Helen Baggott
ALLi Author Member
Location: United Kingdom
Genres:
Helen Baggott grew up in Swanage. Although she no longer lives in the seaside town, home is still in Dorset. She is a freelance editor and writer. She particularly enjoys social history and local history and has written for local magazines. Her most recent project is researching the stories behind postcards sent more than 100 years ago. The first collection of stories has been published in Posted in the Past. "I was enthralled by the social history that you extracted from the cards: so many stories hinted at by so few words, and all waiting to be uncovered by sympathetic and subtle research." R.R., Wimborne
Helen Baggott's books
Genres: General Nonfiction
Formats: Paperback
Posted in the Past – the man who helped prepare Kitchener’s last meal and other true stories. A young pupil writing to a teacher, a courting couple that might get married, a 10-year-old servant working for a laundress in 19th-century Bath, a maid who worked for Edward VII's doctor – all are connected by messages sent using the first real social media phenomenon of the 20th century. Using a genealogist’s toolbox, Posted in the Past reveals the stories behind postcards sent more than a hundred years ago. The safe arrival of a precious grandchild, a train delayed by the first national rail strike, bad weather, good luck – messages that go beyond ‘wish you were here?’ and open the door to the past. Weavers, button makers, butlers, motor bus drivers, a fitter of sanitary appliances and even the owner of a steamship – industrious employment from mills to the sea...