Our Mothers' Land

This new edition of Our Mothers' Land provides a rich exploration of Welsh women's history, highlighting their diverse experiences and struggles.

This expanded edition of Our Mothers' Land revisits a pioneering work first published in 1991, marking a significant milestone in the study of Welsh women's history. As the first collection of essays on this topic, it has established itself as a classic, igniting further research and scholarship in the field. The twentieth anniversary edition reintroduces the original text, allowing a new generation of readers to engage with the rich history of Welsh women.

The chapters in Our Mothers' Land cover a broad spectrum of time and experience, spanning from 1830 to 1939. The essays delve into the lives of working-class women, examining community sanctions and the challenges faced by the wives of colliers. In contrast, the book also highlights the contrasting experiences of ironmasters' wives, showcasing the diverse lifestyles and societal expectations of women from different social strata.

In addition to these personal narratives, Our Mothers' Land critically engages with the idealized representations of respectable Welsh women found in contemporary periodicals. It does not shy away from the darker aspects of history, addressing the tragic realities faced by some women, including those who took their own lives, and the courageous acts of suffrage rebels who challenged societal norms. This comprehensive exploration offers valuable insights into the complexities of Welsh women's lives throughout history.