Ancestry UK

Workhouse Guestbook 2007

Thanks for visiting The Workhouse web-site at www.workhouses.org.uk.
You are welcome to submit an entry to the current guestbook. (Links to previous years' guestbooks here.)


I am looking for descendants of Thomas and Lavinia Roper (Master and Matron Barham Workhouse) - on 1881 census. I am their ggreat granddaughter.
Anne Ward (Roper) <wardba AT ntlworld.com>
UK - 2007-11-27 23:49
Just found this site, my great/g grandmother came out to Australia in 1849 on one of Earl Grey's orphan girl ships.It was the "New Liverpool" June 1849. She was a Widow with 2 children and one of the 3 Matrons on the ship. Her name was Catherine Grainger , children John Lawrence Grainger age 4 and Ann Marie Grainger 2.She came from Dublin. I wondered if she was in the Workhouse and was asked to go with the girls on this ship. Husband was John Lawrence Grainger, do not know when he died he was a Stone Mason. Her parents were John Fitzgibbon and Mary Bell. Hope someone can help me. Looking for any information or suggestions as to where to go to get this information. I know there is a book on this ship. But the "Matrons" have not been researched as it was about the Girls. Also have a Benjamin Fackrell age 68 Born Sheerness, Fishmonger in the St George in the East Workhouse on the 1871 Census. Then a Benjamin Fackrell age 80 Died October 1871 in that Workhouse. Wrong age or different Benj.Can anyone help me with him. 10th October 1837 Benjamin Fackrell age 60 Barber, died in the Union Workhouse Parish St, St Olive Southwark.
Maureen Robertson <morob AT spiderweb.com.au >
Australia - 2007-11-27 23:48
My grandmother & her illegitmate son , aged 1 year, entered Chorley Workhouse in May 1902.A few days later she was sent to Whittingham Asylumn where she died in Feb 1903. The Chorley Board of Guardians minutes noted she had st90& st 36 in 2 bank accounts. They deducted cost of her & her son's upkeefrom these accounts. When she died they sold her furniture to defray costs.And I assume to assist with the upkeep of her son still in the workhouse. My question is . Could the Board do this as of right under the Poor Laws or would they have to obtain a Grant of Represention from the courts so that her accounts could be accessed ? If the latter is it possible to obtain a copy and from where? Help appreciated.
Sidney Fowler <sidfow AT yahoo com.au>
Australia - 2007-11-27 23:47
was told about this site as my grandfather was in the Swinton Poor Law School in 1901 at the age of 14 years I don't know how long he was there for and what he did between the time of leaving and the time he went into to Army His name was James Turner born 4.11.1887 Lancashire England to George and Sarah Turner (Whittaker) I would like to find out more about his life if any one knows of his family, I found it very interesting reading about the Workhouse and schools and the photos are priceless to me and my sister, I will be visiting Manchester in March 2008 and would like to look up records of the school Thank you Peter I feel a door has opened for us now.
Margie Hunt <marghunt AT bigpond.net.au>
Australia - 2007-11-27 23:46
Peter, all has been said, what more can i say? Absolutley fabulous, i have just found your site. i live in Thailand so it is hard for me to find my family tree. Looking at UNION WORKHOUSE, BASFORD, NOTTIGHAM, i came accross ANN BOSTOCK, ELIZABETH BOSTOCK and JOHN BOSTOCK. My name is Bostock and my father (Geaorge Edward Bostock) is from that area. I have not been able to establish if these names are decendants or not as yet, if anyone can give me further info i would be greatful.
Brian Bostock <teacherbrian at hotmail. com>
UK - 2007-11-27 23:45
I find a lot of the information regarding the old union workhouse in swansea very interesting but also a little sad. I recently discovered that my great, great grandmother had been in there. Her name was Catherine Lewis and i found an entry for her in the records dated 1897, she had a daughter born that year in the workhouse. She had originally named her daughter Mary-Maud, but the day after her birth she renamed her Alice-May Lewis for whatever reason. Somehow Catherine had managed to get herself out of the workhouse, and through a lot of investigating i discovered that just before Catherine passed away she was living with her daughter Alice and her Grandaughter Dorothy Marks in Morriston in Swansea. Sadly i have still been unable to trace any Male Bloodline for over 100 years. But a man named William Marks has cropped up a few times so maybe he was my grandfather or greatgrandfather. If anyone has any ideas how i can progress a little more i would be very grateful. I have hit a brick wall for over a year and am still trying all routes for information. Many Thanks Helen.
Helen Hart <hart860 AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2007-11-27 23:44
Daniel Kemp was the Governor of Craiglockhart Poorhouse in 1896 and his wife's name was Jessie. Would anyone perusing the Guestbook know of his descendants. I know it is a "long shot" but stranger things have happened. Even the smallest piece of info would be a great help.
Jessie Meaklim
Australia - 2007-11-06 20:39
Hi, Is there any Info on The East London Union Workhouse. My Gt Gt Gt Grandfather was an inmate there on the 1851 Census. His age then was 72yrs and his trade was Watchmaker. He was classed as a Pauper. Would there be any record of His Admission/Discharge or Death. Look forward to any help offered, and thank You.
Linda
UK - 2007-11-06 20:37
Peter: This site is amazing! I have been reading for 2 1/2 hrs. and still only touched the tip of the Iceberg. I searched through Ancestry.UK for my GrGrandmother, Rebecca Jones..to find that she was left a "Pauper" when her Mom and Dad died in 1894 and 95. Rebecca was born in Lambeth. It is on the 1901 Census that I found her listed as a pauper . It lists "Lambeth Old Schools" Civil Parish of Lambeth and Eccles. parish of St. Luke. (2) questions is it possible to access the records of the School or Workhouse to see when she was put in there and when she exited? I didn't see any actual pictures of Lambeth Workhouse other than a pencil version in your site. How can I get any current pictures of the Workhouse /or is it still standing today? And Peter...do you have this site in book form?? D. Roddick
Dolores Roddick <djroddick AT Shaw .Com>
Calgary, Alberta Canada - 2007-11-06 20:36
This has been the most interesting site I have come across in my search for my family details. I have no reason to suppose any of my family were inmates and I just came across this site by accident. It is wonderful. Congratulations. What happened to these poor and destitute people is incredibly important in all our histories.
Carole Goldsmith
UK - 2007-11-06 20:35
I am trying to dicover any information relating to Sarah Miller who was born 10th September 1881 but is shown to be a 10 year old inmate at Salford Union Infirmary, Pendleton District in the 1891 census. I really would love to know when and why she was sent there and when she was allowed to leave.
Tony Stott <reedman AT sttearh.wanadoo.co.uk>
UK - 2007-11-06 20:34
How are you? you have a great Web Page and I have seen a lot while searching for my ancestors. I wish to be included in your guestbook entry. Iam from Australia and looking for the family of Brown in the Cirencester Area of Gloucester. The person is a Anne Brown who married a Robert Taylor from Turkdean on the 28/12/1807 Iam leaving messages everywhere in the hope that I can find her family, take care.
Janet Pritchard <jpritcha AT nor.com.au>
Australia - 2007-11-06 20:33
I am researching GEORGE GOURLAY born 1832 in Edinburgh to JAMES GOURLAY AND JANE(JEAN) ROBERTSON. He is listed as a jeweller, married to JANET HUNTER on Oct 26, 1855 @ St. Cuthberts church in ediburgh. 1861 Census lists the family including dtrs Janet Hunter Gourlay, Jane Gourlay and infant dtr 1 day old residing @ 22 William St. in Edinburgh. And then....in 1871 the death certificate of 10 day old infant Janet Hunter Gourlay dies in St. Cuthbert's Poorhouse as an illegitimate child to Janet Hunter Gourlay mother (George is listed here as deceased). I can find no record of George Gourlay's death. Then in 1871 their other daughter Janet Gourlay is listed as an orphan living in the girls reformatory at St. Cuthberts. This Janet went on to marry Thomas Milne and they had a daughter named Henrietta Milne who emigrated to the US and then married James Hillocks, Stonemason from dundee Scotland. There my mother Georgina Divina Hillocks was born. Anyone who has any info on the Gourlays I would be quite grateful to hear your story!
Janet Etten <okayjanay1 AT yahoo.com>
- 2007-11-06 20:32
Thank you for all the hard work and effort you have put into this website.
Ray Davis
UK - 2007-11-06 20:31
JAMES EDWARD COLLETT would have been my uncle had he lived. He is recorded as having died in St Olave's in 1889, at the age of 18. I am unsure whether this refers to the hospital , where he might have been either a patient, or employee. As he was born in Stonehouse, Glos and the family subsequently lived in Bath, Som. how he came to die in St Olave's, at such a young age is a mystery which I should like to solve. Any information would be so welcome. Joan Murton.
Joan Murton. <jmurton AT absamail.co.za>
ZA - 2007-11-06 20:31
LOOKING FOR MY GRANDFATHER. PETER BANAHAN LAST KNOWN AS FARM LABOURER, 79 NORTH END LANE GRANGE FARM - INCE BLUNDELL - LIVERPOOL AT THE AGE OF 60 YRS. YR 1901. ANY HELP WILL BE KINDLY ACCEPTED.
Vonnie Elder <Vonnie AT eldersuph.co.uk>
UK - 2007-11-06 20:30
Hi, Great site, can anyone help me track down a Elizabeth Florence Strong who was in pouchlands house, chailey lewes sussex, she is my grt grandmother, who gave birth to a baby boy 16th Dec 1922 baptised 17th Dec 1922, in-house chaplin.my grandfather, i have been to lewes to find records, only to find the birth date. I do not know what happened to her, if she married or not. As a baby he some-how came to live in upton blewbury oxfordshire, who was raised by eliza keep in fieldside upton oxon, she seemed to take in boys, If anyone knows some ifo i would be very greatful. Boy born 16th Dec 1922- sydney rodford strong. Thankyou Lisa Edwards
Lisa Edwards <lisa AT varnish.me.uk>
UK - 2007-11-06 20:29
I have been researching my family history and have found in the 1841 Census that my maternal great-great-great-Grandfather was a Governor at Ash Workhouse, Surrey and his wife was the Matron. I have also found information, maps and pictures of the area. Thank you for such an interesting site.
Graham Duke
UK - 2007-11-06 20:28
hi first of all have to say what a fantastic web site well done! im looking for any information concerning the rayner family. up to now i have found out that my grandparents [ goerge william rayner and florence may rayner nee wicks ]worked and lived at chase farm homes edmonton middlesex.my father albert edward rayner was born in 1921.he had several siblings of which i am trying to also find. they are PHYLIS, , CHARLES , EDITH, FREDRICK , DORIS. My grandmother florence died in 1926 with TB, my dad at the age of 3 was put into chase farm home orphanage along with his siblings.at the age of 16 my father made his way up to the north east.as far as i know most of his family stayed in the london middlesex area.i would very much appreciate any information anyone has on my family or on chase farm homes edmonton middlesex. thankyou.
Kim Rayner <addakim AT msn.com>
- 2007-10-03 10:22
What an excellent site, I have inherited a silver trowel which was presented to my Great Great Grandfather Jared Nixon on laying a cornerstone of the new Gateshead Workhouse on the 3rd July 1888. It is a treasured family heirloom, my Grandad however was not so precious about this old trowel, he used it to lay mortar!!!!
Christopher Nixon
UK - 2007-10-03 10:21
Hi There, I have been researching my Family tree and found that several ancestors were staff at various Workhouses. On the 1881 census for the Rugby Workhouse the Matron Elizabeth Martin & School Teacher Mary Knight were actually Sisters. Before marrying Isaac Martin (Workhouse Master), Elizabeth had previously been the Workhouse School Teacher (see 1871 Census), Mary replaced her when she married. (note the Sisters where actually born in Raunds Nr Ringstead, Northants) Elizabeth was later Widowed & became a 'Fancy Draper', whilst Mary remained at the Workhouse and is in the 1891 census where her Brother Benjamin Knight appears as the Porter. By 1901 (census) Mary is a Foster Mother for 10 children at no4 May Day Cottage, Croydon & Benjamin is then Master of the Exeter Workhouse. Other Siblings in the union include Kate Knight, who was a Drapery Attendant at St Pancras Workhouse in 1901(census) and Edith Knight, who was Sewing Mistress at the Tooting Home in 1901 (census). I also know that another branch of my Family The Herrings also have Workhouse Staff among them, I have William Herring a Reliving officer (Censuses 1841-1861), His Children Ellen Herring a Governess at the Nuneton, Union Workhouse (1861 Census) her Charges appear to be her Niece's as the Master & Matron of the Workhouse at that time happen to be her Sister Mary & Brother in Law John Young. Another Sister Anne is married to the Master of the Fullham Workhouse (though strangely she is not the Matron). The youngs are still in charge of the Nuneton Workhouse by the 1881 Census & their Daughter Ellen in the School Teacher. I would be very interested to here from anyone who has information about any of these people, on the face of it, it appears that these families were getting each other 'plumb jobs' and this gives a whole new meaning to keeping it in the family. Whilst they are not direct relations they are all blood relations and I am very curious about their lives. Regards Victoria Hadley (nee Knight)
Victoria Hadley <boudica85 AT hotmail.com>
UK - 2007-10-03 10:20
Does anybody have any information about Annie Jarvis an inmate of a Cardiff workhouse in 1889? who was the grandmother I never met, whose son William Jarvis was my father. I would like to know the name of the workhouse please
Maureen <mozzaml AT optusnet.com.au>
Australia - 2007-10-03 10:19
very good site lots of work gone into it. can you please tell me how can I get more information on Bridgend cottage homes in the mid 1970`s, as I was in the home. very good memories from there I went to a children's home in maesteg which was run by the late Gloria Matthews. any help would be gratefully received
Maurice Sheehy <sheehymossie AT eircom.net>
- 2007-10-03 10:19
Ada Callaway. Entered St Olaves, Parish Street Workhouse 1908. Went on to infirmary. Death Records?
Thelma Wallis <hadwall AT talktalk.net>
UK - 2007-10-03 10:18
Many thanks for such an interesting site, having spent about 50 minutes with it, I have only scratched the surface, but have still found several family names - now to try to fit them into the family tree jigsaw. I am sure that there will be many more visits back to this site.
Roger Brunning <roger AT the-brunnings.co.uk>
UK - 2007-10-03 10:17
Bridget and Margaret McGrath - From North Dublin Workhouse to Australia. Many thanks for a truly informative website - the preservation of our history is so important. The story of my gg-grandmother Bridget Hall is summarized below and illustrates how something positive came out of the Great Famine in Ireland. If anyone can provide more information on these girls I would be very grateful. I have not been able to establish where the girls came from in Ireland or what became of Margaret on her arrival in South Australia. The McGrath girls, Bridget and Margaret, were part of the Earl Grey Orphan Scheme designed to provide a better life for girls orphaned by the Great Famine and to redress the gender imbalance in Australia. The girls were to be aged 14 to 18 years and many thousands were shipped to Australia between 1848 and 1850. The McGrath girls came to Adelaide; Bridget was 14 years of age and Margaret a little older. The following is a published account of the voyage of the Inconstant, the ship that conveyed Bridget and Margaret McGrath to South Australia: On 15 February 1849, the Inconstant commanded by Captain Patrick Culliton, sailed from Plymouth for Adelaide in South Australia. On board were 209 Irish female migrants. These young Irish orphan girls from Newcastle 18, Mullingar 40, Tullamore 18, Mountmellick 22, Parsontown 30, Limerick 24, Tipperary 22, North Dublin 12 (Total 186), left the poverty of Ireland as part of Earl Grey's Pauper Immigration Scheme, to settle in the new land of Australia. Charles Watkins Esq, Superintendant-Surgeon, with the Matron and her assistant, had charge of these girls. The Inconstant reached Adelaide on June 7th, 1849, a voyage of nearly 4 months duration. Many of the Irish orphan girls found work in the new settlements as servants or seamstresses, as teachers or nannies, and many married settlers." Bridget married Daniel Hall, an immigrant from Cheshire, in 1851 and they raised many children as they farmed, prospected for sandalwood and gold and undertook many activities in the development of the north of South Australia. The widow Bridget followed her sons to the Goldfields of Western Australia in the 1890s and she died in Kalgoorlie in 1913.
Ross <artemisia AT grapevine.com.au>
Canberra, Australia - 2007-10-03 10:16
Hi, I agree with all the other comments...what a great website! I'm trying to find out more about Mary Ann Draycott who was 12 in 1881. It would be great to hear from anyone else following the same line or from anyone who can shed light on what she might having been doing there given that I can't find her parents in the Workhouse??? .
David Parsons <d716uj at yahoo.co.uk>
UK - 2007-10-03 10:15
A great informative site. My Grandfather lost his only brother and 3 sisters in 1891 in the Camberwell Workhouse. For some reason unknown to me his Father Thomas Littlejohn Brash a schoolmaster, had committed some misdeed and that apparently is why they ended up in the workhouse where these poor children died of Measles and Pneumonia. Their ages being only 7yr 6y 4y& 2y The parents and my Grandfather then had to flee to Wales under fictitious names (I assume) Grandfather lived to 84, and his Mother to 89 years, but no one ever found out what happened to Great Grandfather Thomas Littlejohn Brash...Do any of you?
Dolly
UK - 2007-10-03 10:15
Does anyone have details of the inmates of Weymouth workhouse in the second half of the 19th century. I believe they may have been pulped during the war so this is an outside bet. Thanks.
Peter Hannam <Peter.Hannam AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2007-10-03 10:13
Just wanted to say thank you for sharing all your amazing research and hard work. It's a great site, bringing quite a grim part of social history to life - thank you.
Becci Forster
UK - 2007-10-03 10:13
An incredibly interesting site and very easy to search. Main problem is you get drawn in and before you know it, several hours have passed. Had two relatives from different sides of the family in Burntwood Asylum - one having died there. My mum worked at the Carlisle workhouse but as a ward sister when it was The City General Hospital (ENT, dentistry, gynea were all in the main building). The older patients often said they'd come to the workhouse. The building is no longer part of St Martin's College but as of 01/08/2007 is one of the three Carlisle campuses of the new University of Cumbria. Can I make a helpful suggestion for people leaving requests for information. If they can possibly include place of birth or residence it helps narrow things down and make life easier. Keep up the good work.
Sue Turton <sue.turton AT tesco.net>
UK - 2007-10-03 10:12
What a wonderful site. The brother of my gt gt gt gt grandfather, Thomas SALMON & his wife Lucy were the governor & matron of the Workhouse in Stratford, Warwickshire as recorded in the 1841, 1851 & 1861 census
Margaret Duffus
UK - 2007-10-03 10:12
Hi, I'm looking for information on an ancestor - John Garrett (1788-1863) - who in the 1861 census is described as being 'Chaplain to the Eastbourne Union'. Any information would be appreciated.
Anne Brockett <anne.brockett AT btconnect.com>
UK - 2007-10-03 10:11
looking for information about brewood workhouse Staffordshire.My gt grandfather was there in 1901 his name was George Bates, his wife was Mary A Bates nee Brough from Stretton thank you.
Vic Gough <vicgough AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2007-10-03 10:10
Neville and Michael Bacon (twin Brothers) were born in the Wicklewood Work House near Wymondham in Norfolk October 1932 they are sadly both dead Michael died in 1951 aged only 19 and Neville died in 1984 aged 52. Can anybody remember the Wicklewood institute and can anybody remember Neville and Michael's mother Phyllis Bacon she put the boys out for foster but she did stay in the Crownthorpe/Wicklewood area for a while working as a domestic servant. In 1937 Phyllis went on to have a daughter Jean who she had in a work house in Kent. Jean was brought back to Norfolk and also fostered out. Phyllis enrolled in the ATS in 1941 and sadly died in 1945 whilst on duty. Phyllis was on board a plane going over to Italy the plane crashed into the sea off the coast of Corsica all 17 ATS women and 6 flight crew were killed. I have researched this accident thoroughly but I would just like to know something about Phyllis as a person. If anybody can remember her could you please EMail me.
Barbara Eggleton <eggletonfam AT eggletonfam.fsnet.co.uk>
UK - 2007-10-03 10:09
Hi, just wanted say what a fascinating and truly informative site you have. Having spent a good deal of time browsing your site I must get on with what I was doing but I will be back again. My family history research shows that my relatives were governor and governess at the Newton Workhouse, Warrington, Lancs. in the 1841 census. They were Margaret and William Rigby (daughter and father). Their Workhouse does get a mention on your site and the old map showing its location is of real interest to me. Thanks for making all this information available to us - there has obviously been a huge amount of time and effort involved; a labour of love no doubt - well done.
Mark Tasker
UK - 2007-10-03 10:08
Does anyone have details of the inmates of Weymouth workhouse in the second half of the 19th century. I believe they may have been pulped during the war so this is an outside bet. Thanks.
Peter Hannam <Peter Hannam AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2007-08-21 12:56
An incredibly interesting site and very easy to search. Main problem is you get drawn in and before you know it, several hours have passed. Had two relatives from different sides of the family in Burntwood Asylum - one having died there. My mum worked at the Carlisle workhouse but as a ward sister when it was The City General Hospital (ENT, dentistry, gynea were all in the main building). The older patients often said they'd come to the workhouse. The building is no longer part of St Martin's College but as of 01/08/2007 is one of the three Carlisle campuses of the new University of Cumbria. Can I make a helpful suggestion for people leaving requests for information. If they can possibly include place of birth or residence it helps narrow things down and make life easier. Keep up the good work, Susan
Sue Turton <sue.turton AT tesco.net>
UK - 2007-08-21 12:56
Just to say what a wonderful site, what a lot of time you must have put into it. Thanks to your site i have found a lot about how my family lived in 1881, my great great great grandad was listed on your site william Till along with children sarah, henry and george, I think william died at the workhouse in newcastle upon lyme but have to confirm this, I know what happened to george but have no idea what became of sarah and henry, if anyone has any idea of the Till family i would love to hear from you, many thanks lesley,
Lesley Till <lesley1612 at hotmail.com>
UK - 2007-07-20 11:10
This is such an informative site about 'workhouses' in England. I have written to Peter in the past, requesting some information on why one of my ancestors, Joseph Helsden Holdgate, would have lived (and I believe died) in the King's Lynn Union Workhouse when his wife and children were not and Peter provided a prompted and very reasonable response to my question. It was most likely due to ill health (and he did die rather young) and he couldn't afford any other medical care. This is, without question, the best site I have found on workhouses and the information provided within on the King's Lynn Union Workhouse will be placed in the 'scrapbook' (for lack of a better term) I am putting together on my English ancestry, which has never been done before and, hopefully, will be kept and maintained by future generations. Thank you for you effort and all the work that you have put into this web site - you should be proud as you haven't forgotten the poor of the past. Researching: Holdgate, Hubbard, Sadd, Fowler, Maltby, Jones (and many others)
Heather Holdgate
Whitby, Ontario Canada - 2007-07-20 11:09
This is a truly magnificent, informative and thought-provoking web site! Kudos to all those who put it together. I have learned much to aid me in my search for ancestors who may have been residents of the work house in Eccleshall-Bierlow in the mid-19th century. I would greatly appreciate any assistance in checking the work house records to see if, in fact, they were residents. The family name is HARRISON, though the 1861 census for Ecclesal Bierlow lists what we believe to be the original family surname: ROSENBERG. The HARRISON/ROSENBERG family immigrated from Poland to England probably in the 1850s or 1860s. They were a poor family and may have wound up as indigents and placed in the work/poor house in Ecclesal Bierlow. This is our working theory to explain why a Yiddish speaking family newly arrived from Poland would find themselves in this very small town and not in a much larger city. We are seeking some or all of these names on the roles of the work house:
Jacob Harrison (1834-1906) born Poland, tailor, Father
Leah Cash Harrison (1837-1907) born Poland, mother
Children:
1. Israel Harrison (1866-) born England
2. Marks (Max) Harrison) (1868-1923), born England
3. Henry (Harris) Harrison (1861- ), born England
4. Levi Harrison (1864), born England
5. Isaac Harrison (1870) born England
6. Morris Harrison (1854-1931) born England
Thank you. Sincerely, Rand

Rand H. Fishbein <fishnet AT pipeline.com>
Potomac, Maryland USA - 2007-07-20 11:08
I lived at what was formerly Hay workhouse for many years, however it is only now (many years later), that I have come to research its history in preparation for a novel, and have discovered the fascinating truth behind this intriguing piece of architecture! I am truly indebted to this website, not only for the excellent factual information it has provided me with, but also for the wonderfully evocative photographs of so many former workhouse buildings. It has been a treasure-trove of a resource - many thanks indeed! Sarah Star sarahstar.co.uk
Sarah Star
UK - 2007-07-20 11:06
I've stumbled across your site a few times and always find myself perusing around long after the initial purpose for following the original link has been forgotten! What a fascinating corner of the web! Incredibly well researched and detailed, it really feeds the history lover in me (and many other visitors) especially as it shows the past with a respectful 'warts and all' tone. So very well done! Paulie
Paulie Leadbetter
UK - 2007-07-20 11:05
I discovered that my great great grandfather (Francis Henry Walter Roman) died in the London Sick Asylum. On typing this into the search engine I came across your site and found details and pictures of the place where he died. Thank you.
Jean Taylor
UK - 2007-07-20 11:04
A great site I found alot of my family on this thanks for all your hard work. I found the information very helpful. regards Judy
Judy
Australia - 2007-07-20 11:04
Does anybody have any information and possible location of records of Poplar Rescue and Maternity Home ? In the 1890 Post Office Directory it appears as Poplar Rescue Work, Manor Cottage, Kerbey Street(founder Mrs Wilkes) and in the 1911 directory as Manor Cottage Maternity Home 31 Sturry Street Poplar( Matron Mrs E Robinson). Herbert Fry's list of Victorian Charities describes it " To assist young women of previous good character to a new start in life, especially those who, not necessarily depraved, are about to become mothers for the first time. These are confined at the home and then helped into a position to support their little ones". My mother was born at 31 Sturry Street Poplar in 1914 so I am very keen to locate any records for this establishment.I would be grateful for any information however small. Surely somebody somewhere also has a relative born at this home!!!!!
Raine Roberts <raineroberts AT talktalk.net>
UK - 2007-07-20 11:03
Hi, I have discovered that my Great Grandmother (Nancy Layfield) was born at Caton Workhouse in 1852. Her birth certificate shows only her mothers name (Jane Layfield who was born c1820 in Halton). I believe that Jane Layfield did not marry. She died in Lancaster in 1882 aged 61 years. Does anyone have information about the staff and residents of Caton Workhouse or the Layfield family. Many thanks.
Hazel Gardner <HazelGardner AT Excite.Com>
UK - 2007-07-20 11:02
I worked at Olive Mount Hospital from 1989 till its closure in 1991.We, W.H.Barton Ward, was the last ward to close.I along with 14 other staff supported 3 Adults with Learning Difficulties into The Community.I sadly remember watching those lovely old Victorian buildings become empty and then finally demolished. It was supposedly a Positive step forward to move out into the community for those who lived there.The former residents and staff kept in touch with each other while living out in the community in their small group homes managed and run by Community Integrated Care Ltd.The Hospital was always spoke about with much affection and we all missed the close knit community inside the Hospital which had developed over its many years of service. I hope that either yourself or anybody reading this entry, might be able to post or lead me to some photographs that might of been taken by Staff Members or visitors. It would be nice to see some old familier faces and buildings possibly taken around closure in 1991. Many Thanks. "P".
Paul John Purnell <paul-purnell AT blueyonder.co.uk>
UK - 2007-07-04 20:07
What a smashing site. Lots of wonderful information which helps anyone who is looking for lost family members or who is just curious. I don't think there are many people native to this country who hasn't had at least one member of their family in the workhouse at some time during their lives. I have found five of mine in different places. Two children and three old men who spent their last years there. But we must never forget how hard life was for the poor souls and your great site helps to remind us how lucky we are today. Best wishes
Brenda <Brendanrex AT aol.com>
- 2007-07-04 20:06
m looking for Hannah Jenkinson b. 1829 ? nee Reynolds. Widow of John Jenkinson in 1874 found on 1881 census not on the 1891 census. thought she could have been in a work house from 1881. later found on the 1901 census boarder with a family in Hertfordshire. Died in 1908. Harpenden Hertfordshire.
Trina Jensen <trina.jensen AT gauldalen.no>
Norway - 2007-07-04 20:05
I am researching my family (BYFIELD/BIELEFELD). I know that my Grandaunt, Emma Byfield (nee Barker) b.1867, the daughter of Frederick Byfield (Bielefeld) and Emma, was born in the Pancras Workhouse, Camden Town. I would like to see the actual records of them and when and how long they stayed and reason etc. I live in Western Australia, so have no access to the records. Can anyone help me please, either with a copy of the records, or by letting me know if there is some place, preferably online, that I can look up and see the records? The Byfields originally came from Prussia with the name of Bielefeld, and sometime between 1861 and 1871, my line have changed the spelling to Byfield.
Colin Smith <csmith41 AT iinet.net.au >
Australia - 2007-07-04 20:03
I have just found your wonderful website and am hoping to find some information about my Grandmother, Harriet McClure, who was born September 19, 1895 at Union Workhouse Withington, U.S.D. Her birth certification shows her mother to be Mary Ann McClure, Charwoman of Hulme Manchester, father unknown. Harriet was sent to Canada at the age of 14, as a Home Child, on the SS Victorian, departing from Liverpool on May 13, 1910, arrived in Quebec on May 20th, 1910 and was sent to Rev. Wallis, Belleville, Ontario. She married my Grandfather, Ronald Atkinson Metcalfe, of Kingston Ontario on June 30, 1915, was the mother of 10 children (5 girls and 5 boys) and passed away on June 23, 1930.
Margaret Hutson <marghutson AT yahoo.com>
Canada - 2007-07-04 20:02
Re: Joyce Williams's message from Yellowknife, Canada. Have you tried the record office in Cardiff. South Wales? I know it has records of workhouses, they were very helpful with us when tracing a relative in the Pontypridd Workhouse This is their address = 'The Glamorgan Record Office, Glamorgan Building, King Edward V11 Avenue, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF103NE. GOOD LUCK!
Mary Wheeler
Abercynon, S Wales UK - 2007-05-27 13:57
I recently saw a website listing that said the LMA holds admissions and creed registers for St Mary's Islington Workhouse, Cornwallis Rd, Upper Holloway for circa 1880-1920. I failed to note the site details (grrr!), and now can't find it again. LMA doesn't publish its own holdings catalogue online. According to A2A, LMA only holds some staff lists for this workhouse. Knowing my g-grandfather was an inmate there in 1901, but not why or for how long etc, I am most anxious to find these admissions registers. Can anyone help? Penny Stokes.
Penny Stokes <p.stokes AT pop3.hiway.co.uk>
UK - 2007-05-27 13:39
After many hundred hours searching my Great Grandfather David Johnson born in England during 1821, around London according to my father's oral statement, the most relevant hypothesis I found is the following: at the 1841 England Census, David Johnson was twenty and living at the Faringdon Workhouse in Berkshire. His parents were living at Little Faringdon, in the Civil parish of Langford : Thomas Johnson and Hannah Johnson, each one being sixty. Henry was thirty and Baraley (may be a Granddaughter), six. Those last data are the best harmonized I found to the next : at his two marriages's notary acts, David declared his father's name was Thomas and his mother's, Mary, Ann Keinan. At his first marriage with Sarah Jane Shannon, on January 19, 1844, he declared to be twenty-two. That marriage was celebrated at Trois-Rivières in Canada-Est, at the Anglican Church. His second marriage was with Virginie Brousseau, on November 27, 1844, at the same place and the same Church. Those findings went beyond my expectation when I discovered the exhaustive and great website about the Workhouses, especially the one at Faringdon in Berkshire. I felt a great joy. That website gives us a vivid image, even with pictures, concerning the Workhouses inhabitants life. A great organization. I would be very grateful for anyone who would be able to confirm that this David Johnson is the one who emigrate in Canada between June 7, 1841 and December 1843.
Jean-Paul Bachand <jpbachand AT cooptel.qc.ca>
Laval, Quebec Canada - 2007-05-27 13:36
I have enjoyed visiting this site and have found it informative. Thank you. My Great-great-grandfather, James Dodds, died in Glendale Union Workhouse in Wooler, Northumberland in 1851. If anyone has further information about him or about the workhouse at that time, please would you let me know? Also a note for Jessie who posted a message on 1st April 2007. I was also appalled to discover that Edinburgh City Council had thought it fit, in the 1970s, to destroy poorhouse records for Edinburgh Canongate district as they did not fit well with the 'genteel' image of Edinburgh. An act of vandalism for which someone should be held accountable? It says something highly unflattering about Edinburgh attitudes at the time. Diane
Diane Green <diane.dianegreen AT gmail.com>
Northumberland UK - 2007-05-27 13:34
RE: FELIX THEINERT.... Looking for Barbara Surridge who left message on this site 23/2/07. Have info - Felix Theinert is my husband's gt granddad - but cannot find you. Also left message on Dolgellau site. Please contact.
Anon <Mchrisreid AT aol.com>
UK - 2007-05-27 13:33
I've just discoverd you r wonderful site. I am looking for some information on my Grandad, his name was ALFRED WILLIAM BRAITHWAITE. I know he died in Rugby Public Assistance Institution, he was admitted to the hospital on 30th July 1934 and died 1st March 1935. Does anyone know how i can find out more information about him, his home address etc I would be grateful for any help given.
Patricia Kite <patricia.kite AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2007-05-08 21:52
This is a very interesting and informative site that I have just chanced upon. My great grandfather, Richard Telford, was a governor of the Hawick Combination Poorhouse, during the latter part of his life. He had a heart attack and died on the job in 1892, age 55. His wife was the Matron at the Poorhouse at the same time. Prior to that job, Richard had been a member of the Borders and Lothian Police, stationed at several small towns along the Scottish border. Part of this website shows the Hawick Poorhouse, with a map and good photos of the building. It lists staff on the 1861, 71 and 81 censuses, but not the 1891 census when I expect that Richard would have been employed at the Poorhouse.
Helen Telford
Melbourne, Australia - 2007-05-08 21:51
I am looking for information on my grandmother, Annie Rebecca Crossley. Annie gave birth to her Daughter Rose Ann at Beckett St, the Leeds workhouse in 1908. Information on Annie, or other members of her family would be most welcome.Details of a father on Rose's birth certificate are missing. Thankyou.
Patricia Finn <pafinnAT beeb.net>
UK - 2007-05-08 21:50
Thanks for such a fascinating site. I have been recently found my Great Grandmothers application for poor relief (Mitchell Library, Glasgow Archives) where she entered the Glasgow City Poorhouse in 1885. I think she was ill. She lied about having no family or friends or no fixed abode. She was resident in the Poorhouse a further 4 times. Until the last in 1887 and died a day later. I presume that her family (my grandfather aged 12) would have expected her to return one day. Now I want to find out what would have happened to her body and whether her family would have found out she had died (because she gave no address). So very sad the extremes you would go to in order to receive medical attention without putting the family and Parish to expense.
Susan
UK - 2007-05-08 21:50
Thank you for this remarkable site. I have no idea how many thousands of hours you must have put into it and the photos are amazing. There can be nothing left for you to learn about this subject. ;o))
Tracey
UK - 2007-05-08 21:49
Stumbled on your site whilst researching history of The Home Rule Club, Johns Quay, Kilkenny, Ireland (Est. 1894). You must have worked really hard on this site, all credit to you. I am presently working on a website for HRC and collating some history. I may contact you at a later stage regarding pasting some small excerpts. A small update for you; The location of the Kilkenny Workhouse is now being developed into a Shopping Mall. An undocumented paupers' graveyard was discovered last year by the builders. It has not affected the schedule for completion. It's on time for Autumn this year and will be called McDonagh Junction. Regards Liam
Liam
Kilkenny Ireland - 2007-05-08 21:48
Hi, My name is Maurice Occleshaw. My brother Tony, and myself were both put into Hutton Residential School, Essex, Uk, in 1949. I was only 4.1/2 years old, and Tony 7. As I remember we were seperated according to age I was in 'Block A' and my brother in "Block E". Life was very strict, and I seem to remember being looked after by, what was probably 14 or 16 year old girls. My brother was allowed to visit me on Saturdays when on school "walks". However he left 3 months before me (never found out why), maybe because I had Chicken Pox. Anyway I refused to believe he had gone home without me, and would not leave the Rocking Horse, near the window, where I was hoping to see my brother pass. For punishment, I was thrown down the Air Raid Shelter, overnight. I remember being knee deep in water, and falling over broken chairs, desks and toys in the dark.This was a horrible experience I will never forget, and am still afraid of the dark. Anyway, anyone got any photos of the place from any period, would be appreciated. Thanks. Ps. Snail mail is to :- 5/8 Dunoon Street, Murrumbeena, Vic. 3163 Australia.
Maurice Occleshaw <records AT iimetro.com.au>
Murrumbeena, Victoria Australia - 2007-05-08 21:47
Hi, Great site I am trying to locate any family members of Florence Atkinson born around 1922.She had my mother at Brigg Workhouse in 1940 and subsequently she was adopted 11 months later. My mother was told by her adoptive parents that she as an older brother who is about 2 years older than herself.We found my mother's birth in the workhouse's records and before she went there she lived in Sutton on Sea.Any info would be appreciated.
Lesley <weddles30 AT btopenworld.com>
UK - 2007-04-03 16:15
While researching my family tree I found that my Grandma, Matilda Ballard, was born in the Edmonton Union Workhouse on the 9th May 1891. Matilda's birth certificate shows father unknown but her Mum (also Matilda) married a Frederick Clifford in 1895 and young Matilda then became known as Matilda Ballard Clifford. She then married my Grandad James Charles in 1915 Shoreditch, London. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who is also researching the above people. Kind Regards,
Victor Steen <thecheekychappie AT tiscali.co.uk >
UK - 2007-04-03 16:14
Hi, I am looking for any information on St Giles Without Cripplegate Workhouse and St Mary's Islington Workhouse, would appreciate any suggestions.
Esme <te.ngaere AT xtra.co.nz>
NZ - 2007-04-03 16:13
I should just like to say Thankyou for creating such an excellent site and such a useful resource for those of us who have found ancestors in the workhouse. My great great great grandfather entered Richmond Workhouse in 1846 and died there in 1851. From the wealth of information on your site I have been able to get a good picture of what his last years were probably like. Thanks again, Helen K
Helen K
UK - 2007-04-03 16:13
The Rowton House Hostel, featured on the Rowton Houses page in Birmingham, has now been converted into the Chamberlain hotel, a photo of can be found at http://www.virtualbrum.co.uk/images/moseley/chamberlain.jpg
Dave Williams
UK - 2007-04-03 16:12
I am tryin to trace any information about Elizabeth Henry. In 1941 she was living in Armagh. She was married to William Burns. She gave birth to a son on 23rd September 1941 in Armagh workhouse. She was born in 1917, the month I do not know. Elizabeth and her son left Armagh to live in the Manchester area approx 1942-1945.
Brian Egerton <brianegerton AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2007-04-03 16:12
hi. interesting , helpful site. looking for Charlotte Townend b?1801 barnsley south yorks. in 1861 census gave inmate union workhouse barnsley s. yorks grateful for any info regarding Charlotte and about the workhouse in barnsley thankyou with thoughts wendy
Wendy <sunshinedaisy1 AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2007-04-03 16:11
Hi, I'm after information of photos of Ledbury workhouse from 1897 to 1900, as my Nan was there, but I dont when? Her name was Florence May Berrow from Much Marcle. If anyone can help, please do e mail me? Thanks
Alan Peters <alan AT petersalan.orangehome.co.uk>
UK - 2007-04-03 16:10
Hello, I am searching for any information about my great-great grandfather, George Bull. George was a resident of the St. Ives Union Workhouse at Hemingford Grey. According to what limited information we have, he died January 30, 1903. Any information you may have about him would be greatly appreciated by my family. Information such as: the length of time he resided at the workhouse, cause of death, next of kin, etc. would be wonderful. Thanks so much
Mary Taylor <marybrennan_taylor AT yahoo.com>
UK - 2007-04-03 16:09
Hello. I am researching the Thomas family from Northend Erith. Father James, mother Mary Ann and elder daughter Martha Jane, born the end of the 1800 at Belvedere. James was the next child born, and as yet I haven't found his birth records, but early in 1900's, a daughter Ann was born. When Ann got 'above herself', the siblings would remind her where she was born, the workhouse. I cannot be sure this is true, but it does seem likely. I would assume this to be Dartford Workhouse, but this is a brickwall for me, and I would be grateful for any advice on how I should go about the research. Kathy
Kathy Lawson <fawrdane AT paradise.net.nz>
NZ - 2007-04-03 16:06
Hi I am looking for any info on Tawe Lodge, was it still a workhouse in 1942.If it was why would a married women with three other daughters give birth in there.She was living at Trefalagar Terrace Swansea and her husband was a dock labourer(their house was not bombed until 1943)
Sheila Beach <sheilabeach06 AT aol.com>
UK - 2007-03-11 19:28
hi my names Debbie, like so many people nowadays im trying to research my fathers side of the tree.i have just found that my grandad GEORGE THORNE, and his brother JOSEPH, were both taken into the DARTFORD workhouse, by ERITH county council.my grandad GEORGE was 4 and JOSEPH was 2.i do know that my grandad was boarded out to a lady called REBECCA SIMS, of bexley rd.he lived with REBECCA untill joining the army at the age of 14, but i have no idea what happened to joseph after his brother GEORGE left the workhouse. this is a truely amazing site, a big thank you to all those who have worked so hard to bring us such a detailed site. kindest regards debbie
Debbie Chadwick <debchad61 AT hotmail.com>
UK - 2007-03-11 19:27
Hello, I am looking for information on George Newman who lived in Bedhampton and died in January 1898 at The Union Workhouse Havant. I am tracing the Newman family tree and would love to hear from anyone who can help, I could not find George anywhere in the 1891 census.
Yvonne White <yvonne.white56 AT tesco.net>
UK - 2007-03-11 19:26
I am doing research about my father, I know his father and mother were born in Northampton, he was born in Liverpool in 1932, and he told me his mother and brothers and sister moved back to Northampton when he was four , his older brothers and sister went to live with relatives in Oxford, and he went in to a children's home and his mum went into a workhouse in Northampton, I am looking for information about which workhouse it would have been and the children's home my dad would have attended, if any one as any experiences they would like to share of life in Nrthampton in 1935 - 1940.
Mandy Phillips <mandy AT englishbookshops .com>
UK - 2007-03-11 19:25
Hi, My husband's grandfather, Harry, was born in the Marylebone Workhouse to Sophia Strange on 6th July 1879 and by the time the birth was registered on 18th July, they had moved to 64 Salisbury Street Marylebone. The story among the family is that Sophia was employed as a servant to a titled family when she became pregnant to the son of that family. I am still researching Sophia. Your site has brought to life the routine of the workhouse and made it all seem much more real to us. Regards Julie
Julie
UK - 2007-03-11 19:25
Hello! In doing research into my family tree I have learned that my Great-Great-Great Granddad was that Master of the Luton Union Workhouse (Dunstable Rd), this is according to census records for the years: 1851, 1861 & 1871. His name was John Gardner. I find this fascinating as I am writing from Canada and I am thoroughly enjoying all of the fascinating history which I am learning about my family and their life & times. Cheers!
Allison
Canada - 2007-03-11 19:24
I am writing from Ontario, Canada. I have traced my Buckley family to Middlesex County. Upon receiving my gggrandfather's (William Buckley) death certificate, I found out that he died in the St. Pancras Workhouse, of chronic bronchitis. Since he was living with his wife and family in the 1881 census, and died in the workhouse in 1891, while his wife was still living, I am assuming he was in there because he was sick. I found your site very helpful in describing just what a workhouse was, and how it operated. It's a very informative site to those of us, across the pond, trying to trace family there in England. You have put alot of hard work into this site and I just want to let you know that it is very much appreciated. If there is anyone who reads this that may be able to help me in my research of the Buckley family, I would be more than grateful.
Pat Gunson <jones AT encode.com>
Ontario, Canada - 2007-03-11 19:23
Enjoyed looking through your site, I was born in the Merthyr Tydfil Workhouse which later was called the hospital in 1941, I was adopted a week after I was born. Have been searching for my mother for many years - her name was 'Ivy Constance West' there doesn't seem to be any traces of her anywhere. I have spent a lot of money on different searches to no avail. If there is anyone out there that could help me I would greatly appreciate it. My name is Joyce Williams nee Lewis of Aberfan now living in Yellowknife Canada.
Joyce Williams <mjwilliams AT ssimicro.com>
Yellowknife, Canada - 2007-03-11 19:22
Dear Peter Well done! Very impressed with your work on this site. I am also a genealogist and was just soaking up the history, for the joy of it, when I spotted a reference to Paul's Work, Edinburgh. My ancestors were living at Paul's Work, Gilmore St in the second half of the 19th century. It must have been a bit grim - a converted ex-workhouse. I found a reference to a painting of it at www.walterscott.lib.ed.ac.uk/biography/paulswork.html
Trish Esslemont
UK - 2007-03-11 19:20
Trying to find information on Elsie Poyser born July 1904. She was admitted to Ashby Workhouse on 5/10/1904. She was my grandmother and her childhood has been a complete mystery. As far as I know her mothers name was Agnes Born 1879. We think she had a sister called Lillian but this is not definate. Can anyone out there help? Fantastic web site.
Melanie Parker Smith <melons666 AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2007-03-11 19:19
Hello, I am looking for information on my granny mum who was in the lisnaskea workhouse and gave birth to my granny in 1926 my grann was then taken to belfast and adopoted out i really want to find out more about this lady who i belive was known as Violet Nixon. Any information no matter how small would be gratefully received.
cow_moo242002 <cow_moo242002 AT yahoo.co.uk>
- 2007-02-23 19:37
Can anyone tell me the name of the Workhouse/Orphanage in Midsommer Norton Somerset UK. My Mother was told she was adopted from this establishment, would have been 1924 ( the year her adopted parents married) Records of adoptions did not become legal till 1927. She had no birth certificate nor did she know her birth name. Trying to find her birth name. Residents records of those who lived there may exist. I may then be able to find the names of children who lived there around that time. Any advice would be very welcome.
EMW <Emw2209 AT aol.com>
UK - 2007-02-23 19:35
I am searching for Felix Oswald THEINERT, abandoned by his with Jane nee Pugh, during WW1, because he was of German birth. Family history says that he visited his daughter at odd times soon after the war and then went into a workhouse where he died. The family lived in the Paddington area of London. Any info gratefully received.
Barbara Surridge <mj_surridge AT yahoo.co.uk>
UK - 2007-02-23 19:35
A wonderful site for research! As a member of a small local writers' group I am currently writing a fictitious story based on a character represented in my local museum. The museum was originally the Workhouse (Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire). There is some information in the museum but your site has given me a lot more information about what life was like in the workhouse.
Lesley pemberton
Pateley Bridge, UK - 2007-02-23 19:34
would anyone have any info on the workhouse in boston lincolnshire from 1935/40's. My mum and siblings were all born there but can't find birth record of one brother or what became of him went they went to various homes. thanks
Susan Harris <susan.harris60 AT btopenworld.com>
UK - 2007-02-23 19:33
WOW COOL SITE
Daniel Baines
UK - 2007-02-23 19:32
I find your site most interesting. I am researching family tree info and I do know my GGrandfather and his brother were in a workhouse in about 1910 when they put my grandfather and his siblings into care. His name is Frederick Ernest Partner and his brother was Thomas George or William. I suspect Thomas George as he died it seems in 1913 having no children that I can find. How do I find out what workhouse they were in or where would I go to look even. I am in Canada and find it difficult to gather this type of information. I can be contacted at wendy@loveabounds.com Thanks
Wendy Partner
Cnada - 2007-02-23 19:32
Very informative site. Thanks for your time.
Graham
UK - 2007-02-23 19:31
I have been researching my family tree for two years now and have come to the stage where I like putting extra details in the description box if found. The workhouse part has been quite illuminating. I am glad a fellow amateur researcher gave me your link.
Paulette Rasmussen <prasmussen AT lambeth.gov.uk>
UK - 2007-02-23 19:31
Strange question I know but do you think it is possible for our group to get entry to any of the buildings to search for paranormal activities ? Derby Paranormal Hunter's feel free to contact us on our web page
Jim O'D
Derby, UK - 2007-02-23 19:30
My Dad who was born in 1896 in Greenwich was brought up in an orphanage. According to the 1901 census he was a boarder in a house in Greenwich, but his memory was being in Greenwich Orphanage. The closest I can get is the Greenwich Children's Homes in Sidcup. Does anyone know if there are any records relating to the period 1901 to 1910 when he joined the British Army straight from the orphanage.
Michele Fowler <michlyntyres AT ntlworld.com>
UK - 2007-02-23 19:29
This is a really good site, I found it really interesting and eyeopening, kids these days dont know theyre born.. !!
Karen
Hull, UK - 2007-02-23 19:28
hi peter just wanted to say the first time I stumbled on yr site I found a family of twells at the shardlow workhouse who came from castle donington. I could not believe my luck what a great site. great up the good work.
Rose Twells
Newport, S Wales UK - 2007-02-23 19:27
Just wanted to congratulate you on a BRILLIANT site. Its very helpful in my research. It reallly brings it to life. I am searching my Scottish, and my wife's English ancestors, may of whom spent time in the poorhouse. I have found some of our ancestors on your site in your 1881 census records. Are there any plans to collate the other census dates? That would be really wonderful. Best Wishes
Neil Watson
Harrow, Middx UK - 2007-02-23 19:26
My grandmother Mary Cowley (maiden name) passed away in 2006. She was born in 1920 and spent most of her life in the Cottage Homes, London Road, Stoke on Trent. She left the cottage homes when she was a teenager to marry Mr William Hughes. I have been trying to trace further details about her life as well as details regarding her mother, father and younger sister Sissy Cowley but unfortunately to no avail. I would be very much obliged if there is anyone who can provide me with any assistance in locating further details regarding the Cottage Homes and their occupants for 1920 + as well as any information regarding what happened to my grandmother and her family. Kind Regards
Natalie Beresford <natalieb AT canter-law.co.uk>
UK - 2007-02-23 19:25
I have discovered that my grandfather was born in Holbeck Workhouse in December 1914. Unfortunately, the birth information held by the local record office only goes as far as February 1914 - although there is reference to another volume but the record office do not hold this. Has anyone found any other birth/bastardy records in relation to Holbeck Workhouse in the course of their research? Also I think that I may have found a photograph of one of the workhouse buildings (which were demolished some years ago) - it's on the Yorkshire Evening Post photo sales site - http://www.photostoday.co.uk/searchResults.aspx?Keywords=south%20lodge&GalleryID=0&unprocessed=0&Refresh=0. Can anyone confirm that this is the workhouse? Many thanks
Vicky Kells <kellsva AT Cardiff.ac.uk>
UK - 2007-01-31 11:18
My gr, gr, grandfather SAMUEL SMITHER was born in the Bradfield Union Workhouse in 1838 where his parents Samuel and Mary Ann Smither (listed as Paupers) were also registered. The Workhouse opened in about 1835 and I am delighted to see that you have the workhouse listed on you website- it gives me something to relate to and understand how awful it was for them. What a wonderful site thank you.
Debbie Dunne
Middlesex UK - 2007-01-31 11:16
hello this is a very good site we are doing our family tree and have found one of our relatives (Walter Barnes born northfleet kent) he was born 1873 thankyou x
Jon Waller
UK - 2007-01-31 11:15
Family History research can get you hooked.I have just come across a number of my Ancestors - Taylors from Hanwell listed on a census return for the workhouse. Thanks for a useful resource.
Anthony Vosper <gill.vosper AT tesco.net.>
UK - 2007-01-31 11:14
looking for information on my grandad william henry yates born 3 december 1878 chorley union workhouse, mother elizabeth yates, father unknown. any information welcome
paul yates <pynw10824 AT blueyonder.co.uk>
UK - 2007-01-31 11:13
Hi Peter I must say how informative your site is I have been researching my family and have just found that a relative Sarah Ann Wayte was a in mate in the one at Great Snoring Norfolk Also I have found a family at Gressenhall which I have visited and had my eyes opened to the workings of the Workhouse. If any of your readers are visiting Norfolk i suggest a visit is very worth while.
John Land <johnland10 at aol.com>
UK - 2007-01-31 11:13
I am looking for information regarding my g.g.grandfather James Sharp who died in the Ware Workhouse, Hertfordshire in 1875 aged approximately 87 years. He had been an agricultural labourer on Nine Ashes Farm in Hunsdon for many years. I do not know if his wife Mary Gray predeceased him. Thank you.
Ros Thom < ros_thom AT optusnet.com>
UK - 2007-01-31 11:12
I am looking for info on david gover who i belive was a doctor at colindale duringthe 30s/40s i also think he was killed by a bombing just outside the hospital around 1940 my nan also helped there during ww2 agnes evison does anyone know where i can get information on the staff there? Thanks.
Rebecca Smith <specklyannfryingpan AT hotmail.com>
UK - 2007-01-31 11:11
Information needed on a John FROMENT who died May 1908 Union Workhouse, Hemingford Grey, Hunts.
Rosemary Wade <rosemary_wade AT hotmail.com>
UK - 2007-01-31 11:09
The workhouse infirmary was a hospital for the poor & working classes. My ggrandfather was admitted to the Southampton Union Infirmary in 1911 where he died of a kidney infection. He was buried in a pauper's grave in Southhampton Old Cemetery on the Common. In Southampton Hawthorn's Wildlife Centre, on The Common, have a database of burials in cemeteries in Southampton City. Other cities & towns may have similar resources to trace where an ancestor may have been buried. In London, many councils had arrangements with Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey, for the burial of the poor. Brookwood has a database, but I believe that it's very expensive to have a search done. Kind regards,
Lesley Watson
UK - 2007-01-04 09:32
I just want it to be known that records for the Craiglockhart Poorhouse have been destroyed. I was told this by the City Archives Office in Edinburgh 6 months ago. The reason given was that Edinburgh didn't want to be associated with the poor. What an excuse!!!
Jessie
UK - 2007-01-04 09:31
hello, My ancestors worked in the workhouse in Blandford, Dorset. I am looking for anyone who is researching JOHN CHAPPELL TURNER (workhouse master), his wife MARY ANN TURNER (matron of the workhouse), his daughter HANNAH PRICE TURNER (schoolmistress of the workhouse) or anyone related to them. Please email me if you have any information at all. Thank you.
Lindsey <lillylocket AT hotmail.com>
UK - 2007-01-04 09:31
Hi, I am trying to track down my great great grandparents (Alfred HART and Ann SAWKINGS), both of whom were in the Camberwell Workhouse on Havil Street, as they met there and were married in 1873 while still residing in Havil Street. Does anyone know how I can (a) find a list of inmates and (b) access the discharge register for the Camberwell Workhouse on Havil Street ?? I am currently living in Asia, so I do not have physical access to the UK. Thanks Nyj.
Nigel Jamison <nigeljamison AT yahoo.com>
UK - 2007-01-04 09:29
Hi, Very interesting site, having found recently a workhouse token , the same as illustrated."one pound note etc. 1812 one penny" Our club members, www.glevumdetecting.co.uk, were wondering if these tokens would have been issued and used just at Birmingham or maybe used by other workhouse's in other parts of the country? I found this token just a few fields away from the Taynton, Glos workhouse. chairman taynton metal detecting club
david hutton
UK - 2007-01-04 09:28
I always understood that the distance between workhouses was planned to be approximately 17 miles. This was seen not only as a reasonable daily distance to walk by the fit and able, but also kept them moving between their accomadation with little time to idle along the way. Here in the western part of East Anglia:- Kings Lynn, Downham Market, Ely and Cambridge (Chesterton) the distance between each is approximately 17 miles. I have had connections with all these old sites one way or another, visiting as a District Nurse. Many locals, in the last years of the last century, dreaded the thought of admission to these residential homes or geriatric hospital units, as they had become under the Local Authority or NHS. They associated them with the past indignities and shame that their parents might have endured and told them about.
Pat
UK - 2007-01-04 09:27

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Ancestry UK

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