We are sharing a monthly look at the farm diary of John Foss, written from his dairy farm in Kingston Russell in 1851.
December 1851
We’ve reached the last month of 1851, and the final in our series of blogs! This month, the weather is a truly English mixed bag – hard frost, mild rain, glorious sun, and heavy fog all make an appearance over December. For most of the month, John spends his time moving stock around – taking cows to Bradford, cheese to Weymouth, and wood to Coyates.
Christmas in Dorset
Many of the Christmas traditions we know today were introduced the Victorian era, such as gift-giving, Father Christmas and carols. Crackers and cards became popular as the industrial revolution allowed for faster and cheaper production. In 1848, the Illustrated London News showed the royal family gathered around a Christmas tree, inspired by Prince Albert’s childhood in Germany. This soon became a staple of the season.
Down in Dorset, Christmas Day is clear and frosty, “fine Xms weather”. The family go to church in the morning, followed by a Christmas dinner at home
“…just as we had finish dinner Sister Fanny & her son George came from Longbredy”
Spending time with family was just as important in 1851 as now!
Boxing Day visits
The next day, John is up and about as usual, churning butter and cutting the hedge back. The holiday spirit is still in the air though, as visitors bringing goodwill drop in and out of the farm. John’s sister-in-law and nephew visit at lunchtime, followed by “the two miss Foots” who brought a present for Rachel. Later, Mr Read comes by, and John gives him “a cup of ale & a piece of Bread & Cheese being Xms”.
The following afternoon is spent at the pub, after taking his sister home to Bridport. John stopped for dinner at the King of Prussia, and there “…meet with Josph & James & many more”.
Looking forward
Farm work doesn’t stop, and the family continue to work as normal in in the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Much like Christmas, New Year’s traditions changed during the Victorian era. Queen Victoria’s interest in the Scottish Hogmanay filtered down into general society, and New Year’s Eve became more of a celebration. This doesn’t seem to have reached Dorset though – John is busy the whole day organising cattle. He ends his dairy of 1851 with the line “Thus end the old year”.
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Interested in learning more about John Foss? Explore the other months of his 1851 from the list below:
Many thanks to all who prepared these blogs. I am certain there will be many who have found them as interesting as I have.
Thank-you Roger, we are glad you have enjoyed this series of blogs throughout the course of the year!
Yesterday I sent the string to a person in New Zealand who has taken an interest in local Foss’ who were descendants of our diarist. May lead to something new.
As my ancestors were dairy farmers at Friar Waddon and Upwey at this time they must have known John Foss and their lives must have been very similar so lovely to read this diary.
Thank-you Jennifer, we are glad you enjoyed learning about John Foss and his life!