KEY WEST LOU / LAW STUDENT IN 1719 LONDON NO DIFFERENT THAN ONE TODAY IN U.S.

Smithsonian Magazine ran an article that revealed a law clerk in his 20’s in London in 1719 lived a life basically no different from that of a law student today in the U.S. Hard to believe. Nevertheless, true.

A newly discovered collection of letters describes the life of a 27 year old law student, his job, social life, and financial concerns in 1719.

Ben Browne was the 27 year old law student. He moved from a small English town to bustling London to work as a law clerk. From 8 in the morning to 8 in the evening, 6 days a week. He mailed 65 letters to his father during his law clerkship period.  The letters have been turned into a book: “Letters From London.” Spells out young Browne’s work life, romance and local gossip.

The book clearly shows nothing has changed for a law clerk in 1719 London to a law student in some major U.S. city today.

Money an issue. Browne constantly wrote his father he was broke and in need of financial assistance. Yet, he maintained a lively social life. Eating and drinking with friends around Fleet Street, close to the Inns of Court. Better described as London’s bawdy, boozy neighborhood.

He wrote his father he met Mary Branch, fell in love and married. He begged for his father’s approval. Most of his father’s letters in return were lost so whether the approval was forthcoming is unknown. He wrote to his father of London’s violent protests on London streets. One major group having to do with silk workers who opposed calico imports from India. Money an issue regardless of the century.

Browne purchased many books. Created his own library. Included many Shakespearian plays. Accomplished the library creation while he was “broke” and writing his father for money.

Today’s podcast 6 years old. It is a repeat of one I have published several times. I do so because there is merit to the story. I title it Opium/Afghanistan. Believe you will enjoy that which I share.

This is the day! The beginning of Trump’s first criminal trial. Jury selection begins in the Stormy Daniels hush money case. The trial is venued in Manhattan. It is expected the trial will take 4-6 weeks.

Trump is trying to turn the trial into something he is doing for the American people. In a Pennsylvania rally saturday, he said, “I am proud to do it for you, have a good time watching. When I walk into that courtroom, I know I will have the love of 200 million behind me. I will be fighting for the freedom of 325 million Americans.”

Who is he kidding?

The Boston Marathon is today. Thirty thousand competing. The race began at 9 this morning.

Scottie Scheffler won the Masters! His second Masters victory! He is only 27 years old.

Unquestionably, a bright new star in the golf world.

Today is April 15. Tax day! File, even if you cannot pay.

Enjoy your day!

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]