majority of 18 to 4.59 Home to Brookhouse per 9.35pm train.

<sup>58</sup> See 9 February 1887 and 5 January 1884.

<sup>59</sup> Councillors Hale and Bee supported the *Chronicle*, while Henry Davies of the *Herald* and J Toulmin of the *Guardian* were happy for the *Chronicle* to be excluded, according to the Chronicle report. The *Herald*'s much briefer report noted that the decision was overturned by 17 votes to seven, after 'a long and at times acrimonious discussion' (*PH* 2 April 1887, p. 2).

# April

**Friday 1 April 1887** To Preston per 8.30 morning train with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace]. Sub-editing, editing, &c from about 9 till 2.10 on Sat. morning.

**Saturday 2 April 1887** Moderate working. In the aft[ernoo]n & evening engaged in Ingleton guide work. Home with my wife per 9.35 pm train.

**Sunday 3 April 1887** In aft[ernoo]n reading Frank Buckland's Life. Af[terwar]ds went with my wife to feed the poultry in the field over the canal. In the evening as usual & reading Life of Buckland—a good, honest, able very interesting fellow.

**Monday 4 April 1887** To Preston with sons; son H[orace] at home working in & about. Nothing very particular in town. Home per 9.35 pm train.

**Tuesday 5 April 1887** Throng setting potatoes in garden at Brookhouse from about 9.30 in morning till 4 in aft[ernoon]n, when owing to rain, accompanied by some thunder, I had to drop it. Son L[lewellyn] & servant lad Joe were helping—latter going with horse to Preston, to come back with hired carriage; sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] returning with him.

**Wednesday 6 April 1887** Sub-editing & writing chit chat &c at Preston. Returned from Preston at 7.20, per carriage. After landing at home & after warming myself, resumed writing chit-chat till about 10.20.

**Thursday 7 April 1887** Hard at work at Preston—sub-editing &c all day till about 6 o'c[lock]. At 7.30 returned in conveyance with son E[thelbert] to Brookhouse.

**Good Friday 8 April 1887** Per carriage to Preston—sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] with me. Working very hard all day till about 12 at night. Subsequently revised copy of Chronicle, & finished about 1.15.

**Saturday 9 April 1887** Rose at 9.45. To work at about 10.30. Moderately easy work all day. Had a gossip with the Mayor of Preston (Alderman Bibby<sup>60</sup>), Adam Leigh,<sup>61</sup> of Lea, & W Allsup\* of Preston & Warton. Brought copy of Professor Norton's Goethe & Carlyle letters.62 Home with my wife per 9.35pm train.

**Easter Sunday 10 April 1887** Up about 10. In aft[ernoo]n I & my wife and daughters to field—fed poultry and later on made them extra safe; a weasel, we think, being about. Reading Life of F Buckland.

**Easter Monday 11 April 1887** My wife & son E[thelbert] to Preston, I bothering about till noon. Early in aft[ernoo]n drove over to Preston with my daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] and new servant girl. On arriving went to Avenham Park. Many thousands of children there egg-rolling &c. Wonderful, exhilarating sight; but it got monotonous. A band of music in centre w[oul]d improve matters. I & my wife had tea at Mr McKay's\* (editor Preston Herald) in Regent-st[ree]t. Aft[erwards] a glass of whiskey. I & my daughters &c drove home, starting about 8.20pm. Nice, though rather cold, night. On getting home, went to meet my wife who returned from Preston per train due at 9.50.

**Tuesday 12 April 1887** At Preston all day sub-editing &c.

**Wednesday 13 April 1887** Same & writing chit-chat. Home per trap at about 7.30. Did some work aft[erward]s at home. Son Horace to Lancaster. Sent him to forward a summary to the Times of Mr Caine's63 (MP) expected speech. But there was no Caine so he was not able to send it. Home to Brook (H[ouse]) about 9.

**Thursday 14 April 1887** Working at Preston all day. Our damaged conveyance finished today & I & son E[thelbert] returned by it home. Found, on arriving that the younger cow had given birth to a large, fine wye64 calf.

<sup>60</sup> Walter Bibby (1822–1902), a tanner, of Church St.

<sup>61</sup> See 30 March 1872.

<sup>62</sup> Thomas Carlyle and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, *Correspondence Between Goethe and Carlyle*, ed. by Charles Eliot Norton (London: Macmillan, 1887).

<sup>63</sup> The *Times*, possibly erroneously, had announced that William Sproston Caine (1842–1903), Liberal Unionist MP for Barrow, would address party supporters in Lancaster (*Lancaster Gazette,* 9 April 1887, p. 5).

<sup>64</sup> Female.

**Friday 15 April 1887** At Preston working all day from about 9.15 in morning till nearly 2 on sat morning.

**Saturday 16 April 1887** Got up about 9.45. Easy day. Home, with my wife per 9.35 train. To bed about 11.30.

**Sunday 17 April 1887** Rose about 10.15. Bothering about. Ginnette's<sup>65</sup> circus & menagerie passed on the road north. An extensive, but seedy looking affair. In aft[ernoo]n I, my wife & daughters M[abel] R[osaline] & L[etitia] (son E[thelbert] also turned up) went to field & fed the poultry. One of the hens has got 8 chickens—just out. It was wonderful how they picked about & how the mother looked after them. Instinct— God-given. Fixed up a hut for the hen & chickens. In evening read about 60 pages of Life of Frank Buckland.

**Monday 18 April 1887** At work, easy, at Preston all day. Nothing particular locally. Great sensation caused by the London Times newspaper publishing today facsimile of a letter alleged to have been written in 1882, soon after the Phoenix Park (Dublin)<sup>66</sup> murders, partially excusing or approving of same. Parnell & his friends deny its accuracy—say it's a forgery &c.<sup>67</sup>

**Tuesday 19 April 1887** Working all day at Preston. In the evening we removed our furniture from rooms over Central Working Men's Club, Fishergate to a little house (like a little shop) in Cannon-street, owned by young McVitie.<sup>68</sup> Nearer my works. Rent 4/- per week, with rates and taxes, equal to perhaps 1/6 per week. Stayed all night at this little place with my son Horace. Did not go to bed till about 11.30 & was awake & got hardly any sleep after 4.30 in morning owing to noises of cats, people walking & clattering up & down the street &c.

**Wednesday 20 April 1887** Working—sub-editing, writing &c—all day till about 8.20 at night then home with sons in trap. One of the daughters

<sup>65</sup> Ginnett's, a circus dating back to the early nineteenth century.

<sup>66</sup> See 30 June 1885.

<sup>67</sup> In February 1889 the letter was exposed as a forgery and Charles Parnell (1846– 1891), leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party, was vindicated.

<sup>68</sup> J.J. McVitie, tailor. Probably the house rented by Margaret Hewitson's parents in 1874 (see 30 November 1874).

of Mr E Wilson69 of Broughton House married today to a clergyman—a Bengal curate,<sup>70</sup> native of Norfolk I think. Good match I expect believe.

**Thursday 21 April 1887** At work all day sub-editing &c—till about 7.20 at night.

**Friday 22 April 1887** Working from about 9.15 in morning till about 2.30.

**Saturday 23 April 1887** Rose at about 9.40. to work at 10.20. Easy work all day. Bought cheap copy of Byron's letters.

**Sunday 24 April 1887** Up at 10.15. Pottering about in forenoon. In aft[ernoo]n drove, with my wife & my daughters R[osaline] & L[etitia] round by St Michael's, past Myerscough Lodge. Country beginning to freshen up though apparently "backward." Cold west wind blew. Church & vicarage grounds &c at St Michael's looked snug, & neat & nice & very tranquil. Called, on getting to Churchtown, at the church,<sup>71</sup> and got particulars of a new reredos<sup>72</sup> "opened" today. Had a cup of tea at the vicarage (Rev Wilson Pedder's73). Sat in the room a large number of females—apparently 8 or 10 all seated, at a table drinking tea. Thought they were visitors; but probably vicar's daughters. He has, I believe, 8 unmarried ones at home. Was told reredos had cost £100, that they thought it was paid for, or that money enough had been raised for it, and had found they were about £60 short! Pleasant discovery. On getting home & after tea finished Life of Frank Buckland and began the "Memoirs of an Ex-Minister"—the Earl of Malmesbury74 —very interesting.

<sup>69</sup> Ada Maria Wilson (b. 1859), who lived to 102 at least (*Coventry Evening Telegraph,* 29 April 1961, p. 27).

<sup>70</sup> Rev Alfred Neville-Rolfe (1857–1896).

<sup>71</sup> St Helen's.

<sup>72</sup> Ornamental screen covering the wall behind the altar, a sign of high-church Anglo-Catholic taste.

<sup>73</sup> Rev. Wilson Pedder (1818–1891), the fifth member of his family to be vicar of Churchtown, 'a well-built, go-ahead gentleman … a good scholar, and thoroughly devoted to the place he has charge of' (*OCCC*).

<sup>74</sup> James Howard Harris, Earl of Malmesbury, *Memoirs of an Ex-Minister; an Autobiography* (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1884). Malmesbury was a Tory MP and peer, Foreign Secretary under the Earl of Derby, then Lord Privy Seal.

**Monday 25 April 1887** At work, as usual, at Preston, all day—easy. Home at night. Weather cold.

**Tuesday 26 April 1887** Same

**Wednesday 27 April 1887** Sub-editing, writing C.C..<sup>75</sup> Home at about 7.

**Thursday 28 April 1887** Same mainly. On going home per conveyance observed sky very lurid on east side & very clear on west. Fine sunset when on high road between Broughton station & Whitehouse bridge c[oul]d see Blackcombe & smoke from Barrow below.<sup>76</sup> Fleetwood grain elevator very clear. After getting home had a walk to the field, across canal. A little grass growing but all very dry and bare and bleak. Birds whistling. Had also a walk to the railway bridge above Bilsborrow school. Darkness setting in. A weirdly fine sort of night.

**Friday 29 April 1887** Hard at work, from arriving at 9 in morning, till about 2 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 30 April 1887** Easy day. At shop & about till about 9.25 then home, with my wife, per 9.35 train, which as usual was late.

<sup>75</sup> 'Local Chit Chat'.

<sup>76</sup> On the Furness peninsula, some 30 miles away as the crow flies.

#### May

**Sunday 1 May 1887** A nice morning, but somewhat cold. In aft[ernoo]n I, my wife, son L[lewellyn] & daughters R[osaline] & L[etitia] drove to Churchtown—to service at church. A slender congregation, sermon by Vicar's son,<sup>77</sup> who seemed to be thinking rather indifferently about it. Prior to service a christening. Font decorated with daffodils & a red flower. After service a funeral. If there had been a wedding the full gamut of church work would have been gone through. On leaving church met Mr R Pedder,<sup>78</sup> formerly an alderman &c at Preston, now of Finsthwaite, patron of the living here, and brother of the present Vicar. He talked cheerfully, & on leaving bade the children & my wife goodbye. He is about 79. At night read about 70 or so pages of Malmesbury's autobiography.

**Monday 2 May 1887** Easy working all day at Preston. Nothing very particular. Home by conveyance with sons E[thelbert] & L[lewellyn].

**Tuesday 3 May 1887** Sub-editing and working about. Home at night. White-washing.

**Wednesday 4 May 1887** Working at Preston. In afternoon Archdeacon Hornby79 of St Michael's called at my shop. He ordered one of my books to be sent to him on "Country Churches and Chapels". Had a short, free, pleasant talk with him. He praised the architecture—style and appearance—of Churchtown (Garstang) church, and did not seem to object at all to the somewhat "high" service there. But the country people in the district he said—& so I said—could not understand the peculiarities of it. He said that in his own district there were some Roman Catholics but no R.C. place of worship & that he visited them & talked to them & they did not object. One reason, I sh[oul]d think, why there are no R.C services or place of worship in St Michaels district will be because the Archdeacon is the chief landlord. I believe he owns

<sup>77</sup> Rev. John Wilson Pedder (c. 1853–1933), curate to his father.

<sup>78</sup> Richard Pedder (c. 1808–1891) of Finsthwaite Hall, Ulverston, former Preston solicitor and mayor.

<sup>79</sup> Rev. William Hornby (1810–1899), first Archdeacon of Lancaster, a 'tall, moderately slender, very gentlemanly-looking person …likes good horses, and good carriages, and tenants who pay their rent well' (*OCCC*).

the whole or the greater portion of the township. But he talked very pleasantly and liberally. He is looking older, but very cheerful & hale for his years. T Edelston's80 oldest son81 married today to Miss Wade<sup>82</sup> —a dressmaker.

**Thursday 5 May 1887** Sub-editing, editing, &c—a hard day. Home at night.

**Friday 6 May 1887** Working hard all day from about 9.10 in morning till 2 o'c[loc]k on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 7 May 1887** To work about 10.20. Easyish day. Nothing very particular. Home per 9.35 train with my wife.

**Sunday 8 May 1887** Rose about 9 o clock. In forenoon bothering & working about. In aft[ernoo]n I, my wife, & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] drove to Churchtown to church. Beautiful day—drive nice. Service at church defective sermon, by Vicar's son,83 worth about a halfpenny—ordinary, heavily orthodox, expressions dull, nothing new or inspiring, or luminous in it. Can't tell what good such sermons can do to a heavy, country-headed congregation. After service we drove round by St Michaels. All very rustic, secluded, sweet. Air very pure & sky clear & sun shining warmly. In evening had a read (Malmesbury's Autobiography) a walk with my wife, and then another read in M's Auto. A quiet evening—threatening rain—Birds singing—many sorts of birds—several with young ones in the nest.

**Monday 9 May 1887** To Preston, sub-editing—agriculture &c. Home by train at night. Nothing special. Finished reading "Eothen"84 —a very interesting, beautifully written account of a journey to the East— Palestine &c—by one Kingslake, a barrister. The copy I have read is the 5th edition, published in, I think, 1847. H.C. Walton,\* auctioneer, Fishergate, gave me it.

<sup>80</sup> See 16 October 1872.

<sup>81</sup> Peter Henry Edelston (c. 1859–1910), a solicitor like his father.

<sup>82</sup> Emily Wade (1869–1956).

<sup>83</sup> See 1 May.

<sup>84</sup> Alexander William Kinglake, *Eothen; or Traces of Travel Brought Home from the East* (London: Longman, Green, Longman, and Roberts, 1862).

**Tuesday 10 May 1887** Sub-editing, reading, &c.

**Wednesday 11 May 1887** Sub-editing, shop work, writing chit-chat finished CC at home at night.

**Thursday 12 May 1887** Sub-editing, editing, &c. Home at night.

**Friday 13 May 1887** This forenoon Lawrence Holden,<sup>85</sup> solicitor & coroner, of Lancaster called on me, at the shop, & spoke to me about editing and printing a d. Crown quarto<sup>86</sup> shaped monthly (8 pages) paper in the interests of the Conservative party of the Lancaster division—to be given. I told him I would think the matter over. The Conservative party, if it be brought out, will have to pay the whole piper. An antidote to a monthly brought out by Mr Williamson MP,<sup>87</sup> who is flagrantly liberal with his money for the sake of his Liberal seat for Lancaster. He twice called upon me, years ago, for political instruction, &c.

**Saturday 14 May 1887** Easy working all day. Read several pages of Prof Jebb's "Greek Literature".<sup>88</sup> Home at night.

**Sunday 15 May 1887** This forenoon I, my wife, & our daughter L[etitia] & son H[orace] to Churchtown church. In aft[ernoo]n I and my son L[lewellyn] walked to within 300 yards of Lord Bective's89 shooting hut in Barnacre. Nice district. Visited the Duke of Hamilton's old Spa Well about half a mile south-west of the shooting hut. Then walked home. About 11 miles of walking this aft[ernoo]n. At night read a little of Malmesbury's Autobiography. John Sandham90 called and had a talk with me.

**Monday 16 May 1887** To Preston by train this morning. Sub-editing. Finished Professor Jebb's "Greek Literature". Very compact, admirable work. Home at night per 9.35 train.

<sup>85</sup> Lawrence Holden (c. 1826–1910), county coroner, registrar of Lancaster county court, Conservative.

<sup>86</sup> Double crown quarto: 20 x 30 inches.

<sup>87</sup> James Williamson jnr had become Lancaster MP in 1886 (see 27 January 1874).

<sup>88</sup> Richard Claverhouse Jebb, *Greek Literature* (London: Macmillan, 1877).

<sup>89</sup> Thomas Taylour, Earl of Bective (1844–1893).

<sup>90</sup> See 25 January.

**Tuesday 17 May 1887** Sub-editing all day more or less. Nothing very special.

**Wednesday 18 May 1887** Sub-editing in morning. Wrote my CC in aft[ernoo]n and evening. A young man named Sowrey91 murdered his sweetheart,92 at a Temperance hotel,93 on Fishergate Hill this aft[ernoo]n—shot her. I saw the ambulance carriage go for her body & return to the Mortuary with it. Home per conveyance in evening.

**Thursday 19 May 1887** To Preston per 8.30 morning train. Did some work. Returned to Brookhouse per 1pm train. Band of music & some members of local friendly society,94 of which I am an honorary member met me. Af[terward]s put on fresh coat &c—band &c in front of my house—band playing. My wife gave them some refreshment. Afterwards we walked in processional order to the White Bull where I presided, short dinner, over which I presided. Toasts, songs, &c, aft[erward]s I went home (leaving men in the room) about 5; real performance being then over. Did some work at home & had a short walk aft[erward]s.

**Friday 20 May 1887** To Preston at 8 o'c[lock]. Weather very windy—gale blowing all morning side. Hard at work at Preston all day till about 2 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 21 May 1887** Easy sort of day. Home with my wife per 9.35 pm train.

**Sunday 22 May 1887** Rose about 10.35. Bothered about. In aft[ernoo]n my wife, son L[lewellyn] & daughters L[etitia] & M[abel] to Churchtown church in the conveyance. A little in aft[ernoo]n and for two or more hours in evening read Malmesbury's Memoirs. Also read Frederick Harrison's article on Froude's Life of Carlisle [sic]95 which is very severe.

<sup>91</sup> Alfred Sowrey (1862–1887), pawnbroker's assistant.

<sup>92</sup> Annie Kelly (1868–1887), laundry maid at the Bull Hotel.

<sup>93</sup> Clarendon Temperance Hotel.

<sup>94</sup> The Loyal 'Royal Bowbearers' Lodge of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, a mutual aid organisation.

<sup>95</sup> Possibly Frederic Harrison, 'Froude's Life of Carlyle', *The North American Review*, 140 (1885), 9–21.

**Monday 23 May 1887** At Preston, working easy all day. Boy Acker's96left today and boy David,97 from same establishment,98 came in his place. First idle and crafty. Don't know what the second will be like.

**Tuesday 24 May 1887** To Lancaster this forenoon. Saw L Holden,99 at his office respecting new monthly proposed new monthly paper. Had a talk with him & Mr Whelan<sup>100</sup> [sic], his nephew & partner. Submitted some particulars. Satisfactory. Little lunch; dinner later; a walk up and round by Castle into Churchyard, then to Preston. Working there till about 7 o'c[loc]k; then home by conveyance.

**Wednesday 25 May 1887** Working at Preston all day. Boy, Ackers [Joe] left today and another boy (David) came in his place. A got very lazy, hope D will do better.

**Thursday 26 May 1887** To Preston, working all day—sub-editing &c.

**Friday 27 May 1887** Working all day. Nothing very particular.

**Saturday 28 May 1887** Easyish working. Home at night.

**Sunday 29 May 1887** Easy forenoon. To Churchtown, with my wife & daughters R[osaline] & L[etitia] in aft[ernoo]n. In evening reading Malmesbury's Memoirs.

**Whit Monday 30 May 1887** I, my wife, children to Garstang this forenoon. Just after getting into the town, over the bridge met the processions—scholars, Oddfellows, & Catholic Brethren. Large display; very neat, clean & bright looking, & with the bands of music very pretty & effective. In afternoon At 1.45pm I to Oddfellows dinner at King's Arms. Good, substantial repast. Crowded company. After an afternoon rest for about an hour I returned to King's Arms. Meeting, speeches, songs &c. I proposed the toast of "Corporation of Garstang"—referred to old charters mystery of the Corporation, to old charters, to one of

<sup>96</sup> See 8 February.

<sup>97</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>98</sup> A reformatory, probably Bleasdale (see 9 June).

<sup>99</sup> See 13 May.

<sup>100</sup> William Whelon (1852–1891) of Dalton Square, solicitor, deputy coroner, Conservative registration agent.

the Town Clerks (Muncaster) being hanged for siding with the rebels in 1715, to the fairs &c. Dr Chapman101 —a genial, homely, goodlooking gentleman—responded to the toast. The Rev. Mr Stones,102 of St Thomas's, Garstang—a clean-skinned, pleasant man—in the chair. Port wine good. Home, with my wife, & three of the children in evening. About 8.20 L Clarke,103 stationer, of Preston, called to see us. He had a glass of whiskey; so had I.

**Tuesday 31 May 1887** This morning I, my wife & my daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] by train to Manchester to see the Exhibition there.104 A large, fine exhibition. Great display of textile fabrics, vast show of machinery, very large and very excellent collection of pictures. Got home soon after 10 o'c[loc]k at night.

<sup>101</sup> Dr William Chapman (1826–1908), medical officer of health for Garstang poor law union, magistrate, Conservative.

<sup>102</sup> Rev G. Boys Stones (c. 1847–1923).

<sup>103</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>104</sup> The Royal Jubilee Exhibition at Old Trafford, to celebrate Victoria's 50 years on the throne.

### June

**Wednesday 1 June 1887** Sub-editing and writing all day mainly. Weather very cold—nearly or quite as cold as March weather. Wind in the east, where it has been more or less for many weeks.

**Thursday 2 June 1887** Writing, sub-editing &c all day.

**Friday 3 June 1887** Ditto. (Rain). Working from about 9 in morning till 2.30 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 4 June 1887** Up at about 10. Easy-ish day. Change—to sunshine & warmth with weather. Home per 9.35pm train.

**Sunday 5 June 1887** Rose at 10.50 in morning. In aft[ernoo]n I, my wife, and daughters R[osaline] & L[etitia] to Churchtown church. Trees & fields beginning to look very beautiful. Sermon a poorish one as usual. In evening mending up a place for some young ducks. Afterwards had a walk with my wife & daughters R[osaline] & L[etitia] into Bilsborrow Lane. Full moon. Beautiful evening. Could see Black Combe, Coniston Old Man, &c in the north west looking clear, purple, and rugged, against the roseate sunset sky. Birds whistling; meadows with a white mist hanging on them—"For a warm day." Read some of Malmesbury's Memoirs.

**Monday 6 June 1887** Preston. At about 11 in forenoon WJ Garnett Esq<sup>105</sup> of Quernmore Park near Lancaster & Mr Lawrence Holden,106 of Lancaster called on me. We went to the Old Legs of Man Inn, Fishergate & had a business-like, earnest, practical talk-over as to the projected monthly publication of a (sensible) Conservative organ. All passed off right. I do not mean to sacrifice either my sense or honesty in this job. I mean to promote the cause of common sense, honesty, rightness & political progress as well as the interests of my own purse and my family's welfare by this enterprise.

**Tuesday 7 June 1887** Working chiefly.

<sup>105</sup> William Garnett (1851–1929), landowner, magistrate (not W.J. Garnett).

<sup>106</sup> See 13 May.

**Wednesday 8 June 1887** Working at Preston—sub-editing, writing Chit Chat, &c all day. Returned home per 9.35pm train. Found lad David<sup>107</sup> at station. Mrs H (my wife) had been giving him a dressing down for negligence. Ordered him to come back till morning. He is a sulky dirty, idle impertinent or cheeky lad, & we cannot do with any longer [sic].

**Thursday 9 June 1887** To Preston this morning. Working all day. Boy David was sent away this morning. Tom Blezard,<sup>108</sup> a boy belonging a neighbouring family, will, per our arrangement, milk for us & see to the house till we get a suitable male servant. We will not, certainly, have any more Reformatory boys. They may be suitable in some cases—it would please me to learn that they were in all—as servants or trade hands, out of the Reformatory; but my experience of them at home, has been unsatisfactory. This last lad we have had, was, for one thing, very much opposed to soap & water. One of the weeks he was with us, he did not, as I aft[erwar]ds learnt, wash his hands and face at all.

**Friday 10 June 1887** Customary work from about 9 in morning till 2.30 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 11 June 1887** To shop about 10.30 in morning. Nothing very particular. Home, with my wife, at per 9.35pm train.

**Sunday 12 June 1887** In aft[ernoo]n I & my wife to brother -in-law's (J Threlfall,109 Blackleach, Woodplumpton. We walked more than half of the way. Their youngest child, Hugh, about 2 years old, very badly scalded, on, I think, previous Tuesday. The child looked very bad. Returned at night, per Threlfall's trap, through the Eaves Quarter of Woodplumpton—a very quaint, highly-rural, pleasant district. Fields, hedgerows, trees, cottages all looked very nice & refreshing & pastorally snug. A model bucolic quarter. T[hrelfall] took us about four-fifths of the way, remainder of which we walked, getting home about 10.45.

**Monday 13 June 1887** Having decided to give Charlie, our horse, a rest & a change, by turning him to grass, for a week or two I went with son L[lewellyn] to Preston this morning per 8.30 train. Sub-editing &c all

<sup>107</sup> Servant (see 23 May).

<sup>108</sup> Thomas Blezard (1872–1950), son of Richard Blezard, a millwright.

<sup>109</sup> John Threlfall (1831–1913).

day. Home, I per 9.35pm train, sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] gardening at home to-day.

**Tuesday 14 June 1887** Ditto to Preston with sons E[thelbert] & L[lewellyn]. Son H[orace] & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] with servant Ann110 to Catforth School treat111 &c. Threlfall's child died to-day. I am told that it was a very sharp, fine child.

**Wednesday 15 June 1887** Working at Preston all day. Home at night per 9.35 train.

**Thursday 16 June 1887** Working all day at Preston. At 7.35, or so, to Turkish Bath, Grimshaw St[ree]t—feeling dirty & rheumatic. Stayed for about 2 hours. Then to meet son L[lewellyn] whom I sent to Theatre Royal.<sup>112</sup> Met him, in street—Fishergate—leaving. To our shanty in Cannon-st[ree]t, where we slept all night together.

**Friday 17 June 1887** On the plan of "Labor omnia vincit" hard at it all day. Great scarcity of subjects for "Stray Notes"' but determined to test & to keep in working order my intellect "went at it" as usual; &—thank God for all His goodness—produced the usual quantity, also quality in my opinion, of matter. To bed at about 2.30.

**Saturday 18 June 1887** Up at about 10. Working, moving about, reading, &c all day till night when I, & my wife, left P[resto]n for home, per 9.35 train.

**Sunday 19 June 1887** Rose about 10.30. Did not go to church in aft[ernoo]n—so hot the weather. In evening read Malmesbury's Memoirs. Contain some good stories, incidents, scandal, &c. A smart, clear-headed, able Tory.

**Monday 20 June 1887** To Preston per 8.30 morning train. Sub-editing, &c. At 4.25pm home by train; then to Churchtown—whither my wife, daughters and son E[thelbert] had gone—to the Jubilee proceedings; sons H[orace] & L[lewellyn] to Garstang ditto. Proceedings at Churchtown

<sup>110</sup> See 13 November 1885.

<sup>111</sup> Annual village field day.

<sup>112</sup> Llewellyn was 13 when his review of Miss Birch's Company performing the play *Harvest* appeared in his father's paper.

very fair for a small place—juvenile games, races, a dinner in school, speeches, songs. Much drunken music, as a thorn to the rose, in one public house. Home about 9.30.

**Tuesday 21 June 1887** At 10.20 this morning I & my wife to Lancaster, per train, to see the Jubilee proceedings there—this being the "real Jubilee day." Train crammed & had to ride in a guard's van. At Lancaster saw a good procession of trades; an open air entertainment in Giant Axe Field—niggerism,113 acrobatism, fine balloons &c. At night a torch light procession. Very good, on the whole. After seeing last named walked up to top of Williamson Park to see the beacon lights on the mountains. Saw 13—on Black Combe, Coniston Old Man, Langdale Pikes, Arnside Warton Crag, Farleton Knot &c. Lancaster well illuminated—especially the Town Hall, Gas Office & the Castle Gateway. Left per train for home about one o'c[loc]k on Wednesday morning. On way saw fires on Harris end, above Scorton and on Parlick Pike, above Chipping. Also a smouldering fire on Sullam, above Garstang. Reached home about 2.20 in morning.

**Wednesday 22 June 1887** To Preston per 8.30 morning train. Working sub-editing &c till night. Then home, per 9.35 train.

**Thursday 23 June 1887** Customary work at Preston all day. All the week people have been grumbling loudly about miserable Jubilee proceedings at Preston—"not like other places," "nothing," &c, &c. Home at night per 9.35 train.

**Friday 24 June 1887** Working all day at Preston. A balloon ascent & a big procession of Church of England and Sunday scholars to-day. Jubilee demonstration in P[resto]n. Finished work about 1.50 in morning.

**Saturday 25 June 1887** To work about 10.20 in forenoon. Very magnificent and large procession of R Catholic Guilds in Preston this forenoon. In afternoon there sh[oul]d have been a procession of the local friendly societies; but only about 100 persons joined it. A fiasco, causing an increase in the general local growl about Preston's poor Jubilee demonstration. Home, with my wife, per 9.35 train—late.

<sup>113</sup> Presumably blackface minstrels. The term was widely understood as offensive.

**Sunday 26 June 1887** Rose at about 10.15. Looking about, putting things to rights, disinfecting drains &c. with solution of permanganate of potash. Reading Malmesbury's Memoirs, sleeping &c from 4.50 to 6.10pm. In evening had a walk to the field, with my wife & daughters. Found all right. Afterwards had another read in M[almesbury]'s Memoirs.

**Monday 27 June 1887** This forenoon, after doing some business at my shop, went with my wife & son E[thelbert] to Mr TA Peters's,\* the Hermitage, Grimsargh (called by T.A.P. "St John's College"). Had lunch. Mayor of Preston (Alderman Bibby114) and two or three Preston Town Councillors &c also several wives present. Good "spread." Saw some games in an adjoining field in af[ternoo]n. Back to Preston per 5.35 train. My wife home by 6.5 train; I and son E[thelbert] by 9.35 train.

**Tuesday 28 June 1887** To Preston per trap. Nothing very particular. Read some of Rev Arnold's "Three Cornered Essays."<sup>115</sup>

**Wednesday 29 June 1887** At Preston, working all day. Man Robert116 to Brookhouse. Big, awkward-looking, red-faced. Says himself, which is no recommendation, that he is "good-tempered." Home at night & on getting there worked—writing CC<sup>117</sup> —for about two hours.

**Thursday 30 June 1887** Sub-editing, &c, at Preston all day. Weather very dry. This has been the driest year—winter & spring & summer so far—I ever remember. People are crying out for rain. It was stated at Preston Town Council meeting to-day, by Alderman Hibbert,\* Ch[airma]n of the Water Com[mitt]ee that there are only 33 days' supply of water in the Preston reservoirs.

<sup>114</sup> See 9 April.

<sup>115</sup> Frederick Arnold, *Three-Cornered Essays. By a Middle-Aged Englishman* (London: James Hogg, 1882), mildly humorous essays on everyday topics.

<sup>116</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>117</sup> 'Local Chit Chat' gossip column.

# July

**Friday 1 July 1887** Sub-editing & editing all day till late. Finished work at about 2 o'c[loc]k on Sat morning.

**Saturday 2 July 1887** To work at about 10.30 in morning. Easy day. This evening Alderman Robert Benson<sup>118</sup> of Preston died very suddenly. He was out, apparently, in good health, in the aft[ernoo]n. I saw him. A quiet, conscientious, courteous man. Good-looking. A Quaker. In his 81st year. Did not look above 65 or 70. Only one other (Alderman E Birley\*) now in our T[own] Council of the lot in it at the Guild of 1862. Most of them dead; remainder gone to live elsewhere.

**Sunday 3 July 1887** Rose about 8.30, intending to go to Churchtown Church; but horse bits &c so dirty and head pieces so out of order in one part c[oul]d not do so. Went in aft[ernoo]n with my wife & son E[thelbert]. Hot. Poor sermon. My wife just asleep at its close, & much disappointed when roused. I nearly asleep. In evening read some of Earl Malmesbury's Memoirs.

**Monday 4 July 1887** Easy working day at Preston. Nothing very particular. Weather continues very dry.

**Tuesday 5 July 1887** In aft[ernoo]n writing Literary Notes.119 The man Robert<sup>120</sup> sent away—in reality—this forenoon, from Brookhouse. A talkative, palavering, idle, sleepy fellow—not worth his meat.

**Wednesday 6 July 1887** Working hard all day. Ald[erma]n Benson interred today. A large & demonstrative funeral. Excellent muster of members of the Corporation &c.

<sup>118</sup> Robert Benson (1807–1887), former grocer, magistrate, was involved in Preston Blind Institute with Hewitson, who described him in 1870 as 'calmly rigid and sedately Puritanical' (*PTC*).

<sup>119</sup> A half-column of 'Literary Notices' (*PC,* 9 July 1887, p. 2) covered new parts of three books: a revised edition of Baines's history of Lancashire, *Mr Punch's Victorian Era*  Part 2, and John Leech's *Pictures of Life and Character from the Collection of Mr Punch*; the latest issues of the *English Illustrated Magazine* and *Atlantic Monthly, Amateur Work*  (a part work), and a round-up of Cassell publications: the *Magazine of Arts,Quiver, Cassell's Family Magazine* and part-works *Our Own Country, Illustrated Shakespeare, Our Earth and its History* and *Familiar Trees.* Margaret Hewitson probably sold all these publications in her shop.

<sup>120</sup> See 29 June.

**Thursday 7 July 1887** Busy at work all day. Weather still hot. The brook running past Brookhouse, in ordinary times, has been quite dry for about three weeks. The Brock very low.

**Friday 8 July 1887** Working from about 9 in morning till 2 on Sat morning, at Preston—sub-editing, editing, &c.

**Saturday 9 July 1887** At one pm to Brock with my wife; leaving my son Horace in charge of shop. At 2.18 in aft[ernoo]n to Morecambe, with my wife & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia]—fares for self and wife 2/3 each (to return on Monday) & half that for children. Got to Morecambe (train late) per Hest Bank about 3.50pm. An enormous number of houses containing in windows &c announcements of apartments to let. We got some at a man's called Bannister,<sup>121</sup> near the Promenade. Morecambe flat. Showery at night. Listened to some Salvation Army people.<sup>122</sup>

**Sunday 10 July 1887** This forenoon I, my wife, & our children to St Lawrence's church, Bishop of Manchester (Dr Moorhouse123) preacher—a good, clear voice; excellent sermon—duty of denying the "flesh" and leading a loving useful, spiritual life. Most impressive idea was that the feeling we have in favour of higher & better things proves that God is its source. Bishop grey & rather grim-looking, baldish, somewhat about middle height. Full of spirit, earnestness, &c, and eloquent. In afternoon walked about. Ditto, evening. Some rain.

**Monday 11 July 1887** Sister in law Jane Threlfall,\* & two of her children, along with our servant Ann, joined us this forenoon, coming down by excursion train. We walked about, much pestered by one of Jane's children. In aft[ernoo]n to strawberry gardens, near Heysham. Flowers, swings, stuffed birds &c. Beautiful view of bay. Showers. Back by carriage. Regatta at Morecambe today. Seemed a dull affair. Home per train about nine. Landed about 9.40 and found all right. Supper, bed.

**Tuesday 12 July 1887** At Preston, working, all day. Business flat; nothing particular.

<sup>121</sup> Possibly Roger Bannister (1846–1900) of Pedder St.

<sup>122</sup> Probably an open-air service, with band.

<sup>123</sup> James Moorhouse (1826–1915), former bishop of Melbourne. He visited each of his 600 parishes in the Manchester diocese (*ODNB*).

**Wednesday 13 July 1887** Working at Preston all day—writing chiefly. Some rain in aft[ernoo]n. On reaching Brookhouse about 8 in evening found water running in the bed of brook, which has been dry for about a month. Very long spell of dry weather. Only about a dozen showers most light—this year. Don't remember so dry a winter, spring & early summer. Hay harvest nearly over. Only about half the average crop, & quality inferior—rough, stalky, seedy at top of generality of grass.

**Thursday 14 July 1887** At Preston, working all day. In evening had a game at quoits in garden with my sons. We are all moderately good for what I may call beginners, & we are also all pretty bad—sometimes very.

**Friday 15 July 1887** Usual Friday work—editing, sub-editing &c. Began soon after 9 in morning & finished about 2 on Sat morning. Preston young man named Sawrey124 [sic] sentenced to death at Lancaster for murder of his sweetheart.

**Saturday 16 July 1887** Easy day. Got my hair & whiskers cut in aft[ernoo]n. Am getting white about the jaws and grizzly on the pate. Home with my wife per 9.35 pm train.

**Sunday 17 July 1887** Rose about 10.20. In aft[ernoo]n had a read in Malmesbury's Memoirs & a sleep as well. In evening had a walk, with my wife & nearly all our children to the field—looking at poultry & cattle. At night they took a hen & eight young ones from an adjoining wood. Hen had laid away & hatched in the wood. Got wildish.

**Monday 18 July 1887** Today my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] removed hen poultry shed from field to yard near house; owing to rats getting at chickens. Have had about 20 worried in the shed, by rats burrowing through at bottom. Made foundation excavations for shed in yard. Very hard work. In aft[ernoo]n wheeling cobble or brook stones to put in the foundations. In evening chaining[?] posts fixing posts for wire netting. Very tired. Weather still dry.

**Tuesday 19 July 1887** Easy-ish day. Sub-editing. Sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] throng with hen place all day.

<sup>124</sup> See 18 May.

**Wednesday 20 July 1887** Hard at work all day—sub-editing, writing &c.

**Thursday 21 July 1887** To work at usual time & at it all day till evening, when I had a read—finished Arnold's "Three Cornered Essays." Like them well. Full of good observation, anecdote, reminiscences &c. On getting home, in evening, busy with fence to keep in the poultry. We have too many hens and chickens.

**Friday 22 July 1887** To Preston and reached there about 9 in morning. Working hard, as usual, all day—sub-editing, editing &c. till about 2 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 23 July 1887** Easy day. Home per 9.35 pm train.

**Sunday 24 July 1887** Rose about 9.15. In afternoon finished Malmesbury's Memoirs, and afterwards began reading Greville's Memoirs.125 In evening I & my wife walked as far as one Smith's126 in Catterall to order some hay. We are quite without hay, & the pasture is very bare. A nice walk; beautiful vermillion-streaked sky. Got home about 9.30. On the way heard Churchtown church clock strike 9. Wind west. Rain fell from about 10 to 1 o'clock today. But there is still no water in our brook which is quite dry, as it has been for long. The drought—in respect to water supply in towns—must be getting serious. But all will be well—I mean right—in time. God rules the weather.

**Monday 25 July 1887** To Preston in morning. Easy day. Weather still very dry.

**Tuesday 26 July 1887** To Preston, moderate easy day. Rain fell to-day, copiously. Very welcome. All getting very dry; pastures brown & hard; water becoming scarce.

**Wednesday 27 July 1887** My three sons & my foreman & all the hands in printing works had a trip, by train, to Ingleton today. Favourable weather; but, as I afterwards learnt, they did not see as many places & points of interest as they might have done. Landed back, at Preston

<sup>125</sup> Charles Greville, *The Greville Memoirs* (London: Longmans, Green, 1875). The diaries of Charles Cavendish Fulke Greville (1794–1865), clerk to the Privy Council, the final volume published 1887.

<sup>126</sup> Unidentified.

between 9 & 10 at night. Sons drove from P[reston] to home. Water flowing today in channel of our brook. I throng today—writing till about 9.45pm—after reaching home. New boy Walter came today from Burton in Lonsdale ("Black Burton"127). He seems a fine lad. Nearly 14 years old. Think he will suit us.<sup>128</sup>

**Thursday 28 July 1887** To Preston, working pretty hard—chiefly subediting—all day. Home at night & there engaged for some time mending & making more secure the poultry shed garden fence, along with son H[orace].

**Friday 29 July 1887** Working all day, from about 9 in morning till 2 on Saturday morning—sub-editing, writing, proof reading &c.

**Saturday 30 July 1887** Began work in shop about 10.30. Continued working till tea time. Aft[erward]s—from about 7 to 9—at Turkish Bath. Home with my wife per 9.35 train. Sons H[orace] & L[lewellyn] to Isle of Man today.

**Sunday 31 July 1887** In aft[ernoo]n I & and my wife drove to Billy Turner's,129 in Bartle—near Bartle Hall. Had tea; looked about his fields, orchards &c. Had a walk aft[erward]s, saw some of Mr Birley's130 longhorned cows (2). Fine looking beasts, but said not to be good milkers. Home at 7.35. Son E[thelbert]'s little dog Nellie accidentally poisoned today by biting a dead rat.

<sup>127</sup> Village in the North Riding of Yorkshire, known for its potteries; smoke from the kilns gave it the nickname of 'black Burton'.

<sup>128</sup> Possibly Walter Tatham (1874–1949), son of a woodcutter, recorded as a farm servant in Clapham, Yorkshire in the 1891 census.

<sup>129</sup> See 27 February.

<sup>130</sup> Charles Birley, see 2 October 1881.

#### August

**Monday 1 August 1887** Soon after 9 o'c[loc]k to Preston with my son E[thelbert] & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia]. I at work, all day. In evening they went to a gathering of news boys—annual treat. Had a talk with Dr Pilkington131 this evening. He told me he had made an examination of neck of a young Preston man named Sowrey132 hanged at Lancaster today for shooting his sweetheart & found that his neck had not been broken. In main street at night saw little red-haired tanner Dixon133 drunk & woman hunting. A little libidinous beast. I & son E[thelbert] & daughters M[abel] & R[osaline] home by carriage; my wife & daughter Lettie home by train.

**Tuesday 2 August 1887** At work all day—sub-editing, writing &c.

**Wednesday 3 August 1887** Same. Ann Lancaster134 left our service, or rather we sent her away this morning—stupid, dirty, lazy & a smasher.135 Couldn't put up with her any longer.

#### **Thursday 4 August 1887** Ditto.

#### **Friday 5 August 1887** Ditto

**Saturday 6 August 1887** At 9.30 this morning to Manchester per train, with my wife & daughter Letty. On way there got tickets (26/- each— Letty's half price) for a tour in Holland & Belgium.136 At 12.30 per train to

<sup>131</sup> Dr Henry Oldfield Pilkington (c. 1849–1920), police surgeon, medical officer of health for Preston Poor Law Union, senior surgeon at St Joseph's hospital, Mount St, a Roman Catholic. He lived in Winckley Square, where the birds came at his whistle to be fed (*LDP,* 8 March 1920, p. 3).

<sup>132</sup> See 18 May.

<sup>133</sup> Probably Richard Dixon of Church St and West Cliff.

<sup>134</sup> See 13 November 1885.

<sup>135</sup> Of crockery.

<sup>136</sup> The trip was presumably organised by the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway Co, which operated the steamers on which the Hewitsons sailed. He wrote a series of articles about the trip ('In the Netherlands: A few days among the Dutch and the Belgians, by An Old Wanderer'), published weekly in the *Preston Chronicle* from 12 November 1887 into 1888. He may have hoped to re-publish the articles in book format, as he had done with his American travelogue, *Westward Ho!* two years earlier, but no book version emerged. Their daughter Letitia was eight years old. Presumably Hewitson's sons Ethelbert and Horace oversaw the *Chronicle* in their father's ten-day absence.

Grimsby. Reached there about 4pm. At 4.30 sailed out in the steamship "Bradford"—long but narrow boat. About 20 passengers, general cargo of merchandise. Calm voyage.

**Sunday 7 August 1887** Reached Rotterdam about 12 at noon Sunday. Put up at the Leigraaf Hotel, not far from the Quay. Had a walk in town in aft[ernoo]n. Big shipping place; much intersected by canals. Clean. Numerous women with white caps—wire, horn-like ornaments at side of head. Apparently not much respect for the Sunday. Shops open in several parts—much working in offices. In the evening to a musical band performance in park. Much shrieking & beer supping.

**Monday 8 August 1887** To St Lawrence's Ch[urc]h. Very lofty, plain clean interior. Magnificent organ—anyhow a very massive one, standing on pillars of marble. In afternoon, sailed on canal to Delft—about 10 miles off. Saw many windmills in the Distance. Delft a quaint, quiet-looking, canal-intersected, place; streets containing shade trees. Visited old & new Kirks—monuments to Von Trump, Prince of Orange, &c. Night in Rotterdam.

**Tuesday 9 August 1887** To Amsterdam about 30 miles from Rotterdam. On way passed Haag, Leyden & Haarlem. Amsterdam a large, busy place; many canals & bridges & shade trees. Water in canals in back parts smelled badly here & there. Looked through the Palace—manywindowed, many roomed, marble walls; dining room very fine; ball room lofty, splendid, captured flags, paintings. On returning called at the Haag, & stayed three or four hours. Elegant, opulent-looking, select sort of place. Monuments, squares, trees, canals. To Rotterdam per train.

**Wednesday 10 August 1887** To Antwerp. Fine, old place—buildings all sizes & shapes, gable-fronted &c. Cathedral tower especially lofty & beautiful. "Put up" at Hotel Angleterre, Quay Van Dyck.

**Thursday 11 August 1887** Looked through the Cathedral. Huge, spacious, noble. Rubens' "Elevation of the Cross", "Descent from the Cross" &c—all very fine. Inspected the Museum of paintings—older part. Wonderful collection. Frescoes at entrance charming. Then to the Museum of Antiquities, zoological gardens &c.

**Friday 12 August 1887** To Brussels; got there about 10.10 in forenoon. Immediately aft[erward]s to Waterloo, about 10 miles off. Went to the Lion Mound; explanation of battlefield by guide. Mound an eyesore—ungainly. Earth forming it taken out of surrounding fields. A museum adjoining containing relics—bullets, balls, guns, pistols, swords, helmets, coats, &c &c found on the battle field. To Brussels in aft[ernoo]n. Brussels an elegant, smart Parisian kind of place, containing good streets & fine buildings.

**Saturday 13 August 1887** My 51st birthday. I thank God for all his kindness. After breakfast looked about a little—gardens, park, Palace of Justice, Museum of paintings &c. At noon back to Antwerp. In evening started back to home, in a steamer called the "Sheffield"; 30 or 40 passengers. Long sail down river—60 miles. To bed about 10.30.

**Sunday 14 August 1887** Sailing all day till about 7.30 at night when we reached Grimsby. Water smooth, but under currents made sailing bad many sick. Got a good place to stay at in Grimsby. Town flat looking; a business place; but nothing picturesque about it.

**Monday 15 August 1887** Left Grimsby by train, at about 11 o clock, for Manchester. Went round by Gainsborough where my cousin Stephen Moore137 lives & has lived for about 40 years. Arrived at Manchester about 3.15 in aft[ernoon]n. On way—a few miles east of Manchester noticed that the reservoirs supplying that city with water were nearly all empty. Looked about Manchester for a few hours; tired; left by 8.30 train, expecting to reach home (Brookhouse) same night; but the train was a very much delayed one—slow, in stopping at stations as well, & on landing at Preston found the north train had gone, so we had to stay all night in our shanty in Cannon-St[ree]t.

**Tuesday 16 August 1887** Down to Brock per 8.10 morning train. Found all right & that the younger cow had calved the previous day—fine wye138 calf. Back to Preston at 9.55. Working all day—easy; home, per carriage, at night.

<sup>137</sup> Stephen Moore (1823–1901).

<sup>138</sup> Female.

**Wednesday 17 August 1887** To Preston by carriage with my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace]. At work, hard, till about 7 at night; then home, & on reaching worked till about 10. My wife not well—travelling & hurryscurrying about having knocked her up.

**Thursday 18 August 1887** Working pretty hard—feeling tired—all day.

**Friday 19 August 1887** Same. David Miller,139 a tenant of mine paid his half year rent (overdue). He is a poor payer. Gave him notice to quit, at end of last month. At work till about 2 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 20 August 1887** Easyish working all day. Charlie Hawkins,\* youngest son of late John Hawkins,\* Esq, cotton manufacturer, &c, Preston, died at Buxton this morning. He was a friend of mine. Up at about 10. Breakfast, shop, &c. Easy working all day. Home per 9.35pm train.

**Sunday 21 August 1887** Up about 10.15. Bothering about. In aft[ernoo]n and evening had a read; also a short walk—field, lane. Noisy people passing in carriages, morning & evening—a thing which latterly, in summer time has become a nuisance & a disgrace.

**Monday 22 August 1887** To Preston. Called on Thompson and Craven, solicitors, with bill in respect to servant Ann.140 Home, as we came, in carriage in evening.

**Tuesday 23 August 1887** To Preston. In aft[ernoo]n wrote weather & agricultural par for Manchester Guardian. It is 30 years this year since I first sent news to that paper. Weather keeps very dry. Longest drought that I have known. Our brook still dry, or rather the bed in which the brook water runs. The stream rises in Trotter Hill, north & east of Inglewhite. Home per trap in evening. Chas Hawkins\*, son of late John Hawkins,\* interred today in Preston Cemetery.

**Wednesday 24 August 1887** Working at Preston all day, till about 6.40. Then home, & working again till about 9.40.

<sup>139</sup> See 31 July 1884.

<sup>140</sup> Hewitson may have charged her for the cost of items she broke.

**Thursday 25 August 1887** At work all day, at Preston sub-editing & editing.

**Friday 26 August 1887** Ditto. Finished about 1.20 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 27 August 1887** Rose about 10. Easy day. In evening had a talk with [blank space] who told me that he drove engine of first train on railway between Preston and Lancaster; that there was only one line of rails (in centre of the road) then; that afterwards he continued for many years a driver between Preston & Lancaster & Carlisle; that in the early time they had 2 hours allowed to get to Lancaster in; that sometimes he & others when they got to Brock (the station being then at bridge in Bilsborrow lane) used to leave the train standing there while they went to one of the neighbouring public houses for a drink of ale—then return, having plenty of time to get to Lancaster, within the two hours. He said he was the first engine driver that ever drove an engine 25 miles an hour, & that he had lived to run the distance between Preston & Carlisle (about 90 miles) in 2 hours & about 4 mins. I & my wife home per 9.35pm train.

**Sunday 28 August 1887** In aft[ernoo]n I, my wife and daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] had a drive to the Old Holly Inn, in Cabus; then had a walk as far as Forton Lodge—nice place & nice country; then returned, got horse yoked up & off home. Were caught in a thunder storm at Bowgreave. Rain & thunder & lightning fearful. Passed safe through it, thank God. In evening had a read in Greville Memoirs.

**Monday 29 August 1887** At work at Preston—easy—all day. Home at night. George Cooper,141 son of John Cooper,\* Esq, the Oaks, Penwortham married this morning at 9 o clock in St George's Church, Preston to Miss S.M. Raw,142 daughter of the late John Raw,143 druggist, of Preston. She is an old "spark" of his: he (G.C) has been keeping a woman at Birkdale, & she has, it is said, three or four children to him. The woman, has, I suppose, been "squared." Queer world, or rather, queer folk in it.

<sup>141</sup> See 15 February.

<sup>142</sup> Sarah Maria Raw (b. 1851).

<sup>143</sup> John Raw (1815–1865), described as a yarn agent in the 1865 census.

**Tuesday 30 August 1887** Same, but working harder. At night to the safest of all harbours—home.

**Wednesday 31 August 1887** Same as to Preston & work & home. Water began to flow down our brook channel at Brookhouse this morning. With the exception of about 12 hours, the brook has been dry for about two months.

## September

**Thursday 1 September 1887** Same as yesterday as to Preston & work. In evening brother-in-law Joe Wilson\* rode home with me & son E. On landing they & sons H[orace] & L[lewellyn] went to net fish; but I did not stay till they returned. Rain. The drought—one of the severest on record, speaking for the country generally—seems to have been properly broken. People were beginning to be very apprehensive as to shortness of water.

**Friday 2 September 1887** At work, at Preston, from about 9.15 in morning till 12.25 on Sat[urday] morning. Rain.

**Saturday 3 September 1887** Rose at 10. Easy as to work; but knocking about considerably in morning about accounts owing. Ordered a writ to be issued against one person & threatened another with legal proceedings. Son E[thelbert] went off, at noon today, for a week's holiday; gone south. John Cooper\* Esq, The Oaks, Penwortham, 80 years old to-day. He has been a good friend to me. More rain. Home per 9.35pm train.

**Sunday 4 September 1887** Up at about 10.15. Bothering about. In afternoon read a book on ready remedies.144 In evening my wife & children went to the Primitive or Wesleyan Chapel, in Bilsborrow Lane. A woman from Silverdale preached.145 A noisy, ignorant, earnest congregation, I am told. I had a walk to pasture, to see how it looked, & found it green & in heart. Cattle foraging quietly. Then I had a walk as far as railway bridge, Bilsborrow-lane from which, if air be clear, there is a good view of country obtainable, but I found horizon hazy, so home & had a read in Greville's Memoirs. Afterwards I & my wife supped a bottle of champagne given to us by John Cooper\* Esq in order to drink his health on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

**Monday 5 September 1887** To Preston in carriage, leaving about 8.30, & taking with me my daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] for their music lesson. Began to-day taking Dr Birley's Phosphorous Preparation

<sup>144</sup> Possibly *Ready Remedies in Medical and Surgical Emergencies* by 'An Edinburgh Practitioner' (London: Edmonston & Company, 1881).

<sup>145</sup> Unidentified.

"Plain", for debility.146 Have a good appetite but feel at times very melancholy. Think I am naturally inclined to melancholy, or rather have a sanguine-nervo-melancholy temperament.147 Curious combination. Easy working all day. Home at night with the children.

**Tuesday 6 September 1887** To Preston, per train, & working moderately. Home at night per 7.15 train.

**Wednesday 7 September 1887** To Preston again per train. In afternoon, while at Central Railway Station saw Sims Reeves,148 the great tenor singer, & his wife.149 They had been staying at the Park Hotel for two or three days and were going via St Annes to Blackpool. He is a tall, well built muscular, military-officer sort of man; sallow—swarthy; cheeks closely shaven; heavy, very black moustache—evidently dyed; & thickish hair on head, going grey. She—his wife—a little, rather florid, or russet-hued faced woman, looking conceited, vain, particular, & prim. Writing in aft[ernoo]n; home, per train, 7.15, evening; and on landing engaged with writing for about an hour.

**Thursday 8 September 1887** Preston per train. About noon there passed my shop door Major Sinclair.<sup>150</sup> He lives, I believe, Over Sands<sup>151</sup> —in or about Ulverston. He is 71 years old, & was in the Balaclava charge in the Crimea. Looks strong & well—straight in back, firm roseate featured, & is, I am told, a very hearty, genial man. As to myself, working all day, amid editorial & sub editorial work. Home, per 7.15pm train.

**Friday 9 September 1887** To Preston, per conveyance, with my son Horace & busy all day. Report appeared this evening to the effect that Preston Corporation want more money—£510,000 more—to finish the Ribble Scheme. This, with what has already been voted for same

<sup>146</sup> The No.1 'Plain' mixture was advertised as a 'Special Remedy for all Brain and Nervous Affections, from whatever cause—worry, anxiety, late hours, &c, and for Hysteria, Jaundice, Vitus Dance, Headache (generally), &c., &c. Also as a food for Clergymen, Ministers, the Law, Literary and Scholastic Professions, &c.' (*Wellington Journal,* 24 November 1888, p. 3).

<sup>147</sup> See 22 January 1873.

<sup>148</sup> John Sims Reeves (1821– 1900).

<sup>149</sup> Charlotte Emma Lucombe (1823–1895), a soprano.

<sup>150</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>151</sup> The part of Lancashire north of Morecambe Bay.

purpose, brings up the total to £117105 £1,171,105. What the ultimate cost will be no one knows, if anything like real success be intended for this gigantic scheme—and dream. Finished work about 2 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 10 September 1887** Rose about 10. My wife brought to Preston & sold 17/- worth of butter—produce of our two cows (less what we have used ourselves) this week. Not bad, that, but we keep the cows well. You can only get out of cows what you put into them. Home per 9.35pm train.

**Sunday 11 September 1887** Rose about 10.15. In aft[ernoon] had a walk looked at cows, poultry, &c. In evening had a walk up Bilsborrow lane with my wife & daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia]. Afterwards read some of the Greville Memoirs.

**Monday 12 September 1887** About 8.30 in morning started in carriage for Preston, with my son E[thelbert] & daughters R[osaline] & L[etitia]. Easyish working. In afternoon had a look at paintings in the Newsham Collection152 in the town hall, taking my daughters with me. Went chiefly to see D. Roberts' picture of Antwerp Cathedral.153 Rather disappointed—in fact a good deal. A fine painting no doubt but appears to lack power & clearness. Too dull. A beautiful western light on the spire; but, on the whole, I did not care for the painting. Home in the evening.

**Tuesday 13 September 1887** To Preston, per trap, with all my sons—E[thelbert], H[orace] & L[lewellyn]. L resumed school (Grammar School, Preston) this morning. His account for last two terms £10-2-0 + [word]; my bill against Mr Beaven,154 the head master £11-4-8. To-day, though most interfered with by travellers<sup>155</sup> & callers—friends—wrote

<sup>152</sup> A bequest of 62 oil paintings and 45 watercolours by nineteenth-century British artists, left by lawyer Richard Newsham (1798–1883): Kate Hill, *Museums and Biographies: Stories, Objects, Identities* (Boydell & Brewer, 2014).

<sup>153</sup> 'Antwerp Cathedral' by David Roberts (1796–1864) https://artuk.org/discover/ artworks/antwerp-cathedral-152372.

<sup>154</sup> Probably for advertising. Rev. Alfred Beaven Beaven (d. 1924) was head of Preston Grammar School 1874–1898. Conservative, Freemason, historian of the eighteenth century (*LDP,* 17 March 1924, p. 2).

<sup>155</sup> Commercial travellers (salesmen).

first article on shop counter, on my late visit to Holland &c. Home at night & put a tail end to the article.

**Wednesday 14 September 1887** Working hard all day—sub-editing, writing, &c.

**Thursday 15 September 1887** Working at Preston all day—sub-editing, writing, &c. Home in the evening, & spent a quiet, pleasant time in my library room.

**Friday 16 September 1887** At work, hard, all day—did considerable writing—Ribble Scheme<sup>156</sup> &c, & finished work about 2 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 17 September 1887** Rose at 9.45. Aft[erward]s to shop & stuck pretty close to business—indeed very close—till 9.20 at night. Then down to station (C Clayton,<sup>157</sup> late Mr Joseph Clayton's son, iron founder &c, with me). CC intelligent hopeful & bright, though out of a situation. I don't know what will become of him. He gets a little by commission; but that, I fear, won't do very much. Home per 9.35 train.

**Sunday 18 September 1887** Drove over to Churchtown church this forenoon, taking son L[lewellyn] & daughters R[osaline] and L[etitia] with me. Beautiful morning, nice service, sermon (by Mr Pedder's son) better than any I have before heard him preach. Usually the sermons I have heard have been very small beer and very unedifying. In aft[ernoon] I, my wife & daughters, M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] drove over to J Threlfall's\* (my wife's sister Jane's husband) at Black Leach, Woodplumpton. Fine weather; saw much fruit—apples & damsons, chiefly—in the orchards we passed. Very attractive & beautiful—a series of pictures. On returning, at night, passed Woodplumpton church lighted up—harvest thanksgiving service. Doors open, grain decorations & people singing. Beautiful sight—a joyous, &c. nocturnal picture.

**Monday 19 September 1887** Preston—to business—at about 8.15. Easy working all day. Weather fine. Home at night. Nothing very particular.

<sup>156</sup> Coverage included almost a full page reporting the special council meeting to request Parliamentary approval for a further loan of £510,000, two columns of 'Stray Notes', part of the 'Local Chit Chat' column and three readers' letters, all critical of the management of the scheme.

<sup>157</sup> Charles Clayton (b. 1843), civil engineer, son of Joseph Clayton (see 8 February 1875).

**Tuesday 20 September 1887** Same. Machine man John158 either ill through drink got yesterday aft[ernoon] when he had holiday with the other hands, or on spree—out of gratitude for the favour granted. Don't like to have to put up with illness or gratitude of that sort. He is a "Scotch Irishman."

**Wednesday 21 September 1887** Same, & on reaching home at night throng with copy\* for about 2 hours.

**Thursday 22 September 1887** Working fairly hard all day. Home at night as usual.

**Friday 23 September 1887** Hard at work from about 9.5 in morning till 1.40 on Sat[urday] morning. Then a smoke & to bed—after a glass of whisky.

**Saturday 24 September 1887** Rose at 9.45, washed, breakfasted, & then to shop, which I stuck fairly well to all day. Home at night per 9.35 train.

**Sunday 25 September 1887** This forenoon to Churchtown Church, with sons E[thelbert] & H[orace]. Drove over. Harvest festival service. Church neatly decorated with ivy leaves, grain, flowers, & fruit. Morning was rather dull, & church was lighted up. Beautiful, especially when the minister was reading the Commandments. He stood in centre before reredos—large, rich stained glass window in rear; prettily designed & carved Caen stone reredos at base; minister in centre, chorister boys in white on each side, & 10 candles burning on each side on tall stands ornamented with grain. In aft[ernoon] bothered about in house. After tea looked round at fed ducks, looked at two new pigs, the horse "Charlie," cows &c. Then had a walk to the field we have across canal. Subsequently had a read in Greville's Memoirs. To bed about 10.30 10 11 o clock. I ought to have said that the vicar's son preached at Churchtown & that it was the best—most intelligible and practical—sermon I have heard from him. I wonder if it was his own composition. If it was, he has more in him than I have given him credit for.

**Monday 26 September 1887** To Preston, per train with son L[lewellyn]. At noon went to Messrs Allsup's Strand road, for some corrugated iron

<sup>158</sup> Unidentified.

roofing. Got what I wanted—price 8/- per cut, while at the establishment John Allsup159 showed me the two tugs for Ribble work, designed at Garlick & Sykes's office, Preston. Two regular raw, tom-foolish, yokellike things. One is being lengthened—she has an engine (designed by same people) apparently twice too strong. The other tug will have to be altered. Home at night.

**Tuesday 27 September 1887** At work at Preston all day. Went by train & returned per same at about 7.30. Son E[thelbert] to Great Eccleston Agricultural Show.

**Wednesday 28 September 1887** James Ribchester,160 from Garstang, came this evening, in place of other boy (Walter161) from Burton-in-Lonsdale, who is wanted at home. Wages for Ribchester 3/- per week. I & sons at Preston to-day, working—all except L[lewellyn] who goes to school.

**Thursday 29 September 1887** By carriage to Preston this morning. One of the longest meetings of Preston Town Council I have ever heard of to-day. It lasted upwards of 5 hours. Business chiefly relating to the Ribble Improvement Scheme—more money wanted for it. An effort was made to get application to Parliament for power to borrow more money on behalf of the Scheme postponed till the opinion of an independent experienced engineer had been obtained as to requirements & total cost of the Ribble; but a majority of the T[own] Council—blockheads as they are—decided to "go on" without such opinion. Home in the evening.

**Friday 30 September 1887** Working hard all day—from about 9.10 in morning till 2 on Sa[urday]t morning. Got pay for the pitch into my conveyance last April<sup>162</sup> to-day. The defendants (Dixon and Fazackerley) neglected to pay the instalments agreed upon—£5 down & £1 per month—so we put in the bum-bailiff & got all at once.

<sup>159</sup> John Allsup (b. 1847), shipbuilder.

<sup>160</sup> Probably James Ribchester (b. 1870). See 3 November.

<sup>161</sup> See 27 July.

<sup>162</sup> See 16 March.

#### October

**Saturday 1 October 1887** To-day had a longish talk with a young man named JJ Foster, who has been in Australia, New Zealand, Phillipine Islands, Java, Burmah, Ceylon, South Africa, South America, &c.163 He is a calm, serious, shrewd, nice fellow. Home at night per 9.35 train. Bought a ferret today for the boys, & they lost it at night. Fine night & at about 10.30 heard lapwings (tewits)164 in a field opposite Brook house.

**Sunday 2 October 1887** Bothering about all day. Read a little at night in Greville's Memoirs.

**Monday 3 October 1887** At 8.30 this morning to London with my wife, to purchase Xmas cards &c. Arrived in London at about 2.15 in afternoon. On the way read Lord Beaconsfield's Home Letters.<sup>165</sup> Very picturesque, light pleasant reading. Got lodgings at Holman's restaurant in Fleet-st[reet], just above Daily Telegraph publishing office. In the evening went to see the American Exhibition at Earl's Court.<sup>166</sup> A great collection of American productions. Great amount of "shop"<sup>167</sup> in the place. Some good pictures. Saw Buffalo Bill's "Wild West" performance—about 100 horses, cowboys, Indians &c knocking[?] about. An exciting, rough sort of affair—monotonous towards end by sameness of running and helterskeltering about. Some good shooting by a girl<sup>168</sup> & Buffalo Bill, who is an excellent rider on horseback. Cold where we sat in chief part, just behind the Royal stalls. Aft[erward]s walked to the rear of the grounds, heard Coldstream Guards band play, under leadership of (I think) Dan Godfrey.169 Good—very. Then had a

<sup>163</sup> James Joseph Foster (c. 1855–1937) worked for a bank in Australia and as tour manager for Eduard (Ede) Reményi (1828–1898), the Hungarian violinist and for Lydia Von Finkelstein, a lecturer on the Holy Land. Hewitson published a series of five articles by Foster, 'America and Canada, Diary of a Prestonian' (*PC,* 12 July-9 August 1879). Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (*PH,* 18 Feb 1888, p. 5; *South Australian Register*, 25 April 1888, p. 6; *LDP,* 18 March 1937, p. 12).

<sup>164</sup> Vanellus vanellus.

<sup>165</sup> Benjamin Disraeli, *Home Letters: Written by the Late Earl of Beaconsfield in 1830 and 1831*, ed. by Ralph Disraeli (London: John Murray, 1885), http://hdl.handle. net/2027/hvd.32044018179499.

<sup>166</sup> A world's fair promoting American products and inventions.

<sup>167</sup> Possibly too much specialised, technical information.

<sup>168</sup> Annie Oakley (1860–1926).

<sup>169</sup> Daniel Godfrey (1831–1903), bandmaster of the Grenadier Guards (Hewitson was mistaken; Godfrey's father Charles was bandmaster of the Coldstream Guards).

ride in a "Switchback Railway"—an up & down, flying along affair, the car—a sort of low bogie—going by gravitation momentum.

**Tuesday 4 October 1887** All day with my wife selecting Xmas cards at sta looking at stocks of Xmas cards, purchasing also—at Stacy & Cook's, Paternoster-row.<sup>170</sup> At night went to the Lyceum Theatre, to see Miss Mary Anderson,<sup>171</sup> an American, take part in the "Winter's Tale" of Shakespear. Pit—difficult to get to it—narrow entry, much crushing. Price 2/-. Beautiful theatre; scenery excellent; acting very good.

**Wednesday 5 October 1887** Purchasing more Xmas cards &c all day. At night went to the Alambraha<sup>172</sup> [sic], in Leicester Square. Large theatre; mixed miscellaneous entertainment; smoking & drinking allowed in the place during the performances. Many of the demi-monde here chiefly in the bar at rear. We sat in Grand Circle. An immense ballet corps. Some parts of the general entertainment clever. This is not a place I can recommend young people to go to. Much too insinuative, lax, & strumpetish.

**Thursday 6 October 1887** Intended returning this forenoon; but through a bungle, at Stacy & Cook's could not do so. Had a look through St Paul's Cathedral—great, spacious, grand, gloomy. In afternoon Sailed from Blackfriars bridge to Westminster—1d. Dinner. The Abbey—Henry 7th chapel, monuments, tombs, &c; Poets' Corner; outside; to boat—sailed back to B[lack]friars bridge; then to Euston station. Left by train at 4; landed home, at Brock, about 10 at night, found all right.

**Friday 7 October 1887** To Preston, by conveyance, in morning. Working hard all day—writing, sub-editing, &c. Finished working about 2 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 8 October 1887** Rose at 9.45. At shop nearly all day. To home per 9.35 pm train.

<sup>170</sup> Near St Paul's Cathedral, centre of the London publishing trade until it was bombed in the Second World War.

<sup>171</sup> Mary Anderson (1859–1940).

<sup>172</sup> Alhambra Theatre of Variety, demolished 1936.

**Sunday 9 October 1887** In house nearly all day. In evening had a long read in Greville's Memoirs. Weather damp & dull. Winter coming. But Spring will follow.

**Monday 10 October 1887** To Preston, per conveyance. Working in shop & knocking about. Home at night.

**Tuesday 11 October 1887** Same mainly

**Wednesday 12 October 1887** Working at Preston all day. New servant girl Harriet173 came to-day. A dark complexioned clean, quiet-looking girl. We (my wife) had to blow her up174 very soon after arriving for being so quiet.

**Thursday 13 October 1887** To Preston & working pretty hard all day. The weather is getting wintery nights & mornings.

**Friday 14 October 1887** To Preston in morning, with my sons & working all day, hard, till about 2 on Sat. morning. Meeting to day of creditors of Rev AB Beaven head master of Preston Grammar School. An offer of 2/- in the pound.<sup>175</sup> People are wondering what he can have done with his money (salary estimated at from £600 to £1000 per year) & why he has got into so much debt (estimated at from £2000 to £3000).

**Saturday 15 October 1887** Rose about 9.40. After breakfast to shop, & at shop, close[?], nearly all day, till about 9.25 at night then to station per 9.35 train to Brock. It started to the minute—a very great wonder.

**Sunday 16 October 1887** Rose about 9.15. Bothering about. Daughter Rosie not well. In aft[ernoon] looked out amongst poultry. In evening had a read in Greville's memoirs. To bed about 10.30.

<sup>173</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>174</sup> Tell her off.

<sup>175</sup> An offer to repay ten per cent of each debt. See 13 September. Beaven survived this financial crisis but was unable to pay his debts again in 1893, and was finally encouraged to resign in 1898, when the school had only 32 pupils. At his 'retirement', Alderman Henry Davies, chairman of the grammar school committee, said: 'Most men had some shortcomings, some men had a great many, Mr Beaven might have more than most men …' (*LDP,* 30 June 1898, p. 2).

**Monday 17 October 1887** To Preston—sub-editing &c. Arranged to try little Monks<sup>176</sup> —a small book writer<sup>177</sup> —for a month to write a column of local gossipy stuff for the Chronicle.<sup>178</sup>

**Tuesday 18 October 1887** Went to Preston County C[our]t this forenoon having a claim of about £3 against one Goodman or Moss, dentist, for advertising.179 Case adjourned—not gone into at all—till next Court to suit convenience of lawyers. Oh the lawyers. Feel sure I shall win.

**Wednesday 19 October 1887** At work sub-editing & writing all day, at Preston. Home at night doing some more writing. Weather continues very dry. Our big water tank about dry. I do not remember such a dry year as this. Our little brook is nearly dry.

**Thursday 20 October 1887** At work at Preston all day. Brother-in-law (J Wilson)<sup>180</sup> who lives at Aberdeen & passed through to Bacup to see a doctor called Miles,<sup>181</sup> of Aberdeen, called on his way back & went down to Brookhouse. Had some whiskey & water—rather more than did me good—with him at night.

**Friday 21 October 1887** Working all day at Preston. At night great meeting of ratepayers & property owners in Guild-hall as to the further borrowing of money for the Ribble Works, &c. It was decided to borrow. A poll was demanded. Finished work about 2 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 22 October 1887** Up about 10. Working all day. Home per 9.35 train at night.

**Sunday 23 October 1887** In aft[ernoon], I, my wife & her brother JW<sup>182</sup> drove to Black Leach, Woodplumpton, to J Threlfall's.\* Had some

<sup>176</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>177</sup> Meaning uncertain.

<sup>178</sup> 'Grins and Growls' by 'Graf' (*PC,* 22 October 1887, p. 6), which ran for only two weeks.

<sup>179</sup> The *Chronicle* carried adverts for 'Mr Goodman, surgeon dentist' of Orchard St, Preston, offering 'ARTIFICIAL TEETH. A COMPLETE SET FOR ONE GUINEA.' Goodman's real name was Moss Harris (*PC,* 23 March 1889, p. 5).

<sup>180</sup> James Wilson.\*

<sup>181</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>182</sup> James Wilson.\*

elderberry wine, tea, a glass of whiskey, a long gossip, & then home, landing about 9.35.

**Monday 24 October 1887** To Preston in morning. During forenoon had a look through the small, but very good collection of pictures the Newsham gallery183 —in the Town Hall. Brother-in-law J Wilson\* with me. In evening he left Preston per train for Aberdeen—left at 5.9 & would arrive at about 3 in morning.

**Tuesday 25 October 1887** To work at Preston, all day. Nothing particular stirring. Home at night.

**Wednesday 26 October 1887** Working at Preston all day. Gave the servant lad J Ribchester184 a fortnight notice to leave. He wants to go & we don't care for him: he is idle, dirty and gluttonously disposed.

**Thursday 27 October 1887** At work, hard, all day at Preston. Home at night.

**Friday 28 October 1887** Working all day from about 9 in morning till 2 on Sat morning.

**Saturday 29 October 1887** Easy working, through sticking to what I had in hand, till aft[ernoon]; then had a Turkish bath, in Grimshaw st[ree]t for 2 hours. To Brock per 9.35 train.

**Sunday 30 October 1887** Rose about 10. Washed, dressed, had breakfast, trimmed some lamps, skinned a rabbit. Aft[erward]s, about 11, Mr Adam Leigh,<sup>185</sup> of Lea, turned up in a carriage, & asked me to go with him to his property in Upper Wyresdale. Accepted his invitation, started immediately. Weather showery. About half a mile past Scorton saw in front of us—only a short way off, apparently—one of the largest & most beautiful rainbows I ever beheld. Passed Cross-hill school. Noticed Wyre side (H Garnett's<sup>186</sup> place), dull quiet-looking, isolated Dolphinholme, Lentworth Hall, picturesque & elevated. Could not see

<sup>183</sup> See 12 September.

<sup>184</sup> See 28 September.

<sup>185</sup> See 30 March 1872.

<sup>186</sup> Henry Garnett (1814–1897) of Wyreside, former High Sheriff of Lancashire, Sheriff of Lancaster and Deputy-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Conservative.

Lord Sefton's new shooting box—Wyresdale a very pretty, winding vale. Had refreshments at Mr Leigh's shooting box. Nearly opposite Lord Sefton's<sup>187</sup> —so I was told. Af[terward]s to one of Mr L's farmsteads; then had tea; home; some lightning on the way. Reached home about 7.15 at night. Enjoyed the out; a change; had never been up in Wyresdale before, Mr Leigh very agreeable, hospitable & communicative.

**Monday 31 October 1887** To Preston by 8.30 morning train. My son L[lewellyn] with me. Mr Harry Gilbertson,188 solicitor, of Preston, who has a cottage in Brock side in same compartment, & we had a talk about Jack Humber's189 marriage, which has to come off next Wed[nesday], at Southport, with the late W Heaps's190 daughter "Liz".191 Today gave notice to quit to Mrs Wareing,192 landlady of the Mitre Inn, Fishergate.

<sup>187</sup> Perhaps Hewitson did not see Abbeystead House, the private shooting lodge of William Philip Molyneux, fourth Earl of Sefton (1835–1897), a grand, five-bay Elizabethan-style country house completed in 1886.

<sup>188</sup> Henry Gilbertson (c. 1857–1892), son of Dr J.B. Gilbertson, solicitor, Conservative.

<sup>189</sup> John Humber (c. 1859–1924), owner of Bushell St cotton mill, Conservative councillor.

<sup>190</sup> See 28 October 1865.

<sup>191</sup> Jane Elizabeth Heaps (b. 1866).

<sup>192</sup> Isabella Wareing (1842–1889).

# November

**Tuesday 1 November 1887** At Preston—easyish day. In aft[ernoon] writing literary notices—monthlies &c.193 Home as usual at night. Windy on the road.

**Wednesday 2 November 1887** A great wind storm last night & this morning till about noon. Four evergreen trees blown down in front of my house (Brookhouse); one, a very old one—perhaps 100 years old. At Preston working all day. Home at night & there working—writing—for an hour or two.

**Thursday 3 November 1887** Parted with the servant lad Ribchester194 this forenoon. A dirty, idle, belly-stuffing, lad. I to Preston with sons E[thelbert] & L[lewellyn]. Working. At night home. Read part of Camille Selden's "Last Days of Heinrich Heine."195 An interesting book.

**Friday 4 November 1887** To Preston, with sons E[thelbert], H[orace] & L[lewellyn]. Hard working—sub-editing, editing, &c all day. Finished work about 2 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 5 November 1887** Up at 9.50. Breakfast, shop, &c. At night, about 8.20 we were astonished to find smoke coming out of cellar under shop. Some paper had been set on fire by some one, after lighting a pipe, throwing a burning match down the cellar hole in front. Considerable commotion; a crowd; some body sent for fire brigade, but their services were really not needed. Fire soon extinguished. No damage. Home per 9.35 train.

**Sunday 6 November 1887** Rose about 10. Bothering about—seeing to lamps, winding up clocks. In aft[ernoo]n had a walk down to & into our field. Getting bare. Weather nice. Afterwards had a read in Greville's memoirs. Ditto at night.

<sup>193</sup> Hewitson's reviews of the monthly magazines included *English Illustrated Magazine, Atlantic Monthly, Amateur Work, Magazine of Art, Cassell's Family Magazine,* the *Quiver*  and part-works including *John Leech's Sketches* and *Mr Punch's Victorian Era* part 6 ('Literary Notices', *PC,* 5 November 1887, p. 6).

<sup>194</sup> See 28 September.

<sup>195</sup> Camille Selden, *The Last Days of Heinrich Heine*, trans. Clare Brune (London: Remington, 1884). Selden (1825–1896) was the mistress of the German poet and writer.

**Monday 7 November 1887** To Preston by train, this morning, with son L. Easy day. Left sons E[thelbert] & L at home trimming up the ground. after working a little—trimming up in front ground. Then to Preston leaving sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] at home straightening up. Home at night per train with my wife.

**Tuesday 8 November 1887** Nothing particular today, personally. The late E Ambler's\* son Ed[ward]196 appointed a divisional registrar of births & deaths today, in place of his father, by the Preston B[oar]d of Guardians. Some cute active "electioneering" to secure the post which is worth perhaps £150 a year. Home with my wife, per train, at night, from Preston.

**Wednesday 9 November 1887** To Preston per conveyance this morning, with sons H[orace] & L[lewellyn]. Son E[thelbert] at home waiting to put up some hay. Today Councillor James Burrows197 [sic], gunsmith, Fishergate, elected Mayor of Preston. A mild, precise, very red faced man. A Dissenter & a Tory, elected chiefly for his Ribble Scheme proclivities. Today it was announced that the demand for a poll of the local property owners & ratepayers on the proposed application of the Corporation to Parliament to borrow more money (£510,000) on behalf of Ribble works withdrawn, after nearly everything had been got ready for taking the poll.198

**Thursday 10 November 1887** To Preston, working—sub-editing, editing &c—all day. Home at night.

**Friday 11 November 1887** Same. Son Horace shot a fine pheasant in our grounds, near house, this morning. Good.

**Saturday 12 November 1887** Easyish day—shop, &c. Today my son H[orace] went to Lancaster to hire a servant lad.199

<sup>196</sup> Edward Ambler (1851–1928), who also continued his father's printing business.

<sup>197</sup> James Burrow (1824–1913), active in education, including Mill Hill Ragged School (*PH,* 16 August 1913, p. 6).

<sup>198</sup> Instead the council had agreed to seek the opinion of an independent engineer on the works and their cost (*PC,* 12 November 1887, p. 5).

<sup>199</sup> A Michaelmas hiring fair, where agricultural workers and employers bargained for six-month employment contracts: S. A. Caunce, 'The Hiring Fairs of Northern

**Sunday 13 November 1887** Rose at about 10.30. Learnt that son H[orace] had hired a lad from Carnforth; wages 4/- per week. In aft[ernoo]n I and my wife went by invitation to WJ Parkinson's,\* Myerscough House taking with us & putting down, just beyond Catterall House my daughters M[abel], R[osaline] & L[etitia] with servant, who went to Churchtown church. Had tea, smoked, & supped some whisky & water with Mr Parkinson. Long, cheery, varied chat, about local scandals, trade, literature, land, Preston property &c. Home, per trap, at about 10 o'clock; my wife with me.

**Monday 14 November 1887** To Preston by train at 8.30 morning. Servant lad from Carnforth came this afternoon. He seems small, & has got quite enough money, as wages. Meeting of GH Roberts'<sup>200</sup> CE creditors today at Forshaw & Parkins office, Preston. 4/- in £ offered. GHR is a strutting, drink-loving, pretentious little shallow pate.

**Tuesday 15 November 1887** At work at Preston all day—writing &c. Home at night, in conveyance. Saw a beautiful star or meteoric body shoot horizontally along the northern sky. This about 7.40 on way home. Later on saw one or two other meteors.<sup>201</sup> Night dark; sky clear—very; frosty. Met my wife at Brock station about 10 o'c[loc]k.

**Wednesday 16 November 1887** Working hard at Preston all day. At night home. Nothing very particular.

**Thursday 17 November 1887** To Preston & working as usual. At night, on returning home, made up my diary. I miss several details because I defer making up diary too long. Finished reading Camille Selden's "Last Days of Heinrich Heine." Disappointed. She began surprisingly & attractively; but though these are "Last Days" she was not with HH at all during the last few days prior to & leading up to his death, & does not detail how he died.

**Friday 18 November 1887** To Preston and working hard from about 9 in morning till 2 on Sat[urday] morning.

England, 1890—1930: A Regional Analysis of Commercial and Social Networking in Agriculture', *Past & Present*, 217 (2012): 213–46.

<sup>200</sup> George H. Roberts (b. 1847), chartered engineer.

<sup>201</sup> Probably part of the annual Leonid meteor shower.

**Saturday 19 November 1887** Frost early this morning, roads to train described as very slippy—horses down, others to be led, farmers in some instances who ought to have got to town early did not land till late—one whom I heard of not till about 2 in the afternoon. Delay, in this case, I suppose, through having to wait to get horse sharpened.<sup>202</sup> Got my horse "Charlie" sharpened this aft[ernoon]. Cost 1/9. Sons E[thelbert] & L[lewellyn] home in carriage. Son H[orace] not so well; Turkish bath & home by train at 5.30pm. I & my wife home per 9.35 train which was only about 2 minutes late in starting—normally 10 or 15.

**Sunday 20 November 1887** Up about 10.15. Lamps.203 In aft[ernoon] I, my wife, daughter R[osaline] & servant Harriet to Churchtown church. Very nice afternoon, goodish sermon by young Mr Pedder. Very cold in church. Told the schoolmaster the parson should, on such a day, put a good deal of hell fire in his sermon to keep folk warm.

**Monday 21 November 1887** To Preston per train with my wife & son L[lewellyn] at 8.30. To dinner had part of pheasant which son Horace shot—very tender & very fat one. Afterward home with wife (son L[lewellyn] returned before) per 9.35pm train. Found my sons E[thelbert] & L[lewellyn] had shot or caught two or three rabbits, and that Mr WJ Parkinson,\* Myerscough House, had sent me a brace of pheasants & a hare.

**Tuesday 22 November 1887** Rose at about 9—not so well. At home all day. Wrote article no. 3 Visit to the Netherlands—about a column & a quarter long. My wife & sons & daughter M[abel] at Preston.

**Wednesday 23 November 1887** To Preston per conveyance. Very cold frosty. It is awful for the hands driving on a cold frosty morning. I know no severer punishment than would be that of sentencing a man to some very cold country, to perpetual horse driving, in open carriage. Working all day, & at night, on returning home working (writing) for about an hour and a half.

<sup>202</sup> See 17 November 1885.

<sup>203</sup> Cleaning and trimming oil lamps was one of Hewitson's Sunday tasks.

**Thursday 24 November 1887** Sub-editing, editing, proof reading, &c at Preston all day.

**Friday 25 November 1887** Same mainly. Had some talk with Alderman Bibby204 (ex Mayor of Preston), amongst other things about the projected incorporation of Fulwood with Preston, & the Preston water supply. I think Fulwood ought to be so incorporated & that the water business of Preston has been badly managed, & I said so to Ald[erman] B[ibby], who acquiesced. Bibby is a genial, good looking, shrewd-headed uncultivated man. Finished work about 2 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 26 November 1887** Rose at about 10.15 this morning. Working on and off in shop mainly, all day. Home with my wife per 9.35pm train.

**Sunday 27 November 1887** Rose about 10.30. Had a short walk in aft[ernoon]. At night reading Greville's Memoirs. My wife & several of the children to Methodist Chapel, Bilsborrow-lane. Sermon—for a wonder—said to be a very good one.

**Monday 28 November 1887** To Preston. Nothing special.

**Tuesday 29 November 1887** Stayed at home today, engaged for some considerable time in writing chapter relating to my late trip to Holland, &c.

**Wednesday 30 November 1887** Working at Preston all day. Home at night.

204 See 9 April.

### December

**Thursday 1 December 1887** Same

**Friday 2 December 1887** To Preston. Sub-editing, editing &c all day.

**Saturday 3 December 1887** Easyish day. Home, with my wife, per 9.35 pm train.

**Sunday 4 December 1887** In aft[ernoon] had a short walk. In evening reading Greville's Memoirs. Good; but too prolix in parliamentary bill & party details. The scandal "very good"—so far as scandal can be deemed worthy of that phrase.

**Monday 5 December 1887** Sent away the servant lad, from Carnforth205 —a lazy, impertinent dirty glutton. What luck we have in getting male assistants. In aft[ernoon] I went by train to Preston, paid wages, did some writing &c & returned at night home, per train with my wife.

**Tuesday 6 December 1887** To Preston. At one pm to a dinner of the Cheese Fairs Com[mitt]ee at the Grecian Inn, Lord St[ree]t. W Thompson,<sup>206</sup> corn dealer, in chair. The Mayor (J Burrow<sup>207</sup>) and the ex-Mayor (W Bibby<sup>208</sup>) amongst those present. Good, plain dinner. Afterwards much toast-proposing. I responded to the toast of "The Press", Mr Mckay\* editor of the Preston Herald followed me & two others—one a mongrel fellow called Mr Thomas209 who is not a real press man—succeeding him. At night to a meeting of the Preston Sanitary Association at the Central Working Men's Club, Fishergate to discuss the extension of its basis so as to include local social subjects. I in chair, small attendance. Miscellaneous & somewhat rough, though by no means ill-natured talk. It was decided to appoint a Com[mitt]ee to draw up a scheme. Afterwards had a glass of whiskey at Shelley Arms with Councillor W Hale210 and H P Edelston<sup>211</sup> solicitor.

<sup>205</sup> See 14 November.

<sup>206</sup> William Thompson (d. 1904). His business was in Lord St (*PH,* 16 January 1904, p. 4).

<sup>207</sup> See 9 November.

<sup>208</sup> See 23 March 1874.

<sup>209</sup> Unidentified.

<sup>210</sup> See 15 December 1884.

<sup>211</sup> See 4 May.

**Wednesday 7 December 1887** To Preston, in carriage, with my sons E[thelbert], H[orace] & L[lewellyn]. Working pretty hard. Home at night per train with my wife.

**Thursday 8 December 1887** To Preston, per train, this morning subediting & editing. Home per train carriage at night and did some writing (chit chat) in among these. Met my wife who came by train. This is the darkest night I remember for a year & a half at least.

**Friday 9 December 1887** To Preston per carriage, with my sons E[thelbert]., H[orace], and L[lewellyn]. Working—shop sometimes, &c—all day till 2 on Saturday morning.

**Saturday 10 December 1887** Rose at about 5 min[ute]s to 10 in morning. At shop greater part of day. Sent bum bailiff<sup>212</sup> to one of my tenants (J Rydings213) for rent. Cold. Considerable football excitement.214

**Sunday 11 December 1887** Having stayed all night in Preston—I & my wife—owing to business, we this morning went per train to Brookhouse—our home. I had breakfast, read the Spectator, 215 then cleaned lamps, wound up clock, had a good wash in cold water & then dinner. In aft[ernoo]n had a read, same in the evening, in Greville's Memoirs.

**Monday 12 December 1887** To Preston. Looking after money matters &c in forenoon—money is awfully bad to get hold of just now in Preston. In aft[ernoo]n at shop & doing some writing—Trip to the Netherlands. At night home.

**Tuesday 13 December 1887** At home all day—fed poultry in morning, cleaned out shippon,<sup>216</sup> did some writing—a portion of a Netherlands article; & after dinner cleaned out boiler, cleaned a lot of potatoes & put them into the boiler—for pigs & hens; then went to Myerscough

<sup>212</sup> See 30 July 1884.

<sup>213</sup> Unidentified. This could be commercial property in Cannon St and Fishergate, or a house, 48 Fishergate Hill.

<sup>214</sup> Preston North End beat Bolton Wanderers in the second round of the FA Cup 9–1; they went on to the final, losing 2–1 to West Bromwich Albion. Preston were halfway through their best ever season, including 44 consecutive wins.

<sup>215</sup> Weekly magazine.

<sup>216</sup> Cowshed.

Mill—rain coming down furiously during part of the journey—ordered some proven<sup>217</sup> &c & brought back 40lbs of wheat for the poultry. Finished & revised article on N[etherlands]. afterwards.

**Wednesday 14 December 1887** To Preston this morning in conveyance. Sent for H Baldwin,218 landlord of Black Bull, Friargate & told him that I would accept his tender for the Mitre Inn—£160 per year for 7 years from 1st of next May. I had higher offers—three of £170 and one £175, but I prefer Baldwin who seems to be a nice, business man, & of whom I have got a very good character. The higher bidders for the Mitre were brewers, who would sub-let the place & grind the tenants lives & pockets to death. This is my belief. Also impoverish the house.

**Thursday 15 December 1887** To Preston—Working very hard as I did yesterday. Home at night.

**Friday 16 December 1887** To Preston working as usual—sub-editing, editing &c till 2 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 17 December 1887** Our Sheet Almanac-giving day.219 Nothing very extra in the sale. My wife had a good day in selling Xmas cards. We stayed at the cottage in Cannon St[reet] all night.

**Sunday 18 December 1887** Up at 8 & to Brock—both of us. Had breakfast, a read in the Spectator checked lamps, wound up the clocks; had an excellent wash in cold water; then dinner. In afternoon read Greville's Memoirs & had a sleep. In evening finished third & last volume of first series of G[reville]'s Memoirs. Then read 150 pages of H Taylor's autobiography.<sup>220</sup> Very interesting. To bed soon after 10.

**Monday 19 December 1887** To Preston by train—I & my wife, daughter M[abel] & son E[thelbert]. Ordered a lawyer (J Clarke<sup>221</sup>) to fire into a

<sup>217</sup> Provender, animal feed.

<sup>218</sup> Henry Baldwin (b. 1852), he kept the pub until 1899.

<sup>219</sup> For an example of a newspaper sheet almanac, see Hobbs, *Fleet Street in Every Town*, p. 286, Figure 7.8.

<sup>220</sup> Sir Henry Taylor, *Autobiography of Henry Taylor, 1800–1875* (London: Longmans, 1885). Taylor (1800–1886) was a dramatist, poet, Colonial Office official, literary critic.

<sup>221</sup> James Clarke (c. 1843–1915), of Broughton Park.

Town Councillor (J Harding<sup>222</sup>) for a debt. He said he would first see J H. Writing part of article on Netherlands. Home at night; wife & d[aughte]r M[abel] staying in town—Xmas cards.

**Tuesday 20 December 1887** At home today, chiefly engaged writing the 6th & concluding article—a very long one—on the Netherlands trip. I expected my wife & daughter home tonight & went to meet the last train, which ought to have arrived at Brock station at 9.50 but did not, owing, I suppose, to Xmas traffic. Same till about 10.20. They did not come, so home & had a pipe & a glass of whiskey & to bed.

**Wednesday 21 December 1887** To Preston this morning in conveyance, with my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace], leaving son L[lewellyn] to look after cows, pigs & poultry. At work all day—working &c till about 9.30 at night. Then to shop & helped my wife & daughter M[abel]. At about 10.30 shut up & went to the little house in Cannon Street where we stayed all night.

**Thursday 22 December 1887** Sub-editing, editing, proof-reading &c all day. My wife & daughter M[abel] at shop amongst Xmas cards, staying till about 10.30, after which to little shanty in Cannon Street, where we remained all night.

**Friday 23 December 1887** I at work all day on newspaper. Saturday being no reading day, not much of one, did not write very much.223 Finished work about 11.30; then to little shanty, where I & my wife & daughter M[abel] stayed at night. Sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] staying at night at their uncle Joe's.224

**Saturday 24 December 1887** Rose about 9. Made myself generally useful amongst shop work, newspaper selling &c. A dirty, damp, cold day. Finished (I, my wife and daughter M[abel]) at about 11.35 at night. Have had—thank God—a good selling time amongst Xmas cards, very much better I should say, than anybody else in Preston. Stayed all night

<sup>222</sup> Probably Joseph Harding (b. 1845), architect and surveyor, of Lune St, councillor for Christ Church ward. See 7 January 1872.

<sup>223</sup> Saturday was Christmas Eve, when people would be too busy to read, so Hewitson wrote less 'original matter' and probably filled the space with syndicated or reprinted matter.

<sup>224</sup> Joseph Wilson junior.\*

in Cannon St[ree]t. Heard bells ringing, bands playing and waites<sup>225</sup> singing. The voice of one woman amongst the last named was fine clear, musical, clarion like on the night or early morning air.

**Sunday 25 December 1887 (Xmas Day)** I, my wife and daughter M[abel] to Brookhouse, at 10 this morning, in our conveyance. Ice on the road, but the horse (Charlie) had been sharpened.<sup>226</sup> Had a good dinner, my wife, all my children, except one, & brother-in-law Joe\* with his wife<sup>227</sup> & children<sup>228</sup> present. In afternoon we played cards; d[itt]o. evening. A pleasant evening.

**Monday 26 December 1887** In forenoon looking about. In aft[ernoo]n I, my son Horace, and br[other] in law J W, had a walk as far as Myerscough Lodge, the old residence of the Tyldesleys & visited by James I and Charles II. We inspected place externally—noticed the stone in front of stable bearing the name "Old Dog Lad", saw the ribbon[?] scroll over an outhouse door opposite, crossed the bridge on south side & returned through fields following very near what I believe was at one time the chief road to the Lodge. A new red brick Lodge has been erected this year by the Duchy of Lancaster. This place is Duchy property confiscated, I suppose, after the rebellion of 1715. The new Lodge, not yet occupied, stands about 50 or 60 yards north-east of the old Lodge. A while ago a large, finely carved mantel & chimney piece—which I have more than once seen—was removed from one of the rooms of the Lodge to some private place in Kensington, London. It was, when I saw it, fixed in a basement room at the north-west corner. For particulars of it see Gillow and Hewitson's Tyldesley Diary. On leaving the Lodge grounds this afternoon saw some duffers of men shooting rabbits. Spent the evening in carding with my wife, my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace] & br[other] in law J Wilson.

**Tuesday 27 December 1887** At home all day, boiling stuff for pigs & hens &c. My son L[lewellyn] helped me. Cold. Considerable frost freezing all day.

<sup>225</sup> Traditional carol singers.

<sup>226</sup> See 17 November 1885.

<sup>227</sup> Mary Wilson née Eyles (b. 1851).

<sup>228</sup> Only Claretta Wilson (b. 1880) survived to 1891.

**Wednesday 28 December 1887** To Preston. Sub-editing, writing chit chat &c. Returned at 9.35 per train with my wife & son E.

**Thursday 29 December 1887** To Preston, per 8.31 train with my wife & son E[thelbert]. Sons H[orace] & L[lewellyn] to Garstang this forenoon, whence they brought in cart half a ton of oil cake229 I had ordered—cost about £3.6.7. Home per 9.35 pm train.

**Friday 30 December 1887** Per conveyance to Preston with my sons E[thelbert] & H[orace]. Fine, mild morning. I working hard all day sub-editing, writing &c till about 2 on Sat[urday] morning.

**Saturday 31 December 1887** Rose about 10.15. Working at shop, selling the Chronicle and helping my wife to sell New Year cards till about 11.30 at night. Then down to our little place in Cannon S[tree]t where we had a score of oysters each & a good drink of whiskey & water. Heard the Town Hall clock strike 12.

Thank God for all His kindness, protection, and blessings this year.

<sup>229</sup> Animal feed (see 13 December).


Anne Wilson 1858-83

Joseph Wilson b. 1855

Amy Hewitson 1870-70

Horace Hewitson 1867-1949

*Frank Brandt*

Anne Wilson 1858-83

**Margaret Wilson 1838-1916**

*Frank Brandt*

Ada Hewitson 1871-73

Amy Hewitson 1870-70

**Anthony Hewitson 1836-1912**

**Margaret Wilson1838-1916**

Llewellyn Hewitson 1873-1964

Ada Hewitson 1871-73

Thomas Hewitson 1838-69

**Anthony Hewitson 1836-1912**

Mabel Hewitson 1874-1922

Llewellyn Hewitson 1873-1964

Anthony Hewitson 1808-89

> Peter Hewitson 1842-1908

Thomas Hewitson 1838-69

Rosaline Hewitson 1876-1965

Mabel Hewitson 1874-1922

Alice Moore 1811-94

Anthony Hewitson 1808-89

Thomas Moore 1771-1854

> William Hewitson 1847-1930

Peter Hewitson 1842-1908

*Walter Duesbury*

Rosaline Hewitson 1876-1965

Dorothy Harling 1773-1841

Thomas Moore 1771-1854

> Alice Moore 1811-94

> > Alice Hewitson 1852-1931

William Hewitson 1847-1930

Letitia Hewitson 1879-1962 *Rev. John Finch*

Dorothy Harling 1773-1841

> Alice Hewitson 1852-1931

*Robert Blackmore*

Hewitson 1879-1962

*Walter Duesbury*Letitia

Robert Hewitson 1854-1917

*Rev. John Finch*

*Robert Blackmore*

Robert Hewitson 1854-1917

Fig. 8. Family tree of Anthony Hewitson and Margaret Wilson (information provided by Margaret Dickinson, diagram by the editor). CC BY.

The diagram omits siblings of Anthony Hewitson who died in childhood: Nancy (1840–1847), Betsey (1845–1847), Dorothy (1850–1852) and Mary (1855–1856). Only those in-laws mentioned in the diaries are included.

John Wilson b. 1834 Edward Wilson b. 1834

John Wilson b. 1834

Mary Wilson 1837-74

Edward Wilson b. 1834

*Edward Overend*

Mary Wilson 1837-74

Sarah Wilson 1841-71

*Edward Overend*

Maggie Hewitson 1859-63

*John Lord Rodgett*

Sarah Wilson 1841-71

Ethelind Hewitson 1861-65

Maggie Hewitson 1859-63

James Wilson 1844-1912

*John Lord Rodgett*

Joseph Wilson 1812-79

> Ellen Wilson 1846-1928

James Wilson 1844-1912

Florence Hewitson 1863-1944

Ethelind Hewitson 1861-65

Jane O'Neal 1813-82

Joseph Wilson 1812-79

> *Frederick Hall*

Ellen Wilson 1846-1928

Jane O'Neal 1813-82

*George Barker* 

Florence Hewitson 1863-1944

Jane Wilson 1848-90

*Frederick Hall*

Ethelbert Hewitson 1865-1936

*George Barker* 

*John Threlfall*

Jane Wilson 1848-90

Joseph Wilson b. 1855

*John Threlfall*

Horace Hewitson 1867-1949

Ethelbert Hewitson 1865-1936

Anne Wilson 1858-83

Joseph Wilson b. 1855

Amy Hewitson 1870-70

Horace Hewitson 1867-1949

Individuals mentioned no more than three times are explained in a footnote at first mention, cross-referenced thereafter. Those mentioned more frequently are explained at first mention and asterisked in subsequent mentions. It has been particularly difficult to identify women, whose first names and unmarried names are rarely used.

**Addison, Thomas Batty** (1787–1874), Recorder (judge) of Preston, from one of the town's ruling families, a magistrate, Poor Law Guardian and for 30 years a campaigner for a large union workhouse for Preston (Hunt, p.228). He 'likes castigating rogues and vagabonds; has precious little respect for the brains of common jurymen, and once nearly got into a mess by calling a parcel of them, who wouldn't use their reason, dunces or blockheads' (*PTC* 120).

**Ambler, Edward 'Ned'** (1820?-87), printer, Poor Law guardian, Liberal, Congregationalist, an early member of the committee of the mechanics' institute; part of the same faction of Preston Liberals as George Toulmin, often in opposition to Hewitson (*PH* 29 October 1887, p. 4).

**Ascroft, Robert** (1805–1876), Preston town clerk 1852–1875. Original secretary of mechanics' institute. Born at New Cock Inn where his father was landlord. Solicitor, former councillor, Liberal, Anglican, 'a blithe, energetic, portly looking man; but latterly he has shrivelled in … a cross between Father Christmas and our old theatrical friend, the pantaloon. Not a cuter, not a more far-seeing, not a more strategical man is there in Preston' (*PTC*). Chairman of the Board of Guardians during Cotton Famine (*PC* 18 November 1876, p. 5).

**Aspden, Thomas**, journalist, friend, Conservative. Probably trained by Hewitson on the *Preston Herald* (diary, 26 January 1896); he went from *Herald* reporter in 1865 to *Herald* editor by 1871 (*Lancaster Gazette* 11 March 1871) and local correspondent for the Conservative London daily the *Standard* (letter to *John Bull*, 28 September 1872). He may have had a breakdown in 1874 (diary, 1 June 1874); in 1879 he was in a 'lunatic asylum' (*Manchester Courier,* 15 October 1879). He worked on the *Nottingham Daily Guardian* (*Lancaster Gazette,* 4 Feb 1893) and then became editor and manager of the London paper *England,* leaving before June 1898 (*Daily News,* 25 June 1898). Member of the Royal Historical Society (*Nottinghamshire Guardian,* 31 March 1882). He wrote historical books and booklets on local history and the Derby family, and *The Member for Workshire, or, Church and State: A Political Novel* (Swan Sonnenschein, 1894), described as 'this exceedingly absurd book' by the *Glasgow Herald* (8 November 1894, p. 10).

**Atherton, John** (d. 1896) of Fern Bank, Cadley, owner of Hanover Street Foundry, was a gentleman horticulturalist, a founder of Preston Floral and Horticultural Society, and a member of the Fulwood Local Board. In 1873 he sold the Nook farm on Garstang Rd which became the exclusive Nooklands estate.

**Atherton, Will** (1835?-94), engineer, friend. He took over his father's Hanover Street Foundry and was a Conservative town councillor 1882– 1893. He was involved in the Conservative Working Men's Club and the Harris Institute, and collected scientific instruments (obit, *PH* 15 Aug 1894).

**Bakewell, Thomas Jackson**, friend. Master of Christ Church boys' day school until 1864, when he reopened Preston Commercial School, Knowsley St; he was still head of the Commercial School in 1879. Author of *Bakewell's Exercises in Simple and Compound Rules of Arithmetic* and *History of the Preston Church of England Middle Class School, known as "The Commercial School"* (Preston 1892).

**Banks, Thomas** (d. 1896), secretary of the Spinners and Minders' Association (cotton workers' union) from 1854, during the lock-out, into the 1880s.

**Birley, Edmund** (1817–1895) of Clifton Hall was a cotton manufacturer, alderman and mayor in 1866–1867, 'a Churchman, and a rather stiff Conservative … a tall, well-formed, light-complexioned gentleman … seems full of energy, and business; shouts considerably when he talks … is quick, impulsive, full of temper; soon boils over, soon cools down' (*PTC*, p. 45).

**Bond, Walter** (c. 1827–1900), *Preston Guardian* printing overseer, invented the 'Prestonian' rotary printing and folding machine in 1871: A. E. Musson, 'Newspaper Printing in the Industrial Revolution', *The Economic History Review*, 10.3 (1958), 411–26 (p. 417), https://doi. org/10.2307/2591261.

**Bussey, George Thomas Moir** (1830–1892), son of George Moir Bussey (editor of *Preston Chronicle* 1844–1846); reporter on *Preston Chronicle* when father was editor, on *Lancaster Guardian* in 1854 ('Notices to correspondents', *Lancaster Standard* 19 May 1893, p. 4), then *The Times* parliamentary reporter in 1850s and 1860s. His brother, Harry Findlater Bussey, was *Preston Guardian* chief reporter c. 1857–1859 (*Scoop!* biographical dictionary of British and Irish journalists, https://www. scoop-database.com/).

**Bussey, Bernard** (d. 1908) was the son of George Moir Bussey (1807– 1864), who had edited the *Preston Chronicle* 1844–1846. Bernard was 'either born or reared' in Kendal when his father was editor of a paper there in 1848. He may have been in Kendal when Hewitson worked there briefly. Was reporter for *Lancaster Guardian* in 1864 (notebook of Bernard Bussey, Lancashire Archives DDX 1211/3). He worked for the *Norwich Mercury,* then the *Morning Herald*, and finally the *Standard*. His brother, Harry Findlater Bussey, was *Preston Guardian* chief reporter c. 1857–1859 (*Scoop!*).

**Catterall, John** (1803–1868), leading temperance campaigner, and a dresser at the cotton mill of Horrockses, Miller & Co. Worked with Hewitson to establish the Blind Institute (obits, *PH* 4 April 1868, *PC* 11 April 1868, p. 5).

**Cooper, John** (1807–1888), friend and benefactor. Mill owner. Supported local veterans of the Peninsular and Waterloo campaigns, and the Rifle Volunteers. Magistrate and Poor Law Guardian. His son William married Marion German, daughter of Major James German, unsuccessful Liberal candidate for Preston (obits *LEP* 10 Feb 1888, p. 3; *PH* 11 Feb 1888, p. 9).

**Crombleholme, Joseph** (1827–1885), friend, Roman Catholic potato merchant who had begun handloom weaving at eight or nine in Blackburn. A 'well read man, with fine natural capacity' (diary, 27 Dec 1885). A Liberal, he was involved in the Central Working Men's Club and the free library movement. Frequent writer of letters to local papers, although his first submission was rejected because the editor did not believe a working man could write so well (obit, *PH* 30 December 1885).

**Davies, Henry** (1841–1908), accountant, councillor, for some years borough accountant until 1872, became chief proprietor of the Conservative *Preston Herald* and *Blackburn Standard* (*LDP* 9 May 1908, p. 4)*.*

**Dobson, William** (1820–1884). Owner and editor of the Liberal *Preston Chronicle* until he sold it to Hewitson in 1868. Hewitson worked for him twice. Town councillor, well respected historian. A 'corpulent, portlyhued gentleman, with a broadly-radiant physiognomy, indicative of no fasting whatever; he is round, red, and easy looking' (*PTC* 106).

**Finch, Alice, nee Hewitson** (1852–1931). Younger sister. Married Rev Dr John Finch (1849–1921), emigrated to USA.

**France, Will** (1828?-1898), shoemaker who lived above his shop at 117 Fishergate, Hewitson's friend from the 1860s until his death, their wives and daughters were also friends, Eliza France being a bridesmaid at Florence's wedding. 'Being of a jovial, bright, sociable nature, his shop became a centre for the discussion of municipal and political matters.' A Poor Law Guardian and an Oddfellow (*LDP* 16 December 1898, p. 2).

**Fraser, James** (1818–1885), educational reformer, made Anglican Bishop of Manchester by Gladstone in 1870. He created an efficient diocesan administration, oversaw the building of 99 new churches and 109 new parishes, and arbitrated in labour disputes. He was popular and hardworking (*ODNB*).

**Galloway, George** (1823?-1912), father of WW Galloway, cotton manufacturer and merchant, freemason; married to Ellen, daughter of John Hawkins of Newsham House. Became councillor 1876, alderman 1887, mayor 1890–1891, Preston magistrate 1882, county magistrate 1893 (*PH* 14 Feb 1912, p. 4). Attended Cannon St Independent Chapel and was instigator of expulsion of some long-standing members (*PH* 6 Nov 1869, p. 5).

**German, James** (1820–1901) was from a wealthy Preston family with interests in cotton mills in the town. Barrister, a major in the 3rd Royal Lancashire Militia, Preston mayor 1849–1850, at the age of 29. Made three unsuccessful attempts to become Liberal MP for Preston. He moved to Sevenoaks, Kent, in 1867. His daughter Marion married William Cooper, son of Hewitson's friend John Cooper.\*

**Gilbertson, Dr Joseph Bray** (1826–1893), Preston magistrate from 1880, coroner from 1886 on the death of his brother William. Conservative. (*PH* 22 November 1893, p. 4).

**Gilbertson, William** (1827–1886), solicitor, councillor 1864–1871, then alderman; coroner 1874–1886, Conservative agent for the North Lancashire constituency, leader of the controversial 'Ribble scheme' to develop Preston dock, campaigned for a public library (*PH* 21 April 1886, p. 2). 'Tenacious, hard to master, sharp-witted, critical, rather crotchetty; looks chilly, methodical, and weather-wise; likes small gossips at the end of Winckley-street; always appears to be in a hurry' (*PTC*).

**Gillow, Joseph jnr** (1850–1921), born in Preston to an ancient Catholic family, related to the Gillows of Lancaster, furniture manufacturers. He married well, enabling him to live on his wife's fortune and devote himself full-time to scholarship, carving out a reputation as 'the Plutarch of the English Catholics', going on to compile the five-volume *Biographical and Bibliographical Dictionary of the English Catholics* (1885– 1902)*,* still in use today.

**Goodair, John** (1808–1873) was a self-made man and one of Preston's largest cotton manufacturers, a town councillor and former mayor. He was one of the few mill owners who did not join the Preston Lock-Out (1854–1855), and set up libraries in his mills: H.I. Dutton and John Edward King, *'Ten per Cent and No Surrender': The Preston Strike, 1853– 1854* (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1981), p. 85.

**Gorst, Sir John Eldon** (1835–1916), Preston-born politician and lawyer. After Cambridge he went to New Zealand to 'civilise' the Maoris but had to leave a few years later, for fear of his life. Returning to England in 1864 and publishing a book about his experiences, *The Maori King,* he became a Conservative MP in 1866. He opposed extending the vote to working-class men, perhaps because of his experiences with the Maoris. In 1870 he became the Conservative party's national agent, overseeing organisation and electioneering. In the 1880s and 1890s he held various government posts, but maintained an independent line, achieving educational and social reforms (*ODNB*).

**Goss, Alexander** (1814–1872), from 1856 Roman Catholic Bishop of Liverpool, the diocese which included Preston. From an old Lancashire Catholic family, an opinionated defender of Catholicism and Conservatism, and an accomplished theologian and historian. Tall yet shy, 'he had a commanding public presence and was a forceful speaker and controversialist' (*ODNB*).

**Hallam, John** (1833–1900), friend; former mill worker of Chorley, Preston and Lancaster, where, 'owing to his knowledge of books', he met Hewitson before emigrating to Toronto in 1856 (*PC* 23 Oct 1869; 'Westward Ho!' ch.17, *PC* 3 May 1884, p. 6). Hallam became a wealthy wool and hide merchant, an alderman, and the founder of Canada's first free public library. Hewitson's second son, Horace Hallam, was probably named after him.

**Hawkins, John** (1792–1873), friend, former handloom weaver who became a wealthy Preston mill owner, lived at Newsham House, Broughton. Former councillor, 'he was not brilliant, but he was plodding', a lifelong Liberal, magistrate, loved music—when young played the 'clarionette' at Heapey church, and once walked from there to Manchester and back (a 50-mile round trip) to buy an instrument, and later had an organ built in his house (*PC* 26 April 1873, p. 5). Owned Greenbank Mills.

**Hawkins, Henry 'Harry',** Liberal town councillor (1874–1876), mill owner (John Hawkins & Sons with brother Charles,\* Greenbank Mills). Son of John Hawkins.\*

**Hawkins, Charles Wilson** (1849?-87), Liberal town councillor (1874–1877), mill owner (John Hawkins & Sons, Greenbank Mills, with brother Henry\*). Lived West Cliff. Son of John Hawkins.\* (*PC* 27 August 1887, p. 5)

**Hesketh, Sir Thomas George Fermor-Hesketh** (1825–1872), Conservative MP for Preston 1862–1872.

**Hewitson, William** (1847–1930), Anthony's brother, employed briefly as reporter by Anthony on the *Preston Chronicle* from April 1868, then on the Toulmins' *Warrington Examiner* as its first reporter, for four months; he went to the *Bury Times*, then the *Manchester Examiner*, as reporter in September 1877, sub-editor in 1889 then chief sub-editor in 1892. He was editor of the *Bury Times* 1892–1900, then sub-editor there. Historian of Bury and Lancaster.

**Hibbert, James** (1831–1903), friend, architect, councillor (from 1871), later alderman and mayor (1880–1881), member of the 11th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers. Preston born and bred, his greatest achievement was the design of the town's Harris Library and Museum, now a Grade I listed building, and described by Pevsner as 'one of the most remarkable Victorian public buildings of Northern England'. He also designed Fishergate Baptist chapel. 'Quite Carlylean in many ways and in some respects a disciple of the rugged philosopher of Chelsea', he wrote a number of philosophy books. In 1898 he left Preston to live near London, where Hewitson visited him shortly before his death (obit, *LDP* 19 November 1903, p. 4).

**Holker, John** (1828–1882), Conservative MP for Preston 1872–1882, lawyer from Bury, became Solicitor General then Attorney General in Disraeli's second government.

**Johnson, Thomas** (c. 1818–1892), solicitor, was a Sunday school teacher at High Street (Independent) Chapel, Lancaster; he befriended Hewitson, then a printers' apprentice, in the 1850s. A 'cosmopolitan Protestant, and in politics a Radical' (obit, *Lancaster Gazette* 29 June 1892, p. 2*).*

**Jones, Jabez B.** (1836–1891), auctioneer and estate agent, excellent marksman, became landlord of the Old Dog Inn, Church St.

**Jones, Robert** (c. 1835–1908), master plasterer.

**Kellett, Robert**, friend of Hewitson; pawnbroker, of Kilshaw St, Conservative, Anglican (*PH* 1 April 1874, p. 3). Sold his pawnbroking business in 1874.

**King, Ernest** (d. 1900) worked on the *Preston Guardian* 1846–1856, then went to the *Empire* newspaper in London with John Livesey. He was reporter-editor for the *Moreton Bay Courier* (est 1846), Brisbane (Australia), probably 1858–1860. Back in England, he edited the *Bolton Guardian*, then bought the *Blackburn Times* in 1861, selling it to the Toulmins in 1867. He emigrated to America, working on the *Pittsburgh Commercial*, and in Canton (Ohio), Trenton (New Jersey), Brooklyn and Newark, then in 1875 in Middletown, Connecticut where, with his son Ernest jnr, he launched the *Middlesex Monitor* and in 1878 bought the *Middletown Sentinel and Witness* (1823–1899)*.* He was also involved with the *Fall River Herald* and the daily Middletown *Penny Press* (est 1884) (Hewitson's obituary, *PG* 3 March 1900, p. 9).

**Kenyon, James,** son of Richard Kenyon (d. 1880) of Mount Pleasant in rural Claughton, north of Preston. By 1873 he was living and working in Preston as a 'railway goods collector', when he had a breakdown, and spent four months in Lancaster Asylum. His brother, Mr N.S. Kenyon, qualified as a physician and surgeon in 1875 (*PH* 30 January 1875).

**Lawrence, R. A**. (c. 1845–1899), replaced Thomas Wemyss Reid as *Preston Guardian* sub-editor in 1866. He began his journalistic career in his native North of Scotland, then went as reporter to the *Stockton and Hartlepool Mercury* in 1865, before arriving in Preston. In 1870 he went to Barnstaple as editor of the Conservative *North Devon Herald,* becoming sole owner of the paper a few years later (*North Devon Journal*, 14 Sept 1899, p. 5: *Daily Gazette*, Middlesbrough, 16 Oct 1899, p. 2).

**Livesey, James** (1833–1925), international railway engineer and inventor, son of Joseph Livesey.\* He presented a newspaper folded by a machine he had invented to Queen Victoria at the Great Exhibition in 1851 (*ODNB*).

**Livesey, Joseph** (1794–1784), campaigner against the Corn Laws and the New Poor Law, and for teetotalism and many other good causes. He was a self-made man, progressing from child handloom weaver to wealthy cheese merchant; an accomplished lecturer and natural journalist, he published campaigning anti-Corn Law and pro-temperance papers, before launching the Radical *Preston Guardian* in 1844, which quickly became one of the best-selling local newspapers in England. Hewitson worked for the *Guardian* under Livesey and his sons briefly, before Livesey sold the paper to the Toulmins (*ODNB*).

**Livesey, William** (1816–1909), eldest son of Joseph Livesey,\* editor of the *Preston Guardian* when Hewitson first arrived in Preston in 1858. He continued in journalism after his father sold the *Guardian* in 1859, including deputising for Hewitson as editor of the *Lancaster Standard*  while Hewitson was in America. He was a councillor and chaired the Board of Guardians in Preston, and was on Blackpool local board when he lived there (*LDP* 13 December 1909, p. 4). Hewitson edited Livesey's autobiography, published serially in the *Preston Guardian* (1–29 January 1910).

**Longworth, David** (1821–1877) was a friend who probably met Hewitson when Longworth was a reporter and Hewitson a printer's apprentice on the *Lancaster Gazette*. Longworth also reported for the *Preston Pilot* and *Wigan Herald*. He was a colourful character, and lived in New Orleans for six or seven years before returning to his native Preston and starting his own printing business. He published the idiosyncratic monthly *Longworth's Advertiser* (1867–1882) (*PC* 13 October 1877).

**Martyn, Henry Julius**, minister of Cannon St Independent chapel, Preston, 1864–1879. He later joined the Church of England (*PC* 5 April 1879, p. 2) and wrote an anonymous memoir, *The Autobiography of an Independent Minister* (1887), in which Preston was called Langton.

**McKay, James** (1847–1894), friend. Born in Thurso, Scotland, grew up in Burnley and in 1869 launched the *Burnley Standard* which ran for 17 issues. In the 1870s he worked in Worcestershire, then became editor of the *Blackpool Gazette.* In 1879 he was editor of the *Burnley Advertiser* until it was incorporated with the *Burnley Express* in 1880, when he moved to the *Preston Herald* until about 1892. Assistant editor of the *Western Mail*, Cardiff, editor of *Aberdeen Journal* and *Evening Express* in 1894 but died the same year. Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (obit, *PG* 4 Aug 1894).

**Noblet, John** (1826–1906), friend, landlord of Plumpton Brook, Snow Hill/Lawson St. Conservative town councillor 1862–1865, Roman Catholic (*PH* 1 April 1874, p. 3). Son of a provision dealer, began work in a Manchester warehouse at 13, then apprenticed to a draper in Bromsgrove for seven years. Went to Australia for his health; on his return he managed a Manchester hotel before coming to Preston (obituary, *PG* 3 February 1906). He later moved to Liverpool.

**Parkinson, William** (1834–1905), friend, Preston-born operatic tenor who trained in Germany and then Italy under 'the famous San Giovanni'. He sang the lead part in 'Robin Hood' at Covent Garden and toured the UK with various opera companies. Roman Catholic. By 1873 he was the proprietor of the Preston Theatre Royal. His costly attempts to raise the tastes of the Preston public were unsuccessful, and he emigrated to Australia, where he sang and taught music. He is mentioned in James Joyce's short story *The Dead* (*LDP* 19 September 1905)*.*

**Parkinson, William James**, friend, grocer and provision merchant with his brother John Thomas Parker Parkinson in Preston and Liverpool, said to have got rich from speculation during the American Civil War. Bought a mansion, Myerscough House, but in 1888 he went bankrupt after his wife sued him for money she had lent to the firm (*PC* 11 April 1874; *PH* 2 June 1888, p. 10). He became a farm labourer in New Zealand before returning to his native Preston, to work as a butter inspector for Lancashire County Council.

**Parr, Rev John Owen** (1798–1877), Vicar of Preston 1840–1877, 'an easygoing, genial, educated man kindly disposed towards good living, … fond of wearing a billycock, and strongly in love with a cloak. … he would have been more respected if he had been less exacting towards Dissenters, and less violent in his hatred of Catholics' (*OCC*). Staunch Conservative, anti-Catholic, was chairman of local relief committee during the Cotton Famine but then moved to Nice for his health. Secretly married his housekeeper in 1858 when he was in his fifties and she was in her twenties. Said by some to write some of the leading articles for the Conservative *Preston Herald* ('The Irish Church', letter from 'A Looker-On', *PC* 23 May 1868).

**Pateson, Robert** (1827–1910), friend, photographer and science enthusiast, one of Preston's first photographers, he fell on hard times in his later years. In 1903 Hewitson described him as 'a scientific philosopher of very modest and retiring parts, yet one who has unselfishly over a long life done many things to promote scientific research, to give information, and to confer the benefits of numerous observations and accomplishments' ('From the old armchair', *PG* 21 February 1903; Emma Heslewood and John Garlington, *Robert Pateson : A Scientific Philosopher: The Life and Work of an Early Photographer* [Preston: Harris Museum & Art Gallery, 2004]).

**Peters, Rev Thomas Abbott**, MA (1834–1909), Hewitson's friend and a regular advertiser in the *Chronicle*, born at Samlesbury, educated in Preston, he built Alston College east of Preston in 1855 when he was 21 years old. Doubts were cast on his MA (awarded by the 'Chelsea College') and ordination in the Free Church of England in 1864. Alston College was demolished in the 1890s to make way for a reservoir. Meanwhile, in 1873 Peters had bought The Hermitage nearby, and converted it into St John's College. Freemason and Conservative, he left nearly £10,000 when he died (*LDP* 3 Nov 1909, p. 4).

**Rawcliffe, John** (1813–1874) of Prospect House, Broughton, coal merchant and mill owner, alderman, mayor (1869–1870), 'tall, strong, straight, and active … talks in a manly, go-ahead style. Is florid, flowery, catawompous [fierce, savage], and patriotic in tone; played the organ, Anglican and Conservative, 'the only man who has quoted more than six lines of Shakspere consecutively in our Town Council for twelve years' (*PTC* 13–14). One of the owners of the *Preston Herald,* where Hewitson had worked*.*

**Rodgett, John Lord** (1830–1879), husband of Margaret Hewitson's sister Sarah Wilson; superintendent of Preston Quay from 1866.

**Sharman, William** (1841–1889), minister of Preston Unitarian chapel. He and his American wife Sophia were early members of the Socialist League, and he was a friend of Ruskin, Italian revolutionary Mazzini, American poet Walt Whitman and English socialist and arts and crafts pioneer, William Morris.

**Singleton, William** (d. 1896), former beerseller who opened Preston's first Turkish bath in Grimshaw Street, part of a network of more than 30, inspired by David Urquhart (1805–1877). An inveterate letter-writer to local papers, under the pen-name 'Saxon' (Malcolm Shifrin, *Victorian Turkish Baths* [Historic England, 2015]; *PH* 6 December 1871, p. 2).

**Smith, Dr William** (1834–1883), friend, Conservative councillor, Anglican, Poor Law Union doctor for Fishwick and Walton, studied at Guy's and St Andrews. 'Strong, energetic, holds his chest well forward, has much activity, walks with a firm, dashing step, has much selfreliance, is impulsive, knock-ahead, full of nerve, slightly blaze-away at times, alive in every part, frank in speech, immensely determined when put upon his mettle, wears excellent waistcoats, dislikes itchy patients' (*PTC;* obit *PC* 26 May 1883, p. 5).

**Stanley, Frederick Arthur** (1841–1908), Conservative MP for Preston (1865-68), North Lancashire (1868-85) and Blackpool (1885-86). His father had been Prime Minister three times. Colonial Secretary (1885- 86), Governor General of Canada (1888-93). The 16th Earl of Derby.

**Teale, George** (1820–1883), wool merchant, Liberal councillor in the 1850s; part of a group who broke away from Cannon St congregational chapel in 1869 (*PC* 28 July 1883, p. 5).

**Toulmin, George** (1813–1888), owner of the Radical *Preston Guardian,* also publisher of the Conservative *Bolton Chronicle.* In 1859 he and his brother James bought the *Preston Guardian* from Joseph Livesey,\* developing a powerful stable of Liberal newspapers with the *Blackburn Times* (purchased in 1867), the *Accrington Reporter* (launched in 1868) and the *Warrington Examiner* series (launched in 1869). Toulmin employed Hewitson as chief reporter 1865–1867, before dismissing him. There was personal animosity between the two, perhaps through personality clashes, but they were also part of different factions of the Preston Liberals, and in 1870 both men launched evening newspapers, with Toulmin winning this minor newspaper 'war', probably because of his greater wealth and skill as a newspaper manager. He operated on a bigger stage than Hewitson: he was a town councillor and magistrate, active in Wesleyan Methodism and teetotalism, and was vice-president of the Provincial Newspaper Society (a national trade association) and the British Temperance League. His obituary described him as 'a rugged, solid, earnest man, of cool temper, sagacity, and principle … when he was on the premises every employee felt that the captain was on the bridge, and that there must be no remissness … Mr Toulmin was a stern and intrepid man … he had a keen appreciation of the Quaker argument that if a blow must be struck it should be effective' (David Shuttleworth and Andrew Hobbs, 'George Toulmin', in *Dictionary of Nineteenth Century Journalism*, online, C19: The Nineteenth Century Index [ProQuest, n.d.]).

**Walton, Henry Crane** (c. 1821–1891), auctioneer from an old Preston family (*PH* 21 February 1891, p. 5).

**Ware, Joseph** (1821–1881) was the landlord of the Church Hotel at the junction of Park Lane (now North Rd) and Lancaster Rd, where his bar parlour featured original engravings by Hogarth, Bartolozzi and other Old Masters. Born in Middlesex, his father was lord of the manor of Teversham, Cambridgeshire. After boarding school he was an auctioneer and surveyor in London before moving to Preston in the 1850s, to be a fishmonger. He was a prolific writer of letters to newspapers. About 1859 he married Margaret Pickles, the widowed landlady of the Church Hotel, and was a Conservative councillor 1867–1870. Hewitson described him as 'tall and slender; has a polished, gentlemanly exterior; is florid-looking … can give a long, knowing, wide-awake wink … has seen much of life' (*PTC*). A Freemason, active in the Licensed Victuallers' Association, the pub landlords' trade body.

**Watson, Robert Green** (1817–1879), solicitor, Conservative councillor from 1867, alderman from 1872. Keen astronomer. 'Brisk, stiff and mortally straight in the vertebrae, fresh as half a thousand larks; plucky as a houseful of Spartans; bitingly sarcastic'. A bachelor, he 'had an extraordinary dislike of dogs' and liked to go for walks at night wearing a long cloak and slouched felt hat (*PTC; PC* 21 June 1879, p. 6).

**Wilson, John** (1834–1872), brother of Hewitson's wife Margaret.

**Wilson, Joseph** (1812–1879), father-in-law, tailor and draper of Lancaster, Lancaster Liberal town councillor 1858–1862; (obit, *PC* 1 Nov 1879); moved from Lancaster to Carnforth, then to Holme, where he tried agriculture; then ran Morecambe Pier refreshment rooms. Member of Morecambe Local Board of Health; retired 1875, bought Bank Top, Penwortham, moved to Lombard Terrace, Garstang Rd, 1879.

**Wilson, Joseph R** (b. 1855), younger brother of Margaret Hewitson. He lived with the Hewitsons while a printing apprentice on the *Preston Chronicle,* becoming foreman in 1875.

**Wilson-Patten, John** (1802–1892), MP for North Lancashire 1832–1874, when he became First Baron of Winmarleigh (Lord Winmarleigh).

# Glossary of technical, dialect and archaic words


#### **Starved, starving:** Cold or hungry.


**Throng:** Busy.

**Treat**: To buy someone else an alcoholic drink.

# Chronology

#### **Year**


#### **Year**


# Biographical sketch of Hewitson from the *Yorkshire Bibliographer*, 18881

#### Anthony Hewitson

ANTHONY HEWITSON was born at Blackburn, on the 13th of August, 1836; his father being Anthony Hewitson, stone mason, and a descendant of an old Northumbrian stock of carriers, &c. Whilst very young, A.H., jun. was taken from Blackburn to the house of his maternal grandfather (Thomas Moor\*), at Ingleton, in the West Riding of Yorkshire; was educated at the village school there, the master being the late Mr. R. Danson;<sup>2</sup> and remained at Ingleton until 1850, in the summer of which year he was transferred to his parents at Lancaster, who had been residents for some time in the old county town. Directly after going to Lancaster, he was apprenticed to the late Mr. G. C. Clarke,3 printer and proprietor of the *Lancaster Gazette,* in whose news department he served his time. The late Mortimer Collins,4 Novelist, &c., was editor of the *Gazette* when Hewitson first went to that paper; and as "p. d."<sup>5</sup> Hewitson used to go for copy to the house of Mr. Collins, who was

<sup>1</sup> 'Anthony Hewitson', *Yorkshire Bibliographer,* 1 (1888): 190–92. The article is anonymous, but is either written by Hewitson or based on material supplied by him.

<sup>2</sup> See p. 4 ('My Life', fn. 9).

<sup>3</sup> See p. 6 ('My Life', fn. 13).

<sup>4</sup> Edward James Mortimer Collins (1827–1876), journalist, novelist and poet, later known as 'King of the Bohemians'. He was editor of the *Lancaster Gazette* c. 1850–1851, on £100 per annum: Keningale Cook and Mabel Cook, 'Early Days of Mortimer Collins.', *Dublin University Magazine*, 90 (1877): 483–84.

<sup>5</sup> Printer's devil, the most junior employee in any printshop.

at that time a very handsome, swellish-looking person, with a great fondness for a very big dog and a large walking-stick, when out for exercise. During the latter part of his apprenticeship Hewitson studied short-hand, and with the approval of his master, became correspondent for the *Manchester Guardian―*the first regular news correspondent for Lancaster and the district which the *Guardian* ever had. One of the journeymen compositors on the Lancaster *Gazette* in the early portion of Hewitson's apprenticeship, was Mr. George Harper,<sup>6</sup> the present proprietor of the Huddersfield *Daily Chronicle.* Soon after being out of his apprenticeship, in July 1857―Mr. Hewitson had offered to him and accepted a situation as reporter and compositor on the Kendal *Mercury,*  then owned and edited by the late Mr. Lee,<sup>7</sup> a Unitarian minister, one of the kindest of men, who wrote one of the worst hands for "copy" in the world. After a short stay at Kendal, Mr. Hewitson went to the office of the Brierley Hill *Advertiser,* in South Staffordshire. He went there on the invitation of the foreman of the *Advertiser*―Mr. R. Quithenton,<sup>8</sup> who had been a fellow apprentice at Lancaster, and who is now and for many years has been the foreman of the *Budget,* in London; there he acted as compositor, reporter, and editor―as editor invariably setting up the leaders himself without any copy at all; but at this place he remained only a few months.9 Towards the end of 1857, he went―attracted by better remuneration―to a new paper at Wolverhampton, set up and printed at the establishment of Mr. Yorke,<sup>10</sup> in Queen-street, for a company in Dudley. Here he worked as a compositor, on the paper in question, and afterwards he worked in a like capacity on another paper,

<sup>6</sup> George Harper (1828–1897), a founder of the Press Association.

<sup>7</sup> See 'My Life' fn. 20.

<sup>8</sup> See 15 September 1884.

<sup>9</sup> Hewitson's distinctive style can be seen in some of the leaders in late 1857, for example, one on 'Sanitary Reform' (*Brierley Hill Advertiser,* November 28 1857), a cause which he later pursued in Preston: 'Is Brierley-Hill now clear, or anything near clear, of the matters we complained of? No, they still exist in all their primitive might and brilliance; there are as many foul, nasty, loathsome, disagreeable, detestable, destructive, disgusting, wretched, vile, tremendous, horrible, diabolical nuisances as ever', etc etc.

<sup>10</sup> Joseph York (?–?). This paper was probably the *Dudley and Midland Counties Express,*  which, from 5 December 1857, was 'Printed for the Midland Counties Newspaper Company, Limited, by JOSEPH YORK, at his Printing Office, 26 Queen-street, Wolverhampton'.

published at the same office―a paper called the *News,*<sup>11</sup> owned by Mr. Yorke. A fact indicating the resources and spontaneity of Mr. Hewitson, which here is worth mentioning: One night, shortly before 12 o'clock― the night preceding the publication morning of the *News*―the foreman went up to him, at his composing frame, and said: Hewitson, the leading article has not turned up, and we don't know where the editor is; it won't do to go to press without a leader; will you try to write us one?" He consented to make a trial, put down his composing stick, walked in his shirt sleeves into an adjoining room, promptly wrote an article, a column long, relating to an important event which had taken place that week in a neighbouring locality, and next day was highly complimented upon his performance by the editor, who had by that time turned up. And that editor was no common literary hand―he had previously been a summary writer on the *Illustrated London News.* During the first half of 1858, Mr. Hewitson took a situation at Preston, on the *Guardian*  there, as reporter and compositor. In the latter part of the same year he became reporter for the Preston C*hronicle*. About five years afterwards he took the literary and general management of the Preston *Herald;* then he became chief reporter for the Preston G*uardian,* continuing at that post for about three years, during which period he became acquainted with Mr. T. Wemyss Reid,12 who was sub-editor for a short time prior to being appointed editor of the Leeds *Mercury.* In addition to his ordinary reporting, Mr Hewitson was for several years—from about 1860 to 1868—much engaged as the Preston and district correspondent for the principal papers in the county. While the Cotton Famine was on he acted as special correspondent for South and North-east Lancashire, on behalf of the London *Daily News.*<sup>13</sup> In March, 1868, Mr. Hewitson became the proprietor, editor, and publisher of the Preston C*hronicle,* in succession to Messrs. Dobson Brothers, one of whom (Mr. William Dobson\*) was the author of the well-known "Rambles by the Ribble" and other

<sup>11</sup> Hewitson may have confused the name of this paper; the *Wolverhampton News,*  published by York, folded in late July or early August 1857, before Hewitson left Kendal (*Wolverhampton Chronicle,* 2 September 1857, p. 4).

<sup>12</sup> See 'My Life' fn. 7.

<sup>13</sup> An incomplete, leather-bound copy of the journal containing this article was donated by Margaret Dickinson, a relative of Hewitson, to Lancashire Archives (DDX/2544). In the margin in this copy, next to *Daily News,* is the word 'Telegraph', written in pencil, possibly a correction of the newspaper title.

sketches. Mr. Hewitson, who attached to his journalistic enterprise a job printing and a stationery department, still owns, edits, and brings out the *Chronicle.* In the course of his connection with the paper he has written and published the following works:—"Portraits of Local legislators," "Our Churches and Chapels," "Our Country Churches and Chapels," "Stonyhurst College, Past and Present," "Places and Faces," the "Tyldesley Diary" (joint editor), "History of Preston," "Westward Ho!" (description of a trip to America in 1883), "Guide and Visitors' Handbook to Ingleton," &c. In 1858, Mr. Hewitson married Margaret, daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Wilson,\* tailor and draper, of Lancaster, and two of his sons are now reporters on the Preston C*hronicle,* while a younger brother of his, (Mr. Wm. Hewitson\*) was for several years a reporter on the Manchester *Examiner and Times,* and is now on the subeditorial staff of that paper.

# Hewitson's diaries and other papers in Lancashire Archives


*638 The Diaries of Anthony Hewitson, Provincial Journalist*


# Books written or edited by Hewitson


### Archives

### Lancashire Archives

Diaries and other works of Anthony Hewitson, DP/512

Preston County Borough Council, building control plans:

Alterations—Mitre Inn, 18 Fishergate, 1880, CBP/2/4544

Building plan for Hewitsons' house, Fishergate Hill, CBP/2/1611

Notebook of *Lancaster Guardian* reporter, Bernard Bussey, 1864, DDX /211/3

Typographical Association, Preston branch, minute book 1867–77, DDX/104/ACC9666/box 9

*Times* printed staff list 1877, William Stebbing papers, News International Archives TT/DepED/STB/4/4

Letter book 1886–91, *Manchester Guardian* archives, John Rylands Library, University of Manchester, ref. 264

*British Newspaper Archive,* https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/ *Findmypast*, https://www.findmypast.co.uk/

### Other references


Anon., 'Anthony Hewitson', *Yorkshire Bibliographer*, 1 (1888), 190–92.


exlibrisgroup.com/openurl/44UOE/44UOE\_services\_page?u.ignore\_date\_ coverage=true&rft.mms\_id=9924043379502466.


# Index1

*Aberdeen Journal* 441, 521, 623 accidents 4, 25, 27, 47, 94, 100, 109, 128, 130, 136, 157–158, 163, 175, 233, 273, 314–315, 325, 347, 377, 428, 554, 557, 581 Accrington 13, 39, 63, 113, 144, 172, 202, 626 *Accrington Reporter* 13, 626 Addison, Thomas Batty 36, 51, 68, 78, 84, 119, 157, 293, 317, 350, 359, 363, 552, 615 advertisements 20, 202, 214, 221, 230, 232, 243, 245–247, 261, 266, 270, 276, 287, 292, 300, 305, 309, 336, 354, 388–389, 511, 558, 560, 629 advertising xxv, xxxii, xxxviii, 213, 226, 257, 270, 287, 355, 358, 406, 491, 556–557, 590, 597, 629 Africa 57, 263, 441, 594 *Agricultural Gazette* 238 Albert Hotel 120, 213, 277 Albert Inn 169, 267 Albion Hotel 244 Albion Inn 252 Alliance British & Foreign Life & Fire Assurance Company 151 Allingham, William xxii almanac, almanack 270, 335–336, 388–389, 391, 414–415, 607 Alston College 204, 231, 239, 291, 294, 304, 327, 625 Ambler, Edward 'Ned' 124, 208, 253, 255–263, 304, 343–344, 393, 601, 615 Ambleside 310, 440, 472 America xx, xxxv, xxxvii, 16, 26, 42, 60, 63, 154, 251, 316, 447, 449, 458,

460–461, 475, 483, 511, 518, 594, 622–623, 636 American Civil War xxviii, xl, 29, 125, 163, 624 Amsterdam 583 Angel Inn 55, 79, 139, 166, 413 Anglican 36, 54, 56, 77–79, 119, 126, 129, 155, 172, 225, 329–330, 402, 408, 410, 417, 429, 457, 615, 618, 622, 625–626 Animals' Friend Society 445 anti-Catholic 24, 36, 196, 290, 624 anti-Irish xl Antwerp 174, 583–584, 590 apprentice xvi, xxiv, xxxvii, 5, 8, 12, 61, 87, 102, 201, 219–220, 307, 363, 396, 447, 464, 621, 623–624, 628, 631, 633–634 apprenticeship xix, xxv, xxxix, 7–8, 12, 16, 41, 145, 240, 396, 408, 443, 475, 629, 631, 634, 637 artists xxix, xxxi, 590 Ascroft, Robert 56, 98, 104, 121, 231, 255, 410, 478, 486, 615 Ashton-under-Lyne xxvi, 70, 81, 107, 114, 180, 210, 294, 343, 368, 380, 385, 404, 422, 443, 488, 500 Aspden, Thomas 48, 71, 79, 106, 113, 130, 151, 163, 265, 363, 615 assaults 62, 69, 93, 446, 448 atheism xxxvi, 195, 209, 235, 276, 530. *See also* freethinkers *Athenaeum* xxxiii Atherton, John 354, 364, 616 Atherton, Will 235, 346, 395, 410, 616 Australia xx, xlv, 32, 45, 61, 63, 175, 221, 355, 517, 594, 622, 624

<sup>1</sup> Readers might also look up particular terms using the searchable electronic editions of the book, freely available online: https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0262

Avenham Institution 26, 41, 43, 55, 170, 263, 324, 369 Ayr 361 bailiff 470, 593, 606 Bairstow St School 131, 140 Bakewell, Thomas Jackson 123, 207–209, 218–219, 224, 228, 252, 254, 278, 283, 289, 292, 298–299, 302, 306, 310, 312, 314, 316–317, 323, 333, 335–336, 338, 342–343, 346, 348–349, 353–354, 358–359, 363–364, 369, 375, 378, 393–394, 616 Band of Hope 94, 148, 155. *See also* mechanics' institute Bangor 378 Banks, Thomas 96, 103, 130, 208, 238, 395, 404, 548, 616 Barker, John xxxvi, 61, 79, 169, 195, 467, 473, 488 Barnsley 129–130 Barnstaple 86, 622 Barrow xxxviii, 101, 168, 296, 343, 360, 431, 472, 512, 562, 565 Barton 23, 55, 68, 82, 97, 219, 233, 260, 283, 368, 370–372, 374–377, 511, 557 Barton Church 368, 370, 376 Beacon Fell 374, 526 Bedford Leigh 167 Bellingham, Thomas xxi Bennett & Co 208, 224–225, 228 Bentham 12, 540 Berkshire 63 Bert 285, 310, 312, 314, 315, 325, 340, 375, 404, 405, 415, 428, 434. *See also* Hewitson, Ethelbert Bertie 365, 422 Bertie; Bert xx, 86, 87, 146, 213, 221, 240, 242, 252, 279, 288, 295, 299, 309, 311, 316, 326, 327, 332, 333, 342, 345, 346, 347, 349, 357, 358, 359, 361, 364, 365, 368, 369, 371, 376, 378, 382, 384, 398, 403, 411, 421, 422, 423, 448, 469,

474, 478, 498, 521, 537, 553. *See* 

*also* Hewitson, Ethelbert Berty 208. *See also* Hewitson, Ethelbert


634

Bright, John xxxi, 58–59, 448

*Bristol Times* xxxvii Britain xxv, xxxviii, 21, 73, 80, 106, 109, 180, 190, 268–269, 380, 462, 544 British & Foreign Bible Society 143 British Hotel 378 *British Medical Journal* 308 Brock 152–160, 162–163, 221, 320, 364, 366, 438, 471, 502, 507, 522, 525, 529–530, 539, 545, 549, 552–553, 556–559, 578, 584, 586, 595–596, 598–599, 602, 607–608 Brockholes Arms 226, 551 Bromsgrove 61, 624 Brontë, Charlotte xxxvii Brooklyn 63, 447, 521, 622 Broughton xxxv, 9, 25, 99, 128, 155, 158, 162, 206–207, 267, 276, 296, 364–366, 368–370, 372, 374, 376, 404, 453, 478, 531, 540, 548, 554, 557, 564–565, 607, 620, 625 Broughton Catholic Charitable Society 155 Brownedge Catholic Church 188 Brussels 584 Buffalo Bill 594 Bull Hotel 23, 45–46, 55, 103, 107, 110, 124, 173, 179, 264, 372, 414, 441, 569 Bull Inn 176, 312 Burial Club 168 Burnley 112, 138–139, 177, 191, 521, 623 *Burnley Gazette* 139 Burns, Robert xxxvi, 179, 204, 358, 361, 366, 371 Burton 70, 140, 581, 593 Bury 68, 119, 191, 248, 254, 621 *Bury Times* 119, 191, 254, 621 Bussey, Bernard 22, 83, 107–108, 271, 303, 406, 617 Bussey, George Thomas Moir 108, 617 Byron, George Gordon xxii, 564 *Caledonian Mercury* 119

Cambridge xix, xxii, 38, 88, 115, 170, 352, 381, 400, 620 Canada xx, 110, 445, 471, 473, 483, 594, 620, 632 Cannon Street School 172 Carlisle 11–12, 114, 143, 315, 360, 420, 432, 467, 473–474, 477–478, 487–489, 544–545, 548, 569, 586 Carlyle, Thomas xvi, xviii, xxiii, xxxiv, xxxvi, xxxvii, 113, 119, 227–228, 257, 261, 267, 271, 273, 275, 309, 420, 422–425, 428, 431–432, 436, 488, 527, 531–533, 535, 562, 569 Carnforth 13, 310, 343, 360, 602, 605, 628 Castle Inn 31–32, 131, 254–255, 258, 263, 303, 347 catechism 173, 214, 227, 253, 255, 258, 270–271, 279, 284–285, 306, 316, 320, 326–327, 390 Catforth School 574 *Catholic Times* xxxiii, 171 cats 100, 165, 225, 478, 563 Catterall, John 59, 141–142, 229, 509, 520, 580, 602, 617 Cattle Market Hotel 340 cattle plague (rinderpest) 43–48, 50, 52, 70, 75–76, 82, 86, 91, 95–96, 98–99, 105, 107, 124, 178, 194 Cemetery Hotel 78 Central Working Men's Club 204, 528–529, 531, 553, 563, 605, 618 *Chambers's Journal* 439 Chelsea xvi, 231, 249, 257, 420–421, 621, 625 Chepstow 103 Cheshire xxxviii, 39, 79, 141, 202, 291, 433, 483–484, 519, 521 Chester xxvii, 141 Chetham Society 291 China 59, 109, 264–265, 288 Chorley 82, 110, 141, 205, 236, 349, 358, 436, 450, 457, 534, 537, 620 Chorlton xli

Christ Church Boys' Day School 207, 616 Christ Church, Fulwood 38, 105, 207, 246, 375, 608, 616 Christ Church School 246 Christmas xxxvi, 56, 64–65, 130–131, 184, 193, 265, 268, 270–271, 336, 338, 608, 615 Church Hotel 222, 226, 268, 306, 333–334, 341–342, 349, 364, 627 Church Inn 226 Church Missionary Society 126, 152 Church of England 20, 50, 56, 64, 75–76, 118, 135, 137, 147, 155, 172, 174, 189, 196, 207, 231, 251, 259, 283, 303, 347, 451, 575, 616, 623, 625 Church of St Thomas of Canterbury and the English Martyrs 68 Church Pastoral Aid Society 78 church rates 87, 90, 94, 97 Churchtown Church 577, 592 circuses xxxiv, 93, 109, 150–153, 156, 159, 190, 236–237, 315, 456–457, 466, 563 Clarendon Temperance Hotel 569 Clarkson's Temperance Hotel 264–265 class xxvi, xxxix, xl, xli, xlii, 7, 41, 88, 139, 236, 303, 478 middle-class xxxvii, xxxviii, xli, 32, 167, 417, 445, 466, 616 upper-classes 466 working-class xxviii, xxix, xli, xlii, 32, 34, 69, 86, 88, 167, 235, 254, 277, 445, 491, 620 Claughton 156, 160, 226, 243, 277, 285, 393, 438, 522, 551, 622 Clitheroe 185, 285, 466 clothing 45, 102, 284, 319, 332, 337, 417 Clyde 405 collaboration with other reporters xxxi, 58, 88, 127, 168 College of Physicians 393 Commercial Inn 69–70

Communist Church xxxix, 7 compositors xvii, xxv, 8, 12, 16, 22–23, 79, 107, 112, 127, 167, 247, 314, 629, 631, 634–635 Congleton 103 Conservative Working Men 235, 254, 616 Cooper, John 90, 127, 202, 222, 227–228, 231, 288, 293, 313, 324, 341, 363–364, 381, 422–423, 425, 440, 501, 530, 552, 555, 586, 588, 617, 619 Copenhagen 28 Cotton Famine xv, xxviii, 19, 29, 36, 56, 500, 615, 624, 635 County of Lancaster Rifle Association 277 crickets 60 Crombleholme, Joseph xlii, 204, 235, 319, 321, 539–540, 618 Cross-Hill School 598 Croston 113–114, 151, 153, 158, 298, 351, 554 Crown Hotel 447 Cumberland xxvii, 38 customs xlii, 24, 102, 167, 185 Christmas window displays 130 Easter egg rolling 457 first footing 415 May Day horse decoration 404 Michaelmas goose 118 orange pitching 457 treating workmen 153, 248 Whit Monday processions 360 Whit walks 24 *Daily Dispatch* xxxvi *Daily Gazette* 86, 622 *Daily Mail* xxxvi *Daily Mirror* xxxvi dances, balls 74–75, 128, 131, 136, 170–171, 173, 176, 185, 213, 215, 260, 272, 281, 338, 346, 408, 475, 482, 547–549, 583 Danson's school 4 Darlington xxxi, 80, 282, 450

Darwin, Charles xxxvi, 159, 410, 496, 536–539 Davies, Henry 349, 422, 425, 431, 560, 596, 618 death xiii, xv, xxi, xxii, xxviii, xxxv, xlv, xlvi, 1, 3–4, 28, 51, 69, 108, 117, 120, 123, 126–128, 130, 136, 174, 191, 193, 266, 296, 301, 331, 340, 353, 359, 371, 398, 422, 439, 468, 512, 549, 579, 601–602, 607, 618–619, 621 of children xv, xxxv, 101, 631, 637 Dent xix, 3, 9, 24, 385, 525 Dentdale 3, 8 Derby 112, 142, 258, 299, 304, 330, 363, 406, 471, 616 De Tabley Arms 555 Dialectical Society 283 diaries xiii, xiv, xv, xvi, xvii, xviii, xx, xxi, xxii, xxiii, xxiv, xxvi, xxvii, xxx, xxxi, xxxii, xxxiv, xxxv, xxxvi, xxxvii, xxxix, xl, xlii, xlv, xlvi, 28, 244, 338, 515, 580, 612, 637 as a genre xxi, xxii, xxiii, xxiv, xlii Hewitson editing xvi, xviii, xxiii, xxvi, xxxii, xlv, 28 of journalists xv, xvi, xvii, xviii, xxi, xxvi, xxvii Dickens, Charles xvi, xvii, xxviii, xxx, xxxiii, xlii, 150, 390, 476 disability 71, 97, 196, 213 disestablishment, of Church of England 56, 251 Disraeli, Benjamin 142, 146, 224, 248, 282, 289–290, 347, 594, 621 Dobson, William xxiii, 13, 15, 29, 105, 178–179, 234, 248, 263, 273, 310, 368, 618, 635 dogs 31, 40, 46, 62, 93, 128, 165, 269, 384, 581, 627, 634 Douglass, Frederick 115 Duckworth St Congregational Chapel 80 Dudley xix, 231, 496, 634 Dumfries 360 Durham xxvii, 78, 261, 552

Easter 24, 36, 48, 84, 150, 223, 295, 457, 504, 562 Easter dues 36, 48 Edinburgh xxviii, xxx, 54, 57–58, 196, 233, 277, 360–361, 393, 526, 538, 549, 588 editions newspaper 23, 28, 35, 38, 104, 127, 167, 174, 180, 191, 194, 205–206, 236, 241–242, 254, 271, 280, 293, 317, 329, 331, 380, 390, 397, 452, 478, 487 editors xv, xvi, xvii, xviii, xix, xx, xxi, xxvi, xxvii, xxxi, xxxii, xxxiii, xxxvii, xlv, 12–13, 16, 22, 31, 33, 48, 59, 63, 68, 71, 83, 86–88, 99, 108, 117, 123, 131, 139, 152, 160, 169, 176, 180, 191, 204, 214, 220, 238, 246, 257, 347, 350, 363, 393, 398, 417, 441, 447, 451, 475, 483, 493, 519, 521, 531, 549, 562, 605, 612, 616–618, 621–623, 630–637, 673 Egypt 86, 106, 304, 493 elections xxviii, xxxviii, 33, 35, 48, 54, 70, 78, 81, 88, 105, 108–109, 111, 119, 158, 174, 251, 253, 260–261, 263, 325–328, 336, 343–345, 347, 381–386, 393, 396, 413–414, 425, 429, 468, 506, 530–531, 533, 536–537 corruption at 33, 81, 111 municipal 54, 70, 123, 174, 261, 263, 326, 328–329, 381, 533 parliamentary 33, 35, 108, 251, 325, 343, 345, 347, 384–386, 393, 425, 536 Emerson, Ralph Waldo xxxvi, 113, 115, 118–119, 123, 126, 129, 169, 175, 195, 302 Emmanuel Church 84, 233 *Empire* 63 Enfield 191 England xvi, xxi, xxvi, xxvii, xxviii, xli, 4, 13, 20, 24, 41, 44, 46, 50, 56, 59, 62–64, 73, 75–76, 87, 106, 112–114, 118, 129, 135, 137, 143–144, 147, 154–155, 172, 174, 185, 189, 193, 196, 202, 207, 209,

218, 231, 244, 251, 259, 277, 283, 299, 303, 347, 404, 408, 412, 440, 451, 461, 471, 473, 515, 552, 575, 602, 616, 620–623, 625–626 English xxvi, xxviii, xxix, xxxiii, 5, 7, 52, 59, 68, 93, 101–102, 109, 139, 166, 178–179, 186–188, 195–196, 215, 284–285, 364, 404, 420, 488, 496, 577, 600, 619, 626 Eth 87. *See also* Hewitson, Ethelind Ethe 284. *See also* Hewitson, Ethelind Ethel 23, 28, 130. *See also* Hewitson, Ethelind Europe xxxiv, 106, 157, 316 Evelyn, John xxii, 498, 502 *Examiner* group 79 excursions xxxiv, 25, 47, 93, 104, 114, 235, 310, 360–361, 369, 405, 472, 520, 529, 578 executions xviii, 49, 108–109, 111, 167, 176 fairs 24, 69–70, 95, 166, 185, 529, 571, 594, 605 hiring 601 horse 69, 135, 166, 185, 206, 277, 492, 545 pleasure 35, 310, 629 Fair Trade Newspaper Co 469 Falmouth 103 Farington 118, 123, 158, 488, 505, 512 Farnworth 68, 394 feminism 235, 520. *See also* women's suffrage Fenians (members of Irish Republican Brotherhood) 141, 145, 176, 180, 184, 494, 645 Ferneyhalgh 205 ferret 540, 594 *Field Naturalist* 446 *Field, The* 238 Finch, Alice, nee Hewitson 447, 521–524, 618 fires 47, 57, 59, 63, 75, 92, 94, 123, 129, 144, 151, 162, 177, 203, 205, 218, 237, 280, 296, 301, 330, 378, 390,

393, 395, 398, 408–409, 426, 547, 556, 575, 600, 603, 607


Fulwood Church 54, 554 Fylde Union Cattle Plague Insurance Society 178 Fylde Waterworks Company 78, 189–190 Galloway, George 385, 412–414, 500, 531, 618 Garstang xxxiii, 13, 26, 28, 41, 54, 60–61, 68, 75–76, 81, 86, 91, 96–98, 105, 130, 146, 149, 156, 159, 175, 184, 186, 189–190, 192, 203, 209, 226, 236, 243–244, 326, 366, 408–409, 469, 502, 509, 522, 529, 532, 543, 550–551, 566, 570–571, 574–575, 593, 610, 616, 628 Garstang Church 226 Gaskell, Elizabeth xxviii gender xviii, xxxix, xl George Hotel 44 George Inn 72 German, James xxxviii, 202, 222, 248–264, 305, 617, 619 Gilbertson, Joseph Bray 331, 599, 619 Gilbertson, William 187, 331, 341, 479, 619 Gillow, Joseph jnr xxi, xlii, xliii, 33, 155, 204, 215, 221, 243–244, 251, 515, 609, 619 Gladstone, William xvi, xxxi, xxxviii, 34–35, 149, 168, 225, 289–290, 325, 343, 347, 393, 422, 425, 471, 510, 536, 544, 618 Glasgow 119, 158, 204, 342, 360–361, 405, 435, 461, 526, 616 *Glasgow Herald* 119, 616 Glossop 202, 282 Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von xxxvii, 436, 562 Golden Cross Inn 171 Goodair, John 32, 75, 96, 115, 244, 255, 325–326, 441, 619 Goosnargh 99, 196, 260, 278, 437, 446–447, 483, 507, 509, 514 Gorst, John Eldon 88, 106, 191, 205, 620

Goss, Alexander 27, 52, 92–93, 101, 103, 105–107, 109, 118, 170, 179, 215, 620 gossip columns, gossip writing xvi, xviii, xxxi, 25, 299, 336, 447, 479, 553, 576, 597, 629 gossiping xviii, xxxii, 50, 62, 187, 208, 214, 221, 224, 261, 289, 354, 413, 527, 548, 551, 561, 598, 619 Grapes Hotel 63, 240, 242, 244, 437 Grasmere 440, 472 Great Eccleston xxxv, 47–48, 88, 169, 194, 228, 321, 408, 527, 593 Great Eccleston Cattle Plague Society 194 Grecian Inn 605 Greenhalgh 226, 240 Green Man Inn 526 Green Man public house 366, 507 Gregory's Hotel 256 Grey Horse & Seven Stars public house 171 Grimsby 583–584 Gynn Inn 57 Hallam, John 110, 228, 428, 534, 620 Harris (mechanics') Institute 235, 486, 616. *See also* Avenham Institution; Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge Hastings 91, 249 hats 36–37, 40, 57, 62, 142, 462, 500, 516, 530, 627 Havelock Inn 252 Hawkins, Charles Wilson 218, 260, 267, 322, 344, 381, 383–384, 429, 441, 538, 585, 621 Hawkins, Henry 'Harry' 218, 227, 253, 260, 262, 326, 329–330, 333, 382–385, 400–401, 408, 415, 620–621 Hawkins, John 207, 218–219, 227–228, 235, 254–255, 260, 267, 270, 296, 326, 364, 384–385, 511, 538, 585, 619–621 Haymarket 256

Heapey Church 205, 208 Hesketh, Thomas George Fermor-Hesketh 31–33, 43, 60, 113–114, 144, 248, 381, 621 Hewitson, Ada xxxv, 14, 210, 216, 232, 242–243, 252, 283, 288, 302, 311, 315, 322, 326, 330–332, 335, 564, 631 Hewitson, Amy 14, 201, 284, 332, 631 Hewitson, Ethelbert xx, xxi, xlv, 14, 20, 22, 31, 50, 54, 67, 70, 80, 126, 133, 145, 151, 154, 165, 183, 191, 212, 219, 302, 345, 350, 351, 352, 370, 392, 410, 425, 431, 432, 434, 435, 437, 439, 440, 441, 442, 446, 447, 448, 452, 453, 455, 456, 457, 458, 460, 461, 462, 464, 466, 469, 471, 472, 473, 477, 480, 482, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 492, 493, 494, 498, 500, 502, 504, 505, 507, 508, 509, 510, 519, 520, 522, 523, 526, 527, 540, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 553, 554, 555, 557, 561, 562, 563, 566, 574, 576, 577, 579, 581, 582, 585, 588, 590, 592, 593, 600, 601, 603, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 631. *See also* Bert; Bertie; Berty reporting xxxii, 341, 445, 447, 474, 481, 491, 505, 509, 512, 516, 521, 532, 534, 539, 543, 582 Hewitson, Ethelind xxxv, 14, 19, 20, 156, 631. *See also* Eth; Ethe; Ethel Hewitson, Florence xxxv, 14, 19, 22, 25, 31, 34, 48, 54, 56, 65, 67, 70, 76, 87, 88, 93, 97, 114, 124, 128, 133, 145, 146, 150, 151, 152, 154, 156, 165, 172, 183, 208, 215, 228, 230, 232, 252, 285, 290, 292, 294, 299, 302, 311, 312, 315, 326, 334, 340, 341, 345, 346, 347, 349, 351, 352, 355, 358, 359, 365, 366, 368, 369, 370, 371, 378, 381, 384, 393, 402, 415, 440, 445, 447, 449, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 462, 467, 473, 474, 488, 489, 544, 545, 547, 548, 618, 631. *See also* Florrie; Florey; Flory

Hewitson, Horace xxxv, 14, 110, , 165, 172, 183, 196, 208, 212–213, 221, 228, 230, 240, 242, 252, 279, 285, 289, 295, 299, 302, –312, 314–316, 325–327, –334, 340, 345, 347, 349–352, , 357–359, 361, 364–365, 368, , 372, 375–376, 378, 382, 392, –405, 411, 415, 421–422, 425, , 431–432, 434–435, 437–442, –448, 452–453, 455–456, 458, , 462, 464, 469, 472, 474, 477, –482, 484–486, 488, 493–494, , 500, 502, 504–505, 507–511, , 522–523, 531–533, 539–540, –549, 553–557, 561, 563, 568, , 578–579, 581, 585, 588–590, , 600–603, 606, 608–610, 620, 631

reporting xxxii, 491–493, 505, 543, 550, 562, 582


Hewitson, Maggie xix, 1, 14, 156, 631. *See also* Madge Hewitson, Rosaline 14, 436, 440, 448, 458, 462, 464, 466, 468, 469, 474, 477, 478, 492, 501, 505, 507, 509, 512, 515, 523, 525, 530, 547, 552, 557, 558, 562, 563, 564, 566, 567, 570, 571, 572, 574, 578, 582, 586, 588, 590, 591, 602, 603, 632. *See also* Rosie Hewitson, William xxxii, 191, 193, 294, 331, 457, 458, 483, 484, 621. *See also* Willie Heywood 94, 108, 388 Hibbert, James 299, 306, 323, 375, 420–424, 426–429, 431, 434, 436–437, 439, 576, 621 High Street (Independent) School 7 High Wycombe 63 Hoghton 44, 521 Holker, John 34, 248, 250, 254, 328, 344–345, 350, 377, 425, 621 Holme 13–14, 50, 69–70, 86, 132, 207, 479–480, 628 Holyhead 243 homosexuality 319 Hong Kong 59 Hoole 298, 351, 371, 373, 427, 466, 483 Hotel Angleterre 583 Huddersfield 179, 634 Hull 312, 327, 519 *Illustrated London News* 46, 170, 314, 316, 476, 635 *Illustrated Police News* 196 *Illustrated Times* 170 Imperial Hotel & Land Company 163 Independent Centenary chapel 523 Independent Order of Good Templars 241. *See also* friendly societies India 49, 288, 412 Industrial Institute for Blind 141–142, 144–148, 152, 159, 229–230, 577, 617 Ingleborough Hotel 519, 558

Ingleton xviii, xix, xxiv, 2–5, 9, 12, 24, 207, 227, 519–520, 524–525, 556, 558–559, 561, 580, 631, 633, 636 Inman Company 431, 441–442, 453 Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge (mechanics' institute) 26, 170, 262, 324 International Workingmen's Association 252 inventions 5–6, 22, 244, 268, 288, 354, 529, 594, 617, 622 Ireland xxxviii, 31, 38, 52, 141, 172, 174, 180, 251, 269, 422, 449, 496, 512 Irish xvi, xxviii, xxx, xl, 36, 83, 108, 126, 141, 146, 151, 155, 172, 174, 176, 188, 196, 234, 251, 284, 289, 396, 420, 422, 426, 469, 472, 495–496, 513, 532, 535–536, 544, 546, 563, 617, 625 Irish Church Missionary Society 126 Isle of Man xvi, xvii, 244, 316, 581 *Isle of Man Times, The* xvi Italy 118, 174, 624 Jamaica xix, 259 Japan 109 Johnson, Thomas 7, 86, 192, 264, 287, 334, 423, 442–443, 448, 451, 529, 621 Jones, Jabez B. 52, 148, 151, 443, 457, 621 Jones, Robert 288, 324–325, 334–335, 338, 369, 399, 401, 622 journeyman xxv, 8, 145, 408, 443, 629, 634 Joyce, James 175, 624 Kellett, Robert 119, 172, 176, 180, 190, 210–211, 242, 622 Kendal xix, 2, 8, 11–12, 50, 69, 83, 166, 186, 188, 310, 328, 383, 472, 617, 631, 634–635 *Kendal Mercury* 8, 12, 631, 634 Kent 202, 248, 304, 397, 478, 619 Kenyon, James 156, 159–160, 164, 186, 277, 285–287, 307, 355, 393, 622


–145, 152, 156–158, 161, 171, 186, 191, 196, 205–206, 208, 210, 212, 215, 222, 227, 230, 232, 240, , 255, 266, 271–272, 277, 282, , 287, 295, 300, 304–305, 307– , 312, 320, 325, 332–334, 338, –343, 345, 349–350, 359–360, , 366, 380, 382, 399, 403, 405, , 439, 442, 448, 450–451, 454, –472, 475, 502, 504, 506, 509, , 515, 521–524, 526, 532, 534, –540, 551, 562, 566, 568, 570, 572, 575, 579, 582, 586, 598, 601, , 616–617, 619–623, 627–628, 631–634, 636


Leyland 9, 46, 112, 166, 221, 232, 254, 298, 336, 348–351, 400, 436, 483, 522 libel xxiv, 63, 259, 317, 338, 347–350, 353, 358, 398 Liberation Society 56, 81, 137, 172, 282 Licensed Victuallers' Association 64, 138, 187, 222, 264, 334, 627 *Licensed Victuallers' Guardian* xxxi Lincoln 33 Literary and Philosophical Institute 234 literary tourism xxxvi, 233, 360–361, 420 Liverpool xxix, xxxvii, 27, 38–39, 52, 57, 61–63, 70, 79, 81, 84, 103, 108, 119, 123, 128, 138, 145, 163, 167, 170–171, 215, 235–236, 238, 247, 258, 267, 269, 271, 279–280, 286, 293, 301, 340, 356, 366, 378, 393, 406, 431, 441–442, 447, 449, 453, 457–458, 461, 463, 469, 514, 534, 540, 620, 624 *Liverpool Albion* 247 *Liverpool Courier* 119, 247 *Liverpool Daily Post* 119, 453 *Liverpool Mercury* xxxvii, 247 Liverpool Vet Society 279 Livesey, James 354, 622 Livesey, Joseph xix, 12–13, 15–16, 36, 103–104, 145, 246, 262–263, 283, 354, 472–474, 525, 622–623, 626 Livesey, William xix, 12, 16, 139, 178, 273, 288–289, 335, 388, 394, 398, 445, 472, 521, 623 Llandudno 237 London xvii, xxv, xxvi, xxviii, xxx, xxxii, xxxviii, 9, 27, 34, 45–46, 48–49, 52, 56, 63, 86, 103, 107–108, 113, 129–130, 136, 156, 158–159, 167, 170, 178, 204, 216, 220, 222, 235, 237, 248–250, 252–253, 255–258, 264, 271, 283, 310, 314, 316, 318–319, 326, 328, 343–345, 370, 378, 390, 406, 408–409, 415, 420, 425, 428, 447–448, 471,

	- 483

Manchester Royal School of Medicine 228 Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway Co 582 *Manchester Weekly Times* xxxvi Market Hotel 340, 399 Marlborough College 157 Marriott, Alice 27–28, 134 Martyn, Henry Julius 20, 88, 96, 106, 131, 623 Marx, Karl 58, 253, 344 McKay, James 521, 549, 562, 623 mechanics' institute 26, 43, 55, 56, 120, 124, 170, 244, 262, 324, 330, 369, 470, 486, 615. *See also* Avenham Institution, Harris Institute, Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge melancholy xxii, 5, 139–140, 145–146, 162, 212, 227, 235, 283, 295–296, 299, 369, 381, 553, 589, 649 *Melbourne Argus* 16 Methodist Free Church 56, 80, 108, 148 Middlesex 63, 222, 439, 622, 627 Mill Hill Ragged School 60, 162, 178, 601 Mill, John Stuart 301, 303, 339, 359–360, 364–366 Mitre Inn 314, 382, 395, 476, 497, 544, 599, 607 Mitre public house 417 Montaigne, Michel de xxxvi, 145, 292, 346 Morecambe xx, xxxvi, 8, 13, 36, 45, 120–121, 124, 210, 232, 245, 252, 283, 293–294, 296–297, 300, 311–313, 315–316, 327, 331, 334, 348, 359–360, 380, 386, 401–403, 409, 439, 448, 578, 589, 628 *Moreton Bay Courier* 63, 622 *Morning Advertiser* 109, 268 *Morning Herald* 83, 617 mourning 90, 333–334, 420 murder 36, 70, 72, 82, 85, 96, 111, 167, 176, 191, 193, 266, 436, 444, 563, 569, 579

Myerscough 152, 163, 221, 226, 364, 366–369, 371–373, 375–376, 381, 395, 404, 408–409, 438, 471, 514–515, 532–534, 546, 552, 564, 602–603, 606, 609, 624 National school 4 Newcastle xxvi, xxvii, 218, 342, 447, 474 *Newcastle Weekly Chronicle* xxvi, 447 New Cock Inn 56, 615 New Journalism xxiv *Newspaper Press Directory* xxxii, 445 Newton 35, 357, 502 New York xxxvi, xxxvii, 293, 431, 442, 453, 456, 461–462, 496, 526 *New York Times* 462 New Zealand 163, 594, 620, 624 Noblet, John 61, 95, 100, 139, 283, 313, 461, 463, 624 Nonconformist xxii, xxxvi, 7, 39, 50, 90, 94, 191, 216, 347, 417, 474, 540 *North Devon Herald* 86, 622 *Northern Echo* xxxi *Northern Press* 171 North Lancashire Collegiate School 502 North Lancashire Liberal Registration Association 447 Northumberland xxvii, 78, 238 North Union Hotel 265 Norwich 83, 108, 343, 377, 617 *Norwich Mercury* 83, 617 *Notes & Queries* xxxii, xxxvi, 215, 285, 287, 290 *Nottingham Daily Guardian* 616 Oakham Grammar School 204 Oakley, Annie 594 Oddfellows 87, 193, 232, 303. *See also* friendly societies Old Dog Inn 39, 52, 148, 621 Oldham 466 Old Holly Inn 586 Old Legs of Man Inn 572 Old Ridgway Coursing Club 269

opera xviii, 5, 126, 137, 139, 142, 174–175, 240, 284–285, 322, 370, 415, 424, 457, 484, 486, 505, 517, 624


415, 420, 439, 445–447, 452, 454, 466, 474, 478–479, 483, 487, 505, 511, 517, 537, 543, 547, 553, 560–561, 582, 597, 610, 617, 621, 628, 631–632, 635–636 advertising xxxviii, 198, 201, 231, 292–293, 309, 335–336, 445, 491, 557, 560, 597, 625 circulation/sales 178, 184, 192–194, 227, 232, 237, 296, 308, 380, 474, 491, 526, 544 premises 184, 201, 246, 275, 339, 391, 417 purchase of xix, xxi, xxxviii, 13, 15, 178–180, 183, 188, 192, 263, 310, 618 Preston Commercial School 207, 616 Preston Corporation 117, 187, 468, 589 *Preston Evening Express* 202 *Preston Evening News* 202 Preston Floral and Horticultural Society 213, 354, 616 Preston Grammar School 27, 94, 97, 156, 204, 590, 596 *Preston Guardian* xvii, xix, xxiv, xxv, xxvii, xxix, xxxiii, xxxiv, xxxvii, xxxviii, xlvi, 9, 12–13, 15–16, 19, 22–23, 27–28, 34–35, 38, 46, 60, 63, 67–68, 78–79, 82–83, 86, 98, 111–112, 122, 133, 159, 167, 177–178, 180, 183, 186, 226, 228, 232, 246–247, 260, 262, 265, 268, 287–288, 321, 363, 388, 397, 434, 445, 448, 452, 462, 478, 491, 526, 544, 560, 616–617, 622–623, 626, 631, 634–635 *Preston Herald* xix, xx, xxix, xxxii, xxxiii, xxxvii, xxxviii, xxxix, xlii, xlvi, 1, 9–10, 13, 36, 48, 58, 63, 68, 71, 83, 86–87, 97, 107, 119, 127, 129, 135, 151, 163, 167, 174, 178, 215, 226, 228, 260, 265, 283, 316, 321, 337, 355, 363, 375, 397–398, 422, 452, 454, 462, 479, 483, 491, 521, 526, 549, 560, 562, 605, 615–618, 622–623, 625, 631–632, 635

Preston Licensed Victuallers Association 268 Preston North End FC 263, 457, 484, 487, 494, 555, 606 Preston Orphan Sunday School 123 *Preston Pilot* xxix, 87, 312, 623 Preston Public Hall Company 291 Preston Reform Club 250, 260, 463, 480 Preston School of Art and Science 120, 171 Preston School of Science 47 Preston Temperance Society 142, 267, 310 Preston Union Workhouse 529, 554 Prince Albert Inn 169 printers xvi, xxiv, 6–7, 12, 16, 23, 69, 87, 112, 121, 124, 159, 171, 186, 201–202, 204, 207–208, 214, 220–221, 239–240, 242, 247–249, 255, 265, 269, 304, 311, 316, 335, 386, 388, 390, 401, 408, 548–549, 555, 615, 621, 623, 631, 633 proof-reading xxxii, 232, 471, 496, 558, 581, 604, 608 public houses 35, 62, 64, 108, 110, 118, 187, 252, 324, 362, 364, 366, 376, 417, 461, 507, 575, 586 *Punch* xxvi, 310, 395, 577, 600 Quakers 12, 26, 112, 159, 277, 429, 500, 577, 627 Queen's Hotel 249 Queenstown 442, 449 *Queen, The* 439 race xxxix, xl Railway Hotel 78 Railway Inn 190 Rawcliffe, John 128, 215, 264, 296, 351, 354–355, 363, 370–372, 408–409, 534, 625 Red Lion Hotel 32, 36 Regatta Inn 14, 294 religious beliefs xvi, xix, xxii, xxiii, xxviii, xxxiv, xxxix, 7, 57, 64, 76, 90, 138, 142, 159, 164, 167, 188, 227,

246, 250, 253, 259, 264, 270, 289, 299, 342, 355, 373, 395, 554 reporters xv, xvi, xvii, xviii, xix, xx, xxv, xxvi, xxvii, xxix, xxx, xxxi, xxxii, xxxiii, xxxiv, xxxv, xxxvii, xxxviii, xlii, 1, 8, 12–14, 16, 19, 22–23, 25, 28, 31, 35, 48, 58, 63, 67–68, 71, 78–79, 83, 86–88, 97–98, 103, 106–108, 118–119, 123, 127, 133, 139, 146, 151, 153, 167–168, 170, 177, 180, 183, 186–187, 191, 193, 209, 212, 219, 226, 228, 246, 258, 260, 267, 271, 283, 294, 303, 314–315, 321, 363, 374, 389, 433–434, 438, 441, 447, 466, 491, 496, 500, 504, 515–516, 532, 543, 616–617, 621–623, 626, 631, 634–637, 641 Ribble river 22, 34, 37, 40, 51, 87, 90, 96, 100, 104, 106, 112–113, 117, 125, 138, 177, 187, 190, 296, 312, 316, 326, 352, 435, 438, 445, 452, 479, 525, 589, 591, 593, 597, 601, 619, 635 Rich's public house 108 Rifle Volunteers 136, 222, 252, 277, 281, 617, 621 Rigg's Hotel 310 Ripon 104 Ritualism 118, 134–135 rivalry between newspapers xviii, xxiv, xxxiii, 68, 78, 135, 170, 202, 287, 326, 335, 397, 402, 445, 494, 544, 631 Rochdale xvii, xli, 108, 215, 346 Rodgett, John Lord 46, 74, 82, 91, 96, 179, 266, 312, 348, 390, 485, 538, 625 Roebuck Hotel 171 Roman Catholic xxviii, xxxi, xxxiii, 26–27, 33, 44, 59, 61, 68, 73, 78, 90, 93, 95, 100, 105, 109, 138, 144–145, 155, 170–172, 175, 186, 188, 195, 202, 204, 212, 215, 239, 243–244, 260, 270–271, 282, 303, 331, 423, 469, 540, 550, 582, 618, 620, 624 Rome 114, 118, 166, 431–432, 441–442 Rosie 487, 596. *See also* Hewitson, Rosalie Roskell, Arrowsmith & Kendalls Bank 195 Rossall School 157 Rotterdam 583 Royal Agricultural Society 189, 510, 515 Royal British Hotel 233 Royal Irish Constabulary 188 Royal North Lancashire Agricultural Society 43, 159, 164, 216, 245–246 Ruskin, John xxxvi, 442, 488, 497, 625 Sala, George Augustus xxx, xxxiii, xxxvii, xlii, 452, 476 Salford 9, 108–109, 176, 406 Salvation Army 451, 540–541, 578 Samlesbury 190, 231, 625 *Scotsman*, the 45, 58, 69 Scott, C.P. xvii, 120, 168 Scott, Walter xxii, 233 séances 221, 286, 301, 342. *See also* spiritualism Sedbergh xix, 3 Sedgwick New Gunpowder works 383 Sefton Church 356 servants xl, xli, 22–23, 25, 70, 86, 93, 96, 109, 114, 118–119, 129, 152, 162, 166, 173, 193, 205, 207, 210, 212, 219, 236, 252, 283, 285, 298, 301, 305, 315, 332, 349, 369, 392, 434, 467, 469, 472, 477–480, 492–493, 495, 505, 509, 514–515, 517, 522, 527–528, 534, 543, 561–562, 573–574, 578, 581, 585, 596, 598, 600–603, 605 Sevenoaks 202, 248–249, 257, 478, 619 Shakespeare, William xxiii, 7, 32, 49, 342, 577 Shard Bridge Hotel 226 Sharman, William 488, 493, 530, 533, 625


Station Hotel 278 St Augustine's Catholic Chapel 171 St Cuthbert's Church 90 Stead, W.T. xxx, xxxi, xxxvi, xlii, 519 St George's Church 63, 105, 405, 417, 421, 424–430, 435–437, 440–442, 446, 448, 450–451, 453–458, 461–462, 464–466, 474, 477–478, 480–481, 485, 487, 489, 492–494, 496, 500, 504, 586 St Ignatius Catholic Church 77, 107, 127 St Ignatius's Girls' School 382 Stirling 81 St James's Church 97 St John's Churchyard 29 St Mary's Church 92 St Mary's School 137, 143 *Stockton and Hartlepool Mercury* 86, 622 Stoke Newington 237 Stoke-on-Trent 103, 129 Stonyhurst school xxxiii, 59, 100, 113, 134, 189, 319, 429, 436, 451, 471, 520, 636 St Paul's Church 91 St Peter's Church 184 St Peter's schools 119 *Stratford-on Avon Herald* 398 strikes 102, 156, 202, 249–250, 265–266 St Saviour's Church 84, 126 St Thomas's Church 123 St Walburge's Catholic Church 113, 126, 290 St Walburge's School 498 St Wilfrid's Catholic Church 98, 322 St Wilfrid's Convent School 271 sub-editing xvi, xxxii, 16, 68, 86, 99, 123, 131, 152, 160, 169, 180, 191, 206, 219, 221, 226, 241–242, 256, 267, 280, 317, 360, 397, 441, 451, 454, 519, 527, 546–547, 553–554, 557–558, 561–570, 572–582, 586, 589, 591, 595, 597, 600–601,

*Sunday Chronicle* xxxvi Sunday School xxxix, 24, 123, 159, 330, 340, 621


269, 278–279, 291–293, 375, 515, 609, 636 Typographical Association 196, 202, 207–208, 247, 266, 549 Typographical Society 171 UK Association of Organised Trades 168 Ulverston 140, 310, 343, 440, 566, 589 umbrellas 4, 87, 97, 163 United Methodist Free Church 56, 108, 148 United States xx, xxxiv, 445, 483 *Universe* xxxi, 73, 77, 103, 169 vestry (select) 29, 97, 147 Victoria Hotel 306 wages xix, 3, 5, 9, 28, 63, 81, 87, 122, 134–136, 214, 217, 243, 245, 247, 249, 301, 389, 392, 398, 408, 434, 495, 512, 514, 522, 529, 593, 602, 605 of reporters xix, 9, 63, 389, 434 Wakefield xx, xxxii, xxxvi, xxxix, xlii, 26, 375, 519, 632 *Wakefield Herald* xx, xxxii, xxxix, xlii, 632 Wales xxvii, 4, 63, 73, 102, 106, 148, 216, 235, 237, 243, 303, 378, 408, 510, 514–516 Walton, Henry Crane 28, 54, 90, 96, 129, 157, 166, 184, 186, 397, 411, 414, 436, 446, 462, 485, 504, 567, 626–627 Ware, Joseph xli, 222, 226, 268, 306, 333–334, 341–342, 349, 364, 627 Warrington 13, 35, 79, 157, 174, 191, 293, 519, 621, 626 *Warrington Examiner* 13, 79, 191, 519, 621, 626 Warton Church 13 Washington Hotel 405 Waterloo 52, 222, 356, 584, 617 Watson, Robert Green 46, 56, 62, 114–115, 216, 220, 231, 299, 311, 366, 627

Waverley Temperance Hotel 249 weasel 562 *Weekly Despatch* xxxvi Wensleydale 3 Wesley, John xxii, 249 West Bromwich 208, 224, 606 West Lancashire Freemasons 225 Westminster 59, 127, 249, 344, 406, 471, 493, 495, 530, 595 *Westminster Review* 59 Westmorland xxv, xxvii, 14, 38, 86, 207 West Riding xx, 2, 76, 95, 396, 556, 633 West View Hotel 252 Wheat Sheaf Inn 558 Whitehaven 16, 431 White Horse public house 364, 376 Whitewell 112, 219 Whitewell Inn 112 Whitsuntide 24–25, 93, 154, 360, 431, 464 Whittingham Asylum xxxv, 212 Whittle School 206 Wigan xxix, 82, 87, 111, 128, 167, 294, 314–315, 347, 371, 466, 476, 502, 535, 623 *Wigan Herald* 87, 623 William III of Orange xxi, 24, 155 Willie 457, 458. *See also* Hewitson, William Wilson, John 72, 162, 206, 212, 232, 244, 271–272, 282, 284, 399, 450, 539, 627

Wilson, Joseph 13–14, 50, 69–70, 81, 109, 111, 121, 190, 201, 220, 327, 360, 409, 417, 628, 636 Wilson, Joseph R. 35, 209, 220, 334, 363, 366, 396, 408, 508, 559, 588, 597–598, 608–609, 628 Wilson-Patten, John 34, 43, 158, 279, 303, 324, 348, 471 Windermere 310, 440, 472 Wolverhampton xix, 12–13, 631, 634–635 Wolverton 158 women's suffrage xl, 276. *See also* feminism Woodplumpton 99, 294–295, 322, 324, 334, 404, 540, 554, 573, 591, 597 workhouses xli, 22, 36, 40–41, 93, 123, 125, 129, 147, 184, 186, 243, 308, 355, 522, 529, 554, 615 working man's candidates 344–345 Wray Green 240–248, 250–252, 355, 520 Wrea Green 240, 520. *See* Wray Green Wrexham xxvii York 12, 170, 465, 634–635 Yorkshire xvi, xvii, xviii, xxxvi, 2–3, 8, 12, 77, 95, 112, 125, 196, 252, 396, 431, 475, 484, 520, 524, 556, 581, 633 *Yorkshire Post* xvii, 484

*Yorkshire Weekly Post* xxxvi

# About the Team

Alessandra Tosi was the managing editor for this book.

Rosalyn Sword performed the copy-editing and proofreading.

Lucy Barnes compiled the index and took care of the final edits.

Anna Gatti designed the cover. The cover was produced in InDesign using the Fontin font.

Luca Baffa typeset the book in InDesign and produced the paperback and hardback editions. The text font is Palatino Linotype; the heading font is Californian FB. Luca produced the EPUB, AZW3, PDF, HTML, and XML editions — the conversion is performed with open source software such as pandoc (https://pandoc.org/) created by John MacFarlane and other tools freely available on our GitHub page (https://github.com/ OpenBookPublishers).

# This book need not end here…

#### Share

All our books — including the one you have just read — are free to access online so that students, researchers and members of the public who can't afford a printed edition will have access to the same ideas. This title will be accessed online by hundreds of readers each month across the globe: why not share the link so that someone you know is one of them?

This book and additional content is available at: https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0262

#### Donate

Open Book Publishers is an award-winning, scholar-led, not-for-profit press making knowledge freely available one book at a time. We don't charge authors to publish with us: instead, our work is supported by our library members and by donations from people who believe that research shouldn't be locked behind paywalls.

Why not join them in freeing knowledge by supporting us: https://www. openbookpublishers.com/support-us

Like Open Book Publishers

Follow @OpenBookPublish

Read more at the Open Book Publishers

# You may also be interested in:

**A Fleet Street in Every Town The Provincial Press in England, 1855-1900** *Andrew Hobbs*

https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0152

#### **William Sharp and "Fiona Macleod" A Life** *William F. Halloran*

https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0276

# **Verdi in Victorian London**

*Massimo Zicari*

https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0090

# THE DIARIES OF ANTHONY HEWITSON Volume 1: 1865–1887 PROVINCIAL JOURNALIST

# EDITED BY ANDREW HOBBS

Anthony Hewitson (1836-1912) was a typical Victorian journalist, working in one of the largest sectors of the periodical press, provincial newspapers. His diaries, wri� en between 1862 and 1912, li� the veil of anonymity hiding the people, processes and networks involved in the crea� on of Victorian newspapers. They also tell us about Victorian fatherhood, family life, and the culture of a Victorian town.

Diaries of nineteenth-century provincial journalists are extremely rare. Anthony Hewitson went from printer's appren� ce to newspaper reporter and eventually editor of his own paper. Every night he jo� ed down the day's doings, his thoughts and feelings. The diaries are a lively account of the reporter's daily round, covering mee� ngs and court cases, hun� ng for gossip or a� ending public execu� ons and variety shows, in and around Preston, Lancashire.

Andrew Hobbs's introduc� on and footnotes provide background and analysis of these valuable documents. This full scholarly edi� on off ers a wealth of new informa� on about repor� ng, freelancing, sub-edi� ng, newspaper ownership and publishing, and illuminates aspects of Victorian periodicals and culture extending far beyond provincial newspapers.

*The Diaries of Anthony Hewitson, Provincial Journalist* are an indispensable research tool for local and regional historians, as well as social and poli� cal historians with an interest in Victorian studies and the media. They are also illumina� ng for anyone interested in nineteenth-century social and cultural history.

This is the author-approved edi� on of this Open Access � tle. As with all Open Book publica� ons, this en� re book is available to read for free on the publisher's website. Printed and digital edi� ons, together with supplementary digital material, can also be found at h� p://www.openbookpublishers.com

Cover image: Anthony Hewitson's carte de visite (1860s), by Robert Pateson. Courtesy of The Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library, Preston. Licence: CC BY-NC-ND. Cover design by Anna Ga� .

**OBP**

THE DIARIES OF ANTHONY HEWITSON,

**ANDREW HOBBS (ED.)**

PROVINCIAL JOURNALIST

**THE DIARIES OF** 

**ANTHONY HEWITSON,** 

**PROVINCIAL JOURNALIST**

**EDITED BY ANDREW HOBBS**