The material below is taken from the web page . Unless otherwise indicated, content is copyright Peter Higginbotham and may not be re-published without permission.


 
Ancestry UK

Workhouse Guestbook 2009

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.)

My husband's ancestor was one of five children baptized at St. Mary's Islington on 21 Nov 1854, whose mothers came from the workhouse. Was it general practice to take groups from the workhouse to the church for baptisms? Why didn't the vicar come into the workhouse? Was it because they didn't have a church in the workhouse?
Llinos <Edgeley At talktalk.net>
2009-mm-dd
My uncles: Ernest Wood born 21 January 1916 and Frederick Wood, born 31 March 1919, were sent to St Edward's Orphanage in Liverpool in 7 January 1928 after their parents died. When they each reached the age of 15 they were sent to Father Berry's Home for Friendless Catholic Boys, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool. From there, so far as I know, they each went into the Army. Liverpool Records Office has records for Father Berry's Home but only up to 1928 so, unfortunately, no good to me, but this information might be useful to other researchers. The records that did exist are all handwritten (on microfich) but looked pretty comprehensive. The Brothers of Charity Services 0151 228 4439) hold ledgers for St Edwards Orphanage, but the details are very brief. Can anyone tell me anything further about Father Berry's Home in Liverpool - did you go there? My uncles never said much about their time there, only that the Fathers used to beat them regularly. Doesn't sound like a very happy place, but I would be so very grateful to hear from anyone who went there during the same period. Thank you.
Lynda <IOANDIZ AT aol.com>
2009-12-27
This is a quick message for CLAIRE JONES re FLORENCE WILSON. I think I found your relative aged 11yrs in the 1901 census listed at the school you mentioned. I twice attempted to forward the original census document from Ancestry through your e-mail address but came back undelivered. If you care to contact me direct, I am happy to help.
<aandimccoll AT btinternet.com>
2009-12-16
An ancestor Benjamin Ashby age 34 died in St George Hanover Square Workhouse (Mount Street) on 26 June 1854. Has anyone a picture of the Workhouse as it was then - or can tell me what it was like. Thank you
Bill Ashby <bill AT hisbunker.freeserve.co.uk>
2009-12-12
My great grandmother Ruth Lambourne was a inmate and washerwomen/charwomen at St George Hanover Square Union Infirmary, from 1884 and died there in 1909.
Liz and Steve Portman <KEP At wandoo.uk >
2009-12-07
Thank you, Peter for an absolutely riveting site and for all the work and research you must have spent months working on it. My main interest, (although it's all very interesting), was the Weymouth and Melcome Regis Workhouse in Wyke Road. When I was a child I lived within easy walking distance of this grim building, and even though, by then it had become "Portwey Hospital", there really was no disguising it's origins. My Mother had to stay in that hospital around 1960, and I hated visiting her there, the place freaked me right out. Mum could not understand my reluctance to accompany my father on visits. Now I know why. Sadly, poor Mum never will as she passed away many years ago, thankfully, not in that hospital, but Weymouth and District Hospital, after a long illness.
Sandie Seward.
2009-mm-dd
My g/g/g/father John Verrier appears in the 1871,1881,1891 census as living Eastry Workhouse, sometimes with some of his children, later he remarried there, and in 1891 there appears to be a child to this marriage, Alice. This is the extent of the information I have on them at Eastry Workhouse. Is it possible and are there records of the individuals who resided there?
Lyn <Lyn AT lpeb@optusnet.com.au>
2009-11-26
hi ther to you all. what a lovely site to look at. a lady i met on line gave me this site. iam desperatly trying to see if a florence wilson was in the met school in sutton, we think she was born 1892 she maried in 1920 age 28. and died 1930 age 30. whether that is athe real age iam not sure!!!!! i would love to go up to london tolook at the records. or can they been seen on line. my mum was oly 6 when her mum florence died . on marriage cert there is no fatheres nmae on her bit!!!!!! if anyone could help me it would be the best xmas prezzie ever. thank you all
Claire Jones <nobummum AT hotmail.com>
2009-11-24
Thank you for your excellent website. I got the birth certificate for an illegitmate second cousin and found the address where he was born as the above. He was adopted out as it said so on the side of the certificate. I had no idea it was a workhouse until I found your website by puting the name of the place into the internet. I am now trying to find out about he and his mother whom it said was a domestic servant there but I wonder about that too. I was rather surprised to get an email from the Centre for Kentish Studies asking where I got the information that they had the records. So you are one up on them for goodness sake. Thanks again,
Ana Squire
2009-11-13
Hi we wondered if anyone can help with any information regarding 2 workhouses. the first is the Mission Workhouse in Old Stratford where our Great Grandma had a child in 1859. the second we believe was in back street in Faringdon where our Grandma had 2 children in 1922/4. Any help with any records pictures etc would be great. Many thanks
Maureen & Nigel Eden <nigel AT neden.adsl24.co.uk>
2009-10-31
Hi there I have recent information on, john Gregson who married Hannah Grimes in Blackburn sept 1st 1828, they lived in oswaltwistle, now I have seen a John Gregson who would have been born in 1831 and Alice Gregson who would have been born in 1826 both at the Blackburn workhouse in later years, would anyone know if john and alice are perhaps related to john and hannah if so it looks like alice was born before john and hannah got married. Gregson contactpam@blueyonder.co.uk
Pam Gregson <contactpam AT blueyonder.co.uk>
2009-10-25
Hi, my greatgrand Father died in union poor house in1839 how can I find out what of, as his wife died in1835 and I don't know what of. Leaving a boy of seven in the seven oaks kent,. union poor house .can anyone help me.
Jean Ford <jean.ford4 AT ntlworld.com>
2009-10-23
Hi Peter Thank you so much for such an astounding source of information. Through your site I have since discovered that my grandmother, Annie Gaughra, was indeed born in the Oldcastle workhouse, Ireland. Having just a county and a "new" date of birth to work with, this is a breakthrough. Many thanks Peter for such a valuable godsend. If anyone has any information on the Gaughran family, or any possible lead, please email me. Thanks once again Peter.
Amanda Jackson <gaughranfamily AT hotmail.co.uk>
2009-10-18
Hi there I lived in Union street in the early 1930's and well remember the men commimg outduring the day time all dresed in the same suits, I went to South Moor Road School, walking up Union Street poasing the Work House on the top left off street, my mother was in the Hospital in the 40's, and spent the last years of her life round the corner in the pld folks bungalows she was born in Hemsworth and lived to 98 yrs. Regards Lawrence
Lawrence Hollingworth
2009-10-17
I am trying to trace my Grandmother Eunice Marsh who I know passed away in the Atherleigh Workhouse in 1950. If you have any information on Eunice Marsh as to when she entered the workhouse I would greatly appreciate it. Regards
Mrs Marlene Sawyer, Mweb South Africa <tom.marlene AT mweb.co.za>
2009-10-05
While researching my family tree I came across Glanford Brigg Union Workhouse and Caroline Empringham, the Matron there, who married Henry Gibson, the Master. Caroline was born at Barton on Humber in 1845 and her father George, my husband's G G G Grandfather, was also born there in about 1813. He is on the 1841 and 1851 census, at Barton on Humber, his occupation is Relieving Officer. By 1861 he is the Master at Glanford Brigg Union Workhouse with his wife Eliza, Matron. His family are there with him and his eldest daughter Ellen is a schoolmistress and her husband Henry Andrew a schoolmaster, presumably at the Workhouse. Eliza, the Matron, died in 1870 so her daughter Caroline became matron. These are the first relatives that I have found in the Workhouse and under much better circumstances than I would have wished! Thanks to your site I have more information on the family too.
Sue Jones
2009-09-28
Hi, I was just wondering if anyone knows if there was a workhouse at 15 Union Street in Chelsea around 1881. That is the address recorded on my great-grandmother's (Alice Ellen Shere's) family's 1881 census record, yet she was already in the St. Mary's Roman Catholic Girls' School (Walthamstow House) at 1 Shernhall Street in Walthamstow, Essex County. By the 1891 census, her brothers James and Arthur Shere were in the St. Charles Roman Catholic Boys' School in Brentwood, Billericay, Essex County. Any information that anyone can shed on these locations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.
Vicki <mckgrov AT xplornet.ca>
2009-09-27
If anyone can provide further information regarding the St. Mary's Roman Catholic Boys' School/Orphanage at North Hyde Hounslow, Brentford, Isleworth, Middlesex, particularly where records could possibly be located, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.
Vicki <mckgrov AT xplornet.ca>
2009-09-27
If anyone can provide further information regarding the St. Charles School in Brentwood, Billericay, Essex County, particularly where records could possibly be located, it would be greatly appreciated. My great-grandmother's brothers, James and Arthur Shere, appear here in the 1891 census after the untimely death of their father Philip at age 31. Thanks very much.
Vicki <mckgrov AT xplornet.ca>
2009-09-27
Hi Peter, Thanks so much for your website. If anyone can provide further information regarding the St. Mary's Roman Catholic Girls' School/Orphanage (Walthamstow House) at 1 Shernhall Street in Walthamstow, Essex, particularly where records could possibly be located, it would be greatly appreciated. My great-grandmother, Alice Ellen Shere, grew up there after the untimely death of her father Philip at age 31. Thanks very much.
Vicki <mckgrov AT xplornet.ca>
2009-09-27
I wonder if anyone has any pictures of the 'Cottage Homes, Healds Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire'? I have a few but they mainly show some of us as we were as children living there in the 1950s/1960s and not the actual buildings which have since been demolished. My sister and I were raised in the homes from the ages of 3 and 5yrs. With help from other researchers, I have built a family tree and the photographs would be the icing on the cake in completing my records. I am also doing a University course on the subject of the workhouses and social reforms carried out by people like the Quakers and Elizabeth Gaskell and through Peter's site, I have found records of a home in Pontefract in which my brother was raised which makes the subject even more personal and interesting. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Isabel McColl nee Green <aandimccoll AT btinternet.com>
2009-09-24
Hi, I'm looking for info on Fanny Coddington ( Hanthorp?, Lincolnshire) and her son George. They are in the 1881 as being in Marylebone workhouse, George being born there in 1881, but are not in the 1891 census. Any info available would be welcome.
Sue <tjb_sue AT hotmail.com>
2009-09-16
My great grandmother, Alice Roberts (born 1874) and her brother Harry Roberts (born 1873) came to Canada as British Home Children in 1879) When Alice was baptized it was at St. Martin's church in Birmingham. Her mother's name was Ann. It seems she was in a workhouse in Birmingham at the time--can anyone help me find out the name of the workhouse in that parish. Are records available for that time period? With thanks in advance, Nancy Whyte Ontario, Canada
<winwill AT kelcom.net>
2009-09-14
Hi! It appears my grandfather, was born in 1884/5 in the Workhouse at Fishguard. His mother was Caroline and he was William James Griffiths. He is believed to have stated he had brothers Frederick and Arthur and a ? sister Lucy. His father was a Master Stone Mason and some controversy over whether he died or went to America. Does this ring bells with anyone, please?
Joan J. <joan375 AT btinternet.com>
2009-08-24
Would like to know if lists of inmates and staff are available for Kings Norton Union workhouse Birmingham in the 1920's. I have seen the 1881 census list. So maybe information is only available via census's I don't know.
Chrissiepk. <pattie.knight AT blueyonder.co.uk>
2009-08-19
Hi everybody I'm a new girl, I shall use this site a lot, because I'm interested in the social history of everywhere I have been researching. First I must ask, does anyone know the origins of the name of village in Gloucester call 'Coln St Aldwyn. A lot of my ancestors came from there and surrounding villages. I, m fascinated by names?? Can you tell me if there are lists available to view of staff and inmates of Kings Norton union workhouse in the 1920's. we have been told that a relative was there for a short time and had been seen mopping floors. Hard to believe but I think she was homeless for a while, so its possible although she must only have bee in her teens. Name Mary Irene Thompson of selly oak Birmingham born 1910. father Harold charles Thompson, whose parents migrated from Gloucestershire. Thank you.
Christobel Knight <Pattie.knight at Blueyonder.co.uk>
2009-08-16
HI I AM LOOKING FOR A ELLEN MARY FOLEY SHE WAS PUT IN THE CHILDRENS HOME IN BONNER RD BETHNAL GREEN LONDON IN 1881 AGE 8 YR OLD HER MOTHER NELLIE FOLEY WAS PUT IN THE WORKHOUSE I DONT KNOW IF ANYMORE OF HER CHILDREN WERE PUT IN WITH HER CAN YOU HELP ME FIND OUT WHICH ONE SHE WAS PUT IN, ALSO IF ANYONE KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT BONNER RD CHILDRENS HOME I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING A LONG TIME TO FIND MY GRANDMOTHERS FAMILY. THANK YOU.
MARINA. <rena62 AT tadaust.org.au>
2009-mm-dd
Hi. The earliest record I can find of my great grandfather John CARTER is his marriage in 1885 in Sydney Australia. On it he quotes his birthplace as merely "England" and parents "not known". His age states "adult". It has been impossible to trace him back to England. I found a shipping entry for a John Carter in 1881 on the Cuzco. He is not on any assisted immigrant list. I wondered if there is a list somewhere or an organisation where I could check if he had been a workhouse orphan. He was a baker once set up in Sydney and had his own shop, (its still there) but was bankrupt not long after setting up shop. Kind regards
Mary Cunningham, nee CARTER <mary.coreparts AT gmail.com>
2009-08-10.
hi my name is leonard goldsmith my 2nd great granfather wasstephen barton b 1802 d 1884 in tonbridge workhouse i am coming over to england in july to find out about the goldsmith and barton family in rotchester and strood area would i be able to visit the workhouse area i live in south australia
leonard goldsmith
2009-06-28
Congratulations on the legacy you have created Peter. I have recently learned that my greta grandfather was born illegitimatly to his 16 year old mother at the Caistor workhouse in 1857. I am looking for any photos which may exist of the Caistor workhouse, or information about the place, at that time, the mid 1800's. I will check periodically on this site in case anyone responds.
Doug Waller MD
2009-06-22
Hi I was wondering if you could help, my great grandma was called Florence Rafferty born abt 1875 all we know is she was from Middlesex/London area and as far as we know she was an orphan, we presume she was in an orphanage in the same area but are unable to trace where. I would be grateful for any help. regards,
Karen
2009-06-21
Dear Peter, First i must say what a fantastic site, one if not the most interesting i've visited regards family history. I'm hoping someone can give info into mainly the childrens side of any workhouses in Leicester area. My grandmother was a childrens nurse, based at one of these houses and in summer season aided the children on short holidays to Blackpool (The Mission') but what i cant find is which home in Leicester she was based, i feel that it was 'Cottage Home in Countesthorpe' at around late 1800's but later 1920's because of her address maybe Leicester Union workhouse thats of course not knowing if they catered for children. But from address Countesthorpe would have been a long ways to work, she could'nt live in as she had a daughter (mother). so its possible. shes was Agnes Mary Siddons born in Bromyard in 1880 nee Taylor married 1911. Please i would love dearly to know about her work, just to see something that told me 'she worked' of course i know she did and up to about 1955 (75 yrs old). she died 1961. Could of course not been the 2 mentioned but they fit fingers x'd.
Tony Green
2009-06-19
This is a great site with fascinating reading. I am currently researching the Mills family tree that resided in Mere, Wiltshire and was wondering if any descendants of my tree still reside in the are in the hopes of contacting them. I am also looking for descendants on my King family tree who resided in the Suffolk area and later in the Southwark area of London. I'd like to make contact with anyone who could help me.
David King, Windsor, Ontario, Canada <dking4 AT @cogeco.ca>
2009-06-05
Has anyone photo's or pictures of the Medway Cottage Homes. Please send any you might have to bshor@chello.at I would be very pleased if someone has a photo or picture of the homes.
Bernard Shaw <bshor AT chello.at>
2009-06-05
I have been doing my family history, and have found out my mum had 1 boy and 2 girls , that she put into medway cottage homes on the 14-Sept-1935 We have found out about Frank he was born on 20-2-1932 also Patricia 7-5-1933 But the one I cant find what happen to is Phyllis Osborne 22-5-1934 dont know if she was adopted or not so if any one can help me please Would love to find her
Brenda Warren <Bwarren AT bt.co.uk>
2009-05-21
> My great great grandfather Robert Bailey was born in the Morda Workhouse in January 1861. His mother Mary Bailey is listed on the 1861 census as 'Inmate'. Any information someone could provide would be much appreciated as to why she would be in there. She was later married in the December 1861. Thank you
Kirsty Bailey
2009-05-11
I have found this website so useful in my essay writing regarding the poor law and establishment of the wlefare state. thanks for all your hard work it has been very useful!!
Kay :)
2009-05-06
Very interesting site. Am gathering information regards to Clara Stout. She is on the 1891 English Census as an inpatient at 5 years old. She was my grandmothers sister. Not sure how long she was an inpatient though. As at 25 years old she was back home on the 1901 Census.
Yvonne Stanbridge
2009-05-04
Hi looking for information on my g/grandmother Ann Holmes formely Hutchinson gave birth in Lancaster Union Workhouse 1904 any help would be appreciated.
Michael Gough
2009-05-04
Hi, my mother and my 5 siblings were homeless, we were admitted to "Hillcrest," in Leicester (previous workhouse and still seen as that even at that time) in1958, I was 12 , some of those elderly people had been there all of their lives. It was very sad to see such dear old people so institutionalised
Christine Wright
2009-05-03
Thank you for this excellent website. It is one of the best history sites I've found on the internet. Just today I purchased a 1905 postcard of the Strand Union boys band and here I was able to not only read about the school and workhouse, but you had a copy of the same photo! Thank you for the amazing research. It is especially interesting to learn more about workhouse life after watching the BBC series Little Dorrit which was shown recently here in the US on PBS.
Michael Brubaker <mkbrbkr AT gmail com>
2009-05-02
Years ago I worked at what was then Bryntirion Hospital (the old llanelly workhouse)as a nurses aid and it was the most depressing place I have ever worked in. All the old people they would bring in would cry and wail about being brought to the workhouse and that they didn't want to die there it was terrible no matter what you said to them they were horrified at being there. Great website tho!
Della Wilcox
2009-mm-dd
I am trying to reasearch my Father's family background - he was born in the Workshop Infirmary Withington Manchester - his Mother was Elsie Stubbs he was registered William Stubbs - I believe she gave him up or was adopted by Elizabeth Chambers of Hillkirk Street Manchester. Anyone with any information can contact me. I have visited the guest book and fiund it very interesting reading - well done.
Ruth Taylor <Kevin1.Taylor AT btinternet.com>
2009-04-24
hi. my grandad was born in a place called locksbottom house farnborough road he was born in 1911 when I looked up the 1911 census it said it was a poor house. His mother and brother are also listed but not his father. How can I find out information about this place and the details of how long he was there for. i live in australia so it makes it harder for me to find out information. Gill
Gill Roberts < gillyisme53 AT westnet.com.au>
2009-04-23
After searching for the Stemp family in Surrey for many years I came across a couple who were in Cranley/Hambledon Workhouse, one Stemp (not sure if he is one of mine)even appears in your 1881 census. So finding your site was an added bonus, just wonderful. My great grandfather Harry Gill and his brother Tom were in the Watford Union Workhouse in 1871 aged 11 and 14 how they ended up there I do not know, certainly my grandfather never mentioned this when he was alive, both boys came out got married had family's and became stained glass kilner's, Harry lived until about 1922 and Tom died in 1919-ish.
alyson stemp <alysonstemp AT btinternet.com>
2009-04-22
My grandmother Esther Sloane was born in Kilkeel Workhouse northern Ireland in 1867 mothers name Bridget Sloane. How can I find out what happened to her next? Did she go to live with her mother, if so where? Did she go to live with her father (thought to be Richard McConville) or with some member of his family. When she married in Birkenhead Cheshire she gave her name as Esther McConville, fathers name Richard. Where was she between her birth in Kilkeel Workhouse and her marriage to Hugh Doyle Rush? Proni say records for the Kilkeel Workhouse releases will not be available until 2011. Is there any way to get at these records before then?
Irene Winward <h.winward AT sky.com>
2009-04-16
Dear Peter, What a wonderful website. Like many others, I came across it when researching my family ancestry. My lovely grandfather never spoke about his time in the 'orphanage,' as he did not like it. He was admitted when his father died, and mother went into an asylum. However, the 1911 census shows he was in the scattered homes system in West Ham. Having worked in a psychiatric hospital (which used to be a workhouse) in the 1980s, and having been appalled at how the patients were treated, I can only begin to imagine the way people were treated before that time. Well done with this information - it brings so much to life. Kind regards,
Annie Oakley <jennifer.oakley at hotmail.com>
2009-04-13
Willis family history. Wonderfully interesting site - thankyou for your dedication for the benefit of so many of us searching for family information. 1911 Census records a family member - John Edward Willis at aPrestcott Institution - can anyone tell me what this would mean - is it a medical institution or a prison or what. We are in New Zealand so not knowlegable on the region. Many thanks.
J Willis <willisj AT xtra.co.nz>
2009-04-09
Please note that if you visit Stockport Heritage Library they have a bound copy of my index of Births and Deaths in the Stockport Workhouse. 1850 to 1904 on the shelves. I indexed the Registers available on microfilm in about 2002. Actually the Register of Births for the period after Jan 1st 1900 was not on the film though deaths do go up to 1904. I would say I included all the facts and details that there were of about 85% of patients in my index. There were words and descriptions that I did not include so as to spare blushes of descendents on some of the patients. Also occasionally there would be something entered and then rubbed out but the original words might still be read, As an indexer I did not include those words. Hope this will help some researchers who can get to the library.
K. A. Newton.
2009-04-07
Excellent website! Although my grandmother, Janet Mayse Culverwell, did not speak much of her past, I have become aware now of her difficult childhood. I found her registered on the 1901 England Census at the Orphanage on 27 Barry Road, St Johns the Evangelist, Camberwell Parish; placed there with her sister, Gertrude, after their parent's marriage disolved. She moved with her mother to Canada and married my grandfather in 1917. What happened to her during those 16 years, I do not know, but am trying to fill in the blanks. Her sister followed in 1925, leaving a brother behind in the care of relatives with no aparent communication since 1928. Through your website, I have been able to pin-point where she was raised and under not so ideal circumstances. Thanks for the info!
:) Elaine
2009-03-30
I have been researching into the Bonner Family Tree. My grand-father George Bonner b. 1861-d.1955 in Gulidford Hospital.His first wife was Louise Caroline Bonners nee Childs b.Jan.1855-d.June.1903 in Brookwood Asylum.They had nine children. If anyone knows anything about her or where she was buried I would be grateful and pleased to hear from you.
Eileen Junge. <eileen-junge AT arcor.de>
2009-mm-dd
What a great website. Today, I attended a talk by Ian Waller on workhouses and visited your site by his recommenation. My Great Grandfathr, William Brown was on the Reigate Board of Guardians in the late 1800's
<Brownrichardm AT yahoo co uk>
2009-03-25
Hi. I just wanted to say what a great site. I discovered that my hudbands grt, grt grt grandfather, James AYNSLEY, had been Master of Bellingham Workhouse from 1842 to 1872. His wife, Dorothy was the Matron. His son Thomas AYNSLEY was the Relieving Officer, Registrar and Vaccination Officer. Thomas and his brother Jacob were also census enumerators. I now have a much better understanding of what their jobs involved. Thank you.
Louise
2009-03-07
Does anyone have any details of the St Charles Roman Catholic Workhouse for Boys in Weald Lane (later Weald Road) Brentwood?
Michael Stotter <Michael.Stotter AT aberdeen-asset.com>
2009-03-06
I am researching my family tree and I am interested in finding any information on my grandmother who I believe was either an orphan, illegitimate child, or something of that nature due to the fact that I cannot find any known previous relatives. I believe she was born in Wales but may have been placed in a children's home/workhouse in Culcheth, Warrington in the early 1900's. Her known name to us is Catherine Wardle. If anyone has any information please email me.
Tracey Askham <tracey.askham AT aol.com>
2009-03-05
Thank you for putting together this site, which like many others I found whilst researching my family history.
My maternal Grandfather was Frank Burgin Hardcastle who from about 1911 to 1914 was an assistant workhouse master at Gordon Road Institute in Peckham. I have an original copy of the London Observer: Camberwell and Peckham Times of January 3rd 1914 which includes a report of a visit by the Mayor and other civic dignitaries to the Institute. They congratulated the Master, Mr W. Winder, his wife who was matron and my Grandfather on their efforts in making Christmas 1913 such a splendid occasion for the 60 inmates. (the same page also includes a report on the Constance Road Workhouse) I would be happy to submit an electronic copy of this paper to the site.
My Grandfather left the workhouse and joined the army in September 1914 (21st London Regiment 1st Surrey Rifles) He was wounded at the Battle of Loos in December 1915 and discharged from the army in 1916. After the war he moved back to his home town of Wolverhampton and became a clerk at the Labour Exchange. He died in 1936. His father, my great grandfather, was Thomas Horatio Hardcastle, who was an assistant master at the Bilston Union Workhouse in 1881 (from census) he married Agnes Walker who was a School mistress at the Martley Union Workhouse, Worcestershire. I have no information about their employment or otherwise after their marriage in 1887. Thanks to your site I now have an idea of what the three institutions looked like and their precise location.
Frank Collier
Warwick
<Gillfranco AT aol.com>
2009-03-03
my mum Edith Genner was married from a workhouse at crosland moor on the november 1951 could you tell me when she went in to the workhouse
Shirley <shirley_leith AT tiscali.co.uk>
2009-02-28
I write to congratulate you on such a wonderful, informative website. I'm researching my family history and have discovered that four of my ancestors were born in different workhouses, and classed as 'casual paupers'. The website has been a wealth of information about their time spent in these institutions between the years 1889 - 1903. From the workhouse it was the lodging house, and again the history on these is enlightening.
I purchased your book 'Workhouses of the Midlands' and found it a valuable resource. Many Thanks
Jo Heveran
2009-02-28
I have recently discovered that my great grandfather GEORGE MARSH was a resident of CONSTANCE RD. INSTITUTION, LONDON prior to him being admitted into Tooting Bec Hospital in Sept. 1936. I am not sure how long he lived at Constance Rd. but if anyone can suggest where I might find information, please e mail me.
Paul <mrpaulbarry AT hotmail.com>
2009-02-27
Dear Peter, This is the most in-depth, interesting, exciting web-page I've ever come across. The amount of information, stories, photographs etc are phenomenal. Keep up the fabulous work…I have learned so much and continue to learn as I keep re-reading your page. I seem to come across something I missed the time before…
Thank you for your dedication and love of history.
Ruth Bode, Vancouver, Canada
2009-02-18
In the 1901 census for South Shields Union Workhouse and Hospital Harton, my grandfather Thomas Stockton is listed as an Officer "Imbecile Attendant" this is also on his marriage certificate in 1902. Can anybody supply me with information about working conditions for this job and where I might find how long he was in the Job.
Lawrence Stockton. <Ivy.house AT virgin.net>
2009-02-08
Hi, I am trying to trace any information I can find on my late father (deceased 2000), William Charles Bedwell, who was a resident at the Shipmeadow Workhouse Bungay in the early 1920's as a child. He may have had brothers or sisters there too and we believe his mother's name was Elsie May Bedwell (may have been local to the area). Unfortunately this information is very vague and if possible we would like to know more about his mother and what became of her, this is something my father tried to do at various times in his life but alas without success. Any help, information or guideance would be very much appreciated. Kindest regards, Paul
Paul Bedwell <bedwellp AT willis.com>
2009-02-05
I found the link to the Downend Cottage homes recently. It brought back many memories. I lived there for almost a year around 1950 as a child. I later was fostered for some time to a family in Bristol who used to keep me locked in the cellar on weekends, then my mother got me back with her and managed to keep us going until I left school and started work. They were hard times and not so long ago, I look at todays kids and am amazed at the opportunities etc, not that all have them even now. Thanks for the memories.
Peter A Guala
2009-02-05
hi im looking for and have been for some years my grandfather who is believed to have gone to canada in 1930 0r 31 and settled in quebec his name was herbert heys. He was from burnley lancs england any information would help.
Ray Symons <raysym24 AT aol.com>
2009-01-30
I am reaserching the luton union workhouse. I worked at what became st marys hospital in the 1960s and later . it is now closed and a home is on the sight. does any one have information on any inmates or staff. looking forwad to any thing that moves my research on.
carole owens <jazz AT owensjeansway.fsnet.co.uk>
2009-01-22
Hi, I've been looking at the 1911 census, and discovered that my grandfather, my father and 2 uncles were in the Stourbridge Union Workhouse. My grandfather, John William Tyler I already know, died there in 1918. My father, although christened George robert is entered as "Frederick" (all his life he was known as Fred), and one of his brothers is entered as Harold, although christened Albert! The third brother was christened and is entered as Edward. The children were in the Norton cottage Homes, attached to the Stourbridge Union, but away from it, and fairly newly built. My father never mentioned any of this in his lifetime, but it explains an awful lot about him.
Pat
2009-01-15
I have found this site's information and pictures fascinating. My Great, great aunt was the cook at the Hackney Branch workhouse, Brentwood according to the 1911 census and her marriage certificate of 1913, when she married the labour master of the same establishment. The site is bookmarked and I will enjoy dipping into it.
Linda Paris
2009-01-20
I have to congratulate you on such a fascinating website, packed full with information! It seems one of my ancestors from the Whittlesey area of Cambridgeshire, Sarah Kisby, retreated to the Workhouse of a neighbouring parish to give birth to an illegitimate child. I wonder whether that was a common occurrence. Thanks again!
Sean K <kisby AT mail DOT com>
2009-01-24
Hi I have been reaching my family tree and have found that my mother and some of her siblings spent some time in the workhouse in Driffield east yorks in 1916 /17 after being neglected by there Father and he was ordered by the court to place them there her Mother had died in 1913 . How do I find the workhouse records with her name on I would be interested to see the names of her siblings as I never new them .Thank you to anyone who may be able to help me.
Lynda Conniss <lynda.conniss AT talktalk.net>
2009-01-14
Found you site my accident. My grandmother went to the SMD School in Sutton and appears in the 1891 census aged 6. Her brother was also there aged 7. I cannot find them in the 1901 census anywhere. Could anyone give me a clue please, here name was 'Cunningham', born in the Southwark area.
A Coleman <martann AT talktalk.net>
2009-01-14
our gtgtgrandfather william maxwell died in the poorhouse in glasgow 1879 will there be any record of him be in there.
mrs o maxwell <spunkymaxwell1 AT live.co.uk>
2009-01-14
I came across your site because we happen to live round the corner from the Bedale Workhouse, and I always wondered about its history. It's an amazingly informative site - thanks so much for making the effort to "preserve the history" of an important aspect of this era.
Scooby
2009-01-14
My grandfather Edward William CLARIDGE was at Wokingham workhouse as of 1911 and sent to Canada in 1923. we are still trying to find where the other children were sent to. parents were Albert and Mary Ann (Fletcher) Also in 1901 my g grandmothers brother Arthur Fletcher was there in case another Claridge or Fletcher descendant reads this pls contact me. Wonderful, interesting site although very sad.
Sue Shan <sueshan AT videotron.ca>
2009-01-14
Thank you so much for this informative site. My ancestor William Whereat was governor of the Melksham union workhouse in Semington, Wilts. In fact his letter to the poor law commission is published in the article you cite (in and out of the workhouse, Wilts FHS, 1992). It was great to read your information and see pictures of the buildings.
Kath Stennett
2009-01-14

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