So, what or where are you most looking forward to revisiting as lockdown eases.
I can't wait for the record offices and especially Local Studies in Swindon Central Library to re-open. I have documents and books I am desperate to get my hands on for research purposes.
Talking about research and books, the Library Shop in Swindon Central Library is offering a deal on my two books, Struggle and Suffrage in Swindon and the recently published Ladies of Lydiard available at £25 for the two.
The story of Swindon is that of a town of two halves. Transformed by the coming of the railways the women were on the front line of change, shaping the new industrial town and transforming the old market one. The story of Swindon's women includes artists and actresses, political activists and social reformers, as well as the ordinary women who worked in the factories, raised their children and made a difference. Struggle and Suffrage in Swindon tells the story of these women. From Mary Slade who headed the Prisoners of War Committee during the Great War and was awarded the MBE for her work to Edith New whose militant activities during the suffrage campaign helped secure the vote for women.
The Ladies of Lydiard tells the story of the women who called Lydiard House home. Lydiard House and Park has been in public ownership since 1943. Today around 700,000 visitors every year enjoy the 260 acres of beautiful parkland. In a history spanning a thousand years, the Lydiard estate has belonged to just five families. The men were adept at acquiring wealthy brides and spending their fortunes, while their wives were consigned to a private, passive life. Throughout the long history of the Lydiard estate the men have been in charge – or have they?
From Margaret Beauchamp, the medieval matriarch who inherited the Lydiard estate as an 11-year-old, to Bessie Howard, the gamekeeper’s granddaughter, who staked her claim with a surprise revelation at the funeral of Henry St. John, 5th Viscount Bolingbroke, the Lydiard ladies have been a force to be reckoned with. Now, for the first time the story of the Ladies of Lydiard is told.
Visit the Library Shop website for further details about the Select, Shop and Collect Service and take advantage of the deal on Struggle and Suffrage in Swindon and The Ladies of Lydiard.
