A BOOK about the aunt of author P G Wodehouse has been published by a Corsham lady, recounting First World War life in Box.

Pat Whalley, of Elm Hayes, has published her book, The Shadow of Mary Deane, which details parts of Ms Deane’s life from her notebook and three of her diaries written during the late 19th and early 20th century.

The notebook and the diary of Ms Deane, which discusses growing up in Bath in the 1870s and then First World War life in Box, came into Mrs Whalley’s possession several years ago and after three years of research it is now available to all.

“I called it The Shadow of Mary Deane because there are still a few pieces of the jigsaw missing,” said Mrs Whalley. “I think it is an intriguing insight into Victorian life."

“I love doing research like this, finding out she lived in Cheyney Court in Box and the life she led. It is all very interesting and I want others to see that too.

“However, it is not a complete picture. It is exciting to find out these sorts of things about local history but the full story unfortunately still evades me.”

Mrs Whalley was doing research for another book when one of her clients informed her about the notebook and diaries that were found in Corsham’s Oatley's furniture store.

She was able to uncover that Ms Deane, born in 1845 in London, was the aunt of P G Wodehouse, who based his tempestuous character of Aunt Agatha of the Jeeves and Wooster books on Ms Deane herself.

“She had a privileged, well-to-do life, hanging around with celebrated actors, artists and the aristocracy,” said Mrs Whalley.

The book is available at the Corsham bookshop, in the High Street, and the town’s tourist information office.