1756–1800 AND HIS SUBSEQUENT MEMORANDA Printed by SPOTTISWOODE & CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE, LONDON 1876 These extracts are printed for the gratification of Mr. Bray’s descendants; who will see in them a remarkable instance of a life of sociability and amusement, combined with great and successful industry. More extracts would have only shewn the same activity and pursuits....

Mr. Bray was born at Shere, on the 15th of November, 1736.  He was the youngest of the three sons who survived their father Edward Bray, Esq.  George the eldest, who was in the Church, and the second son Edward, who was in the Army, both died unmarried; and, on the death of George the survivor, in 1803, Mr. Bray succeeded to the possession of the Manors of Shere and Gumshall, which had belonged to his ancestors from the reign of Henry the Eighth.  When ten years old he was placed at Rugby, where

1756, Jan. 1 st .—Called on Miss Stevens [7a] this morning.  With Mr. Boughton and Shotter to Mr. Shrubb’s at Shalford, to spend the evening.  We played at loo, came home a little after 11. 7 th .—Drank tea at Mrs. Westbrook’s.  Mr. and Mrs. Fortery there: they played at quadrille.  I went home for an hour, and went again, played and supped there.  Home a little before 12. 9 th .—Carried Mr. Haydon his appointment as a Trustee of the Turnpike; he gave me 5 s.   After the meeting the trustees wen

1806, Nov. 15 th .—This day, I completed my 70th year, without having ever met with any accident of consequence and with very little interruption to my health, except in January last, when I had a very serious attack by an inflammation in my lungs, but from which I am perfectly recovered.  My eyesight is so good that I can and generally do use my eyes in reading or writing from the time of getting up in the morning till 10 at night.  My hearing is in no way impaired.  I have not lost one front t

Dec. 17 th .—A little rain; at home.  Paid Higgins [53c] 8 s. 3 d. LONDON: PRINTED BY SPOTTISWOODE AND CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE AND PARLIAMENT STREET...