I AM researching a BBC1 documentary on the experience of childhood at the beginning of this century and am interested in stories from readers, now in their 90s or 100s, of growing up in the 1900s.

For many an Edwardian childhood meant poverty, strict discipline and going out to work at a very young age.

Children had few toys and had to invent many of their own games and entertainments.

A huge gulf separated the classes, with rich children leading pampered lives while 50,000 boys and girls had a tough time in orphanages.

If you have personal stories of the 1900s or know someone who has, please write to me.

Susan Tilley,

Testimony Films,

12 Great George St,

Bristol

BS1 5RS.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.