Catalogue

Interview
97, MA200/106/106
Mantle Oral History Project

Speaker: Allen, Elizabeth, 1906 - , Interviewee, Female, Shop assistant, drapery; Dressmaker; Barmaid;
Speaker: Roberts, T., Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Recalls transient childhood as daughter of father in the Royal Navy. Mentions first job in drapery business in Deal, Kent. Recalls first marriage at 21 to Royal Marine and subsequent desertion by husband, leaving her a single parent. Describes meeting second husband, a miner, while working as a barmaid. Mentions evacuating her children during the Second World War and moving to Coalville. Recalls husband getting work at Ellistown pit, then Merrylees and Snibston after the war. Describes husband's work in mining, effects of ill health, washing before pit baths were introduced and coal allowance. Recalls yearly holidays to caravan at Skegness, pit outings, visits to the cinema and walking as only leisure pursuits. Describes her housekeeping allowance from her second husband, their whirlwind courtship and wedding. Also mentions first husband's fight to gain access to the children and the maintenance he had to pay. Describes second husband's help with the children and the death of one son.
Place of birth: Kingsbridge, Devon
Education:
Marital Status: Widowed, Children: sons: 6 Daughters: 3
Father's Occupation: Royal Navy
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire, Kent
Location: Town/Place: Coalville, Deal
Periods Covered: 1910s,1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s
Language: English

Recording Date: 18/7/1991
Playing time:
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.