The Diary of Mary Ann Denham

Wootton Bridge 1857 -1859
December 31st, 1857

December 31st December 1857

Mr James Pittis departed this morning for London. Mr. Barnabus Linnington* departed this life yesterday afternoon. In the evening Julia and I went to post – I forgot to mention that we received an invitation this morning from Cousin William to attend “Mass” next Sunday morning at the Catholic Chapel but being prior engaged we were obliged to decline the invitation.

*Barnabas Linnington Male Keepers Lodge Wootton Bridge  Age 54 Coachman (from 1851 census)

December 25th, 1857

Friday 25th December 1857

Christmas Day

Mr. Moore and Miss Ann Pittis was married at Wootton Church. Julia was bridesmaid she breakfasted at Mr. Pittis at about 7 o’clock, they left Wootton at about 8 o’clock and proceeded to church after the ceremony was concluded – they went to Shanklin. It was lovely weather. They returned about 1/2 past 4 o’clock. Dined about 5 o’clock.

In the evening Mr J Alford called in – about 8 o’clock Mr. G. C. Miss Brading and Miss Ann Cooper called to see us, they left about 1/4 to 10 o’clock. I went part of the way home with them it was a glorious moonlight night. When I returned I found Julia had arrived also Mr Pittis and Mr and Mrs Moore and Mr James Pittis so that we had for a short time quite a merry little party, they left about 11 o’clock.

December 24th, 1857

Thursday 24th December 1857

I went to Newport. In the evening Wootton Bandsman played six tunes to us. About 9 Mr. James Pittis called to see us on his return from London. Mr. Pittis Mr. Moore and Miss Ann Pittis also called in. We retired to rest about 1/2 past 10 o’clock.