1896 Diary of Elliot Woolford of Hook Farm, Lydiard Tregoze

1896

The 1886 diary was a Christmas present from Fanny Woolford – a small, scribbling diary which often provided inadequate space for all Elliot had to write each day.

Here we meet Elliot as a young man aged 19. He is already running his own Market Gardening business with the help of younger brother Rowl. Working hard he signs his motto CD at the end of each daily entry - carpe diem (seize the day).

This is a period when Elliot is a fervent member of the Temperance Society and a conscientious church goer, attending various local churches and chapels several times a week. However, he still finds time for fun.

On June 30 he writes:

Went to Cirencester & took Mr F. Sheppard Miss H. Habgood & Miss A. Habgood drove Garnet in Gleeds trap. Started 10 am arrived to Cirencester 11.15 am. Seen Blondin walk the tight rope. He would stand on his head ride bicycle wheel barrow & blind fold himself & go across. He performed also in the dark with fireworks etc. He is considered the cleverest man in the world (He walked over the Niagra Falls on Rope).

Expenses 5/- Weather Fine Hot Enjoyed ourselves very much. Returned Home 2-45 next morning.

Background

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 in 1930. The Woolford family remain there to this day.

The 1896 diary was transcribed by Frances Bevan in 2024.