The lucky few
In the late 18th century Reverend Townsend of Bermondsey began raising funds and awareness to create the first education for deaf children who did not come from wealthy homes.
Maxine Clarke
The Many Lives of Alice Marie Lillie: Part One – Her Illness and Treatment
Maxine looks at the notes of another resident of Chiswick House, and finds a troubled woman gradually retreating into a world of make believe.
The Many Lives of Alice Mary Lillie: Part Two – Who Was Alice?
In her second look at the casenotes of one inmate of Chiswick House, Max focuses on her life in the years before she was admitted, and asks whether there are any clues here as to why she developed her illness.
The Inheritance of Arthur Knowles
Maxine uncovers the story of an inmate of Manor House Asylum, Chiswick who may have been suffering from a hereditary degenerative disease. But further digging suggests there may be more to her initial diagnosis…
Tender of their persons, and zealous of their rights: William Somner, a Canterbury hero
At a time of huge national upheaval during and after the Civil War, was there anyone around who still cared about England’s almshouses? Yes.
Becoming a History Detective
Maxine Clarke on the thrill of holding 14th century vellum – and realising that Chaucer’s Wife of Bath is deaf.