May is Local and Community History Month, a time to dive into the fascinating histories of our villages, towns, and communities. It’s an opportunity to connect with our shared heritage, celebrate diverse stories, and uncover the hidden narratives that shape the places we call home.
This year, I’d like to share the inspiring story of the Drabble family of Sheffield, a working-class family whose experiences between the 1930s and 1950s illuminate the extraordinary resilience of ordinary lives. From surviving economic hardships during the Great Depression to navigating disability in mid-20th-century Britain, their story demonstrates how family history and local history intertwine to help create a richer, more inclusive understanding of our shared past.
The Drabbles’ journey sheds light on:
- Life on Sheffield’s Shiregreen Estate, an ambitious housing project that redefined living standards for working-class families.
- The impact of industrial Sheffield, where steelworkers like Harry Senior toiled amidst smog and danger to provide for their families.
- The struggles and resilience of young Harry, who overcame the stigma and barriers associated with disability, to live a life he chose.
Why does this matter?
By exploring personal narratives like that of the Drabble family, we preserve the voices of those often overlooked in traditional histories—working-class families, disabled individuals, and marginalised communities. These stories remind us that history is not only about the powerful and renowned, but also about the everyday people who shaped our communities.
This Local and Community History Month, let’s celebrate by:
- Exploring the local archives and discovering the stories of our neighborhoods.
- Reflecting on the resilience and creativity of past generations.
- Fostering a greater connection with the histories that define who we are today.
The Drabble family’s story is an example of how family historians and local historians can work together to ensure these voices are never forgotten. Let’s continue to preserve, share, and honor the rich, diverse histories of our communities.
The image ‘Fresh air treatment King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for Crippled Children’. Photo taken 1920-1939. On license ©Picture Sheffield (Image s07418).
How will you celebrate Local and Community History Month this May? Share your stories and discoveries.
Author of A Victorian’s Inheritance and ‘Yet’: A Story of Triumph Over Childhood Separation, Trauma, and Disability