Diary of Mary Crespigny née Clark, of Champion Lodge, Camberwell, friend and patron of the playwright and travel writer, Mariana Starke

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MS. Eng. e. 3767

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Mary Clark married Claude Champion Crespigny, 16 Feb 1764, at St. Giles, Camberwell. The diary entry for 16 Feb 1791 (fol. 18v) refers to their 27th wedding anniversary. They had one son William (bap. 1765) who married Lady Sarah Windsor, daughter of the Earl of Plymouth in 1786. The diary entry for 8 July 1791, refers to the return of William and his wife from abroad, and the christening of their third child, Augustus James on 23 July 1791 (St. Giles, Camberwell). The diarist refers to her husband throughout as 'Starke', which is puzzling, as there does not seem to have been a familial connection with the Starkes of Epsom. There are brief entries each day describing her social engagements and her husband's movements. He was often on duty with a military group, probably the Camberwell Volunteers. They often visited Mariana Starke's family at Epsom and were frequently in the audience at her new play, 'The Widow of Malabar'. Mary Crespigny was a patron of the arts and had a private theatre in the grounds of her house at Camberwell. She was also a keen archer and there are a number of entries relating to the Epsom archery and target shooting at Boxhill. Many entries are supplemented by notes in shorthand, which have not been deciphered. There are also weekly accounts. The printed matter at the beginning and end of the diary includes a list of notable days, the latest country dances, beauty and health recipes, and tables for calculating finances. Some of the printed matter (fols. 71-5) has been cut out.

Dates

1791

Extent

84 Leaves

Language of Materials

English

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. Eng. e. 3767, fols. 1-2].

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Shelfmark:

MS. Eng. e. 3767

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 14884

Additional Description

Abstract

Diary of Mary Crespigny née Clark, of Champion Lodge, Camberwell, friend and patron of the playwright and travel writer, Mariana Starke

Biographical / Historical

Mary Champion De Crespigny (1750-1812) nee Clark, wife of 1st Baronet Champion de Crespigny, was a patron of the arts.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Bought from Bernard Quaritch, 8 July 2010.

Related Materials

A later diary, Apr. 1809-Dec. 1810, is held at Yale University Library, Osborn d73.

Physical Facet

Binding: gilt-stamped roan, with flap, clasp missing, marbled endpapers, The Ladies Pocket Journal; or, Toilet Assistant: For the Year 1791 (London, S. Bladon)