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Lincolnshire History

Kathleen Brown was born on 28th May 1915 and was a maid at South Ormsby Hall from 1932 to 1941. Kathleen passed away in March 2020.

In the early 2000s, Kathleen began to write her life story. She documented her experiences, including those at South Ormsby Hall.

Here you can follow Kathleen Brown’s journey through a long and eventful Lincolnshire life. This is her tale in her voice, just as she wrote it. We hope you enjoy this moving account of a long life, fully lived.

Kathleen Brown quote

Years of memories...

Kathleen’s stories give us a vivid insight into life at South Ormsby Estate in the 1930s. With the events of those days fading from living memory, we are fortunate to have such a rich account of our pre-war heritage. Knowing our own past so intimately will ensure that we can rejuvenate the Estate while honouring the legacy of those who went before us.

Kath’s story:

Kath’s story is something we want to treasure and share with you all.

We’ve carefully divided her journey into eight weekly instalments.

We’ll follow Kath’s story from childhood to service at South Ormsby, then to marriage, motherhood and more.

Please check below for the latest instalment of ‘My Days’.

Old letter - A labour of love

My Days – a Labour of Love

David Brown, Kathleen’s son, reflects on the emotional journey he took into his own heritage when he discovered his mum’s memoir, ‘My Days’.   IN …

The Lincolnshire wolds

My Days – Chapter Eight

Of all the events and activities that mum experienced at Stones Place, the highlight came for her 104th birthday. Through MHA’s Seize the Day initiative …

The sea

My Days – Chapter Seven

Moving On Over the coming months, although mum felt she could no longer travel distances, we still went on shorter journeys to see family, go …

The beach and the pier when the sun is setting

My Days – Chapter Six

Life is so lonely now. I think of all the things I did at such-and-such a time, and I wish I could do them with …

Chapter Five - The old house

My Days – Chapter Five

Somersby Close As I sit writing this, it’s January 3rd, 2001. I am at David’s house – and of course his wife’s too. He is …

Ormsby Hall

My Days – Chapter Four

South Ormsby Hall I went to work at South Ormsby Hall in 1932. I hated it at first because I had nowhere to go on …

the night sky

My Days – Chapter Three

Leaving Home When I was 16, I went into private service at Market Stainton with the Parker family. They were great. I went there as …

Banner Image

My Days – Chapter Two

Donington on Bain was about two miles from where we used to live. When we could, Grace and I used to walk to Stenigot to …

Group Photo

My Days – Chapter One

Prologue My mother, Kathleen Brown, encouraged by a neighbour, sat down in the early 2000s and began to write her life story. For someone who …

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