Workhouse Lass

Lottie is just three years old when her mammy dies and she is sent to the workhouse; only thirteen when a 'place' is found for her with a miner's family, looking after three young boys and their invalid mother; and still a mere lass when she runs away from the Green household to escape her abusive employer. A childhood spent in poverty, skivvying for other people, has left no opportunity for education. Yet Lottie is bright, and has ambitions to write. When Josiah Bateman, a kindly Methodist preacher, introduces adult literacy classes at the Chapel, Lottie seizes her chance - and a new door opens...