Rosemary Sutcliff’s signature aged 10 in The Cuckoo Clock by Mrs Molesworth

One of the books in Rosemary Sutcliff‘s library is The Cuckoo Clock by Mrs Molesworth.

First printed in 1877, Rosemary’s edition is from 1926. She won it as a prize for ‘Composition and Recitation’ at her school – Brompton House in Gillingham. (Her father was in the navy, at Chatham docks).

Fascinating to see too, on the inside cover, is ten year old Rosemary’s elaborate signature!

The story begins:

Once upon a time in an old town, in an old street, there stood a very old house. Such a house as you could hardly find nowadays, however you searched, for it belonged to a gone-by time – a time now quite passed away.

The full story, with illustrations, is here.

Author: Anthony Lawton

Chair, Sussex Dolphin, family company which looks after the work of eminent children’s & historical fiction author Rosemary Sutcliff (1920-92). Formerly CEO, chair & trustee of various charity, cultural & educational enterprises in UK. View all posts by Anthony Lawton