The Project

The Women’s Verbal History project started as an exhibition I created for Women in the First World War, but as time went on it became apparent that there isn’t much written about the history of normal women and what they did or do on a daily basis.  As a result, I have embarked on this project to record, recognise and acknowledge the history of women in the United Kingdom.

This website has been created to help promote the project and record and recognise the contribution women have made to our society.  We are not against men and we are not saying that the history of men and women is not as important. The majority of history that is recorded is gender specific and class orientated (in the UK).  What we are saying is that that the history of women, in their everyday lives is not recognised or recorded.  My fear is that if we don’t record this history then it will get lost and we will never know what our grand mothers, great grandmothers, aunts, mothers, sisters and daughters have done.

If you or your ancestors would like to take part or you have a wonderful story about one of your female relatives please record their history here.  Together we can keep them alive. Together we can learn from their experiences and together we will remember that we have a strong history to be proud of.

My Mother the Artist

This is the quilt my mum made.
This is the quilt my mum made.

My mother created this quilt for my father in a few months.  She started from an idea in her head, a book and just went for it. I think she is very talented. Unfortunately my mother is on of the women who was born in and around WW2.  This is when the majority of women were told that all they had to do was go to school, find a husband and then look after the children.  This is so sad as she is a very talented woman.

In fact, I firmly believe that if she had been given the opportunity she would have been on of the first women in her family to go to University.

My Grandmother the adventuress

Fancy DressMy grandmother on my fathers side of the family was still lifting an anchor on the boat she helped sail round the Med with her husband (my grandfather).  Her lucky number must have been the number 3.  She met my grandfather and 3 years later married him.  3 years after that she had her first child, 3 years later her second child and then 3 years after that her third child.

 

My Great Grandmother the Entrepreneur

Sara and Julie

 

Once I have documented our verbal history I intend to create a book of the stories and experiences.  If you would like to take part in this project please contact me or write to me with your stories.  I would love to hear from you.