Girls in the Home in 1881
Girls in the Home in the 1881 Census
The Minute Books give regular updates on the girls whilst they were in the Home and later, when they went out to domestic service or took paid employment in the laundry operated by the Home.
Lucy Walker, Boarder, 17, Scholar, born Northampton
The Committee noted that her parents were dead, and she had no relatives. She was lodging in undesirable house. She was admitted immediately to the home on 11 November 1879. Lucy went into service as housemaid with Mrs Poole from September 1880 until February 1881. She became ill, and was sent to Hunstanton Convalescent Home in May 1881, to be privately baptised first. Returned June, still unfit for hard work and would require support for another year at least. In May 1882 she returned from three weeks at a convalescent home in Brighton. In September 1882 the Committee decided that she should be seen by a Doctor who specialised in diseases of the spine. It was reported to the Committee that she would have to wear stays made by a surgical instrument maker and there was great hope of a cure. Mrs Cockburn offered to take Lucy as parlour maid and let her pursue the treatment at St Bartholomew's Hospital.
Sarah Shortland, Boarder, 16, Scholar, born Stepney
No records survive of the circumstances which led to Sarah being placed in the Bedford Training Home, and there are few notes bout her in the Minute Books. She was to go into service with Mrs Edmonds in October 1880, but was admitted to Bedford infirmary with pleurisy in January 1881.
Mary Ann Robinson, Boarder, 15, Scholar, born Northampton
Mary Ann Robinson was aged 14 on 4th June 1879. Her mother Mrs Robinson was a widow living in Hawes Street, Bedford, working at the Royal Oak Pub. Mary Ann was admitted 18 Oct 1879. On 6 Feb 1883 it was noted she had ringworm, and she was to be sent away for a few months. On 13th February 1883 the Committe decided to send her to Mrs King at Arlesey.
Alice Dale, Boarder, 15, Scholar, born Bedford
No records survive of the circumstances which led to Alice being placed in the Bedford Training Home. Alice was sent into service from Nov 1880. Engaged as general servant to Mr Charles Wilson, Bengeo, Hertfordshire from 25 June 1881.
By 5th Sep 1883 Alice was back at the Training Home and had been causing trouble as she was out of a situation, but negotiations were underway with a lady who may take her. On 9 October 1883 she was sent to Mrs Hall in London.
Ellen Shortland (known as Nellie), Boarder, 14, Scholar, born Bedford
No records survive of the circumstances which led to Nellie being placed in the Bedford Training Home. She was to go as under servant to Mrs Parker, who should first be fully informed of the 'state of Nellie's face'. However by 29 April 1884 the Committee were informed that Nellie was 'much overworked' and her skin condition was worse – Mrs Parker offered to take her to a Skin Hospital. Mrs Smith of the Grove offered to employ Nellie but she remained with Mrs Parker, until giving notice in June 1884, when the Committee told her she must find a place for herself.
Elizabeth Landon, Boarder, 13, Scholar, born Kensington
No records survive of the circumstances which led to Elizabeth being placed in the Bedford Training Home. She was out in service by 12 Dec 1882, and delayed in her visits around the town by her mother, and her mistress Mrs Duberly complained to the Training Home about this. On 2 January 1883 the Committee meeting decided it was important to move her away from Bedford 'out of her mothers reach & bad influence'. She was to be sent to a lady in Worthing in February. On 20th March 1883 the lady in Worthing reported her unsatisfactory, and on 3rd April it was decided she should go to the Girls Home at Brighton instead. On 27 June 1883 it was reported she had been sent from there to a position as kitchen maid in a large boarding house.
The Committee heard that Lizzie Landon had been engaged by Mrs Edmunds by 2 Dec 1884, she wrote a letter to the Home 13 July 1885.
- Landon, younger sister of Lizzie, was admitted for a few weeks prior to emigration to Canada on 7 April 1885.
Elizabeth Humphries, Boarder, 10, born Bedford
No records survive of the circumstances which led to Elizabeth being placed in the Bedford Training Home. She was offered situation as nursery maid by the daughter in law of Mrs Bousfield on 24 Feb 1885. On 30 June 1885 she went to work for Mrs Edmunds. It turned out that she was not strong enough for the work there and instead on 22 September 1885 went to take a post offered by the Rector of Glaston as under nursery maid. In 18 January 1886 a temporary place was found for her with Mrs Thomson at Tulse Hill for £10, and Miss Romaines, the former Matron of the Training Home had offered to take her for £6 – 8 if this position did not suit.
Mary Ann Robinson, Boarder, 9, Scholar, born Bedford
Mary Ann Robinson was old enough 22 July 1884 to send away to service but the committee decided to keep her on as laundry maid at a wage of £4 per year. She was under consideration for emigration on 27 Jan 1885. She went for position at Sandgate on 24 February 1885, 10 March1885, and 24 March 1885, but was sent back 7 Apr 1885 and moved to London. Sent back 21 April 1885, taken as maid by Mrs Edmunds. She was back at the Training Home working in the laundry 26 September 1885, and her mother complained she was not earning enough. She was appointed 3rd laundry maid on 1st Oct 1885. Sent to be laundry maid with the former Matron Miss Romaines on 2 March 1886. On 10 January 1888 Miss Cossey received a letter from the Matron of the Fakenham Industrial Home agreeing to send her to join her brother in Canada rather than send her to Queensland, the committee agreed to help with the cost of an outfit for her.
Mary Poole, Boarder, 9, Scholar, born Kempston
Mary Poole aged 10 years old in 1880. She was one of four children found deserted by their mother. Admitted as exceptional case in November 1880. The Committee decided that Mary Poole should be removed from school at Mrs Mitchells from 15 Sep 1885, but she allowed back when Miss Mitchell pointed out that examinations were about to be taken. On 16 February 1886 Mrs Edmunds offered to send her to her daughter Mrs Christian at the Cape, but this place fell through. Instead on 14 April 1886 Mary went to Mrs Kirby's service for £5 a year plus clothing.