Witty observations of a well-to-do lady

By Chester Chronicle on Nov 5, 08 11:27 AM in

AN OLD journal has been discovered which sheds light on life in South Cheshire more than 170 years ago.

It was written by Ellen Tollet of Betley Hall and describes two years in the life of a privileged 22-year-old living in the 1830s.

She was the daughter of a wealthy landowner and close friend of Emily Darwin, the wife of Charles Darwin.

The journal and a collection of letters have been transcribed by Staffordshire woman Mavis E Smith into a book called Ellen Tollet of Betley Hall which includes 60 illustrations and sketches.

The journals were found by Mrs Smith in the Shropshire archives and she got permission to transcribe them.

Mrs Smith said: "It's been a tremendously rewarding experience transcribing this book and I feel like I have got into the head of someone who lived an incredibly long time ago.

"The journal was written before trains and at a time when Crewe was just a small village."

From tragic deaths to house parties, the diary includes the deepest thoughts and witty observations of a well-educated lady.

It follows Ellen Tollet's experiences travelling before trains, and at a time when women did not enjoy the same freedoms as they do now.

The book also includes unpublished letters from Florence Nightingale and Charles Darwin.

It costs £12.50 and can be bought from the Nantwich Bookshop or directly from Mrs Smith on 01782 750176.

Any profits from sales or subsequent talks Mrs Smith may make will be given to a cancer charity.

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