Over the next few years, we have carved out an ambitious project to follow the wartime diaries of Margaret Kelly, written over 100 years ago starting immediately before the outbreak of the first World War in August of 1914.

Over the subsequent four years, Margaret kept a personal journal which described both the activities around her, and those from around the world. Sometimes in detail, and other times distressingly vague, she records the number of eggs harvested from the chickens, the places where she takes tea, and her efforts to learn to bandage effectively, and nurse wounded soldiers.

She also provides a fantastic insight into life as a young woman at the time, and the events which were rapidly shaping her world. From the famous speech on the eve of war, to the sinking of ships, railway accidents and shipyard explosions, she records her horror at the loss of life, and her hope that someone or something can intervene to stop the march of slaughter across Europe.

Her journal entries will be published here on the 100 year anniversary of their writing. Some times, especially towards the early days, she writes nightly. As the war progresses, Margaret becomes embroiled in an effort to be more useful herself, and she goes for weeks without an entry. Patience will reward though – we will fill the intervening days and weeks with appropriate comments and posts from her surviving relatives and guest writers.

Margaret’s own entries will be titled “Journal Entry: [Date]” – to prevent confusion. They will be transcribed for ease of reading, and annotated where appropriate and useful. Spelling – and the occasional, forgivable spelling mistake – is down to Margaret, and while the language can be a little hard to follow, the sentiment seems to shine through.

Any questions regarding individual posts can be directed to the Comments section below that post, or more general queries can be sent to margaret@whitesourcedesign.com/kelly-house We regret that Margaret cannot answer in person – having been in eternal repose for over 40 years now, but her surviving family will make every attempt to do her memory justice.

The Kelly Family continue to live at Kelly House, many parts of which are described in Margaret’s diary. For more information, or to visit or stay at Kelly, please see www.whitesourcedesign.com/kelly-house

We hope you enjoy your time on Margaret’s blog,

C, S, W, E, J and the rest of the team at Kelly House