Lifting the lid on family history with history group talks

FROME Family History Group met on Tuesday 30th May and welcomed Miranda Pender to give a talk entitled, Lifting the Lid, A Musical Talk.

Illustrating her research with music, Miranda described several family disgraces including her great aunt, Norah C James whose first book was entitled Sleeveless Errand. This was banned under the Obscene Publications Act 1851. However, it was printed in New York and Paris. All copies in this country were destroyed. Norah C James went on to have about 70 titles published mainly harmless romantic stories.

Another of Miranda’s relatives was guilty of murder but found to be insane and committed to Broadmoor for life. On 12th December 1911 the Daily Express reported, “INSANE MURDERER. At Sussex Assizes to-day, Joseph James, chemist, of Hastings, was indicted for the murder of Frederick Wm. Womersley, manager of East Sussex Permanent, Benefit Building Society, by shooting him with a revolver. Medical evidence was given that prisoner was of unsound mind and, the jury finding he was unfit to plead, the judge ordered him to be detained during the King’s pleasure.”

Chair of the group, Christine Featherstone said, “Miranda’s presentation turned out to be very enjoyable. She gave us some background information about her interest in family history which was spurred on when she discovered some secrets that the family had carefully covered up for many years.

“Each example of Miranda’s rogue relatives was accompanied by a song written by herself, the audience thoroughly enjoyed this unique presentation and showed their appreciation.”

The next event will be on Tuesday 27th June where Sue Burne will demonstrate how our ancestors can range from agricultural labourer to royalty. All talks take place in Frome Library at 7.30pm. Entrance £3 and everyone is welcome.