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Mansfield Lives: special feature
Pat Perks (née Gosling) was brought up by her grandparents at Mansfield during the 1930s and 40s. Her grandfather, William Buckingham, was then the College senior servant and they lived in the Porter’s Lodge. Here are some of her recollections of that time.
As I grew up in somewhat unusual surroundings there were rules which had to be observed. Gran and I were not recognised by any member of the College, so we were expected not to make any noise or stray from our own territory. Fortunately, there was a good expanse of grass behind the house, and a number of shrubs and trees, which we were allowed to use. I spent many happy hours playing on my own. In the summer nets were set up along the side, extending the full length of the drive to keep the students’ tennis balls off it, but at other times the drive was completely open and I was expected to know exactly where that boundary was and never go beyond it.
At the back of the house there was a small yard for drying washing, with an outside loo and coal shed. It was separated from the garden by a high concrete wall, so Gran was unable to see me from the house. I was trusted from a very early age not to leave the garden, but could go, with permission, to the local shop or wander in the field opposite Nevertheless, I was always careful to let her know when I was back. I was very active and the garden was a lovely place to let off steam. Living in a quiet university area there were no other children so I was used to being on my own.
