After his marriage to heiress Nell Dunn in 1957, they gave up their smart Chelsea home and went to live in unfashionable Battersea where they joined and observed the lower strata of society. From this experience he published the play Cathy Come Home in 1963, and she wrote Up the Junction.
Sandford became interested in gypsy causes (as his paternal grandmother had been) and for a time edited their news sheet, Romano Drom (Gypsy Road). He travelled the country seeking out gypsy stories, published as The Gypsies, and later reissued as Rokkering to the Gorjios (Talking to the non-Gypsies).[5]
For some time the family lived on a small hill farm called Wern Watkin, outside Crickhowell in South Wales. Their attempt at sheep farming is described by their neighbour, the young Carlo Gébler, son of novelist Edna O'Brien.[6]
Personal life
Jeremy Sandford was married to playwright and author Nell Dunn, a granddaughter of the 5th Earl of Rosslyn, and they had three sons.[7] The couple divorced in 1979.
He died at his home, Hatfield Court in Leominster, Herefordshire,[11] at the age of 72.[2] His last words were: "I think I'll have a rest now."[12]
References
^ ab"Obituary: Jeremy Sandford". the Guardian. 15 May 2003. Retrieved 19 May 2021. He remained close to Nell Dunn, his first wife and the mother of his three much loved sons, Roc, Reuben and Jem. They and his second wife, Philippa, survive him.
