 Stella , the couple 's first child , was born on 5 January 1902 ; two brothers , Gerald and Lewis , followed in 1905 and 1909 respectively . The atmosphere in the Kentish Town house echoed that of the elder Gibbons 's household , and was dominated by Telford 's frequent bouts of ill @-@ temper , drinking , womanising and occasional acts of violence . Stella later described her father as " a bad man , but a good doctor " . He was charitable to his poorer patients and imaginative in finding cures , but made life miserable for his family . Initially Stella was his favourite , but by the time she reached puberty he frequently mocked her looks and size . Fortunately , her mother was a calm and stabilising influence . Until Stella reached the age of 13 she was educated at home by a succession of governesses , who never stayed long . The family 's bookshelves provided reading material , and she developed a talent for storytelling with which she amused her young brothers . 
