Bristol Archives recently acquired a journal written by Mary Beck (1718-1799). This book has returned to Bristol thanks to generous support from the Friends of Bristol Museum, Galleries & Archives.
Mary was a widow from a notable philanthropic Quaker family. She was the daughter of George and Elisabeth Bridges and married the merchant Joseph Beck in 1743. They had four children together and their house at Frenchay was close to the homes of several other Quaker merchants.
Her journal records many visits to and from her family, friends, tenants and religious acquaintances. These show how she was still well supported and connected after the death of her husband in 1793. Writing in her late 70s, the journal includes many details of her declining health. For example, “I have reason to fear a new calamity is coming on as I feel my eyes weaken apace this winter”.
It also includes copies of letters to and from William Wilberforce, one of the best known members of the anti-slavery movement. They write on a different topic however, in relation to some of his theological writings: “I have read Mr Wm Wilberforce’s contrast between real, & nominal christians… I wish he had spoake more fully on the pernicious consiquences of plays & novels… ”
The journal ties in with many other parts of our collections. These include the records of the Society of Friends and the Bristol Dispensary (an organisation which she supported), plus other Quaker family collections.
The only other known document by Mary Beck is a commonplace book held at the University of Pennsylvania. We are very pleased to make this journal available for research in Bristol, as a welcome and enlightening addition to our holdings.
Graham Tratt, Archivist