Record

Ref NoBURN/2/118
Previous Ref NoBURN 2:118
TitleBurkin, Henriett: Memoirs of Henrietta Burkin
DescriptionDOB: 1915
DOD: N/A

Grew up in the East End of London, experiencing poverty and family struggles.
Her grandfather was disappointed at her birth, wishing for a son instead.
She assisted her family, particularly her mother, who started working in a boot factory at a young age.

Limited schooling due to financial constraints.
Though compulsory education was being discussed, her family needed her earnings.
She attended Green Coat School at a very young age due to her circumstances.

Mother worked in a tea packing department for 14 years and eventually became a forewoman.
Henrietta later took on various jobs and responsibilities, including making clothes for struggling family members and assisting in household tasks.

Married at Limehouse Church but faced immense hardship when her husband died of enteric fever days before she gave birth.
She struggled financially, raised her child while working at a workhouse.

Enjoyed music, dancing, collecting postcards, and storytelling.
She bought a banjo and a piano despite financial struggles, demonstrating a strong appreciation for music.

Experienced wartime struggles, evacuations, and rationing.
Witnessing significant moments in British history, including the Battle of Britain and the bombing of London.

Type-written

East End London, childhood poverty, family struggles, tea packing, enteric fever, rationing, wartime, evacuation, storytelling, music appreciation.
Related MaterialThis autobiography has been included as part of the Writing Lives project at Liverpool John Moores University. http://www.writinglives.org/?s=Henrietta+Burkin
LevelItem
Extent1
FormatBoth hard and digital copies
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