The Angels of Englemere Wood: The uplifting and inspiring true story of a children’s home during the Blitz

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, and meet the formidable nurse and Lady in Waiting who transformed their lives forever . . .'A heartwarming story of hope and kindness' Daily Express'An engaging war-time tale. These evocative first-person memories conjure a vivid picture of 1940s Britain, leaving a lasting impression' Lucy Fisher__________Bombs were falling all over Britain . . .For one young Londoner in a children's home - Queenie Clapton - it might have been the end of the world. Yet swiftly evacuated Queenie, along with the other children taken up by the Waifs and Strays Society, escaped the shattered streets.Instead, she found herself invited into the stately home of Dorothy Peyton, a recently widowed Lady in Waiting. There, under the formidable guidance of Matron Bailey, Queenie discovered a new birdsong, knitting circles and taking tea with royalty.In such unfamiliar, unlikely surroundings, might Queenie and the other waifs and strays have finally found somewhere to call home?This is the inspiring true story of that remarkable bond forged in times of trouble, and the woman at the heart of it all.__________'A well-documented, imaginatively empathetic account' The Times Literary Supplement'Full of fascinating detail, affectionately told, The Angels of Englemere Wood is by turns a humbling, touching, astonishing and ultimately uplifting read' Joanna Toye'An exquisite, meticulously researched account of what happened to Britain's disadvantaged children and all who touched their lives when war came. Gentle, fascinating, nostalgic - I loved being in the company of this beautiful humane book' Tessa Dunlop 'A winning blend of nostalgic personal narratives with a detailed social history of World War Two. I guarantee you'll be charmed by every one of the cast of waifs and strays, as well as by the "Angels" who took care of them' Duncan Barrett

321 pages, Kindle Edition

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.