Sapphire Battersea

The sequel to Hetty Feather, which described the experience of a child left at London’s Foundling Hospital, and how she eventually discovered her mother, who was secretly working there. When another inmate reveals this, Hetty’s mother is dismissed, and Hetty herself sent into service. There, Wilson reveals, the servants are frequently far more honest and kindlier than their masters, and that practicing Christians are not necessarily as charitable as they profess to be.

Hetty (aka Sapphire, after her blue eyes) remains as forthright and ingenious as ever, battling for herself and her sick mother, from the scullery to the freak show.

This is another fact-filled and exciting slice of working-class Victorian life, showing readers how young people used to live.