A Legacy of Notebooks
A Somers Town Girl – Mum’s Story
This is the inspiring true story of a young woman’s resilience through turbulent times—the Great Depression, World War II, evacuation, and beyond—spanning an extraordinary 96 years. These heartfelt stories, preserved in notebooks, were discovered by her children, Susan and Michael, after her passing, creating a lasting legacy. Now, her daughter Susan has brought these remarkable writings to life in a captivating book.
A Legacy Preserved – Mum’s Story
Susan writes……… Every word Mum wrote brought her beautiful voice back to me—a voice filled with warmth, strength, and that special tone she had when she smiled. It was truly wonderful to have these notebooks, knowing that every word came from her.
Her writing painted a vivid portrait of a world shaped by hardship, yet brightened by resilience, colour, and the enduring bonds of family. It became clear that her story deserved to be shared as a legacy for her three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The Book in Brief
A Childhood Marked by Hardship
Born in 1926, during the Great Depression, Mum was only 13 when World War II began. At 14, her family was evacuated from London to Leicester, a painful move made even more difficult when her mother fell seriously ill and was hospitalised. Despite her youth, Mum took on the immense responsibility of caring for her three younger brothers, aged 5, 7, and just 9 months. Her mother’s greatest wish was to keep the family together—a plea Mum met with unwavering determination and remarkable courage. She took her brothers and ran away to ensure they stayed united, fulfilling her mother’s hopes. Through her writing, Mum reveals the strength it took to bear such burdens and the resilience that shaped her spirit.
Family Heritage and Resilient Women
Her heritage is equally remarkable. Mum’s mother was the eldest of seventeen children—a testament to enduring family bonds—while her father’s origins remain a mystery. On her maternal side, she descended from resilient Londoners: her grandfather was a costermonger and the Pearly King of St Pancras. On her father’s side, her grandmother was a dedicated suffragette. From these powerful roots, she inherited both profound pride and a steadfast sense of purpose.
A London..Vanished
Her memories offer a glimpse into a London that no longer exists—a city bustling with markets, coal yards, local shops, and unforgettable neighbourhood characters. Her stories do more than preserve history; they breathe life into the past with striking clarity, offering a window into a vibrant era long gone.
A Young Woman’s Perspective on Social History
What sets her story apart is its unique viewpoint: that of a young woman navigating the challenges of war, loss, hope, and new beginnings. Her narrative vividly captures what it was like to come of age during such tumultuous times, giving voice to countless others whose experiences have remained untold.
Preserving Her Voice for Future Generations
My dearest wish in sharing this book is to honour Mum’s voice and keep her memories alive—not only for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but for everyone who lived through those remarkable times and for generations yet to come. These notebooks remain a lasting legacy, uncovering the inspiring true story of a young woman’s bravery during World War II, and offering a heartfelt tribute to the endurance of family, the courage of women, and the vibrant history of a vanished London.