Две сестры из Норфолка раскрыли тайну жестокого детства в новой книге «Баронессы»

Norfolk sisters - one living in Diss - share extraordinary childhood story in new book Two sisters have told the story of their childhood, aristocratic family background and a long-held secret in a new book. The Baronesses, by Rachel Watkyn and her half-sister Claire Hornby, who lives in Diss, was launched today. The book follows the sisters’ privileged-looking childhood, spent between private schools and stately homes, and their complicated family life. Rachel’s father, Count De Lengham, was said to be descended from a long line of aristocrats and had his own coat of arms. But behind the grand houses and elite social occasions, the sisters say their childhood was marked by extreme neglect and abuse. As Rachel grew older, she was increasingly expected to accompany her father to prestigious events, taking on the public role of a baroness while privately dealing with a very different family reality. The story takes a dramatic turn when the Count became seriously ill. As he approached the end of his life, he told Rachel about a locked box hidden beneath his bed. He instructed her not to open it until after his death and explained that its key was kept with other items in a safe. Rachel eventually discovered the box and what it contained, setting in motion revelations that would change the sisters’ understanding of their family and their own identities. The book explores family ties, identity and the difficult question of what constitutes the truth, alongside the sisters’ experiences of overcoming childhood trauma. Claire has strong links to Norfolk through her work with a pioneering pick-your-own flower business, which she runs with her daughters. She has also worked in gardening and organic growing and is developing therapeutic gardening work. Both sisters have built new lives despite their difficult childhood experiences, with The Box of Secrets offering a deeply personal account of the events that shaped them. The Baronesses is published on September 3 in hardback, eBook and audio, priced at £25.