Diary of Charles Tiplady 1860 -1869

N.B. The pdfs contain David Hughes’ transcription of the diary, footnotes​ and annotations which could not be included on the website.  

It is particularly​ recommended to check the pdf  in relation to financial tables & lists.​

Jan 1. Sunday, - Weather Dismal. To the parish Church in the Morning - Sermon by the Rev J Needham, - The Fashion of this World passeth away. - a good scriptural and sound Sermon.

[January] 6th Helen Hilton, daughter of Mr J. Hilton died Aged 21.

[January] 8th Wet Sunday - Twice at the Parish Church.

A young Man - a pupil Teacher at Trinity died suddenly by taking too much Whiskey.

His poor Mother died shortly after the Inquest - a great sorrow - not correct she was ill but did not die.

[January] 9th Monday Meeting of the Albert & Victoria Lodge at the Oddfellows Hall, when James Cunningham Esq. Mayor of Blackburn was duly initiated, PPGM Lawrence Coupe acting as NG. PPGM Roylance as V.G. and PPGM Charles Tiplady as G.M. I read the charge. The Meeting was throng, and the Mayor received a right hearty welcome. There was good singing - sentiments & recitations followed - The Lodge closed ay 10-30.

[January] 12th Thursday - Henry Ward's Spinning Mill totally destroyed by fire. - Loss £30,000 –

[January] 19th 43 Anniversary of the Xtian [Christian] Knowledge Society P Church, Slender Meeting, but satisfactory statement & balance

[January] 26th After much blustery weather - There was a heavy fall of snow.

[January] 27 to 31. A Succession of cold stormy weather with much snow sleet & rain, ending on the 31st with frost.

[January] 30th Journey to Manchester with M. very cold & dirty day. - James & David sick.

Candlemas - Fine, clear, cold frosty. - Feb 2nd 1860

No political News of Importance

Jan 29. Heard the Rev Philip Graham - on the Character of Cornelius the Centurion. He stated some things very closely allied to Swedenborgian. The Sermon was to the rifle Corps.

Sunday After a hard week of Toil - a blessed quiet peaceful Sabbath at Church twice - Morning Wrenford on Death - Evening Needham the preciousness of Christ - To bed early -

Feb 4 To Accrington paying for Dr Torren's Pills. Weather Stormy - In the Evening Letter arrived from Richard - all well thank God.

Weather exceedingly rough and winterly all the week with much snow & sleet.

The Blackburn News commenced on the 7th of Jan and ended Feb 4th - having been published only 5 Times, JN Haworth proprietor. –

[February] 8th K. V. B. D. N. S. - T. H. P. G. T. B. W. F. T. T. or the consequences will be unhappy, and what can frail human nature do. -

Fine, clear and frosty - with Wind north. -

[February] 10th To Accrington, Bank Terrace Lodge - St John's most princely entertainment, pleasant company, good singing - agreeable speaker & most hospitable feelings to the Visitors.

I proposed Prosperity to the Lodge - & was well received - very temperate drinking - home at 11-40. - Bell, Clayton, Briggs, Self, Hilton, Chatwood and Peel. -

Saturday - Feb 11th Another week's Labour is ended. Thank God for all his mercies - health - work - & sense.

Mr Hart of Spring Hill, very sick of a nervous indisposition -

Mr Baynes Senr. father of the late Mayor died very suddenly at Lancaster -

Mr Walmsley Stanley the Engineer of the Canal Company died.

[February 12] Sunday Morn: To the parish Church. Mr Needham preached a good sermon from St Peter. - In the Evening Mr Wrenford preached from the words of our Saviour "What shall it profit &c". In the afternoon read Milton 1st & 2nd Books wonderful invention & language - Also to the Cemetery. - Weather very frosty and much snow.

During the week the weather variable, but towards the latter end an inclination to Showers which however ceased on Sunday when a strong North Wind & severe freezing commenced -

Sunday - In the Morning Mr Hopwood prayed for in the P. Church.

In the Afternoon - he Died - aged 60. Feb 19th

Feb 19th In the p. Ch. Sermon by Rev C. Hughes Man a living Soul - fine discourse - In the Evening to the Wesleyan Chapel heard Mr Wm Shorrock Draper from Luke. Notwithstanding that the spirits are subject unto you rejoice not but rather rejoice that your Names are written in heaven - an earnest discourse - but very noisy - even to screaming.

[February] 20th John Ainsworth Bookseller Died aged 58. We entered the Tradesman's Society on the same Night.

[February 21] Hard Frost from Sunday - clear & bright the 21st Shrove Tuesday a lovely day.

After lying in state - the remains of Robert Hopwood were this day conveyed to their last resting place at Bracewell. - He is said to have died immensely rich and tho' we may take up the words of the Psalmist when he said, Man walketh in vain shadow & disquieteth himself in vain, he heapeth up riches & cannot tell who shall gather them - yet in the case before we are bound to acknowledge that the wealth of R Hopwood contributed largely to the welfare of Blackburn as a Manufacturing Town & found means by labour & sustenance to many thousands of its inhabitants.

The funeral was attended by the Corporation, several Gentlemen & about 150 of the principal workpeople.

[February] 26th The Rifle Corps attended Chapel Street Chapel when the Rev A Fraser preached an eloquent discourse to them

I attended St Peter's Church and heard the Rev Wm Bell on the character of Herod. The discourse was of a Lenten character & was most faithful in its doctrines & exhortations. - I have been most mercifully preserved from Temptation.

Weather still very stormy cold & winterly.

[February] 28th Wild stormy, snow & dreadfully cold - The same day at Evening Guest Vickers died. A Melancholy instance of good talents, fine constitution & splendid wit misapplied Where are his six Orphan Children? In the houses of Strangers Dependant on the charity of persons who have little interest in them save their labour Their labour which must now be two fold & of the most drudging character. A warning to us all and a fulfilment of that scripture which say The Drunkard shall not live out half his days. Guest died about 41 years of age - He was formerly at the Union Company's Offices, Eanam.

[February] 29th A Son Born to my Brother John of Bury.

March 1st To the Quarterly Provincial at Littleborough of Free Masons. - Joseph Pearson, put on as second Candidate, - Crompton, as first.

A Gift to Brother Morris of Over Darwen - £10.0.0 spoke several times - & was well received.

Thence to Burnley at Night with Mrs T at Mrs Eltoft's whom we found poorly of a bad leg - Maria not well Sarah quite hearty - left on the 2nd.

Mr Councillor Bolton died - aged 67 Years

[March] 4th Sunday Weather Stormy - fall of Snow. The odd fellows should have accompd the Mayor to the Parish Church, but the bad Weather prevented them. Dr Rushton in the Morning - on the foolishness of preaching. In the Evening Wrenford on the Rainbow before the Throne, a very sound exposition of the promises of God. - Have to thank most sincerely God for deliverance from Temptation. –

[March] Monday 5. Frosty, a very long Winter - Mr Hart somewhat better.

Frosty the whole week - but calm Winds N East.

[March] 6th Letter from Richard still all well - but Yellow Fever prevailing at Bahia.

[March] 8th The Annual Meeting of the Over Darwen Gas Company - Dividend £7 per cent pr annum - pleasant Meeting - Mr Ashworth attended on behalf of Dr Ramsey's Property. –

[March] 11th Sunday Wm Whalley Esq. of Whalley Died

At the Parish Church twice - Morning Needham on the Temptations of the Believer, - The hardy Soldier - In the Evening, Hughes, - As I live I have no pleasure in the death of the Sinner Ezl [Ezekiel] 18 32 v.

Weather, cold, winterly & very frosty in the Morning. Note The Reservoir in the Park entirely frozen over.

[March] 12th The first sale at the Albert Building Society Shares fetched £18.1.- per share –

[March] 13th To supper with H Pemberton & Company. -

[March] 13th to 16th Frosty every day - 15th Bright clear frost & wind north

[March] On the 17th Thaw & Westerly Winds -

[March] 18th Sunday (Windy & Showery) but not so cold. In the Morning P Church Dr Rushton Gen. 45 2. I am Joseph - A good practical & historical sermon, on an interesting subject. -

Afternoon Cemetery - Fecit complained of a broken Head Stone value £9.0.0 - Thence forward to Whalley but sadly troubled with Rheumatic - Home at 6 - and to bed early - Read a little of Adonijah - a deal of imaging writing.

[March] 20 to 23rd Windy - Stormy, Showers of Snow - and very raw and so onto the end of the Week - a most stormy season, with no fair weather.

March 25th 1860 - Mind in a very unhappy state in consequence of words with Mrs T. - -

To Chapel Morning & Evening - 74th Anno Wesleyan School, Sermons by the Rev J B Smith of Bacup, Morning - The Crucifixion of Christ - Evening the Love of God in the Redemption of Man. Both Discourses eminently calculated to awaken the Sympathy of a Christian Congregation - Language full bold clear - eloquent arguments strong, convincing and incontrovertible - illustrations correct graphic & pertinent - metaphors pleasing and well chosen - Scriptural references, numerous, potent and well chosen - fluency of language wonderful rising to eloquence magnificent & in some cases awful - No wonder the Congregation were affected, melted, overcome & chained down in rapture - At times the eloquence was sublime, fast as the human instrument could articulate there issued forth a volume of rhetorics, at once puther, graced and overwhelming. Collection £85.0.0 Good.

[March] 26th Journey to Bamber Bridge & Preston on Dr Ramsey's affairs which got satisfactorily settled. - The Board on the 30th presented me with £5.0.0 for that and other services.

The week from the beginning to the end, wet and stormy except Monday. David sick throughout the week.

Sunday April 1. Very wet. Morning & Evening at the Parish Church - Needham on the duty of the Christian Soldier - Eveng Hughes on Christian Humility - both Sermons very scriptural & good.

[April] 5th Thursday at the Lodge Masonic, Br Johnson there from Blackpool, He sang a song which I did not approve. Received Letters from Son Richard at the Brazils, - The yellow Fever had been raging, and several had died from England but hitherto he had been mercifully spared. Wrote to him on the 9th.

[April] 6th Good Friday, a fine day - The beginning of Spring. In the Morning at the Parish Church - Needham on the Crucifixion - It is finished - an affecting discourse. The New Hymn Book used.

Afternoon, having sent the children to Worsthorn, followed with Mother at noon & spent the day there.

Note. The Artillery Volunteer Corps made their first appearance at Church on Good Friday about 80 strong - One of my Sons, Charles Lomax, is a corporal in that service -

[April] 7th Very throng, Easter Eve, - fine -

[April] 8th Easter Sunday - fair until Noon - Afternoon stormy & wet. - Sermon in the Morning by Dr Rushton.

Evening - Wrenford The path of Life. Psalm 116 11 verse

The New Hymn Book withdrawn by the opposition of the Church wardens, & a few rich pew-holders.

[April 8] Easter Monday - Snow upon the Ground very cold & wet.

1 1/2 o'clock pm. Tremendous Snow Storm Wet, Windy, Storms of Rain, Sleet, Hail and Snow. Very rough Easter Monday but a good attendance of people notwithstanding.

This week is generally considered a season of patten & relaxation, but the following Engagements by my ordinary occupation will shew that with me Easter has been no holiday.

[April 9] Monday. Special Meeting of the Tradesman's Society to take into consideration the propriety of not admitting new Members, About 40 attended. W Stones in the chair - Meeting adjourned to July next. A Deal of Discussion.

[April] Tuesday 10th Annual Meeting of St John's Female Friendly Society as under:-

[April 11] Wednesday Committee Meeting of the Free Masons at the Old Bull Hotel; -

[April 12] Thursday Deputation to the Mayor on the Post Office Business.

[April 13] Friday Meeting of Gas Directors, Over Darwen 2 to 6.30. Meeting of the Blackburn Burial Board 7 to 10 pm.

[April] 16th Young Roger Kenyon died - aged 24

[April] 21st Eli Holt was killed at the Daisy Field Station was buried at the Cemetery

The Weather as the from the 15th to the 22nd very cold with Snow & Sleet at times.

[April] 22 Sunday at the Parish Church, Needham "Let me die the death of the righteous" - weak energy - In the Afternoon went to Feniscowles with the children and returned at 7. –

[April] 23 Monday, 5 a m All the Hills, Streets are quite covered with Snow.

Note - A Severe Winter of six months duration.

Fine Days - frosty Nights - East Winds - droughty.

[April] 24th Sent off Richard's life Insurance Money -

The droughts continued until Sunday Evening, the 29th [April] when a gracious & plentiful rain watered the thirsty earth -

My Son Henry very poorly indeed -

[April] 28th John Charles Forrest Councillor for the St Peter's Ward, died - a few hours after he had in a fit of Insanity cut his Throat. - He has left a large family - a good Conservative.

Fowler of King Wm Street died, - Mr Hornby poorly.

[April] 29th Girls' Charity Sermon - Rev A W Rawstorne of Balderstone - a good sound gospel preacher.

Tuesday the 24th [April] Lecture by Charles Hardwick at the Oddfellows Hall, well attended, and a most excellent Lecture. - The Mayor in the chair.

Sunday May 6. The Oddfellows of this District walked in Procession to the Parish Church accompanying his Worship the Mayor Br James Cunningham Esqre - They mustered about 1200 on the occasion & were a most interesting sight.

[May] 12th Mr T. H. Pickup elected Councillor for St Peter's Ward. -

[May] 13th Great day at St Peter's, the Rev W M Falloon preached to overflowing Congregation - especially in the Evening - This discourse in the Morning was from the prophecy of Zechariah 4 c. & 6 verse Not by might, nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord of Host - The Rev Gent is very is very impressive. He gave a most beautiful elucidation of the Golden Candlestick with the golden bowl and seven candlesticks, or branches - or lamps, with the Two olive Trees on the right & left thereof - exhibiting the Church - the Redeemer, & the Holy Spirit.

In the Evening the sermon was from St Luke's Gospel 13 chap 2 verse This man receiveth sinners & eats with them - The discourse describe the character of God as exhibited in the life & conduct of Jesus Christ who came to save that which was lost. It was throughout a remarkably clear, able & gospel discourse. The Congregation was large indeed.

The Weather most beautifully genial - with sunshine & showers at intervals.

All week Magnificent & genial weather with Thunder at times.

Died May 11th [May] John Catlow - a good Man - aged 54.

Sunday May 20th Re-opening of Holy Trinity Church. Sermon in the Morning by the Revd Dr Barnet, vicar of Bradford - "The Seed is the Word of God" - a good plain practical discourse & well delivered - Afternoon & Evening Sermons by the Rev R. T. Wheeler - I heard in the Evening from these words "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his" A very powerful discourse from these words - in which the nature, the work, and the operations of the Holy Spirit were set forth in eloquent language.-

The attendance at the Church in the three Services were very large, - & the Collections liberal - say £140 afterwards £14.0.0 more.

Saturday 26th [May] 1860 - Being the Eve of Whit Sunday great preparations were made for cheap Trips - Mrs Tiplady and children proceeded to Lytham whither I followed on Sunday Morning - The weather had been delightful up to Saturday Night when some rain fell, and on Sunday it was gusty - windy & portentous of a Storm on Sunday it grew very cold & the wind wh: had been boisterous all day, now grew tempestuous - ushering in Whit Monday with a Storm of Snow, Hail, Sleet, driving rain, & piercing cold, not remembered for many years - The cheap trippers were almost starved.

At Lytham we had much rain and very high winds - wh: prevailed to a more fearful extent at Blackpool and at Liverpool, doing great damage to the Shipping at the latter place. This weather continued all Tuesday and settled somewhat on Wednesday wh: was a fine day. - I had a lovely walk with Mrs T. in Clifton Park - also on the Sunday previous - and left for home on the Wednesday. - The week for work &c was Nil - for though the Weather was rough, an uncontrolled desire had seized the population to go from Home. - Most of my people were away until Friday –

Monday the 28th [May] William Ingham, an old Schoolfellow died - Innkeepr. of the Sun Public House. -

[May] 31st Died Joseph Bell, son of the late Richard Bell Glazier. -

On Whitmonday I visited Preston in the afternoon and saw the Procession of Scholars, which was a interesting & affecting sight.

June 1st 1860 - Memon. Sold our first packet of Tea this morning to Thomas Hart Esqre.

Agent to the Liverpool Tea Company. -

Old Joseph Pearson elected on the Royal Masonic Benevolent Fund, £20 a year for life - No of votes - 6320.

Trinity Sunday - Wet all day - also Monday the 4th of June.

June 2nd Letters from my Son Richard - Bahia who is thank God - still in good health - now absent 2 years.

A very boisterous and wet June, with but little sun, - Great fears for the Crops.

June 14th Thursday Mrs Tiplady and self visited the ancient City of York. - The day was moderately fine and we had a most agreeable journey. Saw the Minster, - Blind Asylum, and the Grand Flower Gala - There was a large concourse of people, say 25,000

[June] 15th Another old Neighbour, James Sagar of Church Street died aged 60 years - This is the fourth Member of the Tradesman's Club in the 6 months - viz G Vickers, J. Ainsworth, & J Pemberton.

[June] 19th Quarterly Meeting of the Burial Society - attended only a slender Meeting. Very peaceable

June 23rd 52 years old this Day. - In health thank God for a Life of Mercies. - On opening my Eyes I discovered the following Note attached to a new pair of Trousers & Waistcoat

"For my dear Old Man, wishing him many happy returns of the day and health to wear them"

from which I inferred it was a present from my Old Woman, whom Heaven preserve.

Old John Sefton died Aged 80 Years - July 1st

[July] 6th Meeting at Darwen - always pleasant and agreeable

July 6th The Weather magnificent - grand and summer like - Hay making in full progress. -

[July] 8th Sunday (fine) at Parish & Trinity Church - Morng and Evening. -

[July] 10 With Mrs Tiplady at Manchester - Queen Park

A verse suitable for a Tombstone

Pilgrim of earth, who treads this sacred ground

Remember here is not abiding place;

Then rest not till thy weary feet have found

Thro' Christ, a mansion in the realms of grace.

[July] 14th Review of Volunteer Corps in Liverpool or Aintree the Bn Artillery attended under Major Jackson. My son Charles was present being a Corporal.

[July] 19th Thursday, Most Terrific Thunder Storm, with floods of rain. - Lasted more than one hour - Lightning awful & Reports like a field of Artillery. -

[July] 31st Violet left.

Aug 2nd Had a pleasant visit to Todmorden on the occasion of laying the Foundation Stone at Masonic Hall.

[August] 3rd At Burnley - called upon Mrs Eltoft whom I found well - Wadding setting up a Machine for his paper. -

[August] 6th Fanny's Birthday (14) Getting quite a young Woman - Letter from Richard - all well. His master wishes him to stay a longer period - We shall see.

[August] 3rd Died Joshua Smithson Esq. 77 years, A good Conservative - but a close-fisted Gentleman.

[August] 8th One Year has passed since the Settlement of the family affairs, and all have lived to enjoy their patrimony in good health.

My financial affairs are:

	£	s	d
Owing to Sisters	58	0	0
Aunt Callis	20	0	0
Building Club	115	0	0
£	193	0	0

Credits Building Club 1	24	0	0	{
Gas	106	0	0	{
Houses	550	0	0	{
Shop	600	0	0	{ Life Insurance £250
£	1280	0	0	{​

Augt 11th Saturday, Went to Newton-le-Willows to be present at the review of the Lancashire Artillery and Rifle Volunteers - A very grand and animated sight but a wretched drenching day. - Got home wet through at 12-15. - on the 12th in midnight

[August] 16th Splendid Morning - 21st Wedding Day - for all the mercies of God to an unworthy worm, everlasting thanks are due - Thy love & blessing on my wife -

Fearfully wet (Aug 17 & 18th) with heavy winds and very little sun - The worst fears are prevalent respecting the harvest.

[August] 19th Sunday. Day moderate - Harwood Sermons, preacher Revd P Graham of Over Darwen, Attended in the Afternoon with Mr John Ratcliffe and Mr Robt Duckworth.

[April 23] Exceedingly wet weather - (23d) Son Henry very ill indeed -

Meeting of the Inhabitants - free Library

Went to Whalley with Mary & Henry - who has not been well. I do not know if there be any truth in the adage that if it rain on St Swithin's day there will be rain every day for 40 days afterwards - but I believe that has been the case with the exception of one day since the 15th of July 1860 - Letter from M whom I thought I had offended.

That which I said at the death of Mrs Lloyd is come to pass Mr Isaac Lloyd has followed to the Grave his Wife - in a very short period - Aug 20. Aged 55.

[August] 27th Charles' Birthday (20) at Mr Hornby's Mill

Died Miss Hopwood, sister of the late Robt Hopwood Esq. Cotton Spinners. - an excellent Lady.

Note Rain more or less every day from the 15th of July to the 29th Day of August and frequently very heavy storms - The Grain & Hay much damaged.

[August] 30 & 31st Rain - Rain all Month - Markets rising -

[August] 31st Alexr Fisher Died.

Sep. 1. Fine Morning - heavy rain at Ten to Eleven, - fine afterwards -

Grand Review at Knowsley - attended, for particulars see Book -

[September] 2nd Rain.

[September] 3rd Gloomy at Times - Letter from Son Richard. Mrs T. Went to Southport.

[September] 4th I followed on a visit to Southport - Lost my Railway Ticket at Preston which annoyed me.

[September] 5th & 6th Still at Southport Weather very fine. Wednesday to the Isle of Wight - a sand hill - Thursday to a nice little Village called Church Town 3 miles from S. [Southport] -

[September] 7th Friday - Sailed from Southport to Lytham in open Boat. Water very calm, - to be rowed all the way & back. Dined at Lytham. - Home in good time - but vexed at Mary's impunctuality which had liked to have left us at Lytham. -

[September] 8th Saturday - Morning rain & cold but still fair - went to Liverpool, and thence to the Isle of Man. A very pleasant voyage, and not many sick - The Weather cleared up, and when we landed it was very fine indeed - Met Mr Wilkinson on board & a young Gent from Manchester who pointed to us good, reasonable & respectable Lodgings.

[September] 9th. Sunday. At St Thomas' Church, heard the Bishop preach from the words - between us & you there is a great gulf fixed. - In the Afternoon which was fine, at Castletown, nothing particular.

[September] 10th Monday - Visited, for the first time Ramsey by Coach a large Number of passengers - The road thro Kirk Michael is picturesque & very lovely - The Bishop Palace, and the Church looked very neat and this part is tolerably well planted which is not the case in many parts of the Island. Home by Laxey - saw the great wheel

[September] 11th Tuesday - To Peel Castle a most interesting ruin of ancient times - The Janitor give us some particulars of the place - Day very fine - Afternoon road to Glenmay a romantic spot - where the water forms a cascade down the rocks.

[September] 12th Walked about the Town & Suburbs of Douglas - visited the Nunnery - Kirk Bradden - & the Nursery Grounds - fair - but wild & dusty portending a change.

[September] 13th Took Boat to Liverpool - very rough passage a great many sick - arrived at Liverpool 4-10 - At Six took Train, and arrived safely home a little after 8 pm.

[September] 15th Died James Gregson, aged 97 years - The oldest Man in Blackburn.

[September] 22nd Sat. The first Stone of St Thomas' Church laid at Bottom Gate, (the weather wet) There was a good attendance of Ministers & Scholars, but only slender of the Inhabitants. –

[September] 23. - Sermon Canon Richson, Romans - For no man liveth unto himself & no man dieth unto himself from which words he eloquently discoursed of the practical duties & responsibilities of Christians & of the necessity of charity -

[September] 30th At the Parish - Sermon the Anger of James - Evng the Book of Common Prayer -

[September] 28th Friday Afternoon at Chatburn with Mrs T. a very comfortable & quick visit - but here, as elsewhere there is a change - David has left and is at Preston -

A rough & stormy week - with high winds & rain -

[October] Sunday the 7th Parish Ch: Morng. Sermon by the Rev the Vicar from Acts. They took knowledge of them that had been with Jesus.

[October] 4th Letter from my Son Richard. - He has had fever and relates that many men have died -

[October] 10th & 11th Very cold - with north wind - 12th Fair and frosty - with ice.

On the 8th. [October] Snow fell in many places, particularly on the mountains of Wales, Scotland & Cumberland

Excessively Wet. - Oct 14th - Walked with Daughter Essy to Stiff Street, where joined by Wife & Henry we visited Mrs Bolton who was sick at the Judges

[October] 21 Mr Welland's farewell Sermon - Text John 12. 32 - "And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all Men unto me". The Rev Gentleman is a young Man from Ireland, and during the brief period of his curacy with Dr Robinson has greatly endeared himself to the flock & people of the District -The Discourse was an animated one, with a total abnegation of Self, the Saviour exalted to be the man & object of all believers - He continued for the space of 3/4 of an hour to pour forth a most eloquently, and at the last made a few remarks touching his own departure - The Congregation instantly became deeply affected, the Sobs & weeping were audible & universal nor could the sterner sex refrain. - one mingled paroxysm of weeping pervaded all - The Rev Gent hastend to his conclusion & sat down overwhelmed with the emotions wh: this outburst of affection towards himself had produced.

The church was exceedingly crowded.

[October] 23rd One of the finest days of the year - calm, clear, sunny and genial. To Accrington in the Afternoon.

My mind was exceedingly disturbed by finding that the Radicals had nominated Mr Caughey along with Mr Edmundson, by which they intend to throw all their strength against me. - I was deeply exercised but found great relief in prayer - I prayed that then all matter might be left with God - that if I won I might be faithful, - and if I lost not desponding. I came to work and found that Edward Saward the Br of the Town Clerk had nominated Mr C. by wh: I think they have injured their cause.

Nov. 1 Elected a Town Councillor. May I have grace, wisdom & health to do my duty.

Sunday the 4th Novr. very cheering Letter from my Son Richard, for which God be praised.

Visited, Miss M. E [Maria Eltoft] - at B. [Burnley] and had Tea - all well, I think she is again engaged -

Nov 9th Thos Thwaites Esq. Elected Mayor, My first speech in the Council, - called to order, - but very improperly so.

[November] 10th My Son William left me to reside at Messrs Dobson's in Preston, to improve himself - I pray God be with him, and enable him to do his duty. My labour of course will be increased - but while I health & strength I will endeavour to do my duty.

The Weather, which had been beautiful upto 11th now changed and on the 16th there was a Storm of Sleet, Rain & Snow

[November] 15th To her Majesty's great joy the Prince of Wales returned home from Canada & America -

[November] 17 Letter from William, in health, and likes his situation.

[November] 18. Sunday - Most admirable Sermon from Dr. Robinson, 1 Cor: 1 c. 30 ver: - showing the fulness of the Believer in Christ - Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification & Redemption -

Weather, Frost & Snow, with a strong tendency to dry frosts.

Decr 6th At Oldham, at the Provincial Meeting, exceedingly wet, - The sum of £100 was voted to the Royal Benevolent Fund in London. Dined with Brs & was well received.

Weather since December came in has been unusually gloomy, wet & foggy. - and very dark.

[December] 10th Mrs T. Birthday, In good health, thank God.

[December] 12th Repaid J. H. P. £5.

[December] 16th Fine with slight indication of Frost. -

[December] 17 Very fine

Same day with Alderman Boyle & others on the Lamp Committee - Made a long perambulation.

At 9 p.m. on the 18th [December] a very heavy fall of snow commenced & continued until the Morning of the 19th.

Essy's Birthday - Winter indeed - a fine sharp Girl but small in size. -

[December] 23 Sunday. Continuation of the Frost. This day a very heavy fall of Snow which added to that on Tuesday & Wednesday last, has completely blocked up the face of Nature throughout the whole kingdom

[December] 24th Snow all Night - Morning, heavy fog. - with continued hard frost

Grand Presentation of Bugle to the Artillery Corps by Miss Cunningham, Ex-Mayor niece, - fine night but fearfully cold. -

Christmas Day (Tuesday) - A particularly fine, clear, frosty healthy Winters Day - The Salford Brook so frozen over that Boys were sliding thereon - The Reservoir & Canals all fast. To Church in the Morning - Sermon Wescoe Holy Meditation - A wild imaginary tissue of dramatic & poetic figures very eloquent but I fear very useless - The last few sentences very fair -

William over from Preston - Thomas from Liverpool all in good health -

The kitchen range of Mr Crankshaw blew up with the frost and seriously injured his Son.

Dec 29. - My Venerable Uncle Ratcliffe died this Morning at five o'clock - I visited him only on Christmas Day - twice, when, for his age, he appeared quite hearty.

Dec 29. The Snow which fell on the 18th remained until this Night, when a tremendous fall took place making the Roads & rails impassible [sic]. I have not seen so large a fall for many years at the front door in Mount Street, it was 3/4 of a yard Deep - on the 30th (Sunday)

The frost slightly remitted on Monday but again returned with great intensity at the opening of the New Year.

Sick Society at Hy Whittaker divided 26 years since and left all the Old Men in the old not then worth 20/-. The old Men stuck together & paid 2/- per quarter 13. - ranging from 80 to 70 years & until they could buried themselves - Buried all the widows since & there remains only 4 Wives 55 years - Never had anything for sickness - 8/- per year - Richd Holden - This Club's woes so frequent the [?] part that they swarmed out after the great panic in 1826 things went backwards - It is now 26 years since sick pay was delivered out - R Holden will now receive £5 & those with wives 10 years.

​

Jan 2 1861 We this day conveyed to his last resting place our venerable & esteemed uncle Ratcliffe. He was interred at St Peter's Church.

Very hard frost except on the 31st. & 1st - The Taps all frozen, and very bad printing Weather. -

Rivers, Reservoir, Canals, &c all fastened up with great thickness of ice. -

[January] 10th 11th & 12th Milder Weather - Wind south with a tendency to Thaw, - on the 11th Water pipe burst and flooded us

[January] 13th Sunday re-appearance of the Frost - went to White where I saw for the first time, solid Walls of Snow on either side of the Road, Church - Parish Mr Wescoe a Man of full of fine language - Eveng Dr Robinson Ye are bought with a price - a very profitable discourse.

This day John Proctor told me of Engagement at Hopwood. Business brisk - Money scarce - Charles entered his new place, and received his first week's wages Saty Jan 12th £2.0.0

The frost left us very quietly & gradually about the 20th since which time the Weather has been very mild.

[January 27] The Misses Eltoft were here from Burnley (27th) M staid at Lawson's. -

[January] 28th Henry Ibbotson an old Schoolfellow died.

Also that fine and most promising intelectual [sic] Child of Br Charles Boardman's - Willie - aged 15 years -

James Higham died about the 24th aged 83 years -

Feb 3 Parish Morning - Hughes - The River of Life - Evening a most practical & sound discourse by the Revd Dr Robinson - The Imprisonment of Paul & Silas - and the conversion of the Jailor at Philippi. -

Feb 7. Letters from my Son, (his 18th Birthday) - In good health & spirit - praised by God. - Wrote to him.

Monday (11th) Died the Rev Wm Hartley of Balderstone, - 12th At Manchester with Mrs Tiplady.

[February] 14th Valentine Day - Troublous Times - Lock Out on the five per cent question commenced when a majority of the hands suspended work.

[February] 16th Rev W Hartley interred at Child's Wickam.

Reports of the great losses sustained by the Mayor T. Thwaites Esq., in Cotton Speculations -

[February] 17th Parish Morning - Rev A Reed for the Pastoral Aid Society - Good Gospel Sermon - Afternoon, walk with my Wife, & part ride to Whalley - Eveng at Trinity singing very good - & so to Bed early -

[February] 24th Opening of Organ at Ribchester - Went with Mrs T. fine day - full church - the Revd Vicar preached, I will sing with the spirit, and with the Understanding also - a very plain, useful & practical discourse. arrived home at 6. - Had a family prayer & to bed very early for I was tired.

March 1. The Common adage March Many Weathers was verified this day, - It began moderately mild & fine - towards noon a storm of Thunder & Lightning commenced & it became so dark that we had to light a candle at dinner time, - then followed rain, hail & sleet, with uproarious wind - ending with Snow & sleet in the Evening - but starlight about 11 pm.

[March] 2nd & 3rd equally stormy - specially the night of the 2nd -

[March] 3rd Sunday - to Parish Church, Mr Wescoe, Examine yourselves, &c. a plain Gospel Sermon – Afternoon a little ride & walk - Mrs Tiplady very unwell in her back, - Evening to Trinity - Dr Robinson, - from 1 Cor 13 12 ver, For now we see through a glass darkly &c.

The Weather exceedingly boisterous, with Storms of Rain.

[March] 7th Masonic Quarterly Meeting at Bury, - Attended throng Meeting 102 present, Endeavoured to get old William Morris of Over Darwen on the Benevolent Fund, opposition from Bury (Hoyle) & Rochdale (Leach) We after much discussion got the 3rd place. - Dined at the Hare & Hounds - then home. Saw Brother John a few moments.

[March] 8th Friday at Darwen - Gas Meeting - preparing for the Annual Meeting.

[March] 10th Parish Church and Trinity.

Weather exceedingly stormy winds - with Snow & Sleet

[March] 14th Annual Meeting O. D. Gas Company - good and satisfactory Meeting.

[March] 15th At Over Darwen - Presentation to John Bell -

Mr Harrison, of the New Inn died suddenly at Liverpool, aged 58.

[March] 24th At Parish & Trinity - Dr Robinson condemned in a powerful discourse the Vol of Essays & Reviews recently published by several dignitaries of the Church.

Weather from the 23rd Moderate. - 25 heavy fog -

[March] 25 Died Robt Wilding Esq Surgeon 60 Age

Easter Tide 1861.

A great Throng of people attended the Commencement of Easter, The day was upon the whole fine but toward Night rain began, and ushered in one of the Most disagreeable Easter Days I ever witnessed - The churches were all very slenderly attended - On Monday April 1, the weather moderated and there was a good attendance at the fair -

Night Tradesman's Meeting - Nothing Important

Tuesday the 2nd [April] awfully wet - St John's F F [Female Friendly] Society anniversary - a pleasant Meeting & prosperous affairs

Thursday the 4th [April] Council Meeting - several important matters discussed. -

[April 5] Friday to Over Darwen Gas Meeting, very important business, deliberated on James Hawthorns Salary - Gas holder now complete.

[April 7] Sunday Parish Ch: afternoon a walk to Lamb Row with Mrs T.

8th of April Letter from Richard he not very well

[April] 5. to 12th A Week of Splendid Weather - Today Magnificent delicious & sunny -

Note The first thorough fine week for 12 Months

Journey to Padiham ([April] 11th) with Mr Thompson. Looked through the Mill - Tea at Mrs Richd Thompson.

Monday April 8th "The Census" taken for 1861.

John Haydock ([April] 12th) & Oliver Walsh died.

Saty the 13th [April] Glorious Day -

Fourteen Days of successive fine days - dry, sunny and delicious.

[April] 17th Died George Clark, Corn Dealer, Butter Factor and Bacon & Ham Merchant - Respected.

[April] 21 Fine but cool - To Trinity Morng Dr Parr - "God is Love" -- when we receive Grace to Love God we approach the divine attributes - It is only sin that presents God a Being of Wrath, Terror & justice - Afternoon, Peter's, - Baker - (very drowsy) a good plain homely discourse -

A remarkably fine April - Good seed time -

[April] 27th Return of Winter - cold, blustery & frosty - Fall of snow.

[April] 28th Rather cold - parish in the Morning, Rev H Wescoe from Galatians - Evening Trinity - Dr Robinson on the character and offices of Melchizedek, King of Salem, as a Type of Christ in his position as King & Priest - A very learned & sound discourse. The singing also exceedingly good.

The Weather in May cold & ungenial with blasting East & Nor East Winds & frost.

[May] 9th Holy Thursday on business at Manchester, with Mrs T. - then to Belle Vue for 2 or 3 hours - Day very fine & sunny, but cold Winds

[May] 11th A severe cold day with strong blustering Winds ending in the Evening & following day with Rain.

[May] 12th Rent Day, At St John's - Sermon "my Grace is sufficient for thee" by Rev W. Bateson of Woodhead - rather feeble delivery but very truthful & affectionate, - Evening Trinity Dr Robinson on the Ascension a very eloquent discourse. -

[May] 3rd Died Joseph Eccles, Esq. Mill Hill - Interred at Bn Cemetery May 9th Aged 61 Years.

[May] 11th James Hoyle left Mount Street.

No Letters from my Son Richard this Month.

[May] 16th Thursday, The Grand Oratorio of the "Messiah" was given with magnificent Effect at the Town Hall, Blackburn - Conductor Mr J H Robinson a very full and fashionable attendance - Mrs Sunderland in famous voice, also Hinchcliffe & Miss Crossland, - Mr D. Towers lacks energy of execution but nevertheless sang creditably.

Whit=Sunday, May 19th very fine, - To Parish Church, Morning, afternoon with Mrs T. at Hoghton thence walked to Preston, and had Tea at Shelley's Arms - Home at 8.

Whit Monday (20) Exceedingly fine - vast Multitudes left the Town, School Children & others some to York, Lytham, Southport, Windermere &c.

The first Stone of the New Workhouse laid - Went in procession, and took part in the Ceremony. Afterwds dined at the Old Bull Inn, - A very pleasant affair. The Ceremony was Masonic T Clough officiating.

[May 21] Tuesday went to Leeds with Mrs to the Grand Installation of Earl de Grey & Ripon as PGM of West Yorkshire 1200 Masons present in the Town Hall Leeds. Went to St George's Church after the Inn. Thence to the Grand Banquet under the Town Hall - In the Evening to the Royal Gardens (Tuesday) -

The Installation was on Wednesday the 22nd [May].

Thurday 23rd [May] to Harrowgate from Leeds, also to Knaresborough with Mrs T. spent a pleasant day - home to Leeds at 8 p.m. and so to Bed.

Staid at Mr John Field's, Railway Hotel, West Bar near the Post Office.

[May 24] Friday Safely & happily home - Children - that is Fanny, Henry and Essy at Mrs Emmett's Lytham

Trinity Sunday - Sermon for the Girls' Charity School parish Church Rev John Smith, good homely discourse. Evening at Trinity Dr Robinson, - Afternoon a walk with Mrs Tiplady. Very fine

[May] 29th Glorious Spring - clear, bright, bracing sunny & most lovely weather. -

Note - A May Much to be remembered for we have had more Sun in it than during the whole of the Summer of 1860.

[May] 30th Council Meeting to adopt Petition to the Water Works Company - Explanations given - slender Meeting.

Monday the 2nd of June - Rain - Parish Morning, the vicar on the good Providence of God - a plain homely & practical discourse - Evening - H Trinity Sermon by the Rev W. Ogden - Curate - the choice of Joshua - a very good Sermon -

Thursday the 6th [June] to Rochdale, at the P G Annual Meeting of Free Masons - a full attendance. Rochdale is a strangely built place - The River, by reason of constant use for Manufy purposes is woefully filthy - Left at 4 and came thro Burnley - & so home. In the same Carriage was Tho Parker.

[June] 7th Evening - a Letter from Mr Wilson of Brazils offering by Mr Watson the sum of £150 per annum for Richard's Services - No Letter from Richard - I fear he is ill - commit him to the care of God. –

[June] 9th Sunday - Trinity Rev J Smith a very useful and affectionate discourse - The Christian Inheritances

Evening - same - Rev M Ogden - "Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life" - An old sermon - but very earnestly delivered -

Friday the 14th [June] visited with Mrs Tiplady & my daughter Fanny, "The Great Eastern" - a very large ship lying at Liverpool. - There was a great throng of people say from 15000 to 20,000 -

This week was remarkably clear & brilliant weather but the wind was easterly which is unusual in June.

Sunday - June 16th Morning the vicar, - "And God said Let the earth bring forth grass" - a very nice discourse - and particularly seasonable - because the Wardens after remodelling the surface of the Church Yard, have sown it with grass which to springing very luxuriantly - Evening - Wescoe - Subject The person character and works of the Devil - Down to Langho for a Walk - Singing very good - William assisted. -

Published in June, this year, Mr William Durham's Work entitled "Chronological Works" Blackburn, Lancashire.

[June] 16th Death of Mrs Beddoes, - aged 35, of childbirth

Weather exceedingly clear from clouds - Wind E. & N.E.

[June] 19th Journey to Macclesfield to the funeral of Mrs Beddoes very sad & melancholy bereavement, six children - the youngest scarce a month old.

[June] 21st Went in the afternoon with Mrs Tiplady to Ashton Hall, the seat of the late Edward Pedder, - A most beautiful residence, and furnished in a princely style of magnificence - but from what I could gather - the seat of profligacy pride and awful extravagance, ending in ruin. -

[June] 23rd My 53rd Birthday - in good health, and family all well, - For all the mercies of God I desired to be devoutly thankful. Morning at the Parish sermon by Mr Kershaw of Walton - There is joy in the presence of God &c a very earnest and affectionate discourse Evening - Trinity - Mr Ogden "And that Rock was Christ" - Mr O. has a husky voice His Sermons appear to me to be copied - ie not original - Dr R laboured under a severe cold.

[June] 26th Violent Thunder Storm. -

[June] 29th Died Mr James Douglas, the oldest Bookseller in the Town, - The family have been connected with the Trade about 70 years - I am sorry to say Mr D died in poor circumstances, brought on, it is to be feared by improvident, - not to say, - dissolute habits - aged 61.

In the afternoon walked with Mrs Tiplady to Langho and thence to Clitheroe - a beautiful day and a lovely walk - Tea at Mrs Fowler's. -

The Month of June is ended - perhaps in the Memory of the oldest inhabitant in the past, there has been no finer weather, - but in consequence of early frost there will be little or no fruit - The Ground Crops however promise well - and that is very material for a large working population

July 1st In the Evening the Tradesman's Society half yearly Meeting - nothing particular G W D. President

[July] 2nd Tuesday. St John's F Friendly Society, - good Meeting old James Haworth, a consequence of infirmity & age, declined his situation as visitor - Thos Beardsworth Shoemaker entered upon the same, paid £1 to James Haworth for his attendance.