Subtitled “The Diary of a North Yorkshire Farmer and Banker, 1786-99”, this first appeared in 1931 and was reprinted in 1980. Metcalfe was, for more than 30 years, a tenant farmer at Sessay Parks – some six miles from Thirsk and 18 miles north west of York. In addition to farming, Metcalfe was also, as said, a banker and a church warden. His diary is a meticulous record of his life and work. (In August 1786 he went to York but could not get in to see Sarah Siddons in a play.) He records weather conditions, the sowings and reapings and the treatment of the animals. He mentions the hirings and His Book provides a fascinating account of village life from the point of view of a prosperous employer.

ISBN 10: 0 904775 78 X

ISBN 13: 978 0 904775 78 5