Personal papers – diaries

This source consists of a series of extracts from a diary written by J Theodore West in the mid 19th century. West was an analytical chemist and at the start of the diary he was working in Leeds. However, in 1853 he and his wife emigrated to Australia. The diary includes details of their life in Australia before their return to England (now accompanied by 4 small children) in 1862.

1. Read the source carefully and then write six statements that you believe to be true about the author of the diary. Enlarged versions of the diary extracts and a transcript are available.

Finished? Now have a look at an inventory from the 18th century.