Diary of Anne Elizabeth Fisher, vol I

Preface: 'Journal commenced at Downing College, Cambridge, May 23rd 1852'. The diary begins during her stay at the East Lodge, Downing College, with her uncle (Downing Professor of Medicine), where 15 year-old Anne stayed from January until 5 August, undergoing some tuition while her father (and sometimes her uncle) were away. [This period follows the death of her mother and her father is frequently absent, sometimes with work and sometimes while packing their house in Pall Mall East, London.] During her stay, she forms a close friendship with Kate Woodham [sister of Dr H. A. Woodham, Classical and Divinity lecturer at Jesus College, and later wife of Professor Fisher at Downing]. The Amoses (distant relatives) had also been staying with Andrew Amos, Professor of the Laws of England, in the West Lodge opposite during the early part of her stay. Entries describe local walks in Cambridge, social aspects of life in the East Lodge (29 July) and the grounds of the College, including (5 June) walking in "what is called the 'Wilderness' of Downing", huge May trees and the greenhouse damaged during games of Pallone by Anne and her father, playing with the Professor [William Webster Fisher]. Notable entries include: (18 June 1852) drawing the cedar tree in the East Lodge garden; (12-13 July) visits to other Cambridge colleges (Christ's, Queens' and Peterhouse); (17 July) West Lodge garden 'looked nice and was full of flowers'; (3 August) visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum, viewing 'Queen Elizabeth's and Handel's private MS music books'; (5 August) return to London [where she stays with her cousin, Grace Blenkinsop]; (6 August) visit to the crystal Palace, 'now only an iron skeleton' after the Exhibition of 1851 - later entries refer to it's relocation and rebuilding in Sydenham; death and funeral procession of the Duke of Wellington (15 September to 18 November), which she and her father viewed from a shop on the Strand (long description of the event and atmosphere in London); (28 May 1853) Long of Downing College has been employed as her father's man-servant for the new house in York Place, Portman Square.

Anne's mother, Jane Fisher's will specified that £300 a year should be spent on her daughter's education and the diary contains many details of reading and lessons, including music and singing. [Transcript, Vol. 1, p47].