Memories of Shaw, 1911-1919, by Irene Jay

As a child Irene Jay, nee Staughton, went to live with her grand-parents, the Breadmores, at The Elms, Shaw, for the duration of the First World War. Her father had volunteered for the Royal Marines and when her uncle joined the Royal Flying Corps, her aunt and cousin joined the family at Shaw.

Irene gives an insight into life in Shaw and Swindon until 1919, when following her father's demobilization, the family moved back to London.

Her detailed descriptions of their cottage without any modern facilities, home grown seasonal vegetables, pig killing, making jams and wine, washdays and shopping reflect aspects of life which many people are re-exploring today.