The Married Widows of Cornwall

By Lesley Trotter,

Book cover of The Married Widows of Cornwall: The story of the wives 'left behind' by emigration

Book description

One of the untold stories of 19th century emigration from Cornwall is that of the thousands of wives ‘left behind’ by men leaving to work overseas. Known as ‘married widows’, these women singlehandedly managed family and homes, maintaining their husbands’ interests and ties with their homeland. They are the unsung…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep the lights on. Or join the rebellion as a member.

Why read it?

1 author picked The Married Widows of Cornwall as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

It was great to read such a well-researched book about the lives of 19th-century Cornish women who are so often ignored - like women elsewhere - in the historical record.

As I read about the women ‘left behind’ I began to think about Cornish women who, instead of being left behind ‘went’, either alone, or with husbands or family, to wherever a work opportunity beckoned, or marital responsibility demanded.

It sparked an interest to research Cornish women who, whether for life or for a few years, made the Caribbean their home; research which will become my next book.

From Sue's list on Cornish history.

Want books like The Married Widows of Cornwall?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Married Widows of Cornwall.

Browse books like The Married Widows of Cornwall

Book cover of Cornwall's History: An Introduction
Book cover of Cornish Recipes
Book cover of A Cornish Farmer's Diary

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,116

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Cornwall, romantic love, and immigrants?

Cornwall 73 books
Romantic Love 943 books
Immigrants 180 books