[Diary], 1744 May 16 - 1746 Nov 14.

Manuscript on paper, in a single hand, of a diary written by the housekeeper of Thomas Secker, later the Archbishop of Canterbury, while he was Bishop of Oxford. The diary mentions the activities of the nobility, including the movements of Secker's family and the return of the Pacific expedition led by George Anson; reports of casualties from the War of Austrian Succession; local events, such as a description of "the street all in confusion upon a report of a young woman being killed in a house on Airs Street: they cant find her dead nor alive: the mob which is glad of any oportunity to commit violance have done much damage to the house;" and her visits, dinners, and conversations with friends and other servants. The author also records her private thoughts, writing in 1744, "Have lost my dear family. My Lord & Ladies set out this morn for Cuddesden...had several & various employments & sitting up which they knew not about. All over now: am always grieveing when they go." Elsewhere, she writes, "Went this morning to the wedding. Was Bride maid. No other company beside the father who says its our turn next. This fills my head full of whimseys but shall soon get the better of it."