Levens family members were key figures in Croydon’s bell ringing tradition, elevating the art over several generations
The Levens family and Croydon’s bells
Author: Natalie Mayhew
Originally a London girl, now living in Rochester, Kent. Fascinated by social history and passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion
Missing: a journey from capture to captivity
Ted Mayhew (1919-1982): A young soldier's journey from capture to captivity, as his family faces the uncertainty of his fate during the Blitz
Not just a pretty face
Ellen Kirby (1851-1924) whose humble origins in rural Berkshire contrasted sharply with her later success as a respected housekeeper, wife, and businesswoman
The mysterious disappearance of Arthur Earle
Arthur Earle (1896-1977) a soldier in WW1, later disappeared and started a new life in England, leaving a tale of resilience and transformation.
Ted’s wartime journey begins
Ted Mayhew (1919-1982): His WWII journey began in France, and he survived the breakout from Cassel before being captured
A trailblazing free-thinker
Vera Conway Gordon (1874-1955) a suffragist, novelist, community leader, advocate for women's rights, and trailblazer for social progress
A Good Friday sacrifice
Percy Henry Gordon (1885-1912) on Good Friday 1912 a young hero sacrifices his life to save a little girl from drowning in Rochester, Kent
A woman before her time
Meta Brevoort (1825-1876) an intrepid Victorian mountaineer and the first female climber to wear trousers
Smokes, skies, and simple pleasures
Charlie Mayhew (1902-1969) one man's quest to escape the mundane confines of a working-class life
A ‘blue on blue’ disaster
A tragic wartime incident during a military demonstration when a pilot mistakenly fired on spectators, causing the deaths of dozens of Army and Home Guard officers and men
