The Diaries of Arthur Rodgers Winnington Ingram – Diary 1 1907 – 1908
The Rector Arthur Rogers Winnington-Ingram, while rector at Lassington, kept diaries recording his activities on a day to day basis. The diaries were hand written and to suggest that his hand was difficult to read would be something of an under statement. Jean Rosam, who lives in Highnam, took on the onerous task of transcribing it. Jean has done an amazing job, as can be seen below. There were some words that even defeated Jean and she has indicated those words with a question mark. We do have a copy of the original diary for those who are interested.
Diary 1 – Notes on Sport and Natural History by A R Winnington-Ingram
1907
May 17
Went to Hereford and fished in the Wye at Belmont, catching 6 fish with March Brown and maggot. Too cold a wind to do much.
May 22nd
Went to Ledbury to the judging of the ? hounds and afterwards to lunch at the Upper Hall with Sir William and Lady Mildred Cooke.
May 27th
Went to Ireland and stayed out 2 Sundays heard ? Mermaid Concert, saw Exhibition, Irish Language Procession, ? Mallingar, Castlebar, ? Took 13 trout with the fly. Vale of Avoca, ? town etc.;? Went to Hallow (?) to wedding Francis Woods’ daughter Ethel. Brought Admiral Sir Compton Domvile back to Lassington who stayed with me till Monday afternoon.
June 26
Rode the ? horse round by Kents Green. Picked the grass vetch Lathyrus Nissolia on Highleadon Green at the top end (?). Lent Martin Crump one hundred pounds for three months without interest.
July 8th
Went to Cheltenham with Miss Wheeler to the Wild flower Gardens at Pittville where we saw some very good cranesbills and vetches etc.
July 10th
Went to see Sidney Stait who is ill the morning. In the afternoon rode the grey horse with Miss Wheeler who cycled over the bridge at Hartpury Mill then to the Hill House where I saw Charlie Bernard making hay who showed me his thoroughbred horses, and garden with good roses etc and the house which was built in AD1400 then I rode home seeing on the way the new kennels where are 25 couple of fox-hounds. Saw the Yellow Mellilot and ??? near the Brick House Barn.
July 13th
While riding the grey horse near Mr Ellis at Minsterworth I saw a lesser spotted woodpecker climbing up a plum tree.
July 15th
Fished in the Severn at Tewkesbury, took 19 fish with ?? and ? and maggot. Saw a reed warbler.
July 17th
Fished above Hereford in the Wye with Miss Wheeler took 9 fish with the fly and maggot the two best fish 1lb 10oz and 1lb and 6oz. A level day. Saw the Common Alexander and the Giant Bell Flower.
July 20th
Went for 1st time North Forest Rural Deanery.
July 23rd
Took 6 fish out of Highnam lake with grubs. Went to Bishop’s Garden party.
July 24th
Took 8 fish out of Highnam lake with fly and maggot on the tail of ?
July 25th
Drove with Miss Wheeler through Minsterworth and round by St John’s point found the ?? and Trefolium medium zigzag clover. Also woundwort etc.
July 29th
Went to Bewdley with Miss Wheeler on the way we saw Hallam Park. The Kennels of the Worcestershire Hounds near Fearnal Heath. Westwood; at Kidderminster stop I saw Lord Coventry. Being came to Bewdley we went to the George Hotel and drove thence to Ribbesford saw the ? Orchard, the Ribbesford Oak was blown down some 18 months ago. Saw the ? the family monuments, old pillars family pulpit etc. (note: Dr. Arthur Foley Winnington-Ingram, Bishop of London, was born at Ribbesford in 1858. Presumably a relative ) Noticed the avenue of ? roses and the lime trees and copper beach and yews. We were shown only Ribbesford House by the butler in the absence of Mr Lees-Milne, the kitchen has been converted into the dining room. We then went over the garden conducted by the head Gardener ? ? We saw the tank into which my father fell when a boy and was nearly drowned, then we walked back by the side of the Severn looking back to catch the beautiful effect of the House and meadows and the dark wooded hills in the background. Saw Blackstone Rock and so walked back to Bewdley. Noticing Winterdyn(e) the house which at one time was the Dowager house of the Winnington family. After leaving Bewdley Station we noticed the Devil’s Spittleful. (Adjoining the railway from Kidderminster to Bewdley on the sandy ground near Spring Grove is a tumulus called Devils Spittleful. It is said that the Devil was going to dam up the Severn and carried the earth forming this tumulus on his spade for the purpose, but losing his way he dropped it down here.)
August 5th – Monday
August Took 2 fish with the fly out of the Leadon.
August 6th Tuesday
Went fishing to Hereford with Miss Wheeler. Owing to the chillness of the water I only took one chub about 11oz and rose and missed one ? Went to see St Michael’s Catholic Church Belmont. Found three sorts of Willow herb flowers near the Wye The Rose Bay Epilobium Augustifolium, The Common Willow herb and the Small Willow herb. Saw Hereford Cathedral.
August 9th Friday
Went fishing with Miss Wheeler in the Severn at Tewkesbury the wind was very high and the water rather chill but I took eleven fish with the Zulu fly, but I was told that a reddish fly would have been better there.
? three fish up to date this summer. Took 1 fish out of Highnam lake about 15th.
August 19th Monday Went to Worcester. Foregate St and drove with Miss Wheeler to Stanford Court ( Stanford Court is the ancestral home of the Winnington Baronets) admired the beautiful country picked nettle leaved bell flower, and Ploughman’s Spikenard etc on the way. Saw the ? ? ? ? Winnington, and of
Sir Francis Winnington Bt. The stuffed head of the horse on which the man rode who took the news of the ? to Sir Francis. Circles of ? etc in the Hall. The Great Cedar. The lake is now after 27 years again dry and has been planted with ? and the ? harvesting them in the midst of the bed of the lake presented a strange and unusual spectacle. Saw the Shrubbery. Saw a sugar maple. Had tea at Stanford Bridge Inn, saw the Mill and had a beautiful drive home in the evening. It was a lovely day the views very pleasing.
August 24th
Fished in the Wye at Hereford with Miss Wheeler took 8 fish with the Zulu fly, a large fish broke off my fly under the large willows near the town.
August 27th
Took a dace with the fly out of Leadon.
August 30th
Fishing the Wye above Ross took 7 fish with the Zulu fly. 4 best fish were 18oz, 15oz, 12oz and 8½oz. The day was dull or we should have taken many more. ? also there may ? in the ?
September 10th
Went to the Elijah as Steward of the Gloucester Musical Festival, took Miss Wheeler. Meet many friends at the Club etc.
September 12
Took Miss Wheeler and Roger Oldnall fishing to Ross where we took with the fly 5 fish. I took 3 of them. Best fish were 1.11 1lb 3oz 1lb 2oz. I took the big one who fought hard a long time.
September 13th
Went to the Messiah taking Miss Wheeler and Roger Oldnall. Lunch at the New Inn.
September 19
Went fishing in the Severn at ? but not much good there took ten small chub with the fly. Total fish up to date 103. Almost all with the fly.
September 23 to 27th
Went with Miss Wheeler to Clevedon saw Wells, Glastonbury then to Weston saw Sanatorium Winnington- Ingram Ward, then to Cardiff, saw Castle and Llandaff Cathedral; saw a great fish swimming up Severn near old Sharpness.
October 5th
At the meeting of the North Forest Rural Deanery I was asked to be Secretary for the Diocesan magazine in the place of Mr Selby and accepted.
October 6th Sunday
The Bishop of Gloucester dedicated the new Memorial window which I have caused to be put into Lassington Church in memory of my wife. The Bishop, Sir William and Lady Guise, Charles Brown and Mrs Brown came to tea at the rectory afterwards.
October 8th
Went to Sion with Miss Wheeler came to Kidderminster and drove to Harvington Hall an old brick mansion in ruins built about Elizabeth’s time standing in about 2 acres of water, in which are wild fowl, and fish; it belongs to Sir William Throckmorton. Saw the place where Father Wall was hidden in the time of the persecution in Charles 2nds reign. Also the old kennels of Lady Margarite (Margarita) Yeats (Yate) which were used about 1650-70 saw Sion (?) the pool with rainbow trout which would not take that day. Saw Roger and Frances, and Mr and Mrs Sculthorpe. Sion is about 300 years old, and has been in the Oldnall family for 100 years. There are 380 acres round the house and good grounds and gardens there is also the Comberton Hall Estate belonging to the family, but the estate at Stone has been sold. On the way home we saw the monument to ? ? and the 1st Mr Oldnall ? and to Jack ? Got home at about ten pm.
October 15th
While out shooting at Malswick, at lunch time I shot a trout in my ? food (?) which measured 18 inches in length and weighed 1lb 7oz. This I gave to G Brown at Cheltenham, on the 16th when I lunched with him and Mrs Brown, Father Brown (?) Mrs L B and Jessie Buchannan.
October 21st
Went with Miss Wheeler to Ireland where we saw Antrim town, Antrim Castle, ? Castle, Lough Neagh and went in a boat on it. Also we saw Belfast and Lisburn.
October 31st
I shot a most beautiful pheasant out of a pit (?) at Kent’s Green he had a blue mark on his back and blue patches on his wings.
November 7th
I rode the grey horse to the meet of Mr Gordon Cannings Hounds at the Wood Gates Newent. A fox was found in ?? Wood and run into Newent Wood; I saw ? ? ? ? and ? (I think these are all probably names) The grey horse went pretty well but was very fidgety.
November 21st
Went pike fishing in the Wye at Ross. I had two runs from a fish with live bait, but the bait was so large that the pike fail to swallow the bait and so I lost him.
November 23rd
Went pike fishing in Highnam lake with the spoon bait took two one about 3lbs and another about 2lbs. There do not seem to be many pike there now.
November 25th
Got the Bay horse from ? in excellent condition. Sent the grey to King’s Head.
November 28th
Went hunting with Gordon Cannings hounds to the Glass House, on the Bay horse. The hounds soon found and ran a fox in the wood. I met Mrs J Guise, ? Mr Whatley, ? ? etc. I rode home by Cliffords Mesne and Anthony’s Cross. A lovely day.
December
Went hunting with Gordon Cannings Hounds at Pipers Grove.
December
Went hunting with the Ledbury Hounds Redmarley. Went through Hartpury and back by Upleadon.
1908
January 3rd
Saw about 10 wild ducks flying over Over in the direction of Elmore.
January 8th
I have been told today that on Dec 31st 1907 Mr Howard Bennett killed with one barrel two wild geese on his farm at Churcham. One goose was 5 feet 1 ” from tip to tip of his wings and weighed 7lbs the other weighed 5lbs.
January 13th
I went with Miss Wheeler to the induction and institution of Mr Harding at Churcham Church, where I met the Bishop, Archdeacon, Canon Horton (?) etc.
January 14th
Heard a paper by John Sawyer at the Cotswold Club Meeting from which and from the ensuing discussion I gathered the following. That the Roman General Aulus Plautius was succeeded by Ostorius Scapula, who in his turn was succeed by Aulus Deus (Didius Gallus) about 50AD. About that time a camp was made at Walham, and perhaps at Kingsholm but when it was found that the camp at Kingsholm was subject to flooding, the city of Glevum was built, but the great city walls were not constructed for some years afterwards. A camp was also made on Vineyard Hill to command the passage of the river and to keep open the communication along the Via Julia with Caerwent, and Caerleon, and to give the alarm in case of the approach of the savage tribes from Wales. It is probable that these camps were on the sites of Neolithic and British Camps. Vitruvius, the roman engineer used to make the road with a turn to the left close to his camps so that the right sides of the enemies soldiers which were unprotected by their shields were exposed to the weapons of the Romans in the camps.
January 20th
Went to Valley Hotel Anglesey with Miss Wheeler, Roger Oldnall and ? The weather was mild and bright but not quite cold enough for wild fare.
January 21st
2 shoots (?) which were driven and I killed right and left 1 rabbit, 1 wood pigeon the latter killed by R Oldnall
January 22nd
Went ? along the shores of the Straits of Holyhead the ducks, ? ? etc not within shot.
January 23rd
Went to lakes where we could not get near the ducks. But ? shot a coot, and I bagged ? ? ? ?
January 24th
Went to the big marsh where I bagged 4 snipes, 2 pheasants 1 moor hen, and 1 rabbit out of a hedge on the way we saw Snowdon, and also Ponterwyd where is a chapel near a river in which persons are baptised in the summer near a mill, and the people stand on the bridge to look on.
January 26th
Went hunting with Gordon Canning’s hounds at Huntley
January 31st
Went hunting with the Ledbury Hounds at Hartpury, meet at Canning Arms the Hounds Afterwards came to Lassington and killed a fox by the hunting bridge.
February 6th
Rode the Bay Horse to Grange Court to hunt with Gordon Canning’s hounds rode round by Chaxhill. The hounds came in the evening to Pipers Grove and afterwards found a fox at Lassington
February 7th
Went to the meet at Barbers Bridge and rode about Highnam.
February 10th Monday
Rode the bay horse to ? ? to meet the Ledbury Hounds. Rode back to Collin Park where the hounds ran out of the bottom of the wood and ? the ? House.
February 14th
Rode the Bay Horse to see the Ledbury Hounds; saw them hunting along Corse Bank, they then turned up for Hasfield then turned back for Corse Bank, I came home through Hartpury and Maisemore. 10th day
February 20th
Rode the Bay Horse to Newent Wood to see Gordon Canning’s Hounds, found a great number of foxes and saw ? ? ? (names) etc rode back by Taynton. Saw a kestrel sitting in a tree about 25 yards from me, saw a sulphur butterfly in the Wood.
Miss wheeler got a Grey African Parrot about 8 months old from ? at ?
February 24th Monday
Went hunting on the Bay Horse with the Ledbury Hounds in Collin Park. Saw Henry Baker, ? Phillips and Bobby Canning. Saw a stoat run across the road.
March 2nd Monday
Went hunting on the Bay Horse with the Ledbury Hounds the meet was of the Conigree Newent, I rode to the Acorn Wood which was drawn blank and then down by Cliffords Mesne and so on to Anthony’s Cross and back by Kents Green and Tibberton I picked at Newent Wood a plant of the Madder ?
March 6th
Went hunting with the Ledbury Hounds on the Bay Horse rode round by Hartpury post office Limbury the Church Coppice and Hartpury House, and by Maisemore. Cold rough day.
March 9th Monday
Left home on the Bay horse at 12.15 rode to Huntley and about 2pm to meet, Miss Gordon Canning rear the Red Lion and presently Mr G Canning and his hounds came up, the meet having been at the Lea ?; then we went to Birdwood coppice found a fox and ran him by Churcham Bully Highnam Wood etc to Lassington Roddy Hill.
March 10th
Signed my new will at the Bank.
March 12th
This day at about 8.15am poor dear old Timmie died in his box in front of the fire in the dining room. He had been suffering for about three weeks from senile decay. I was with him at the end; as soon as I had placed him in his box near the fire to warm him he groaned twice, stretched himself out and ceased to breath. This intellectual and affectionate cat, was brought to Lassington Rectory by the servants in the end of May or beginning of June 1889, and when my wife and myself returned from Torrington and Ilfracombe in the beginning of June we found Timmie, a pretty little kitten in the kitchen; for many years he was our constant companion in the dining room, and would come up stairs to the bedrooms the first thing in the morning, he lay on my wife’s bed in all her illnesses; was under the bed at the moment of her death. Poor Timmie was a universal favourite from his pleasing expression of countenance and mild and affectionate disposition. He was a large cat, tabby on his back and top of his head with a white face throat, belly and legs, and paws. He was extremely intelligent and understood nearly everything which was said. He was so fond of fish that at the sound of that word he would come running to me and when he heard the click of any fishing reel he would expect to receive his favourite food, also at the report of my gun he would look out for a sparrow. He was very fond asparagus, pigeon, ? and rabbit, and would eat ? Poor Timmie lived with us at the Rectory for nearly 19 years, being 19 years old all but about two months. I am most deeply grieved at his death. He was ill about three weeks, during which time he received the most kind, careful and constant attention from Miss Wheeler and from my self, poor Timmie seemed by his patient and affectionate manner to fully appreciate the tenderness which was shown him; and which he deserved much better than many human beings. Surely such an amiable and affectionate spirit as that of poor old Timmie cannot be lost to us for ever!
March 13th
At about 11.30 I carried poor Timmie to his grave in the Wilderness. Miss Wheeler followed carrying Dick and Sidney Staite with some white flowers ? etc. Timmie was buried next to poor Toby. The last sparrow which I shot for him and which he had not strength to eat was buried with him. R.I.P
March 16th to 20th
We went to London stayed at GWR Hotel Paddington. Saw ? ? ? (names) Buckingham Palace and guards, Lord Roberts. United Service Institute, Rotten Row, Tate Gallery. Zoological Gardens. Westminster Cathedral. Brompton Oratory etc. St Patrick’s Day concert at Albert Hall.
Mach 23rd
I rode the Bay Horse to Dymock 4 ? where I saw the Ledbury hunting in the woods. Sir William Cooke having broken his arm on the 21st was out in a carriage driven by Lady Mildred, when the hounds came near him in full cry he stood up and blew his ? holding it in his unbroken arm. It was a lovely warm day.
March 28th
Today Miss Wheeler bought me a very pretty kitten 3 months old, of a grey tabby, light on the back and darker in the legs, and banded in a remarkable manner. We brought him back in the carriage and he seems very docile and playful. He is to be named Timmie after poor old Timmie, may he be as good as his predecessor.
April 3rd
Went with Miss Wheeler to Harvington saw Monuments ? the Orchard Wall etc. saw the new Rector and his wife Mr Davenport from Wichenford, who wrote the history of the Washbourn (?) family. Saw the rectory farm which is occupied by Mr ?, saw violets, wallflowers etc growing on it. Walked down Green Street a good deal of which is in market gardens. Met Mr Penney. Went to the Rectory and saw the garden etc Met Mrs J Bullock. Went to Evesham and drove past Woodnorton, saw the magnificent gilded gates with the arms of France upon them. Noticed the high corrugated iron fencing by the road, and the high wire fencing of ? work with spikes curving on the top to keep in the wild stags which I saw had gnawed up the bark of the trees a good deal had tea at the Crown Hotel, and saw St Lawrence and All Saints churches. (Evesham)
April 9th Thursday
Drove in the Victoria to ? with Miss Wheeler to pick daffodils, walked thence to see a cave in the sandstone rock near there where one Crackett was hidden when search was being made for him in the reign of Mary Tudor. Another Protestant name Horne who was taken was burnt alive in the hall of Old Court Newent. But Crackett (?) escaped this fate. On the way home we called upon Mrs ? at Long Croft Taynton.
April 13th
Fished in the Wye at Ross from a boat with March Brown, a green bodied fly and small black ?, and took 14 finks (?) and a fine large grayling about 12 inches long and 14oz in weight which I hooked on a heavy stream below Wilton Bridge. I also hooked a large one but lost him. A trout ? took and broke off my tail fly. A bitter cold day. Not kind.
April 14th
When the finks (?) were being cleaned the water in the bowl was full of March Browns which had been washed out of them: (Note) while fishing in the Wye at Ross on the 13th I saw a number of sand martins some black headed buntings, and a Gray’s (?) wagtail. I was told that a ? had been seen the previous week.
April 19th Easter Sunday
Saw the Cotteswold Hills white with snow in the afternoon. Roger Oldnall staying with me.
April 23rd
Went in the carriage with Roger Oldnall to see the ? at Minsterworth.
April 24th
Drove with Roger Oldnall to Hownall and walked thence to the top of May Hill whence we obtained a fine view, but suddenly there came a violent storm of hail and snow which hid the hill in darkness; but we had lunch on the top and walked back in bright sunshine, and so to the Furnace where we had tea with Emma? and Mrs Mears. During the walk I picked twenty one sorts of flowers, and so came back to Barbers Bridge Station and home.
April 29th
Took Mr Weighill (?) with me to see Sir William Cooke’s horses at Ledbury and selected one a Bay gelding named Jack (?) To be bid for at Tattersells for my use for riding. We saw about 30 horses some of them very good.
April 30th
Rode the Bay Horse to Kents Green today I have seen a Blackcap, and swallows and ? martins, and heard the Nightingale.
May 4th
Bought a bay gelding named Saint at Sir William Cooke’s sale at Tattersall’s 8 years old for 64.1 the horse has been hunted by the whips and huntsman of the Ledbury Hounds this season. Mr Wheeler bought him for me.
May 11th
Rode Sambo to Taynton Rectory then to the Grove where I saw Mr Hyslop and then I galloped the horse in the fields.
May 12th
Went with the Cotteswold Club to Cirencester. We drove from Kemble and saw deposits of Corn Brash by the road it was full of wells (?) We next saw the place where the Thames is said to rise called the head of Isis but the Thames is also said to rise near Broadway, and at the Severn Springs near Cheltenham. We then passed by the Royal Agricultural College. Then we saw the roman Amphitheatre called the Bull Ring. Then the Corinium Museum, is which is some wonderful pavement. Then to Lord Bathurst’s (?) farm where we saw a splendid Roman pavement in situ. Then drove up the park, returning noticed St. Cecilia’s Convent, now a dwelling house but which gave the name to Cecily Hill, it was down this that Rupert charged the parliament Troops in 1643. Then to King’s head to lunch. I went to Pope’s Seat, then saw the Scots Guards playing polo with the Cirencester team. I could hear in the park the sound of the artillery firing on Salisbury Plain I saw two teams of oxen 6 in a team, which had been working the land with ‘drags’. I saw the oxen unharnessed and called by name to water and food.
May 17th
Went to clerical Meeting at Hartpury vicarage, ??? on made me long to get out to it.
May 18th
Took Miss Wheeler to Chippenham a town of 8000 people on the Avon: here the market of 11000 cows is ? Saw the church some good glass in it. Drove from Angel Hotel by Derry Hill; the Golden Gates by Bowood park, by Spye Park Gates to Sloperton Cottage where Thomas Moore lived from 1817-1852, and where he wrote some of his melodies which were not finished till 1834. Saw the poets Walk, the Study, dining room, and bedroom where he died then to Bromham Church where we saw the memorial window of the Last Judgement in memory of Moore and the fine memorial Cross which I saw unveiled in 1906. Walked down a little path pathed with stone from Bromham Rectory to Sloperton Cottage gate where I took of my hat to the Genius of Moore. While at Bromham we could hear the sound of artillery at Salisbury Plain. Noticed Roundway Hill where the royalists defeated the parliament troops 1643. Also saw the White Horse on a hill in the distance and noticed some most picturesque cottages of stone and thatch on the Bowood Estate. Found the Geranium Rotundifolium.
May 25
Went to fish in the ? at Ross very cold and rough wind for the time of year took 11 chub and dace with Zulu and yellow ? flies, a big fish broke my tackle Miss Wheeler went with me. We saw Edward WJ and travelled back with the Bishop of Hereford.
May 28
Rode Sambo to Kent’s Green to lunch and the Bay Horse on round by the Mill. The horses were taken back and brought by Harold on his bicycle.
May 29th
Fished in the Wye at Ross took 9 fish with Zulu and yellow ? the best being a chub about 1¼. 4 ? were good fish. ? a roach who took the ? fly.
May 30th
Had the light coloured Jersey Cow destroyed after 19 days illness after every means had been used for her recovery; she had become paralysed in her back after milk fever.
June 1st
Went to Sligo saw Lough Gill, Sligo Abbey etc from Dublin went to Bray the Sugar Loaf; The Curragh, and The Boyne. 6 trout with fly 3 ??
June 14th
Found the Great Butterfly Orchid, Platanthera chlorantha growing by the side of the railway at Lassington.
June 19th Went fishing at Ross with Miss Wheeler, took 8 fish with Zulu and yellow ? best fish 14oz.
June 21st Sunday
Took a walk in the evening with Miss Wheeler, and during it we picked 53 sorts of flowers including the Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera. Timmie Junior, the grey cat came with us for about 2½, and having caught a mouse on the railway carried home in triumph the last portion of the way. I having previously put it in my pocket for him.
June 22nd
I was driven in the victoria with Miss Wheeler to the Glasshouse and through Newent Wood, where among other flowers we picked the Broadleaved Helleborine Epipactis Latefolia. The foxgloves in the wood were beautiful, then on to the George at Newent to tea; then to Malswick Mill, and dam, the Island, and so home.
June 25th
Went fishing at Ross took 7 chub with Zulu fly out of the Wye from a boat 6 of them were good fishes(?) the best weighed 1lb and 15oz each. As I was drawing in the largest fish a pike seized him and bit the fly If I had had maggots for the tails of the flies I should have had a great catch of fish. 56 fish with the fly up to date.
June 27th
Took the train to Symonds Yat in Joseph Fluck’s brake, the drive through Huntley, Longhope and the Lea was very beautiful, unharnessed the horses to drink at a brook ? Kerne bridge and ? Went up on the west side of the Wye and crossed to the Yat in a ferry boat. Walked to the top of the Yat which is in the Crown (?) Forest of Dean. Then had tea at the Royal Hotel. The Yat is about 600 or 700 feet high and commands a fine view of the Hope Shore Bend (?). Then we returned through Ross where I saw Edward WJ and Colonel Middleton. We picked many other flowers the Bladder Campion and Creeping Potentilla (Expedition cost me 4½).
June 28th Sunday
Walked in the evening with Miss Wheeler and Timmie Junior by the side of Leadon, and picked the Amphibious Yellow Cress, and the Creeping Yellow Cress. Picked the Earth ? ? near my hedge.
July 1st
Canon Hart came to see church etc I fetched him from Barber’s Bridge station I rode Sambo in Highnam parish in the morning.
July 2nd
I went to Ross with Miss Wheeler. I took 6 good fish with the fly the best being 13½ oz We found the Yellow meadow Rue growing by the side of Wye.
July 3rd
Went to Worcester with Miss Wheeler, showed her the Cathedral, then to Hallow Park, had tea with the Woods, saw the garden a monkey (?!) was playing with a spaniel, etc Worcester Races were going on, on Pitch Croft.
5th Sunday
Took a walk to the Hill and found in one of the Crump’s fields the Bristly Oxtongue Helminthotheca echioides; also the Perfoliate Yellow Wort and Pink Certaurs, and Pyramidal Orchis.
July 7th Tuesday
Went fishing in the Severn at Tewkesbury high wind, took only 11 small fish with Zulu fly Miss Wheeler took one. The river had been netted, and is no good for fly fishing. (73 fish with fly).
July 10th
Went with Miss Wheeler and Harold to the Gloucestershire Pageant at Cheltenham ? 2500 performers and 200 horses gave most realistic representations of the Roman Period, the Saxon Period the Norman Period the Wars of the roses. The Siege of Gloucester George 3rd etc. Charles 1st and his staff were most interesting and the whole affair very well managed. (The following link gives more information on the pageant: http://www.historicalpageants.ac.uk/pageants/1074/)
July 11th
Went to Cattle Market and bought a black cow 4 years old with a white face and her calf by auction for 16.
July 20th
The North Forest Clerical Society met a my House and I read them a paper on ? and Religion At tea time Roger Oldnall arrived and we went to Newent Fete, where we saw the Yeomen playing push ball and tilting at the bucket.
July 22nd
Drove to Ashleworth rectory and Corse vicarage with Miss Wheeler and R Oldnall.
July 23rd
Fished in the Wye at Ross with R Oldnall and Miss Wheeler I took two nice chub the best being
July 24th
Went fishing to the Haw Bridge with Roger Oldnall, the river high, took only one dace landed another which got back into the water.
July 29th
Rode Sambo to Maisemore and then cantered him up to Ashleworth and back along the meadows. Went to Old Vicarage where I saw Mr and Mrs Hicks-Austin they have a lovely house and garden.
July 30th
Miss Wheeler went back with ? Annie in the ? to ?
August 4th
Went fishing at Ross with Miss Wheeler took 5 fish with Zulu and black ? and maggot weighing 19oz 16oz 15oz 11oz 8½ very pretty spot, and I would have had more but for a strong cold wind springing up.
Whilst I was fishing we observed a large bat hovering over the water and catching flies.
August 6
Found some snake’s eggs in my manure heap near the cow shed.
August 7th
I took a Chub 14½ oz out of Leadon with a Black ? with a maggot.
August 8th
While fishing in Leadon, Timmie the grey cat who accompanied me swam across Leadon
August 13th
Went to Worcester by the 11.50 ? train and drove to Clifton where I saw the Church, ? ? by my father who was vicar there previous to 1842, also the vicarage, and the schools which were built by my father. The Church is dedicated to St Kenelm, and consists of a sandstone nave and chancel, the Tower is covered with bass (?) shingle, Walked to see the Noak (Noke) which has been the property of the Ingram family since 1304 AD. It now belongs to my cousin Edward Winnington-Ingram. Miss Wheeler and myself then walked back to Clifton vicarage where we had tea with Mr and Mrs Griffiths the vicar and his wife. Very pleasant people. The roses in the garden were beautiful. Ham Bridge being repaired. The rates at Clifton a ? are 8s6d in the £ and have been 10s. Saw the Nettle leaved Bellflower and ? ?
August 14th
Rode Sambo to the Furnace at Newent to see Andrew Onslow who has a ? in his ear, on the way met ??????
August 17th
Drove in Victoria with Miss Wheeler and Katie, to Malswick Mill fished but caught none.
August 18th
Fished in the Wye at Ross. Took 10 fish with the fly. 3 smallish ones and 7 large ones which weighed 1lb 6oz, 1lb 4oz, 1lb 2½oz, 1lb 2oz, 12oz, 11oz. I tried to land fry on the tail fly and had a run from a chub but I was taking a bottle to my mouth with ? in it and so did not strike ? brought to hook him.
Total bag to now 90 fish with the fly mostly good ones.
August 20th
Went down the Canal by steamer, called on ? Lionel Darell at Saul Lodge, returned by the next boat, at Quedgeley Bend the canal was blocked up by 3 steamers, some lighters and timber for about ½hour.
August 22nd
Drove in Hatche’s landau to the Down House where I met (sorry, can’t do all these names) a beautiful afternoon.
August 25th
Went to Garden party at Hardwicke Court.
August 26th
Went with Miss Wheeler to Devizes to Bear Hotel. Drove to Salisbury Plain and went through camps of the Blues Scots ? and 20th Hussars 28 went to the Plain and saw about 6,000 Cavalry advancing at the gallop and many Horse Artillery. There were 9,000 horses and 8,000 men on the Plain.
September 3rd
Went to Hartpury Show with Miss Wheeler. Saw Canning, Bobby Muriel, Herbert Lord etc. The tank with pink water lilies was lovely.
September 5th Saturday
Gave away my Irish Retriever of the yellow breed. ? to Pearce Pope Auctioneer whom Mr Weyhill said would be a kind master him. One of the dog’s eye lids grew in, in spite of the operation to him. The same day I bought and received a Red Irish Setter bitch ? from Miss Saunders. Rose hill Lymington Hants; she was born July 1st 1907.
September 9th
Went to Harescombe Grange, very cold day, not many people there.
September 10th
Went with Miss Wheeler to Worcester Festival Roger Laing given us two tickets; 15s but owing to the awkward time of the ? trains we did not go to the proper seats but sat near the door so as not to disturb the people. We heard ? which was not up to much.
September 11th
While ? and I were out shooting at Ashleworth there came a hail storm accompanied by lightening and the hail was in white heaps by the road side near Lassington.
September 19th
Rode to Minsterworth and Gloucester on Sambo with partridge from Bartlet and Hornby (?). In the afternoon I took Miss Wheeler and Roger to ? to se Mr Bennets orchards of flower of the west apples.
September 26th
As I was riding on Sambo, back from Taynton Rectory I saw two mistle thrushes fighting very fiercely in the middle of the road their tails and wings were spread out wide, and the ground was covered with feathers and as the vanquished bird retreated to the hedge, the feathers came out on to it, I afterwards rode to Kents Green and as far as Bellamy’s gate way.
September 28
Went by Ruabon to Barmouth. Where I climbed the ? ? Mt 2167 feet; and saw Snowdon, Cader Idris. Harlech Castle, and Cricceth Castle swam in the sea and waded. Miss Wheeler and Jess (red setter) went with me.
October 15th Thursday
Went with Miss Wheeler to Bath where we saw the park where I fed the fish as used to do when a child. Saw the Botanical Gardens. The Royal Crescent, the Roman Baths the Pump Room, The Abbey, Prior Park, the Palladian Bridge etc. A large carp in the Circular Bath ate several chocolates which were thrown to him.
October 23rd
Went ? hunting with Gordon Canning’s hounds at Highnam not much scent or many foxes. I rode Sambo hunting for the first time.
November 2nd
Rode Sambo to meet Gordon Canning’s hounds in the afternoon at Birdwood Coppice; I found them hunting that wood, but they did not stay long owing to the fog and went home about 4pm.
November 4th
Rode Sambo to Upleadon Cross Roads to meet the Ledbury hounds, Sir George Bullough, Capt ? the 2 masters and the Secretary were out. Also Major Phillips, Major ? etc about 8 ladies on horse-back and 10 grooms etc with 20 (?) horses. He drew Holloway’s Wood blank, then to the osier bed, then we went back to Collier Park where we found several foxes, and ran one of then for some time. I then went home and I drove Miss Wheeler in the afternoon to Minsterworth etc
( there are some very interesting pictures of the Ledbury Hunt in 1908
http://www.old- ledbury.co.uk/Hunting.htm)
November 6
Went on Sambo to hunt with the Ledbury Hounds. The meet was at the Canning Arms and I rode to ? Grove Limbury etc then to the ? Coppice where we started a fox which ran to Limbury. Had Mr Barker from Hardwick and the 2 masters etc were out, I rode home over the New Road.
November 7th
? at Lassington with Sir William Guise Hon Edward Ponsonby, his son and Anselm Guise. Lunch at Rectory, Sir William gave me brace of pheasants.
November 10th
Went to the meeting of the Cotteswold Club and listened to a most excellent paper by Mr Richardson on The Coasts of Dorset and Hampshire. I have never heard a more fluent and able paper and without notes; and it was illustrated by wonderfully good photographs worked up into lantern slides.
November 12th
Went with Miss Wheeler to Cirencester and drove through Lord Bathurst’s park to the Wood House, where we saw the old jackboots, spurs, armour etc then to the 10 rides, the 7 rides. Popes Seat, the Deer Park and College in the distance had tea at the Kings Head. Saw the Church Cottage Hospital. Bull Ring etc. The leaves were rather past their best owing to the previous frost, and heavy rain.
November 13th
Rode Sambo to Aston Ingham Court to hunt with Mr Gordon Canning’s hounds, met Miss Hill, Miss Bradby Miss Wood etc. drew some covers at Aston, and then to Newent Wood, two foxes went away but the hounds could not be got to follow them. I rode home through Taynton.
November 16
Rode Sambo to Red Lion Huntley to hunt with Gordon Canning. Saw ? Col Timms Johnnie Guise Miss ? Mrs Blood, John blood. Drew covers by the church, then I rode up the road above the reservoir, then to the Glos house, where I saw Mrs ? and Mr Drayton. Rode home by Taynton, met Mr Foster (6th day)
November 19th
Rode Sambo to Chaxhill to hunt with Mr Gordon Cannings Hounds we tried the hedges and then went to Walmore Common where we found a fox and killed him in some long grass; then we found another in a hedge and killed him Canning blooded little boy on a donkey Mrs Guise, and Mr MacIver and I jumped several places which Sambo did well. I rode all round Adsett, Rodley and Bollow a beautiful day. Miss Wheeler went on the bicycle and then Mr Ellis Motor Car.
November 23rd
Rode to Huntley Taynton etc in search of Mr Gordon Canning’s hounds, but did not find them.
November 25th
Rode Sambo to Upleadon’s Cross roads to meet the Ledbury hounds, Capt ? and six servants in scarlet were with the hounds, Gordon Canning, Henry Baker etc. we found a fox in Collin Park and he ran over the road by me in the direction of Newent, followed by a few hounds and myself but I was stopped by a chained gate near Carswalls, and then I went home; and drove with Miss wheeler to Tibberton Church reopening.
November 27th
Rode Sambo to the meet of the Ledbury Hounds at Hartpury House, rode across the fields to Church Coppice and up to Blackwells End, the hounds found a fox at Limbury and ran him towards Corse ?, I followed across the field where I saw a poor horse which had staked himself the blood was spurting out of an artery but Mr Percy Wheeler got a rein and twisted the horse’s thigh and partly stopped the blood, which a telegram was sent to Mr Weyhill V.S. The horse belonged to Major Porter. I rode on after a while, but got ? and had to return, and came out by Corse end and so on to Ashleworth and rode with Mr Bell; and got home about three p.m.
December 4th
Rode Sambo to the meet of Gordon Canning’s hounds at Barbers Bridge, rode back to Lassington ? and across the fields at a great pace to the Bulley Reddings (?) where we found a fox, which we ran back to Highnam Wood, and then he went to Tibberton; the day was pouring wet and after a time I went home to lunch, Sambo carried me well and galloped very fast on the grass fields. (Tenth day) Henry Baker Michael and Miss Baker ? etc.
December 7th
I rode Sambo to Payford’s Bridge a fine clear day after fog; saw the Masters Major ? etc. Found in Collin Park ran about in the wood round to Holloway’s Wood then ? Wood then back to Collin Park Sambo went well.
December 8th
Tues The poor old Bay horse ? by Sidney Staite, he was past work and though I had tried to get several people to have him for light work they would no do so; therefore I had him shot(?) and buried in his skin shoes etc as I would not make money out of a good horse that had served me well and faithfully. I bought the Bay Horse from James Phillips of Hartpury Mill in 1888, and drove him and rode him for about 16 years, he was a good couraged (?) horse and would ? ? well, and did not like to let any horse pass him on the road. I gave 60£ for him as a 4 year old, and some years later when horses were very dear was told that I could have sold him in London for 150£. He was one of the handsomest horses that went into Gloucester at one time, a fine dark bay and mottled in the sun ? he stood 11 hands high and had a splendid shoulder, forehead, and crest. R.I.P.
December 10th
Rode Sambo to Cliffords Mesne to hunt with Mr Gordon Canning’s Hounds. Found a fox in Newent Wood and ran him to the Acorn Wood etc. Sir Percy Pole was out with the Cannings in a motor. When I came home I drove in a cart to a Ruride canal Meeting in Gloucester.