This talk has come about having been privy to the diaries of a Victorian gentleman and Squire, Arthur Mudge, brother in law to Richard Mallock (1843-1900, pictured left), Squire of Cockington from 1873 to 1900.
Following a family bereavement at Cockington, Arthur and his family went to reside there, in support of Richard. For three years from 1878 Arthur kept a personal diary of his life at Cockington.
Reading these diaries has, for me, been like opening a window and understanding the realities of day to day life for both gentry and the labouring classes. I was soon to appreciate some of the misconceptions I had beforehand, regarding life in Victorian Torbay.
It will be my pleasure to share some of the joys and sadness of Arthur with you through his actual, personal words and relive actual moments of Victorian Cockington.
– John Risdon
The talk will take place at 7.30pm on Friday 14th February at Galmpton Village Institute. The hall will be open for refreshments from 6.45-7.15. Non-members welcome, admission £3.
