When we Lived at Primrose Hill

In her memoir "When We Lived at Primrose Hill," Diana Farmbrough recalls her childhood at Finchers, Primrose Hill, and the dramas and tragedies of her life. She describes everyday life in the countryside, shopping trips to Wycombe, and her schooldays and Christmas. The family follows King George V's death and Queen Elizabeth I's coronation and plans to put souvenirs in a time capsule. Diana also goes back in time to stories of her great-grandparents and their resourcefulness in overcoming national events.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

In her captivating memoir, "When We Lived at Primrose Hill," Diana Farmbrough takes readers on a nostalgic journey back to her childhood, vividly recreating the cherished memories of living at Finchers, her family home in the picturesque rural surroundings of Buckinghamshire. As part of a large extended family, she shares the joys and challenges of growing up amidst the warmth and camaraderie of a close-knit community.

Diana vividly portrays the everyday life in the countryside, where she indulged in carefree activities like playing in the road with five stones, hopscotch, and skipping, while also venturing further afield to collect frogspawn. She describes shopping trips to Wycombe, a time before the advent of supermarkets, and shares vivid accounts of her schooldays and Christmases from bygone eras.

Through her memoir, Diana offers a glimpse into the family kitchen, where a procession of colorful local characters delivers essential goods such as milk, post, groceries, bread, meat, laundry, greengrocery, and ice cream on Sundays. As Diana and her sister Mary grow up, they witness their parents, Pete and Sybil, finding innovative and practical ways to enhance their happy family life.

There are moments of carefree amusement, such as when Pete purchases a car and the rationing of petrol comes to an end. The family follows significant national events, including the death of King George V and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth I, and plans to encapsulate these moments in a time capsule as a keepsake.

Diana also delves into the rich tapestry of her family history, recounting stories of her great-grandparents and their resilience in overcoming national events beyond their control. Their resourcefulness and determination serve as a testament to the strength and adaptability of the human spirit.

"When We Lived at Primrose Hill" is a heartfelt tribute to Diana's childhood and the cherished memories she holds dear. Through her vivid storytelling, she invites readers to step into her world and experience the joys, hardships, and triumphs of a bygone era. This memoir is a testament to the power of memory, family, and the enduring spirit of community.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 149 x 225 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803137001