Grimston family correspondence

The collection comprises Grimston family correspondence, primarily written by Rose Armatrude Frances Grimston (1859-1927) to her sister "Effie” (Florence Maria Grimston), 1872-1889. Rose and Effie were the daughters of Colonel Marmaduke Jerard Grimston, of Grimston Park and Kilnwick, Yorkshire. On his death their mother re-married Colonel Edward Du Cane, of 40 Queen's Gate-Gardens, London. The letters are written before Rose's marriage to Colonel Bertie Hobart in 1889, and reveal a lively, indiscreet, and affectionate correspondence between two devoted young sisters. There are 42 letters from Rose to Effie; 15 related letters, from uncles, cousins, and friends; several letters from family to Rose while she was in France in 1877; and a detailed printed account of Rose's wedding, which was published in the Court Journal, 22 June 1889.

The letters provide insight into the lives of the Grimston sisters. One example offers a glimpse into their family and ancestral home, and relates to a forthcoming reunion they will both attend. Rose writes at length about the "Church of their forefathers," wondering how their deceased ancestors will look down and judge them. Another letter, highly comical, is full of anecdotes about a row ensuing within the family over the rebellion of an aunt.

On the birth of her first child, Florence receives a letter of surprise from her uncle: “What in the world is all this? As I read the Yorks Post in the train I was overwhelmed by reading 'the wife of E.Byrom &c &c'. I might have been knocked down with a feather!! Pray take care but the cold blooded prophecy of your mother in my hearing at Kilnwick should be fulfilled 'two a year,' to which you replied 'not two mother.'" Another letter is an acceptance from "Walter" to be the child's godfather. While travelling in France, Rose provides an amusing anecdote about the uses of cocaine for hay fever.

Also present is a printed handkerchief ("Granny's Ride") illustrated with the image of an old lady being dragged in an open cart along a road by a man and three children. One of the letters in the series refers to this handkerchief being sent.