The Diary of William Young of Cotchford Farm

William Young was the son of gentleman farmer Henry Young who owned Cotchford Farm in the mid-nineteenth century. At the age of just twenty-three William left the farm for what we might now term a gap year’ working in Canada.

This book, based on his own diary from 1854/5, tells the fascinating story of his journey via Liverpool and onwards on a three-masted schooner to New York, Buffalo and eventually Lake Erie. The voyage had its own perils, a long way from transatlantic travel today. Unbeknown to our diarist, the ship he travelled on was part of a criminal enterprise and eventually suffered both mutiny and wreck. In the mill towns on Lake Erie Young proves an indispensable worker both on crops and stonework. Just as he is about to return to England he is beset with difficulties.....

His is a young, clear voice on life a hundred and sixty years ago.

About the Author

Kevin J. Last has degrees in Film and English as well as a PGCE. He has always been fascinated by the power of film and particularly Alfred Hitchcock, on which he has lectured widely and written a thesis. He has written, acted and produced a number of shows for theatre, as well as educational/entertainment films. His subjects have included John Betjeman, Alfred Hitchcock, the Music Hall, and World War 1. The Diary of William Young of Cotchford Farm was based on an 1854 diary passed on to him by a late aunt.