Author Archives: rosblack

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About rosblack

I am a freelance writer & author of 4 social history books, featuring female social reformers of the late 19th and early 20th century. In a previous life I managed a housing charity. I also give talks.

Don’t mock the Victorian Do-Gooders

Posted on December 8, 2010 by rosblack

I’m very much enjoying Ian Hislop’s “Age of the Do-Gooders” on BBC2. You sense Ian is always wanting to mock, but instead is finding himself deeply impressed by the courage and committment of his subjects. Next week he’ll be talking … Continue reading →

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Lady Henry Somerset and WT Stead

Posted on September 26, 2010 by rosblack

Lady Henry Somerset was the subject of a character sketch by the reknowned, some would call notorious, journalist WT Stead, printed in the Review of reviews in June 1893. Stead has been described as “an important contributor to the birth … Continue reading →

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Talk at Reigate Priory Park Pavilion Tuesday 7th Sep 7pm

Posted on August 30, 2010 by rosblack

I am giving an illustrated talk about Lady Henry Somerset at Reigate Priory Park Pavilion on Tuesday 7th September at 7pm. The event is free but due to space constraints, please book your place by emailing PrioryPark@ reigate-banstead.gov.uk Come along … Continue reading →

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New not always best at Kew Gardens

Posted on August 15, 2010 by rosblack

A recent visit to Kew Gardens made me think that new interpretations of old ideas are not always an improvement on the original. Being the middle of the school holidays, we thought we should take in the major attractions of … Continue reading →

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Sisters in Humanity

Posted on August 5, 2010 by rosblack

Isabel and Adeline Somers Cocks were daughters of the 3rd Earl Somers and his beautiful and vivacious wife, Virginia. A third daughter, named Virginia after her mother, sadly died in infancy from diptheria. The two girls had a privileged but … Continue reading →

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Finding those elusive markets for local interest books

Posted on August 3, 2010 by rosblack

Sell yourself to the local booksellers Continue reading →

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Book Launch at Eastnor Castle

Posted on August 1, 2010 by rosblack

I was thrilled to have a launch for my book about Lady Henry Somerset at Eastnor Castle on June 11th. The present owner, James Hervey-Bathurst, had been most helpful during my researches, allowing me to access the archives at Eastnor. … Continue reading →

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Promoting yourself

Posted on July 28, 2010 by rosblack

If you want to get your message across to the big wide world, it’s no good hiding yourself away. Don’t be modest. Shout about your successes. Put you work out where others can find you. And find you they will … Continue reading →

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Temperance doesn’t mean abstinence

Posted on July 28, 2010 by rosblack

The temperance movement was at its height in Britain in the late 19th century. With towns awash with alcohol-induced squalor, many strong-minded women realised that curbs were needed on the liquor trade. Some, as in America, advocated prohibition. Others, like … Continue reading →

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A Talent for Humanity – the life and work of Lady Henry Somerset

Posted on July 28, 2010 by rosblack

Why has the world forgotten about Lady Henry Somerset? She was an amazing woman, so ahead of her time. An orator, artist, journalist, writer and social pioneer, she led the Temperance Movement in the late 19th century, advocating curbs on … Continue reading →

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