Shropshire Routes to Roots

Life before the canal: Annette Hill's tour of England

The first page of Annette Hill's letter [Shropshire Archive reference: 811/31-33]

My Dear Mother,
You will be surprised to find that I have written you [sic] twice in the same day, but as we leave this place tomorrow I have seised the present opportunity.

We left Lancaster this morning at half past 9 and arrived very safe though we had an accident. One of the horses fell down but, no one hurt, though the horse was a little bruised. We arrived at Bowness where we now are about half past 2 where we had some dinner and there took a boat and went sailing over the Lake Windermere it is most beautiful. We got out at the other side of the lake and walked around Mr. Curwin's Island. It is very well wooded with trees and the mountains in the distance are magnificent.

We go to Keswick tomorrow and Sir Rowland talks of Scotland next week. Tell John for I suppose I must call him so now that we will bring him some whisky with us I am going to write to Rachel and Margaret (?) tonight. We are very well and enjoying ourselves. Tell Mary I will write when I have seen a little more.

Give my love to all, and Believe Me,

Your very affectionate,
Annette Hill

June 20th