Ever thought about keeping a diary? Robert Brown reflects on how diarists capture life’s key moments, from local events to royal visits.
Basingstoke: Hands up if you’re still jotting down your thoughts in a diary this year! It’s not easy, right? Not everyone can keep track of daily happenings, especially when life feels a bit dull.
The term “diary” actually comes from the Latin word “diarius,” meaning daily allowance. Over the years, many famous diarists have shared their adventures, like Charles Darwin and Captain Cook.
In Basingstoke, local folks have been keeping diaries for ages. Take Samuel Attwood, for instance. He wrote for over fifty years starting in 1819, capturing everything he saw and heard in town.
He even noted the construction of the new town hall in 1832 and the arrival of the railway in 1839. In March 1863, he described the celebrations for the marriage of the Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra in vivid detail.
He wrote about a big feast in the Market Square for the town’s poor, serving up roast beef, mutton, and plum pudding. Sounds like a good time, right?
Visitors to Basingstoke also kept diaries. For example, the Prince of Tuscany visited in April 1669 during his European tour. Samuel Pepys, another famous diarist, noted his arrival, calling him a “jolly and good comely man.”
When Prince Cosmo got to Basingstoke, his diarist remarked on the town’s poor state, both in terms of buildings and trade. But hey, at least he had an artist with him to sketch the scene!
Speaking of famous diarists, Samuel Pepys is probably the most well-known. He started his diary in 1660 and wrote until 1669, documenting significant events like the Great Fire of London.
Pepys often traveled through Basingstoke on his way to other towns. His diary was written in shorthand and was kept at his old school until it was deciphered and published in 1825.
Then there’s Captain Scott, who kept a detailed diary during his South Pole expedition in 1912. He wrote about the struggles his team faced, especially when they got stuck in a blizzard.
Even British royalty has a history of diary-keeping. Queen Victoria wrote hers for 68 years, and Queen Elizabeth has been jotting down her daily activities since she was young.
So, if you’re thinking about starting or continuing your diary, go for it! It can be a great source of joy and information for years to come.
This article was written by Robert Brown and first published in 2005
