Early Childhood
Despite
this rough start Pat grew up in a secure and well-ordered, middle-class
environment. Her father was a
naval man who gave up the sea to work in the Research Department at The
Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. He
was a mathematician and scientist who started out in the Gunnery
Department and then became superintendent.
He had impeccable manners, the courage of his convictions and Pat
felt he had the highest standards of morality and lived up to them.
He was a quiet, self-contained man who filled her with awe so that
he was rather distant for her. Nevertheless
he took the upbringing of his children very seriously and there seemed no
activity or learning experience he did not provide.
It was always enjoyable with no hint of pressure.
He read to the children in the evening and took them on many
outings, including to