A new book centred on a famous Lancashire diarist from the 18th century and her fascinating life is due to be published.
“Miss Weeton, Governess & Traveller” is based on journal entries and other writings by Ellen ‘Nelly’ Weeton, a governess who grew up in Wigan Borough and had to overcome many challenges, including domestic abuse.
The book is being published by local historian Alan Roby with the Wigan Archives and Local Studies service and will be officially launched on Thursday 20th October at the Museum of Wigan Life.
Ellen was born in 1777 in Lancaster but grew up in Upholland and Wigan. She took over the running of her mother’s school at a young age and denied a marriage proposal to support the family.
When she was persuaded into marriage she suffered serious domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, but fought back and secured a deed of separation at the price of losing access to her daughter.
Alan first discovered the writings of Ellen Weeton in the 1970s. He said: “When I first discovered Miss Weeton’s writings some 40 years ago, it never occurred to me that I would be the person responsible for bringing knowledge of her fascinating life to the public.
“The past 200 years has seen an unbelievable change in attitudes towards women, both within society and the courts. Miss Weeton’s life fully reflected the harsh society in which she lived.”
