From GDP/8 John Leeson John Leeson (1803-1865) owned and rented out property in London. In his diaries, he regularly recorded a mixture of his business dealings, family news, and politics. This entry is unusual in focusing entirely on family matters, and underlines how important the birth of his daughter was to him. 20 December 1851 Mrs. Leeson, my dear wife, confined at ½past 5 of’clock in the morning with a daughter, attended by Dr. Nicholson of Davies Street. She walked out with me around Grosvenor Square on Thursday afternoon, which fatigued her, complained of pains in the back + stomach [...]

From GDP/20 Anon This anonymous diarist worked at the Royal Naval ASDIC Research Establishment at Fairlie, North Ayrshire during the Second World War. As can be seen from this excerpt, his life was filled with small annoyances. Excerpt 2 December 1942 Bicycle to L’s in evening Bicycle stolen Information police 3RD TIME STOLEN