Interviews of Elsie McShane aged 80

Biographical interview with Elsie McShane (aged 80) who was born at the sawmill cottages at Glasserton. Elsie's father became head gardener at Glasserton in the years before World War 2 and the family moved to the garden house. Admiral Robert Johnston-Stewart was in residence then and Elsie recalled that life on the estate was very like that portrayed in the television series, Downton Abbey. The estate staff numbered about 40 then. Indoor staff wore uniforms and Elsie remembered going up to the house with the garden produce. She describes the estate in detail, recalling details such as the heated walls around the walled garden, which produced figs, apples and pears, which were stored in a special shed. Elsie also talks about Glasserton church and her family connections to this. She recalls the estate during the war years, the demolition of Glasserton House in 1948-49 and the rejuvenation of the estate under Robin Johnston-Stewart - whom she admires for the work he has done. i

Elsie also talks about how the community of the Isle of Whithorn has changed over time, and the challenges facing the community. Other subjects covered include: religion and the pilgrimages through Whithorn; World War 2, rationing and Bletchley Park; shops and shopping; local employment; housing and the impact of new people in the area; tourism; fishing; tramps and travellers and the houses known as Beggars Row.