I went to Newport. In the afternoon I walked to Ryde. Cousin William came home with me.
The Diary of Mary Ann Denham
Wootton Bridge 1857 -1859Archive for the ‘Diary’ Category
Julia went to Wootton Church. In the afternoon I went to Newport Miss D. and Miss C. came to met me. I drank tea at Mr. Dores. In the evening we went to Church Mr. Connor preached Mr.W.W.D Miss D and Mr. K. came home with me. We met Mr. R Mr. W.F.L and Mr. P on their return to Newport after calling at Grandma’s.
I went to Newport. In the afternoon Julia went to Newport Mr. J H and Miss Dore home with her. We saw the comet* for the first time.
*This would have been Donati’s Comet one of the brightest and most visible comets of the 19th century; it was discovered by Giovanni Donati on June 2, 1858, brightened to magnitude -1 in September 1858, reached perihelion on September 30, came closest to Earth (0.5 AU) on October 9, and was last seen on March 4, 1859. Around the time of closest approach the Earth, the comet developed a prominent dust tail, up to 60° long and curved like a scimitar, for which it is best remembered.
Donati’s Comet was the first comet to be photographed. It was nearest the Earth on October 10, 1858 and is expected to return in the 39th century.
Isle of Wight races on Bowcombe Down.
Ryde town regatta. I have not heard any of the particulars.
I went to Newport. In the afternoon a thanksgiving at Littletown Chapel for such a delightful Harvest. In the evening I went to chapel, there were four speakers. They had some cards to distribute to help to repay the debt of the chapel which is £50.0.0., Miss J W took a card.
I went to Newport. In the evening Mr. Read bought 4 couple of my chicken at 3.6 the couple.
I received the sacrament at Wootton Church. In the afternoon Mr. J.K. and Miss Dore drank tea with me Mr. G.C . Mr. H…. and Mr…… went to?
I went to Newport. Grandma rather better, a very wet evening.
I went to Newport.