The Diary of Mary Ann Denham

Wootton Bridge 1857 -1859
June 28th, 1858

Monday 28th June 1858

General holiday – I went to Newport had a very pleasant ride in the donkey gig. There was a pleasure seeking party went from Wootton Bridge to Sandown. Julia was invited to join them but owing to a prior engagement she was obliged to decline. Mr. Pittis drove one party in Mr. Pophams waggon to a tea party at Ventnor, and some of our Littletown friends went to Gunville Bazaars. There was also a tea party in Carisbrooke Castle and another at Wootton Farm, so we were quite gay by seeing others out pleasure seeking. Fareham Asylum folks had a gypsy party on Portsdown Hill.

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.