1911 Diary of Elliot Woolford of Hook Farm, Lydiard Tregoze

1911

In 1911 Elliot attended the wedding of his future sister-in-law. He writes in his diary dated January 18 – “I went to a wedding Miss Florrie Newth youngest Daughter of Mr S. Newth of Studley Farm was married to Mr John Henley eldest son of Mr Tom Henley of Vastern Manor Farm Wootton Bassett. Rev E. Humphrey Jones Officiated the service was quite choral, a great many friends attended the ceremony at the Church, after the service a reception was held at Studley Farm at which about fifty participated after viewing the presents which was over fifty. Refreshments was freely distributed, then a photograph of the Bride & Bridegroom & the guests was taken, then one of the two families only. The happy pair, amidst showers of confeti old shoes etc departed for Bournmouth where the honeymoon is being spent. Harmony then prevailed singing, dancing, cardplaying etc till 3 oclock next morning. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed [enjoyed] themselves.”

On June 14 Elliot writes about his own wedding – a much quieter occasion. “Wedding Day

By Rev H. Jones I Elliot George Woolford was married to Amy Elizabeth Newth, eldest daughter of Mr Stephen H. Newth of Callow Hill Brinkworth late of Studley Farm.

We got married quietly at 9 a.m. then drove to Swindon Station and spent our honeymoon at Miss Browne’s 41 Warren Rd Torquay. Mr & Mrs Newth and my oldest Brother James went to Church with us and witnessed our marriage. Rev Jones made a mistake by putting Mary instead of Amy in the registar which he promised to rectify. Jim is taking charge of Farm during our absence.”

Background

In a meticulously kept and unbroken series of diaries, Elliot Woolford provides the reader with a no-nonsense view of farming life at Lydiard Tregoze spanning more than 45 years. His livelihood was forever at the mercy of the vagaries of the weather and fluctuating market prices.

Elliot and his brother Rowland acquired the tenancy of Hook Farm in 1899 from the 5th Viscount Bolingbroke. In 1930 Elliott was able to purchase the farm when part of the Bolingbroke estate was sold by the Viscount's widow, Mary. The Woolford family remain there to this day.