Background Info
Some more background information about the places, times, and people that feature in my novels
Out of the Darkness
Laura is rescued from the squalor and grinding poverty of Saffron Hill in Clerkenwell by a man who she thinks is her protector and carer. The wealthy Mr and Mrs Freeman adopt Laura and she goes to live with them in Bedford Row. After a while, the novelty of caring for a child wares off for Mrs Freeman and she soon loses interest.
At first, Mr Freeman is kindly and understanding but little does Laura know that he is grooming her and he starts to sexually abuse her. Mrs Freeman dies and they both go to live in Clapham Common where Laura is kept a virtual prisoner by Mr Freeman who continues to molest her.
She eventually finds love and happiness when she starts an affair with their neighbour, but he is tragically killed, leaving Laura broken-hearted and pregnant.
Saffron Hill, Farringdon. Known for its squalid conditions and criminality. Dickens set Fagin's den of boy thieves here in Oliver Twist.
Bartholomew Fair, Smithfield. Abolished in 1850 due to riotous and drunken behaviour, Mr Freeman takes Laura here before he abuses her.
Mr Freeman forces Laura to marry him and they go to live in Markham Terrace, Chelsea where, Edward Clifford an unpleasant character from their past arrives.
Mr Freeman dies and Clifford forced Laura into a relationship with him. He quickly turns violent and abusive, and Laura feels trapped without any friends or family to protect her until she meets a young solicitor who helps her out of her darkness.
Laura and Mr Freeman go to live in one of the large houses which lined Clapham Common in the early 19th Century,
Holy Trinity, Clapham Common. Both Mr and Mrs Freeman are members of The Clapham Sect, a group of over-zealous, evangelical Christians who worship here.
Markham Square, Chelsea. Laura and Mr Freeman come to live in nearby, Markham Terrace after her forced marriage to him.