The name Rose Deeks may not be immediately familiar to the modern audience, yet behind one of Britain’s most beloved entertainment figures stood this remarkable woman. Known as the mother of Dame Barbara Windsor, Rose Deeks lived through times of struggle, social change, and profound transformation in the early to mid-twentieth century. Her life was not one of celebrity but of quiet endurance, resilience, and dedication to family. While her daughter went on to capture the hearts of millions through her performances in Carry On films and EastEnders, Rose’s influence remained the silent yet strong foundation upon which Barbara’s career and character were built.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on 11 June 1912 in Bethnal Green, London, Rose Alexandra Ellis (who later became known as Rose Deeks) grew up in a working-class environment typical of the East End during that era. The early twentieth century was a time when London was marked by social stratification, economic uncertainty, and the looming shadow of two world wars. Bethnal Green, with its narrow streets and tightly knit communities, represented both hardship and heart. Families often faced poverty, but they also shared a sense of togetherness and resilience.
From an early age, Rose learned the value of hard work. Many women in her area contributed to their household income through domestic work, sewing, or piecework done from home. This work ethic shaped her character — strong, industrious, and determined. Those who knew her described her as a woman of immense pride and quiet strength, the kind who faced difficulties with a calm dignity that reflected the spirit of her generation.
Marriage to John Deeks
Rose eventually met John Deeks, a man employed as a bus driver and conductor. The couple married and began their life together in the bustling heart of East London. Marriage during this period was often a partnership built on shared survival as much as affection. For working-class couples like the Deeks family, financial stability was a constant concern, and the economic hardships of the 1930s made life difficult for many Londoners.
Their relationship was complex, marked by both love and conflict. Reports and later accounts from their daughter Barbara suggest that Rose endured challenging times in her marriage. John was known to have a fiery temper, and their relationship eventually deteriorated, leading to a painful separation. Yet through all of this, Rose maintained her composure and continued to provide for her child, never allowing personal pain to overshadow her responsibilities as a mother.
Motherhood and the Birth of Barbara Windsor
In 1937, Rose gave birth to a daughter, Barbara Ann Deeks — the little girl who would later become the famous actress Barbara Windsor. The birth of her daughter during a time of economic instability added both joy and new challenges to Rose’s life. Like many women of her era, she had to balance motherhood with the necessity of earning a living.
Rose worked as a dressmaker, a common and respected trade for women in London at the time. Dressmaking required patience, skill, and a keen eye for detail. It was through this craft that Rose not only supported her family but also passed down her sense of discipline and creativity to her daughter. Her modest home in Shoreditch was often filled with the hum of sewing machines and the chatter of neighbours, reflecting the communal warmth that defined London’s working-class life.
Barbara would later speak fondly of her mother’s determination and elegance. Though life was far from easy, Rose ensured that her daughter felt loved and cared for. She encouraged Barbara to take pride in herself and to dream beyond the narrow expectations society placed on girls from their background.
The Impact of War and Post-War Life
The Second World War left an indelible mark on every British family, and the Deeks household was no exception. London faced relentless bombings during the Blitz, forcing families into shelters and scattering communities across the country. Rose, like countless other women, displayed extraordinary resilience during these years. She managed to keep her daughter safe while continuing her work, a testament to her courage and resolve.
After the war, Britain entered a period of reconstruction, but everyday life remained tough. Rationing continued into the 1950s, and employment opportunities were scarce. Rose moved with Barbara to Stoke Newington, seeking a more stable environment. By this time, her marriage to John Deeks had broken down completely, leaving her as the primary caregiver. The divorce was a difficult episode, marked by tension and emotional strain. Barbara, still a young girl, was deeply affected by her parents’ separation and the courtroom battles that followed. Rose’s ability to remain composed during this time showed her moral strength and fierce maternal devotion.
A Mother’s Influence on a Rising Star
As Barbara grew into her teenage years, she began showing interest in performing. The entertainment industry in post-war Britain was a mixture of glamour and struggle, particularly for young women from modest backgrounds. Rose recognised her daughter’s passion and did what she could to encourage her ambitions, even though it meant financial sacrifices.
When Barbara adopted the stage name Windsor, it symbolised not only her own rising stardom but also the values and perseverance inherited from her mother. Rose’s quiet discipline, attention to detail, and emotional endurance became embedded in her daughter’s personality. Barbara often reflected that her mother’s blend of toughness and tenderness shaped the woman she became.
Rose’s life, although lived mostly out of the spotlight, continued to play a crucial role in Barbara’s journey. She remained a grounding presence, offering emotional support through the ups and downs of fame. Barbara’s portrayal of feisty, resilient women on screen often echoed the character and spirit of her mother — strong yet compassionate, bold yet deeply caring.
Portrayal in Popular Culture
In 2017, the BBC drama Babs retold Barbara Windsor’s life story. Actress Leanne Best portrayed Rose Deeks with a quiet dignity that captured her essential nature — a woman caught between tradition and change, love and heartbreak. The drama highlighted the deep bond between mother and daughter, illustrating how Rose’s sacrifices allowed Barbara to pursue her dreams.
For many viewers, the portrayal of Rose offered a glimpse into the unsung strength of women from her generation. She represented thousands of British mothers who held their families together through war, hardship, and social change, asking for little recognition in return.
Character and Legacy
To understand Rose Deeks is to understand the quiet heroism of British working-class mothers. Her story might not fill newspaper headlines or history books, yet her influence resonates through the success and humanity of her daughter. She stood as an example of perseverance, modesty, and grace in the face of adversity.
Rose’s strength was not born of privilege but of necessity. She lived through an era that demanded fortitude from women — an era when personal dreams were often sacrificed for the sake of family. Yet within her, there existed a quiet artistry and vision. Her skill as a dressmaker reflected both her creativity and her practical intelligence, and her home became a space of warmth and determination in an uncertain world.
Her relationship with Barbara, though sometimes tested by life’s difficulties, remained one of mutual love and admiration. Even when Barbara’s fame grew, she never forgot her mother’s lessons about humility, work ethic, and emotional honesty.
The Broader Historical Context
When we place Rose Deeks within the larger social fabric of twentieth-century Britain, her life tells us much about the evolution of women’s roles. From domestic constraints to increasing independence, from survival during war to rebuilding after it, her generation shaped the social foundation upon which modern Britain stands.
Rose’s life intersected with major historical events — the Great Depression, the Second World War, the rise of the welfare state — each of which demanded resilience and adaptability. Women like her formed the backbone of their communities, balancing paid work with unpaid care and providing emotional stability in an era of constant upheaval.
Remembering Rose Deeks Today
Today, the story of Rose Deeks endures as a reminder that history is not only written by the famous but also by those who quietly shape them. While her daughter Barbara Windsor became a national treasure, it was Rose who nurtured her spirit, guided her values, and gave her the courage to pursue her dreams.
Her life represents the countless women whose strength was often invisible yet indispensable. She may not have sought recognition, but her legacy lives on through the generations that continue to celebrate kindness, perseverance, and family loyalty — values she embodied every day.
Conclusion
The tale of Rose Deeks is one of grace under pressure and love without measure. She symbolises the everyday heroism of mothers who, though unseen by the public eye, leave a lasting mark through their children and communities. In remembering her, we acknowledge not only her role as Barbara Windsor’s mother but also her individual identity as a woman of character, skill, and quiet courage.
Her story is a mirror to the endurance of an entire generation — those who faced hardship with hope, turned work into art, and raised children who would go on to change British culture forever. In every sense, Rose Deeks stands as a timeless figure of resilience and strength, a woman whose life deserves to be remembered and honoured.
