Butcher [Attendant at Colchester Castle Museum] reported to me today a curious occurrence which had been told him by two ladies this afternoon. They were alone in the Iron Age Gallery at about a quarter to 2, with no one on the upper floor, when they heard footsteps coming across the Crypt. Thinking that someone was about to come through the doorway into the Iron Age gallery, they stood waiting to let him through before entering themselves. No one appeared, and on going into the Crypt they were amazed to find the room empty as was the Small Gallery and the rest of the gallery floor. They immediately went down to the office and informed Butcher, who received the information with considerable calmness, saying that footsteps and noises were often heard in the Castle. The ladies thereupon left, somewhat shaken.
Went to the Repertory Players tonight, and saw them do “Gaslight”. Very good, and very well done. I have a great liking for these detective pieces of the last century. There is something very rich and dramatic about them.
9th April 1940
On the news this morning that the Germans have invaded Denmark and Norway, apparently without any appreciable resistance. Great excitement everywhere. ...
At four o’clock we heard a special news bulletin about the latest invasion but it did not tell much. It seems that vast numbers of troops have been landed by ‘planes and parachutes.
At four o’clock we heard a special news bulletin about the latest invasion but it did not tell much. It seems that vast numbers of troops have been landed by ‘planes and parachutes.
8th April 1940
Tonight’s newspaper placards announced that the German fleet is moving in Norwegian waters.
7th April 1940
The Art Exhibition was open this p.m. from 2.30-6.30, when no less than 1,507 people came in. The bulk of them were soldiers and girls out for an afternoon walk.
6th April 1940
Mr & Mrs S.A. Courtauld came in today to see the Art Exhibition. As Courtauld’s are renowned the world over for their silks, I showed him all we had in that line, especially the Coggeshall [silk] loom, and mentioned that Warner’s [Silk Mills in Braintree] had put it up for us, and that they had several similar looms, old winders and warping-mills still in use. “Ah, yes” said Courtauld. “I believe they are a very old fashioned firm, but I have never been inside their place.” What an incredible picture! In a little town like Braintree, two old firms dealing with different aspects of the same business, yet Courtauld had never even condescended to visit his rival, who makes the King’s Coronation Robes!
It always comes rather as a shock to me to find the great ones of our little world are just as jealous and petty as the rest of us.
The Coggeshall Silk Loom to which Eric refers is now housed at Braintree District Museum. The Museum has displays on the history of Courtauld's Textile Mills in Braintree. The Museum Service also operates the Warner Textile Archive at Warner's Mill, Braintree, which is a unique record of textile manufacture and designs by the Warner Company from the 18th century onwards.
S.A. Courtauld was then chairman of the international textile firm of Courtaulds. Courtauld was also a patron of the arts and helped to found the Courtauld Institute of Art.
It always comes rather as a shock to me to find the great ones of our little world are just as jealous and petty as the rest of us.
The Coggeshall Silk Loom to which Eric refers is now housed at Braintree District Museum. The Museum has displays on the history of Courtauld's Textile Mills in Braintree. The Museum Service also operates the Warner Textile Archive at Warner's Mill, Braintree, which is a unique record of textile manufacture and designs by the Warner Company from the 18th century onwards.
S.A. Courtauld was then chairman of the international textile firm of Courtaulds. Courtauld was also a patron of the arts and helped to found the Courtauld Institute of Art.
5th April 1940
Went over to Chelmsford this afternoon. I went across to see the Horse Sale ... Cart horses were going well, but small ponies were only making £5-£6. There was a Thorough-bred hackney pony, which started at £2.10 and finally made £4! What a wicked shame that such things should be. ...
After this I went to see Emmison [then the Archivist of Essex Record Office], while he showed me some of his treasures. Restoration work and research are still going on quite normally in the Record Office.
After this I went to see Emmison [then the Archivist of Essex Record Office], while he showed me some of his treasures. Restoration work and research are still going on quite normally in the Record Office.
1st April 1940
Mr. Gold did not show up until after lunch, and remained unperturbed at being told that the Catalogue was wrong in many places. As he left it so late I took it on myself to set out chairs and seats for about 30 people, and a table and chairs for Mrs. Butler to preside at. (She is wife of Butler, M.P. for Saffron Walden, and Secretary for Colonies, or something). She, Sir Gurney and Lady Benham sat on one side of the big mosaic [in the Castle], while the audience, consisting of about 20, sat on the other. Sir Gurney had previously expressed his complete disapproval of almost all the pictures in the Show, but his speech was a model of what a chairman’s speech should be.
Mrs. Butler blathered pleasantly, and the Mayor responded. The audience then filed out, and the show remained almost empty until it closed at 7.30. The hours between 5 and 7 are not popular for museum visiting.
Mrs. Butler blathered pleasantly, and the Mayor responded. The audience then filed out, and the show remained almost empty until it closed at 7.30. The hours between 5 and 7 are not popular for museum visiting.
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