Ada Marion Jefferis (1884-1981): Biographical Entry

1:379 JEFFERIS, Ada Marion,‘The Memoirs of A.M. Jefferis. Written by her Daughter’, TS, pp.1-19 (c.7,000 words). Brunel University Library.

Born 10 July 1884 at Bill Hill, near Wokingham. Died 1981. Father worked on the local estate. Youngest of 5 children (2 died before author’s birth). Educated at day school (1890-2); Forest Rd. School (1892-1900?). 

Married a gardener, 1903, with 2 children. Lived at Bill Hill (1884-c.1900); London (c.1900-3); Bill Hill (1903); Abbots Ann, near Andover (1903-6); Longham, near Bournemouth (1906-?); Sutton Courtenay (?-1920); Whitchurch (1920-).

Housemaid and ladies’ maid (1900-3).

No details of interests or activities.

Dictated to her daughter in 1979, the narrative provides a retrospect of childhood (schooling; games); village life and customs (May Day; ‘leasing’ or gleaning; visits by itinerant entertainers and sellers); celebrations to mark the relief of Mafeking; effects of war on village life (labour camps for Chinese sailors); and general observations on change and progress.

Available From:
Jefferis, Ada Marion. ‘The Memoirs of A.M. Jefferis. Written by her Daughter.’ Burnett Archive of Working Class Autobiographies. University of Brunel Library. Special Collections. 1:379.