This book presents a social history based on archival material from three generations of the Caldcleugh, Lewis and Ancrum families and their friends’ journals, diaries, paintings and letters, from 1749 to 1898. The story unfolds with a honeymoon journal kept by Margaret, after her marriage to merchant Arthur Lewis, in Croydon, 1814. A detailed insight into travel through Regency Britain in a cramped landaulet carriage is unveiled as are their visits to historical, geological and industrial sites of interest such as Lancaster Cathedral, Peak Cavern (Devil’s Arse) and the Derby Silk Mill, revealing the places and people they meet.

The couple’s family and friends are introduced in more detail and the emigration of Margaret’s father to America in 1768 is recorded, along with his two elder brothers who ended up on opposite sides in the American War of Independence.

Follow Emily, Margaret’s youngest daughter, as she enters into an ‘arranged’ marriage with Dr Ancrum, surgeon superintendent of the British Naval Hospital, Valparaiso (1848–1857). Some of the events in this section are now commemorated by the issue of postage stamps by the Pitcairn Island Government of British Overseas Territories, using images from the book. In 1857 Emily returned to England with her small children on a voyage that was hazardous in the extreme. Ships that were hardly seaworthy, Yellow Fever sickness, and the possibility that she might die leaving her children in the hands of strangers – this was a harrowing story over which love ultimately triumphed. Such was the impact of Emily’s words on the author, that included in the book is an original score he composed for solo piano, to celebrate her resilience.

This is a remarkable story and journey, beautifully constructed through painstaking research and which provides a wealth of supporting and fascinating information.

This book is published by Cockshutts Press in association with Whittles Publishing.

This is an immersive and engrossing true story for anyone with an interest in the social history of this period, travel at the time and family histories.

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