| Description | The letters in this section relate to Elizabeth Taylor's experiences of schooling in Saxe-Meiningen. Elizabeth typically sent letters home at weekly intervals, the majority of letters being addressed to both her parents, John and Mary Jane Taylor. However, a number of letters which were addressed individually to each of Elizabeth's parents also feature, alongside correspondence sent home by Elizabeth Taylor's elder sister Margaret (Pearlie) and letters which she sent to and received from her younger sister Janet Taylor.
Elizabeth Taylor's letters provide an overview of her daily activities at school in Saxe-Meiningen, including accounts of her progress in various subjects, particularly music and German, and descriptions of her school friends. A number of Elizabeth's letters take the form of a journal with a heading for each day and a description of her activities.The letters also provide an insight into the difficulties which Elizabeth experienced with school life in Germany. They include details about her relationship with her elder sister Margaret and refer to family news from home. A number of the letters, particularly those relating to festive periods such as Christmas, include requests for provisions from home such as food, books and clothing. Elizabeth also refers to the marriage of her aunt Caroline (Carrie) Cash to George Barrow of Birmingham and the death of her uncle Samuel Lucas in a number of these letters. Her correspondence also provides details about events in Saxe-Meiningen, particularly the controversial marriage of the Duke of Saxe-Meiningen to the actress Ellen Franz which occurred whilst she was living in the town. |