The Peacock Family
Rose Nicholson, Heritage Manager
The Peacock family worked in North Lincolnshire during the later 19th and early 20th century. They were Edward Peacock, and his seven children: Adrian, Edith, Florence, Julian, Mabel, Maximillian and Ralf. Although a farmer, Edward was primarily an historian. He published many works from serious academic studies to popular novels. Edward educated and passed on his enthusiasm to his children.
Although based on studies of this area, most of the Peacocks’ work is of national importance. Edward’s two dictionaries of local dialect terms were ground-breaking. A third volume compiled by Mabel and Maximilian, was pieced together by Eileen Elder. Adrian wrote on agriculture and natural history. Florence was an historian and poet. Julian was a genealogist. Mabel the most widely recognised writer in Lincolnshire dialect. Maximilian was a collector of dialect and natural history observations.
The Peacock Family Archive is now part of the Museum collection. It consists of agricultural records, domestic records, common-place books, lesson books, drawings, photographs, diaries, personal correspondence and Lincolnshire dialect cards. It’s an incredibly rich resource. The archive shines a light on the views and lives of people who lived in the local area from the early 18th century to the early 20th century.
The photographs here show Edward and his daughter Mabel.
Edward Peacock.
Mabel Peacock, daughter of Edward Peacock.
Focus On
A Book-larnt Linkisheere Lass
Guest contributor Tim Davies attempts a character sketch of Mabel Peacock.
Read the storyOtchins, Ghosts, and a ‘tater For Rheumatism: Mabel Peacock’s Dialect Tales
Guest contributor Tim Davies with an introduction to some of the little-known dialect stories of Mabel Peacock, with a look at the use of folklore and tradition in her writing.
Read the storyEthel Rudkin (1893-1984)
Discover the story of folklorist and historian Ethel Rudkin.
Read the storyLocal History Galleries
Discover North Lincolnshire’s history from the early 1800s to the 1970s.
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