Woman In Nottingham Lives In Same House For 100 years
Elsie Allcock has lived in her house in Nottingham for 104 years.
Elsie was born at the two-bed terrace house in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire in 1918, at the end of World War I, and has never left.
Throughout the years, she has witnessed significant historical events such as both world wars, the reigns of various monarchs, and the terms of 25 prime ministers in the United Kingdom.
Interestingly, Elsie was actually born in the very house she currently resides in.
Her father, a coal miner, began renting the house on Barker Street in Huthwaite, Notts, back in 1902.
Unfortunately, Elsie's mother passed away from pneumonia when she was only 14 years old.
Eventually, Elsie married a man named Bill, and after her father's death in 1949, they became the proud owners of the house in the 1960s.
She bought the property for £250.
For Elsie, her home holds countless cherished memories and represents a source of great happiness, making her unwilling to part with it.
Even today, with two children, six grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren, Elsie remains in her beloved home.
She said, "I've never desired to live anywhere else—this is my home, and it holds immeasurable value to me."
Elsie was the youngest of five children and after losing her mum when she was just 14, decided to stay home and look after her elderly father.
She helped clean her neighbours’ homes for ‘pocket money’ but has never had a regular job, instead, she’s focused on looking after her family and her home.
She was also an enthusiastic domino player and picked up a number of awards, which she proudly displays at home.
The married couple keep busy building around 25 jigsaws a year and enjoy tending to their pot plants in the back garden.
Her husband, meanwhile, often gets up at 5am to go fishing and brings Elsie a cup of tea before leaving.
Last year (2023), she celebrated her 105th birthday.
Her son, Ray Allcock, 76, told ITV: "You come in the house and you don't find her. She's either upstairs or in the yard doing something.
"I guarantee now if you look in her pocket there's a duster. She's always at it, you can't make her stop."
Elsie added: "When people get older they tend to say I can't do this, I'll sit down. "You've got to make yourself, haven't you?"
Reacting to these lovely photos on social media, someone said: “One thing we can all agree she is gorgeous and her smile and eyes are consistent in both.”
Another person added; “Congrats and best wishes for Elsie Alcock!
”And salute to the unknown builder who built a solid home that has stood the test of time!”
We send our belated birthday wishes to Elsie and her family.
Several significant events occurred in England in 1918, the year when Elsie was born.
The year 1918 marked the final year of World War I, which had a profound impact on England.
Battles such as the Battle of Amiens (August 8-11, 1918) and the Hundred Days Offensive (August 8-November 11, 1918) helped lead to the eventual defeat of the Central Powers, including Germany.
On November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany, effectively ending World War I.
The war had a profound economic impact on England, leading to changes in industry, labor relations, and the economy as a whole.
The post-war period saw a period of reconstruction and economic adjustment.
The latter part of 1918 saw increased labor unrest in England, as workers sought better conditions and higher wages in the wake of the war.
This included strikes in various industries, reflecting the social and economic tensions of the time.
Elsie also lived through World War II, which officially began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland.
The UK declared war on Germany two days later, on September 3, 1939, after Germany failed to withdraw its troops from Poland.
From September 1940 to May 1941, England endured a sustained bombing campaign by Nazi Germany known as the Blitz.
Major cities, including London, were heavily targeted, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life.
From July to October 1940, England faced intense aerial attacks during the Battle of Britain.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) successfully defended the country against the German Luftwaffe, preventing Germany from achieving air superiority and thus thwarting a planned invasion.
England's population contributed significantly to the war effort on the home front.
Citizens endured rationing of food and other essentials, participated in civil defense efforts, and worked in factories producing war materiel.
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces, including British troops, launched the largest seaborne invasion in history, landing on the beaches of Normandy in northern France.
This marked a turning point in the war, leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.
Prime Minister Winston Churchill led the UK throughout much of the war, providing inspirational leadership during the country's darkest hours.
His speeches and resolve helped rally the British people and maintain morale.
One of Winston Churchill's most famous wartime speeches is his address to the House of Commons on June 4, 1940, commonly known as the "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" speech.
This speech was delivered during the early days of World War II, shortly after the evacuation of British and Allied troops from Dunkirk.
In this speech, Churchill rallied the British people and prepared them for the challenges ahead.
He expressed determination to resist Nazi aggression and emphasised the need for perseverance and resolve in the face of adversity.
The speech is remembered for its powerful rhetoric and stirring call to arms.
World War II in Europe ended on May 8, 1945, with the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany.
Victory in Europe (VE) Day was celebrated throughout England and the rest of the Allied nations.
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