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Talk: Secrets Never to be Told: From Cambridge to Canada, the Surplus Woman’s Tale
12 June, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Discover the real story of a ‘surplus woman’ and her story of emigration from Victorian Cambridge to British Columbia.
A surprise inheritance from an unknown Canadian led to Fiona Chesterton’s extraordinary investigation into her distant cousin, Jessie Heading. Born illegitimately to a farmer’s daughter in 1877, Jessie was adopted by a childless housekeeper. For thirty five years she lived a quiet life in domestic service in late Victorian and Edwardian Cambridge until emigrating to British Columbia in 1912. She was one of thousands of young women deemed surplus to British society who enrolled on emigration schemes to distant parts of the Empire. She lived fifty eight years in her new country, mainly in a small cabin in a rural township.
Fiona will describe how she went about her research, using photographs and memorabilia as well as archives in Cambridge, London and Vancouver. Along the way, she will give some tips for those interested in exploring their own family history.
About the speaker:
Fiona Chesterton had a long career in Television journalism, production and commissioning working mainly for the BBC and Channel Four. In the past few years, she has pursued her interest in family history and non-fiction writing.
She published her first book Secrets Never To Be Told late in 2021. She was interviewed about the book by BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour programme and several local radio stations.
She has lived in Cambridge for nearly ten years and is a member of the Cambridgeshire Family History Society, the Mill Road History Society and the Society of Authors. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Television Society.
She is now working on her second book, a memoir of her early career at the BBC, which is due to be published later in 2025.
You can find out more about Fiona here: www.fionachesterton.com
Supporting the Museum of Cambridge
The Museum of Cambridge is an independent Charity and is not part of either the Cambridge Council or the University of Cambridge. We kindly suggest a donation of £8, which includes the talk and entry to the Museum of Cambridge (usually £7 for Standard, £6 for Concession). Your donation supports the daily running and conservation care of the Museum, an independent charity.
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Accessibility
You can also read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email sumyin.wong@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography and Videography
Please note that this talk will be recorded for future viewing online. Please also note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.