| Description | Charlotte records the death of her husband, Fred, on 1 January After saying Commendatory prayers she has to retire to bed. Telegrams are sent out to about 30 people, and she describes how helpful her children have been. She also records the last things Fred said to her. The next few days are spent making funeral arrangements while Fred's body is laid out at home. The funeral takes place on 6 January and as well as friends and wealthier parishioners that Charlotte socialised with, she notes that 'many of the poor were present'.
Discussion follows with Cecil and with her brothers about her financial affairs, and preparations begin for leaving Harpsden Rectory. She records on 17 January that her brother Brice promises her, for a time, £100 a year, and on 4 February he secures a house for her in Queens Gate, London, at 22 Brechin Place. Charlotte makes her will on 28 January and Alice Phillimore places £100 to Charlotte's credit at Coutts on 8 February. Some of the Bagots' possessions are sold, including the cows which Phelan comes to value on 10 February, and Fred's library, which is valued at £200 by a representative from Sothebys on 3 March. She also 'looked over Mary's treasures for distribution' on 29 February. Fixtures are valued on 14 March.
Before she leaves Harpsden, Charlotte continues to help with parish work, giving out stores, and visiting friends. She also makes frequent visits to Fred's grave, and has her 'photograph taken in widow's cap' on 23 February. She is given a gift of 'beautifully framed larger photographs of the church and rectory' on 23 March and leaves Harpsden the following day.
From her new home in London, Charlotte attends church services most days at various churches, including Westminster Abbey. She socialises with friends and relatives, and spends time reading, and writing letters. She also goes shopping occasionally, and visits Harvey Nichols on 9 May. Cecil, Harold and Mary are also living with her for much of the year, although Harold leaves for Swansea on 1 August and Charlotte sends linen and furniture to him. Sidney goes up to Keble College, Oxford for Matriculation on 10 October and sends a telegram on 13 October to say he has succeeded in this. Charlotte expresses her hopes that his Oxford career will be profitable.
Charlotte takes a vacation in Dorset in August and September which includes the usual walks on the pier, bathing and days at the beach. Mary visits Swanage to see Durleston House on 13 September and Mary, Cecil and Sidney attend the opera on 14 September. Charlotte visits the Chrysanthemum show at the Aquarium on 14 October and the Natural History Exhibition on 21 November. Cecil attends a Requiem Concert at the Albert Hall 2 November.
Charlotte's reading matter for the year reflects the loss she has suffered, and includes 'After Death', 'The Inheritance of the Saints', 'Gospel of the Resurrection', Liddon's 'The Risen Life', 'Historic Faith', 'Rose's Life', 'Discipline of Christian Character', 'Love Beyond the Grave' and 'Out of the Body'.
Pages at the back of the diary contain details of letters sent and received during the year. This is the first time that Charlotte has made such a list.
Loose enclosures include a newscutting containing an announcement of Fred's death, and a handwritten list of letters to friends and relations mentioning Fred's death. |