If the working day in the 1850s was a great deal less frenetic than today, holidays were fewer. John’s parents would generally go to a seaside resort, often Redcar, for a week or two. They went in a large party of family and friends to stay in lodging houses – in 1856 they went twice, in July and in October. John went on Saturday 18th October to meet them there:
Saturday October 18th 1856
Went to Office. At Noon about home At Night I went to Redcar left at ¼ past six got there ½ past nine Mr Clark of Ellinthorp went at Noon Father & Mother Aunt & Uncle Redmayne Sarah Sedgwick & Miss Cunnyngham were there Mr Clark & I slept and had breakfast on Sunday & Monday he pd my exps at the Inn
Heaton Clark of Ellenthorpe Hall married Miss Jane Hewit Cunynghame in November 1857 – the groom was sixty seven years old and the bride aged thirty seven. Sarah Sedgwick married John’s brother Joe in 1857.
Sunday October 19th 1856
Clark & I went on the Sands before breakfast Uncle R & I went to Redcar Church the rest went to Coatham Had a walk in the afternoon Sarah Aunt & I went to Coatham at night
Monday October 20th 1856
Got up had breakfast at the Inn Saw Clark off by the 7.50 train to Yarm Fair Saw Uncle R & Aunt & Miss Cunnyngham off by 11 train Had a bathe in the Sea Father & I walked to Coatham had some porter at the Lobster Walked about all day Set off for home at 5.20. Had a very jolly visit
