22nd August 1944

Tuesday
Had 2 hours on the bed, dressed.  Woke to find clouds and drizzle, but the barometer going up. 

At the office found a letter from Poulter – armistice!  Read it through, to be quite staggered when he calmly ignored our differences to tell me that a “Roman ship” had been found in Woolpack Yard at St Botolph’s Corner, and did I think that the Chiswell Brook had once been big enough to be navigable?  Where on earth does he get these ideas?  I’m also so afraid he will get them into the papers.

At any rate, the old boy wants peace, and he shall have it.  Went round to see the ‘boat’ at lunchtime.  Saw Joan Ralling passing by, so took her in to hear me deliver an archaeological lecture.  All that could be seen was a few shapeless bits of wood, about 2’ long, sticking out of the bottom of the trench at a depth 6’.  It is known that a lot of timber, apparently piling and riveting was found when the Electricity Station was built.  Possible that the Chiswell Brook was confined between wooden wharfs to prevent flooding – perhaps the Osbourne Street area was used for intensive marked gardening.  The map of 1825 shows gardens all the way between Stanwell Street and St. Botolph Street.

Went home to tea, had a talk with Father for an hour.  He seemed very well.  Left, and cycled through Ardleigh, Dedham, and Stratford to Higham.  Went to call on the Rushburys’.  Found Mrs. Rushbury there with the two daughters.  Chatted for 10 minutes, then went across the river and up the steep lane to Higham, but alas Jacquie was out.  Cycled slowly back to Boxted through the windy dark night, and was in bed or rather on it by 11.30.  Too tired to undress.

No comments: