Dianna Hills

1814, January 22, London birth of Dianna - the first-born child of George and Diana Hills. She was born at her maternal grandparents home at Pall Mall, London.

Six weeks later they made the trip by coach in freezing temperatures (one of the coldest winters on record) to Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England. The following letter was written to Diana from her mother Ann Hammersley:

"My Dear Di

Granny (Ann's mother) wrote yesterday to thank you for the good news of your arrival at Tunbridge and I cannot withold my Pen to day to say how happy it made me – and how grateful I am to the Giver of all mercies for his various blessings bestowed continually upon me, your recovery from Lying in – the perfect well being of the pretty Infant." ... "I have a beautiful Ornament for you, when I have an opportunity I am going to inquire the value of it - just pray My Dear Di with and thank your uncle (Charles Greenwood - Ann's brother) for it. As my first offering to my little Granddaughter Diana Hills I add the little silver tea chest to your Plate under my care - if I live till she speaks, I shall have her little thanks."

1841 Census of Ashen Hall, Essex lists Diana and George and seven children

• Charles Robert 20
• Thomas 15
• Diana 25
• Lydia 25
• Caroline 20
• Emily 19
• Hariet 16
• + family servant

1845 Her sister Harriet Maria Hills died of typhus fever at home in Ashen.

1847 Dianna and her sister Lydia were ill at their parents home in Ashen, and their brother Charles ill at Cambridge, causing much distress to their parents (evidenced by a letter dated Sep 20 1847* to their father George Hills from his wife's cousin, George Baker). *letter in private family collection.