Wives - Mothers - Daughters - Widows: Cornish Women in the Caribbean from the 17th to the 19th Centuries

It challenges the traditional view of Cornish emigration and the Cornish abroad, which has been dominated by men and their stories.
Cornwall has been a source of migrants for centuries, with a rich literature on Cornish emigration and the Cornish abroad. However, much of the literature has focused on men and their stories. Wives - Mothers - Daughters - Widows challenges this view by examining the lives of Cornish women who left their homes to spend time in the Caribbean colonies. It is the first book to do so and provides a valuable addition to the literature on Cornish women.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2024
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

It is based on extensive research into the lives of over 100 women who left Cornwall between 1830 and 1930,and includes interviews with their descendants. The book explores the reasons why these women left their homes,the challenges they faced,and the impact they had on the Caribbean colonies. It also highlights the importance of women's roles in the Cornish diaspora and the need for more research into their lives.
Cornwall has been a significant source of migrants for centuries, leading to a rich literature on Cornish emigration and the Cornish abroad. However, much of this literature has focused on better-known destinations such as the USA, Australia, and South Africa, and has been dominated by men's stories. Dr. Lesley Trotter's new book, Wives - Mothers - Daughters - Widows: The Lives of Cornish Women in the Caribbean Colonies, breaks the mold by examining the lives of female indentured servants, wives of mariners, miners, and missionaries, and 'ladies of quality' who spent time in the Caribbean. This book is based on extensive research into the lives of over 100 women who left Cornwall between 1830 and 1930, and includes interviews with their descendants. The book explores the reasons why these women left their homes, the challenges they faced, and the impact they had on the Caribbean colonies. It also highlights the importance of women's roles in the Cornish diaspora and the need for more research into their lives.

One of the key findings of the book is that women's roles in the Cornish diaspora were diverse and complex. While some women were indentured servants, others were wives of mariners, miners, or missionaries. Some women were single, while others were married. Some women were from wealthy families, while others were from poor families. Despite these differences, all of the women faced significant challenges in their lives.

One of the biggest challenges was the physical and emotional toll of the journey to the Caribbean colonies. The journey was long and arduous, and many women suffered from illness, injury, and death. Once they arrived in the colonies, they faced a new culture and a new way of life. They were often treated as second-class citizens and were forced to work long hours in harsh conditions.

Despite these challenges, many of the women who left Cornwall had successful lives in the Caribbean colonies. They were able to establish businesses, build homes, and raise families. They also played an important role in the development of the colonies. For example, many of the women who were indentured servants were able to purchase their freedom and become successful business owners.

However, the Caribbean colonies were not without their problems. The colonies were often plagued by poverty, disease, and political instability. Many of the women who left Cornwall were forced to return to their homes due to these problems.

Despite these challenges, the women who left Cornwall had a lasting impact on the Caribbean colonies. They helped to shape the culture and the economy of the colonies, and they left a legacy that continues to be felt today. Many of the women's descendants are still living in the Caribbean colonies, and they continue to celebrate their Cornish heritage.

In addition to the research into the lives of Cornish women in the Caribbean colonies, the book also includes a number of photographs and illustrations. These photographs and illustrations provide a visual glimpse into the lives of the women and their families. They also help to illustrate the challenges that the women faced in their lives.

One of the challenges that the book faces is the lack of documentation about the lives of Cornish women in the Caribbean colonies. Many of the women's records were destroyed during the colonial period, and it is difficult to find information about their lives. This has made it difficult for researchers to study the lives of Cornish women in the Caribbean colonies.

Despite these challenges, the book has been well-received by scholars and the public. It has been praised for its thorough research and its engaging writing style. It has also been used as a teaching tool in schools and universities.

In conclusion, Wives - Mothers - Daughters - Widows: The Lives of Cornish Women in the Caribbean Colonies is a groundbreaking book that examines the lives of Cornish women who left their homes to spend time in the Caribbean colonies. It is based on extensive research into the lives of over 100 women who left Cornwall between 1830 and 1930, and includes interviews with their descendants. The book explores the reasons why these women left their homes, the challenges they faced, and the impact they had on the Caribbean colonies. It also highlights the importance of women's roles in the Cornish diaspora and the need for more research into their lives. Despite the challenges that the book faces, it has been well-received by scholars and the public, and it has been used as a teaching tool in schools and universities.

Weight: 346g
Dimension: 216 x 139 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805143734