The diary of John Bound of Sheepwash reveals a number of fascinating things. Through this source we are able to gain information not only about Bound himself, but also about the lives of the women he interacts with, as well as contemporary trade and culture in Devon. In this article, Simon Dixon highlights the inadequacies of categorising historical characters as either devout Christians or ‘ungodly reprobates’. The diary reveals a surprising overlap between those who frequented the alehouse and those who were staunch churchgoers.
Tag: primary source
Picture in Focus – ‘A member of the Pole family at her desk’.
'The picture shows a plainly dressed young woman studiously writing at her desk surrounded by books. She is probably either Eliza or Rachel Pole, one of the daughters of Dr. Thomas Pole a Quaker minister and reformer who pioneered reforms in adult education in Britain'. Dresser interprets the source, as well as bringing light to new information regrading the picture, which is important seeing as the artist is unknown.