A Victorian's Inheritance

by Helen Parker-Drabble

Overview

Anxiety. Addiction. Depression.

We associate these words with the challenges of modern life. Rarely do we consider how these conditions shaped past generations.

Using archival sources, testimonies, and her grandfather Walter Parker's experiences, the author not only paints a vivid picture of life in an English Victorian village, but she also draws upon psychological theory to explore the lives of her working-class ancestors.

What did your forebears inherit from their parents? Which psychological characteristics did your ancestors hand down?

A Victorian's Inheritance can help you find answers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781916246638
Publisher:	Animi Press
Publication date:	05/03/2021
Series:	Who Do I Think You Were?(r) , #1
Edition description:	Large Type
Pages:	346
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.94(d)

About the Author

Helen, a former counsellor and family historian, has become a 'geneatherapist' whose mission is to use historical and current understanding of mental health, psychology, and neuroscience to deepen our understanding of our ancestors and benefit present and future generations. Helen holds a Diploma in counselling. Fascinated by psychological theory and the stories we develop to make sense of ourselves and our family, her original quest was to understand her Victorian grandfather, Walter Parker, born in 1885 in the English village of Upwell on the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire border. Walter migrated to Canada in 1907. Helen believes family history doesn't survive unless it's in print, so she pondered how to share what she had learnt. Inspired by the few trailblazers, she set out to write an engaging and accessible book that would not only explore working-class life in an English village, but could encourage other family historians to pass on what they have painstakingly discovered. During her research a transgenerational legacy of loss, trauma, anxiety, and depression unravelled. It revealed repeated patterns of behaviour that she too had unwittingly passed on. This discovery helped her understand her work's focus. It is through acknowledging and exploring psychology, neuroscience, and your ancestor's behaviour that you can develop a deeper understanding of those who came before you, and pass on a healthier legacy to your children and grandchildren.

Table of Contents

Notes to the reader 1

Currency 2

Dedication 5

Foreword 7

Preface 9

Chapter 1 Family 15

Walter's paternal Grandparents - Stephen Parker Snr and Frances née Moulton 16

The use of opium - Addiction in the family? 19

Walter's maternal grandparents - James Bates and Ann née Rands 21

Walter's parents - Stephen Parker Jnr and Ann née Bates 23

Family tree 31

Chapter 2 Upwell 33

A perilous birth - 18 April 1885 41

A working-class mother's responsibilities 44

The daily life of a working-class housewife 50

Family tree 54

Chapter 3 A New Life in Thorney 55

Exploring the village 64

Village hierarchy 78

Family tree 82

Chapter 4 An Alcoholic in the Family 83

Women and alcohol 85

The risk of public inebriation 90

Mental health: Intergenerational loss, trauma, and depression 92

The impact of trauma and addiction 99

Family tree 106

Chapter 5 School and Education 107

Girls' education 115

The school day, attendance, and wider learning 117

Expectations of children and their responsibilities 123

Family tree 130

Chapter 6 Traditional Games and Pastimes 131

A love of reading 134

Outdoor pastimes 136

Sports 139

Family tree 149

Chapter 7 Thorney Village Life 151

The Queen's birthday (and a cousin in jeopardy) 152

The Thorney annual feast 159

The church garden fete 160

The Thorney Foresters Society fete and gala 165

Children's school treats and outings 168

Music, dance, and entertainments 170

Lifelong learning 172

The horse and foal show 175

Hospital Sunday 178

Politics and unions 178

Holidays 179

Christmas 185

Church and chapel 188

Family tree 193

Chapter 8 Health 195

Common illnesses 199

The medical officer 202

Pulmonary and bovine tuberculosis 202

Family tree 205

Chapter 9 A Farm Labourer 207

The working day 209

What Walter wore 210

Farming culture on the Bedford Estates 211

Farm work 213

Agricultural pay 216

Harvest 218

Chapter 10 All Change 223

Guiding the next generation 224

Thrown out of the Tank Yard 229

Stephen Parker - A man of property 231

Walter's sisters 232

Emigration 243

Canadian propaganda 247

Postscript Walter's refusal to doff his cap 253

Appendix A Wisbech Division Petty Sessions 1887 257

Appendix B Games & Pastimes 259

What's the time, Mr Wolf? 259

Bulldog 260

Pick up Sticks 260

Blind Man's Buff 260

Pin the tail on the donkey 261

Appendix C Letter from Cousin Theo, 1900 263

Appendix D Apprenticeship Indenture 265

Acknowledgements 269

About the author 271

About the history consultant 273

Endnotes 274

Bibliography 311

Index 336

Editorial Reviews

A Fascinating and Thought-Provoking Read

Helen's book works on many levels. It's a moving, true family story and a fascinating observation of social history. But it's also an exploration of who we are, and to what extent that is predetermined by our 'psychological inheritance'. The book is thought-provoking, well-written, meticulously researched and packed with intriguing revelations and photographs. Whether you have an interest in Helen's family (and I did not, at the outset) there is much to discover and enjoy. I'm looking forward to the next two parts. Thoroughly recommended. Author Alex Dunlevy

A definite keeper for both genealogists and psychologists

This book covers two great topics, genealogy research and mental health in a manner that provides the reader insights on tackling both areas well. Often the past can provide a look at circumstances and events in a new light. Genealogy research can find a descendant wondering why a particular ancestor left a family, landed in prison, or became a deserter in a war. Helen Parker Drabble tackles these kinds of situations in such a way as to say, "Oh, I get it, I understand." Adding the context surrounding a persons' life is not an easy task and Helen has done this very well. I highly recommended this book for anyone who had crossed paths with wondering why about an ancestor! The clues and guidance provided in this book will help the reader learn how to find those answers. Enjoy!' Claire, USA

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author's understanding of mental health issues and her interest in epigenetics shines through and helps us to understand where the main character (Walter) is coming from and what forms him. I have immense compassion for his mother - who, had she been born in more recent times, may have received better support. The book clearly illustrates the Victorian attitudes towards women and the general culture The author has obviously spent much time researching her subject but has also written from the heart. The book contains lots of lovely photographs and copies of documents which further enrich the reader experience. I highly recommend this, even if you have never thought of reading this kind of book before now. You won't be disappointed! Carol, UK

A must read for genealogists

A fascinating insight into the lives of Walter and his family, the book is a tribute to the passion for and detailed research of, family history, by its author. Her blend of professional counselling experience and commitment to detailed research, produces an engrossing and entertaining book. It demonstrates what can be done to those of us who have simple marriage, birth and death dates in our family trees. This book fills in the gaps using a range of historical sources, family archives and marvellous photographs. Stephen, UK

This book has given me a fascinating insight into the lives of my ancestors. A whole new side to genealogy that I had not considered has inspired me to look at some of my own ancestors in a new light. I did need to work out the family tree a bit before I got too far into the book, but I found it all interesting and thought provoking. Jill, UK

From the Publisher