Dear John,
I noticed that you have access to an electronic copy of the Diary of Edward Arpin of Felmersham. If I have misunderstood that, then I apologise, and please ignore the rest of this message.
I have been researching my family history for many years. Being an Australian, it would be no surprise to hear that I have ancestors from various parts of Britain and northern Europe. In particular, I do have family connections from various locations in Bedfordshire.
If possible, I would be quite interested to read a copy of Edward Aprin’s Diary. Obviously, I would be happy if any of my family connections were mentioned, but I suspect that that is quite unlikely.
What does interest me is depictions of life in earlier times, when those descriptions might well give me an insight into how my ancestors lived. I find it particularly interesting to contemplate the lives that people lived, especially when they subsequently packed up and moved to the opposite side of the planet. Most accounts of life in the 1700s and 1800s focus on the high and mighty, whereas my ancestors were almost certainly simple people, working to make a life for themselves and their children. For example, some of my female ancestors were straw weavers, and I found it fascinating to read about their lives and conditions.
I have tried to obtain access to the Diary through the university library and the state library, without success, so I thought I would contact you. If it is not feasible for you, I understand completely, and hope I have not wasted too much of your time.
Kind regards,
Trevor
