-10th August 1859 I have often thought how much I would like to keep a journal of my every day life in England.
INTRODUCTION by LADY ASH COMBE
Emma Dent's presence began to assert itself almost as soon as I took over responsibility of Sudeley Castle in the early 1970's. Everywhere I looked there was nothing this extraordinary woman had not had a hand in. Her achievements at Sudeley and in Winchcombe and its environs left a daunting and salutary example of Victorian philanthropy. My image of her was a stern arid intimidating matriarch. It was not until years later, when I discovered her diaries that a softer, more intriguing truth was revealed. Here was a woman with a wry sense of humour, a deep enduring love for her husband and a fiercely unconvential streak. Often alone and suffering from an oppressive sense of duty, she seemed happiest when travelling.
Besides her diaries a wealth of personal items, scrapbooks and trunks full of lace and needlework remained tucked away in the old 'Long Room', (where the exhibition is now housed) unexplored for three-quarters of a century. I felt an interesting tribute to Emma's life at Sudeley could be created from this odd assortment of memorabilia
I'm grateful to Douglas Barrett for his interest and for his help in putting together this project which resulted in "The Lace and Times of Emma Dent". The surfeit material forced us to be very selective in choosing the quotes. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as we enjoyed finding them.