A Legacy of Notebooks: Mum’s Story
Discovering The Notebooks
After our mum passed away, we discovered a collection of notebooks filled with vivid memories of her life growing up in Somers Town, London.
Mum’s Notebooks and published book
As I turned the pages, Mum’s voice came alive—brimming with love, strength, and humour. Her words painted a vivid picture of a world shaped by hardship, yet illuminated by resilience, colour, and the deep bonds of family. In that moment, I understood that her story deserved to be shared—not just for its historical importance, but as a heartfelt tribute to everyone who endured those times.
A Childhood Defined by Hardship
Born in 1926 during the Great Depression, my mother was just 13 when World War II began. At 14, her family was evacuated from London to Leicester. While in Leicester, her mother became seriously ill and was hospitalised, leaving my mother to care for her three younger brothers. Through her writing, she reveals her unwavering determination to keep the family together as her mother wished, and the courage it took to make that happen.
Family Heritage and Resilient Women
Her heritage tells a captivating story. Her mother was the eldest of 17 siblings, while her father’s origins remain somewhat of a mystery. On her mother’s side, she descends from a strong London background; her grandfather was a costermonger and the Pearly King of St Pancras. On her father’s side, her grandmother was a passionate suffragette, and from these roots, she inherited a sense of pride and a deep understanding of purpose.
A Lost London
Her memories open a window onto a London that has long since vanished—a city alive with bustling markets, coal yards, local shops, and unforgettable neighbourhood characters. Her words do more than preserve history; they bring it vividly to life.
A Young Woman’s View of Social History
What makes her story truly distinct is its perspective—a young woman coming of age amid war, loss, hope, and new beginnings. Her account reveals what it was like to grow up during such turbulent times, giving voice to countless others whose stories remain unheard.
Preserving Her Voice for Generations to Come
My deepest wish in sharing this book is to honour her voice and keep her memories alive. Her notebooks will now stand as a timeless legacy—not only for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren but for all future generations to glimpse life as it once was.