Correspondence of Lucie Aldridge

Scope and Content

Until her separation from John Aldridge in 1960, Lucie Aldridge's correspondence with Robert and Beryl Graves discussed domestic and village life in Great Bardfield, during the second world war and after: evacuees, air raids, tenants of The Chapel (their other property), gardening, rug-making, cats and illnesses. Acquaintances discussed include: Molly and Brian Bliss; Tom and Julie Matthews; Honor Wyatt, Julian Glover and George Ellidge; Michael and Betty Rothenstein; Ward and Dorothy Hutchinson; Montague and Dorothy Simmons; Laura Riding and Schuyler Jackson. The later letters discuss her separation and divorce from Aldridge, her illnesses, and her new life in Cambridge; from July 1970 they are addressed solely to Beryl Graves. The series concludes with a cutting from 'The Times' announcing her death and a letter dated 9 December 1974 from her friend, Margaret Bottrall, to Beryl Graves doing the same.

Arrangement

Series arranged in chronological order.

Note

Canelluñ Collection number: CC0430

This refers to the arrangement of the papers in Robert Graves’ study before they were transferred to the College.

Custodial History

The postcard of William Graves [1941] was originally found in the correspondence of Robert and Beryl Graves RG/J/GravesBeryl.