A. D. 1711.
January 1. This being the first day of a new year, that through the sparing mercy of a good God, I am permitted to see the light of, I had some serious thoughts how to improve the short space of my pilgrimage (how small a part of this year it may continue, the Lord only knows !) more to the glory of God and the good of iny soul, and resolve by the divine assistance, to be more constant and frequent in reading that best of books, the Holy Bible, that inestimable treasure; for though besides the psalms and chapters that are daily read at church (for the advantage of which I desire to bless God) I always read some practical exposition of the Scripture to the family, yet it often happening that the treatise I read in secret proves less practical than I expected, and though they add to my knowledge in some nicer points relating to the Scripture, yet are not so moving and affecting,—I design for the future to read a chapter in the Bible, morning and evening, and in secret, besides the said other treatises; accordingly I begun at the first of Genesis. Lord, give a blessing! Evening, son Ralph read us the conclusion of the account of the dreadful storm, anno 1703, with the earthquake.
10, At the first sessions in the new erected Guildhall.
27. Concluded Bishop Cumberland's accurate and ingenious treatise of the Scripture Weights and Measures; afterwards weighing my shekels and selah.
February 18. Was at the funeral of Thomas Parin's wife,
who (though an inferior barber) designs to leave 3l. per annum to the
Charity School.
March 4. Was at the funeral of Mr. John Barlow, who
has very kindly bequeathed 5l per annum to the Charity School, 6l. per
annum to poor widows that do not beg, &c.; 10s. to the lecturer
of the old, and as much to that of the new church, yearly.
9. Diverted by seeing Mr. Nevile, the High Sheriff of the county, attended by many gentlemen and near one hundred liveries, pass by for York ; at their entrance to York, above two hundred and thirty liveries.
29. At court, where my cousin Walker, producing the Queen's patent, under the broad seal of Great Britain, was sworn Recorder, in place of my late dearest friend, Richard Thornton, Esquire: my nephew Wilson was elected by the Corporation, but by the misrepresentation of some under-hand dealers (advantaged by the present ferment in the nation) could not obtain the royal fiat, but had a retaining fee from the Corporation given him last night, as council in all cases relating thereto.
April 4. With cousin Milner rode to Bolton Percy, to
see his noble purchase of that Lordship and Nun Appleton ; was most
agreeably entertained by the pious rector, the excellent Mr. Archdeacon
Pearson, who has erected there a very curious parsonage-house at the
charge of 8001.
5. In his excellent library, and taking extracts from the parish Register, and a MS. of his own collections. We after rode to Nun Appleton, to see the stately fabric erected by the late Thomas Lord Fairfax, the General, which has been a noble palace; the gallery, about fifty yards long, has thirty escutcheons, in wood, and painted with the several matches of the family. There are a great number of chimney-pieces, of delicate marble of various colours, and such a number of rooms, as I heard of none that had numbered them: upon the leads, we had a fair view of the country (though its situation is rather too low) at a good distance; but the cupola lets in rain, that the house is in part ruinous, and being abundantly too large, is shortly to be demolished, and a more convenient one erected out of part of the materials; so that an old servant, (my Lord's coachman,) who is permitted to live in it, may probably see another spring out of the ashes of this, as he did this out of those of the old nunnery, of which nothing remains, save a few old grave stones: upon one was a cross fleuri, but no legible inscriptions, that I saw; but the Archdeacon saw one which serves as a foot-bridge in Bolton Ings, for one of the Prioresses, but has forgot the name. We afterwards rode round most of the spacious park, out of which 300 head of deer were, of late years, sold for so trifling a sum as 20l. as my cousin Milner found in the accounts ; so ill managers have been the descendants of an ancient and honourable family, of which I noted in the Registers of Bolton this morning, that there were four Knights living at the same time, Sir Thomas Fairfax, senior and junior, (of Denton and Appleton,) Sir William and Sir Philip Fairfax, of Steeton ; now, not one. Sic transit gloria mundi! 6. Rise before five; left my bed-fellow asleep; writing from MSS. and Bishop Morley's memorable letter to Sir William Lowther; after, viewing the fabric of the church and monuments of the Fairfaxes, of which see elsewhere. After dinner, took leave of the good family ; returned by another road (near Steeton) to Tadcaster: and thence home, and in good time, and found all well there, blessed be God, though a sad accident at my cousin Cookson's; a pretty young man, his servant, drowned in the river Aire this flood.
13. At the Court; and evening, till very late, (if not early) with the justices and lawyers, at a treat at cousin Milner's. The Clerk of the Peace told me he had not for many years known so considerable a Sessions, there being as much business as at some Assizes, a good omen, this being the first Sessions in the new Guildhall.
15. Finished Dr. Edwards's notable discourse upon the Union, but did next to nothing in the evening, being with cousin Milner to visit Colonel Gledhill, at cousin Atkinson's, who is evidently taken off by the October Club, as he calls them, that they might be revenged upon my friend, the Bishop of Carlisle, who felt their displeasure for screening his friend, Sir James Montague, whose interest and family (Lord Halifax) had been useful to his Lordship in his contest with the Dean. Sir James's letter was not pretended, (as in the printed votes,) but real, only not seasonable to be owned, that it fell hard upon the worthy Bishop,
17. Was much of day within, finishing my copy of the Prophetic Picture, from the Vatican, at Rome. 19. With Mr. Carpenter, beginning the model of a bust, for my honoured father's monument.
25. Upon the turret I observed a rainbow so unusually low, that I seemed to stand within it, and counted six distinct colours against the grass, on the declining side of a hill, the air being very moist and thick.
28. At Court, where cousin Atkinson was elected Alderman ; he treated last week as Common Council-man, this as Alderman, and a week after, as Justice of North Riding.
May 4. At Sir Henry Piers' request, who was somewhat
indisposed, took a walk with him, which had the desired effect upon
him, and, in some measure, answered also my purpose; for, taking our
course to Thorpe Hall, I took particular notice of the vestigia of the
Roman Via Vicinalis, which seems to come from the great military road
upon Bramharn Moor, by Brown Moor, near Barrowby, where it is evident,
to this place, (from whence there is a part that yet remains, with a
turn up towards the last-mentioned place) but what I traced and measured
by my paces to be upwards of 400 yards, tends directly towards Leeds,
and, at a little distance, is visible again upon the height of the ascent
betwixt Skelton Grange and Knowstrop.
10. Walked with my children to Whitkirk, to show them the Lord Irwin's tomb ; I compared my transcript of the epitaphs, took account of Lady Gascoigne's benefaction.
16. With Sir Henry Piers and the Swede, to see le grand Maximilian Christopher Miller, born at Leipsic 1683 ; he is (as I measured him) seven feet and three or four inches tall.
19. Walked to Berwick-in-Elmete, to consult my old friend, the parson, about my MS., concerning which I have of late received so many letters and solicitous requests from my friends for the publication, that, considering the infirmities which I perceive growing upon me, I cannot but look upon as a memento of my own mortality, and its miscarriage, if not timely prevented.
22. To see the new white Cloth Market in Kirk-gate, the new Whitehall being opened this day. Was after with Madam Thornton about the monu-'ment for one of the best of men.
28. Rose by five; preparing for a journey to York; went by coach with Sir Henry and Lady Piers, per Tadcaster (where staid till the heat was partly over) to York; went to Mr. Carpenter's about the monument; lodged there.
29. To visit Dr. Colton and Mr. Hodgson, to inquire of more particulars of the late pious and charitable Lady Hewley's benefactions.
30. At Mr. Hammond's, where purchased Kirby's Inquest, and other MSS. in folio.
June 1. Wrote from subscription book; then walked to
Bishopthorp to wait of his Grace, whom I was glad to find so hearty
; was with my Lord privately in library, about coins. After dinner,
consulting Monsieur Valliant, of the consular moneys. Having, for some
hours, enjoyed his Grace's converse, with Dr. Deering, (the new Dean
of Ripon,) and Mr. Richardson's, I returned with Captain Goodman, (a
relation of the Archbishop of Canterbuiy's wife ;) in return, visited
Mr. Lamb's widow, and Mr. Smith, with whom viewing the remains of the
late ingenious Mr. Gyles's glass paintings, &c.
2. To borrow the last and present book of subscriptions to transcribe, upon which so intent lest it should be wanted, that I willingly lost dinner to finish and return it in time (though not to omit the public prayers.) Was after, with Mr. Archdeacon Pearson, who kindly obliged me with an epitaph for the monument. Was after, with Sir Henry and Lady Piers, to view the Lady Hewley's hospital, Mr. Gyles's paintings, and some curiosities at Mrs. Taylor's, the great arch of Ouse-bridge, &c. In return, visited Mrs. Lamb, a pious matron, from whom writ some Memoirs of her husband.
4. With Sir Henry Piers to visit Dr. Birbeck and his ingenious contrivance about his bees: then at printing-press, and after at the rolling-press at Mr. Place's, where Cousin Lumley printed me off my ten Scocheons.
5. Packing up for home, where, blessed be God, we got very well (after
a melting day's travel in the
coach).
20. Writing to Oxford, and transmitting a MS. statute of New College, at the Vice-Chancellor's request.
21. Walked to Wakefield about poor ministers' concerns, and that of Aunt Sykes and son John's; got them a 20/. bond in, and eleven years' interest : made some transient visits, but succeeded in nothing, save some old seals and writings from the Lord Eure's and Sir John Nelthrop's papers.
27. Rode with Mr. Robinson (at his request) to Berwick, to consult Mr. Plaxton about his designed benefaction to this town ; he showed us his will, whereby he disposes of lands and tenements to the value of 200/. per annum to the charity-school, or other pious uses, in case that should fail; the Mayor and Vicar of Leeds, and Ministers of New Churches, being perpetual trustees, together with three of his nephews. In return, we talked of a new edition of his Uncle Harrison's Manual of Prayers, with addition of others, and an account of his benefactions, &c. by way of preface.
28. In walks backward, finished a piece of Baron Van Helmont's, which Mrs. Bland would have me read, but is, I confess, in a great measure unintelligible to me, if not downright enthusiastical.
July 10. Showing collections to Cousin Lumley of York;
had his company and Mr. Carpenter's to dinner; after, at his request,
sitting for my picture in crayons ; had Sir Henry Piers's company all
the time, with whom after, at Mr. R.'s and bowling-green, with cousin,
till late enough.
17. Preparing for a journey ; had so many visitants to take leave of daughter, that did little.
18. Packing up my daughter's apparel till eight, when begun our journey, which, blessed be God ! she performed very well (though the first time on horseback), and through mercy we got safe to York about two (after a short bait at the Street-houses) : after I had placed her at Cousin Nicholson's (who received her very respectfully,) I visited Dr. Colton about the late pious Lady Hewley's benefactions; was sorry to hear that there are endeavours to frustrate them, and chancery suits commenced already. Evening, with Mr. Walker, about the subpoena, till too late.
19. Met the High Sheriff with a message from the Judge, who was desirous to see me, with the like from the new Dean of Carlisle, Dr. Todd, whom I had but just time to see hasting to the Castle to wait of Baron Bury, who earnestly solicited me to dine with him to-morrow, (his Lordship dining abroad to-day) which I could not comply with and get home in time, so promised at night. Lost much of the afternoon in Castle-yard, expected a trial in vain. Evening, supped with the Judges, and spent the evening with great satisfaction, my Lord Chief Justice Sir Thomas Parker, and Judge Bury, being both persons of curiosity, as well as eminency in their own faculty.
20. According to Baron Bury's request, went to show his Lordship the multangular tower and Roman wall, betwixt the Manor and the Mint-yard, of which see Philosophical Transactions, No. 149. His Lordship was mightily pleased with so copious and visible remains of the Roman grandeur, which he had always enquired of at the assizes, but could never learn what it was till I showed it him. His Lordship carried me along with him (in the Sheriff's coach) to the Castle, where the cause betwixt Sir Henry Piers and Mr. Walker was tried before my Lord Chief Justice, who would have me sit next his Lordship in the Court, and took my travelling album, and writ three remarkable sentences, &c. Rode home.
30. Sent for to the Court, where was indecent brawlings betwixt two opposite parties: in this matter I forsook (and fear I disobliged) some of my old friends, thinking it unreasonable, after about twenty years' intermission, to fine a gentleman for his resignation; the case was Mr. Pawson's; we were twenty-four in court, ten voted to fine him, the rest either blanks or in express words no fine.
Aug. 2. Read the rest of good Mr. Chorley's Metrical
Index of the Bible (the author's present); was much pleased therewith.
5. Was startled with the account in the public papers of Mr. Roots and his wife, (my good old friend Mr. Corn. Todd's daughter) and six in the family, of which Mrs. Jane Hickson of this town was one, who were poisoned by their servant, an Italian maid, who is committed to Newgate for the barbarous fact.
6. Afternoon, with Lords of Manor and at the Sessions, where the Vicar in open Court complained to the Mayor, that Russell, one of his officers, lived in adultery, which his conscience would not suffer him to permit without complaint.
10. Rode to Ledston Hall, got in time for prayers ; was extremely pleased with most agreeable conversation of the most pious and excellent Lady Elizabeth Hastings, who showed me some curious books, delicate pictures, and fine needle-work, but her exemplary piety and charity is above all; was also very well pleased with Signor Ludolph (of whom see what is entered under his Russian motto in my travelling Album).
16. Preparing for a journey that I wish had been in my power to divert another day, that I might have employed this in meditation, &c., considering the misspence of fifty-three years. Lord, pardon what is irrevocably lapsed, and help me to spend the short remains more usefully! I rode by way of Beeston, for young Mr. Eland's company, with whom I rode by the boundaries of this parish, through Midleton and Thorp-on-the-Hill, (super montem in the Rothwell registers,) by Lingwell-gate to Wake-field Outvvood, where are several cast-up banks, which I suppose to have been the encampments of the Lingones, (of which, see my thoughts in the Philosophical Transactions, No. . . .,) and the place from them so denominated Lingonum vallum, (which val was pronounced wa\, as is evident from Casau-bon, Somner, &c.) Not meeting with Mr. Skelton, we passed Wakefield, and rode near the ruins of Sandal castle, by Chevet Hall to Royston, by Burton Grange, where are the pious Lady Armine's alms-houses, and Stairfoot, which is rightly called Ards-ley, to Wombwell, where we were most kindly received by Mr. Wombwell. After dinner, perused the pedigree of that ancient family, and having seen the dungeon, where tradition says a Saxon king was imprisoned, rode thence to (the extent of my designed journey,) Wentworth Woodhouse ; we were severely wet in a sore rainy day, but I hope without other inconvenience. Was most kindly received by his honour Wentworth, his lady and their only son ; spent rest of the day and evening very agreeably with them and Mr. Goodwin, (the young gentleman's tutor,) Mr. Mangy, and Mr. Thirlby, the chaplain. I was mightily pleased with the regularity and piety of the family, which is very numerous, yet all duly attend the prayers twice every day in the family. Read a little in a MS. of Sir William's, the first Baronet.
17. Reading ditto MS., which argues the piety and abilities of the author; I transcribed from it three memorable passages: taking particular notice of the pictures in the noble gallery, where are many originals of eminent statesmen, &c. Then had Mr. Goodwin's assistance in transcribing the pedigree, from a very noble draft of it, with the other ancient families whereinto they matched, attested by W. Flower, Norroy temp. Eliz. Had some assistance from his Honovir as to the Lord Rockingham's family, in my continuation of it. Afterwards most agreeably entertained in the library, wherein are many valuable books, as well printed as MS. ; but I was most engaged in perusing original letters to the first Earl of Strafford till prayer-time, (which is best of all.) After dinner, walked in the gardens, which are large and noble, with delicate walks and groves, wherein the trees are regularly placed, by direction of my late dear friend, Mr. Kirk; there is a curious bust of King Charles the First in one of the gardens. I spent some time, very much to my satisfaction, in the Tower, built by the gardens, for the ancient writings and evidences; saw some grants, &c. under the great seals of several monarchs, particularly King Stephen's, about Tinsley, where his Honour has rebuilt the church, and raised the pension from 5l. to 35l. per annum. We after walked to the church at Wentworth, the east end whereof was rebuilt by the late Earl, and much enlarged, that there is place for two new monuments he erected for his Countess and his memorable father, the first Earl, which I transcribed, and compared those I had formerly wrote with the brasses. After return, was again perusing some original letters till evening.
18. Walked to see the curious fish-ponds, and to take leave of his Honour, who was with the workmen there; but he returned with me to the library, and gave me some valuable original letters, (of which there were several from the same hands.) In return, I visited good old Mr. Ellis, the benefactor, at Bramp-ton, and cousin Rayner, at Great Houghton, where she has lately erected a charity-school, towards endowing of which, ditto Mr. Ellis has given 50l. Returned by Henley, Breerley, Felkirk, and Mr. Mountain's [-Moncton's] (the Parliament-man.) We were late enough, and had rain in our return, but favourably dealt with, there being violent showers on each hand of us, of which we had but the skirts.
22. Walked with my dear to Black Moor side, to do an act of charity to widow Wright, (the excellent Mr. Williams's daughter,) in her afflicted state; it was very late ere got back, but there seemed a necessity for doing it now.
30. Walked with Dr. Richardson to see Burble Well, near Middleton Wood, a spring, of late discovered to be as effectual for the cure of tender eyes and healing sores, as the noted well at Ighley.
31. At the Court, where cousin Cookson was elected alderman, (had twenty-three of twenty-five votes in court, to receive him again into Corporation after his resignation, though this so offended a late member, who, in full expectation of the place, had ordered a treat, that he threw in his resignation.)
Sept. 5. Walked with Mr. Theo. C. by Kirkstal, Rodley,
Calverley Mills, where there is a good new bridge of hewn stone, lately
erected, and Aperley-bridge to Esholt, where of old was a nunnery ;
but I could hear of no inscriptions, save of Elizabeth Pudsey, the last
prioress; but the present heir, Walter Calverley, of Calverley and Esholt,
Esq. has lately erected here a noble and beautiful house, to which he
is adding gardens and waterworks, &c. ; but my business lay chiefly
amongst the old writings, of which there is a valuable and very numerous
collection. I run over three drawers full, took extracts of some, and
made alterations and additions to the pedigree from original deeds,
&c.; and after a most courteous entertainment by the worthy gentleman,
and resisting his importunity to stay all night, (which I would not
comply with, because I left my dear child Richard in the measles, though
under most comfortable circumstances.) Returned home on foot with Mr.
Calverley, and got home in good time, (though about fifteen miles.)
18 Finished perusal of Dr.Wotton's Reflections upon' Ancient and Modern Learning, which argues the excellent author a most extraordinary person, and admirably acquainted with both.
21. Visited by Mr. Knight, a Fellow of the Royal Society, Mr. Blythman, of London, to see the collections, that got not to prayers, though attended them to both churches. Afternoon, walked to Bees-ton Chapel; in my walk read Mad. de Scudery's Essay upon Glory, done into English, by another ingenious lady, Mrs. Elstob, who presented it to me.
November 14. Taking extracts from Fuller's Pisgah Sight,
(the perusal of which I now finished,) an ingenious and useful book,
as explaining many usages, &c. in Scripture. Evening, perusing MS.
proceedings of the Justices of the West Riding, from 1629 to 1632, part
of which time was the plague in these parts, a dismal and awakening
Providence. Lord deliver us from the like in this age
17. I ought to take notice of the mercy of God to this town, in'a timely discovery of a fire begun in a chandler's house, that might have endangered, at least, that part of the town, but was happily extinguished by the engine: this reminds me of a sad calamity befell Southwell, in the neighbouring county of Nottingham, the very last week, when the famous Cathedral there was fired by lightning, about ten in the evening, of the 5th of November, and burnt till eight the next morning, that all was entirely consumed; many censure it as a judgment or not having had any divine service there that day, which I cannot believe.
December 13. At funeral of Madam Calverley ; after,
with Sir Walter Calverley; the funeral being by torch-light, this was
the first time that the new candlestick in the church (with thirty branches)
was used.
14. Surprised with an unusual flaming sky, as if that part of the heaven had been actually on fire. I called up the boys into the library to take notice of it, endeavouring to press home that of the Apostle upon their hearts, " the day of the Lord shall come as a thief in the night; wherein the heavens being on fire, shall be dissolved," which fell in course this morning.
19. At Mr. Robinson's to show him Sir Philip Sydenham's letter, that concerned his pious father's Memoirs ; and, at his request, attested his will, written in four sheets, by his own hand ; of his benefactions see elsewhere.
20. Concluded the Revelations; this was that edition which was printed by Harrison, 1562, with Archbishop Cranmer's Prologue. Was with the trustees, distributing great-grandfather Jenkinson's bequest to the poor of Woodhouse, and skirts of this town. Evening, began Genesis; this is Matthews's (or rather Rogers, the martyr's) edition, printed 1549.
21. With the said trustees, distributing the remainder of the 10l. per annum to the poor, save that 3l.13s. was paid for repairs of the Alms-houses.