Maud Mary Brown ( nee Hurrell), my maternal grandmother, was the daughter of Henry Hurrell , a veterinary surgeon in Southminster, Essex, and Alice nee Bennett. Henry died young and Alice became ‘housekeeper’ to my great Uncle Willie ( William Asby Hurrell, brother of Henry and likewise a vet who lived in the Manor House. )A wilful child, Maud soon dominated the household with Uncle Willie clearly doting upon the little girl. At Herongate School, she became friends with the daughter of a London socialite and doubtless developed ideas above her social station. Never willing to have her wishes frustrated, she suffered much and reacted emotionally whenever others found this necessary.