The family in 1895, Francie (Frances Harriet) top right
Every member of the Ruddy family was deeply affected by the tragic death of wife and mother Frances Harriett at the age of 52, but for eldest daughter Francie it had a huge impact. Along with many other girls of her age whose mothers had died, the expectation was that she would take on the motherly role. she was 14, and at this age girls from less well off families would enter service as a maid, so there would have been no doubt that she could manage.
Francie had a number of advantages: the family had Mary, one of a succession of live-in general maids who had been with the family since Thomas’s appointment as Head Gardener. Francie was at the Girls’ school in Bala, doing very well, and in receipt of a scholarship. Thomas enabled her to continue in education a further year, although her spare time seems have been much taken up with domestic duties. In addition, though not mentioned in the journal, there would have been an oversight for the family’s welfare from the Robertson family and staff at Palé Hall.
It wasn’t always plain sailing for young Francie: Monday the 12th [June 1899]. Francie cut her finger rather badly with the breadknife.
in 1899 it is noticeable that Francie was rarely walking with the family, presumably being much occupied with both school work and extra housekeeping duties. Mary, the maid, was sometimes included in walks when Francie was also present. This inclusion of Mary in the family’s activities was initially convenient, but was to lead to trouble later. There was fun with a bicycle in July: Saturday the 29th [July]. Mary and the girls have been practising with a bicycle on hire all week. Monday the 31st Francie went with Mary in the evening to Bala to deliver up the hired bicycle. It was warm but they rode turn about and walked the difficult places. They came back by train.
In August, Thomas, aware that Francie had missed out on a treat enjoyed by her siblings, took her out with him for the day: Wednesday the 16th [August]. I had to go to Porthmadog to be one of the judges at the flower show there. As a Francie had not been to Rhyl, I took home with me to go this circular tour. I got her to put on a gold watch and chain (Her grandmother’s) for the first time.
The journey took them on the narrow gauge railway from Blaenau Ffestioniog to Porthmadog, which Thomas calls the ‘Toy Railway’: From Blaenau we went by the Toy Railway to Porthmadog. This miniature railway is 13 ¼ miles in length and runs uphill from Porthmadog to Blaenau 700 feet above sea level. The guage is but 1 ft 11 ¼ inches with Little engines and carriages overhanging the rails. The curves are numerous and sharp, and the gradients are from one in 68 to 1 in 92. It is a single line with no slopes in the cuttings of rock, and there is not much more width than is required for the carriages. There is the one tunnel through Moel Dduallt of 73 yards, and another of 60 yards. The views all the way are very beautiful as the line is so elevated that it overlooks the vale of Maentwrog all the way. The river Dwryd winds along the valley to the sea at Traeth Bach. The sides of the valley are beautifully wooded with rocky heights here and there.
Steam train at Ddallt station on the Heritage Railway in 2018
Thomas and Francie enjoyed their day and arrived home to find Mary’s sister Annie there with her: We had a very pleasant journey home and found Mary had her sister Annie here to keep her company. We very much enjoyed our outing.
Then, suddenly, it all goes wrong: Wednesday the 23rd [August]. I had to send Mary away for she has been idling most of her time for about two months. She is continually idling and gossiping out of doors with the next-door people and the passers-by. I have warned her many times but she only laughed at me and became insolent. She had an idea that I could not do without her, but now when I have Francie at home she has made a great mistake. We were sorry for her, for we have been very kind to her in many ways, but she does not seem to have any gratitude in her.
There is a sadness that Francie is now left to manage entirely on her own, but Thomas continues to give her breaks from household duties: Thursday the 24th [August]. Sir Henry wished me to go to Shrewsbury flower show. I took Francie with me. It was very warm all the way there, and the heat was very great at the show. The plants, fruit, flowers and vegetables were very good, that the heat in the tents was unbearable, and every place outside and in was crowded with people. We had a good tea there, but the heat made us very thirsty. We saw a balloon go up with two men in it. We saw performing dogs, monkeys, and wonderful bicycling by the Selbini troupe, saw the wonderful Arab group of 12 performers tumbling in a wonderful manner and balancing themselves one above another as pillars, walls, etc.
Francie continued to learn to keep house, usually with appreciation from Thomas. So on Christmas Day 1899: The children and myself had a comfortable dinner. Francie cooked our goose and plum pudding to perfection. Friends sent books, cakes, sweets, cards and a silk handkerchief.
Francie’s early introduction to housekeeping and the care of her four siblings did not seem to put her off a caring lifestyle. As a grown woman she did not marry, but pursued a career in caring for orphaned and disadvantaged children in various charitable institutions.
Frances Harriet in later life, courtesy of family member R.W.