A glimpse of how one South Yorkshire family balanced its books is contained in Rotherham Library's latest 'Document of the Month'.

A leather-bound cash book which once belonged to Andrew Merryweather - founder of the firm of estate agents - records purchases of things such as chilblain cure and dog medicine. It tells how, in 1876, Andrew had £21, nine shillings and sixpence in his account. His first outgoing was £5 to 'Pollie for housekeeping', followed shortly afterwards by furniture, carpet making, a family Bible and a 'bride's cake' - suggesting a family wedding.

At the time Andrew was said to an agricultural valuer - and his income came from jobs such as 'valuation at Wath' and 'measuring turnips at Moorgate'.

He is also recorded as having received £100 from his father-in-law and, from 1879, is said to have run Abdy Farm at Wath.

A library spokesman said: "This cash book is an extraordinary insight into the life of an ordinary man living and working in Rotherham at the end of the 19th century.

"As the pages turn, there are small purchases of all kinds from cheese to chilblain lotion, dog medicine to umbrella repairs, a world away from the throwaway culture we have today.

"The family's life continues to unfold with Andrew listing expenses for travelling to his jobs, regularly going to Sheffield and Retford, visiting Tickhill and Harthill and the Swinton Pottery.

"This amazing document paints a picture of a local Victorian household living comfortably, but always within their means."

The book is part of a collection of archive material produced from 1830 to 1930 by the Merryweather family. It can be seen in the library's local studies section from now until the end of July.

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