January 1st, Saturday
The night before, and that day, there fell a great snow. The London post stop’t two days; the Northern post one day; no passage over the moors to Woodhead. The minester, Mr Bayns, of Donfeild, lost in the snow nigh Grindle-firth bridge.

5th, Wednesday
At Barnsley, in company with Mr. Wordsworth, of Newlaths, who shewed us a bullet beat flat as a half-crown by hitting against the wall, shot at his servant in the malt-house, by some persons which were supposed to have a design to robb the house. It had gone through his hat behind.

12^th
The frost and snow continues. At Barnsley, in company with Mr. Spencer of Cannon hall, who was in morning for his wife’s brother, Mr. Ashton of Hethersedge, who was buried Dec. 29^th, and had left him 14,000l. Also, with Mr. Harvey, a gentleman of Greenwich. Old Mr. Hayford was in the town at the same time, notwithstanding the snow, and he 90 years old.

14^th
The night before there fell a quantity of snow more, which is now changed to rain and sleet, and a thaw.

15^th
Very little of the snow gone, and frosen again. Several pidgeons dies. Two pheasant hens came into the orchard, at the fur side of the green, and were there shot. A thaw in the afternoon.

23^rd
At church; Mr. Wainhouse preached.

26^th
At Barnsly, in company with Mr. Harvey, who was born at Fort St. David’s in India, Mr. Spencer, who had now bought Eastfeild of Mr. Savill, formerly of Mexburgh, now an officer in the army, grandchild to Madam Savill, now living at Fawthwaite, aged near 100, one of the daughters and coheirs of Mr. Cudworth of Eastfeild, whose ancestors had enjoyed it for the space of 400 years.

27^th
At Peniston. Coz. Daniell Rich, of Smalshaw, was dead at Yateham, where he had resided a long time, with his daughter Green, and was to be buried tomorrow at the Quaker’s buriall place at Hoyland Swain.

Christenings at London last year, 18,859. Burials, 25,546. The year before, 25, 975.

The ‘Evening Post’, December 21^st, gives an account of a savage boy taken in the forest of Hamelin, running upon all fours like a quadruped, and feeding upon grass and the moss of trees. It was taken by an intendant of the work-house at Qell; brought to Hanover, and shewed to his majesty, King George, at dinner, who ordered care to be taken of it. The same paper, December 25^th, confirms the story, and adds farther that it got away from its keeper, and was again found and retaken in the said wood, roosted on a tree. The Great Geographical, &c. Dictionary, under the word Ursin, has the same account of a boy taken among a company of bears in the forest of Lithuania.

February 2^nd
At Barnsly, in company with Mr. Wagstaff, of Glossop, and Mr. Wood, of Burton (his father-in-law).

9th
At Barnsly, in company with Mr. Harvey, Mr. Empshall, Mr.Ed. Spencer, Mr. Oates, Mr. Gregg, Mr. Wood, of Burton. Sir Thomas Wentworth, of Woodhouse, has bought Carr-house, nigh Rhotherham, of Mr. Edward Wortley, who, about three years ago, bought it of Mr. Westby Gill, a descendant, I suppose, of the Westbyes who formerly lived there. ‘Tis said Sir Thomas has given Mr. Wortley a wood nigh Tankersley, call’d Westwood, and money to the value of 4, 000l, more than he gave Mr. Gill.

March 16^th
At Barnsly. It is reported for certain that Mr. Edward Wortley has taken the Duke of Norfolk’s iron-works, viz. Chappell-town furnace, Wadsly, and Atterclif forges.

17^th
Coz. Ann Walker died about 11 a clock, mane.

20^th, Sunday
At the funerall of coz. Ann Walker. She was buried at the north corner of the great quier in Silkston churchyard.

23^rd
Abra. Hawksworth had bought a pair of fatt oxen of my Lord Strafford for 16l., who had worked them 17 years, ever since his lordship came to Stainborough.

1726. 28^th, Monday
At the funerall of Mr. James Sharp, bro[ther] to the late Archbishop Sharp. He died at Silkston the Thursday before, and was buried at Bradford in the great quier there.

30^th
At Barnsly. The ‘Evening Post’ says that the wild boy, which was taken some time ago in the forest of Hamelin, was bringing over from Hambrough to London a present from his majesty to the princes. John Cawood, of Robroid, had a child drowned in the tan-yard Sunday last.

April 9^th
Mr. William Fenton, of Underbank, came to live at Dodworth, Munday last.

20^th
At Barnsly, in company with Mr. Wood, of Barnsley, who shewed me a copy of a decree out of Chancery, made in the time of Queen Elizabeth, for the payment of certain sums of money to the vicar of Silkston, curate of Cawthorn and curate of Barnsley, issuing out of one moiety of the tithe corn of Dodworth, then farmed of the Crown by John Hobson; one moiety of the great tithes, and also the small tithes of the same, and of Stainborough, farmed by Tho[mas] Cutler; the small tithes of Silkston and Cawthorn and Barnsley, farmed by Rich[ard] Wilkinson; and the toll of fairs in Barnsley called St Paul and St. . . farmed by . . Burdet, - with power given to the Archbishop of York to appoint what proportions every one was to pay to the said persons, as allso towards the reparation of the great quire at Silkston. R. Wilkinson’s part formerly was leased of the Crown by Rob[ert] Thwaits: this was 1592. Usher was then vicar of Silkston.

May 1^st, Sunday
At the funeral of Thomas Burdet, of Denby. He married Mary, the daughter of . . Gill, relict of Edward Hobson. He was a protestant of the Church of England in his youth; afterwards turned quaker, and was buried at their burying-place at Hoyland Swain.

4^th
At Barnsly, with the commissioners of the land-tax. Bought of Mr. Oates, Vicar Spring in Hoyland Swain at 40s. p^r acre, &c.

13^th
At Mr. Fenton’s. He shewed me a little parchment wherein . . West, lord de la Ware, gives to Thomas West some lands in Wath, &c. 1^st Henr. 6^th (that is 1422), witness . . Fleming, . . Cock, . . Tinsly, &c.

16th, 17th, Tuesday and Wednesday,
At Woodhouse, nigh Hallifax. There were there Mr. Stern, a justice of peace, and Mr. Will[iam] Bentley, his clerk, author of a little book called ‘Hallifax Gibbet Law’.

19^th
Stood surety for a child of John Cawood’s, of Robroid, called Mary; the other two were Madam Green, late of Banks, and Mrs. Ursula Wilkinson.

20^th
At Wakefeild, to meet sister, who came down from London in the stage-coach.

22^nd, Sonday
At Holmfirth feast, with Mr. Wilkinson; in company with Mr. Tomson, the minister, Mr. Horncastle, and his brother.

26^th, Holy Thursday
At Kimberworth, at the wedding dinner of Ann Garner, who married . . Steel. And at Rhotherham races.

27^th
At Wortley inn, at the distribution of the Countess of Devonshire’s dole; in company of Mr. Edmunds and Mr. Watts.

31^st, Tuesday
At Wharncliffe lodge, where they are erecting a new building, within which they bury underground a stone with an inscription now illegible, said to be,
Pray for the soul of Sir Richard Wortley, who builded a lodge here in the year 1510.

June 7^th
At Sheffield. An Act of Parliament passt for making the river Dun navigable to Tinsley.

8^th
At Barnsly, in company with Mr. Bossvile of Gunthwaite.

12^th
Dodworth feast. At church.

22^nd, Wednesday
At Barnsly. Mr Hodgson, steward to Sir George Savill, died last Sunday.

23^rd, Thursday night
About 10, Mr. Thomas Peigham, minister of Barnsley, died, having been melancholy several years. His father was vicar of Silkston, before Mr. Wainhouse.

25^th
At Rippon. Went to see Stutely park, nigh Fountains abbey, belonging to Mr. Aieslaby, one of the Directors of the South Sea. 100 men at work making canals and water-works.

29^th
Mr. Cavendish Neville, of Chevet, buried at Royston. He died of a mortification in his foot, occasioned by cutting a corn. His foot was cut of before he died. John Warrener, a melancholy man, found dead in his bed at Barnsley.

July 12^th
At Barnsly. It is reported Sir Arthur Kay, of Woodsholm, one of the knights of the shire, is dead. Mr. Goodwin, of Tanckersley, told me there was at Woodhouse a copy of part of Doomsday booke, taken in Queen Elizabeth’s days to determine a suit depending between one of the Wentworths and the Earl of Shrewsbury then living at Sheffeild mannor, concerning the mannor of Tinsley, and that he had transcribed a copy of the same, and given it to Mr. Brooke, late of Feild head, to write over. There was but then two churches in the West Riding, one was at Cawthorn; and Waltheof of Northumberland, an earl, lived at Hallham nigh Sheffeild.

14^th
At Mr. Cotton’s, of the Haigh. Returning home, saw corn shorn (I suppose oates) in the new inclosure on Skiers moor.

15^th
George Laud, of Ecclesfeild, is dead.

17^th
At Birchouse feast. William Tomson, of Pogmore, had a son kill’d by the overturning of a cart, coming down Burton banck.

19^th
Wee hear Mr. Perrot, minister of Chappellthorp, in the parish of Sandall, died suddenly on Sunday last. After he had preached, and was reading the after-service, he fell down in the reading desk, was carried out, and died about three a clock in the afternoon. His father is the afternoon preacher at Hallifax.

Mr. Cockshut, minister of Cawthorn, told me that he had an old man call’d . . Turton, his parishioner, who died about seven years ago, who was clark at Silkston in the civill-warr time; the minister’s name was Walker. He was present at the church when some soldiers came and forced him out, and obliged him to run into Silkston fall, to hide himself. He was ejected, and . . Spofforth, who lied buried in Silkston church-yard, was put in his place.

Allso, Mr. Burleigh of Wooley, told me that he has heard his father-in-law Prince say that, at that time, Mr. West, father of the late Captain West, of Underbanck, was minister of Wooley: that he was present when some soldiers came into the church.

22^nd, Fryday
George Walker, of London, and his son Thomas, came down along with S^r Arthur Kay, who was buried the next day at Almonbury. He died Sunday, 10^th instant. Wee hear the Earl of Cadogan died, Sunday y^e 17^th.

27^th
At Barnsley, in company with Mr. Drake, minister of Pontefract, and Mr. Goodwin.

August 1^st
Silkston feast.

6^th, 7^th
Went to Settle, in company with Mr. Hatfeild, of Hatfeild, who married George Laud’s daughter, of Ecclesfield.

14^th, Sunday
At Woosboroug feast.

24^th, Wednesday
Uncle Matthew came down from London, having buried his wife the week before. He brought along with him Mr. Barker, who had married his daughter Elizabeth. He was born a little beyond Bedall, and has there now living a grandfather and grandmother, who have been married 80 years, and are each of them above 100 year old.

31st, Wednesday
Sister took coach at Wakefeild for London. Came that morning to Barnsley, dined with Mr. Goodwin, minister of Medley, who had lost 40,000l. in the South Sea, and married his daughter to a Russian merchant, and had given her 14,000l. to her portion, as his cosen, Mr. Goodwin of Tanckersley, told us.

September 14^th
Mr. Copindale, of Wakefield, was buried that day.

16^th, Fryday
Old Mr. Phipps, of High Green, buried at Ecclesfield.

20^th, Tuesday
Guest put glass into the sash windows in the buttery, being the first that ever was in this town.

23^rd
At Peniston race. Mr. Garforth, minister at Midhop chappell, won the plate.

Sunday
Not at church.

Tuesday
At Leeds.

Wednesday and Thursday
At Bedall. Mr. Ambrose Edwards made justice of peace.

23^rd
Laid the timber on the new scowring house at the tan-yard. Mr. Joseph Oates, of Denby, has sold 4 oxen for forty guineas, if S^r John Kay be returned knight of the shire this election; if not, he is to have nothing: they are worth 32l.

31^st Fryday
Mrs. Milner, of Old Hall, at Worsborow Dale, was buried at Worsborough. She died the Wednesday night of a feaver, and left a son and a daughter. It formerly belonged to the family of the Rocklys, and was called Rockly hall; but one of them marrying the daughter of . . De la Hall, who lived at the place now cal’d Rockly hall, the family removed thither.

October 12^th
At Barnsly. This year the schoolmaster there (Mr. Tomlinson) had a new house builded by voluntary contributions, toward which I paid 1l.1s., which I had formerly subscribed.

8^th, Saturday
About eight at night, sitting by the fire-side, it appeared very light. I thought it could not be the moon, she being to near the change to rise so soon: I look’t out of a north window, imagining it might proceed from streams in the air, they generally comming from that quarter. I could perceive nothing but a dark skie. I immediately went out into the court on the south side of the house; there was not a cloud to be seen, nor a blast of wind to be felt. The south part of the heavens was all illuminated, and every now and then a very light vapour rose up and diffused itself into a broad area, like smoke shot out of a cannon, or something that had been pent up in a narrow compass and was set at liberty, and expanded itself and disappeared in a moment. A constant brightness still remains in the air. Looking northward, there was an arch of light, pretty uniform, as broad as three or four rainbows, stood with its ends fixt, one upon the east, the other upon the western point of the horizon: it was broadest at the two ends, smaller in the middle, about 40 degrees high, which was the reason I could not see it when I look out of the north window; and out of it, as a basis, cam pyramidicall streams of light, their points uniting a little behind the zenith, and forming such a figure as a ladies’ umbrella, the pyramids constantly disappearing and others succeeding in their rooms. This arch rose higher and higher, leaving a black dark sky behind it in the north, tho’ without clouds, the starrs being conspicuous thorough it, and about nine was got over our heads, so went southerly, while it was mixt with the luminous appearance there, the two ends standing fixt, as they were, like two pillars. All the while, there was one part of the heavens which adjoined to the south side of the west end of the luminous arch as red as crimson; it was about 10 degrees broad, and 40 degrees high, standing erect. Such another, I observ’d, appeared on the south side of the east end of the arch some time after. When it was pretty much over I went on the north side of the house; there arose a brightness in the east, parrallell to the horizon, and about 10 degrees higher. It extended itself gradually northwards, and so to the west, and out of it arose upward pyramydall streams which had a quick gliding motion from east to west, apearing and disapearing in a moment. Beneath this brightness the sky looked very black, and, when fresh pyramids broke out, I could discern there very small black clouds, round, and about the bignes of the sun. Presently, before 10, the wind rose, and more clouds interposed betwixt me and the brightness. I have oft seen an aurora borealis, but never none so remarkable as this. The luminous appearance, out of which the pyramids came, allways remaining near the northern horizon, and rising up in an arch, and comming forward in a regular motion, as if blown upon it by a wind that acted upon it uniformly, and bringing it up to the zenith, the southern hemisphere at the same time being fill’d with luminous vapours, expanding themselves into a broad area before they disappear’d: which area was perhaps the bottoms of luminous pyramids or cones, the points not being visible to an eye pointed on their backsides or underneath them, a cone then putting on the figure of a circle or of an ovall.

The ‘News’ give an account that the same phenomenon was seen at London, at the same time.

October 9^th, Sunday
About 11 a clock in the forenoon, two horsemen came to Mr. Goodwin’s, the minister of Tankersly, and asked for him. There was only in the house a maid and his two children. She told them he was at church. They desire to be let in: she says her master had the key in his pocket: then they begun to give ill language, and told her she lyed, and attempted to break in: she put the 2 children in a closet, got a spit and run it at them; flung hot broth in one of their faces; they discharg’d a pistol at her, and missed her: then they went to a door, broke it open; she barricaded the in-door with chairs and stools, and made a great noise. They, being afraid the people in the church should hear her, went of, taking only a foul shirt along with them. When service was don Mr. Goodwin’s man pursued them as far as Ringston hill: his horse tired so they got away.

23^rd
At church. That day there were five spurrings; Thomas Garner and Hannah Booth one. The small pox has been very mortall at Silkstone, few children escaping that had them: some families burying two in a coffin. They are begun in Dodworth, and one dead.

November 1^st, Tuesday
At Leeds. Wednesday, at Barnsly. That day, about noon, Josua Smith, of Dodworth (he and his wife being at Barnsly), had his house broken and two or three chests, but nothing more, the money (15l.) being laid in a by place in the chamber; ‘tis supposed it was done by his son in law, J.B.

12^th
At Hindly, at Mr. Adams’s, minister of Fellkirk. Indentures of apprentishipp sign’d that day by him and his son Robert.

16^th
At Barnsly. Mr. Sylvester, of Burthwaite, was married the Monday before, at Hickelton, with Miss Wentworth, daughter of Mr. Godfrey Wentworth, deceased, brother to the present Mr. Wentworth, of Wooley.

December 15^th
At Peniston. Being there the 10^th of last month in company of . . Carr who lived at Wadsly brigge, on a farm which belongs to Charles, bishop of Killaloe, whose name was allso Carr, and was born thereabouts, he said that he had heard that some of the said bishop’s ancestors had been secretary to the Lord Wentworth that was beheaded, and had been owners of lands and tiths in Darton; so that it is probable he is a descendant of that Carr who married the daughter of . . Marsh, of Darton. He also said he had now by him, at Wadsley, severall papers which related to those times.

21^st
At Barnsley. Mr. Thomas Fell dead of a feaver of the nerves, and buried last Fryday. Mr. Sherburn, steward to the Duke of Norfolk, buried last Sunday: very remarkable for having raised the estate, to the great oppression and discontent of the tenants. On Monday last, Mr. Smith of Newland, married Miss Hodgshen, daughter to Mr. Hodgson, steward to Sir G. Savil.

23^rd, Fryday
At Wakefeild. That day three week last past, Mr. Hopkins, minister of Kirk-heaton (formerly of Wooley), aged 56, emasculated himself with a razour. He had taken the precaution to make ligaments about his body and thighs, to prevent bleeding, and had a chirurgeon (Mr. Horncastle, of Huddersfield), ready in the house to assist him, tho’ not privy to his design. He managed the cure so well that he read prayers last Sunday, and designed to preach on Christmas day. The reason was not melancholy, he being in his perfect senses, but he did it by way of punishment upon himself for being so foolish as to have had criminall conversations with his housekeeper. Saturday last, Mr. Cotton had took a lease of Rockly furnace for 16 year, of the Lord Strafford, who had now agreed with Mr. Carrinton and Mr. Robert Rockly (late steward to S^r Arthur Kaye) for the royalty of Wosburg, and right of redemtion of Rockly estate.

25^th, Sunday
At Sacrament. Tuesday, the 13^th instant, was such an ill day for frost, snow, and wind, that serverall people had like to have perished in coming over the moors from Woodhead, and some lost their lives in going from Sheffeild to Heithersedge.

28^th, Wednesday
At Mr. Fenton’s in company with Mr. Oates, Mr. Senior. That day, John Cawood’s child, for which I stood surety May 19^th last, was buried. She died of the small pox; and, the next day, the other surety, Madam Green, died of a long illness, at Bank-Top, and was buried the Saturday, privately, at Wosborough. Her name was Dorothy Wheatly, half sister to the late Mr. Richard Green, of Banks. Her mother was daughter to Madam Duever (who was sister to the late Mr. Henry and Thomas Edmunds of Wosborough), who first married Mr. Green, of Banks, by whom she had Mr. Richard Green. Afterwards, she married Mr. Wheatly, commonly cal’d Doctor Wheatly, by whom she had one son, Micaell, and three daughters, Ann, married to Mr. Smith, of Wakefield, son of Mr. Smith, of Heath, justice of peace: 2^nd, Barbara, first married into Craven, then to Mr. Wilson, a justice of peace in Westmorland: she is dead, and left one child, dead also: 3, Dorothy, who married Mr. William Green, son of John Green, of Hoyland Swain, by whom she had only one child call’d Richard, dead allso. Mr. Richard Green left his estate to this William, who died March 5, 1723-4, and left the estate to his brother John, now living, and married . . Hirst. He has only one brother call’d Samuell.

January 3, Tuesday
At Mr. Senior’s, in company with Mr. Clarkson, Mr. Wood, of Burton, and his son in law Mr. Wagstaf, of Glossop.

26^th
At Peniston. Mary White (our maid) married to Thom[as] Bower.

27^th
At Josua Hawksworth’s, at Silkston, in company with Mr. Wil[liam] Spencer and Mr. Oates, to engage the freeholders of Silkstone to vote for S^r John Kay. Mem:22^nd instant, I sign’d a petition of Mr. Oates to the Chancellor of York to give leave to erect a loft at the lower end of Silkston church.

24^th, Tuesday
Bought of Mr. Will. Hanson his 2 spring-woods at Fauthwaite, at 10l. per acre; the lordings in the wood and the hedgrows, price 150l. He shewed me a deed wherein . . Cudworth, of Eastfeild, had purchased the royaltie of Thrugilland, of Wombwell of Wombwell, in the time of Queen Elizabeth.

February 1^st, Wednesday
The election beginns at York. The two candidates, S^r John Kay, and Mr. Chomly Turner, of Kirkleetham. The shirriff, Mr. Bathurst, a relation of Mr. Turner’s. Saturday, at night S^r John gives over, having had all the foul play immaginable, being over voted about 1,100.

6^th, Monday.
In the forenoon, died Mr. Thomas Edmunds, of Wosborough, who has left behind him a very good character, and was buried the Thursday following.

14^th, Shrove Tuesday
Old Samuell Whitehead died.

19^th, Sunday
At church, Mr. Brook, of Richmond, preached.

20^th
Mr. Henry Cutler (who sold Stainborough to the Earl of Strafford about 20 years ago) is dead. He married the sister and heiress of S^r Thomas Rudston, of Heeton. Wee hear the Lady Lewisham, only daughter and heiress of S^r Arthur Kay, late of Woodsholm, is dead, in childbed.

22^nd
At Barnsly. This report is contradicted : the child only is dead.

March 1^st, Wednesday
At the funerall of Mr. Nicolas Burley of Wooley. He was born in Derbyshire, I believe at Haslehirst, he having an estate there; educated at Dronfeild, Captain Avery, the noted pyrate, being his scole-fellow; afterwards, he was clerk to Mr. Henry Wood, attorney in Barnsley. He first married . . the daughter of Mr. Barber, of Gaubert hall (Mr. Adams, of Bancktop, in Wosberdale, married the other daughter), afterwards . . the daughter of Mr. Matthew Prince, of Wooley, by whom he had one daughter, who died in infancy. His sister married Dr. Johnson, of Pontefract. Captain Burley, who was executed in the Isle of Wight, for King Charles the First, was his grandfather’s brother. He ow[n]ed a place call[ed] Brushouse, nigh Ecclesfield, which was seized on by the then powers and sold, and has changed its owners very often since. We had at the funerall scarfes and gloves, and S^r John Kay, S^r William Wentworth, Mr. Wentworth, of Wooley, Mr. Sylvester, of Burthwaite, Mr. William Spenser, of Cannon hall, Mr. Jarvis Norton, of Kettlethorp, Mr. Thomas Beaumount, of Chappelthorp, Mr. Henry Carrington of Views. He was buried on the west side of the churchyard. Within the church is a monument for Dame Mary Beamount, eldest daughter of George Burdet, of Denby hall, esquire. She married Mr. Richard Pilkinton; afterwards, S^r Thomas Beamount, of Whitley hall. In the window are several pieces of painted glass, broken and confusedly put together, on which are legible Thõ Popelay, Johã Popelay . . animâ. . fenestr . . orate, &c., which, when entire, might be Orate pro animâ Tho. Popelay, filii et hoeredis Johañ Popelay, qui hanc fenestram fieri curavit. In the churchyard are two very ancient monuments, both alike, but no inscription or coat of arms upon them. The above mentioned Dame Mary Beaumont died Nov. 8, 1682. There is also a monument for S^r George Wentworth, who died about 1660. Mr. Burleigh, tho’ he was bred up an attorney, had but a mean opinion of the profession, and never practized, but had a stock in the iron-works. About a fortnight ago he rid out upon a young horse, to take the air, having been in an ill state of health a long time; the horse, being affrightened, leapt from under him, and he could not help himself, but lay some time before he as found, which might hasten his death, which was on Sunday last, being Feb. 26, about 10 morning, to the great regret of friends and acquaintance. Godfrey Haslam, his schoolfellow, says he was born at Greenhill, in Norton parish, Derbyshire, and that Thomas Avery learn’d with them at the same time.

7^th, Tuesday
At Huddersfeild, in company with Mr. Horsfeild, of Storr’s hall. Stacy gone of; his goods seazed upon an execution. John Owen likewise gone of.

10^th, Fryday.
Mr. Ramsden, the noted scoolmaster of Peniston, died, and was buried the Sunday following.

18^th
One Harries, of Newton, in Leicestershire, a tenant of S^r Thomas Perkins, Bunny, and farmed 150l. a year of him, in September last had his house burnt with lighting, and all his corn, hay, horses, and household goods consumed, to the value of six hundred and odd pounds, came with a letter of request, to ask releive.

20^th, Monday
Isaak Newton died, the famous mathematician, president of the Royal Society.

25^th
Went thro’ Northellerton, so to Danby upon Whisk, 2 miles, where my unkle Scargill was minister. Lodg’d at North-Couton, 4 miles, at James Popham’s, a shoemaker.

1727. March 26^th, Sunday
Went along with Bussy, his son-in-law, a shoemaker of Aldborough, to a town call’d Barton, where are 2 little chappells, one dedicated to St. Cuthbert, another to St. Marie. From thence, along the Roman highway, to Perce-Bridge, upon the Tees; so to Gainford, where Thomas Swainston lived, who was gone of for debt, and owed me 42l.2s.6d. Lodg’d at Mr. Cuthbert Rayne, at a great house; over the porch is this inscription – JOHN RADOK•1604. He was dean of Durham, and his posterity enjoys it yet.

27^th, Munday
To Darlington, to John Wilson’s, at the Fleece.

30^th
The milner of Stainborough had a little boy drowned in the damm.

April 2^nd, Sunday – Easter
At Sacrament. Mr. Hall, chaplain of Stainborough, preached.

4^th
Mr. Eyre, of Bramley, was buried last Sunday. He left only one daughter, lately married to Mr. Spencer.

19^th
At Barnsly, in company with Mr. Cavendish Nevill, owner of Chevet, and parson of Norton, in Derbyshire. Mr. Rich. Littlewood, of London (son of Dame Littlewood, of Cawthorn), threw himself into a pond, three miles below Gravesend, the water not two feet deep, and was drowned. He was by trade a silver wier drawer, and, as it is said, a servant of his had run away with a quantity of wier, which distracted him so much that he made away with himself.

25^th
At noon, in company with bro[ther] Will[iam] at Darlington, at Mr. Willson’s, at the sign of the Fleece. At night, at Durham, at Tho[mas] Moor’s, at the White Hart.

26^th, 27^th
At Newcastle, at Mat. Hodgson’s, at the Bull and Crown. At Shields. Saw the ruins of Tinmouth castle. At night, at Sunderland, where they are making a famous pear, which extends into the sea a great length.

28^th
At Stockton upon Tees. On our way thither wee saw juniper bushes upon some commons.

May 1^st
Came from Molton to York. By the way had a sight of a famous house belonging to the Earl of Carlile, called Hinderskelf, as also the ruins of Sherif-Hutton castle.

2^nd
Saw the tomes in the cathedral: one for Mr. Brooke, formerly minister of Elmly and Silkston, died 1616; Penelope, daughter of Sir Gervas Cutler, of Stainborough, died 1682; an old statue for the emperor Serverus, who died there. Mr. Smith of York, has a manuscript of all remarkable about the cathedral. Dined with the Lord Mayor, then Mr. Baines.

3^rd
At a christening at Mr. Telford’s.

7^th, Sunday
At Ladybar. Being a very rainy day, the Earl of Strafford and Mr. Hall called there in their way to Buxton.

11^th
At Peniston. Mr. Perkins’ son is elected scoolmaster.

14^th, Sunday
At church. Mr. Sunderland preacht.

20^th
Mr. Ri. Watts, of Barn’s hall, curate of Wortley, dies.

23^rd
Mr. Lamplugh, rector of Himsworth, buried. Mr. Watts buried at Ecclesfeild.

31^st
The wild boy, that came from Germany, is dead [which was afterwards contradicted], as also the Czariana. This has been a very wet month, rain almost every day; grass and corn very forward; wheat shooting.

June 8^th
Friday last, a flood. Our man saw a horse drowned at Wakefeild, another at Leeds, and two at Harewood Bridge. John White, a laborer in the iron mines, told me that in this country, where the rivers run into the east sea, the mine inclines eastward about a yard in twelve; but in Lancashire, where the rivers run into the west sea, the mine of iron stone inclines westward.

10^th
At home. Last night, about twelve, Simon Heely, died of a pleuritick feaver. He was well last Munday, and came to Dodworth feast, to see his mother. ‘Tis said he drunk 10s. in brandy that day. He was mightyly swell’d when dead. He was buried on Sunday. This may be warning how people drinck brandy to excesse.

18^th
The ‘Evening Post’ says King George died Sunday last, about 2 in the morning, at Asnaburg.

28^th, Wednesday
At Barnsly, at the proclamation of King George the Second. The gentlemen cockades in their hatts, of red and orange ribbon.

29^th, Thursday
Rotherham races. At home.

July 5^th
At Barnsly. In company with Mr. Greenwood, rector of Darfeild, who told us, when he was at the University of Oxford, he knew Mr. Creech, the poet, and saw him when he had hang’d himself, which he did in an apothecary’s house, nigh their colledge. Mr. Creech for half a year before had studied out the easiest way of making himself away. He had prepared a razour and a rope: with the razour he had nick’t his throat a litle, which hurt him so that he desisted; then he tooke the corde and tied himself up so low that he kneeled on his knees while he was dead.

13^th
At Peniston. S^r Thomas Wentworth and Mr. Turner are making interest against the next election.

19^th
At Barnsley, in company with Mr. Goodwin, minister of Tankersly, lately made doctor of divinity.

28^th
At home. This day Mr. Briggs, minister of Kirkburton, is to be buried. He has been there ever since the restauration of king Charles the Second.

29^th
Coz. George Walker and his wife, Mr. Sheppard and his wife, came down from London.

30^th
At church. Silkston feast. Mr. Brook of Richmond preacht.

August 5^th
William Fidling is dead, and is to be buried to-morrow at Barnsly.

10^th
Dined at Mr. Fenton’s; and at Peniston races. Sam. Cawthorn, of Burton, won the plate.

11^th
Mr. Robert Blackburn, of the Glass house, is dead at Sheffeild.

16^th
Yesterday the archbishop of York visited at Sheffeild. Dr. Goodwin preacht. Last week his grace consecrated the new church at Leeds.

20^th
At church. Mr. Wilson, minister of Babworth, nigh Redford, in Nottinghamshire, was buried yesterday.

30^th
At Barnsly. This day came on the election for the knights of the shire at York. There was no opposition, my lord Downs having declined; so S^r Thomas Wentworth and Mr. Chomondly Turner are elected.

September 17^th
At home. Mr. Richard Hawksworth buried at Barnsly. He formerly owned Broad Oack, in Gunthwait, but had sold it, and spent all his substance, and died at Morton’s, at Dodworth bottom, who had married his brother’s wife.

20^th
Mr. Bingly, father to Mrs. Grace Bingly, of St. Hellen Wells, dead and buried. I saw him very well at Barnsly this day fortnight. At Burwell, nigh Newmarket, in Cambridgeshire. 100 people smothered to death in a barn, where they had met to see a puppet show. It was thatcht and false lofted where there was some hay and straw, and was set on fire on purpose by a man who was displeased because he may not see the show for nothing.

October 7^th
Francis West, of Heigham, shomaker, was buried at Darton, aged about 80. He was well till last Tuesday at noon, then was suddenly taken ill, and died on Thursday. He has often told me that he could remember since there were so many large trees grew upon Heigham common, that he has walked from Dodworth lane to the lane that leads to Barnby furnace, on a summer day, and the sun could scarce shine on him; and now there is not so much as a stump to be seen, nor has not been for these many years last past.

11^th
At Barnsly, in company with Mr. Brown, minister of Whiston, Mr. Huet, chaplain to the marquess of Carmarthen. Sessions begun at Barnsly. The king’s coronation day.

25^th
At Barnsly. Mr. Frudd, the dancing-master, buried. I have heard say that his grandmother was executed at Barnsley, for stealing a silver spoon, and it was afterwards proved that she was innocent. There is a place on Barnsly common still called Gallow hill. William Haigh, formerly of Barley hole, then of Grimsthorp, buried at Fellchurch, in the 92^nd year of his age. He has often told me he could remember since wheat was 3l. a load, and it cost 3s.4d. carriadge to Woodhead.

November 10^th
Did the fealty to King George the 2^nd. Gave the steward of the court, Mr. Fenton, one shilling; the jury, Mr. John Smith being the foreman, one shilling; the bailiff, John Archdall, fourpence.

18^th
At Warncliff lodge. The Honourable Sidney Wortley died there the Sunday before, about 8 a clock. He was aged about 78 years, and son to the Earl of Sandwich that was killed in the Duch wars, 1672. He married Mrs Duncomb, naturall daughter of S^r Francis Wortly, of Wortly, who, having no legitimate issue, left all his estate to her.

21^st
At the funeral of Cornelius Wood, of Barnsly, who died the Sunday morning before. He had been at Mr. Carrington’s Monday the 6^th instant, and, as he was coming home, there [were] netts set upon the common for the catching of rabbits, and he rid against one of the cords, which occasion[ed] his horse to fall and through him down, and he pitch’t upon his head, and was so bruised that he never recovered it. He was buried at Darfeild, in the great quire, near to his master Eaton, who was the minister there.

24^th
That night, or in the morning, died Mr. Edward Silvester, of Birthwaite.

27th
That day Mr. Wortley was carried from Wharnclif lodge, in order to be buried at Barwell, nigh Oundle, in Northamptonshire.

30^th
At Darton. Saw the funerall of Mr. Edward Silvester, who was buried in a vault under the south quier, where his unkle John Silvester was allso buried. He had been married about a year to M^s Wentworth and, soon after he was married, the Countess of Strafford went to pay him a visit; and, as he handed her ladyship out of the coach up the stepps, his foot slipt, and he fell upon his back, and was never right well after. He was bred up a clergyman, and was minister at Wickersly, nigh Rotherham, which he quitted when his unkle left him the estate. He died without issue. He has an elder brother, who is married, and has children, but his uncle left the estate from him, because he had disoblieged him by marrying. Sunday last was the first time that I sat in the new seat in the loft which Mr. James Oates has builded in Silkston church.

December 8^th
Dame Snipe, formerly Benison, and Crowder, buried.

20^th
At Barnsly. Last Wedensday, at noon, Mr. Gibson, minister of Kirkby, died.

23^rd, Saturday
At Wortley Inn, at the distribution of the Countess of Devonshire’s charity, in company with Mr. Wilson.

29^th, Fryday
About one a clock, Madam Savill died at Fawthwaite, aged nigh 100. She was one of the three daughters and coheirs of Mr. Cudworth, of Easfteild, and married Mr. Savill, of Mexborough. Last week, Henry Jackson, of Totties, a noted quaker, died. Emor Rich, of Midhope, brother of Daniell Rich, of Smallshaw, was lately buried at Peniston.

30^th
At Rotherham, to conduct Joseph Haigh and his bride to Thurlston.

January 4^th
At the funerall of Madam Savile. She was buried at Mexbourough, on the north side of the great quire, within the rails close by the wall. On her coffin was writ M.S., aetatis 100. It was of oak, and made 60 year ago for her mother. . . Cudworth, who had it by her 20 years before she died.

6^th
At Mr. Oates’. Paid him for a seat in the new loft in Silkston church 9l.9s. Conveyance cost 8s.

14^th
Mrs. Flemings, of Savile hall, died.

February 21^st
At Barnsly. Sold 4 oxen for 29l.5s.

22^nd
Bought two oxen for 13l.3s.

28^th
At Barnsly, in company with Captain Smith, who said he put John Cutler into his grave in Spain: it was in a place in Minorca, called in Spanish the City of the Island.

March 6^th
John Ellis of Silkston, dead.

11^th
Mr. Beet, minister of Wentworth, dead.

12^th, 13^th
At Stainton. Aunt Fretwell sold her part of her house to coz. Robert Pashley for 7 guineas. The daffodill grows wild in the hedges near Wickersly.

16^th
Mrs. Scott, of Silkstone, dead.

21^st
A windy day. That day Stilton was burnt.

1728, April 4^th
At Peniston. Mr. Hopkins, minister of Kirkheaton, dead.

25th.
Old Mr Mawhood, of Ardsley, buried at Darfeild.

May 1^st
Bought a pair of oxen, 111.14s.

5^th
Mr Clark, scool-master of Kirkleatham, formerly of Wakefeild, has got the living of Kirkheaton.

8^th.
Dr Woodward dead.

9^th, 10^th
In Derbyshire. In Hope churchyard there is a gravestone with this inscription: Here lyeth litle Martin Middleton, of Bradwall, who died March 14, 1712, aged 104 years.

30^th
Joseph Perkin, of Benbank, died, having been a long time ill of a sore knee, which at last mortified. At Wentworth-Woodhouse there is a new front lately builded, facing the gardens. This day Mr. Wilkinson began to pull down the old house in order to erect a new one a little lower. It was builded by J. Armitage, about 60 year ago. I saw, at Woodhouse, the horns of the raindeer, as allso the horns of an elk, found in a bog in Ireland: they are very large and heavy. Mr. Jessop, minister of Treton, commonly called king Jessop, dead.

June 1^st, Saturday
At Wosboroug church; godfather to Edmund, son of Edmund Greenwood, of Swaith; the other sureties were Mr. Wharton Hall, and Mr. Backhous’ daughter, of Leuden.

3^rd
At Barnsly, with Mr. Tolson, a clergiman, born at Wath. He has supply’d the living at Bolton for some time. His father disinherited him. His sister now enjoys the estate at Wath. She now resides at York, and he lives with her.

4^th
S^r Thomas Wentworth made Baron of Molton. S^r George Savill making interest for knight of the shire.

8^th
At the funerall of Mrs. Brooke, of Feildhead, who died the Tuesday before, at noon.

9^th
At Wosboroug, at the funerall of Jane, the daughter of Will[iam] Flemings of Swaith. She came well from scool on Wedensday, was taken ill in the night of a worm feaver, and died on Fryday. At Warnclif lodge, in company with Mr. Archdale and Mr. Waren, of Himsworth, who told me he has a letter giving an account when and where Josua, the son of Thomas Brook, of this town, died.

12^th
Mr. Sylvester, of Pledwick, brother to the late Mr. Sylvester, of Burthwaite, buried at Darton.

17^th
Mr. Wilkinson's new hows levell with the ground: the first corner stone laid on the cellar, begun to be arched with brick.

July 8^th
Little George Walker went to Madam Horton's, of Holroid, nigh Hallyfax, to go to scool there.

17^th
At Barnsly, in company with Mr. Thomas Hawksworth, of London. He was a poor boy; put apprentice to James Denton, of Dodworth, taylor; some time after he went to London, and keeps a shop; sells riding-hoods and hoops for petticoats, and Norwich shiffs, and has got a considerable estate. He had but 501. to begin the world with, which he had sav’d by his industry, and his wife had 801.

31^st
At Barnsly, in company with Mr. Short, a Scotch-man, practising physick at Sheffeild. Dr. Frend died on Fryday last.

August 1^st
At Peniston races. The plate, 31., won by a horse out of Lancashire. 2nd. The plate, 51., won by a mare from Garfurth.

3^rd
In the morning, at 3, Mr. Wilkinson died. Last Tuesday was sevennight he was seized with a dizziness in the head which ended in a feaver. His brother-in-law, Mr. Shippen, was buried this week: he died at Win moor, nigh Leeds. Mr. John Hanson brings word that coz. Percivall Hobson, of London, died there about a fortnight ago.

4^th
At church. Silkston feast. Mr. Mense, minister of Barnsly, preach't in the afternoon.

5^th
At the funerall of Mr. Rich. Wilkinson. He was buried within the rails, the 2^nd grave from the south wall. Mr. Shippen was buried the Wedensday before.

10^th
At the funerall of aunt Burdet, who was interr’d at the quakers’ burying place at Hoyland Swain.

13^th
That day John Guest, glazener, of Barnsly, told me that when he was a boy he went along with his father to Burton grange, where he saw king Charles the First pas by, when the Scots had delivered him up to Oliver Cromwell. There was a great concourse of people, and a great many of them wept.

19^th
At Pilley. There was there Mr. Skelton, who has been game-keeper to the Wortleys for above 60 years. He was born in the year 1642. He knew old S^r Francis Wortley who got the battle at Tankersly moor. He was afterwards taken prisoner by the Parliament forces at Wolton hall, and was put in the Tower of London, where he died, and was buried at Westminster. He was a tall, proper man, with grey hair, and one of the first who took up arms for the king. This Mr. Skelton, when he was about eight years, went into the service of young S^r Francis Wortley, who then lived at St. Hellen’s well, nigh Monkbretton, having for some time before resided beyond sea, but was permitted to come back by the Parliament upon the death of his father, whom he had disoblieged upon this account. There was a certain man call’d Bailie, of Dodworth, who by the Commission of Array had been pressed into the king’s service; this man deserted, and was retaken; whereupon young S^r Francis, without any tryall by a court-martiall, caused him to be hang’d upon a tree near Wortley Hall. Old S^r Francis was so much displeased at his son for so rash an action, that, to avoid his anger, he went into Italy, and staid there till his father’s death. This young S^r Francis had no legitimate issue by his lady, but left a naturall daughter by Mrs. Newcommen, the elder called . . , the younger, Penelope. He died at Turnham green, nigh London, where he had a fine seat, and was buried at Westminster. He was a little lean man, with yellowish hair; drunk very hard, and seem’d to be melancolick, and troubled in mind. His eldest daughter was married to the late Sidney Wortley, esq^re.

At St. Hellen wells there was a room called the yellow chamber, thro’ which, if any one attempted to carry a candle in the night, it would burn blue and go out immediately: and over the kitchin there was an open gallery; and this Mr. Skelton, as he has sate by the fire, has often seen the apparition of a boy or a girl walk along the gallery. This house is now pulled down, and lately rebuilded by Mr. Sydney Wortley, for a habitation for a mistress of his, Mrs. Grace Bingly, who now resides there. At the same time, there lived with this Skelton . . Nevison, who afterwards was an exciseman; but, being out of his place, became an highwayman, and was ordered to be transported; but, returning before the time limited, he was thereupon executed at York. At the same time there lived there a young woman, mother to the present dame Walker, of Pilley; one Wood, of Burton Smithies, made love to her; whereupon two of S^r Francis Wortley’s servants (one of them call’d Lapish) quarreled with him, and one of them clove Wood’s head with a spade, in the court at St. Hellen’s. They were sent to York, and, at the intercession of S^r Francis, came of. It was said that they pretended Wood was attempting to ravish her, so they cleared themselves by saying that what they did was in defence of the young woman. This Skelton was quarter-master to a private troup which was raised to quench, the Farnley wood plot, and assisted at the taking of . . Oates and Greathead. He also went along with his master, Sydney Wortley, to York, to the revolution, and saw Sir John Riersby, then governour, deliver the keys of the city to my lord Danbye; and he went along with his master to Exeter, where he met the Prince of Orange, who thanked Mr. Wortley for the good service he had done at York, and promised to see him paid. This Skelton is now 86 year old; is very hearty, and rides about to look after the game in Mr. Edward Wortley’s liberty.

27^th
That morning died John Moxon, commonly called Lawer Moxon. He died of a feaver.

September 4^th
At Barnsly, in company with Mr. Ralph Empsall, Mr. Wroe, a young clergyman, son to the late Dr. Wroe, of Manchester.

10^th
That day, Michael Milner, a noted quaker, buried at the buriing-place at Burton, in the same grave that his father Gamaliel Milner, and his mother were buried, who occasioned that place to be inclosed for that use; and she was the first that was interr’d there. In the afternoon, at Wakefield races. 10 horses run for the Hunter’s plate, value 20 guineas. My lord Danby’s horse won.

11^th
Mr. Stern’s horse won the plate, value 15 guineas.

16^th
Mr. Thomas Marshall, an apothecary in Long-acre, London, dead of a feaver, and buried at St Martin’s. He was born at Sharlston, where his mother lives.

18^th
At Barnsly, with Mr. Henry Wood, lately made a justice of the peace, and clerk of the assizes.

21^st
At home. Dined with coz. Eliz. Pashley, of Stenton.

Octo’er 18^th
At Thrisk, in company with Joseph Wood and Samuel Whitehead, two tanners, who, when they were undressed and going to bed, were wrestlying: the latter got much injured, and wee left him in the surgeon’s hand.

29^th
Coz. Jane Mawhood, aged nigh 60, married to Mr. John Micklethwaite, of Ardsly, under thirty.

November 2^nd
This day sevennight Doct^r Gamwell, the noted urinary doctor, was buried at Huddersfeild.

26^th
John Thornton, son of the late Tempest Thornton, supposed to have been long since dead, was at our house. He has been above 20 years a soldier; was at the battle of Malplaquet; went in the expedition to Canada; has been ever since at Anapolis Royall, in Nova Scotia.

December 5^th
Mr. Scruton, steward to Mr. Wentworth, of Wooley, dead.

15^th
At the funerall of Mr. Gill. He was buried in the church of Sandall Magna, in the great quire. He married the daughter of Mr. Mat[thew] Prince, of Woolley. S^r John Kay and Mr. Smith of Newland were bearers.

28^th
. . . Shirtcliffe, of Fawthwait, tenant to Mr. Hanson, was going to pay his rent on Tuesday last, was met by two men on a common betwixt Shelley and Kirk Burton, who robbed him of 80l.2s. He applied to S^r John Kay, who granted him and ‘Hue and Cry.’ It is generally supposed that he is imposing upon the country. Mr. Tod, of Newstead, dead.

31^st
Dined at Mr. James Oates’ in company with Mr. Clarkson, his wife, his daughters, Hannay and Mary, Mr. Wil[liam] Fenton, and his wife, Mrs. Smith and her daughter Arabella.

January 1^st, Wednesday
The beginning of the year is attended with a pretty large snow, which has continued a fortnight.

20^th
This day, as Mr. Jonathan Swinden of Wortley Wier miln, was going along to Peniston, with Mr. Fenton, about 9 a clock in the morning, he was seized with an apoplectic fit, and dropt of from his horse into a litle running water, nigh Shepperd castle, whither he was carried, and died there about 7 of the clock at night. His unkle Mr. John Wood, of Wier miln, who left him the estate, died in such a fit; and his father Jonathan Swinden, of Womble Woodhead, fell of from his horse and died in his return from the Doncaster fair.

22^nd
Mr. Swindon buried at Silkston. Mr. Taylor and Mrs. Eliz[abeth] Deikin married, as allso Mr. Tho[mas] Walker and Mrs. Spinke.

25^th
At Mrs. Wilkinson’s. Compleated her husband’s inventory, begun August 17^th but not finished until now. It comes to 749l 0s7d.

March 12^th
At Barnsly, in company with Mr. Farrow, minister of Mexborough, where there was 7 burialls last week; in some years scarce any at all. He says there is a piece of painting at the marques of Carmarthen’s, scarce half a yard square, representing the golden age, for which the company of painters at Antwerp would give 4,000 guineas.

12^th
Sir William Lowther, of Swillington, member of parliament for Pontefract, died the 6^th instant at London.

15^th
Mrs. Hillary, mother to Mrs. Phipps, of Puel Hill, buried at Silkston.

22^nd
Mary Craibtree dead; as allso Dr. Green, the mountebank, of Doncaster.

1729, April 4^th
Good Fryday. At home. Thomas Cawthorne, of Bank top, in Wosperdale, dead, aged about 88. He was a descendant of the Cawthorns of Benbank in Dodworth. Abel Rich dead in Sheffeild jail.

6^th
At church. Mr. Beavers, curate of Chappellthorpe, preacht.

8^th
At Sheffeild. Abel Rich alive in the jail.

14^th
Mr. John Spenser, of Cannon hall, died.

15^th, Tuesday
Spent the morning in meditating on the ill posture of my affairs. My father had been lame for several years; my mother old and infirm, wore out with age and care. Severall careless servants, not fit to look after the business; I so weak and so much out of order that I could not tell when I should be capable myself; payments comming upon me, which in that condition I knew not how to provide against; besides, I had received a letter from London which gave me an account how the parliament was going to lay such a duty upon Geneva and all compound liquors as would certainly ruin the distilling trade, so I supposed my brothers would be incapable of assisting me upon any emergency; all which thoughts depressed my spirits so much, and made me so weak, that at nine a clock, when I got up, I supposed myself dying for severall hours. I thank God I had no fearfull thoughts, nor was not all discouraged at the apprehensions of death, which I thought every minute approaching, but took what care I could to spend that small portion of time I thought I had left to my best spirituall advantage. I sent for Mr. Clarkson, who came about noon, and administred me the Sacrament, together with my father and mother, and praed with me severall times; thanks be to Almighty God for my recovery, and I hope the impressions which this day’s sudden illness made upon me will never [go] out of my mind; and when I think how suddenly death may overtake one, it will make me lead a more circumspect life for the future, and allways have regard to my latter end. Towards night Mr. Gregg came, and I was something better; he applied large blistering plasters to the wrists of my arms and to my back, which tormented me very much, and occasioned me to have the stranguary all the night. He said it was a nervous feaver. At night came Dr. Smithson, who, upon talking with me privately, found quickly that it was a mentall as well as a corporeall distemper, and told me that I had the hypochondriock passion upon me, which then I could not believe, as being a meer stranger to that distemper, but found his words very true, for I was afterwards very often so much disordered in my thoughts that I could not rest nor govern them. In a few days I had every day a shaking fit for an hour, afterwards a fainting fit for 5 hours successively, which gave me the most pain that can be immagined while in lasted. Some time after came Dr. Bolderstone, of Coumbridge (he married the daughter of Mr. Hobson, of Leeds, an apothecary who was born in this town, and I suppose was some relation of David and Susan Hobson’s who lived and ow[n]ed a little house at the bottom of Dodworth green, now the property of John Wood of Oxspring walk miln, and Josua Smith of this town); he said it was an intermitting feaver, but Dr. Smithison said it was rather St. Vitus’ dance, and that I was in no danger of dying, but rather of a palsie or apoplexiy; so I continue to the end of this month.

16^th
Mr. Spenser, of Cannon hall, buried at Cawthorn.

18^th
Mr. Rooke, the apothecary, died suddenly, and was buried the 20^th at Barnsly.

May 17^th
Toby Holland, of Wosborough dale, aged 75, informs me that he knew most of the Rockleys. The old squire (who was father to them) had a glass eye. His eldest son married her who afterwards married Mr. Hackette, and had an only daughter married to Mr. Westcomb. Jervase Rockley owned the Blackar; he mortgaged it to some gentlemen of London, Sir Newman and Sir Christopher Wren, the architect, . . Rayney. Mr. Wilcox, who went from Wosborough, was their steward, or agent, and returned the rents. The present Mr. Carrington purchased it of their widdows (or executors) for a little money, at an underworth. The said Mr. Henry Carrington’s father was a poor vagrant boy; came into the family of the Rockley’s, where he was brought up. Was first the spit-turner; at length he farmed some land of them at Blackar; there this Mr. Carrington was born, and brought up an attorney. When this Toby Holland was a boy about a year old, the last of the family of the Cudworths of Wosborough was murdered by his son-in-law (Geoffrey Materson) who had married his daughter. He took the opportunity when the old man was walking in the closes, and kil’d him with an ax, and hurried him into a stone-quarry, and covered him with stones. Some time after, a woman went to wash some close in the quarry; she espied the skirt of a garment among the stones; upon searching further, the body of a dead man, which prov’d to be Cudworth. Matterson was apprehended, sent to York, where he was condemned; but, before execution, broke the jayl and fled into Ireland. Mr. Cudworth’s widdow married . . Shepherd, some of whose posterity are still at Worsborough; one of them, Gervase, brings up a young boy whose name is Cudworth. Justice Edmunds bought Cudworth’s land.

20^th
This morning, Will[iam] Shaw, of Dodworth, had a daughter call[ed] Ellen, about 15 year old, found dead in bed.

June 10^th
Much thunder and excessive rain. Part of the almshouses taken down by the flood at Sheffeild, and severall poor people that lived in it drowned.

11^th
William Wentworth esquire is to be buried at Wooley. He was a very fat man, and died at the Bath the 3^rd instant.

July 14^th
John Kay’s lady dead. She was daughter to Mr. Wilkinson, of Green-head, nigh Huddersfeild.

16^th
Mr. Allen to be married to-morrow to Madam Beaumont’s daughter, of Whitley.

26^th
At Leeds. A cornet there, in the Scotch Greys, had run his man through with a rapier for being sawcy to him, being drunk. The cornet had absconded, it being supposed the man would die.

August
This month, the quicken berry, being full of berries, made a brave shew all over the country.

September 2^nd
At Sheffeild. Rich [ard] Milnes, of Castleton, dead.

9^th
Mrs. Wood, of Barnsly, buried at Darfeild.

18^th
A foot-race upon Bakewell course, betwixt a Staffordshire man, nick-named the Beggar Lad, and a Woodland man call’d Thorp, for 100 guineas a side. The Staffordshire man won the wager.

24^th
Coz. Telford, of York dead. Sr Richard Steel buried at Caermarthen, in Wales. M.K. married the 17^th instant at K. Burton with Mr. H. Coz. Telford was daughter to Mr. Edward Prince, of Colecotes.

October 25^th
At home. The earl of Sandwich died on Munday last at Hichingbrooke. He lived many years at Wortley hall.

28^th
At Colecotes. Mr. Barker, of Chappelltown moor, dead.

November 13^th
Mrs. Sarah Wordsworth brought down from London to be buried at Peniston, where there is a great mortality: the weekly bills being increased from 600 to 900. the week after they were 993.

26^th
Mr. Smithson, of Barnby hall, dead, aged 86. Mr. George Crooks married Mrs. Catherine Milner. The great flood on Wedensday last done great damagg all over the country. At Warrington cawsway 13 people drowned. At the wier miln a pore boy taken down. At Wakefeild all the coals and ship plank taken away.

December 3
The roads full of disbanded soldiers; a peace being made with Spain. Mr. Walker, the recorder of Leeds, dead.

9^th
At a christening at Mr. Fenton's daughter, call’d Frances.

16^th
At home. John Pashley, of Bolton, came to invite us to the funerall of his sister Mary. His mother died about a fortnight ago. They both died of a feaver, with swellings in their head and throat, there being great mortality there; 15 or 16 having been buried there lately.

22^nd
This morning wee hear Mr. Edward Spenser, of Cannon hall, is dead, having been a long time ill of an atrophy. 24^th, buried at Cawthorn, in the quire belonging to Barmby hall, and has appointed Mr. Mat[thew] Wilson and Mr. Cockshut his executors. Mr. Winn of Aketon, dead.

28^th
Mr. Smith, of Heath, dead.