24 October 1742
Dined with Madam Mawson and gave maid 12d
25 October
Three Doses Physick 2/- Broth 1d Veal 4d

(Do you think something disagreed with Thomas?)

31 October
Went to Camberwell with Mr Crask & spt 6d
7 November
Went to Clapham with Mr Hall and Spent 8d
8 November
Spent with Mr Hinton of Hull at Hampstead 8d


I wish I knew why they went to Camberwell & Clapham but they were both Sunday outings so perhaps it was just walking for pleasure?
The time spent with Mr Hinton was much more likely to be a business meeting as Thomas owned property in Hull.


18 November
A Loaf 4d Butter 7d Beef 12d Paresnaples 4

I don't usually record Thomas's grocery shopping as it is rather dull but he bought VEG! He hardly ever buys veg.
I'm not entirely sure about my interpretation of Thomas's spelling but he must mean parsnips, surely?

20 November
Went to See the Concious Lovers w Sceleton 2/-

The Conscious Lovers is a play Thomas has seen before as is the Skeleton. The second piece is Harlequin Skeleton, a comedy mime where Harlequin is frightened by the skeleton. There wasn't much choice of play in London at this date as only a very few theatres were allowed by law.

3December
Roasted Veal Cook Shop 10d

I knew that many people did not have ovens so they used Cook shops - this is the first time Thomas mentions using one. Strangely, he doesn't mention buying the meat.

4 December
a Baskitt from Brother with 6 pounds Butter 2 Dryed Tonges and a Chees 7 pound gave Porter for Bringing the Baskitt 6d

That will keep the wolf from the door.

December 5
Dined with Mr Gulifent of Retford and Spent 6d
December 7
Spent Mr Gulifent at Baudy House 6d

Thomas was showing his country friend the bright lights of London?

15 November 1741
Spent Hanover Sugar wth Mr Hall 8d

This one took tuppence but when I checked the day on the calendar, I found that it was Sunday. I think Thomas went to Hanover Square! Thomas's spelling is never great but this one makes me think he was dyslexic.


18 November
Went to see Cato with Mock Docter 2/6

Cato, a tragedy in five acts, by Joseph Addison, was first performed at Drury Lane Theatre in 1713. It was a very political play. "The Mock Doctor" is a comic play by Henry Fielding (1707- 1754). Fielding is most famous as the author of Tom Jones. The story is from a comedy by Molière Le Médecin malgré lui . An Evening at the theatre in the eighteenth century was a long affair, starting at 6 pm and consisting of 5 acts.

3 December
Went the See the Rehearsell with Harliquin Shipwreckt 2/6

The Rehearsal is a satirical play, aimed at Dryden. Harlequin Shipwreck'd or The Elopement is a comedy, the forerunner of the modern pantomime.

9 December
Spent with Mr Byfield and Paid him for packing my Picture up in a Case to send it down to Retford to my sisters & Cost 4/-

The portrait again! If it survives, it is no doubt labelled "18th Century Young Man att. Hogarth" or something equally vague. I would so love to know what Thomas looked like.

An Evening at the Theatre

February 22 1738
Went to Drury Lane play House to see Hamlitt Intertainment Harliquin ship wreck 2/6

Here is a picture of the inside of the theatre in 1775. It is the same building (which was demolished in 1791), designed by Sir Christopher Wren which Thomas visited.


An evening at the theatre typically consisted of a tragedy followed by a comedy and Harlequin Shipwrecked was one such.