Norland nannies are the creme de la creme and in British Nannies and the Great War by Louise Heren we learn how a whole regiment of them coped with conflict and childcare, both at home and abroad. Many were involved with royal families and even more with varying levels of aristocracy.

This England Autumn 2016

As featured in

The Lady, 17th June 2016

An excellent social history of the First World War told from a completely new perspective.

Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine June 2016

There's an overpowering tendency to think of the Great War as a man's war; after all, women didn't have the vote, they didn't count for much in the grand scheme of things in the early years of the 20th century. The truth, however, is that as well as affecting almost every woman in those countries in which the conflict took place, a huge number of women were involved in the war. At the time of the outbreak of war, there were still vast numbers of privileged people living in Europe who required nannies to look after their privileged offspring. It was a decent enough job. This fascinating collection of recollections and thoughts brings the point of view of some of the women involved into sharp perspective. Well worth a read.

Books Monthly, May 2016 - Paul Norman

Fascinating stories about women spread to the four corners during such a tumultuous time in history. Great read!

Amazon Review

A comprehensive and vivid portrayal of life during the Great War. Very well detailed and researched, the book is a fascinating representation of the realities faced daily by the Norland Nannies and uncovers evidence unseen for a century providing a new insight into their personal experiences encountered at this most challenging time in World history.

Prefaced by HRH Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, British Nannies and the Great War is full of facets and features that retain your interest throughout. A thoroughly good read.

Amazon Review

A fascinating story of spirited women, pieced together from a treasure trove of lost eye-witness accounts. Objective and entertaining - a remarkable insight into a lost world coming to terms with social upheaval. There is no social record of the First World War quite like it. Superbly written, painstakingly researched and a great read to boot!

Amazon Review

Full of inspiring stories of Edwardian women working in challenging circumstances throughout Europe during the upheaval of the Great War. These extraordinary Nannies speak to us through letters penned to their fellow nurses and to the Norland College where many featured in the “Norland Quarterly” magazine. Louise Heren makes us feel part of the very personal stories of Nurses Kate Fox, Marian Burgess, Margaret Ede and many others.

From the Greek and Russian royals to the Belgian refugee camps in Holland and early bombing raids in London, these newly discovered letters give eyewitness testimony as Norland Nurses used their training to bring help where help was needed.

A good blend of academic rigor, accuracy and readability. With each chapter logically flowing to the next, British Nannies in the Great War is a real page turner.

Amazon Review

Fabulous new book from the history author, Louise Heren, containing compelling stories about the Norland Nannies who were stationed throughout Europe during WW1. Through her detailed research and careful writing, Louise gives a previously unheard voice to this group of women, thereby adding a new vein of oral testimony to WW1 experiences.

Louise's passion for social history and her ability to convey this to the reader is apparent from the moment you begin reading. Definitely a book not to be missed!

Amazon Review

I had no idea that these independent and spirited women travelled so extensively throughout Europe without chaperones during this very restrictive time for women. Louise tells us about lucky escapes from Occupied Europe and daring do with a good slice of Royal intrigue thrown in for good measure. A completely fresh look at the Great War both from a general interest and social history point of view - you won't have read anything like this before.

Amazon Review

As featured in

WW1 East Sussex Online

As featured in.

International Express 9/3/16

As featured in

Gazette and Herald (Devizes)

'… superb piece of social history.'

Bath Chronicle

As featured in

Wiltshire Times

These previously unpublished letters recount a version of women's Great War history that has remained untold until now. British Nannies and the Great War is the true story of a group of Edwardian, highly trained and opinionated women in the First World War.For the first time in a century, the Norland nannies' unique stories of escape from enemy territory, their experiences at home and the Front during the War, and their thoughts on how the conflict changed their role in post-Edwardian Britain are told in their own words.

The Express Bookshop

As featured in.

The Daily Express 22/2/16