The First World War was the conduit for some of the most dramatic changes in the role of women in British society. Suffragettes gave up their militant protests to support the war effort, and from the moment war broke out women were ready; many had already trained as military and Voluntary Aid Detachment nurses. As more and more men left to serve in the armed forces more and more jobs, most of them pre-war preserves of men, were taken over by women, from postal deliveries to tram clippies, and delivery drivers to land workers. 
The public outcry over the 'Shells Scandal' of 1915 led to unprecedented pressure to employ more women. The women were willing and 30,000 of them voiced their demand in one of the largest protest marches through London under the banner of 'We demand the right to serve.' And so they did, as the munitions factories expanded, and by the end of the war new military units such as the WAAC, WReNS and WRAF were created.
Told through historical documents, memoirs, photographs, uniforms and ephemera the authors present a study in empathy of those dramatic times, from women serving as nurses both at home and on the frontlines, to serving in weapons and other factories throughout Britain, to the uniforms and legacies of these brave volunteers.

Women in the First World War (Shire Library, 575)

History

Storey, Neil R.

Housego, Molly

Europe

Shire Publications

When the winds of war blew for a second time the women of Britain answered the call. Many of the first to volunteer had served in World War I, and now they offered their services again, bringing their daughters with them. During World War II, women proved themselves indispensable to the war effort, serving in both military uniformed units abroad and in home front organizations through the darkest hours of the Blitz. Illustrated with contemporary black and white and some rare color photographs, documents and ephemera, this poignant and moving book tells the stories of these women in their own words.

Women in the Second World War (Shire Library)

Historical Study & Educational Resources

From gaslit city streets to dark wooded estates, crime was rife in Victorian Britain; through a wide array of historical court records, newspaper accounts and prison books, The Victorian Criminal gives a fascinating overview of those involved in it. Within these pages may be found accounts of petty criminals and poachers, baby farmers and notorious murderers, along with stories of the development of detective forces and forensic techniques. Countless novels, plays and films are testament to an enduring fascination with the dark aspects of the time and place that gave us Sherlock Holmes, Wilkie Collins and the great works of Charles Dickens.

The Victorian Criminal (Shire Library)

The Women's Suffrage Movement is an overview of the struggle for women to gain the vote in Great Britain and explores who the women were that formed and led or became members of the women's suffrage movement; explains their motives and what the press and other women thought of them. Early campaigners and pressure groups in the nineteenth century led to the formation of National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies in 1897; many women within this group became increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in their campaign to win the vote and, led by Emmeline Pankhurst, they broke away and formed the Women's Social and Political Union in 1903. Their cause was not to be ignored and increasingly militant protests followed, disrupting political meetings and public events, damaging and setting fire to buildings even including churches, and chaining themselves to railing. Famously and tragically, Emily Wilding Davison's attempt to make a protest left her mortally wounded by the King's Horse at the Epsom Derby in 1913. In 1914 the WSPU suspended militant action so as to 'do their bit' during the First World War and by 1918 women were taking the place of working men at home and were serving in uniform and as a result the first women were granted the vote in 1918. Based on contemporary accounts, documents, ephemera and photographs this is a very useful condensed history suitable for family historians, students and anyone interested in social history.

The Women's Suffrage Movement (Shire Library)

Shire

Animals played an important part in helping the Allies win the First World War, well beyond cavalry horses that charged fields and hauled heavy guns, and included a variety of animals in different but essential service. Pigeons were trained to carry messages, dogs sniffed out wounded soldiers on battlefields, and camels were used for desert transport on the frontlines. Some animals acted as vital morale boosters and mascots like ships' cats even baby orangutans! This book examines the jobs that these animals did, achieving heroic feats and simple acts of loyalty and companionship, all with enormous value in winning the war for the Allies.

Animals in the First World War (Shire Library, 790)

In this latest volume by Neil R. Storey we encounter some of the personalities, folklore, events, disasters, heroes and villains that have become interwoven into the rich tapestry of Norfolk's coastal past.

The Lost Coast of Norfolk

The History Press

London: Crime, Death & Debauchery is an alternative history of the darker side of Britain?s capital city. No other book on London covers this topic in such a complete fashion, with cases ranging from the Restoration to the early nineteenth century. It weaves macabre accounts into an entertaining criminal history accessible to all.

'LONDON: CRIME, DEATH AND DEBAUCHERY' by NEIL R. STOREY (2007) Paperback

This illustrated work provides a grim story of crime, ghosts, natural disasters and weird events for every day of the year.

A Grim Almanac of Jack the Ripper's London

The first ever full account of the Zeppelin attacks on Great Britain, using previously unpublished German archives This is the first full, raid by raid, year by year account of the zeppelin air raids on Britain during World War I based on material drawn from official reports and document from both Britain and Germany during the era, including the zeppelin raid reports complied by the Intelligence Section, General Headquarters, Great Britain which at the time, and for many years afterwards, were classified "secret." The result of 25 years of research in both public and private archives, this book provides an insight into the zeppelin raids of World War I like never before. Locations of where the bombs fell, rare and previously unpublished photographs of bomb damage, zeppelin crash sites and crews, names of previously publicly unidentified victims, RFC and RNAS pilot combat reports, and a host of zeppelin ephemera, related propaganda material, and memorabilia are all included in this remarkable work.

Zeppelin Blitz: The German Air Raids on Great Britain During the First World War

Military

Spellmount

The Little Book of Norwich is an intriguing, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of places, people, and events in the city, from its earliest origins to the present day. Here you can read about entertainment, sports, industries, military history, transport, death and religion, crime and punishment, the coast, rivers, and waterways. Also included are some of the great men and women, the eccentrics and the scoundrels with which the city’s history is littered. Those curious enough to open this book will be entertained and enthralled and never short of some frivolous fact to enhance a conversation or quiz! Dip in at random or sit back and enjoy—there are no rules.

The Little Book of Norwich

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Books by Storey, Neil R.