I was interested to see the item From the Files, 100 years ago, in regard to the 19-year-old girl escaping from the Pewsey Workhouse, dressed as a boy.
Having researched the files to compile a talk on the history of the Pewsey Workhouse, I was familiar with the story. What was even more fascinating was that, two weeks later, the Gazette contained a report of an offer of marriage for the girl, Elizabeth Kingstone, from a miner in South Wales, who even promised to pay her rail fare and lodgings until they could marry at Christmas 1913.
The Board of Guardians decided to leave the matter to the girl to decide for herself. I always wonder what, if anything, happened next.
I will be repeating the Pewsey Workhouse History talk for the Marlborough Farmers’ Group at Oare Village Hall today and for Easton Royal Heritage Group at Easton Village Hall on February 19.
Richard Giles, Charlton St Peter.
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