EXTRACTS FROM JOHN GREEN CROSSE'S JOURNAL

A selection of some of the more interesting entries from John G. Crosse's Diary. With a few comments of my own in square brackets. I hope to add further extracts.

Thursday 5th December 1806. Went to the Queens Head at 7 o'clock to see Mr. Coans wonderful performance in cards, balancing tumbling, hornpipe, dancing & came home after 9.

Thursday 25th December.  Went to church in the morn - the band which came in yesterday play`d the soldiers to church - Went to church in afternoon -This day says Mr.B. [Mr. Thomas Bayly] was the mildest Christmas day I ever saw - I wore no great coat nor had I need of it - The moon shone very bright at night - came to bed 20 minutes before 11.

Friday 2nd January 1807 It has been the mildest weather ever remembered by anyone for sometime - flowers of different kinds were in blossom.

Thursday 15 January. A little snow & hail in the evening for the first time this year - Had a warm`d bed for many nights.

Saturday 16th January. The frost was gone in the morning - I went to Mr.Wards at Hawley [Tothill] where there was a large party - John, William & Mary Boby - Edw. Wm. Fanny & Charlotte Prior  - Revd. C. Green [Curate in charge at Haughley] - Jno. Dorothy & Mary Edwards - M. & Miss Harrison [Niece & Nephew of Mr. Ward]  - Mr & Miss Seaman & a Miss Doe - Miss Watlin-  Had a merry dance supp`d between 11 & 12 - Began to dance after supper at 1 & came away between 3 & 4 Marg. & Wm. Boby slept at my fathers - having drunk tea we went to bed at about 1/2 past 4.

Mon 26th January. A very large party [at Mr. Chandlers, merchant of Stowupland] - supp`d late -danced after supper - came home about 4 o'clock.

Tuesday 27th January. I walked in the afternoon to Mr. Chandlers - some of the company were still there playing cards - Mr T. Rout who was there last night did not go away till 11 this forenoon.

Thursday 29th January. I went to Woods & Stewards - a party dance there - began to dance after supper at three - continued till 1/2 past  three when I came home to bed.

Sunday 1st March. The ground was covered with snow this morn two or three inches deep for the first time.

Monday 2 February. The parlour chimney took fire - I walked down to Combs for the chimney sweeper after dinner kept in the fore parlour the remaining part of the day.

Friday 13th February. Went in the evening to play to the young ladies at the school who danced.

Tuesday 21 February. Oysters for supper.

Friday 13th March My mother was put to bed this afternoon with a boy. [Henry Cross Baptised 17th March]

Saturday 28th March. I walked up to Violet hill.

Tuesday 1st April. A deep snow this morning.

Monday 6th April. Some soldiers came and the band play`d in the afternoon.

Tuesday 7th April. More Soldiers.

Thursday 16th April. Part of the North Lincolnshire militia came in here from Bury - The band play`d - one man in the band was 6 feet 6 1/2  inches high.

Monday 20th April. A meeting of surgeons at the White Hart today.

Sunday 26th April. Went to church in the forenoon but not in the afternoon - walk`d after tea with the ladies to Combs wood

Tuesday 28th April. Walked with all of us to Mr. Coopers Stowupland by the navigation - A pleasant warm day.

Monday 4th May. Went to Mr. Owens [Surgeon of Needham Market] tea & supper - Play`d at speculation [a card game].

Saturday 9th May. Intended to have gone to Needham to see the labyrinth [in the grounds of Mr. Alexander's house] but it was too wet & dirty.

Friday 15th May. The W. Suffolk marched in here today from Bury.

Saturday 16th May. Went to hear the band of the Hereford militia which marched in here from Bury today.

Thursday 4th June. I walked to Combs beyond Mr. Davey`s to see an old woman who was unwell.

Friday 5th June. Walked to Combs again this morning alone, a woman hurt herself today at the Greyhound.

Thursday 11th June. I went to play to the young ladies at Miss Bayly's it being their frolick night.

Monday 22nd June. Mr B. went with Charles Aldritch & Mr. Stutter in Chas`s carriage to Ipswich to hear Bannister at the playhouse - went to Mr. Long`s to supper came away at 12  - a moonlight night - Got home at 2.

Monday 6th July. Dined off fresh salmon.

Friday 10th July. Stow fair today - walked through the fair after supper.

Sunday 19th July. Went to an amputation at Combs [On Mrs. Death] in the afternoon Mr.R. & Fred. Freeman [Surgeons of Stowmarket] came with us - I went to set up with the woman after supper & stopt with her till 1/4 past 4.

Tuesday 21 July. I rode to Needham for Mr. Abbot & son to come & operate on Mr. Harvey [of Old Newton] for a Hair lip which was done after tea.

Wednesday 12th August. Stow lamb fair The Harwich & Hertford [?] company of players acted in [?] - I went & saw John Bull & the Agreeable Surprise. Miss Dorothy only went with me.

Thursday 13th Aug. Went to the play at half price saw The Castle Spectre or the last act of it & Fortunes Frolick the entertainment.

Friday 14th August. Went to the play in the evening with my father & mother, Brother & sisters  She Stoops To Conquer was the play & Bon Ton or High Life Above Stairs was the entertainment. Mr. B. came at half price.

Saturday 15th August. Went with Mr.B. to the play which was The Soldiers Daughter the entertainment Raising the Wind. Mr.B. came at half price - My Brother was there.

Tuesday 18th August The vicar will not let the players perform anymore.

STOWMARKET HISTORY AND HERITAGE
2007
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