The Diary of Nathaniel Bryceson (Part 8)

[Ruskie]

Hi Deb! 

I've got to go out in about 20 seconds, so I'll elaborate later ... but today's entry made me smile. How precise is Nat with the age of Joseph Richards?  I also wonder what kind of auction he and Ann went to. Prints/etchings or books would be my guess. He and Ann do have similar tastes and enjoy the same things --- which is nice. 

[deb usa]

Ruskie

I found todays entry rather sad... I am thinking that Nat may have even heard Joseph's laboured breathing as he (joseph)  was in the "front Attic' of  9 Richmond buildings where he (Nat) was living! Or was Matthew and Mary Ward at that address ...late here ...can't remember.

I also Think Mrs Richmond, the mother, may have given  Nat the info re; Joseph's EXACT AGE!

I do find it a little disconcerting that he can go from death to auction rooms/Ann, etc . I know it's a diary entry but it seems "cold" somehow.

diary entry for today:


Monday
This morning at 10 minutes past 4 o’clock Joseph Richards, son of Mrs Richards, lodger in front attic, 9 Richmond Buildings, died of inflammation of the chest, aged 31 years and 5 months and 5 days.  Born June 4th 1815.  Went in the evening to the Auction Rooms, Leicester Square, for first time with Ann Fox.  Albert Prince of Wales completed his 5th year.  Lord Mayor’s entry into London: Alderman Sir G Carroll.

[Paul Caswell]

Carroll, Sir George (1784-1860)

banker and Lord Mayor was respected throughout his life as a shrewd man of business. Formerly a member of the Stock Exchange from 1811, he was also until 1826 a government contractor for state lotteries, with offices in Cornhill, Oxford Street and Charing Cross. He was one of the original Directors of the London Joint Stock Bank in 1836, and was for many years a Director of the Bank of Australasia, the Alliance Assurance Company and a member of the Stock Exchange.

Much of his considerable energy was also devoted to the City’s community. He was, for instance, President of St. Bartholomew’s hospital and one of the founders of the Asylum for Idiots. In a civic capacity he served as an Alderman for the Candlewick ward from 1839 until death and as Lord Mayor in 1846-7. He died in Loughton, Essex on 19 December 1860 and was buried at Norwood cemetery a few days later.

From:

http://www.london-city-history.org.uk/biography.htm

Paul

[Paul Caswell]

What on earth are Fire Bells and why would you light them this season? Would they combat the fog?

Paul

[deb usa]

Paul


I googled Fire Bells ...and they look like bells you would jangle to call Fireman to the scene or firehouse ....

What stumped me was that they were lit! 

deb

[Ruskie]

Maybe they were lit so they can be located in the dark and/or smog ... 

[deb usa]

ummm maybe lighting the fire bells caused the fire in the first place, 

Hi Ruskie 

[Ruskie]

Hi Deb. 

I'm hoping for something juicy in Nat's diary entry today, but he's ususally pretty quiet during the week. 

[deb usa]

Ruskie

I am thinking about counting the number of entries already viewed and working out how many more to go .... 

How many entries were made?

deb