Reference
AU10/102/1/84
Title
Handwritten letter
Date free text
29 October 1957
Production date
From: 1957 To: 1957
Scope and Content
"Thanks for your letter referring to the death of Miss Florence Eagles: also for yours of Sept.22nd which I was about to reply to. Miss Florence had a severe attack of shingles a short time ago, and it left her very weak: and that seems to have been the beginning of the end. She was buried in Richmond cemetery last Monday in the same grave as Diana, who died in 1951. I do not feel her death: she had not recognised me on any of my visits to her since she was carried out of 113 Queens Road to Roehampton Priory: I always felt it was a living death. Now we can think of her as at peace. She was always a wonderful friend to me, and before her mind became clouded, I found her a delightful and entertaining old lady. Her energy was simply astounding: she could cook and plan a dinnerparty for six people, dress and receive the guests, serve the meal (with Di's aid) from soup to coffee: entertain till 11: and be up at 6 next morning, at Mass by 8, with all the previous night's pots washed up! And all this when she was over 80.
She certainly left her heart behind at Ampthill. But Diana didn't: she said she was heartily glad to leave it. (I think that dastardly attack the grocer Simpson made on her affected her a great deal). But Florence had been in Ampthill a great many years. I think she is the last of the old ladies of Church St. who were so much in evidence when I came: the two Miss Hopkins, Miss Wingfield, Miss Crouch, the two Miss Fitts, the two Bartons, the two Eagles - now they are all gone! In fact, it is a different world!
The Church Scheme seemt to have had a good send-off: it should make a great difference to the church finances. I must say the Rector seems to be making his mark. Is the Professor still hanging out his board?
Francis Jackson and I had a most enjoyable weekend with my relations in Yorkshire. We visited Harewood House on the Sunday afternoon - they have a booklet like those issued at Woburn and Luton Hoo. I shall by the way be returning the latter to you, as you may want them for future visits. I see the World Nudists are going to Woburn next year! It is to be hoped they come prepared against the English summer!
You would be surprised if you saw the improvements in my entrance, and the adjoining flats. They have been finished and decorated, and I think they (and two more inside the castle) are the only flats remaining unsold.
I wonder if Aunt Eva is still with you!
Yours sincerely"
skiing
Level of description
item