The Diary, 1754–1765
Set out on foot in order to go to Inchreed in Rotherfield where there was a sale, but was obliged to return by reason of the continual snowing; the snow on most places was upwards of 16 inches deep
About 20 minutes past 3 o’clock Mr Pelham was brought to Halland (from Kidbrook, they lodging there last night) in a hearse being attended by two mourning coaches and six persons on horseback in cloaks.
Continued snowing all night and now the snow falls a great pace. Continued snowing all day.
About 30 minutes past 10 o’clock in the forenoon Mr Pelham was carried from Halland and interred in the family vault at Laughton about 15 minutes past 12.
A very cold day. The snow continues. Taken with a colicky pain in the evening.
Snow continues. Paid Mr Will Clark 2.0.4 in full and 0.6.7 in full for my mother and 0.10.6 in full for money paid to Mr John Chesire for needles. Sent to Messrs Middleton and Stepple a bill on Messrs Margesson & Co. for 10.14.6 in full of my account. I continue very ill.
A quantity of snow fell in the night and a hard frost continues with the snow. I continue ill. Ed Smith drank tea at our house. At home all day.
Called up in the morning for a shroud for Thomas Butler’s wife. Sent Sam to Lewes for 3 gallons of wine etc. Snowed very much about 2 o’clock. Boy spent 2d.
The snow and frost continue. Went over to Framfield. Marked Bancroft’s parcel. Charles Diggens came home with me. Played at cribbage in the evening. Lost 1d.
At home all day. Windy and rain, the snow not gone. Gave Robert Rice 12d for going to Dr Russell.
Read ten or twelve letters in the 5th volume of The Spectator.
Thomas Butler’s wife buried. Paid Thomas Burfield for beehives 1.8.0. Went with Joseph Durrant to Mr Will Piper’s in the evening concerning Thomas Ling.
About 10 o’clock Mr French called on me and brought me a warrant to serve on Thomas Ling. We immediately went to Thunderswood, took him up, carried him to Uckfield where he swore himself on [i.e., to be a resident of] East Hoathly parish before George Courthope Esq [J.P.]. I spent 4d at Halland’s.
Came home with Mr French and stayed there some time. Came home and went to bed drunk.