Augustinians often become friends for life. So when Sub-Prior Michelle Stephens was introduced to past member Margaret Jury by our Prior John Walker, it was natural that local history was discussed. Margaret revealed that she saved the diaries of William Watson, who was the bailiff for the Greame family at Sewerby House, and lived at Home Farm in Sewerby. Michelle, who volunteers at Sewerby Hall, was captivated and avidly studied the diaries.
Michelle’s talk covered the period from 1910 to 1915. The diaries give a rare detailed description of farming life at the time. Michelle entertained us with some of the more interesting items.
She commented that the diary was very much a business record. Personal information is limited but we learn William was university educated, was a tall 6 feet and 2 inches, and had links to Hutton Buscel and Allerston. He briefly mentions his marriage in 1912. The couple honeymooned in Harrogate and received two silver candlesticks as a present from the Graeme family.
William records where the farm staff are working and gives names. In May all hands go to Sewerby House to shake the carpets. There are details of the crops and livestock, including lists the produce taken for the Graeme’s household. Seaweed is brought up from the shore to fertilise the fields. The RSPCA inspector arrives to give lessons on how to use the captive bolt gun on sheep.
Michelle showed how the railways played a major part. Furniture, cattle, trees, and coal are all transferred via the Flamborough Station. The same goes for six new bells for the Sewerby church. William himself regularly uses the train. Most day to day shopping took William to High Street. There are mentions of Sharpe’s shoe shop, Gatenby’s chemists, Cooper’s saddlers, and Dale’s agricultural engineers.
The outbreak of world war one is not mentioned, but soon afterwards they sold horses to the army and put up eleven members of the East Yorkshire Yoemanry. William recorded the shelling of east coast ports including Scarborough. He also sends a pound to help with the relief of fleeing Belgians.
In 1915 William gave up his role of bailiff to farm at Marton Grange.
Bro Peter Quigley gave a vote of thanks for an interesting talk with local interest.