People and communities
Heartfelt letter penned by Sister Dora in 1878 features in popular family history magazine
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A heartfelt letter written by Sister Dora in 1878 has been selected to feature in a popular family history magazine.
The letter appeared in the December 2023 edition of the ‘Who Do You Think You Are?' magazine, a spin-off from the popular BBC television series which charts and documents celebrities' family history.
It has been selected as part of the magazine's 'Gem from the Archive' feature, where an archivist is invited to discuss a highlight from their collections, telling readers about its history and the reason behind their selection.
When approached by the publication, Ian Gray, Archivist at Walsall Council, decided to put forward a letter written by Sister Dora on October 30, 1878.
Dorothy Pattison, known as Sister Dora, was a nun who selflessly ministered to the people of Walsall, and a statue of her has stood proud in Walsall Town Centre since 1886.
Secret letters discovered after she passed away revealed her romance with local businessman Kenyon Jones.
“ Sister Dora is synonymous with Walsall and to this day is held in the highest esteem by the people of the borough.
The collection of letters that we hold here at Walsall Archives offers a view of her as a human being like you or I, outside of the formal, reverential image with which she is associated.
The final letter in the collection is incredibly poignant and is also the final time she made contact with Kenyon Jones and the first he would have known of the seriousness of her illness as she had kept her situation secret from everyone but those who had to know.
This Christmas Eve marks the 145th anniversary of her passing, so the publication of this article in ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ magazines Christmas edition is particularly apt. “
The letter, addressed to Mr Jones, reads, “My darling, I dare not see you, it agitates me so much. I feel almost it might kill me. I am sure it only distresses you to see me in such a state and I cannot prevent it.”
“Ah Kenyon, you must not fret for me or grieve – I think I shall soon lay down the cross and must exchange it for a crown.”
“ Sister Dora was an exceptional woman whose inspirational work during the 1860s and 1870s set the standard for healthcare locally.
These letters really showcase the fascinating history told within our archives of this great town.
Gaining insight like this into a Walsall hero is a true privilege, and it is great to see part of her story told in a well-known and respected publication. “
The Walsall Archives hold more than 1,700 collections of documents, from c1200 to the present day, including, institutional material from Walsall Council and its predecessors.
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Further information about Walsall archives
Anyone who would like to learn more about Sister Dora and her remarkable life is welcomed to view the wealth of resources available at Walsall Archives, situated in the Lichfield Street Hub.
To find out more about using our service then please either email LocalHistoryCentre@walsall.gov.uk, telephone 01922 652 212 or visit our website
The hub is open to the public 10am – 4pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
