Stories from beyond the family trees
I do love a Guernsey Can and was recently delighted to find an addition to my small collection in our local Demelza Hospice charity shop for just a very few pounds. These wonderful copper milk jugs have a fabulous history, are unique to the Channel Islands and, as with any traditional artifact, hold a historical … Continue reading Guernsey Cans
John Mayhew (1716-1769): a Norfolk farmer at the cutting edge of a rural revolution
My brother and I enjoyed exploring arts and crafts during our childhood. We had easy access to pencils, crayons, and paint, which we eagerly used on rolls of unused ancient wallpaper which smelled slightly of damp and coal due to being stored in our cellar. The paints were little rectangular or round lozenges of dried … Continue reading Exploring creative expression
Growing up in a rather unorthodox and bohemian environment in the early 1960s, I don’t remember my brother or I having expensive and commercially produced ‘toys’, rather we were encouraged to play with the things around us and explore our world. Perhaps because our father was ‘in films’ we were especially encouraged to take part … Continue reading Make-believe play
Charles Reginald Collingwood (1855-1934): Thirty five years in service and links to a notorious Victorian gothic mystery
John Eric Bovill (1894-1916) another young life lost through war
Emma Levens (1873-1908) a story of love, marriage and motherhood in urban nineteenth century London
Edward Wackrill (1840-1878) a nineteenth century 'anti-vaxxer' who refused to be vaccinated against smallpox
Edward Henry 'Teddy' Bovill (1887-1916) just one of the many thousands of 'Missing of the Somme'
Margaret Todd (1736-1809) Overview with links to chapters on her story
