Dorothy from Hythe in Kent - Softcover

Thomas, Dorothy K.; Johns, Ruth I.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0954312708 ISBN 13: 9780954312701

Publisher: Plowright Press, 2004

Synopsis

Yougest of nine children, Dorothy was raised by parents determined their seven daughters would be educated. Her father left home at 15 to join the Army. After moving to the School of Musketry at Hythe, he became Sergeant Instructor and later Steward of the Officer's Mess. The family lived near Hythe beach and Romney Marsh and experienced the First World War's impact on the small town. As a child, Dorothy reported two spies she saw near a Martello Tower. Her life story includes historically interesting detail of Teacher Training College in London after experience as a Pupil Teacher. When trained, she taught first in Hythe and then (1920s) on the biggest Council Estate in Europe at Becontree, Essex. Her daughter, Ruth I Johns, tells her mother's story after marriage to writer, Gilbert O Thomas. This gives readers insight into the social mobility changes which expected her to conform to Middle Class 'norms' like giving birth in a nursing home. Her skills were myriad, including helping with Gilbert's proof correcting and Indexing of his books; entertaining visitors to his well-known model railway at Teignmouth, South Devon; taking in evacuees in World War Two; growing vegetables and managing a large house single-handed with two young children to care for ...At 75, she finally returned to the classroom as a volunteer teacher and loved it. For more see www.plowrightpress.co.uk

About this title

Review

Reviews in local Press where Dorothy lived (including Kent and Devon) and national Press, including the National Archives' Ancesters journal which said her book makes a fascinating social document of education in the early 20th Century. "On marrying Gilbert Thomas, a writer, she was forced to give up her job, both by the rules of education authorities, which then forbade married women teachers, and the social constraints of middle class attitudes". The Journal of Kent History especially mentions Dorothy's father, a long-serving army man and her childhood days in Hythe which: "by comparison with today were carefree, with her closely watching the lives of local fishermen and their dedication to the sea by serving as crew in the lifeboat. During the War, Dorothy became aware of the privations endured by the civilian population and the sad stories of soldiers going to the front, never to return". Stuart Bremner, College Archives, Southlands College, Roehampton University said: "It is a very interesting biography, with a mixture of family, local and social history, combined with the history of education."

Synopsis

First-generation educated seventh daughter brought up near Hythe beach and Romney Marsh, Dorothy loved teaching. Dorothy's MSS of the first 28 years of her life was found after her death. The Marriage Bar ended her career. Her family background and different life after marriage to writer Gilbert Thomas is told by her daughter.

Edition details

• Publisher: Plowright Press
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0954312708
• ISBN 13: 9780954312701
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288