8, Wiillberforce House
Northside, Clapham Comm
SW4. London
17 Feb 1956
Dear Mamma and Daddy,
I am sorry, I feel my last letter was written under a good deal of duress. I have, on
Tuesday, with the aid of some friends such as Victor & Linda, spoken to Mariette and told her I
was marrying Julia. She (M) is upset, but several friends in Cambridge are comforting and
wooing her. She will be all right.
I shall marry Miss Julia Lewis of 63 Curzon St. Long Eaton, Nottingham, and of Girton
College next week, in Cambridge, I think. John Kendrew will be best man. Julia is 20, 5'6",
delicately beautiful, and very intelligent. She reads French & German Literature, and has been
described as the year's best student. She got a first (highest degree) in
her first year's examinations. She loves me and I love her.
I have been sent down, though the Master of Peterhome and the Mistress of Girton have
broken precedent to the extent that they will agree to our being married in Cambridge, though
there cannot be any large official parties in this sense it is better you are not here, as it would be
difficult not to have parties if you were.
Bragg has agreed in principle to giving me space and facilities to complete my work, and
we shall consider the advisability of proceeding to an external London PhD. If I wish to
complete this work, if perhaps not proceed to the degree
We shall go Sunday to see the parents, to convince them that I shall
be able to make Julia happy and that I shall be able to support her and that you shall not abandon
me. Then we shall probably be here in London Monday & go to Cambridge to be married.
Letters to Peter home about them will be delivered to Kendrew who will give them to me.
Kendrew is a remarkable man, whom I have grown to love. He has shown the most human and
warm feelings.
I am convinced that Julia will make a beautiful wife, and that we shall be happy. John
Kendrew will write an appreciation. She is lovely and strong and couragous. Our baby will be
beautiful and delicately featured and fine.
I think it not likely I must flee the country. There should be no trouble. Something is
terribly wrong with Julia's brother-in-law and her sister, but I can do little but have no contact. I
cannot understand these families.
We shall get a flat in London, which will be very nice. London should be lived in for a
while.
Kendrew says that the opinions of me of those whose opinions I might value have not
been affected.
Much love, dear Mamma
and Daddy,
(XXXOOO)google!
Peter
February
17, 1956
