A
History of a Bedfordshire Farming Family
by
Jenny Fensom
Since
her earliest childhood Jenny Fensom recalls hearing tales and reminiscences
about her Fensom forebears, related by many of her older relatives. A
fascinating picture began to emerge of farming life at Berry Corner Farm, Thorn,
near Houghton Regis and Pond Farm and Manor Farm in Leagrave in the late
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries: a picture not only of farming and
everyday life in those distant times but of the personal dramas, both tragic and
comic, that her ancestors lived through. There was, for example, Great Aunt
Bertha’s elopement; Great Uncle Alf’s minor - usually humorous -
altercations with the law; Great Aunt Olive’s “moonlit flit”; and
Grandfather Ernest’s failed attempt to sort out his cousin Lois’s affairs
when she died intestate. Now that this older generation have all passed away
Jenny has decided to write a record of their lives before all memory of them
fades and their stories are lost for ever. Aided by her brother Anthony she has
compiled a compelling history of this old Bedfordshire family, bringing the
account right up to the modern day. The history includes many illustrative
photographs from family archives. The narrative is not entirely chronological as
Jenny moves backwards and forwards in time, better to record the lives of her
ancestors and present-day family.
A
book of interest not only to close family members but to Fensoms everywhere, and
anyone with a more general interest in genealogy.
Published
in a limited edition, 144 pages, £20 plus £1.50 p&p (£5 p&p abroad).
To order a copy contact Jenny Fensom on 01395 576825 or write to Jenny Fensom, 79 Sidford Road, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 9NJ UK.