1889 diary, in Reading

[Deskman]

Thanks for asking Gadget,

There is an extract from page 1 here http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=788407.0
The four other l.c. b on the page are attached.
Cheers, Deskman

[Gadget]

The bs do seem to suggesst Abb, don't they? And he does tend to shorten his endings 

Not convinced by Arborfield.

[despair]

Just an observation-not sure where to go with it.
Looking at the map for Caernarvon Road,Reading it is quite close to Forbury Road,Reading Abbey(presumably the Abbot's residence) and Reading Baptist Church

Regards
Roger

[aelfric]

Don't know how this would fit into the context of the diary, but my first thought was the Abbey ruins, next to the Forbury gardens (and in my day not far from the library). Can't account for the superscript though.

[Gadget]

Just looking at this website:

https://www.readingabbeyquarter.org.uk/

add

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_Abbey

[Deskman]

Thanks Gadget, aelfric and despair,

'Abbey...' does seems the attractive and obvious 'bb' answer to the word puzzle. As Karen McDonald has so clearly shown an issue with the serifs (my term) to the bs, the superscript and the subscript is outstanding. Her interpretation of overwriting had not been refuted nor the super and sub-scripts explained.

I am again stumped. Any further thoughts are more than welcome.

[Gadget]

Going back to your earlier post #2 which I seem to have overlooked - sorry,  Abingdon seems a possible too as Abb......  I just cant see field or the r 

[Deskman]

Thanks again Gadget.
I attempt to show here what I think Karen McDonald saw. I'm sure sure Karen can put it better.

[Gadget]

Thanks for that but still not convinced. It just doesn't fit with the rest of the snip 

Why would they meet at a Rectory - maybe for tea but if he was a Baptist .....?