Dora Annie by Sunbury-on-Thames authors Patricia Stone and Brian Bone give an insight into a very different childhood. Although written for children, it tells the story of Patricia’s grandmother (pictured right), starting out as a young girl and her tough but happy family life, who went to her first live-in job at the age of eight as a companion and helper to an unwell farmer’s wife.
It covers her adventures when she went into service at the age of fourteen as a Tweeny Maid, Nursery Maid and then finally a Ladies Maid, but it also focuses heavily on her home life, which is an intrinsic part of the narrative. ‘I am so lucky, thought Dora’. What an amazing insight into the life of a child in the late 1880’s. Today it is beyond belief that a child would be in work at the age of 8 but today we live in different times indeed!
“I loved my grandmother, and her extraordinary early life was so completely different from anyone nowadays that I found it fascinating. I’m sure others will feel the same,” comments Patricia.
You can find the book online (ISBN 9781789013542) but signed copies are available to buy at Skinners in Avenue Parade. The book is dedicated to the Children’s Society, a charity which Patricia Stone has supported for 21 years.