The David Wood oral history collection, 1981-2012

This collection comprises 54 oral history interviews, four written transcripts and one lecture with people living in or around Barwell village in southwest Leicestershire, from 1883 to 2012. A view of Barwell is given through one resident's eyes. Other recordings include the experience of a village policeman during World War II, and life in the workhouse between 1939 and 1943. Working life is recalled in interviews recording diverse experiences such as that of a district nurse, working at a gas works during the Second World War, on a farm and in a traditional village bakery. Experience of the boot and shoe trade in Barwell is also recorded. One interviewee gives a history of Barwell, while another recalls the local school, church and post office.

The David Wood Collection comprises oral history interviews as well as other supporting material with residents of Barwell and the surrounding area. The interviews were undertaken by local historian David Wood as a personal project, from 1984 onwards. Copies of the collection were deposited with EMOHA in 2001.

Some material may be unavailable for general access

Full catalogue available via: https://archives.le.ac.uk/calmview/TreeBrowse.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog&field=RefNo&key=EMOHA%2f91

Cassette; born digital; paper

Copyright: Various different consent / copyright owners. See individual records for restrictions.

Transcripts and photos available for some interviews. David Wood produced a booklet entitled 'Putting life into history: memories of years gone by' (1985) which is also available through EMOHA, emoha@leicester.ac.uk.