Faversham Life
Faversham Life
Words Christine Rayner Photographs Various
The Invisible Women of Faversham was inspired by Kate O’Brien, who lived just outside Faversham. A distinguished writer in her lifetime, she is barely known now
An audience of more than 100 literary fans gathered at the Old Brewery Store in Faversham to learn more about the lives of more than 50 unsung heroines from history, brought into the spotlight at the launch of a significant book.
The book was inspired by the late Griselda Cann Mussett from a chance connection she made with Kate O’Brien, a prominent writer of her time whose name and life story had been lost in the shadows.
Novelist Kate O’Brien who is buried in Love Lane Cemetery
A few years ago, Griselda came upon a novel by Kate called That Lady and was intrigued to find out more about the author. Her research revealed not only Kate’s prominence in the literary world of the 1930s and 40s, but also that she had lived and died in Boughton-under-Blean, a village just outside Faversham.
Griselda also discovered Kate was buried in Faversham cemetery. Yet was puzzled to realise there was no reference to her in the town, ‘no blue plaque to her memory’.
Faversham Society, vice-chairman Leigh Allison, trustee Dr Jane Secker, Stephen Rayner and Christine Rayner
This revelation prompted Griselda to think about other significant women from Faversham who had played a prominent part in its long history, but who were no longer remembered. She was determined to do something about this and contacted freelance editor Stephen Rayner for help in producing a book. They worked on the draft for more than five years, but time was running out for Griselda.
Just before she died in August, 2024, she contacted Stephen asking him to take over the book and ensure it was published. He agreed – how could he refuse? – and enlisted the help of his wife Christine and two members of the Faversham Society, vice-chairman Leigh Allison and trustee Dr Jane Secker. They collaborated for more than a year to complete the book, with contributions from other writers.
The book launch on 14 October was opened with a world premiere, a rousing performance by members of Faversham Community Choir of Extraordinary, Ordinary Women, a song written for the evening by its leader Lissie Bayford.
Christine and Jane, Catherine Lee and Sally Henley – then read short extracts from the book. Christine shared more details of Kate O’Brien’s life, Jane read a report of a stirring speech by Lynette Griffiths to a rally of suffragists in Faversham in 1913, Catherine told the story of Sarah Collier, whose business in the town was devastated by the after-effects of an enormous explosion at the gunpowder works in 1781.
Jane Secker speaks about suffragists and suffragettes
All three stories were enthusiastically received by the predominantly female audience, but it was Sally’s story which had the biggest reaction. Her tale of the bravery of her grandmother Daisy Marsh in saving colleagues from certain death in an explosion and fire at the munitions factory at Uplees in 1917 brought tears to many eyes. For her heroic actions, Daisy and two other women were appointed an OBE, yet not wanting a fuss, she kept the medal hidden in a drawer for the rest of her life.
Sally admitted afterwards that she had a lump in her throat as she told the story of the grandmother she never knew and was delighted it was now recorded for posterity.
The book The Invisible Women of Faversham is now on sale at the town’s visitor information centre in Market Place, for £15.
Text: Christine Rayner. Photographs: Various
Coming soon: Faversham Life writer Declan Wiffen, has made a film about Kate O’Brien which will be available online towards the end of the year and is to be launched at the Faversham Literary Festival in February 2027.
