I drove mother as far as Ryde in the donkey cart. Mrs. C. Dennis came home with me and after dinner we went into Newport – Mr. Williams opened a new confectionery etc shop opposite The Bugle Inn last Saturday.
The Diary of Mary Ann Denham
Wootton Bridge 1857 -1859
October 11th, 1858
Monday 11th October 1858
September 16th, 1858
Thursday 16th September 1858
I went to Ryde to pay Mothers account at Mr. Hearns. Annie and Emma Jane came in the van to see Grandma. I arrived home by 2 o’clock after which I went to Newport. When I came back I found Mrs Dennis, Mary Louisa and Lucy Emily and the servant, they all returned to Ryde in the van. Fernhill Harvest Supper.
August 4th, 1858
Wednesday 4th August 1858
The Queen left for Cherbourg. Julia went to the bazaar. Mr. Thorne came home with her. Mrs Dennis and Mrs Hunt went in a little donkey chaise.
July 23rd, 1858
Friday 23rd July 1858
I and Emma Jane went to Newport. Mrs. Dennis Miss Emma Austin and Mary Louisa and the baby Lucy Emily drank tea with us.
May 4th, 1858
Tuesday 4th May 1858
About half past 1 o’clock, I left Wootton Villa for Ryde. I called and saw Mrs Tharle and also Mrs Cooper. Mr G.C. and I walked from Wootton Bridge to Ryde together, I went and saw Cousin William who informed me that last Sunday Mrs Dennis presented him with another little daughter. I called at Mr. Lake’s and payed (sic) him for the beer, I then called and saw Uncle and Aunt, after which I proceeded to the service at the Victoria Rooms. I am too lazy to write all the particulars so it must suffice the reader to know that I spent a very particular pleasant evening, but being rather later than Grandma expected she was quite fatigued in sitting up for me. Mr.G.C. saw me safe home for which I was exceedingly grateful.
August 24th, 1857
Monday 24th August 1857
Mother drove us part of the way to Ryde in the donkey cart, we went for a walk on the Esplanade. After dinner we went in the field, the dancing on the Green was very pretty.
After tea, Mrs Dennis, Mr. G. C and a few more friends went to the theatre, but I did not like the performances at all. We had a very pleasant walk home but I dont think its worth while to tell the time when we arrived at Wootton Villa, I think we will pass it by.
April 17th, 1857
Friday 17th April 1857
I drove Annie home in the donkey cart.
Mrs Dennis arrived from Portsmouth about half passed 5 o’clock.
April 5th, 1857
Sunday 5th March 1857
Julia and Annie went to church, in the afternoon Mrs Dennis drank tea with us.
In the evening I and Annie went part way home with her
March 24th, 1857
Tuesday 24th March 1857
Mrs Dennis came for Emma Jane but Alice Eliza stayed with us.
March 22nd, 1857
Sunday 22nd March 1857
Cousin William and his two little daughters came to dine with grandma, they came about half passed 10 o’clock, so we all went to Wootton church.
In the evening Mrs Dennis also a Mrs Macreedy called for William. They left about half passed 7 o’clock, the two little girls stayed with us.