Cool and dull. Very busy all day. Heard that the Corporation are determined to sell Severalls Hall, part of the ancient Borough estate. It seems rather a pity, but they are so horrified at the cost of clearing the place (which our Committee have now done) that they are quite determined to get rid of it at Michaelmas.
The sale catalogue for Severalls Hall Farm dated 27th September 1941 is available to view at Essex Record Office.
Took 2 hours off tonight and went to a cinema. Had supper in the Culver St. café. George’s wife and her sister were there. Many searchlights tonight, but no planes.
29th July 1941: The National Farm Survey
Heavy rain all last night.
Out with Mr. Craig tonight [a member of the War Agricultural Committee], and surveyed Brickhouse Farm, Ipswich Road, (Mr. Williams).
Rudsdale was undertaking this survey as part of the National Farm Survey, which began in 1941 and continued until 1943. The Survey was seen as a 'Second Domesday Book', and as a 'permanent and comprehensive record of the conditions on the farms of England and Wales'. The Survey aimed to inspect farmland to maximise food production for the war effort and to inform post-war planning but also, more controversially, to grade farmers according to their perceived capabilities to manage a farm. Farmers receiving a low grade were more likely to have their farms taken over by the County War Agricultural Committee.
Today the Survey returns provide an important record of land ownership and land use in the 1940s and are available to view at the National Archives.
Out with Mr. Craig tonight [a member of the War Agricultural Committee], and surveyed Brickhouse Farm, Ipswich Road, (Mr. Williams).
Rudsdale was undertaking this survey as part of the National Farm Survey, which began in 1941 and continued until 1943. The Survey was seen as a 'Second Domesday Book', and as a 'permanent and comprehensive record of the conditions on the farms of England and Wales'. The Survey aimed to inspect farmland to maximise food production for the war effort and to inform post-war planning but also, more controversially, to grade farmers according to their perceived capabilities to manage a farm. Farmers receiving a low grade were more likely to have their farms taken over by the County War Agricultural Committee.
Today the Survey returns provide an important record of land ownership and land use in the 1940s and are available to view at the National Archives.
27th July 1941
Wrote to Mother, advising her to stay on at Maidenhead, as I think this is a most ill advised time to come back. Sent her £10 as an inducement to stop.
Worked in office this afternoon, and after tea made a tour of Langham and Boxted. Went in Boxted Church, and then over to Lt. Horkesley. The ruins look exactly as they did last autumn, except that grass is beginning to grow over them.
Back to Colchester, and called at Seymour’s. Fine, warm day.
Worked in office this afternoon, and after tea made a tour of Langham and Boxted. Went in Boxted Church, and then over to Lt. Horkesley. The ruins look exactly as they did last autumn, except that grass is beginning to grow over them.
Back to Colchester, and called at Seymour’s. Fine, warm day.
26th July 1941
Got a letter from Mother today, saying they must come home soon – the usual thing, Aunt being unpleasant. If Aunt had a spark of imagination she would know what a hell Colchester is for old people, with these continual invasion scares and raid alarms.
23rd July 1941
Bought some “chocolate dates” at 7d per quarter pound. Very good. Have not seen any for months.
21st July 1941
Committee meeting at Birch today. Frank Warren is very worried about the shortage of binders, and wonders if there will be enough for this harvest.
Miss Oldfield began work at the Castle today, apparently taking my place. She is not more than 22, and is a B.A. of Manchester University.
Miss Oldfield began work at the Castle today, apparently taking my place. She is not more than 22, and is a B.A. of Manchester University.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)