Sarah Broadhead diary, 1834, July 3-1835, May 3.

ArchivalResource

Broadhead, Sarah, 1810 or 1811-1909. Sarah Broadhead diary, 1834, July 3-1835, May 3.

Sarah Broadhead diary, 1834, July 3-1835, May 3.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/702197476

Manuscript diary kept by an unidentified Quaker woman, likely Sarah Broadhead of Leeds. The diary is kept within The new ladies' memorandum book for the year 1829 (Buckingham: Printed by J. Seeley). The diarist modifies the memorandum calendar to accommodate entries for dates spanning from 3 July 1834 to 3 May 1835. Writing is in pen and ink throughout, except for parts of the accounts section written in graphite. Identification of the diary with Sarah Broadhead is based on a number of entries that record her interactions with the Broadhead family of Sheffield, who are likely related to the Broadheads of Leeds. Towards the end of 1834 and into the early months of 1835, while spending time with the Sheffield Broadheads, the diarist notes the presence of a "JB", who hints something to her during a carriage ride. Later, she anticipates and records a visit from a "Joseph" to her family in London. The diarist speaks of Joseph with particular interest, and exchanges gifts with him (he gives her a book and she makes him a handkerchief). She notes, as Joseph's visit approaches, that her mother has told her sister, Mary Ann, "about" Joseph. While only speculative conclusions can be drawn, such details suggest that there was a romantic connection between the diarist and Joseph Broadhead. The Sheffield Broadheads include Alfred and Lucy, whom the diarist mentions frequently and with great warmth. Lucy Broadhead is a regular correspondent with her as well. The frequently mentioned Cockins (aunt and uncle to the diarist) are probably Richard and Ellen (Abraham) Cockin (1758-1841). The diarist's home may be in Tinsley, near Sheffield, where she returns on several occasions in 1834. Much of the year, however, is spent away from home, including visits to Hull, Wakefield (where she visits Ackworth School), and Dronfield. In most places she appears to stay with family. Her long final stay is in London, near Stratford, where she lodges with her parents for most of the 1835 portion of the diary. The diarist records her daily religious, social, and occupational activities. She attends multiple weekly Society of Friends meetings, and notes the names of speakers and congregants, including the prominent Quaker Joseph Pease and his wife Emma Gurney. She notes frequent visits with acquaintances and family to take tea. It appears she has little idle time, as she is constantly making or mending all sorts of sewn goods, including caps, shawls, purses, and shirts. Though much of her seamstress activity is on behalf of friends and family, it also serves as a source of income, as is shown in the accounts section at the front of the memorandum book, where the majority of transactions concern sewing and sewing supplies.

1 v. (ca. 150 p.) ; 12 cm.

Yale Center for British Art