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Interview
996, LO/351/302
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Anon, 1915 - , Interviewee, Female,
Speaker: Kirrane, S, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Brief outline of family background, school at St Margaret's, Leicester, work at Wyvern Park Pen Company. Recalls being a sickly child, visit to Groby Road Sanatorium age 7. Describes family circumstances that led her to Enderby workhouse, Leicestershire, age 9, which she liked, and Mill Hill House Receiving Home, Leicester, age 11, which she didn't. Describes life at Mill Hill, and at North Evington Infirmary [Leicester General Hospital] where sent due to illness. Remembers mentally ill patients, trying to induce epilepsy in one girl, briefly describes life there. Relates incidents of cruelty at Countesthorpe Cottage Homes, Leicestershire, chores, uniform. Outlines her progression through various jobs to moving to London age 18, having operation on eyes, joining army at outbreak of Second World War, eventually having breakdown. Describes her situation in London during blitz, being discharged from army, arriving at Towers Hospital, Leicester, 1941. Describes life at the Towers, trying to run away, taking drugs, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), having a 'lochotomy' [probably a leukotomy]. Briefly describes return to Towers after 'lochotomy'.
Place of birth: South Wigston, Leics.
Education: St Margaret's School, Leicester
Marital Status: Single, Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Language: English

Recording Date: 5/3/1987
Playing time: 1 hr
Access Restrictions: Name withheld Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:


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Last updated: 08/05/02
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