Doctors, Diaries and Descendants

June 27, 2012, by Linda Shaw

Doctors, Diaries and Descendants

Examining Edward Wrench’s diary

Perusing the diaries written by a doctor serving with the British Army in the Crimea and in India in the 1850s is a fascinating experience for anyone, but there is an added thrill when those diaries were written by your great great grandfather! This was the case for a recent visitor from Wales to Manuscripts and Special Collections, who came to see diaries, letters and photographs of her ancestor, Edward Mason Wrench, 100 years after his death. After leaving the army, Wrench settled in the village of Baslow, Derbyshire, becoming medical practitioner to residents in the surrounding area. He also attended upon the Dukes of Devonshire and their guests, on occasion including royalty, at the nearby Chatsworth House.

Photograph of Edward M. Wrench in Uniform of 12th Royal Lancers, 1862 (Ref Wr/Ph/6)

Interestingly, several of Dr Wrench’s descendants have followed in his footsteps and pursued careers in the medical profession but it is assumed that none have surpassed his achievement of recording their lives in around 18,000 daily diary entries!

The catalogue to the Wrench collection is available to view online and the collection can be viewed in the Manuscripts and Special Collections Reading Room at the King’s Meadow Campus.