In writing and then rewriting autobiographical remembrances recalling three decades of marriage and ensuing years of widowhood, Elizabeth Freke strikingly redefines the relationships among self, family, and patriarchy characteristic of early modern women's autobiography. Suffering and sacrifice dominate an extensive ledger of disappointment and bitterness that reveals over time the complex emotions of a Norfolk gentry woman seeking significance and even vindication in her hardships and frustrations. The infirm woman who eventually found herself utterly alone remained to the end a contentious, melodramatic, yet formidable figure - a strong-willed, even sympathetic person intent upon asserting herself against what she perceived as familial neglect and legal abuse. By making available both versions of the remembrances in their entirety, this new, multiple-text edition clarifies the refashioning inherent in each stage of writing and rewriting, recovering with unusual immediacy Freke's late seventeenth- and early eighteenth-century domestic world.
Secret Norwich explores the lesser-known history of the city of Norwich through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.
Securing the long-term survival and status of the family has always been the principal concern of the English aristocracy and gentry. Central to that ambition has been the successful management of their landed estates, whilst failure in this regard could spell ruination for an entire family. In the sixteenth century, the task became more difficult as price inflation reduced the value of rents; improved management skills were called for. In Norfolk, estates began to change hands rapidly as the unaware or simply incompetent failed to grasp the issues, while the more astute and enterprising landowners capitalised on their neighbours' misfortunes.When Sir Hamon Le Strange inherited his family's ancient estate at Hunstanton in 1604 it was much depleted and heavily encumbered. The outlook was bleak: such circumstances often led to the disappearance of families as landowners. However, within a generation, he and his remarkable wife Alice had modernised the estate and secured the family's future. After 700 years, the Le Stranges still survive and prosper on their estate at Hunstanton, making them the longest surviving gentry family in Norfolk. The first part of this book presents new research into the secret of their rare success. A key aspect of their strategy was a belief in the power (and economic value) of knowledge: Hamon and Alice wanted to ensure that their improvements would endure for posterity. To this end, they curated their knowledge through meticulous record-keeping and carefully handed it down to their successors. This behaviour, instilled in the family, not only facilitated on-going reforms, but helped future generations overcome the inevitable reversals and challenges they also faced.The second part of the book collects together four related papers from Elizabeth Griffiths' research about the Le Stranges, Hobarts and Wyndhams, republished from the Agricultural History Review and edited from two Norfolk Record Society volumes. For anyone interested in early modern rural society and agriculture and the history of Norfolk gentry estates, this volume will be essential reading, offering as it does new perspectives on the history of estate management, notably the role of women, the relationship with local communities and sustainability in agriculture.
Located in Eastern North Carolina, Elizabeth City exists today as a favorite stop among boaters and travelers, while remaining a beloved community for its residents. The city possesses a distinct character, flavored by warm weather, friendly residents, a revitalized waterfront, and historic architecture. With the many waterways that surround the area, such as the Pasquotank River, the Albemarle Sound, and various other creeks and streams, it is not surprising that the city's history has been greatly shaped by such canals. With the completion of the Dismal Swamp Canal in 1805, which connected these waterways with Norfolk's port, Elizabeth City residents were able to offer their agricultural and lumber goods to the world. Elizabeth City is a volume that shares with readers keepsakes from the town's defining years. Vintage photographs, many taken by well-known Elizabeth City photographer William Henry Zoeller, come alive through descriptive text. Spotlighted are the many residents who contributed to the city's heritage, whether publicly or in a smaller, more personal fashion, including Dr. A.L. Pendleton and his family in the city's first automobile and the Wright Brothers who stayed in the city for a while before making their way to Kitty Hawk. Other images offer glimpses of the ever-changing streets and waterfront, as well as the various forms of architecture that have lined both over the years.
Norfolk Southern Railway's history in southeastern Virginia began in the mid-19th century when a young civil engineer named William Mahone designed an innovative 12-mile-long roadbed through the Great Dismal Swamp that is still in use today. Trees were felled and laid side by side at right angles beneath the swamp's surface, forming a corduroy road, with the roadbed built on top of the logs. The logs sank into the boggy swamp, where they were preserved. Nearly 170 years later, Mahone's corduroy design continues to serve as a major route for Norfolk Southern traffic, supporting millions of tons of freight each year as the railroad provides extensive service throughout Hampton Roads. One of the nation's largest Class 1 railroads, Norfolk Southern was created through the merger of Roanoke-based Norfolk & Western Railway and Washington, DC-based Southern Railway in June 1982.
Approximately 135 detailed period photographs from the Francis Frith archive with extended captions and full introduction. Suitable for tourists, local historians and general readers. Includes a voucher for a free mounted print of any photograph shown in the book.
A Mouse in the House is a loveable tale about three little tails, constantly thinking with their bellies but always following their hearts. Slow Pete, the old and wise rat, leads Big Ralph, the large and brave rat, and Du Moe, the small but courageous mouse, through all sorts of adventures. But living in Mr. Newman’s house isn’t all fun and games. When a robbery leaves Mr. Newman tied up and stranded, the three little friends come to his rescue and prove to him that rodents aren’t really all that bad. Whether it’s Slow Pete making a pair of glasses for Du Moe, or Big Ralph taunting humans to entertain his friends, A Mouse in the House is a story about companionship, bravery, perseverance, and teaches that sometimes, big fun comes from small heroes.
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