Sunday, May 18 1760

Myself and servant at church in the morning… We had a brief read for damages by fire to John Bodmin at Chauk in Kent (to be collected from house to house), whose damages by fire amounted to upwards of £1231. James Trill and Lucy Mott were asked at our church the first time.

We dined on part of a calf’s head boiled, and a piece of bacon and spinach. No churching at our church this afternoon, Mr Porter preaching at Laughton. Thomas Davy at our house in the afternoon, and drank tea with us, and to whom I read one of Tillotson’s sermons.

Monday, May 19 1760

…This day was played in the park a cricket match between an eleven whose names were John in this parish and an eleven of any other name, which I suppose was won by the latter with ease. In the evening wrote my London letters.

Tuesday, May 20 1760

…My brother came over in the forenoon but did not stay. …Gave Mr Porter, who came a-collecting for the brief read on Sunday, 12d towards the relief of the poor unhappy sufferer. Lent Thomas German in cash 2.2.0 on his watch, which I took in pawn. At home all day, and but very little to do; a very wet afternoon.

Thursday, May 22 1760

Lent Mr Jeramiah French in cash £8 for which I received his note of hand payable to me or order on demand. We dined on a piece of pork boiled, a light pudding and spinach. Mr John Long drank tea with us, and after tea we walked down to Mr Rippington’s at Whitesmith, in order to get a small debt, but could not… A melancholy time; very little to do.

Sunday, May 25 1760

No churching at our church in the morning, Mr Porter preaching at Laughton. Mr John Long dined with us on a shoulder of veal stuffed and roasted and a piece of bacon boiled and spinach. Myself, wife and servant at church in the afternoon… Somewhat better today than yesterday. Thomas Davy and Mr Long sat with us some time in the evening.