Dear Madam
Your 'Great Catholic' this week, Maude Petre caught my eye as during the war (World War 2) I was evacuated to her neighbour's stately home, Lilystone Hall in Stock, Essex.
The Marist nuns who were our teachers would tell us about this unusual Catholic family as we had our afternoon walks along the lanes.
Lord Petre was living there then.
I don't recall his Christian name as I thought, naturally, that it was Peter!
Their home was in neighbouring Ingatestone and their land adjoined Lord Perry's who was our host for the duration.
He divided his beautiful home into two, half for our convent primary school, evacuated from Tottenham, and half for him and his family and staff.
I don't know how they managed because our half had the chapel, glorious front hall, sweeping staircase and the butler's pantry plus huge bedrooms which slept 10 of us in each.
The nuns were very thoughtful and aware of their prestigious billet; if we accidentally spilt ink on the parquet flooring during lessons, there was a special kit with which to clean it up before it stained.
I often wonder if any of my fellow-pupils are still alive......
Yours faithfully
Ann Thorp, Newport, Isle Of Wight
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