New Book: The Essex Record Office in 70 Documents

I have contributed to a new book, The Essex Record Office in 70 Documents, which has been published to mark 70 years of support for Essex Record Office (ERO) by the Friends of Historic Essex.

The book highlights the extraordinary breadth of the archives at ERO with the aim of inspiring all who read it to visit and discover more at ERO.

All proceeds from sales of the book will go to the Friends of Historic Essex to enable them to continue their support of the work of Essex Record Office.

The book is available to purchase at ERO or via ERO’s online bookshop 

CP - 15th November 2025

Rosemary Rutherford - War Artist and Designer

Museum of Chelmsford, 21st June 2025

I was invited to give a talk at the Museum of Chelmsford on Rosemary Rutherford (1912-1972), a prolific artist who spent much of her life in East Anglia. Rosemary became a Second World War artist, depicting the war at home and abroad, and later a renowned designer of stained-glass windows.

I explored her life and work and discussed the Rutherford Project, which has conserved Rosemary’s artworks at Broomfield Church in Essex.  More details are available in this BBC interview.

The talk was part of the Shifting Perspectives: Exploring Art Together exhibition at the Museum of Chelmsford in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society and in association with Essex Book Festival.

Rosemary Rutherford: life and works of an extraordinary artist, edited by Naomi Courtenay-Luck with contributions from Ian Mercer, Ros Mercer, Catherine Pearson and Kathy Rouse can be ordered from Broomfield Church. - CP

8th May 2025: 80th Anniversary of VE Day

The 80th Anniversary of VE Day was marked in Chelmsford with World War II exhibition displays in the Shire Hall by Anglia Ruskin University, Broomfield Church, Essex Record Office and the Hylands Estate.

I was invited to give a talk on Chelmsford in the Second World War from the Journals of E.J. Rudsdale at Chelmsford Cathedral on 5th May 2025.

With thanks to Chelmsford For You for organising such a memorable event.

Replica Spitfire outside the Shire Hall, Chelmsford

80th Anniversary of VE Day in Chelmsford by Ronald Hellen

6th June 2024 - The 80th Anniversary of D-Day - A recording of E.J. Rudsdale's D-Day diary entry is now on Essex Record Office's blog

I am delighted to announce that Essex Record Office has kindly made an audio recording of an edited version of E.J. Rudsdale's diary entry for D-Day - June 6th, 1944 - to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of that momentous day.

A blog article is also included, based on my recent talk at Essex Record Office as part of the Welcome to Essex conference, which considered the USAAF in Essex in the build up to D-Day.

You can access the Essex Record Office E.J. Rudsdale D-Day diary recording, and the blog article at:http://www.essexrecordofficeblog.co.uk/a-contemporary-view-of-the-americans-the-diaries-of-e-j-rudsdale/

I hope you enjoy them both.

CP - 4th June 2024

E.J. Rudsdale's diary entry for June 6, 1944

(Courtesy of Essex Record Office D/DU 888/27/3)

'Welcome to Essex': Remembering the USAAF

Don't miss this mini conference to be held at Essex Record Office in Chelmsford, Essex, recalling the impact that the Americans had on Essex 80 years on.

Saturday 27 April 2024, 10.30-13.30

For more details visit: Essex Record Office/Events

New Book: They Stand Beside Us - The lives of Old Colcestrians who died in the Second World War

I can highly recommend this recently published book, which tells the story of 73 former pupils and staff of Colchester Royal Grammar School who gave their lives during the Second World War.  E.J. Rudsdale was a former CRGS student and many of the names of the fallen appear in his journals.  The book is a very well researched account and a fitting memorial to those who lost their lives.  The contributors are Neil Brinded, Michael Green, Laurie Holmes, Col. Richard Kemp, Peter Rowbottom and Paul Ma.  Copies can be purchased from the Old Colcestrian Society.  

CP - 3rd March 2021

The 75th Anniversary of VE Day - 8th May 2020

Five years ago, on the 8th May 2015, the publication of E.J. Rudsdale's wartime journals on this blog, came to an end and today we mark the 75th Anniversary of VE Day.  Living under the restrictions imposed by lockdown for Covid-19, has given me an even greater appreciation of those who lived under the restrictions of the Second World War for six long years.  The celebrations for VE Day in 1945, and the freedom that it bought to so many, would have been mingled with sadness for those who had not lived to see that day.

I hope all of you who continue to enjoy E.J. Rudsdale's wartime journals stay well and keep safe as we look forward to the time when we can also experience freedom from restrictions again.

Wishing you well,
Catherine Pearson
8th May 2020