Who was William Poynter and what do his diaries tell us of his life and the times in which he lived? Only seven of his diaries, between 1815 and 1824, have survived. Yet they cover a period early in the nineteenth century when issues that were critical
for the future of the Catholic Church in Britain had to be addressed. For this undertaking William Poynter had been well prepared. His place of birth and upbringing are both significant in the light of his future calling.