SD2265. Journal Entry of William Surtees Cook
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 357 (in part).
Stoke St. Mary, Somerset
5 May [1859]
We left our red brick house, in the lane Wilton, Taunton, where we had spent so many happy years, where our dearest Mary & Edward were born. Dearest Henrietta and I wandered over the dismantled rooms, the last thing, and wept gratefully for bygone happy days. Our baggage had been moving off all yesterday and today, and the last rug and mop having slipped away—we got into our trap and drove off—Altham and our man riding our ponies in company. We came to our “new” house, as the children call it, in the parish of Stoke St Mary, three miles from Taunton. It is an old mansion, with a han[d]some drawing and dining room of recent build. They call it, or it has been called, for many generations, “Stoke Court,” but I for one, am all for suppressing that ostentatious appellation. Prettily situated it is, on the side of a hill, with paddock in front, a pigeon house, and pond, woods around us far and near—and the nightingales sing all night long. God grant we may continue well and happy, and free from anxieties.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
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