Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com

1864 - 1865 - 1866

Captain Leopold G. Heath C.B. - aged 47/48 - Vice-President of the Ordnance Select Committee at Woolwich,

Mary Emma Heath (ne Marsh) - age 38/37

Arthur Raymond Heath - age 10/11

Marianne Emma Heath - age 8/9

Frederick Crofton Heath (-Caldwell - heir to Linley Wood Hall) - age 6/7

Cuthbert Eden Heath - age 5/6

Ada Randolph Heath - age 4/5

Herbert Leopold Heath - age 3/4

Gerard Moore Heath - age 1/2

Diary of Lady Mary Heath

January 1865

Sunday 1^st January 1865

Leo and I and children to Holmwood. George and Douglas to Coldharbour.

Monday 2^nd January 1865

Leo to work again. George took Arty shooting. Douglas at Kitlands.

Tuesday 3^rd January 1865

Leo, George, Arty and Puss and self went to see a pantomime in London. George stayed in London.

Wednesday 4^th January 1865

Leo went off to London, Woolwich and Shoeburyness. Douglas left afterwards. Arthur and Nele Loring came to stay.

Thursday 5^th January 1865

Went to Dorking.

Friday 6^th January 1865

Leo came home with Posy [Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell] who came to stay.

Saturday 7^th January 1865

Leo and I to Dorking.

Sunday 8^th January 1865

All to Church.

Monday 9^th January 1865

Henry and Charlotte, John and Baby Loring came to stay. Leo to Woolwich and back. Wickhams dined.

Tuesday 10^th January 1865

Leo to London. A children’s party. Cazalets, Langdales, Powells and Wickhams. Dances and games.

Wednesday 11^th January 1865

The Lorings left us.

Thursday 12^th January 1865

We went to a party at the Langdale.

Thursday 12 January 1865
Birmingham Daily Post

Tunstal.

Board of Health - A monthly meeting of the Board was held yesterday, Mr R. Beswick (Chief Bailiff) in the chair. The Deputy Medical Officer reported that the health of the town during the past month had been good, but he again called the attention of the Board to the excessive number of deaths of young children. Of the 27 deaths in the last months, 26 were of children under five years of age. - - -

Mr (Smith) Child suggested the desirability of ascertaining what the committee of the North Staffordshire Infirmary proposed to do in accordance with the rider to the third resolution, passed at the recent meeting of the Governors of the Infirmary. In the second letter, dated January 4, Mr Child suggested that when a public meeting was held, the medical gentlemen of the neighbourhood should be invited to attend it; and he mentioned that Mrs Marsh Caldwell of Linley Wood, who took a great interest in the project, was anxious that a medical gentleman from Talk should attend the meeting -

Diary of Mary Heath continues . .

Friday 13^th January 1865

Stayed in doors.

Saturday 14^th January 1865

Drove to Dorking.

Sunday 15^th January 1865

All to Church.

Monday 16^th January 1865

Leo to Woolwich, and Posy and I a walk.

Tuesday 17^th January 1865

No entry

Wednesday 18^th January 1865

No entry

Thursday 19^th January 1865

Posy and I and two children went to a party at the Powells.

Friday 20^th January 1865

Leo, Posy and I dined at the Cazalets.

Saturday 21^st January 1865

Posy and I and two children (A and P?] drove over to Cobham. Posy stayed at Foxwarren.

Saturday 21 January 1865
Staffordshire Advertiser

North Staffordshire Infirmary - Erection of New Infirmary

The erection of a New Infirmary for North Staffordshire having been now determined upon, the Committee earnestly appeal to the Inhabitants of the District, and to the Public generally, for Contributions to the Funds necessary for carrying out this important objects. It is estimated that a Fund of not less than £20,000 will be required, and the following Subscriptions have already been announced:-

- - The Ladies of Linley Wood, - £100.0.0 (£50 of which is especially for Tunstall)

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Sunday 22^nd January 1865

Very cold and snow. Leo and I drove to Church. Wretched weather.

Monday 23^rd January 1865

Leo to Woolwich and Shoeburyness. I dined at the Wickhams.

Tuesday 24^th January 1865

I drove to Dorking to fetch Posy. Leo came home.

Wednesday 25^th January 1865

Horrid weather. Leo at home. Wickhams called.

Thursday 26^th January 1865

Snow. We stayed indoors. Leo went to deliver his first lecture, and stayed in town.

Friday 27^th January 1865

Snow storm, very tremendous. We expected the Harrisons and people to dinner. Only Mr and Mrs Bright came. Table turning.

Saturday 28^th January 1865

Leo at home. Bright day, we walked in to town. Children all poorly with colds and coughs. Douglas came to stay.

Mary Heath's Letter book

1865 - Anstie Grange.

I remained at home till the afternoon when, after having sent off my two babies on the Donkey, I drove Mab, and took my three eldest, poor little Ada having a cold. She is such a quick little thing and does her work so nicely and all. Miss Hughes gets them on very well.

Came home and played with Bubs on the lawn. They all come down now, and Gerard is such a pickle, he tries to imitate Herbert and his elder brothers, in everything and never minds what knocks and rubs he gets. Fred and Bert looked so pretty, Emma admired them so, with their white waistcoats, and scarlet stockings, and buckle shoes. I could not help looking at Fred, with admiring mother's eyes, as he sat on Annie's chair, talking to her, with his sweet little upturned face which is always so full of feeling.
I think Bert throws up his chest!and looks grand! on these occasions.

The children dress up, and invent all sorts of fanciful stories on these wet days. Ada has just come with her white face, grey eyes, and dark lashes and she was deeps in her eyes sometimes. When I look into them, they look heavenly! and sometimes they are all pale and as if there was nothing behind them. But she looked very pretty with her hair falling over her face!

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Sunday 29^th January 1865

Douglas and Leo alone to Church.

Monday 30^th January 1865

Leo to Woolwich. Douglas left.

Tuesday 31^st January 1865

[no entry]

February 1865

Wednesday 1^st February 1865

Arty went back to school.

Thursday 2^nd February 1865

We went to Putney Park, Posy, I and Leo.

Thursday 2 February 1865
Hull and Eastern Counnties
The Humber Ironworks and Ship-Building Company, Ltd.
The following is a list of directors of the company:- - - -Capt. Heath C.B., Anstie Grange, Dorking - - -

Diary of Mary Heath continues...

Friday 3^rd February 1865

Stayed there also.

Saturday 4^th February 1865

Leo and I returned to Anstie, leaving Posy in London.

Saturday 4 February 1865
Staffordshire Sentinel

North Staffordshire Infirmary - - -
At the close of the meeting the donation list comprised the following sums:- Mr Smith Child, £500 (annual subscription £5.5s); Mr R.Sneyd, £200; Mr T.Peake, £200; Mr W.Baker, £100, the Ladies of Linley Wood, £50; Mr J. Bateman, £50.

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Sunday 5^th February 1865

Could not go to Church. Leo went.

Monday 6^th February 1865

Leo and I, Fred and Ada went for a visit to Louisa and Posy in Lowndes St, returned home on Friday 10^th.

Saturday 11^th February 1865

Arty came home unwell.

Sunday 12^th February 1865

Very cold, Leo alone to Church.

Monday 13^th February 1865

Leo to Woolwich. Emma came to see me. Arty at home. P Jardine came.

Tuesday 14^th February 1865

Drove to Dorking and Arty went back with me to school.

Wednesday 15^th February 1865

Leo to Woolwich.

Thursday 16^th February 1865

Leo and I to Loundes St to a party at Lady Holland’s. Leo’s lecture.

Friday 17^th February 1865

Returned to Anstie.

Saturday 18^th February 1865

Emma and William called. Arty home.

Leamington Spa

Saturday 18 February 1865

Clarendon Hotel

Mrs and Miss Marsh-Caldwell, Linley Wood, Staffordshire.

Letter book of Mary Heath

1865 - Anstie Grange.

We went to Church - Freddies goes sometimes and Pussey takes such care of him, for I make her read the Psalms with him, and she points with her finger to the line, and tries to keep Fred attentive (it is a very pretty picture for Millais) she is such a dear, little, helpful woman and so good to her little brothers.

I read to my chicks, and after that, Pussey plaited my hair, in nine plaits, "like an Eastern Bride" she has heard of, while I read "Felton" (?) to them. I came in and we had a great overhaul of the children's things before the new maid comes.

We put Herbert into Knickerbockers, and he does look so bewitching, with his beautiful long hair, and fine dark eyes; he fancies himself quite as good as his brothers now, and wishes to go into the schoolroom because "I've grown now" he says.
Now Gerard is the last in petticoats, and may it for ever be so!! (it was M.E.H.)

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues...

Sunday 19^th February 1865

Leo and children to Church. Mr Langdale and Douglas called.

Monday 20^th February 1865

Arty and Leo back to school, Leo stayed in London.

Tuesday 21^st February 1865

Fred’s birthday. Leo came home to luncheon.

Wednesday 22^nd February 1865

Leo went to Woolwich, Richard and Fanny Crofton and two boys came to stay.

Thursday 23^rd February 1865

Children came to tea, Whatmans and Langdales. Leo went to London to give lecture.

Friday 24^th February 1865

Leo came home.

Saturday 25^th February 1865

Mr and Mrs Cazalet dined. Arty came home.

Sunday 24^th February 1865

Rainy. No one to Church.

Monday 25^th February 1865

Leo and Arty to school.

Tuesday 26^th February 1865

Fanny and I to Dorking and brought Arty home for a holiday. Richard left for Woolwich.

Wednesday 27^th February 1865

[no entry]

March 1865

Wednesday 1^st March 1865 – Ash Wednesday

Leo to London. Miss Richards and I to Church. Children played about.

Thursday 2^nd March 1865

Leo went up to London to give his 6^th and last lecture, stayed in London.

Friday 3^rd March 1865

Leo to Woolwich.

Saturday 4^th March 1865

Leo to town. Richard [Crofton?] and Mr Harman came to stay. Arty home. [Harmon probably relatives of Marianne Heath, nee Harman, Leopold’s sister in law.]

Sunday 5^th March 1865

All to Church. Afterwards all the men and boys took a long walk.

Monday 6^th March 1865

Richard, Leo and Arty went away. Fanny and Mr Harman afterwards.

Tuesday 7^th March 1865

Stayed – drove to Dorking.

Wednesday 8^th March 1865

Puss and Ada to the Langdales. Fanny came home, and Leo.

Thursday 9^th March 1865

Leo to London, Fanny and I drove to Bury Hill and Dorking.

Friday 10^th March 1865

Snow storm. Cold miserable weather. Leo went to Woolwich.

Saturday 11^th March 1865

Arty home, and Richard.

Sunday 12^th March 1865

We all went to Church.

Monday 13^th March 1865

Richard, Leo and Arty away again. Miss Hughes came as governess.

Tuesday 14^th March 1865

All the Croftons left us. Leo and I out walking.

Wednesday 15^th March 1865

Leo to Woolwich. Herbert ill in the night. Miserably cold damp croupy weather.

Thursday 16^th March 1865

Leo to London.

Friday 17^th March 1865

Leo to Woolwich.

Saturday 18^th March 1865

Leo at home. Arty came home.

Sunday 19^th March 1865

Only Leo to Church.

Monday 20^th March 1865

Arty and Leo to their work. Miss Hughes returned. Leo to Shoeburyness.

Tuesday 21^st March 1865

I drove out calling towards Kerriches, O’Flaherty, etc etc.

Wednesday 22^nd March 1865

Emma and Miss Travers called. Leo came home late at night.

Thursday 23^rd March 1865

Leo and I went to [Blheath?] [Blackheath?] to dine at General Lefroys. We slept that.

Friday 24^th March 1865

I went to Loundes Street. Leo joined me and we came home.

Saturday 25^th March 1865

Arty came home. Leo and I to Kitlands. James Harrison called and lunched. Leo and I dined at the Fullers.

Sunday 26^th March 1865

Leo alone to Church. Continual snow storms and N.E. winds.

Monday 27^th March 1865

Leo and Arty gone. Annie Whatman came, snow storms.

Tuesday 28^th March 1865

Leo at home. I walked about with him. Emma called. Snow.

Wednesday 29^th March 1865

Snow two inches deep on the ground. Leo gone to Woolwich.

Thursday 30^th March 1865

Spring day. I walked with Puss and Bert on donkey to Tanhurst. Leo to London.

Friday 31^st March 1865

Leo to Woolwich. Warm, more encouraging weather.

April 1865

Saturday 1^st April 1865

Arty came home. The Whatman’s came to have tea and Emma called. Mr Heathcote and Miss Holland.

Sunday 2^nd April 1865

All to Church. Leo took the boys a walk afterwards.

Monday 3^rd April 1865

Leo and Arty away again. Annie Whatman called.

Tuesday 4^th April 1865

Leo and I drove out calling with Ada.

Wednesday 5^th April 1865

Leo, Fred, Puss, myself and Arty, whom we picked up in Dorking went to see Grand Mamma in Loundes St. Met the Croftons.

Thursday 6^th April 1865

Leo to Shoeburyness. I drove out with Bertie and Hebert to Kitlands and Trouts [farm]. Emma and the Wickhams called.

Friday 7^th April 1865

Drove out with children. Kerriches and Barclays called. Leo came home at night from Shoeburyness.

Saturday 8^th April 1865

Leo back again, and Arty.

Sunday 9^th April 1865

To church. George Whatman and Mr Johnson called and William

Monday 10^th April 1865

Leo and Arty back again to school, and Fred to Woolwich to Croftons.

Tuesday 11^th April 1865

I don’t know.

Wednesday 12^th April 1865

Leo to Woolwich, and home again with Fred. Arty home from school, holidays.

Mary Heath's Letter book

1865 - Anstie Grange

We both congratulated ourselves that girls were in the minority in the house. "The boys" bring such fun and meriment with them, and are such dear fellows!
As Leo says, Arty enjoys the pleasure of possession, for we overheard him pointing out all the calves and cows as "ours" to his "city friend" and calling attention to the vast boundaries of the estate! to his astonished "Chum." This not in boasting, but merely in answer to H.Hodgkinson's inquiries. But an estate, however small, is certainly a dignity!

Monday was a beauteous day. There was a holiday, of course, and the children all went roaming about, all but Baby, armed with pea-shooters wherewith they peppered the fowls and pigs after the manner of boys, and to the amusement of Bax.

The hens turned round and eat the peas and Indian corn, which delighted Arty. "The idea that enemy devouring the bullets!" Hodgkinson is a son of Dick Crofton, only older, and makes them all laugh at his wit. Miss De B. and I were so entertained with the talk of the boys at breakfast, school revelations, and criticisms on the Masters &c &c.

Alas! all good things have an end,and at three, we had to take them to the station. Poor Puss almost cried "I do miss Arty so much Mamma! horribly!"

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Thursday 13^th April 1865

Leo, I, Ada and Bert to London to see Grand Mamma [Anne Marsh-Caldwell] Wickhams came to play cricket with Arty.

Friday 14^th April 1865 – Good Friday

Leo, Arty and I to Church. A drive afterwards.

Saturday 15^th April 1865

Mr and Mrs Harrison came to spend the day. Emma also. Louisa and Crompton Hutton came to stay.

Sunday 16^th April 1865

All to Church but Louisa and self. Very warm and pleasant.

Monday 17^th April 1865

Louisa, C. Hutton and Leo took a drive to Broome Hall.

Tuesday 18^th April 1865

Mr Hutton left. We drove with Leo to Ranmore Church.

Wednesday 19^th April 1865

Leo’s holiday over, gone to Woolwich. We stayed at home and drew.

Thursday 20^th April 1865

Walked into Redlands with Louisa and children. Leo to London. He and I dined at the Gordons.

Friday 21^st April 1865

Leo to Woolwich. We stayed at home.

Saturday 22^nd April 1865

Leo to London. Louisa and I drove over to Cobham with Arty and spent the day there.

Arrivals and Departures since our last.

22 April 1865 (and Sat. 7 Oct. 1865)

Clarendon Hotel - Mrs Marsh-Caldwell and Miss Caldwell, Linley Wood, Cheshire (they wrote "Stanley Wood.")

Saturday 22 April 1865
Staffordshire Advertiser

Linley Wood Ley, from May 12 to October 12, 1865

Terms £.    s.   d.
Stirks 1   10   0
Twinters 2   0   0
Three-year-olds       3   0 0
One-year-olds 3   0   0
Two-year-olds 4   0 0
The proprietor will not be responsible for loss, accident, or injury that may happen to the stock. The money to be paid at the time of taking the stock out.
Apply to Mr John Beeston, Linley Wood Farm, near Lawton, Cheshire.

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues....

Sunday 23^rd April 1865

To Church. William called.

Monday 24^th April 1865

Leo and I and Arty went to Woolwich and spent the day with the Croftons.

Tuesday 25^th April 1865

Leo, Louisa and I, Arty and Puss drove over to[Godhurst?] and Cranley and saw the new school and lunched with the Saptes.

Wednesday 26^th April 1865

Leo to London, Woolwich and Hull. We stayed at home. Louisa and I dined at the Wedgwoods.

Thursday 27^th April 1865

Louisa and I and Freddy drove about and called on people.

Friday 28^th April 1865

Leo came home. Louisa and I at home. Captain and Mrs Meads came to stay. Emma and William and Mr Sheppard dined.

Saturday 29^th April 1865

I took Mrs Meads a drive. Louisa stayed at home. Leo and Captain Meads [Mends?] walked about.

Sunday 30^th April 1865

All to Church. William and Mr Dunbar called. All the men took a walk.

May 1865

Monday 1^st May 1865

Leo to Woolwich. The Meads left us for London with their little girl.

Tuesday 2^nd May 1865

We went with Arty and Pussy, Fred and Bert to Crystal Palace.

Wednesday 3^rd May 1865

Leo to Woolwich. Georgy and Nele Loring came to stay and Fanny in the evening.

Thursday 4^th May 1865

Leo to London. We remained at home and went to Deacons.

Friday 5^th May 1865

Leo to Woolwich, [I?] stayed at home.

Saturday 6^th May 1865

Leo to London, and he and I dined at the Barclays.

Sunday 7^th May 1865

All to Church.

Monday 8^th May 1865

Evie Eden and the Lefroys came.

Tuesday 9^th May 1865

A lovely day, we played at croquet and walked about. Commodore Ryder came to stay, and Captain Challoner dined.

Wednesday 10^th May 1865

The Lefroys and Commodore Ryder left for London and Woolwich. Leo also. Rained all day.

Thursday 11^th May 1865

Evy left us and we took a drive. Leo went to London.

Friday 12^th May 1865

Leo to Woolwich and came home with Pussy after her visit to Aunt Fanny.

Saturday 13^th May 1865

Leo to London. Uncle George and William came to stay.

Sunday 14^th May 1865

Leo, Louisa, 7 children and William to Church. Douglas came.

Monday 15^th May 1865

Leo to Shoeburyness.

Tuesday 16^th May 1865

Uncle George and William left for London. Posy came to take care of the children during our absence abroad. We set off on Thursday 19^th and went to Paris where we left Arty with [Fnde Courtois?] Versailles on Sunday 20^th. Leo and I, Louisa and Annie Whatman then went via Lyons to Toulon, Nice, Genoa, Milan. Majolica Laysdi [Conio?] where we stayed a week. Over the Splujen Pass to Slpyjen, Chur, Zieniek, Lucerne, to the Righi, back to Lucerne where we met the Whatmans and left Annie. Dijon, Paris, where we saw Arty again in good health, and arrived at Anstie the same day as we left Paris, Saturday the 24^th of June.

Diary of Lady Mary Heath - Italy

Extracts from some letters during a tour I made with Leo - Louisa, (my Sister) and my niece, Annie Whatman, in the North of Italy, May 1865. (I think) (Not 1865 - next best 1872...)

Tuesday 30 May 1865 - Genoa
Dearest Posy (She took care of my children)
Here we are in our first real Italian city - we decided to cut the Corniche, and come here by steamer instead; we had a beautiful passage, the sea as smooth as glass, with the fine range of Maritime Alps, and all the little towns we should have passed through, on our left. "It was very beautiful" (how tired you will be of that adjective before I go home!)

I think we did very well in this way and certainly saw the curious, grand and busy town to advantage from the water, with its palaces, and campanile, ships, boats and gondolas backed by green hills and blue mountains.

We are in the "Ferde Hotel" which was the old Admiralty - and our rooms are about 18 or 20 feet high, and we feel very grand.

At our feet, an immense distance below us is Place - full of life, where everything is brought from the country to export, or to import back. Such picturesque mules, carts and people, only I am much disappointed with the costumes, the people look all dirty and squalid, especially the women.

I forgot to go back to Saturday. (27th?)
We drove out to Villagranca near Nice, which is a very pretty looking town at a distance - near the same disenchanting dirt and squalor annoy one. - Well, to go on. We sat in those Boulevards, watching the people and listening to the band, and then walked along the Sea Promenade till it was nearly dark.

We were so amused at the French lady on board the Genoa steamer - she seemed made of quicksilver and talked away to everybody, waiters and all, finally capturing a beau jeune homme, dressed in white and blue, with whom she carried on a tremendous flirtation, till the end of the voyage.

In the evening we drove out to Passegiata Acqua Sola - where we saw all the fine young men, with their (drays, drigs?) and English horses, on waggonettes with bells and foxtails tied to the horses ears. The "Rotten Row" is short, we were much amused.
This morning we have worn ourselves out, with walking about in the heat, we saw the Pollavicino Palazzo - such beautiful old pictures, such gilded ceilings, the family live here still and are immensely rich.

Friday 2 June 1865 - Milano
Well, I will go on about Genoa, we saw the fine Cathedral with many good pictures init,a nd a magnificent chapel dedicated to St.John the Baptist, where Leo (to his great pride) was alone allowed to enter! St.John's "Cinders" are here, we being the same sex as "La Signora Herodins"!! were defended from such an act of desecration. We also saw a splendid collection of pictures in the Pallazzi Balbi and Durazzo - such delightful houses they are, with inlaid marble floors and very high ceilings - handsome antique furniture, books too, as if the inhabitants were cultivated. One could live in such houses as these in this climate.

We then at the earnest entreaties of our host went to a country house of the Pallavicenis, which he said was exquisite - well I think these people understand street architecture, but here the most cockney notions of a country house and grounds, statues, grottos, lakes! all done at an enormous expense, in a very small area. I prefer Anstie, Linley Wood or Kitlands!

I am so glad that we have seen Genoa though it stinketh rather, and now we shall have plenty to do and see, in this nice, handsome clean Capital. We all agree that the Italians look much more like ourselves than the French - steadier, calmer, more gentlemanlike.

Saturday 3 June 1865
Staffordshire Advertiser
The Wedgwood Institute Committee, Has further the honour of announcing that, on or about the 19th September, 1865, it is intended to hold A Bazaar. - In the Talbot Gallery at Alton Towers. - Under the Distinguished Patronage of - - - - Mrs Marsh-Caldwell.

Saturday 3 June 1865
Daily News (London)

The Ordnance Select Committee and its Proceedings.

Mr. H.Baillie then rose, pursuant to notice, to call attention to the proceedings of the Ordnance Select Committee. On a former occasion he called attention to the state of our Ordnance department, and he then stated that the department for the last five years had been unable to furnish the Admiralty with guns, and that the department was administered by officers who were practically without responsibility, and who had anomalous duties to perform. He said that the Ordnance Select Committee were called upon to pronounce judgment on the manufactures and inventions of others, while they themselves had become rival manufacturers and inventors carrying on their experiments and their transactions at the expense of the country. This statement was denied by the noble lord the Under Secretary for War, - - - -

Then he found that Captain Wiseman, the vice-president, submitted an invention to the committee for a new gun carriage for ships, which received the seal of the committee, so that the gun carriage was actually introduced into the service. One hundred and fifty were constructed at Woolwich and they were tried on baord the Excellent, and failed. He now came to the vice-president of the committee at the present time, Captain Heath. He was the inventor of the magnum shell - with a large bursting charge. This shell was tried on Nov.3, 1864. One shell turned over at a distance of 434 yards from the muzzle of the gun, and the remainder were unsteady, and the experiment was regarded as a failure. Now he did not blame officers for trying these experiments at the public expense -

Saturday 10 June 1865
United Service

In the Table of Inventions published by the Select Committee 1863, we find, first a gun by General St.George, President, failed, gun burst at sixty-seven rounds; two others failed at sixty-eight rounds; next Captain Wiseman, Vice-President, invents a new gun carriage. One hundred and fifty were constructed at Woolwich, and when tried on board H.M.S. Excellent, failed! Surely half a dozen should have been tried in six different ships first? Then we have the present V.P. Captain Heath; he tried his luck at shells, and failed.

Diary of Lady Mary Heath - Italy

Sunday 4 June 1865 - Milano
This really is a most delightful town, Posy! Lousia, Leo and I agree we would rather live here than in any other place abroard, it is so very clean, full of life, and full of interesting things to see; the Duomo itself is like a fairy structure of ice - or ivory, most delicate and lovely - then there are the charming Milanese, who with their black veils coquetishly disposed on their well dressed heads, half veiling their handsome faces and eyes, are most fascinating - I think they are a fine race.

Then there is a magnificent avenue of Horse Chestnuts, planes and accasias, all round the fortifications or nearly so, which make the gardens a sort of Bois de Bologne, only prettier.

Yesterday we determined to drive out to see the town. We went to a beautiful Arean with grass and stone seats, where we found all the national schools (of boys) going through a kind of drill, in rehearsal of tomorrow, which is the anniversary of the Italian Union - and Prince Humbert is to come and look at them - it was such a pretty sight - all the young fellows from 11 to 15 or so, so lithe and active and excited, it really brought tears into one's eyes, to see the hopes of poor Italy represented (and such bright, spirited, manly young fellows)

We then saw the Marble Arches with the Horses &c erected by Napoleon the Great, and finally finished, as we generally do, in these climes, with delicious iceds at a cafe al fresco.

After a most refreshing night in this sweet air, we began our sight seeing by the "Cena," which is most striking, fortunately, the Head of our Lord, is the one that has suffered least by being retouched, I can only say, one could hardly speak before the picture, and everyone there seemed so still and hushed! The expressions on our Lord's face is the most nearly approaching to my ideal, than any I have seen, as it is full of majesty and power and yet - that init which would "draw all me unto me" - if you know what I mean.

The church belonging to this convent is very curious and beautiful - in terra cotta - at least the ornaments.

From this we went to the Brera to see the pictures, so rich and magnificent such numbers! All worth study, yet one could not see enough of each, we all had our favourites. We all saw the originals of many of the engravings one knows so well - but alas they do not come near the pictures.

Well, we have revelled all this morning in superb colouring and drawing - it is no use saying any more - but everybody ought to come to Milan!! before Paris I think.

6 June 1865 - Lugo de Como
The only thing that would make my happiness perfect would be to spirit you all, the children, Miss Hughes and two nurses, and Arty over here, into this new little quiet, clean hotel on the very edge of the most beautiful lake in the world. Will you tell Douglas that he has not seen the Corniche from the sea. I suppose it might be near Mentone - the foreground of bright clustering villages and towns - middle distance a beautiful, indescribable brown-backed hills running into and losing itself into a pile and cross-pile of purple and blue mountains with snow and clouds and mist. He could not have seen the effect of the mountains a short distance out at sea and that sea as smooth as glass and as blue - as blue as a riband. We never saw anything so intensely blue as it was.

Then Genoa at sunset from the harbour! We left Milan after making another dash into a picture shop.

We dived into San Carlo Borromo's Church just opposite, we are much struck with the absence of the Virgin in these churches - she is there of course, but not on the high altar as we saw at Nice. She seemed placed in almost the same (runge?) as the other saints it may be - that May, the month of Mary - is over.

We then went to the Duomo - in a side chapel there were two clever looking priests - who preached by turns to an adult school of me - it appeared - we understood - that they were plain, practical sermons - one upon duties of Master and Servants - the other on the day (WhitSunday).

We sat down near a chapel with a figure of the Virgin - and in a stall - there sat a little, old dirty priest - who spent his time laughing with a brother priest - taking snuf and ringing a bell. At last, after a desparate ring, he shambled out to the altar and squatted himself on his two poor little knees - before the Virgin's doll - and the people having assembled, women, old men, young boys, of the humbler classes, he began reciting the prayers.

The little old priest was very disagreable to look at, all that we heard before seemed so good and rational - this so horridly careless and unchristian.
Como

We got to Como - yesterday evening, went out in a gondola - like the dear old Maltese boats - across to Bellaggio which was very charming. We had an agreeable boatman who gossiped a good deal, and showed us where a Countess Visconti of wicked memory tumbled down her lovers, when she was tired of them, down a precipice, through a trap door - down, down into the deep green lake.

This morning - we have seen Villa Carlotta with such magnolias!as large as youung oaks! and a tulip tree three times as high as large as the one at Kitlands - Como is a charming place for a séjour, but I daresay one should get tired of being shut in, with these ever-changing , blue -green hills.

This morning Leo and I determined to go up the hill before breakfast. We did so enjoy our mount, in some part we had to go up the bed of a winter torrent full of large round stones, therer were flowers all the way. We got to the little (plano?) at the top, where is a little solitary mountain chapel - and lovely was the scene - and as sweet with its flowers and bees and bugging summer insects. And nightingales, the placid calm lake at our feet, set in the blue misty mountains - such as you see when the sun was hardly risen, don't you know?

Zurich - 18 June 1865 ?
I am not fascinated with Switzerland, it is too cold in the first place, for perfection it is too like England in colouring to the very new, except of course the mountains, which one does not see much of here at Zurich. The houses are too neat - no picturesque dirt about them - no imagination - all like so many neat, newly painted boxes, with green shutters and ugly roofs - the lake here is very pretty, but nothing extraordinary - perhaps I have had enough.

I am sure I shall never see anything that I love so much as Lake Como, or admire like the road from Chiareune to Chur including the Via Mala - and there is no town I like as much as Milan.

The end of my travels.
14 May 1877.
Anstie Grange.

Letters of Lady Mary Heath - Italy

Letters - Mary Heath
10 June 1865 Majolica, Lago de Como
Yesterday, we got up at 5.30 and set off for Lake Lugano - we had no boat for nearly an hour, then drove across the mountains for another 2 hours, and then a pull up Lugano for 3 or 4 more, as the wind was against us - but we were well repaid for our trouble as the drive across country was very fine - amongst the Chesnuts and Walnuts, as large as our oaks, and the well-cultivated, garden-like fields, all backed by these blue and purple and green rugged mountains, passing through villages which are picturesque to the last degree, but alas! also dirty to the same extent.

The babies are very pretty, large-eyed, clever looking, some beautiful, but after that they seem to get so worn down, with toil and sun, with their great loads on their backs that it is piteous to see them, especially the old, grey-headed women - and oh! so dirty! The children too from 4 to 12 or so look so meagre and thin and ill fed, as if they were eaten up with disease. I wonder how many live over this time out of 20 that are born! These are the country people. The women wear those rag combs in their hair - which look so - (image).

Well, till you get near enough to see that the height of their ornaments drags off the hair leaving large, bald patches.

We got home at tea - looking at a red moon rising behind a bank of clouds and mountains and shining on a troubled lake of deep indigo coloured water.
After dinner we went over to Bellagio to see the Villa Serbelloni, whose gardens are beautifully laid out. There are splendid views up and down the lake, and a house 800 years old, where the wicked Countess lived.

15 June 1865? - Chiavenna
Now we have left that sweet delicious Como we feel we have turned homewards - and happy as we have been, I do so long to see my chicks. I was kissing my Purs and my Gerardio in my mind, all they way in the carriage and all the others too, only Gerardio felt so nice, and then I thought he was two years old, and I must make haste and enjoy what there was still left of his babydom - Well we sailed up to Colics most swiftly and delightfully and from thence drove in a huge lumbering vehicle, drawn by two rats of horses to this place, where there is nothing enchanting, and the beds look slightly "spish."

We have had such a splendid drive since I last wrote, first up from Chiavenna, the Italian side ot the snow actually! And then down the Swiss side to Spluger, and through the "Via Mala" today, "words fail to express &c." all the beauties we have seen. I remain true to Italy, and will like the first part best - winding up the zigging, with the high mountains of every shape and hue - clear rushing, rapid streams, far below us, fed by many a sounding torrent leaping down from the heights of snow, over huge masses of grey and deep brown rocks, down to where the chesnuts and the vines grow.

The little herds we meet, going for their summer trip to the mountains, two or three cows with bells, as many sheep and ponies - the wife and father and 4 or 5 children, of all ages helped along by the cart - most patriachial.

Now we come to the snow, so cold. I hate the sights and sighs of cold weather and thought all these tops, most black, dreary and gloomy.

When we cast off our extra horses we ran down the opposite side of the 7,000 ft high pass - and the contrast in colour was very great. All was fir, and as if you had put no lake into your brush, all Indigo. Splugen is a pretty place and very different, with its goats and chalets for all we have been seeing.

This morning we took our most sensational expedition, in the whole trip. We thought the Gorge just beyond Splugen, the Rhine dashing through great, high, rough, rocky mountains covered with fir trees growing in every crevice like weeds - was grand enough, but when we came to the Via Mala! It is really splendid. You must imagine it! The Via is very narrow, and you look up with wonder, and awe-full admiration, at the towering cliffs above you, in some places like a well of enormous height - in others streaked, and cut, with the dry beds of torrents, that have brought down with them from the tops, in their wild play, such balls of rocks, that giants might have flung at each other!

Great tall, fir trees, clinging to the sides wherever they can get foot room. Then you lean over the parapet of the winding road, and see, far far down, guided by the roaring - the young Rhine dashing, foaming, dancing, shouting, through the feet of the mountains, sometimes through such a narrow crack that you lose sight, though not sound - and out! it comes again - making a deep, green framing pool - it is so wonderfully beautiful. How can one be so foolish as to try to make you see it!!
Go to pretty, little, clear Thusis, a village this side, and spend two days at the nice hotel there, and walk up and down the Via Mala all day. Everyone seems to say, that there is no defile so striking as this, in Switzerland or any part of the Alps.

Diary of Mary Heath Continues . . .

Wednesday 14 June 1865 ?

Derby Mercury

Donations and Subscriptions to the Nursing Association, the Diocese of Lichfield. Stafford.
- - -
Caldwell, Mrs Marsh. Linley Wood. 1.1.0
Caldwell, Miss R. Marsh, Linley Wood. 1.1.0.

Diary of Mary Heath continues.. . .

Sunday 25^th June 1865

Leo went to Church with Posy, and two children.

Monday 26^th June 1865

Louisa left for Linley Wood very unwell. Leo fell ill.

Tuesday 27^th June 1865

Posy left for London. Leo worse, Diptheria, Dr Jardine came.

Wednesday 28^th June 1865

Leo better. Douglas came, and Dr Jardine.

Thursday 29^th June 1865

Rainy, Leo progressing on well. Douglas called again.

Friday 30^th June 1865

Rain in deluges and thunder.

Saturday 1^st July 1865

Till Sunday 9^th Leo at home nursing himself. Went to Church with Puss and Fred. Fred not well having fainted. Reading and games in the evening.

Letter book of Mary Heath

1865

The Reverend Calvert's opinion of Arthur Heath. Mr.Calvert was his first Master, at his first school at Dorking. about February 1865.

"I want to speak about Arthur" (said Mr.Calvert to me) "About Arthur" I murmured, "something about his health?"

"No" he said, "I mean that he will do so well, he takes such an interest in all he does - his qusetions and remarks are so much to the purpose, and he does so well in latin - if he were examined now (10 years old M.E.H.) people would say that he was put on too far for his knowledge, but it is a pity to put him behind the others for he is able to pick it all up as he goes, which all boys cannot do."

Mr.Calvert seems to think that Arthur's mind is so open - as you (my mother) so well expresses it.

Saturday 8 July 1865
Staffordshire Advertiser

Art Exhibition and Floral Fete at Alton Towers.

The Art Exhibition at Alton Towers, in aid of the funds for raising a memorial to Josiah Wedgwood in his native town of Burslem, was opened to the public on Thursday last. - - - The exhibition occupies the Armoury, the Picture Gallery, the Octogon, and the Tedcot Gallery, a splendid suite of rooms continued in an unbroken line from the principal entrance to the Towers. - - The collection of oil and watercolour paintings is the chief attraction. Nearly the whole of these are displayed in the Picture Gallery, a fire proof structure, well lighted. - - Mrs Marsh-Caldwell, Linley Wood, "Portrait of Bentley" (Wedgwood's partner), by Wright of Derby.

Friday 7 July 1865
Birmingham Daily Post

Memorial to Josiah Wedgwood - Art Exhibition at Alton Towers.
In one respect the people of the Staffordshire Potteries hardly fulfil the obligations imposed upon them by their wealth and their other manifold advantages. The great Josiah Wedgwood, to whose genius, artistic taste, enterprise, and indomitable perseverance the district is indebted more than to any other man for all its advantages, is yet without an adequate memorial in the neighbourhood in which he was born, and which he did so much to enrich. - - - Mr Matthew Gaunt sends two views in Venice by Canaletti, which have all the vices and few excellences of the school to which they belong. Mrs Marsh-Caldwell sends some portraits of no particular merit. - - -

Diary of Mary Heath continues...

Monday 10^th July 1865

Leo went off to his work again well, he goes to Shoeburyness and to see the Great Eastern. I went with Emma to [Gaden?] to see Julia.

Tuesday 11^th July 1865

Stayed at home with the children as some servants went to Zoological Gardens.

Wednesday 12^th July 1865

Miss Sheppard and Jardine called.

Miss Hughes and I and children played at cricket. Papa came home. The other servants went to the Zoologicals.

Thursday 13^th July 1865

Rained very hard. Leo worked at his guns, and went to Kitlands. The children played at romps upstairs.

Friday 14^th July 1865

Leo went to Woolwich and sleeps in London. Is to return on Saturday. I took Frederic and Cuthbert to the cricket practice. Called on Mrs Wickham, Geo Cazalet, Lady Macdonald, Ladies Legge and Mr Langdale, all at home. Emma called.

Saturday 15^th July 1865

I drove out to meet Leo at the station. Bertie and Freddie went to cricket practice. James and Julia Harrison came to stay.

Sunday 16^th July 1865

To Church. Douglas and Mrs Malden called.

Monday 17^th July 1865

Leo to Woolwich. James also to London. Julia wen to Kitlands. Leo returned unexpectedly.

Tuesday 18^th July 1865

Leo at home. John and Marianne [Heath] and two girls came to stay.

Wednesday 19^th July 1865

Marianne and I drove to Dorking, children went a donkey ride.

Thursday 20^th July 1865

Leo and I and John went to London and returned.

Friday 21^st July 1865

Marianne and I drove about, children a donkey ramble. Leo to Woolwich and back.

Saturday 22^nd July 1865

We all went to see a cricket match at Mr Langdale’s, a juvenile one.

Sunday 23^rd July 1865

To Church, in the afternoon the Whatmans, Douglas and Dunbar Heaths came.

Monday 24^th July 1865

Leo to Woolwich. All the Kitlanders came to have tea. John left us.

Tuesday 25^th July 1865

Marianne and girls left. Dunbar and Douglas called. Captain Cazalet dined with us and boys played and fished with ours. Fred took his first ride on Mab with Coachman.

Wednesday 26^th July 1865

Leo to Woolwich. I drove out in pony chaise with Puss, calling.

Thursday 27^th July 1865

Went to Dorking calling. Dunbar Heaths and Douglas dined.

Friday 28^th July 1865

I drove out in pony chaise and called at cottages. Baby came with me, called at Kitlands. D. Heaths came to stay.

Saturday 29^th July 1865

Ada’s birthday. Leo his [home?] Langdales and Cazalets came to play with the children.

Letter to Posy [Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell] from Mary when Ada just learning to write. 1865?

[Ada Randolph Broadwood, nee Heath 1860-1957]

My dear Aunt Posy,

I thank you very much for the microscope. Papa opened it and I had the first look at the flea. Afterwards we put in one of my hairs and it looked like a rope. Pussy is doing an Easter text for Papa. Blue and gold. Good bye your loving Ada.

This is Ada’s own writing and does credit to Miss Hayley. I think and our composition, spelling asked for. Your loving M.E.H. [Lady Mary Heath]

2/. Taken off for the C.S.A. tickets which I enclose.

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

Sunday 30^th July 1865

All to Church, and then to Kitlands. Young Douglas read to me and the children.

Monday 31^st July 1865

Heaths all left us. Leo to Woolwich.

Tuesday 1^st August 1865

Leo came home. Captain and Mrs Lang and 4 children and Mrs Wise came and had tea.

Wednesday 2^nd August 1865

Leo to Woolwich. Ada, Bertie and I to Cobham Vicarage to spend the day.

Thursday 3^rd August 1865

Leo came home, walked out with him.

Friday 4^th August 1865

Fred and I took a long drive with Mab’s chaise. Emma called.

Saturday 5^th August 1865

Leo and I walked about, he rode to Dorking as Magistrate, and I joined the Whatmans and went to Dorking for a concert.

Sunday 6^th August 1865

To Church, and Leo took the children a walk afterwards.

Monday 7^th August 1865

Leo to Shoeburyness, and I to Dorking meeting with the Whatmans at Norbury Park.

Tuesday 8^th August 1865

I took a drive in pony chaise with Puss, Fred and Bert. Met E. Whatman. Games in the evening.

Wednesday 9^th August 1865

All went down to see the wedding at the Parsonage. I drove to Dorking to meet Miss H. Moore [Harriet Moore?] who came to stay. Leo came home.

Thursday 10^th August 1865

Drove over to Garlans to see Julia. Kitlands came to dine.

Friday 11^th August 1865

Leo to Woolwich. Came home late. H. Moore and I sat in doors, it rained all day. George Whatman came up.

Saturday 12^th August 1865

H.Moore and I drove up to Kitlands, then she left. Leo went to Magistrate at Dorking. Douglas Heath called.

Sunday 13^th August 1865

No one to Church.

Monday 14^th August 1865

Leo to Woolwich. I walked out.

Tuesday 15^th August 1865

Leo at home. Heavy showers and [went, wheat?] all out in the fields.

Wednesday 16^th August 1865

Leo and I took a walk over the fields and then drove out calling.

Thursday 17^th August 1865

Leo to London H & H meeting. Douglas called and talked family affairs.

Friday 18^th August 1865

Leo and I passed the day at Woolwich, I with the Croftons. He at his office.

Saturday 19^th August 1865

Leo went to Dorking to meeting about the ‘Cattle Plague.” Douglas called.

Sunday 20^th August 1865

Leo, G, I and M to Church. All from Kitlands called.

Monday 21^st August 1865

Leo to Woolwich. One of the young [Les?] has come to play with the children.

Tuesday 22^nd August 1865

Leo and I went to a sale at Mickleham.

Wednesday 23^rd August 1865

Rain. Leo to Woolwich. Remained indoors.

Thursday 24^th August 1865

Fine day. Leo and I went calling on the Wylies, etc etc.

Friday 25^th August 1865

Leo to Woolwich and I drove to Kitlands with Ada and Baby.

Saturday 26^th August 1865

Leo and I went to look at a school at Wynchfield, Hants near Farnborough, came home late.

Sunday 27^th August 1865

Went to Church. Walked to the wood afterwards. Children also. Beautiful evening. Looked at the moon and stars.

Monday 28^th August 1865

Leo to Woolwich. I to Kitlands with Herbert. Barclays called. Walked out with the children and Miss Hughes.

Tuesday 29^th August 1865

I drove out with Herbert and Freddie, children out with donkey.

Wednesday 30^th August 1865

Went to fetch Leo from Dorking.

Thursday 31^st August 1865

Leo and I called on the Hamiltons and dined at Wylies.

Friday 1^st September 1865

Leo to Woolwich. Miss Holland called. I fetched Leo from station. Emma called.

Saturday 2^nd September 1865

Fanny and Richard Crofton, Amy and her two brothers came to stay. Whatmans and Douglas dined.

Sunday 3^rd September 1865

All to Church, and walks afterwards.

Monday 4^th September 1865

Leo to Woolwich. Richard, [Georgy?] Henry and Bertie went away.

Letter book of Mary Heath

September 1865 - Anstie Grange
Monday - Arty and his father gone again. A lovely morning it was and Pussey generally take little Herbert and Ada in charge like a good little elder sister, as she can be, (when she chooses) and Bert and Fred who are of course independent, and they all get into the chaise, and it is pretty to see my Leo with his load of six children bright, happy little children, alive with joy, starting off in the sunny, early morning 8:15, with the exquisite views all round them, their merry voices and shouts leading me down after them, and telling me exactly where they have stopped, and unloaded in the little wood.

Back they come! All rosy and fresh up "Breakheart Hill" and hungry for their milk and bread and butter. This is the usual thing, every fine Monday morning and both Leo and Arty go off cheerily, especially the latter, though he loves his home as ever, seems most happy at Mr.Calvert's.

The children all went a walk in separate parties, according to age, Fred said a good thing. He reads a little History of England, and has to give an account to his governess next day. His lesson was about the town of Bath "Well Freddie, what town was it that the Romans improved so much?" Fred pondered for some time, at last he said "Tub!!" Is not that laughable? But it shows, as Leo and I agreed, that he did not speak without thought - hopeful decidedly!

I was frightened too, about the accident and don't want Freddie to be a sailor - or any of them - but unfortunately, I think Fred is made for one, however we shall see - be guided to the right profession for them all, poor lads.

Some of them ought to go into "Business" and make their £2, or £3,000 a year, which seems quite a common every day income.

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Tuesday 5^th September 1865

Leo and I went to see Mr Podmans school at Elstree.

Wednesday 6^th September 1865

Leo to London to see Duke of Somerset at the Admiralty.

Thursday 7^th September 1865

Leo and I to London to see Mr and Mrs Podman.

Friday 8^th September 1865

Leo, Amy and Duke went to Woolwich. Julia Harrison came to call and Watsons.

Saturday 9^th September 1865

Leo at home. Emma called to settle about Versailles.

Sunday 10^th September 1865

[no entry]

Monday 11^th September 1865

Emma, I, Julia Moore went to Folkestone (Leo with so far). Slept there and on Tuesday 12^th went to Hotel des Reservoir Versailles. Arty joined us there on Wednesday. We went to Paris, St.Cloud, St.Germain and enjoyed ourselves very much.

Monday 18^th September 1865

Said good-bye to dearest Arty at the station, and slept at Boulogne and came home to our respective families on Tuesday 19^th. Leo met us again at Folkestone.

Letter book of Mary Heath

1865 - Anstie Grange - Arthur 10 years old.
Dearest Mama,

I had no time to write to you from Versailles. We started on Monday 11th, slept at Folkeston, and then on to Versailles, and get there late at night, of course was "all in a tremor" to see my darling who came as early as he could next morning and clung to me, till our parting on the Monday following. Dear Arty, I had him with me at the Hotel, and so could watch him closely.

I find him, I am grateful to say, as sweet and innocent as ever, speaking French very well and perfectly fluently, though not quite correctly, with many little airs and graces, such as lifting his hat when he addresses anyone, and always using "Monsieur" and "Madame" to all alike.

He is very much mannified - and I felt as if he could take care of me all over the world; he is so quick, bright and intelligent, as fond of reading as ever, and he prefectly devoured the "Conscrit" and I left him with "Waterloo," his great desire being to triumph over Madame about the Great Battle, and proves to her that the English were fewer in number, he was so happy with me, so docile, so loving - so lively and gay, Oh! how I wished to carry him back.

Diary of Mary Heah continues . . .

Wednesday 20^th September 1865

Leo to Shoeburyness. I to Kitlands with Marion and baby.

Thursday 21^st September 1865

Don’t know.

Friday 22^nd September 1865

Puss nine years old. A juvenile party. Kitlanders, Hamiltons, Cazalets, Leslies.

Mary Heath's Letter Book

22 September 1865 - Kattchen's (March) birthday.

Dearest Mama, I hurried away yesterday to see my Arty, who has had a nasty accident, poor darling boy - Mrs.Waterfield's letter came while I was in bed yesterday from my Thursday long drive and Leo hurrying off to Woolwich.

I thought I had better see my poor boy, and so set off with Ellen, and found him much better, and cheery and bright and sweet as usual, but it is a nasty cut, and will mark him for life I fear. It appears he lent his knife to a boy, to cut his pencil, and while the boy was cutting away, Arty suddenly looked round the boy's shoulder to speak to the Master (it was school time) and poor fellow, his lip was nearly cut in two and an artery divided!

You may think how sick it made me! I found him looking rather pale and haggard from loss of blood - with his lip all plastered up and sewn - it is joined very neatly, but of course there will be a scar.

I went with the idea of consoling him but found him so cheerful that there was no need. the matron said he was so brave - he never uttered a word of complaint through all. She seemed much pleased with him, the doctor said he never had so good a patient, but he thought Arty must be of a most hilarious disposition, as he laughed so over his books, he, the Doctor, was obliged to take four away from him.

Poor boy, he was very glad to seem me and we had a happy hour together. I feel his little plaster kiss, as he reached up to kiss me again and again, at parting, and see his pale little face, gulping down his emotion when I left him.

Here is another misfortune to add to this already unfortunate year, to us at least.

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Saturday 23^rd September 1865

Leo to attend Colonel Hogge’s funeral. I to Kitlands.

Sunday 24^th September 1865

All to Church.

Mary Heath's letter book

September 1865
We went a diminished party to Church - shorn of all our boys Puss (Marion) alone with us, and Miss DeBerchen. Bertie is too dreadful at church, and so I must leave him away for some more months.

Today Leo is gone to Woolwich and we have done our duties, spoken French at breakfast, chaunted the Psalms, read our scripture, ordered dinner &c.

Bertie has foundered through his French exercise and Puss has walked straight through her German one, to her Mistress' satisfaction - and through her French Analyse. Miss De B. understands grammar very well, and is altogether intelligent, and improves in teaching, and is very kind and untiring, in reading to, and amusing the children.
Puss and Bert are turned out, and Herbert and Ada turned in, to the school room. Herbert will soon get beyond Ada, he has a good memory. Pussey and Ada have a doll mania upon them - chiefly at my instigation and reproaches - for they are so unkind to their dolls!

I remember, to this day, the bitter remorse I felt, and poignant grief, as I lay snug in my own little bed, when I remembered that I had left my dear doll, out in the cold frosty hall! but i must say, that the boys lead the dolls hard lives, they get disfigured and battered, and the poor girls get disgusted.

I have, however, bribed Baby's (Gerard) hands off the favourites, by giving him the discarded one, but I fear, he will only be deceived for a day. He is far too knowing.
We went today, after luncheon, with Mab and Donkey to the cottages and Kitlands, Kättchen (May) is getting quite brave on the pony, Bertie liked best to stay at home and play cricket with Parings (our man-servant) Puss and Bertie have had a famous game of cricket and all have come home from a ramble in a beautiful state.

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Monday 25^th September 1865

Leo to Woolwich. I, Puss and Ada to Milland, John’s place [Rev John Heath] where we stayed till Thursday 28^th , came home.

Friday 29^th September 1865

Leo to Woolwich.

Saturday 30^th September 1865

Walked about with Leo and went to Ewhurst.

Leamington Spa Courier

Saturday 30 September 1865 (and 23 Sept. 1865)

Clarendon Hotel

Mrs and Miss Marsh-Caldwell, Linley Wood

Sunday 1^st October 1865

To Church. G & G called.

Monday 2^nd October 1865

George Heath called and went off with Bertie and Freddie to Milland. Leo to Woolwich.

Tuesday 3^rd October 1865

Leo to London and Woolwich.

Mary Heath's letter book

October 1865 - Anstie Grange.

Leo goes off at 6.30 and Fred comes in at 7:30 to do English Grammar. Fred like to be betimes, so gets up , and bathes and dresses himself in a quarter of an hour (leaving old dawdling Bertie fumbling with his boots, or knicerbockers or gaiters or anything) and comes in just as we are awake to write his analysis, which seems to disentangle his ideas and when not in an bad humour, or contrary, he does it very well, as he is careful and steady. He does his sums, now, in half the time that Bertie does, a real case of Tortoise and Hare.

Fred will do very well, I'm sure, he has loads of good sense,and I hope to live to see the time, when he will not look as if he was on the rack, when he is reading a book to me! He is rather puzzle-headed, but when he really understands, he holds it, and if he doesn't he won't pretend to take the slightest interest in his lessons. He requires a great deal of individual attention, which I try to give him, sweet old boy!

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Wednesday 4^th October 1865

Leo to D [District?] and Somerset with Admiral and all saw a ship blown up at Chatham.

Thursday 5^th October 1865

Leo and I walked about and dined at Lady Macdonalds

Friday 6^th October 1865

Leo to Woolwich, boys returned home.

Letter Book of Mary Heath

1865 or 1866 -Anstie Grange

Dearest Mama,
Saturday last brought my little beloved, my large beloved had returned at 11pm on Friday night. Arty looked rather pale and was hot in the head, but recovered by Monday morning.

Saturday 7.
All three boys had their usual wrestlings, and scrimmages on the school room, and their own floor, becoming masses of boys, after the fashion they so enjoy, and which I firmly look on, though often in fear for a leg or an arm.

My eyes are beginning to open now. I hear such stories of the rough treatment the poor wretches have to go through at public schools, brutal it seems to me. And they had better be prepared! I'm not surprised that the poor boys don't learn much, I cannot think how they can, and am surprised they turn out so well as they do, if all I hear is true, that goes on amongst them, all in these civilized days, what must it have been before!

I tremble for Arty, such little sticks of arms, and such a nervous temperament.
Well, most of them live, and come through all right, that's one comfort - I hope I shall survive the first 6 months. A mother has plenty to suffer I forsee!

Fred will get through well, he is such a plucky little man, without being pert, or forward. I am giving him cod-liver to make him grow, and he has grown more than Bert, this last quarter, nearly as much as Arty. Fred implores me not to give any to Arty, as I plan to because he can pull Arty down now it "makes me so strong."

Sunday - Leo and chicks went to church and heard a sermon from our good parson on the Millenium. Leo walked with five of his flock afterwards and went to touch the sheep, the children's great ambition. Bert darted on them, Arty and Fred touched them by craft - poor dear Puss could not manage it, and Leo said, fairly burst into tear!
Evening, Leo and Arty deep in books, and I told a series of stirring, bible stories to a ring of children - Daniel and such like.

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Saturday 7^th October 1865

Leo to London

Sunday 8^th October 1865

All to Church.

Monday 9^th October 1865

Leo to Woolwich, returned with Captain Heyman [Hagman?] Colonel and Mrs Freeling came afterwards.

Tuesday 10^th October 1865

All out shooting. Mr and Mrs Hamilton, Dr and Mrs Gordon, George Whatman and Mr [Mrs?] Sheppard joined us at dinner. Douglas and Annie in the evening.

Wednesday 11^th October 1865

Leo and Captain Heyman left for Woolwich. Colonel Freeling shot with George Whatman and after luncheon went back with Mrs Freeling to Woolwich.

Thursday 12^th October 1865

Leo and I shopping to London, children to Kitlands.

Friday 13^th October 1865

Lovely warm day. Leo to Woolwich and back. I walked with the children to Kitlands.

Saturday 14^th October 1865

Leo to London. I went to Dorking.

Sunday 15^th October 1865

To Church. Douglas called.

Monday 16^th October 1865

Leo to Woolwich. I drove with Emma to Ewhurst.

Tuesday 17^th October 1865

Went to Dorking early with Leo and photographed the children. Mrs Gordon called.

Wednesday 18^th October 1865

Leo to Woolwich. Pouring all day. (Arthur's birthday)

Mary Heath's letter book

1865 - Anstie Grange.

We had a feast which was in honour of Arty's brithday, and Fred's return, we had a great deal of hips, and hurrahing, in which Gerard joined lustily. Arty and Fred, both returned thanks, in neat and appropriate speeches, to the honour that had been paid them.

And then "Baby" must needs jump up on his chair, with his wine glass in his little hand, of course there were shouts for "Baby's speech" the dear little clever fellow was not to be put out, as most children would be. Gerard is never at a loss for an answer. Arty is so fond of him, and so indeed are all his big boy cousins.

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Thursday 19^th October 1865

Rain in torrents. Leo at home, tried his new horse.

Friday 20^th October 1865

Beautiful day. Leo to Woolwich. Douglas called to see the “Beast.”

[few days missed.]

Letter book of Mary Heath

24 October 1865, Anstie Grange

Dearest Mama,
- - -to cultivate a poetic taste in the children (?) I began "The Lay of the Last Minstrel" to which they all listened eagerly, and taught my darling Herbert his little verse, to repeat to Papa on Sunday. We all went out walking, with Pussy on the pony, Puss trying her side-saddle for the first time, poor Puss, is not much of a horse-woman.

Ada is very spirited and brave. Arty will gradually be let down into English (on his return from Versailles, where he lived 5 months with Mada (Cartois?)) I hope he won't soon lose his fluency, Madame still continues to say, he is "bon caractere," but not for his lessons. I think he has his own way rather, and hope he will really work more steadily, when he gets under men.

Leo went off to Woolwich of course, and I helped in the lessons, the children all fight for me, and I take turns with each, and so see how they are getting on.
Freddie is not so quick as Bertie certainly.

I finished by making other calls, and Leo comes home soon.

Dear little Herbert always comes in for his little reading after his tea - he says a little verse so prettily, with his dear little mouth, and then regularly brings "Little Mark" to be read to him. I think he enjoys the sounds of the reading, more than any ideas they may suggest.

Certainly Arty was much forwarder. I think more is expected from the eldest child, than from any of the others, and they have rather hard lives, and perhaps get bossed and pushed too much and don't work so well when older.

Fred and Puss played a duet very nicely together, and then well all sang some songs, to the piano, with great applause from Papa.

Had a most amusing letter from Arty and Madme Courtois who understands him, and paints him exactly! I wonder how he will settle down, after having lived so long with lively French people.

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Friday 27^th October 1865

Dined at Kitlands.

Saturday 28^th October 1865

Went to call on Mrs Hackblock, Box Hill.

Sunday 29^th October 1865

Rain.

Monday 30^th October 1865

Rain. Leo to Shoeburyness and did not come home.

Tuesday 31^st October 1865

Leo still away. Rain.

Wednesday 1^st November 1865

Richard [Crofton] came to stay. Leo came home.

Thursday 2^nd November 1865

Leo, Richard and I walked about. I took a drive with the children afterwards.

Friday 3^rd November 1865

Leo to Woolwich. I took a nice walk with Richard [Crofton], lovely warm day. Children all went in pony chaise to pick chestnuts [?] in Bay Hill park.

Saturday 4^th November 1865

Leo went to London. I walked out with Richard. Afterwards he left for Cheltenham. I drove out in Mab chaise to see poor.

Sunday 5^th November 1865

Leo, Fred and Puss to Church. Leo walked out with Bert and Fred afterwards.

Letter Book of Mary Heath

5 November 1865 - Anstie Grange

I drove to see a poor woman with Ada, while the rest were very happy doing up Guy Fawkes. Leo came home rather late and saw the horrible creature the children had made. Yesterday Leo took his two eldest to church, and I remained behind, and taught, and read to the others. It has got very cold has it not?

Saturday - I was sitting out in the garden, and the children were all playing on the terrace as if it had been summer again.

This morning Puss has gone off to Woolwich with Papa, on a visit to the Croftons. She looked so pretty with her dear little bright, happy face, and muffled up in all her nice, rich coloured winter things. She told her maid she was in "Exstackies" and hardly slept last night.

It is so gloomy and cold, that I hope she will get safe there. I just race out after luncheon, it was bitter, and I had a toothache, but in the wood, where I was joined by Herbert and Ada, it was very pleasant.

Herbert looked just like a gentleman of William the 3rd's time, in his round, thick felt hat, long rick coloured hair, coat covering him to his knees, and black gaiters, that looked like the "boots of the Period" and as he went along, singing, "Gaily the Troupatour touched his 'ticar," he was something to see! He sings the song with all his brave little lungs! He is such a duck!

Fred and Bert were in high delight, helping to pile up a bonfire for the evening, which was in a splendid blaze, and trimmed with Catherine wheels, squibs and crackers.
A number of village boys of course collected, and there was much fun, and high laughter. Leo and I watched it from the boy's window, and the figures moving about and round the leaping, curling flames of blaze, looked very picturesque.

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Monday 6^th November 1865

Leo to Woolwich with Puss, who went to stay with the Croftons. We had a bonfire and crackers at night.

Tuesday 7^th November 1865

Very cold. Leo to London with Cuthbert to see ear-doctor. Julia called.

Wednesday 8^th November 1865

Papa to Woolwich, James called.

Thursday 9^th November 1865

Leo and I went to Marlton and returned on Friday 10^th [late?]

Saturday 11^th November 1865

Leo walked about with me and wrote.

Sunday 12^th November 1865

Leo, I and Fred to church.

Monday 13^th November 1865

Leo off to Shoeburyness, and the children walked about. Miss Fullers called, riding. Beautiful day.

Tuesday 14^th November 1865

Gloomy and cold. Leo came home.

Wednesday 15^th November 1865

Leo away to Shoeburyness. I drove to Dorking.

Thursday 16^th November 1865

Pussy came home and Harry Crofton.

Friday 17^th November 1865

Rained dreadfully. Leo came home. We did [plays, flags?] for Arty.

Saturday 18^th November 1865

Evy Eden came to stay. Leo went to London.

Sunday 19^th November 1865

Rained and blew. No Church.

Monday 20^th November 1865

Better weather. Leo to Shoeburyness. Evy and I drove out in the poney chaise.

Tuesday 21^st November 1865

Evy and I were going to Ewhurst, driven back by the rain.

Wednesday 22^nd November 1865

Tremendous S.W. gale, not much going out.

Thursday 23^rd November 1865

Leo, Evy and I went to East Sheen to see Mr Waterfield’s school.

Friday 24^th November 1865

Harry and Leo went to Woolwich.

Saturday 25^th November 1865

We were all in expectation about Arty. He and Madame Courtois and two children came quite safe and well to our infinite joy.

Letter Book of Mary Heath

1865 - Anstie Grange - Arthur 10 years old.

Dearest Mama,
I enclose you the two letters about Arty to read - we left him on Friday seeming very happy, he has made so much progress already in talking French with all the airs and graces, belonging to that polite nation, I am sure the plan will ensure as far as French is concerned, and he seems to be thrown into the company of intelligent people who are very kind to him, and have patience to be talked to, and questioned to his hearts content, dear little boy.

I hope he may not stay much longer than his 6 months, as I feel his absence so much and I do not think that after having learned French he will gain much more and might become slightly "bumptious."

I am so much obliged to you, for your kind gift to Arty, he told me of it (Arty 10 years old, M.E.H.) when I saw him at Versailles; he looks very well I think, is as affectionate, and feeling to me as ever sweet little boy.

How glad I shall be when the time is over, and I have him safe home.
Arty's friend, M.Regnault, a brother-in-law of Madame's has lent him Theirry's History of the Norman Conquest, in french of course, in which Arty is very much interested, and has nearly read me one volume; he told me he could read French as well as English now, except a few words here and there.

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Sunday 26^th November 1865

All to Church but me and Evy, and all walked out.

Monday 27^th November 1865

Evy left early and Leo too. Mde walked out.

Tuesday 28^th November 1865

We stayed at home, it rained so hard.

Wednesday 29^th November 1865

Leo to Woolwich and Madame and self, [Emmi?] and Puss out calling.

Thursday 30^th November 1865

We all took a delightful drive over the hills.

December 1865

Friday 1^st December 1865

Leo to Woolwich. Madame, I, Miss Hughes and children with donkeys and pony a walk. Boys out roaming.

Saturday 2^nd December 1865

Leo to London, on H & H business.

Sunday 3^rd December 1865

All to Church, and walking afterwards.

Monday 4^th December 1865

Leo to Woolwich, we took a walk with pony to Broome Hall.

Tuesday 5^th December 1865

Leo to Woolwich again, very warm weather for the season.

Wednesday 6^th December 1865

We have been going on very tranquil. Went to a concert at Cobham. Went to London twice, once to Mr Hamilton’s, once to Loundes St.

Leamington Spa Courier

Saturday 9 December 1865 (and 22 April 1865) (and Sat. 7 Oct. 1865)

Arrivals and Departures since our last.Clarendon Hotel - Mrs Marsh-Caldwell and Miss Caldwell, Linley Wood, Cheshire (they wronte "Stanley Wood.")

Sunday 17^th December 1865

They all went to Coldharbour to avoid an anti-Papist sermon at Holmwood. Mr Langdale and son called.

Monday 18^th December 1865

Leo went to London on a Cattle [Driver?] Committee. Children went down to see a Prize Ox. Arty went out riding with Mr Langdale and Fred Langdale. And Papa came home. I walked out with children.

Tuesday 19^th December 1865

[no entry]

Wednesday 20^th December 1865

Madame, children, self, Ada and Puss went to Lowndes Street.

Thursday 21^st December 1865

A children’s party. Bovills, Powells, Cazalets, Mathesons, Barclays.

Friday 22^nd December 1865

All rested. Leo to Woolwich.

Saturday 23^rd December 1865

Leo took French, Arty, Puss, Fred to Crystal Palace. Harrisons came to stay.

Saturday 23 December 1865
Western Morning News

Naval Appointments - Captains - - Leopold G. Heath C.B., for special services.

Diary of Mary Heath continues . . .

Sunday 24^th December 1865

All to Church. Called up in the night by drunken butler. Great excitement.

Monday 25^th December 1865 – Christmas Day

All to Church. Games in the evening.

Tuesday 26^th December 1865

Madame Courtois and children all went away.

Wednesday 27^th December 1865

Harrisons left us.

Thursday 28^th December 1865

Stayed at home. Papa to London. Arty rode out. Children and Miss Hughes to a party at the Wickhams.

Friday 29^th December 1865

Don’t know. Miss Hughes went for a holiday.

Saturday 30^th December 1865

Drove to call on the Langs [Langdales?] Arty rode.

Sunday 31^st December 1865

Bad day. No Church.

Leamington Spa Courier

Saturday 9 December 1865 (and 22 April 1865) (and Sat. 7 Oct. 1865)

Leamington Spa Courier

1866

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