This is an excerpt from one of the journal entries in the family history which quotes the author’s mother’s own journal too. As you can see – many places referred to and the fact that in the 19th C £500 a year was not considered a suitable sum for the keeping of a lady. Interesting, because the intended was a member of the Thynne family, still resident in Longleat to this day. I couldn’t read all the handwriting clearly, but I’ve done the best interpretation I can.
“March 2nd they reached “Becca” and were “warmly received by William Markham.” Thursday 7th they arrived at Kenwood, on April 2nd our dear mother returned to Swanswick, the entry in her journal shows with what pleasure she came back “most thankful to have such a home to come to. Wednesday 3rd .... I was welcomed by the poor people most hastily. The dear Mauds dined with us and we like themselves all kindness”. Later in the year another visit was paid to Longleat. At this time our ...... had been engaged for two years. The marriage had not taken place, so our mother’s guardians considered it prudent to impost a time of probation in consequence of their youth and inexperience and the very limited income (not more than £500 per annum) that was secured to them. Writing from Halifax, Nova Scotia where he was quartered, to Mr Jervis on May 1834 our uncle Captain Markham says “I should hope that our guardians will ... their objections to their.... they certainly must see that it is a well grounded .... and their feelings are just the same after .... separation of two years”
A nice story. He was stationed overseas but after two years, they were still determined to marry and to convince their guardians to allow the wedding.
