KAREN BOWMAN is the author of Essex Girls (2010) and Essex Boys (forthcoming, 2013). She is a member of the Society of Women Writers & Journalists and has written articles for Essex Life & Countryside, Cambridgeshire Life and British Life magazines, as well as short stories for Seven Pens Press. Karen is also a frequent public speaker on historical subjects, including fashion. Her website is www.karenbowman.co.uk