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GEORGE BEAUFOY : ORIGINAL 1852 LONDON DIARY - THE DIARY/JOURNAL OF GEORGE BEAUFOY RN, OWNER OF BEAUFOY VINEGAR FACTORY AND VICTORIAN ERA TYCOON OF ONE OF ENGLAND'S MOST IMPORTANT COMMODITIES

4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. On offer is a prize 1852 diary and journal of George Beaufoy, a prominent merchant in London, England. This book, which is in excellent condition, is an outstanding description of his 2nd year running this already century-old family firm. The book is 10 in by 9 1/2 in. The paperboard cover and all pages are in excellent condition. There are 224 pages and the book is 100% complete. The handwriting is clearly written, if somewhat difficult to read. George Beaufoy was born in 1796 and served in the Royal Navy from 1810 until 1851, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. In 1852 he took over the family firm - Beaufoy Vinegar Factory. The firm was founded sometime before 1743 by his grandfather. George Beaufoy ran the firm from 1851 until his death in 1864. The firm, which produced vinegar, wine, mineral water and cordials, continued until 1932 when it merged with Sarson's Vinegars and several other firms to form British Vinegars Limited (BVL). Through a number of mergers, BVL today is part of the Japanese firm Mizkan Group, the largest supplier of Japanese seasonings worldwide. The entries are a mix of personal and business notations. A number detail various social activities while others offer detailed information on business affairs & matters. "Took Anne to see Houses of Parliament and afterwards drove round Regents Park and home by Grosvenor Place" [Mar 27, 1852]. "In afternoon went with Anne to the Zoological Gardens Regent Park and remained and hour & a half to hear the music. Was not aware until we are at the gardens that Saturday is Gala Day" [May 27, 1852], "Left South Lambeth about 1/2 past 11 arrived at Sheepshead about 4 or 1/4 before found all pretty well ..." [Jul11, 1852], "Went to Sheepshead by Express. Walked on from Abington Arrived 12:40. Found Mary Jones and Miss Jonesat Sheepshead Latter to take leave she will sail of the 1st of September from Spithead ..." [Aug 20, 1852]. "Wm Christmas, and (sic) old and good customer came over and said he should continue his custom for he could not get a better article and I said he should write to Mr. Wakely [ ] if he could tell him where to buy a better article than Beaufoy and I thank him" [Sept 8, 1852]. Some notable entries include a correspondence with Field Marshall Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, the leading military figure in Britain: "My Lord Duke I beg to return to you my sincere thanks for ... [Feb 6, 1852]. An entry on Jan 7th details will arrangements he made for his new wife, Anne. The July 11 entry details his income tax declaration. It shows an annual income of £6,000, equivalent today to £800,000 or US$1 million. His entry also notes that he believes he paid too much! The Memoranda Section is filled with business references, calculations and records. Records include purchases of various ingredients, amounts paid to some staff, monthly production runs of 'sweets' (term used to describe wine) and even Christmas presents. This diary presents an utterly fascinating detailed look at the daily life of a very successful businessman in mid-19th century London. It also gives a glimpse into some of the finances of a successful business operating across the country. It is a goldmine for a business or social historian.. Illustr.: /. Manuscript. Book Condition: Very Good

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