Ancestry UK

Workhouse Guestbook 2008

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.)


This site has been invaluable to find out about the institutions my ancestors were born, worked or died in. Similar to a previous guestbook entry, I have discovered 43 Renfrew Road to be the Lambeth Workhouse as my grandmothers birthplace in 1911.
Barbara Weekes
- 2008-11-09 16:51
From nineteen thirty three until the end of the second world war I was an inmate of the Medway Cottage Homes. Evacuated to Whitstable in ninetten thity nine then to Tonyrefail Glamorgan South wales. I would like to get in touch with fellow inmates. I was in number six cottage, My brother Stanley in number five cottage. Our Family name is Shaw, Bernard and Stanley Shaw. Please get in touch to . Thank you in advance Bernard Shaw aka bern
Bernard Shaw <bshor AT chello.at>
UK - 2008-11-09 16:50
Hi! Found your site while researching Glaziers of Midhurst. My husband's grandfather was Arthur Glazier who emigrated to Canada with his wife and children in about 1919 after running an establishment which is now the annexe of the Spread Eagle Hotel. I just heard a week ago that he was an orphan so I believe this must be the correct Arthur and I was interested to find that he had a brother.
Sandy Glazier <glazsand AT hotmail.com>
UK - 2008-11-09 16:49
I am researching my father's family and I found my great grandfather's sister EMMA NORMAN and possibly her son ALFRED GEORGE NORMAN listed on the 1901 census as living in a work house in Kent (Bromley??) My grand father SIDNEY NORMAN was born at 88 Palace Rd in Bromley in 1893 . His grand father JAMES S. NORMAN at White Lions Cottage in 1904. Any information anyone may have to help me would be appreciated.
Gary Norman <rosegary79 AT hotmail.com>
Windsor, Ontario Canada - 2008-11-09 16:48
i am looking for charles lynn born 1886 died aged 83 in lurgan workhouse , also charles and isabella work house orphans any help will be gratefully received. thank you
m.s coxall <mscoxall AT talktalk.net>
UK - 2008-11-09 16:48
Hi just found your site and found it extremely interesting my great grandfather Albert Edward Andrews was in and out of the Oldham union workhouse over the few years following his mother's death. Eventually Banardos sent him and his brother to Canada, (Home Children) I would love to see some information on your site explain how the workhouse was involved and any images that showed the children leaving. Many thanks. [This topic is actually already covered on the "Emigration" section of the web site P.H.]
Teresa Waters
UK - 2008-11-09 16:47
Hi I am trying to locate my grandfather's family history. He was born in 1914 in a private Nursing Home in Southsea to a Eugenie Fitzmaurice. She then left to go to London and my Grandfather then grew up in a children's home, notably located by St Mary's bridge, Portsmouth. I have since located this site and I know that my Mum has mentioned that their was a workhouse there but my Grandfather was at the Cottage Homes. If anyone has any information that would be of use in my search please let me know.
Lisa Wheeler <lisa.wheeler17 AT ntlworld.com >
UK - 2008-11-09 16:43
I am trying to find more details about my grandfather (Herbert Callister) who I know was in Leigh Union Hospital during 1927 (definitely there during June of that year possibly longer). I am not sure, but I feel Leigh Union Hospital may be the workhouse. Does anyone know if this is the case and if so, would there be any records for this. Any help any one could give would be very greatly appreciated. Thank you
Marilyn Mercer <marilynmercer AT tesco.net>
UK - 2008-11-09 16:43
Twyford Lodge, Willesden, Middlesex I have just discovered that my mother was born at Twyford Lodge in 1907. This came as a bit of a shock, we were never told, but she was always talking about the dreaded Workhouse. I know that she had three elder brothers, John (Jack) and Frederick and William. Their ages at the time of the 1901 census were - Frederick 1 yr and William 11 months. Is there anyway that I can trace if they were with her in the workhouse in 1907. Her name was Alice Edith Maloney (nee Adams).
Elsi Berry <elsieberry AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2008-11-09 16:41
Re Workhouse Cook Book.
Thanks you for producing such an excellent book not only on Workhouse Cooking but all aspects of the Workhouse and its origins, I sincerely recommend this book to everyone researching family history as this book is full of fascinating detail and has many humerous stories too.

Nigel Lampard
UK - 2008-11-09 16:40
Hi I am researching my family tree - Emily Harris born 1876 in Tottenham. She appears in the 1881 census living with her family in Henry Road Tottenham. Is missing from the 1891 census but her Mum, Dad and two siblings are listed.. But she is in Edmonton workhouse in 1900 as her daughter Violet is born that year. Does anyone have any information about the workhouse at that time. Any thing would be appreciated. Please send to Many Thanks, Annette
Annette Callaghan <annette1412 AT live.co.uk>
UK - 2008-11-09 16:39
My husbands relatives worked at the poor law union from 1864 to 1898 when Eliza Roberts died, her daughter also worked at the windsor and is recorded as working at the windsor when mother died on her death certificate. I have original work record for eliza and dates at each work house 7 in total. her husband was also the porter at the Weobley workhouse. Some skullduggery happened and eliza's appointment as matron was terminated. I also have an original apprenticeship parchment and letter of employment terms for eliza's son horace hugh roberts. I also have 4 letters of reference from the medical superintendent, chaplain and various others for eliza. Your web page is excellent and gives a good visual of life of that time cheers .
myree mcgoldrick
UK - 2008-11-09 16:39
What a fabulous site ! I intended to just have a quick look, that was at 9pm, it's now 2:15am ! Very addictive and to be recommended to all. I was born and brought up in the Lodge Lane area of Toxteth but now live in London. So finding this site was brilliant. I will immediately send the details to my brother in Birkenhead. The fact that you give all the Bibliography details is fantastic. Thanks so much. Sandra
Sandra Pain
UK - 2008-11-09 16:37
My father was born at 20 Nell Lane, (formerly Chorlton Workhouse), Lancashire, in the year 1931. I am intrigued to find out whether number 20 Nell Lane was a private residence or part of what Is now Withington Hospital. Does anyone have any information about births in that location at that time? My grandmother's name is Annie Duffy who was resident in the Chorlton-on-Medlock area and she gave birth out of wedlock. Any background local history would be of interest to me as I am trying to build up a picture of the conditions in which my grandmother gave birth and why on the documentation I have it reads as if it were a home birth, yet the home address is different from the birth address. I have only recently started on my quest to find information so what may be obvious to some will most probably be a revelation for me. I hope someone will feedback with some interesting details. Karen, Trafford, Greater Manchester
KarenWoods <Karen.Woods AT manchester.ac.uk>
UK - 2008-09-06 19:24
hi please could you help iam looking for things about my nan e pilgrim she was put in witham workhouse . she was born in 1893. nan had ringworm we think she was in this place till she was 15 she was born in poplar london bless her she was my nan from 1946 till 1967 please could any one help us with from her days 1893 till later days her name ethel pilgrim had a brother joseph pilgrim christine
Christine <Ccrisjim AT aol.com>
UK - 2008-09-06 19:23
I have been searching months for my father's birth details. I have at last obtained a birh certifcate but I am not sure if it is his. His name was Sidney Ward born in May 1911 to Amy Ward at Twyford Lodge. I was wondering if you could give me any more information about them. Thank you very much
Diane Ward <d.jones AT talktalk.net>
UK - 2008-09-06 19:23
What a wonderful site, I never knew until I began researching my side of the family a few years ago, that my grandfather his mother and siblings had been in the Stoke on Trent Workhouse, no doubt this might have been the reason why my mother never answered any questions about the past regarding the family.It has been hard work trying to trace the details, I am old enough (76) to remember the fear still lingering when I was young of the Poorhouse, sadly my father died in 1941 in a hospital which had previously been the Poorhouse in Dumbarton Scotland. My mother had been very upset about that, she could not get over it for years, that my father had died in the Poorhouse, no matter how many times she was told, that it was now a hospital and nothing to do with the previous Poorhouse. I am now trying to piece together what happened to my grandfather`s family, his eldest brother was 13 in 1881 when they were all in the workhouse, and I cannot find any trace of what happened to him, Patrick Geoghan (his name had been incorrectly spelt as Gaghan on the list) my g.father and his sisters Grace & Laura, were sent to Canada in 1885, their surname changed to Gagan. Their mother remarried in 1885 stating that she was now a widow, I later discovered however, that her husband Stephen did not die until 1919 in Liverpool. She married Alred Davis, who had also been in the same workhouse, perhaps they had met there? My g.father left Canada in 1900 with his wife Mabel Grant and my mother Laura Maud, b.in Hastings Ontario in 1896 and went to Glasgow Scotland. I`m sure my parents had correspondence with the relatives in Canada until some time after WW2 then it ceased, I don't know why. I have now traced details of the sisters, their marriages etc, and hope that one day I will find their descendants. I am however, still searching for Patrick, if anyone knows of him and could provide any information I would be so grateful, can you help?
Maud Jarvis <maud.jarvis AT blueyonder.co.uk>
UK - 2008-09-06 19:21
I am looking for any information re. Ponteland Cottage Homes as my father Kenneth Tarrant was an inmate/resident there.
Linda Nash <limaathome AT hotmail.com>
UK - 2008-09-06 19:20
What an interesting site. I am tracing my husband's family history and have found a relative of his who was an inmate and who died in the Blything Workhouse. Pat Kerridge
Pat Kerridge
UK - 2008-09-06 19:20
Hi there, I am trying to locate an Elizabeth Emily Pinner born 25th December 1855 at 4 Prospect Place, Mile End Old Town, County of Middlesex. Her parents were George Pinner and Elizabeth Matthews. I am unable to locate her on the 1861 or 1871 census. Help would be appreciated. Great Site and very interesting.
Bonita Simmons <b_angell-simmons.one AT metronet.co.uk>
UK - 2008-09-06 19:19
I am looking for anyone who was in the Shirley Residential School in 1936 and also the Lamorbey Children's home in the late 1930s and early 1940s. My Mum passed away last year and I have been fortunate enough to have access to her adoption records through Bournemouth Social Services Adoption Team and the LMA. Mum was born Phyllis May, her mother was Phyliis May, a chambermaid at the Savoy Hotel, London 26 Feb 1935, father unknown - although there is reference to a putative father in the adoption records. Her adoption papers state that she was also known as Rosemary May but I do not know who changed her name, how or when but I do know it was changed before she was introduced to her adoptive parents. Mum was adopted by Gilbert and Lillian Bogle in 1942, they lived in Harrow. If anyone has ANY information at all about these 2 establishments or could advise how I can find out more about Mum's early life in care I would be very grateful. Thank you.
Lesley Darby <lesleydarby AT tiscali.co.uk>
UK - 2008-09-06 19:18
I just had to write and say what an amazing website. Great layout and a wealth of information. I'd like to do something similar with American plantations. Thanks!
Dominique Halliburton
USA - 2008-09-06 19:18
I am looking for any information relating to my mothers birth 7th April 1921 in Prestwich workhouse, manchester, my mothers name elizabeth Caruthers, born to Emily Carruthers. Thanks.
Betty Riches <betty_riches AT hotmail.com>
UK - 2008-08-12 15:19
Could anyone give me any information on Holbeach Union Workhouse during the 1800's and early 1900's. I am interest on anything concerning the GOTT families .
Jed Stoner <jed.stoner AT tiscali.com>
UK - 2008-08-12 15:18
Hello, my great grandfather CHARLES MACHAM was born in SHIFNAL SHROPSHIRE in 1836 at age 28 he was a resident of local workhouse, moved to Merthyr to work in iron works, he was last heard of in Aberdare 1n 1885 until his death in NEWPORT UNION workhouse in 1911, he worked in CRUMLIN for CRUMLIN URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL MONMOUTHSHIRE. I would be pleased to receive any information re this gentleman. Thank you.
Graham Holl <ghholl25 AT hotmail.co.uk>
UK - 2008-08-12 15:17
Great Site! However, I was unable to find any information on Workhouses, Asylums, Children's Homes in Bermuda. My Grandfather was born in Bermuda around 1892 and I understand that his Maternal Grandmother or someone from her family worked at an Asylum or Workhouse or Children's Home there. I am hopeful that you will be able to assist me in my endeavor to locate information on my Grandfather's family - in Bermuda. Any information you can provide will be appreciated.
Mary Burkett <auntscarym At yahoo.com>
Florida USA - 2008-08-12 15:17
Brilliant site. Found out my grandfather was in workhouse in Ipswich along with his brothers and sisters through the 1901 census. Very sad, as he never ever told us or mentioned his life as a child. No-one in the family knows about it, it was obviously something that he could not talk about. He joined the army and our knowledge of him only went back as far as the army. I can only assume my grandmother did not know either.
Dimelows
UK - 2008-08-12 15:16
I am looking for any information on a Emily or Elizabeth Yates Who was put in the Petersfield workhouse In the 1920?, She had a duaghter Connie who had a child out of wedlock, And was put in a lunitic asylum, I think they did that sort of thing to you in those days! Emilys husband worked as a farm labourer in Eastmeon and died, emily was evicted from their tide cottage and forced into a workhouse with all her children in petersfield! Any information would be greatly recieved.
Cindy Matthews <cindy710 AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2008-08-12 15:15
I came across your fabulous site by accident - isn't the Internet a wonderful thing. I am researching my tree via my grandmother surname Rawlings and I have traced back to my g g g g g grandmother Joan who I have discovered died in the Union Workhouse Long Ashton Somerset in 1857 aged approx 84 from old age or as her death certificate records 'general decay'. How sad to live to that great age in those days and end those days in a workhouse. Thanks for a great website which I got absolutely lost in.
Cheryl <cherylkilg AT aol.com >
UK - 2008-08-12 15:14
Hi we have been using your website for months on end for are coursework and it has been such a great help so id like to say thanks.
Jason Rose
Ringwood, UK - 2008-08-12 15:14
I am researching my family tree and would like infomation on a Sidney Thomas Sone and his wife Sarah Ann Wilks. The couple married in the Parish of Welford in Berkshire in 1902. The profession of Sidney was that of Assiatant Master of Union at Marylebone and his wife Sarah was Nurse at Welford. I have assumed that they both worked for the union, but unsure wher they actualy worked. I have looked at the 1901 census but no luck any help would be much appreciated.
Mike Sone <mikejsone AT btinternet.com >
UK - 2008-07-09 11:14
Fantastic site, I intended just a quick look and before I knew it an hour had gone by. So much to see and learn, very informative and very user friendly. many thanks for all your hard work.
Ann Knight
UK - 2008-07-09 11:12
Hi, What a fantastic site...... I am researching my husbands family tree, some of whom have proved difficult to track down, his g.g. grandfather married a woman who had an illegitimate daughter (Clara Lowndsborough) living with them age 3 in 1871. In 1881 the family as a group cannot be found, however Clara was on the 1881 census living in the Industrial school for girls in Leeds. Hmm. It led me into looking for this place on the old maps and ultimately, this website. Well, I was amazed to find the School was on the St. James University hospital site; in fact part of the hospital where I work. I knew that one of the old wings (called Ashley Wing now) was the workhouse but had no idea that 'Lincoln Wing' was the Industrial school I have been looking for. Its a very strange thing, I have become obsessed with workhouses, as an NHS employee it is obvious when you start to think about it, just how many of our hospitals have their historic roots in the workhouse . However, I have just spent a week in Norfolk and visited Gressenhall Workhouse, and by extreme coincidence stayed in a cottage which was once the porters lodge at Rollesby Workhouse. I have my own copy of the inscription on the front of the building; this was before I found your website. My own family roots are in London and one of my maternal grandfathers was in a workhouse somewhere in South London, the family story is that he 'turned up' on his daughters doorstep in his workhouse uniform and she wouldnt let him in - poor man, but such was the shame. thank you for your hard work, it would make a great book.
Debbie Grenfell <debbie.grenfell AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2008-07-09 11:05
My Greatgrandmother died in Crumpsall workhouse, probably in the early 1900s. She died as Mary Anne Collins, although she had been married previously and her name was Roundthwaite. I would like to find our her maiden name and any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Patmon Farry <patmon AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2008-07-09 11:03
What a simply splendid site! I have found it most informative & would like the creator to know how much it has been appreciated by this family researcher. Whilst at the Northamptonshire Records Office I found a couple of DIGBY family members, as (presumably orphaned or abandoned) children receiving indoor relief at the Hardingstone Union Workhouse. Now I know much more about the workhouse itself & the parishes it covered & this has been both informative & very useful. With many thanks MTK
Margaret King
UK - 2008-05-28 19:24
Hello Recently I went on your website and found that my gt gt gt Grandad was an inmate in the Old Alresford workhouse at the age of 84. He worked all his life as a simple labourer but my guess is that too tired to keep working and with no where else to go this is where he ended his days. Thank you so much.
Sarah Hawkings
UK - 2008-05-28 19:23
I was very pleased to come across the workhouses website because before that i could find no information at all on the Leeds central childrens home that used to be on Street Lane Leeds. Myself and two sisters were put in there in the early fifties.I was very young and still in nappies so i cannot remember hardly anything of my time in there. I would be very grateful of any information that anybody could give me about the place.
John Brown <Johnofwindermere AT yahoo.co.uk >
UK - 2008-05-28 19:22
i was born in daventry workhouse and my brother and sisters were residents allso.i do have a memory of the men chopping wood to earn their keep my mother is buried at braunston. we were taken from the workhouse to childrens homes under northampton county council, some were fairlawn childrens homes, raunds childrens home, the mount east farndon, i attended , the local school allso clipston gramar school . other places were the ymca williamson hostel lytham st anns. and wallingford farm training school, i have visited daventry workhouse but the reception was rather cool maybe it was because i was a resident , i dont know, life was not good after leaving the homes i was 17 yrs old and i went into the army national service, on my demob as i had no place to live or no job i was a tramp for 2 years.some of my time was spent dossing in carrington house deptford.i had help from a policeman and went back into the army where i served for 22 yrrs and then into the civil service for just over 15 yrs.till my retirement...any person who was in daventry workhouse with me i would love to hear how life was after for them.
William <Hagiarchy1 AT aol.com>
UK - 2008-05-28 19:21
thank you for a brilliant site, it is much appreciated , and can see all the hard work that has gone in to it, well done!
Patricia
UK - 2008-05-28 19:20
Hello. Can someone please help or guide me in the right direction for information with regard to my search into the final resting place of my Gt, Gt Grandfather, Thomas Howells. I have a Death Cert showing him having died in the Union Workhouse, Abergavenny in 1876 and I have tried for a long time to discover where he was actually buried. Did Workhouse have their own Burial grounds? Are there any Workhouse 'Records of inmates' kept anywhere? Is there anyone out there who could just give me some advise or guidance as to how I can find out the possible last resting place of my Gt, Gt Grandfather? Please advise if you can. Many thanks.
Barbara Marshall <From Muggins 348 AT aol.com>
UK - 2008-05-28 19:18
My greatgrandfather George Scott was born at Firsby in Lincolnshire on 27 September 1842. His father was John William Scott( or William John Scott) and his mother Elizabeth Scott (nee Hodgson). His father died at the age of thirty-one in 1846 leaving Elizabeth to bring up Ana (b 1840), Charles ( b 1841), George (b1842) and Jonathan ( b1845). She was expecting William (b1847) when her husband died. Elizabeth became a char lady and her children were placed in Irby-in-the Marsh-Poor Gate Row around 1848 where they appeared to be in the care of their uncle and aunt, Thomas and Martha Scott. Elizabeth appears to have had three illegitimate children after the death of her husband. These were Robert Cropley Scott (b1852), another William Scott and Harriet Scott, both of whom were baptised in 1857. Robert died in 1854 and the second William and Harriet died in infancy. Around 1850, when it appears Elizabeth could no longer cope, Ana Charles, George and possibly the first William were placed in Spilsby Union Workhouse, which had been designed by the architect and relative, Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1837. In 1853, aged eleven, George left the Spilsby Union Workhouse and headed northwards to the Humber where he crossed on the ferry and found employment at, probably, The Manor Farm, Riplingham, near Little Weighton, then East Riding of Yorkshire. I am seeking general information and about George's life at Irby-in-the-Marsh Poor Gate Row and at Spilsby Union Worhouse. I am also seeking the events which led to him leaving Spilsby Union Workhouse and him getting a job in Yorkshire. I contend that he may have received help from a member of the extended family of The Reverend Thomas Scott ( The Bible Commentator and Founding Secretary of the Church Mission Society), also a relative, or possibly the Reverend John Scott of St Mary's Hull, another relative. His help may have come from Sir George Gilbert Scott himself. Any help or thoughts will be most gratefully recived and acknowledged. Peter Scott
Peter Scott <middletonbarn AT talktalk.net>
UK - 2008-05-01 19:15
Greetings: I have recently become aware that my grandfather might have been born in a Bury workhouse Sam Lowe in 1897. His Mother Annie Lowe (formerly Handley) was a card-room hand. I would like to track down which Workhouse they were in if possible. This is a great website; can anyone offer any help? Cathy from Canada
Cathy Sigler <bellbta AT gmail.com>
Canada - 2008-05-01 19:15
hank you so much for this amazing and comprehensive website. It has helped me track down my great grandmother Alice Maud Glover Stanley, and I now have her birth certificate listing her mother as "Minnie Stanley a Domestic Servant", and her residence as being "Union Workhouse Horninglow", ie Burton-upon Trent. Perplexingly, the place of birth is given as another street there, and unless this was her place of work and she had managed to conceal her pregnancy until the last moment, I have horrible visions of her giving birth in an alleyway. Victorian Values, 1880 style!
Penny Gallon <pennygallon AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2008-05-01 19:14
Hello I'm Steve and i am doing Staffordshire research of Lees on my mother side in Lichfield, Wolstanton, burslem and tunstall areas is there a 1901 census available to view on Ivy Clarence Lees of 25 Scotia Road possibly Burslem and where it will say where she was buried death 17 mar 1913.
Steve Pritchard <jovany_stevepritchard AT hotmail.co.uk>
UK - 2008-05-01 19:13
My great, great, great grandparents Joseph and Eliza Collard were Master and Mistress of Tiverton workhouse. They are listed in 1841 to 1861 censuses. Joseph's dates are 1802 - 1870. I've yet to research their lives fully so any info would be appreciated. Whatever I get I will collate and post. I hope they were benevolent; not sure whether I'm proud of this connection or not!
Helen Wyld <helenwyld AT yahoo.co.uk>
UK - 2008-05-01 19:12
I agree with others that this site if great! I recently discovered my great grandmother in the 1891 Scotland Census at Convent of the Good Shepherd which was also Reformatory School for Girls. My great grandfather and his two sons came to America 1885. And the story of Sarah McKenna McBryde is that she joined a monestery and became a nun. But, the 1891 census says she was an Inmate of The Refuge. Not sure exactly what that meant. Does anyone have more information on this place which is located on Dalbeth-London Road. I can't find her in any other census after 1891. Possibly buried at St. Peters Cemetery next to the Convent. I don't know when she died but my great grandfather who never remarried was listed as a widower when he died in 1908. Can respond to Sara1943 at aol.com. Thanks
Sara <Sara1943 AT aol.com>
UK - 2008-05-01 19:11
Hello, I am researching my Father's side of my family tree and have come across my Great Great Grandfather Matthew Mathias Hyatt (1810 - 1889). He was born in Devon but in the 1881 Census it shows he was an inmate of the Harrow Road Workhouse in Paddington. I understand he died there in 1889. Could someone point me in the right direction to find out any details on him and of the workhouse itself. I don't know where to start on this member of my family. Many thanks.
Chel Craggs <Chelcraggs AT yahoo.co.uk>
UK - 2008-04-10 08:07
i would like to add an entry , its my grandad, albert noel phillips.
Mrs J Walker
UK - 2008-04-10 08:06
According to the 1891 census my great great grandfather was an inmate of a workhouse in james st bermondsey no name or details . anybody know anythihg this establishment Thanks.
Don Morris <morri22 At sky.com>
UK - 2008-04-10 08:06
I found this site fascinating. I trained as a nurse in 1984 in Withington hospital & although i was aware it had been a workhouse I never took any inyerest at the time! I left the hospital in 1996 & although some wards had moved to Wythenshawe my ward hadnt. I moved away from the area & only recently found out Withington hospital has finally shut down & now its not there iam more curious of what it was!! I lived in the nurses home whilst training & realize now that that was the actual workhouse! I will be back on this site again very soon!
EBnL
UK - 2008-04-10 08:05
I can't find a birth certificate for my Great Grandfather Richard Lodge born in 1847 I found him on the 1881 census, from there I found is marriage certificate and his place of birth. On his marriage certificate he is recorded as a solider from there I contacted his regiment who had records of a big battle he was in. Luckily they had a newspapers report on him, he said after his mothers death he and a younger brother Edwin where placed in a workhouse. His father was recorded in the St Olave's district of Bermondsey in 1851 census with a wife and the two boys, so where would the workhouse he was sent to be.
Jane Smith <janesmith AT yahoo.com>
UK - 2008-04-10 08:04
Hi, I am trying to find out 'in what year' did the "Union" part of St Luke's (it used to be the old workhouse) and 'then' became part of the St luke's asylum, and to which is (adjoined to St Joseph's general hospital), though separate from the general hospital services.....close down, as a "psychiatric Unit.............?
Robbie Dempsey <rd61 AT eircom.net>
Ireland - 2008-04-10 08:03
I find stories of life in workhouses so unbelievably sad, particularly when parents were split from their children, never to see them again. On the 1881 Mansfield Workhouse census (I was born in Mansfield in 1976), there is a toddler named Levi Mansfield. I presume he was a foundling (abandoned baby) as he had no family with him, and the name Mansfield could be from the town he was obviously found in...Ive always wondered what sort of life he had, and what happened to him.
rebekahm <rebekahm28 AT aol.com>
UK - 2008-04-10 08:02
What a very interesting site, looking forward to reading it more fully in the next few weeks. I had a step uncle and two sisters who were in Mullers Orphanage in Bristol before the war. Unfortunately have not been able to trace any known relatives. Their father was a seaman and the Mother had died, presumably the relatives felt they could not care for three extra children.
Bronwyn Fraley
UK - 2008-04-10 08:02
have just come across this amazing site by accident more than purposely looking for it. I am researching the Eggett side of my paternal family history and have been stuck for many months on finding information re my Gr. Gr. Grandmother Sarah Eggett. I know she was in the Downham Union Workhouse, Norfolk in April 1867 because she gave birth to her daughter Anna/Hannah Eggett (my Gr. Grandmother), during that month. Sarah married Edward Bycraft in June of 1874 in the Parish Church at Spalding, Lincolnshire. According to her marriage certificate her age was 38 years (a spinster). Her father also on the certificate was John Eggett. I would appreciate any information that might help me to unlock a few doors.
Robert Lister <robert.lister52 AT mypostoffice.co.uk>
UK - 2008-04-10 08:01
I have just started my Family Histrory research about 4 months ago and during my research it was revealed to me that a daughter of my Gt Gt Uncle CHARLES R GRIGSON was in the Shoreham Workhouse in Sussex, Uk (c1905). By the by what number cousin is that to me, I get confused with all this once , twice removed stuff... Anyway it seems that NELLIE LYDIA GRIGSON became pregnant and because she was unmarried she was disowned by her father and without support she ended up in the workhouse..... my how things have changed. She gave birth to a son who died at three months and Nellie died 3 weeks later. This story brought a tear to my eye, so much so that I wanted to learn more about life in the workhouse in those times. Hence that is why I am here ! I expect you people out there have more experience than me so any further info would be gratefully received.
Viv Grigson <vivgrigson AT ntlworld.com>
UK - 2008-04-10 08:00
Greeting to all. My ancestor George COWEN appears in the 1841 Census as a Clerk at the Newington Workhouse in London. Can someone please explain whether this means he also lived there or was a resident there? Or rather does it simply mean that that he worked there? Interestingly he was about 75 yo at the time! Furthermore does anyone actually have other details about George? Perhaps there is access to further information through old records?? Is there a preferred website giving details of the Newington Workhouse? What would have been the criteria for entry as a resident? Any assistance here is much appreciated.
Rob Bell <rbell35 AT hotmail.com>
- 2008-02-25 14:27
We are trying to research a workhouse that was in effect during the 1940's. Rossi House in Kent England. We have a paper in our posession that states Rossi House was a workhouse, known from 1943 to 1949. Thank you for any help you might be able to give us
Brian Jenkins <brianjenkins63 AT hotmail.com>
- 2008-02-25 14:15
I am an Australian Geneologist and was recently looking up the family history of the King family in Ireland, as a proponent of reconciliation to the indigenious people of Australia I have apologised for the involvement of H. E. King in the treatment of Aboriginal people in Australia. As an ancestor of Colonel King who was an occupant of Mitchelstown in the period during, which they had the work houses, I can only offer my deepest regrets to all the families involved please email me if you belong to them, unfortunately I too am now very poor and can offer no compensation except assistance with history. Karma has a way of catching up with people though, the Colonel's sister threw herself into the Thames in 1787. I wonder why?, no one really knows, and the castle as I have now discovered was burned in 1922. In Australia we had many poor people arrive from County Cork in Ireland one was my potato famine great-great grandmother from the other side of the family. If she hadn't come out to Australia she would have ended up in a work house in Ireland. H. E. King my ancestor of the King family left Ireland in 1852 because his father was killed in the fighting in Ireland and he was then in trouble for being a big exponent for peace between the English and Irish in Australia. He tried to help poor imigrants from Ireland and work towards reconciliation.
Bernadette le Goullon
Australia - 2008-02-25 14:14
THANKS FOR LETTING ME INTO THE WORLD WE NEVER HEAR OR TOLD ABOUT, MY MOTHER WAS AT SALFORD CHILDREN'S HOME IN CULECHETH, IN 1926. SHE HAS GOOD AND BAD MEMORIES ABOUT HER TIME THERE.SHE ALWAYS TELLS ME HOW SHE WON HER SWIMMING MEDAL IN THE SWIMMING BATHS.HER DAD WAS IN THE NAVY AND HER MUM COULD NOT COPE WITH HER AND HER BROTHER TOM, SO THEY ENDED UP IN THE HOME.HER DAD PAID MONEY TO THE HOME AND HER GRAN TOOK THEM OUT OF THE HOME WHEN SHE GOT THINGS BETTER.HER NAME WAS ENA BARKER, AND HER BROTHER WAS TOM, TOM DIED IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR, IN THE NAVY.SHE WAS LIVING IN SALFORD, IN THE DOCK AREA IN HER CHILD HOOD.AND WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO REMBERS HER .
Zoe Hirst <zoe.hirst2 AT ntlworld.com>
UK - 2008-02-25 14:13
Hello I have just started my Family Histrory research about 4 months ago and during my research it was revealed to me that a daughter of my Gt Gt Uncle CHARLES R GRIGSON was in the Shoreham Workhouse in Sussex, Uk (c1905). By the by what number cousin is that to me, I get confused with all this once , twice removed stuff... Anyway it seems that NELLIE LYDIA GRIGSON became pregnant and because she was unmarried she was disowned by her father and without support she ended up in the workhouse..... my how things have changed. She gave birth to a son who died at three months and Nellie died 3 weeks later. This story brought a tear to my eye, so much so that I wanted to learn more about life in the workhouse in those times. Hence that is why I am here ! I expect you people out there have more experience than me so any further info would be gratefully received. Thanks.
Viv Grigson <vivgrigson AT ntlworld.com>
UK - 2008-02-25 14:12
Elizabeth Savage gave birth to a son, George Savage, on 12 June 1861 at The Workhouse, York Street, Westminster. No fathers name is given. Elizabeth would later marry James Hawkins and the family came to NZ in 1865 where James worked on building the Wellingon Wharf as a diver. No marriage found to date. I seek kin to complete the family tree.
Noeleen Sutton <nsutton at xtra.co.nz>
NZ - 2008-02-25 14:12
I am looking for records of Edward Charles Reeve born 1910 - Emily Elsie Reeve born 1905 - Lilian Margaret Reeve born 1912 who possibly went to the Poplar Training School Hutton or went some where in Green Street Green after their mother died in 1914. They were living at Bromley by Bow.
Sue <whiteheather918 AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2008-02-07 09:48
The former Rowton Workhouse became part of the headquarters for the Holderness Borough Council at the re-organisation of Local Government in 1974. That Council has now been swallowed up by the newly created East Yorkshire Council, a unitary authority. I worked for the Holderness B.C. from 1979 until 1988 and during that time was Branch Secretary of NALGO, (the Local Government Officers' Trade Union) for six years. I originally became involved with NALGO as their Sports and Social Secretary with responsibility for producing the workplace magazine for our members. The name given to the mag was “The Rowton Workhouse News" which had a of a picture of the Workhouse with a huge double pennant type flag created by an oversize pair of knickers bearing the mag's heading shown flying from a most awful aerial erected by the Council to the rear of the building. The content bore the usual trade union banter and ridicule of the employer plus news and views of the members. If there is any interest in this the perhaps someone from the new Council's Unison Branch would be able to supply a copy of this wonderfully funny paper to you. I now live at a Wakefield address and if any former colleague wishes to contact me then please ask through directory enquiries for contact details. Cheers for now
Paul Beckett <paulbeckett2t AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2008-02-07 09:48
Hi Peter, What a fantastic website! I discovered it yesterday while researching my family tree. I was quite shocked to discover my husband's g.g. grandfather George Shreeves listed in the 1881 Census as living in the Aston Union Workhouse. He had worked as a jeweller all his life but apparently his wife died and he ended up there. His family had immigrated to Australia a couple of years earlier. I read all the wealth of information you had on Aston Union Workhouse and would like to buy a book. As I'm from Australia I'm not familiar with all the Parishes, Shires, Counties, Districts etc so can you please advise me which book would include this workhouse? Once again, your website is just amazing and thank you so much for all the effort you've put into it. You've helped make a piece of history so relevant.
Christine Riding
Australia - 2008-02-07 09:47
Found your fascinating site while looking for an ancestor of my husband called DOROTHY BRADBURY born LEYBURN about 1810. She was married in WORSLEY in the 1841 census to WILLIAM MORTON and your articles on assisted migration to Lancashire mills might hold a clue as to how and why she went to Worsley. I would be interested to hear from anyone researching in the Leyburn area who might know of the BRADBURY famiy. I found another ancestor SARAH SHAW age 3 months in PRESTON WORKHOUSE with mother and siblings. Presumably her father had just died and in 1851 census they were living with her uncle in Preston.
Chris Morton <hmnw40776 AT Blueyonder.co.uk>
UK - 2008-02-07 09:46
Hi Peter, I am presently exploring your wonderful and comprehensive site, and appreciate all the hard work you have put into assembling your information. I came upon the website because i was interested in the.education of the lower classes in earlier times. Previously my knowledge was slight, but your website has given me so much information and whetted my appetite to pursue the subject. You have given us a vivid insight into the social and educational conditions pertaining to those times, which is such a help when trying to get into the skin of our forebears. Thank you very much.
Muriel Wells <pollyp at xtra.co.nz>
NZ - 2008-02-07 09:46
Hi I have just found this page and find it fascinating my name is John Riley. I am 57 years old and at the age of three I and my two sisters were taken into what we called the workhouse by my mother. It was quite a harrowing expirance.My mother had run away from my drunken farther. the men were kept separate from the woman I was allowed to sleep in the women's dormitory being so young. The Matrons were very stricked and I got more than one savage beating and my mother could do nothing but look on and weep.The reason I was looking at this page was I seem to remember the reception centre as they called it was Mayfield hose but I am unable to trace it if anyone knows it or where it was situated I would be very grateful to know.
John Riley <noiall3000 AT yahoo.co.uk>
UK - 2008-02-07 09:45
I'm looking for help finding my Great, Great Grandfather William Henry Alcock born 22nd December 1858 in Manchester whereabouts in 1881 & detail of Altrincham Union Work House between 1865 - 1881. His father James Alcock died 26th July 1865 at New Road Bollin Fee Wilmslow & his mother Charlotte Alcock nee Finney being a destitute widow entered the Work House around this time & resided their until her death in 1868, as below:
Charlotte Alcock Died 19th August 1868 aged 34 in the Union Work House Knutsford Cheshire Registration District Altrincham Union Widow of James Alcock a Policeman Death due to Confinement Exhaustion present at death Eliza Walker Cert number 152 Vol 8a Page 165 Altrincham Date Death Registered 20th August 1868
Eliza Walker is stated on the 1871 census as the nurse at Union Work House Knutsford Cheshire
The child born to Charlotte Alcock in 1868 was Harriet Alcock who died in 1869 & was buried at St John Church Knutsford on 5th January 1869 aged 5mths. Charlotte Alcock was also buried at St John Church Knutsford on 21st August 1868 aged 34.
1871 Midnight Sun / Mon 2nd / 3rd April Knutsford Inferior District “Union Work House" Altrincham Cheshire RG10/3687 Page 3 Folio 199
William Halcock - 12 b 22nd December 1858 Manchester Lancashire Will James Alcock - 11 b 1861 Wilmslow Chester Henry Alcock - 9 b 1863 Wilmslow Chester

Gillian Slate <gillianslate AT ntlworld.com>
UK - 2008-02-07 09:43
Hiya my name is Denise and am looking for any links of information or to people who are related to anyone that was in the workhouse around that time with my gr gr aunt Louise Follows, i believe she was in a workhouse around 1860 ish in the Staffordshire area and i know she had her 2 daughters in the workhouse who were named Margaret Mcweney and Katharine Mcweney. I believe Louise married a Thomas Mcweney.Louise's first name was Emily but i think she prefered her middle name Louise.If anyone can help i would love to hear from you luv Denise.
Denis Roberts <dee.s.v AT hotmail.co.uk>
UK - 2008-02-07 09:41
Am descended from EDGAR families of Linlithgow, always checking for Linlithgow connections when surfing, would be pleased to hear from anyone descended from EDGAR families of Linlithgow, swop share information.... I'm writing from Woking in Surrey, England, UK; I can be contacted: tlm_genealogies AT hotmail.com I hope to see more on Linlithgow "workhouse" in the near future, keep up the good work!
Tony Lee Mageee <TonyLee_Magee AT btinternet.com>
UK - 2008-02-07 09:40
POPLAR TRAINING SCHOOL, HUTTON, ESSEX. Does anybody know where I can access the archives for inmates of this school, between 1914 - 1925? Trying to trace the roots of a very close relative, now deceased, born in Poplar or Stepney in 1911, and apparently taken to Hutton around 1914 for all of his childhood. I understand that Hackney Council dealt with it. Any info much appreciated.
Linda White <linda.white AT dsl.pipex.com>
UK - 2008-01-10 09:18
Florence Shipp was an inmate of Ecclesall Bierlow workhouse in the late 1890s but what happened to her and where did she go from there? She was my great aunt born in 1876 in Cambridge, and I cannot find any trace of her from then, did she go abroad?
Yvonne Clay <yvonne.clay AT virgin.net>
UK - 2008-01-10 09:17
A fantastic site with so much information. I found this site tonight and discovered that I was born in a work house, and then had my own girls in same work house :)
Jo Hindes
UK - 2008-01-10 09:16
Hi I am really at a loss as to where to go next, My Great Grandma had 2 illegitimate children both of them born in the poorhouse at Kirkcudbright Scotland we have the birth cert for both births that however is not the problem we are trying to find our her age when the babes were born so we can attach a person to the name, there appears to be a few around of the same name, have rung the County archives but they have been unable to help, even ancestry is struggling, Her name was Jane Kennan but who was her parent We haven't a clue she was born in Borgue in KKBD. any help would be much appreciated.
Jo-an Stringer <joan.stringer AT blueyonder.co.uk>
UK - 2008-01-10 09:15
Hi. I am researching my greatx4 grandfather Thomas Slingo who was sentenced to transportation in 1841 for stealing a ewe. He was transferred to the hulk Leviathan and then to The York. He was granted a free pardon in 1846 having never left England. He then disappears from sight. There is no record of his death in the GRO index and he does not appear in the 1851 census. His wife Jane Javes remarried in 1857. I am wondering if he could have been admitted to one of the workhouses in Surrey. His eldest son Solomon who was sentenced to 3 months hard labour at the same time as his father, lived in the Kingston area in 1848 and then Wandsworth until his death. In a last desperate attempt to locate Thomas I'm wondering if he moved there to be close to his father. Originally the family lived in Crondall in Hampshire. Even the smallest piece of information would be much appreciated. Thank you Peter for a great site.
Jenny Seiffert <lalderton1 AT bigpond.com>
Australia - 2008-01-10 09:14
Hi , I am trying to find Raymond Davies born 1941 Pontardawe, West Glamorgan, South Wales. Mother Morfydd Davies. She was a farmers daughter. Raymond was sent to the Bryncoch Cottage home, Neath, West Glamorgan, South Wales. I believe that Raymond now lives some where in Cardiff, South Wales. I have some information for him which he may be interested in Any help appreciated.
Sian Loveday <familysiangene AT yahoo.com>
UK - 2008-01-10 09:12
Alfred Oxer was my father born 1912 Ecclesall Bierlow I think he may have been an inmate in Fulwood school and lived in one of the cottage homes can anyone help please.
Peter Newman <p.newman423 AT ntlworld.com>
UK - 2008-01-10 09:12
Hi We have been using your workhouse website for ages in our history lessons, its been gooood. bye! love charlotte xxxxx
Charlotte Yeah
UK - 2008-01-10 09:11
I love your website. Am still exploring it trying to find information on on Louisa Jenner (nee Hooper c1851) and her 3 illigitimate children, Albert Wm Hooper (c1870), Thomas Hooper (c1873), Walter Hooper (1875). She entered the Chippinham Poor House by the 1871 census as Luisa Hooper with Albert her first illigitimat child. By the 1871 census, not only did she have 2 more illigitimate children, Thomas and Walter, she had married a Robert Jenner whose wife had died and whose 2 daughters where in the house in the 1881 census. Unfortunatly for me that is where the trail ends for this branch of my family and i would appreciate any help from anyone.
Martina Macey <marceyau AT yahoo.co.au>
Australia - 2008-01-10 09:10

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