The Armadillo Central flag is at half mast after the sad passing of author, archivist and historian Gillian Clegg yesterday. Gillian was very much part of the family and quite aside from the personal loss, which is truly heartfelt, we shall miss her incisive wit, her compassionate and sensitive yet razor sharp approach, her precision with words, her thorough attitude to research and her talent for instilling clarity and passion into even the driest of subjects.
Her journalistic and writing output over the years covered subjects as diverse as managing cash flow, running businesses, bereavement counselling for young people, historic landmarks from Roman and Saxon times onwards, the hidden meanings in place names across Britain and more recently a whole series of well researched, highly informative and beautifully written books about Brentford, Clapham and the Chiswick area in particular.
Gillian lived in Chiswick in the London Borough of Hounslow for over 35 years, where she was involved in local archaeology, became an active member of the library and a volunteer and archivist both at Gunnersbury Park Museum and at Chiswick House. Her contribution to the organisation, preservation and dissemination of local archaeological and historical information has been exceptional. In 2010 Gillian was awarded a certificate by the Mayor of Hounslow for her part in creating a splendid archive of documents and records associated with Chiswick House and supporting the Trust with research information and exhibition material.
Her wonderful books, including her last - A History by Gillian Clegg (2011) - remain as a testament to her lifelong passion for and expertise in the fields of archaeology, history and archival research both within her local community and further afield. Gillian will be deeply missed by all who were blessed enough to know her both professionally and personally.
