Travelling with the Cotswold Parson

‘A bell rings, with the cry of of “Gentleman and Ladies, take your seats”—we spring into our berth—presently a loud rumbling sound in an opposite direction, and forthwith a train darts by—engine, tender, coaches, carriages fly past from Liverpool or Manchester—then another whizzing, rumbling noise, and, quick as thought, rushes past the engine which is to drag our train—in a minute or two this is attached, and we move, at first slowly with a short husky coughing of the Engine, as if a giant were clearing his throat for a stentorian effort, in a few minutes we are at the top of our speed, whirling along at the rate of 24 miles in an hour …’ 19 October 1837—the diarist’s first rail journey, Birmingham to Manchester.¶Witts was born into a gentry family in 1783 and kept a diary from a young age. He was well-educated, observant, and entered the Church in 1806.¶In his youth he travelled with his parents who led an itinerant life. Once married he travelled a great deal on business and added to this were many tours and holidays all of which he recorded in much detail providing an invaluable record.

Francis Witts was born 1783 and from the age of 15 he kept a diary in one form or another. He was educated at Oxford and entered the Church. In 1808 he became rector of Upper Slaughter, previously held by his uncle Ferdinando Travell. He married Margaret Backhouse in 1808 and they had one son. Margaret died in 1850. He died of a heart attack while sat at lunch, 18 August 1854 aged 71. Alan Sutton (born 1949), published his first book on his 25th birthday. In 1978 he published David Verey’s short edition of ‘The Diary of a Cotswold Parson’. This remains in print and has sold 30,000 copies. Alan was elected FSA in 2009 and between 1981 and 2020 he edited the ten mammoth volumes of ‘The Complete Diary of a Cotswold Parson.’