The diary of
Richard Ryley 1862
Introductory notes.
Richard Ryley was a weaver living in Barnoldswick in the West Riding of Yorkshire. His friend William Parker Atkinson kept his diary and passed it to his Granddaughter. The original diary is held by The Craven Museum, Skipton and a photocopy is at Barnoldswick Public Library. The period covered (1st Jan 1862 to 11th June 1864) spans the most severe part of the ‘Cotton Famine’ caused by the American Civil War. Richard Ryley was buried in Gill Churchyard on 3rd September 1864 and his early death at the age of 43 was almost certainly a result of the famine.
Richard Ryley was a musician and describes several “playing excursions”. This informal ‘busking’ born out of deprivation was a novelty to Richard and his friends. Evidence from the diary suggests that he was a brass player (May 15th). The fact that he lent his “band cap and jacket” to Thomas Elsworth suggests both that he was in a formally organised band and that he did not play at Christmas 1862, which may have been due to ill-health. He attended church every Sunday but makes no mention of playing at church. This may be because it was too matter-of-fact to record. He had enough experience of violins to make a “set of violin screws”.
In this transcription the spelling, capitalisation and punctuation are those of Richard Ryley.
Simon Wilson.
Diary
Jan: 1st. At work all day. In the evening attended the Cooperative Directors Meeting.
Jan: 2nd. At work all day.
Jan: 3rd. At work all day.
Jan: 4th. At work all day. Went in the evening to the Penny Savings Bank and drew ?3.0.0. from my account of which I lent my Brother John ?2.0.0.
Jan: 5th. Sunday. Went to St. James’s Church in the Morning, Text, Job, chap7. ver6. An excellent sermon. To the Gill in the Afternoon. In the evening went with my Wife to my Brother John’s to spend an hour.
Jan: 6th. At work all day.
Jan: 7th. At work all day.
Jan: 8th. No work, at home all day. In the evening attended the Co-operative Directors Meeting.
Jan: 9th. No work, at home all day.
Jan: 10th. No work, at home all day. Finished writing my Historical Outline of the Roman Invasion.
Jan: 11th. At work all day. Received my earnings for 6 days 15s. Paid for Groceries and Provisions, 14s: Milk 1s.4d: Rent 3s.3d: Coals, 6s.4d:
Jan: 12th. Sunday. At home in the Forenoon, to the Gill in the Afternoon, and in the Evening went with my Wife to spend an hour with her Mother.
Jan: 13th. At work all day.
Jan: 14th. At work all day. Paid 2s.1?d: Poor Rate.
Jan: 15th. At work all day, in the Evening attended the Co-operative Directors Meeting.
Jan: 16th. At work all day.
Jan: 17th. No work, at home all day.
Jan: 18th. No work, at home all day.
Jan: 19th. Sunday
Jan: 20th. No work, at home all day.
Jan: 21st. No work, at home all day.
Jan: 22nd. No work, at home all day. In the Evening attended the Co-operative Directors Meeting.
Jan: 23rd. No work, at home all day.
Jan: 24th. No work, at home all day.
Jan: 25th. No work, Received my earnings for 5 Days, 10s.9d. Paid for Rent, 3s. 8d: Milk, 1s. 3d: towards Groceries and provisions, 5s.
Jan: 26th. Sunday. Went to St. James’s Church in the Morning but no service. To the Gill in the Afternoon and in the Evening went with my Wife to spend an hour at my Brother John’s.
Jan: 27th. At work all day.
Jan: 28th. No work, at home all day.
Jan: 29th. No work, at home all day. In the Evening attended the Co-operative Directors Meeting.
Jan: 30th. No work, at home all day.
Jan: 31th. At work all day.
Feb: 1st. At work all day. In the Evening received 4d. a gift from my employer William Bracewell, New Field Edge.
Feb: 2nd. Sunday. Went to St. James’s Church in the Morning. In the Afternoon my wife went to the Gill and I stayed at home.
Feb: 3rd. No work. At Home all day. Had some thoughts about bookbinding in the Afternoon constructed a stitching frame.
Feb: 4th. No work, at home all day.
Feb: 5th. No work, at home all day, comenced writing an Historical Outline of the Saxons,
Feb: 6th. No work, at home all day.
Feb: 7th. No work, at home all day.
Feb: 8th. No work. Received my earnings for three days 7s. 9d: Paid for Rent 3s. 8d: Milk, 1s 3d. towards Groceries and Provisions, 6s. 1?d. left on account 16s.
Feb: 9th. At home in the Forenoon, no service at Church. Went to the Gill in the Afternoon.
Feb: 10th. At work all day.
Feb: 11th. At work all day.
Feb: 12th. At work all day. In the Evening attended the Co-operative Directors meeting.
Feb: 13th. At work all day.
Feb: 14th. At work all day.
Feb: 15th. At work.
Feb: 16th. Sunday. Went to St. James’s Church in the Morning in the Afternoon my wife went to the Gill Church.
Feb: 17th. No work, at home all day.
Feb: 18th. No work, at home all day.
Feb: 19th. At work all day.
Feb: 20th. At work all day.
Feb: 21st. No work. Went to Colne with my Brother John: having plenty of time and nothing to do, I went to look at the interior of the Old Church.
Feb: 22nd. No work. Received my Earnings for eight days, 19s. 10d; Paid for Rent, 3s, 8d: Milk, 1s, 2?d: for Groceries and provisions, 13s. and 2s. towards my account, left on, 14s: Bible numbers 4d: My Brother James whom we had neither seen, nor heard anything off for 3 or 4 months called in the evening, and got his supper with us, and then gave me a shilling, although I assured him that I was better off than he was.
Feb: 23rd. Sunday. Went to St. James’s Church in the Morning, and with my Brothers John & Jeremiah to the Gill Church in the afternoon.
Feb: 24th. No work. At home all day
Feb: 25th. No work. At home all day.
Feb: 26th. At work all day.
Feb: 27th. At work all day.
Feb: 28th. At work all day.
March: 1st. At work all day.
Sunday March 2nd. Went to St. James’s Church in the Morning. My Wife to the Gill in the Afternoon
March: 3rd. At work all day.
March: 4th. At work all day.
March: 5th. No work at home all day. Wrote a few pages of my Saxon History
March: 6th. At work all day.
March: 7th. At work all day.
March: 8th. At work. Received my Earnings for 7 Days 17s. 3d: Paid for Rent, 3s, 8d: Milk, 1s. 3?d: towards Groceries and Provisions 12s. left on account 16s. 1?d.
Sunday March 9th. Went to St. James’s Church in the Morning . We all got Dinner at my Brother John’s. To the Gill in the afternoon.
March: 10th. At work all day. Made a sett if violin screws for William Watson for which he gave me 6d.
March: 11th. At work all day.
Mar: 12th. At work all day. In the Evening attended the Co-operative Directors Meeting.
Mar: 13th. At work all day.
Mar: 14th. At work all day.
Mar: 15th. No work, at home all day.
Sunday Mar: 16th. Went to St. James’s Church in the Morning, to the Gill in the Afternoon.
Mar: 17th. No work, at home all day.
Mar: 18th. At work all day.
Mar: 19th. At work all day.
Mar: 20th. No work. Attended a Meeting of the Rate-payers at the Gill Church in the Forenoon, in the Afternoon spent an hour with James Waterworth at his shop, his brother Thomas very kindly offered me the loan of Barclays Dictionary in which I happened to be looking although I did not ask him.
Mar: 21th. No work at home all day.
Mar: 22th. No work. In the Forenoon went to meet a Steam Engine Boiler which weighed 14 ? Tons, and the waggon on which it was brought weighed upwards of 5 Tons more, altogether about 20 Tons. It required 21 horses, and 60 or 70 men to drag up the Gill Brow. In the Afternoon received my Earnings for 10 Days, ?1. 5s. Paid for Rent, 3s. 8d: Milk, 1s. 3?d: towards Groceries and Provisions, 19s: left on account, 11s. 10?d: Bible numbers 4d, In the Evening my Brother John gave me 10s. and his Watch as an equivalent for the ?2. He borrowed on the 4th of Jan: last.
Mar: 23rd. Sunday. Went with my Wife to Thornton in the Forenoon, and in the Afternoon to the Gill Church with my Brothers John and Jereimiah. got my tea, and spent the Evening at my Brother John’s.
Mar: 24th. No work. Went to Thornton to meet my Wife
Mar: 25th. No work. At home all day. Constructed a small Press, a part of my Book binding apparatus.
Mar: 26th. No work. At home all day.
Mar: 27th. At work all day.
Mar: 28th. At work all day.
Mar: 27th. At work.
Sunday Mar: 30. Went to St. James Church in the Morning. To the Gill in the Afternoon, with my brothers John and Jeremiah.
Mar: 31st. At work all day.
April 1st. Only half work.
April 2nd. Only half work.
April 3rd. Only half work.
April 4th. No work. Went to Gisburn with another four to play, hoping to make a little of something: we only got 9d. each.
April 5th. No work. Received my Earnings for 6 Days and a half, 13s. 6d. Paid for rent, 3s. 8d. Milk, 1s. 3d. towards Groceries and Provisions, 7s, for Coals, 1s. 3d. Went to the Penny Savings Bank to give notice for my account.
Sunday, April 6th. Went to St. James’s Church in the Morning; to the Gill in the Afternoon.
April 7th. At work all day.
April 8th. No work, at home all day.
April 9th. No work, at home all day.
April 10th. At work all day.
April 11th. At work all day.
April 12th. At work all day. Went in the Evening to the Penny Savings Bank to draw my account, which with the interest amounted to ?1 4s. 1d. Paid to James Waterworth for shoes new, and repaired, 14s. 9d. To Smith Starkie for coals 7s. 10?d. to M. Farmer and his sons for Drapery, 3s. 11d.
Sunday. April 13th. Went to St. James’s Church in the Morning. Having got a bad cold I stayed at home in the Afternoon.
April 14th. No work. At home all day. Had Doctor Whittaker’s Histories of Craven, and Parish of Whalley lent me by Henry Hardacre. Two Vol: of Historical and Antiquarian research, and of great value in their respective localities.
April 15th. At work all day.
April 16th. At work all day.
April 17th. At work all day.
April 18th. Good Friday. At home all day, busily engaged in reading and making extracts from History of Craven.
April 19th. No work. Went to Long Preston with four others to play hoping to make a day wage, but the weather was very unfavourable; we only made 1s. 4?d each. We called at a private house, and got some hot coffee and toast, which was excellent. For this refreshment we Paid 6d. each, so that we had only 10?d each to bring home. For this small sum we walked 20 Miles, besides being twice thoroughly drenched with rain. Got home about Eight o’clock Received my Earnings for 7 Days, 16s. 5?d. Paid for rent 3s. 8d. Milk, 1s. 3d. One pair of new shoes for Richard Augustus, 2s. 4?d. towards Groceries and Provisions, 10s. Bible Numbers 4d.
April 20th. Easter Day. Went to the Gill Church in the Morning: and to St. James’s with my Wife and son in the Afternoon.
April 21st. At work all day.
April 22nd. At work all day.
April 23rd. Only half work.
April 24th. At work all day.
April 25th. Only half work.
April 26th. Only half work. Hard times, I have now to fetch my coals in a Wheel-barrow: Paid for 2cwt. of coals 1s. 1d.
Sunday. April 27th. To St. James’s Church in the Morning; and my Wife to the Gill in the Afternoon.
April 28th. Only half work.
April 29th. At work all day.
April 30th. At work all day.
May 1st. No work. Went with four others on a Playing Excursion, thinking there would be some little profit. Started about 8 o’clock in the Morning for Gargrave, we called at Mr. Ed”rd Bracewell’s got something to eat and 2s. 6d: from thence to Ashton Hall, Eton, and Craco, where we called at a public house kept by J. Gibson; we got four Quarts of New Milk, and Three Pounds of Bread; being all poor men and out of work, it cost us only 2d. each. We then went through Linton, to Grassington, where we stayed all night at a Private House: bed and breakfast here cost us 8d. each.
May 2nd. From Grassington, through Hebden to Burnsall. In all those places, considering the numbers and circumstances of the inhabitants we where liberally treated. We got to Burnsall about 5 o’clock in the Afternoon; the previous day had been spent by the inhabitants in jovial festivity, dancing, and all the sports and pastimes of a country village, together with the rearing of a new May-pole. To this ornament of the village we went direct, round which we played two or three lively tunes which set the inhabitants all alive again. We then went to Hartington to the house of Mr. Hebden , where we were liberally entertained upwards of three hours with plenty to eat and drink, and 3s. 6d. in money. We left Hartington about 9o’clock to go back to Burnsall, which was only about half a mile distant. We stayed at the Red Lion Inn, where the villagers had collected waiting our return, when Dancing commenced and continued briskly till 12 o’clock, when the master cleared the house according to his usual and daily custom. We collected about 2s. 6d. we got our supper and went to bed.
May 3rd. Got up about 6 o’clock, and after a good wash in the River Wharf, and a pleasant walk, we went to breakfast at the Inn; after which we called for our Bill but had nothing to pay, so that we got our supper lodgings and breakfast in consideration for our services on the preceeding evening; after playing a few lively tunes round the May-pole, we took the road for Skipton where we arrived about half past three in the Afternoon, where we got some refreshment and then awaited the 5 o’clock Train, and took our Tickets for Earby which cost us 6?d each: arrived at home about 6 o’clock and on dividing our money, we had made 5s. each. Received my Earnings for 9 Days: 17s. 3d. Paid for Rent, 3s. 8d: Milk, 1s. 3d: Groceries and Provisions, 12s.
Sunday. May 4th. Went to St. James’s Church in the Morning: Dr. Cartman preached the sermon. In the Afternoon my Wife went to the Gill.
May 5th. Only half work.
May 6th. Only half work.
May 7th. Only one loom.
May 8th. No work. Fetched 2 cwt. of coals, for which I paid 1s. 1d.
May 9th. No work. At home all day.
May 10th. No work. At home all day.
Sunday May 11th. To St. James’s Church in the Morning, and my Wife to the Gill in the Afternoon; after tea took my Wife and child out for a walk.
May 12th. No work. Went with four others on a playing excursion through Thornton to Broughton Hall, where, after playing 3 tunes we got 2s. 6d. On our way to Skipton we got wet to the skin; on our arrival we went to the Castle Inn where we each got a bowl of good warm broth, but the landlady knowing our circumstances would have nothing in return. From Skipton by Shibden, to Halton East, Bolton Abbey, Bolton Bridge and Beamsley Hall, and then to Addingham where we stayed all night at a private house. Supper, Bed and Breakfast, cost us 9d. each.
May 13. From Addingham, by the Low Mill to Middleton Lodge, where after playing a few tunes we got 3s. from Middleton Lodge to Ilkley where we got some refreshment at a Private house which cost us 5?d each. We then started for ben Ryding an Hydropathic establishment, where after playing a long time we found we had only cracked a Deaf nut. This place is about 2 miles from Ilkley. From Ben Ryding we came back to the New Ilkley Wells and after playing some time we got 2s. 6d. We then went down to Ilkley to the Wheat Sheafe and after playing about 3 hours for Dancing, we collected about 1s. 9d. We stayed all night at a Private house. Had no supper. Bed and breackfast cost us 9d. each.
May 14th. From Ilkley to Burley and its neighbourhood: called at the Red Lion Inn, in the Afternoon for some refreshment. Which cost us 3d. each. we were liberally treated. We stayed all night in the Queens Head, kept by James Wilson. Supper and Breakfast cost us 6d each. The landlord gave us our lodgings.
May15th. From Burley to Otley, where where we played very little, owing to my lips being sore and swollen. From Otley we took the road to Pateley Bridge. After crossing the river Wharfe, we played at a farm house on the left hand side of the road and about a quarter of a mile from the Bridge, where the good woman expressed her sympathy by giving us the remains of a good mutton and Potatoe Pie, and some copper, From thence over the hill and across the Valley of the Wash-burn, and by Norwood, to Darley where we stayed all night with some very poor Irish people, the only place where we could get Lodgings; their Beds and bedding were very clean, and much better than might have been expected from appearences. The walls, windows, and floors, were extremely dirty. Their pots, pans, spoons, and knives and forks, as far as I could observe were tolerable clean. We bought as much bread and butter, tea and sugar, as would suffice for supper and breakfast, which cost us about 6d. each. They charged us 3d. each for lodgings; however, we each gave them something extra in consideration of their having to kindle their fire for our accomodation when we arrived; coals being 1s. 2d. per cwt. at this place. (back to top)
May 16th. From Darley to Dacre Banks, & New York, where we got a good tea made for less than 3?d. each at a private house. From New York to Bewerley, and Pateley Bridge where we stayed all night. On inquiring for decent and respectable lodgings at a private house, we were shown to a Temperance coffee house, but when they understood that we only wanted a nights lodging, they would not take us in, so we were obliged to go to the Public house. So much for the disinterested principles of temperance. We went to the Black Bull Inn, and though all their beds were engaged by navvies, who were regular lodgers, they very kindly consented to give up their beds as far as was nescesary for our accomodation. We had no supper.
May 17th. Paid 4d. each for our lodging. Breakfast cost us about 3?d each. We now started for home, which according to the mile posts was 24 miles distant, but in my opinion, I think it not less than 28 miles. We went over Greenhow Hill, and by Skyreholme to Appletreewick, where we got a good dinner at the New Inn for less than 2?d. each. From Appletreewick through Eastby, Embsay and Skipton to the Railway station, and by the train to Thornton which cost us 5d. each. Got home about half past eight with 6s. 9d. Received my earnings for weaving 4s. 6d. Paid for Rent 3s. 8d. Milk 1s. 2d. Bible numbers 6d. 2 cwt of coals 1s. 1d. the remainder spent in such nescessaries as we could not do without. These are hard times, yet it would be ungrateful of me to repine; my good days have been considerable more in number than my evil days or days of adversity; not one day’s sickness have I had to record, either to my Wife or child since the commencement of the present year: as for myself I have enjoyed above ten thousand days of perfect health for nor one day of sickness, so that I may exclaim with the Good Bishop Ken,
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow”
May 18th. To St James’s Church in the Morning, and to the Gill Church in the Afternoon with my Wife and child. After tea we had a pleasant walk in the fields.
May 19th. No work, at home all day.
May 20th. No work, at home all day.
May 21st. No work, at home all day.
May 22nd. No work, at home all day.
May 23rd. Only one loom.
May 24th. Only half work. In the Afternoon went off on a playing excursion to Paythorne, Halton in the West, and Halton Place the seat of Edward Yorke Esq, and Hellifeild. Made about 2s. 5d. each.
Sunday, May 25th. Went to St James’s Church in the Morning, to the Gill in the Afternoon. After tea had a delightful walk with my Wife and child.
May 26th. Only half work.
May 27th. Half work.
May 28th. Half work.
May 29th. Half work.
May 30th. Half work.
May 31st. Half work. Received my Earnings for Weaving 7s. Paid for Rent, 3s. 8d. Milk 11d. 3 cwt of coals, 1s. 7?d. Bible Numbers, 2d.
Sunday, June 1st. To St James’s Church in the Morning, to the Gill with my Wife and child in the Afternoon, got tea at Coates Hall with my Wife’s half sister.
June 2nd. At work all Day.
June 3rd. At work all Day.
June 4th. At work all Day.
June 5th. At work all Day.
June 6th. At work all Day.
June 7th. At work all Day.
June 8th. Whitsunday. To the Gill Church in the Morning, and to St James’s in the Afternoon.
June 9th. At work all Day.
June 10th. At work in the Forenoon, in the Afternoon went to Bracewell to play for the Church Sunday School Tea Party. For our services we got a good Tea, and 1s. 4d. each.
June 11th. At work all Day.
June 12th. At work all Day.
June 13th. At work all Day.
June 14th. At work. Received my Earnings 15s. 5d. and my Wife’s Earnings 9s. 1?d. Paid for rent, 3s. 8d. Child nursing, 5s. Groceries 14s. Milk, 1s. 1d. Coals 6?d.
Sunday June 15th. No service at St James’s. service being at Gill Church an the Afternoon and night, when two sermons were preached for the benefit of the Sunday and the Day School, by the Rev. James Dugan. To the support of these Schools my Wife and me contributed 1s. 6d.
June 16th. At work all Day.
June 17th. At work all Day.
June 18th. At work all Day.
June 19th. At work all Day.
June 20th. At work all Day.
June 21st. At work.
Sunday June 22nd. No service at St. James’s, Went to the Gill in the Afternoon.
June 23rd. At work all Day.
June 24th. At work all Day. In the Evening went with a few others to play for the Foresters an hour or two, it being their anniversary. we were presented with 5s. which when divided was 7?d. each
June 25th. At work all Day.
June 26th. At work all Day.
June 27th. At work all Day.
June 28th. At work all Day. Received my Earnings 17s. 3?d, and my Wife’s Earnings 11s. Paid for rent, 3s. 3d. Child nursing 6s. Groceries 14s. Milk 1s. 2?d. Coals 6?d. Two Pair of stockings 1s. 10d. Bible Numbers 4d.
June 29th. Sunday. No service at St James’s. Went to the Gill in the Afternoon, a Missionary Sermon Preached by the Rev. W Crane. M.A. Three pence was as much as my circumstances would allow me to contribute.
June 30th. At work all Day.
July 1st. At work all Day
July 2nd. At work all Day.
July 3rd. At work all Day.
July 4th. At work in the Forenoon. At home in the Afternoon.
July 5th. No work. Fetched 1 cwt of coals 6?d.
Sunday July 6th. To St James’s Church in the Morning. Service by the Rev. W. Cartman D.D. To the Gill in the Afternoon, service by Dr. Cartman.
July 7th. No work. In the Afternoon went with four others on a playing excursion, to the Crook’s House first 3d. Then to Gledstone Hall, where after playing for some time we were very genteely informed that they could not give us anything. I think they must be very Poor!. Then to the Poor Gardener who very cheerfully gave us 4d. then to Marton Scar, 6d. Thomas Hunter Esq. Stainton; 3s. Stainton Hall 1s. Ingthorpe Grange 3d. Marton House, East, 6d. Then to West Marton where we got about 4s. more, On dividing we had 2s. 1d. Each.
July 8th. No work. At home all Day.
July 9th. No work. At home all Day.
July 10th. Went to the Clough shed got two Looms, the work is very bad, cannot earn above 8d. per Day.
July 11th. Weaving at the Clough
July 11th. Weaving at the Clough Received my Earnings for 7 Day 9s. and my Wife’s Earnings 4s. 6d. Paid for rent 3s. 8d. Child, 2s. Groceries and Provisions, 9s. Coals 6?d. Milk 9d.
July 13th. Sunday. No Service at St James’s in the Morning. To the Gill in the Afternoon. Service by the rev.L. S. Morris. Rector of Thornton.
July 14th. No work, at home all Day.
July 15th. No work, at home all Day, and not so well. I am beginning to feel the pressure of these hard times, in both mind and body.
July 16th. No work, at home all Day, and no better in regards health.
July 17th. No work, agreed to play with nine others at Gisburn in the Afternoon. For a procession of scholars down to the Park where a splendid repast was provided, and spread upon tables under some of the fine old trees, This repast in quantity, quality, and appropriateness far exceeded anything of the kind I had ever seen before. We (the Band) dined under a large tree some forty or fifty yards from and in front of the Hall, upon some excellent meat Pies, with plenty of Beer to drink, for my own taste a glass or two of water would have been preferred, after playing for a dance or two at the Park, the procession was again formed in front of the Hall, where after three times three of cheers and a tune, we wended our way up to the Town of Gisburn and after we had marched from one end of the town to the other, and back again, the proceedings terminated. We had 2s. each.
July 18th. No work, I feel much worse of myself.
July 19th. No work, and no better.
Sunday July 20th. At home all Day.
July 21st. At work all Day. But I feel so weak that I cannot work as I should do
July 22nd. At work all Day.
July 23rd. At work all Day.
July 24th. At work all Day. I feel very weak.
July 25th. No work. In the Afternoon, I accidentally met with Mr. Bracewell my Employer, he asked me if I was not well, to which I replied I had not been well for two or three weeks, he then asked if I had not been to a Doctor, I told him that I had not, he then asked, why I had not, and I told him because I had not the means, and it was the real truth. He then told me to go to Doctor Parry and he would find the means. He then very kindly dropped half a crown into my hand, for which I felt sincerely thankful. I went twice to the Doctor’s residence this Afternoon, but he was from home,
July 26th. No work. Go to see the Doctor I told him that I thought my Lungs were affected as I experienced such a difficulty in breathing; after sounding my chest, he pronounced my Lungs to be sound and healthy and that it was the spleen that was affected, and that a change to a colder Climate would do more good than any Medicine. However he gave me a bottle containing a mixture which if I took he said would do me good. Received my Earnings for 4 Days 2s. 3d. and my Wife’s earnings 4s. 6d. Paid towards provisions 5s. for child 2s. Milk, 8d. Coals 2 cwt. 1s. 1d. Bible Numbers 4d.
Sunday July 27th. Went to St James’s’ Church in the morning, at home in the Afternoon. My Brother Jerry who is in very poor circumstances brought me a share of his Sunday Dinner: and scarcely a Day passes, but my Brother John either brings or sends something of the little they have: And my Brother James is very kind in doing any thing for me that he can.
July 28th. No work, at home all Day
July 29th. No work, at home all Day
July 30th. No work, at home all Day. I begin to feel rather better. had a walk to the Gill Church in the Afternoon.
July 31st. No work. At home all Day.
August 1st. No work. Having finished my medicine I went to the Doctor, he asked me how I felt, I told him I thought myself much better, and that the medicine I had got from him had greatly revived my appetite, he told me that it was not Medicine, but better support I wanted, and that he would mention me to Mr. Wm. Bracewell as soon as he had an opportunity. Had a good waistcoat given me by John Turner Tailor &c
Aug. 2nd. No work. Took a walk to the Gill Church where I spent the Forenoon: spent the Afternoon on the Tubber Hill and thereabout.
Sunday Aug. 3rd. Went in the morning to the Gill Church. And in the Afternoon with my wife and child to St. James’s, and a walk after tea.
Aug 4th. At work all Day, though I feel very unable. Mr. Bracewell and Doctor Parry called at my house in the Forenoon, and told my Wife that I must apply for Parochial releif on the following day, and expressed their surprize that I had not applied before. The Clergyman, R. Milner and his Daughter, brought me some wine, and other delicacies.
Aug. 5th. At work in the Forenoon, And in the Afternoon I went to see the releiving officer, and it felt a very hard task. On my way I met with Dr. Parry, we got into conversation about the subject I had in hand. I told him that if it had not been Mr. Bracewell’s order, I would not have gone; I told him I did not like to go at all; however says he I think you may do it in a snug way, and I will go with you. So we went to the Seven Stars Inn kept by Thomas Wilkinson Smith, where the releiving officer was dining; I was shewn into a room and the Doctor paid for me a glass of porter. And I went forward to acquaint Mr. Smith with the nature of my business. After the cloth had been removed I was conducted to the room where the releiving officer, the Overseer; the Rate Collector and Landlord was seated. I told my business that I had come to apply for assistance, having little work, and in very bad health; Chester Simpson, and the Landlord spoke very kindly in my behalf, so that I had only to answer some questions of a formal character. I got two tickets from the releiving officer, one to the amount of 4s. for necessaries and the other to the Town’s Doctor, Frederick Hall, Had a pair of slippers given me by my neighbour James Waterworth. Took the Ticket to Doctor Hall, who after making a few enquiries respecting my health told me that I was to see him again on Monday next and he would give me a note to give to the releiving officer.
Aug. 6th. At work all Day.
Aug. 7th. At work all Day.
Aug. 8th. At work all Day, but cannot do much. In the Evening Mr. Bracewell called to see me, I told him I thought my health improving, and that I went to my work; he said I did not look much better, and that I need not go to my work but when I felt able. He then gave me a half crown, with orders to fetch a bottle of Wine from his house.
Aug. 9th. At work. Received my Earnings for 4 Days 5s. 3d. and my Wife’s earnings for two Days 2s. 3d. Paid towards Groceries and Provisions, 7s. Milk, 9d. Child, 1s.Coals, 2 cwt. 1s. 1d. In the Evening Brother John came to see me and invited me to breakfast with him next morning.
Sunday Aug 10th. To breakfast at my Brother John’s, and then to St. James’s Church. Got a very nice Preserve Cake from my Brother Jerry’s.
Aug 11th. No work. Went to Doctor Hall’s and received a Note, to give to the releiving officer on the Day following. The Note was as follows,
Mr Hunter
Sir, Richard Ryley is suffering from general debility, he does not require medicine, it is better support that is required.
Fred’k. Hall Surgeon.
11 August 1862. Happening to be at my Brother John’s about noon Mistress Dean sent me an excellent Dinner there, I really did not think I had so many friends.
Aug: 12th. No work, Went to the releiving officer and shewed him Doctor Hall’s note, he then gave me 5s. with which I bought some flour and other necessaries, and 2lb of Butcher’s meat, which was a great novelty, not having bought any since the 23rd. of Aug: 1861.
Aug: 13th. No work. At home all day.
Aug: 14th. At home all Day. But I am very unfit, felt very ill.
Aug. 15th. At work all Day. I am rather better,
Aug. 16th. At work. In the Afternoon I had a shilling given me by Thomas Elsworth one of the four Players before mentioned.
Sunday Aug.17th. To St James’s Church in the Morning. At home in the Afternoon.
Aug. 18th. At work in the Forenoon; in the Afternoon I took a walk as far as the Gill Church, the weather being fine.
Aug. 19th. At work in the Forenoon; in the Afternoon went to the Releiving Officer and received 5s. without a word.
Aug. 20th. At work all Day.
Aug. 21st. At work all Day.
Aug. 22nd. At work all Day.
Aug. 23rd. At work. Received my Earnings 9s. 9d. Paid for Groceries and Provisions, 14s. Milk, 9? Coals 1s. 1d. New Frock for child 3s. Butchers Meat 1s. 2d. In the Evening Thomas Elsworth came to invite me to Dinner on the following Day, it being Rush-bearing Sunday, but I thanked him and declined his kindness, not through pride , but he is a poor man with a large family, and the times have been hard with them as well as others. My Brother John came and invited me to Dinner.
Aug. 24th. To St James’s Church in the Morning. Dinner at my Brother John’s. Intended going to the Gill Church in the Afternoon but the weather prevented me.
Aug. 25th. No work. Got tea in the Afternoon with my neighbour James Waterworth.
Aug. 26th. No work, went to the Releiving Officer but got no releif.
Aug. 27th. No work, commenced compiling a short account of the Gill Church for a bit of recreation.
Aug. 28th. No work, wrote two pages on my Gill History.
Aug. 29th. No work, Skipton Agricultural show Day, I walked there in the Forenoon I had not a farthing with me, but a Tea Cake in my Pocket. Feeling rather hungry, I walked about a mile up the Bailey towards Skibden, to eat a portion of my cake, I then returned into the Town where I looked about till half past four when the Cattle began to come off the field together with the Band, which was the principal thing which induced me to go. In my opinion it was a regular first rate Band. I was well tired and began to feel my weakness before I arrived at Skipton, and as I had no money I was obliged to walk back again, a task which I accomplished in about three hours and a half.
Aug. 30th. No work. At home all Day. Wrote two pages of my Gill History.
Sunday. Aug. 31st. To St. James’s Church in the Morning. In the Afternoon My Wife went to Bracewell Church to hear the Rev, James Dugan Preach.
September 1st. No work: at home all Day; wrote two Pages of my Gill History.
Sep; 2nd. No work, went to the releiving officer got 2s. 6d. which I had to pay toward a Poor Rate of 3s. 2d. wrote four pages of my Gill History.
Sep: 3rd. At work all Day;
Sep: 4th. Only half work.
Sep: 5th. Only half work.
Sep: 6th. Only half work: Received my Earnings 4s. 6d. Paid for Groceries and Provisions, 4s. Coals, 1s. 1d. Milk, 9d. got 2s. 6d. given out of some charitable Fund.
Sunday. Sep: 7th. To St James’s Church in the Morning, to the Gill in the Afternoon.
Sep: 8th. Only half work.
Sep: 9th. Only half work. Received 1s. 6d. from the Releiving Officer by the hand Richard Southwell, to whom I paid the remainder of my Poor Rate. He likewise brought me 5s. from a Gentleman. [“in a mistake” added above] Mr. Milner the Clergyman brought me a Bottle of Wine.
Sep: 10th. At work all Day
Sep: 11th. At work all Day.
Sep: 12th. Only half work.
Sep: 13th. At work.
Sunday. Sep: 14th. No service at St James’s this Morning. In the Afternoon it was very wet, so that I stayed at home all Day, and spent several hours in reading Josephus.
Sep: 15th. At work all Day.
Sep: 16th. At work all Day; got 5s. from the releiving oficer.
Sep: 17th. No work at home all day.
Sep: 18th. No work. At home all day: wrote two pages of my Gill History.
Sep: 19th. No work. At home all day: wrote two pages of my Gill History. It is a bit of excellent pastime I feel my health pretty nearly restored. My neighbours have been very kind to me especially James Waterworth and Mrs. Utley.
Sep: 20th. No work, Received my Earnings 12s. Paid for Provisions, 12s. Milk, 9d. Coals 1s. 7?d. Bible Numbers 4d. Calico Cotton for mending 1s. 6d. My Brother Jeremiah made me a present of a shilling.
Sunday. Sep: 21st. To St James’s in the Morning, to the Gill in the Afternoon.
Sep: 22nd. No work. At home all Day.
Sep: 23rd. No work. At home all Day. wrote two pages of my Gill Church History.
Sep: 24th. No work. At home all Day. Compiled two pages of my Gill History
Sep: 25th. No work. At home all Day. Finished my compilation it consists of 22 Pages, and I have illustrated it with a pen and ink sketch of the Gill Church, and some Armorial Bearings. Received 1s. 6d. the division of some charitable subscription
Sep: 26th. No work, at home all Day, Mrs Utley gave my little son two old frocks, which with a bit of mending, will do awhile for him and I feel very thankful for them.
Sep: 27th. No work, went upon the Moor, and got a bundle of Ling (heath) and made a besom.
Sunday. Sep: 28th. No service at St James in the Morning, Went to the Gill Church in the Afternoon.
Sep: 29th. Only half work.
Sep: 30th. Only half work.
October 1st. Only half work
Oct: 2nd. Only half work. Received 1/8 the division of a C.S.
Oct: 3rd. no work, at home all day. Fastened my Gill History between two strong backs.
Oct: 4th. No work, Received my Earnings, 5s. 3d. Paid for Groceries and provisions, 6s. Milk, 9d. Coals 1s. 1d. My Brother John gave me 3d. for paper to write on during my leisure hours
Oct: 5th. To St James’s in the Morning, to the Gill in the Afternoon.
Oct: 6th. No work, at home all Day
Oct: 7th. No work, at home all Day. Went to the Releiving officer and got 3s. 6d.
Oct: 8th. No work. At home all Day; Received 1s. 8d the div’n C.S. in the Evening spent an hour with Henry Hardacre, who at my request, very kindly lent me the 1st and 2nd vols: of Demdevilles History of England, by Edward Holt:
Oct: 9th. No work; three years this Day since our first child died. The weather being fine we took a walk to the Gill Church in the Afternoon.
Oct: 10th. No work, at home all Day: These are hard times, I am sinking into dept on all sides, but I cannot help it. I try to put aside, care and anxiety by reading, and writing.
Oct: 11th. No work, at home all Day
Oct: 12th. To St James’s in the Morning, to the Gill in the Afternoon.
Oct: 13th. No work, at home all Day
Oct: 14th. No work; went to the Releiving Officer and received 4s.
Oct. 15th. No work; at home all Day received 1s. 6d. from the Releif Fund.
Oct: 16th. No work, at home all Day. Made myself a ink stand from a piece of cowhorn.
Oct: 17th. No work, at home all Day
Oct: 18th. No work. My Brother John gave me 2s. and my Dinner.
Oct: 19th To St James’s in the Morning: the weather being very wet and cold I stayed at home in the Afternoon and read a few pages of Josephus.
Oct: 20th. No work, at home all Day
Oct: 21st. No work, at home all Day My Brother James gave me 5d. to enable me to take up my Bible Numbers. Went to the Releiving Officer in the Evening and got a 4s Ticket for Goods.
Oct: 22nd. No work, at home all Day
Oct: 23rd. No work a weary repetition day after day. Received 2s. from the Releif Fund.
Oct: 24th. Only half work.
Oct 25th. Only half work. Got a ticket for 4 cwt of coals.
Oct: 26th. Sunday. To St James’s in the Morning; to the Gill in the Afternoon.
Oct: 27th. Only half work.
Oct: 28th. Only half work. My Wife went to the Releiving Officer, and through the kind intercession of the Rev. R. Milner, Clergyman she got 4s.
Oct: 29th. Only one loom.
Oct: 30th. No work: at home all Day.
Oct:31st. No work: went on a playing excursion in the afternoon to Howgill, Stopper-lane and neighbourhood, and back through Gisburn. we were three in number and made 8d. each.
November 1st. No work, at home all Day, Got a ticket for a pair of new clogs for my little son from the Releif Fund. Received my Earnings, 5s. 3d. Paid for groceries 9s. 6d. Milk 1s. 9d.
Sunday. Nov 2nd. To St James’s in the Morning, to the Gill in the Afternoon.
Nov 3rd. No work, Met with my Employer Mr. Wm. Bracewell, who, After making some enquiries respecting my health and circumstances gave me two shillings.
Nov 4th. No work, at home all Day My Wife went to the Releiving Officer, and again by the kind intervention of the Clergyman, R. Milner, she received 4s.
Nov. 5th. No work: at home all Day: in the Evening assisted my neighbour James Waterworth to remove some of his furniture. I am heartily sorry at losing them they have been such kind neighbours.
Nov. 6th. No work. Removed into another house, but under the same landlord: it is the same Rent, but a great deal more convenience with a little bit of garden. Received 1s. 6d. from the Releif Fund.
Nov. 7th. Only half work:
Nov. 8th. Only half work.
Nov. 9th Sunday. To St James’s in the Morning. Text Rev: 14 Chap. 13 Ver. An excellent Sermon. The weather being very wet and cold, I did not go to the Gill.
Nov. 10th. Only half work, and so bad that we cannot earn much:
Nov 11th.Only half work about 7 hours per Day. My Wife went to the Releiving Officer and got 3s. 6d.
Nov 12th. Only half work.
Nov. 13th. At work: got 1s. 6d. from the Releif Fund. Paid for 2 cwt of coals, 1s. 1d.
Nov. 14th. At work. I do not feel so well.
Nov. 15th. At work. Received my Earnings 3s. I do not feel any better but worse Paid for Milk 9d. Groceries 12s. my health much the same.
Sunday Nov 16th. To St James’s in the Morning: the weather being cold and wet, and not being well myself I stayed at home in the afternoon and my Brother John came to keep me company. My Brother Jerry sent us a bit of their Sunday Dinner, they are very kind to me.
Nov: 17th. Very poorly: but went to my work.
Nov: 18th. No better: went to my work. My Wife went to the Releiving Officer and got 3s. 6d.
Nov. 19th. Very poorly, did not go to my work till noon. In the Evening received 1s. 6d. and a pair of flannel singlets. R.F.
Nov. 20th. No better. but went to my work. In the Evening My Brother John brought us a good hot meat and potatoe pie: and Henry Hardacre, brought me a new book to peruse, it contains the Murder of Dr. Petty, by Tom Lee, Grassington. When I went to bed I put on one of my new singlets the first I ever had in my life.
Nov. 21st. very poorly did not go to my work till noon
Nov. 22nd. No better but went to my work.
Sunday. Nov. 23rd. To St James’s in the Morning. In compliance with the request of the Bishop of the Diocese a collection was made for the distressed operatives in the Cotton District stayed at home in the afternoon. My Brother Jerry came in the Evening and sat two or three hours with me: the new Book was quite a treat to him.
Nov. 24th. Went to my work, but I am very unfit.
Nov. 25th. Went to my work. Very poorly all Day. My Wife went to the Releiving Officer, got 3s. 6d.
Nov. 26th. At work, I feel no better, In the Evening my Brothers John, and Jerry came to see me. My Brother Jerry commenced reading the story of Tom Lee. For us, being aquainted with the locality where the scene was enacted, we could regard it with a little more interest. Received 2s. from the Releif Fund, 11?d. of which was demanded at the same time for Road Rates, which was immediately deducted, leaving 1s. ?d.
Nov. 27th. At work all Day, but very poorly.
Nov.28th. No work, at home all Day
Nov. 29th. About Four o’clock this morning my Wife was delivered of a Daughter whom we call Martha Alice. I feel quite cast down with one thing and another, but some way will be done, No work today. Received my earnings 12s. Paid to Mrs. Petty who acted as midwife 3s. for 2 cwt. coals 1s. 1d. and some remainder with the exception of a shilling to the Grocers shop. Slept at my Brother John’s all night. They had provided me a very good supper.
Advent Sunday. Nov. 30th. Got Breakfast at my Brother John’s, my Wife is doing very nicely and the child is very well, Went to St James’s in the Morning, the weather being cold and raw I stayed at home in the Afternoon. In the Evening my Friend, and late neighbour J. Waterworth came to see me, he is very nice company. Lucy Utley, and Mary Watson have been particularly kind to both me and my Wife, slept all night at my Brother John’s
Dec. 1st. Breakfast at my brother John’s, My Wife not quite as well as yesterday. H. Hardacre gave me a good jacket. No work today.
Dec. 2nd. Breakfast at my brother John’s feels rather better, No work today: my Wife is doing very nicely In the Evening I got instructions from Henry Hardacre, who had been doing something on my behalf, to go down to the parsonage, I accordingly went and received from the clergyman R. Milner a good new peticoat for my Wife, and a pair of good cast off trousers and waistcoat for myself they will do me for a long time to wear on Sundays. Slept all night at my Brother John’s.
Dec. 3rd. Breakfast at my Brother John’s. At work in the Forenoon in the afternoon stopt for weft. Slept all night at my Brother john’s
Dec. 4th. Breakfast at my Brother john’s, only about 4 hours work. Received 4s. 6d. in money, and a ticket for 4 cwt of coals. This is a great help and for which I am truly thankful. Slept all night at B. John’s.
Dec. 5th. Breakfast at B.J. Only two hours work, being short of weft, slept all night at my Brother John’s.
Dec. 6th. Breakfast at my brother John’s Only two hours work slept at home all night.
Sunday. Dec. 7th. To St. James’s in the Morning at home in the Afternoon.
Dec: 8th. Only 3 hours work. At home in the afternoon.
Dec. 9th. Only 3 hours work. At home in the afternoon.
Dec 10th. Only 3 ? hours work. While at my work, a stranger came to my house and made several inquiries respecting our circumstances, having been informed, he said, that we were not so well off. However he left word for me to attend at Will. Waites (the Parish Clerk) in the afternoon or evening. On taking his leave, my wife asked him his name which with a smile he declined to give, having nothing to do I went in the afternoon, eager to unravel the mystery. On my arrival the stranger had left 3s. [“1” added above] for me in the hand of Will. Waite. On inquiring the name of my Benefactor that I might thank him, he told me that he was a native of this place, and when at home took an active part in the management of the Church Sunday School and as the working class in Barnoldswick was in great distress he felt desirous to assist one or two who had been useful in that school and that he, and his wife, had recommended me to his notice for one. he further told me that I was to make no talk or inquiries about it to any one whatever. I thanked him for their kindness, and came home as wise as I went with respect to the stranger.
Dec. 11th. Only work in the Forenoon. At home in the Afternoon very poorly. Received 4s. 6d in money and a ticket for 10lb of meal.
Dec. 12th. Only at work in the Forenoon; at home in the Afternoon.
Dec. 13th. No work, Received my Earnings 3s. 9d.
Sunday. Dec. 14th. To St James’s in the Morning at home in the Afternoon.
Dec. 15th. At work.
Dec 16th. Only at work in the Forenoon: in the Afternoon. Went to the Releiving officer and got 3s. 6d.
Dec. 17th. At work: received 4s. from the Releif Fund: went to the Register to get my Daughter registered.
Dec. 18th. Only at work in the Forenoon.
Dec: 19th. At work. In the Evening I received 2s. [“2” added above] from Will: Waite, the Gift of the before mentioned Stranger. Got a small Parcel of old wearing things which had come from London to the Releif Committee.
Dec 20th. At work: got my tea at my Brother John’s.
Sunday Dec 21st. To St James’s in the Morning, to the Gill in the Afternoon.
Dec: 22nd. Only half work. Got a ticket for 4cwt of coal R.F.
Dec 23rd. Only half work: went to the Releiving Officer and got 4s.
Dec: 24th. Only Half work. Received 4s. in money and a ticket for 4lb. of beef and 5lb. of potatoes, in all amounting to 6s. 8d. it is now Christmas Eve. And with a thankful heart I am enjoying a good fire. I have selected for my Christmas reading, Marmion, by Sir Walter Scott. When past 12 O’clock my Brothers John, Jerry, and James came to the door and John sung a verse of “While Shepherds”, after which we all sat down to a cup of tea, some cheese and christmas loaf.
Dec. 25th. Christmas Day. To St James’s in the morning, we all went to my Brother Jerry’s for tea.
Dec. 26th. No work at home all day.
Dec. 27th. No work: received my Earnings 9s. 6d. and 2s. 6d. [“3” added above] by Will. Waite from the unknown. Being St John the Evan. Day there was service in the afternoon at the Gill Church, and we took our little daughter to be baptized, William Parkinson Atkinson and his Wife Margaret Ellen being sponsors: in the Evening we had a Family Tea Party.
Sunday. Dec 28th. To St James’s in the Morning, to the Gill in the Afternoon: in the Evening spent an hour with Will. P. Atkinson.
Dec 29th. Only half work.
Dec: 30th. Only half work.
Dec 31st. Onlt half work. Received 4s. 6d from the Releif Fund.
1863.
January 1st. Only half work, and very bad.
Jan. 2nd. Only half work.
Jan. 3rd. Only half work. Received a Pair of new Fustian Trousers from the releif Fund, and for which I am truly thankful.
Sunday. Jan. 4th. To St James’s in the Morning: to dinner at my Brother John’s. On my way home Will. Waite gave me 2s. 6d. [“4″ added above] From the generous unknown Went to the Gill in the Afternoon. In the Evening spent an hour or two with Livy the Roman Historian.
Jan. 5th. Only half work. To Farmer 2s. 6d.
Jan 6th. Only half work.
Jan 7th. No work, at home all Day. Received 4s. 6d. from the releif Fund. In the Evening had 4s. sent from the Cooperative Society being surplus and interest money although my shares had been run out upwards of 6 months,
Jan. 8th. No work at home all Day.
Jan. 9th. No work: at home all Day. Got 1s. for the loan of my Band Cap and Jacket during christmas to Thomas Elsworth.
Jan 10th. No work. Received my Earnings 4s. 8d. Paid towards rent 5s.
Jan 11th. To St. James’s in the Morning. To the Gill in the Afternoon.
Jan 12th. Only half work. Received 2s.” 6d. [“5″ added above] by Will Waite from the generous unknown.
Jan 13th. At work as usual. My Wife went to the Releiving officer for assistance Thomas Dean one of the guardians was very insulting to her, stating that if she got anything there it would be knocked of by the Releif Fund Committee, and he thought a shilling would be sufficient. However the releiving Officer gave her 2s. 6d.
Jan. 14th. At work as usual. Received 4s. 6d. from the Releif Fund.
Jan: 15th. Only half work.
Jan. 16th. Ditto.
Jan:17th Ditto.
!8th Jan: Sunday. To St. James’s in the Morning: at home in the Afternoon.
Jan 19th. Only half work. My Wife went to the Releiving officer, where the Clergyman and Inspector of Police spoke very kindly in her behalf; she got 2s. 6d.
Jan 21st. Commenced running full time, but the work is so bad that we can earn but little. Received 4s. 6d. and a ticket for 4 cwt. of coals, from the Releif Committee.
Jan: 22nd. At work all Day.
Jan 23rd. At work all Day.
Jan: 24th. At work. Received my Earnings, 6s. 11?d.
Sunday. Jan 25th. To St. James’s in the Morning. At home in the Afternoon.
Jan 26th. At work all Day. Received 2s.” 6d. [“7” added above] from Will. Waite, Paid 5s. on account to Farmer’s.
Jan. 27th. At work all Day. My Wife went to the Releiving officer: the Clergyman and Inspector of Police again spoke very kindly in our behalf: she got 3s.
Jan. 28th. At work all Day. Received 4s. 6d. from the Releif Fund, and my wife a new Peticoat.
Jan 29th. At work all Day: had a pint of Port Wine given me by Thomas Wilkinson Smith.
Jan 30th. At work all Day.
Jan 31st. At work all Day. In the Evening I received 2s. 6d. [“8” added above] from William Waite, which I paid on account to James Waterworth for shoes.
Feb.1st. Sunday. To St James’s in the Morning. To the Gill in the Afternoon.
Feb 2nd. At work all day.
Feb 3rd. At work all Day. My Wife went to the Releiving Officer, and by the Clergyman’s kind interference she got 4s.
Feb 4th. At work all day. Received 4s. from the Releif fund, together with a Ticket for 4cwt of coals.
Feb 5th. At work all Day. Got Cotton for two new shirts from the releif fund.
Feb 6th. At work all day.
Feb 7th. At work. Received my earnings 16s. 10?d. Paid for Rent Account 10s. Received 2s. 6d [“9” added above] from Willm. Waite
Sunday. Feb 8th. To St James’s in the Morning; but the weather being so cold I stayed at home in the Afternoon.
Feb 9th. At work all day.
Feb 10th. At work all Day.
Feb 11th At work all Day. Received 4s from the Releif Committee.
Feb 12th. At work all Day.
Feb 13th. At work all Day.
Feb 14th. At work.
Sunday feb 15th. To St. James’s in the Morning, to the Gill in the Afternoon.
Feb 16th. At work all Day.
Feb 17th. At work all Day.
Feb 18th. At work all Day. Received 4s. 6d. from the Releif Committee.
Feb 19th. At work all Day.
Feb 20th. At work all Day.
Feb 21st. At work. Received my Earnings 9s. 8?d. Paid for Rent 3/8
Sunday Feb 22nd. To St James’s in the Morning to the Gill in the Afternoon with my Wife.
Feb 23rd At work all Day.
Feb 24th. No work. My Wife went to the Releiving officer and got 2s.
Feb 25th At work all Day. Got 28lb of American flour from the Releif Committee.
Feb 26th. At work all Day.
Feb 27th. At work all Day.
Feb 28th At work.
Sunday March 1st. To St James’s in the Morning, to the Gill in the Afternoon.
Mar 2nd At Work. Received 2s. from Wm. Waite.
Mar 3rd. At work. My Wife went to the releiving Officer and got 2s.
Mar 4th At work all Day. Received 3s. 6d.
Mar 5th. At work all Day.
March 6th. At work.
March 7th. At work. Received my Earnings 9s. 8d. and 2s. from Wm. Waite. Paid for rent 3/8.
Sunday March 8th. No service at St. James’s, and was prevented by company from going to the Gill.
Mar. 9th. No work, at home all Day.
Mar 10th. No work, a general holiday on account of the Prince of Wales marriage. Hoisted my flag upon St. James’s steeple. My Wife went to the Releiving Officer and got 3 shillings.
Mar. 11th. At work all Day. Received 12? lbs of flour, and a 1?lb of bacon (American) from the Releif Committee.
Mar. 12th. At work all Day..
Mar 13th. At work all Day.
Mar 14th. At work. Received 2s. from Wm. Waite.
Mar 15th. To St James’s in the Morning. Did not go to the Gill it being a very cold Day.
Mar. 16th. At work.
Mar 17th. At work. My Wife went to the Releiving Officer and got 3s.
Mar 18th. At work. Received 3cwt of coals, 12lbs of Flour and a 1? lb of Bacon (American) from the Releif Committee.
Mar: 19th. At work all Day.
Mar 20th At work.
March 21st. At work. Received my Earnings 8s. ?d. Paid to Rent 3/8d. Milk 10d. Received 2s. from Wm. Waite.
Mar 22nd. To St. James’s in the Morning. Stayed at home in the Afternoon. While my wife went to the Gill Church.
Mar 23rd. At work.
Mar 24th. At work. My Wife went to the Releiving Officer and got 2s. 6d.
Mar25th. At work. Received 3s. from the Releif Committee.
Mar 26th. At work.
Mar 27th. At work.
March 28th. At work. Received 2s. from Wm. Waite.
Sunday. Mar 29th. To St. James’s in the Morning. Stayed at home in the Afternoon, it being a cold showery day.
Mar 30th At work.
Mar 31st. At work. My Wife went to the Releiving Officer and got 2s. 6d.
April 1st. At work. Received 12? lbs of American flour, A ticket for 3 cwt. of coals, and a shilling from the Releif Committee.
April 2nd At work.
April 3rd. Good Friday. Got a pair of stockings new and two petticoats for Richard Augustus from the Releif committee.
April 4th. Earnings 1.3d. Gardening, 2s. Wm. Waite.
Easter Day. April 5th. To St. Mary-le-Gill in the Morning. My Wife to St. James’s in the Afternoon.
April 6th. At work.
April 7th. At work.
April 8th. At work. Received 3s. and 3 lbs of American Bacon with some biscuits form the Relief Committee.
April 9th. At work.
April 10th. At work.
April 11th. At work. Received 2s. from Will. Waite.
April 12th. Sunday. To St. James’s in the Morning, and my Wife to the Gill in the Afternoon.
April 13th. At work.
April 14th. Only half work.
April 15th. Onlt half work. Received 3s. 6d. and a ticket for 3cwt of coals from the Releif Committee.
April 16th. Only half work.
April 17th. Only half work.
April 18th. Only half work. Received my Earnings 8s. 10d. and 2s. from Will. Waite. Paid for Rent 3s. 8d.
Sunday April 19th. To St. James’s in the Morning, and my Wife to the Gill in the Afternoon.
April 20th. Only half work.
April 21st. Only half work. My Wife went to the Releiving Officer, and with much ado got 1s.
April 22nd. Only half work, Received 3s. 6d. from the Releif Committee.
April 23rd. At work.
April 24th. At work.
April 25th. At work. Received 2s. from Will. Waite
Sunday April 26th. To St. James’s in the Morning, to the Gill in the Afternoon.
April 27th. At work.
April 28th. At work. My Wife went to the Relieving Officer and got 1s. 6d.
April 29th. Got 20lbs. Of flour (American) and 7s. from the Relief Committee. No work.
April 30th. No work.
May 1st. At work.
May 2nd. At work. (Earnings 8s. 2d.)
May 3rd. Sunday, At home all day my Wife being of at Thornton to her Father’s funeral.
May 4th. At work.
May 5th. At work. My Wife went to the Relieving Officer and got a 2s. ticket.
May 6th. At work. Received 2s. 6d. from the Relief Committee.
May 7th. At work all day, but it is so very bad that I can only earn about 9d. or 10d. a day, and the cut looker is an unprincipled villain who from the first of his coming has took a strange dislike to me but for what reason I know not.
May 8th. At work.
May 9th. At work, my little daughter is very poorly.
Sunday May 10th. To St. James’s in the Morning to the Gill in the Afternoon.
May 11th. At work.
May 12th. At work. My Wife went to the Releiving Officer and got a 2s. ticket. Got fined 3d. for a piece being unequally woven, though I had fetched the tackler to it twice but to no purpose.
May 13th. At work Received 2s. 8d. from the Relief Committee.
May 14th. At work.
May15th. At work. The piece for which was fined 3d. the previous day, was shewn to the manager, and I was again sent for into the warehouse, the cut looker Richard Dugdale was ready to magnify every thing to its greatest extent with lies and abusive language, but it did not appear to have much effect. I told the manager what I have before stated, the manager then sent me to my work, and sent for the tackler, and I heard no more about it.
May 16th At work. Received my Earnings 11s. 4?d.
Sunday. May 17th. To St. James’s in the Morning, but did not get to the Gill in the Afternoon, owing to the rain.
May 18th. At work.
May19th. At work, my Wife went to the Relieving Officer and got a Ticket for 1s. 6d.
May 20th. At work.
May 21st. At work.
May 22nd. At work.
May23rd. At work till Breakfast time, and then went to Skipton Fair with four others intending to play for a Road Locomotive that was to be exibited there, however we got to Marton Road end before it, although it had been on the road from 2 oclock in the morning, and it was now 10 oclock in the afternoon, it having been detained by a breakdown and other causes, after waiting a short time it arrived and we all got into the van, and after riding about 200 yards one of the springs attached to the axle tree broke which brought us to a stand. We then got out and made our way to Broughton Hall where after playing some time we were rewarded with 5s. we then went forward to the Bull Inn and got a quart of ale amongst us, during this time the Locomotive had got righted up, and was again on its way to Skipton, we soon overtook it, and went forward intending to salute it with a tune on its arrival which was about two oclock, however as an Exibition it was a complete failure. Being hungry we all went to the Castle Inn where we each got a bowl of good broth and bread which cost us 2d. each. We then went back to the Locomotive and after playing some time we went to the Albion Inn, and got my tea there with two others gratis, at 8 oclock we started back home riding in the van of the Locomotive, but owing to the frequent stoppages for want of steam and water we did not arrive at Broughton till near 12 oclock.
May 24th. Whitsunday got to Pickhill about 1 oclock, where I left the Locomotive and walked home where I arrived about 2 oclock. To St. Mary le Gill in the Morning, to St James’s in the Afternoon.
May 25th. At work.
May 26th. At work till noon and then went with five others to play for the Church Sunday School Tea Party at Bracewell we got a good tea and 1s. 3d. each, got 2s. from the Relieving Officer.
May 27th At work.
May 28th. At work.
May 29th. At work.
May 30th. At work. Received my Earnings 13s. Paid for Coals 2s. 2d. Milk 1s. 4d. Groceries 13s.
May 31 Sunday. To St.James’s in the Morning, to the Gill in the Afternoon.
June 13th Received my Earnings ?1-0-9d.
June 27th Received my Earnings ?1-1-10?d.
July 11th Received my Earnings – 17- 4?d.
July 25th Do Do – 15- 8?d.
Aug 8th Do Do – 19- 3d.
Do 23rd. Do Do ?1-2- 9d.
Sept 5th. Do Do – 5- 10?d.
Do 19th Do Do ?1- 3- 3d.
Oct 3rd Do Do – 14s.
Do 17th Do Do ?1- 4- ?d.
Do 31st Do Do – 16- 6d.
July 23d. Got a 2s. T from the Releiving Officer
Sep. 15th Got a 3s T form the Do Do
Oct 15th Got 1/6 from the overseer.
Nov 14th. Received my Earnings ?1- 10- 11?d.
Nov. 28th. Do Do ?1- 1- 9d.
Dec 12th Do Do – 19- 1?d
Dec 26th Do Do -16- 1?d
1864. Jan 9th. Do Do – 5- 3d.
Jan 23rd. Do Do -14- 10?d.
Feb 6th. Do Do – 8- 9d.
Do 20th. Do Do – 13- 1?d.
March 5th. Do Do – 17- 6d.
Do 19th Do Do ?1- 0- 1?d.
April 2nd Do Do – 16- 10?d.
Nov 16th A present of 1s. from Mrs. Utley.
Dec 23rd A present of 8? cwt of coals from the clergyman R. Milner
Dec 25th. Went of on a playing excursion with four others on this day and part of the following week. Dividend 16s. 6?d.
Jan 5th 1864 Got 4s. and 4cwt of coals from the Relief Committee
Jan 13th. 5s from the Relief Committee.
Jan 20th 5s from the Relief Committee.
Jan 27th 4cwt Coals and 9d.
Feb 3rd 9d.
Feb 10th 4cwt Coals, and 3s. 6d.
Feb 17th 3s.6d
Feb 24th. 4cwt Coals, and 1s. 3d.
Mar 2nd. 1s. 3d.
Mar 9th. 4cwt of coals.
Mar 23rd. 4 yds of calico.
April 27th. 2s. from N.L. Overseer.
May 5th 1s. 6d. from N.L. Overseer.
May 10th 5s T from Releiving Officer
May 17th. 8s. from Releiving Officer
May 24th. 8s from R. Officer.
May 31st. 8s. from R. Officer.
June 7th. 8s. From R. Officer.
April 16th. Received my Earnings ?1- 2- 3d.
Do 30th. Do Do – 19s.
May 14th Do Do – 7s.
Do 28th. Do Do – 16- 8d.
June 11th Do Do – 17- 6d.
Summary of Richard Ryley’s playing including all place names and net income.
1862
April 4th. Gisburn with another four – 9d. each.
April 19th. Long Preston with four others – 10?d each
May 1st. with four others – Gargrave, – Ashton Hall [Eshton] ? Eton [Hetton] – Craco – Linton – Grassington,
May 2nd. Hebden – Burnsall – Hartington – Burnsall, Red Lion Inn,
May 3rd. Skipton Earby —– 5s. each.
May 12th. with four others, Thornton – Broughton Hall – Skipton, Castle Inn – Shibden, – Halton East – Bolton Abbey.- Bolton Bridge – Beamsley Hall – Addingham
May 13. Addingham, by the Low Mill – Middleton Lodge – Ilkley. – Ben Ryding – New Ilkley Wells – Ilkley, Wheat Sheafe
May 14th. Burley, Red Lion Inn, – Queens Head,
May15th. Otley, – Pateley Bridge. After crossing the river Wharfe, a farm house on the left hand side of the road and about a quarter of a mile from the Bridge, across the Valley of the Wash-burn, and by Norwood, to Darley
May 16th. Dacre Banks – New York, – Bewerley, – Pateley Bridge – a Temperance coffee house, – Black Bull Inn,
May 17th. Greenhow Hill – Skyreholme – Appletreewick, New Inn ? Eastby – Embsay – Skipton – Thornton ——– 6s. 9d.
May 24th. Paythorne – Halton in the West, – Halton Place – Hellifeild. —– 2s. 5d. each.
June 10th. Bracewell, Church Sunday School Tea Party. – 1s. 4d. each.
June 24th. with a few others-the Foresters – 7?d. each
July 7th. with four others the Crook’s House – Gledstone Hall, – Marton Scar ? Stainton – Stainton Hall – Ingthorpe Grange – Marton House, East, – West Marton — 2s. 1d. Each.
July 17th. with nine others at Gisburn. —– 2s. each.
Oct:31st. Howgill – Stopper-lane – Gisburn. —- three in number — 8d. each.
1863
May23rd. with four – Marton Road end – Broughton Hall – Bull Inn – Skipton, Castle Inn, Albion Inn,
May 24th. Pickhill
May 26th. with five others to play for the Church Sunday School Tea Party at Bracewell we got a good tea and 1s. 3d. each
Dec 25th. Went of on a playing excursion with four others on this day and part of the following week. Dividend 16s. 6?d.