Thomas Turner

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.

…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.

…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.

We dined on the remains of yesterday’s dinner. At home all day. Charles Diggens drank tea at our house. But very little to do.

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.

Mr Francis Elless dined with us on some rashers of bacon and eggs, with the addition of yesterday’s dinner. Rec’d of Mr French the £8 I lent him yesterday, and accordingly gave him his note of hand… At home all day, and not very busy.

…At home all day and thank God very busy, though very ill all day and I am very fearful my liver is cirrhous. Rec’d of Mrs Atkins 19/10 in full. Oh how uncertain is the health of poor mortal man!

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.

…At home all day. Dame Cornwell and her daughter and Mrs Rippington drank tea at our house. Not very busy. In the evening I wrote my London letters.

My brother came over in the morning and breakfasted with us and after breakfast my wife and I set out for Lewes fair, Thomas Durrant riding before my wife, and I on Mr Thornton’s horse, in company with Mr Burgess of Rotherfield.

I balanced accounts with Mrs Roase… We dined at Mrs Roase’s on a cold fillet veal roasted and cold ham, in company with several more… Paid Mr Faulkner Bristow in cash 10d and by one bill on Mr William Margesson…5.8.0, which with the 10d I paid him makes the sum of 5.8.10 and is in full on my account. Paid Mr John Lambert 0.11.4 in full. Paid Mr Samuel Newell 18/- in full. We drank tea at Mr Scrase’s. Came home about 9:40… My brother stayed and supped with us and then went home…