Tag Archives: england

Letter: Genial automotive snobbery and the rain in England in 1926

Written on Sunday, June 27, 1926

A letter to Gwyneth from her father. “Mater” is her step-mother and Alan and Dennis her younger brothers. This letter is interesting to me primarily because of the mention of the car (and related snobbery against Fords) and for the description of the rainy weather.

1926 was in fact a very wet year in the south of England, where Gwyneth’s father is writing this letter. But 1926 wasn’t that wet everywhere, and in fact the UK overall managed to accumulate a lower-than-average amount of precipitation (lower by about 30mm compared to the decade surrounding it). I managed to find the map, below, showing exactly how wet and where.

Black and white line drawing map of the British Isles from 1926 showing areas of greater rainfall as black.This was an interesting excursion in internet research and I regret not being able to correctly reference the above image due to a series of computer misfortunes. I believe it to be part of the archives of the British Meteorological Society, and if anyone is able to point me to a more specific reference, please leave a comment.

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The Teachers’ Provident Society
Registered under the Friendly Societies Act (No. 296 London)
Offices: Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London, W.C. 1.
Sunday – June 27th 1926

My dearest Gwyneth,

Another week gone – another Sunday arrived and another mail gone without a letter from me. Now therefore, I am putting aside T.P.S. work, leaving examination marking, and writing a few lines. Mater writes regularly I know, or I would send if only a postcard.Well, dear, now that I am writing – what’s the news? Nothing. I’m afraid that’s our usual cry. Still I know how we welcome a letter from you and how nice it is for you to know we haven’t forgotten you.

You know I have a bought a second-hand Morris Oxford motorcar. The Morris is the English “Ford” but the appearance is much better. “A Ford with an Oxford education.” It was in very good order, and it runs very nicely. We visited Frampton last Easter and went by car. It was a lovely day and we had a lovely run. We only use it twice a week – Wed. + Sat. afternoons (if fine). We hope to ride to Frampton in it this summer (if summer comes) holiday. We shall start about the beginning of the second week in August I expect. I hope we shall get a few fine days. So far this “Summer” has been on continual rain period. This evening again promises rain. We have no fruit on the trees, and reports in England bear the same tone – no fruit this year.We all keep very well – very well indeed. Dennis + Alan are both as happy as can be even when quarrelling. This morning Alan looks at a picture of a little girl with large round wide-opened eyes. “Mummy, I don’t like “they” eyes this little girl is wearing.” He took the picture to the mirror and showed her the eyes he wears, and told her his were better than they. He is very funny at times + so full of life.

Auntie Ethel is not very well. She went with us yesterday afternoon and looked far from well. She hasn’t stopped her work but has to visit the doctor. W. Gasper is as well + energetic as ever. Mip Laver is going to London this week to spend some days with her mother as she will not be able to visit her in August since she will be at Frampton in our little cottage.

Many thanks my darling for writing so regularly. I hope you will continue to do so, for we get anxious when no letter arrives.I hop you will succeed in keeping your post. Keep your shorthand going and practise as much as you can.Goodbye darling. Fondest love from us all. Dennis often speeks of you.

Ever your affectionate,

Dad.

Many thanks for snaps.

Letter: The British Blackout during the 1940s (or late 1939)

Written on

Nell is the older Woodbridge sister living in England who didn’t go to Japan with the rest of the family in 1914. She is writing to her sister Floss who was, by that time, in Canada.

I didn’t know when the blackout was implemented during the war in England, but according to Wikipedia, “Blackout regulations were imposed on 1 September 1939, before the declaration of war”. Although the letter isn’t dated, it’s likely that it was written in the 1940s, rather than during 1939.

Another interesting point about the Blackout learned from Wikipedia just now: “In actual warfare, according to M. R. D. Foot, blackouts do not impair navigation by bombers because navigators focused more on reflected bodies of water, railroad tracks, or large highways. The chief purpose is to mobilize the entire civilian population, and provide a test to make sure they are obeying the rules.”

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Dear Floss.

I came across this pic of the old town and thought perhaps you would like it. It has not altered, only the Iron Posts have been taken away because they were dangerous in the Black out. What a blessing when this Black out is over + done with. every time I have to put it up I feel I could scream. I feel kind of suffocated. I hope you are keeping OK. I have just written a line to Dad + also Will so please excuse these so few words. I wonder when we shall see each other again. You might as well be on the other side. keep smiling Love Nell

Nell's letter