A less pleasant Work-Day in Westminster

A less pleasant Work-Day in Westminster, page 1.



A less pleasant Work-Day in Westminster, page 2.

Day-diary from the 12th July 1937, written by a female Proofreader.

“I work in Westminster, in Great Smith street, and the window at which I sit overlooks the back of some big artisan’s dwellings (Peabody or some such trust buildings), and a narrow street used as a car park, together with the side of a printing works and the backs of houses in Victoria Street. I know hardly anything of the life of this district; the workmen’s dwellings I cannot see as anything more than a back-ground, and Westminster itself I see little of, as I catch a bus straight out of it again when I’ve done my work. I know it well as a sightseer- I am a confirmed sightseer- but no more."

"7.30-8.30 Awakened by mother with tea. Dull day, sky overcast, warm and windless. Sat up in bed and made clean frock ready to wear. Glanced through ‘News Chronicle’- only time to note foreign political situation and book reviews.

8.30-9.30 Breakfast. Caught No.11 bus to work. Short shower of rain about 8.45. Felt slack and sleepy so did not read in bus. Noticed that almost everyone else in bus was doing the same- papers and books disregarded, everyone somnolent looking. ”

"My main feelings during the day were extreme depression and weariness. My mind was perfectly blank, the only recurring feeling was the hope that the row I knew was going on downstairs, caused by my Chief's attack of ill-temper, would not come my way."