The Angels of Englemere Wood

by Karen Farrington

The inspiring, uplifting true story of a group of London girls dispatched to a children's home in rural England during the Blitz where they would mix with royalty and see their lives changed forever . . .'An engaging war-time tale. These evocative first-person memories conjure a vivid picture of 1940s Britain, leaving a lasting impression' Lucy Fisher'A heart-warming story of hope and kindness' Daily Express_______In the shadow of war, a twist of fate brings together the poor girls of a London children's home, a grieving Lady in Waiting, and a nurse who changes all their lives forever.In the gruelling years between the two world wars, Queenie Clapton's family struggled to stay afloat. With a father traumatised by the first gruesome conflict, only finding respite in local pubs, and a mother working night and day trying to keep food on the table, Queenie and her sister were swept up by the Waifs and Strays Society - a network of homes caring for thousands of children across the UK. As war broke out, waifs and strays like Queenie had no idea what the future would hold.Recently widowed, Lady Peyton knew her sons, both handsome and upstanding, would be heading to the front lines. Finding herself alone for the first time in her life, the Lady in Waiting decided to open the doors of her now unnervingly quiet stately home to the London children's home looking for shelter from the Blitz.Under the guidance of the formidable nurse Matron Bailey, young girls from the Waifs and Strays Society moved in with their high society hostess. Instead of a rattle of bombs, they heard birdsong. After enduring raw poverty, the girls now attended knitting circles with royalty. They were given a new lease on life, building a family under the toughest of circumstances and a sense of purpose and community that lasted generations.This is the inspiring true story of that remarkable bond forged in times of trouble, and the women at the heart of it all.

Hardcover

Published July 21, 2022

About the author

Karen Farrington is a former journalist who has contributed to numerous publications on military history. She has also written extensively on assassinations, natural disasters, & religion.

Reviews

[Shelley Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting! Loved the way this book was written telling the story of the ‘waifs and strays’ of the individual girls living in Englemere Wood. The highs and lows, the care and love given to them by women so dedicated they gave up their own lives to look after them and the circle they maintained after they left the home. Compare it to todays care homes for young people and it proves we have got it so wrong today. A definite must read.

[Emma Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written, captivating and engaging whilst also being incredibly informative. You end up feeling close to the girls and the 'Angels' of Englemere Wood, as though you knew them personally. What a beautiful story and a reminder to appreciate what we have and all that happened prior to, during and shortly after the world wars.

[Sheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to read about the dedication Matron Bailey gave for the whole of her life to girls abandoned or neglected by their parents and with no prospects. Her method of tough love seemed to work and turn these girls lives around. They were lucky to have such a lovely home as Englemere Wood to grow up in which was such a contrast to the poverty into which they were born.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and interesting.

[Susan Molson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting insight into the war time evacuees and how a little love and care enabled the girls to flourish in later life.