Charlotte Eliza Bousfield
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Charlotte Eliza Bousfield (born Collins, 10 July 1828 – 20 September 1933) is best known as a diarist whose writing give an extensive insight into the world and values of a middle-class Victorian lady of staunch Methodist and temperance convictions.
Charlotte Eliza Collins was born at Braunton on 10 July 1828,[1] a daughter of Rev Robert Collins, who was a Congregationalist minister, and his wife Charlotte Eliza Cox.
After working for some years as a governess and teacher, she married Edward Tenney Bousfield (1829–1916) at Tetbury in 1853. The couple had these children:
- William Robert (1854–1943)
- Edward Collins (1855–1921)
- John Ebenezer (1858–1921)
- Charlotte Frances (1861–1951)
- Harriet Mary (1865–1942)
- Florence Jane (1869–1872)
During the first few years of his marriage, Edward went into business on his own account but this was not successful. From 1858, he held a position as an engineer at J&F Howard Ltd, a firm that manufactured agricultural machinery at Bedford.
From 1863, the Bousfield family lived at "Alpha Villa", a substantial house on the east side of Ampthill Road. Much of the family’s activities were connected with Methodism in and around Bedford. They were particularly interested in Southend Wesleyan Chapel, for which they donated land and other financial support - a building that still stands at the south corner of Ampthill Road and Offa Road. Their religious activities are recorded in many of the entries that appear in the diaries. From 1882 onwards, Charlotte was actively involved in the temperance movement. In the latter part of his life, Edward qualified as a barrister.
