Tuesday 23 August 2011

DICK CAN TELL: extracts from "The autobiography of a Suffolk Farm Labourer"


I have recently transcribed parts of this excellent 19th century document which gives an illuminating and insightful overview of the life of an 'educated' farm labourer in the first half of the Victorian era.  It was serialised in the 'Suffolk Times and Mercury' newspaper between 1894 and 1895.  In the autobiography, the anonymous author recounts his experiences and observations of agricultural life over a period of sixty years, from 1816 until 1876.

If you would like to receive a copy of this transcription please contact me here.


James Collinson – ‘Answering the Emigrant's Letter’

1850, oil on panel, 70 x 89cm, Manchester City Art Gallery