The Edward Abey Diaries

Edward Abey’s diaries are held in the North East Lincolnshire Archives and a type written copy of them is part of the Betty Watkinson archives. Betty researched Edward and his family and augmented the diaries with many biographical details. 

Born at Thornton Curtis on 18th April 1858, the son of Edward Abey and his wife Ann Witty, Edward began to write his diary in 1888. At the time, he was a railway fireman, lodging with the Kirman family. John Kirman was a railway porter, living at 89 Willingham Street, Grimsby. He and Mrs Kirman had two children, Rosa, born 31st December 1875, and Lily, born 2nd January 1883.

The diaries tell the story of his life both at home and work and whilst much of the content is mundane, it nevertheless paints a detailed and interesting picture of a working man’s daily life.

We will be publishing Edward's diaries in instalments, including some of Betty's biographical information, as well as some additions of our own.

Click here to read the first instalment.