THE PARSON'S DIARY

Parson James Woodforde was a Norfolk Vicar who kept a fascinating diary for 45 years.

His chronicle of everyday life in Somerset still intrigues people today as it gives a unique insight into rural England in the 18th century.

200 years ago Parson Woodforde made the last entry in his diary.

Now Tessa Dunlop looks at the diaries and tracks down those in Ansford who keep his name alive.

Lifelong habit

James Woodforde began his diary while at New College, Oxford as his father told him to keep an account of his expenses.

The Parsonage at Ansford

Parson Woodforde lived through some major events.

These include the French revolution and the war of independence.

Yet these things are given a mere mention in his diaries.

He is more concerned with day to day events including local disputes, social occasions and country pursuits such as fishing.

Food fascination

The diaries have been maligned by commentators who point out how much Parson Woodforde writes about food.

They imply that the Parson was a glutton, who wrote about nothing else.

Long-standing members of the Parson Woodforde Society disagree.

They say that he simply wrote about it because of the sheer amount of food which was placed on the table at a typical 18th century dinner.

It was a way for households to show off and would not necessarily all have been eaten.

The lack of central heating and a need to walk greater distances each day would have meant that a much highly daily calorie intake was needed than is required today.

Society

Two people who have tried some of the dishes he describes are Mollie Matthews and her husband Derek.

The Parson's Diaries are a lifetime's work

They live at South Cottage, a place where Woodforde is known to have dined with friends.

They have restored their house to decoration of the period.

Mollie organises the Parson Woodforde Society's 'frolics'.

These are weekends where members visit places connected with the Parson.

George Bunting is the president of the society.

He says of such events, "It's certainly not all eating and drinking but I confess we do our fair share."

History

Despite their critics, there are many who value the diaries of Parson Woodforde.

George Bunting passionately believes that the diaries are a fascinating insight into everyday 18th century village life.

They have long been regarded as a valuable part of Somerset's heritage and look to continue as such for some time to come.