Old Treasury was a cold place in which to live, but the dining room’s warm fire made life a little more comfortable. Mrs Maynard spent many hours in this room, making and mending clothes for the family on the treadle sewing-machine. From here she could look out into the courtyard towards the stables, bungalows and washhouse — and watch her children play. Her life here was hard and often lonely, with few neighbours.

Several lady friends used to visit on occasions in the evenings. One would play the piano and the other would sing. Mrs Maynard’s favourite song was ‘Mighty like a Rose’.