Saturday 12th December 1846

“Met Miss Murray, a former servant of Lea’s, just come from St … Hospital, whither she had been to see her father, who has lately met with a severe accident, having had his arms broken with an engine (he is an engineer by trade). Bought large book or journal for forthcoming year 1847 at shop of Miscellaneous Repository, … Street, Soho, near Greek Street, for 1s (very well satisfied with my …). Had it been made to my order, it could not suited me better for the binding and ruling and number of leaves, being 66. The demolition of the ornamental colonnade forming part of the south wing of Buckingham Palace was commenced, from which point the new wing begins. The excavation of both wings fronting St James’s Park are complete and the foundations already laid.

Carried forward …”

Saturday 31st October 1846

“Had the unpleasant job to discharge James Hollingsworth from his employment as screener through repeatedly absenting himself.  But he saw and promised the master better attendance in future upon which a reconciliation was effected and he was permited to resume his employment.

The front of Buckingham Palace presents a different appearance from the commencement of the month [?] being encircled with boarding which extends round the front rails as far distant as the semi-circular pathway. The palace is to be enlarged which from the continued cart loads of rubble taken away and the cart loads of bricks taken in appears that the alterations to be undertaken will be very extensive.

The exterior and interior of St James’s Church Piccadilly is now undergoing a thorough repair and beautifying the windows of which are nearly half fresh glazed, which suffered extensively from the effects of the late storm.  The foundation of the new Rectory house on the same site as the old one is just commenced.

The gallery or bridge in Richmond Mews, Richmond Buildings, back of our house which … Pianoforte maker to the premises opposite has been roofed over with glass.

The weather this month has shown appearance of the approaching winter with … fogs which last 10 days has been very prevalent.”

Tuesday 7th July 1846

“Cats’ meat man came to Wharf first time. Dined at beer shop in Elizabeth Street, Pimlico, first time. Met old Mr William Nodes at Buckingham Palace Gates waiting to see some of the grand folks going to an entertainment in the Palace. Walked homeward with ditto as far as Oxford Street from whence we parted. William Henry Wade completed his 16^th year.”

Monday 25th May 1846

“Paid rent today for first time. Richard Latham is clerk in private office as successor to Edward Heskett. Her Majesty Queen Victoria safely delivered of a princess at five minutes before 3 o’clock this afternoon at Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty is since doing well.”

---

[Editor’s note:  The birth recorded here was that of Princess Helena]

Thursday 22nd January 1846

“Queen Victoria opened the Houses of Parliament. Self saw the carriages, including the State one preceded by about six others, proceed from the Royal Mews to the Palace, altogether presenting a very gaudy sight, so covered with gilded ornaments. In my opinion a procession of aged parish paupers and almshouse inmates would make a much more pleasing sight. New shirt came home made by Mrs Olive making p…l buttons 2d, also new pair of worsted stockings.”