Archives book wins national award
A book centred on a famous
Lancashire diarist from the 18th century and her fascinating life has won an
Alan Ball award.
Read More About the Book Here Buy the book here
Read More About the Book Here Buy the book here
“Miss Weeton, Governess & Traveller” is based on journal entries and other writings by Nelly 'Ellen' Weeton a governess who grew up in Wigan Borough and had to overcome many challenges including domestic abuse.
The book was published last year by Wigan Council’s Archives and Local Studies service and was edited by local historian, Alan Roby. This is the first time a publication involving the borough archives team has won the prestigious award, which encourages local history publishing by public libraries and local authorities.
Terry Bracher, convener of the Alan Ball award judging panel said: “There were several high quality entries this year but we felt that Miss Weeton, Governess and Traveller is an outstanding publication with engaging content that is accessible to a wide range of audiences.
“Alan’s
skilful editing and research for this new edition enhanced the reader’s
enjoyment and is a story that can be appreciated by audiences across the
country and beyond.
“The
book is also physically impressive and the reproduced images are brilliant
quality. Wigan Archives and Local Studies have been very active in local
history publishing so we are especially pleased that this book has been
recognised.”
Although
there have been books published about Miss Weeton before, Alan’s version is a
cut above the rest as he brings her story to a close in a single volume and
provides unknown information by revealing how she died.
Alan
said: “I first discovered the writings of Miss Weeton in the 1970s, and was
immediately fascinated by her largely self-taught ability to write from an
early age. Edward Hall, the editor of earlier editions was unable to complete
her story as the place and date of Nelly’s death were only discovered in recent
years as also was the demise of her estranged husband, Aaron Stock.
"My
book is very different because it has a conclusion. Miss Weeton’s life
post-1844, when she left Wigan to where and when she died was an important part
of my research.
“It
took three years full-time work to write and edit the material, with the
assistance of the archives. It never occurred to me when I began that I would
be the person responsible for bringing previously unknown knowledge of Miss
Weeton’s fascinating life to the public.”
Nelly Weeton was born in Lancaster in 1776 but grew up in Upholland and Wigan. She took over the running of her mother’s school at a young age and denied a marriage proposal to support the family.
When
she was persuaded into marriage she suffered serious domestic abuse at the
hands of her husband but resisted and secured a deed of separation at the price
of losing access to her daughter.
Councillor
Carl Sweeney, portfolio holder for resources and reform said: “Ellen’s story is
very powerful and I’m really proud of the service and of Alan who have worked
extremely hard on this book to share her story with future generations.”
The
book is available to buy from the Museum of Wigan Life, Wigan Archives, Leigh
Town Hall, Amazon and Waterstones.
(Introduction written by Ruth A Symes)
Listen to Ruth talking about her books here
(Introduction written by Ruth A Symes)
Listen to Ruth talking about her books here
Posted on Tuesday 6th
March 2018
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