Surviving letters from the First World War return

Earlier this year we managed to acquire letters dating back to the First World War. These original letters offer us an enlightened view of the three Cawley boys who were lost in the First World War. It reveals elements of their personalities, history and feelings towards Berrington. They also offer sympathy for the deaths of the three Cawley boys who were lost in action.

These letters are from various members of society, including Prime Minster, Herbert Asquith, and demonstrate the loss that was felt by the deaths of the Cawley boys. They provide us with personal notes of memories, times spent and family jokes.

Derw Thomas, House and Collections Manager said, “We are thrilled to have these letters back at Berrington. They offer us a real insight into what the boys were like, and what their life was like during the war.”

Plans are underway to share these newly acquired letters with visitors next year, as part of the story of the Cawleys. We are looking for ways to tell the story of what life was like after the war for Lord and Lady Cawley and their remaining two children. These letters offer this and give a sense of the grief that was felt from the losses of the war, and its terrible aftermath. 

We hope to update you soon with any progress on this new exhibition and how the letters will feature.