Diary of William Aldous

The diary of William Aldous, a fundholder working in London, written between 1862-1864. Entries have been kept in one substantial volume with an accompanying hall-marked silver Bramah lock engraved with the motto 'faithful to my trust'. It appears the volume was purchased on 18 June 1862 from a stationer, E. Elfick of 22 Leinster Terrace, London. There is evidence that some pages have been removed as the regular diary entries jump from 26 August 1862 to 8 October 1862. During these months he marries Sophia Masson.

The diary provides an insight into William's working life and social activities. Events of national importance, often relating to British nobility and royalty, are recorded as well as domestic details regarding photography, transport and religion. Recorded purchases are accompanied with the price paid and this provides a useful reference in ascertaining the cost of various items during this period.

William Aldous was born in London in 1789. When the diary commences he is living at 7 Courtland Terrace. Upon his marriage to his second wife, Sophia Masson, in the summer of 1862 he resides at 15 Craven Hill. In the 1861 census he is described as a 'fundholder'. He died in the summer of 1864 and Sophia died, aged 80, in 1888. Internal evidence suggests that William was previously married to 'my Dear Jane' and the 1861 census confirms this. Further research indicates that his first wife was named Jane Martin [born 1784] and they married in 1832.

Sources: 1841, 1861 and 1871 census available at www.findmypast.com, accessed August 2009.

Open. Access to all registered researchers.

Purchased January 1999

Please see full catalogue for more information.

Papers arranged and described by Mark Eccleston, August 2009.

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