Kathleen Brown was born on 28th May 1915 and was a maid at South Ormsby Hall from 1932 to 1941. Kathleen passed away in March 2020.
In the early 2000s, Kathleen began to write her life story. She documented her experiences, including those at South Ormsby Hall.
Here you can follow Kathleen Brown’s journey through a long and eventful Lincolnshire life. This is her tale in her voice, just as she wrote it. We hope you enjoy this moving account of a long life, fully lived.
Kathleen’s stories give us a vivid insight into life at South Ormsby Estate in the 1930s. With the events of those days fading from living memory, we are fortunate to have such a rich account of our pre-war heritage. Knowing our own past so intimately will ensure that we can rejuvenate the Estate while honouring the legacy of those who went before us.
Kath’s story is something we want to treasure and share with you all.
We’ve carefully divided her journey into eight weekly instalments.
We’ll follow Kath’s story from childhood to service at South Ormsby, then to marriage, motherhood and more.
Please check below for the latest instalment of ‘My Days’.
David Brown, Kathleen’s son, reflects on the emotional journey he took into his own heritage when he discovered his mum’s memoir, ‘My Days’. IN …
Of all the events and activities that mum experienced at Stones Place, the highlight came for her 104th birthday. Through MHA’s Seize the Day initiative …
Moving On Over the coming months, although mum felt she could no longer travel distances, we still went on shorter journeys to see family, go …
Life is so lonely now. I think of all the things I did at such-and-such a time, and I wish I could do them with …
Somersby Close As I sit writing this, it’s January 3rd, 2001. I am at David’s house – and of course his wife’s too. He is …
South Ormsby Hall I went to work at South Ormsby Hall in 1932. I hated it at first because I had nowhere to go on …
Leaving Home When I was 16, I went into private service at Market Stainton with the Parker family. They were great. I went there as …
Donington on Bain was about two miles from where we used to live. When we could, Grace and I used to walk to Stenigot to …
Prologue My mother, Kathleen Brown, encouraged by a neighbour, sat down in the early 2000s and began to write her life story. For someone who …
Many have been inspired by Kath’s story and sent us their memories to share with you. Entitled ‘Our Days’, these stories are from people who grew up in and around Lincolnshire, some still live and work here.
If you enjoyed reading Kath’s story, you’ll love these…
Veteran chef Mark Vines, 49 years, is South Ormsby Estate’s new cheese creamery operator. Hailing from Louth, Mark comes from farming stock and brings a …
When Dennis Hotchin returned from National Service with the RAF Regiment in Germany, Phyllis was working for Commander and Mrs Hamilton at Alfred, Lord Tennyon’s …
Dennis Hotchin, now 83-years old and living in Louth, spent most of his working life at South Ormsby Estate and experienced a great deal of …
Eileen Burrell was born in Sheffield in 1930 but grew up in Brinkhill. Her father was David Baumber, and her mother Amelia Baumber née Harvey. …
We’re most grateful to Sarah Billings. Inspired by our appearance on BBC Countryfile, Sarah shared her memories of life at South Ormsby Estate in the …
We’re most grateful to Phil Needham of Boston. After seeing our magnificent Lincoln Reds on BBC Countryfile, he shared some fascinating family memories with us. …
Jo Houlden was born in 1943. Her sister, Joyce Thorndyke, was 15-years older and entered service at South Ormsby Hall as a cook in 1942. …
