Genealogy Chat

Whilst researching some family members on the 1891 Census, they all lived together in Birmingham. When I checked the 1901 Census, I couldn't find the adults but all the children were classed as 'paupers' and lived in an 'institution' with other children. Would anybody have any idea what this institution could be and the reasons why they would be here? Could it be some kind of children's home or workhouse? The only reference on the document is: Public Record Office Reference: RG 13/2809.

Many thanks.
Cheryl

do you know what street it was on Cheryl? Maybe if you post details we can have a look.
Jan

Please can you give details for one of the children ? I find it easier to comment if I see the record.

It does sound like a home / workhouse.

Gwyn

The oldest daughter was Nora Adelaide Morris and she was 15 years old in 1901.

Jan, there is no address at all on the document other than Worcestershire.

Cheryl

If this is them, I know this!! Shenley fields childrens' homes existed well into the 1970's at least, I went to school just round the corner from there, and one of my fellow pupils lived there:

1901 England Census

Name: Nora Adelaide Morris
Age: 15
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1886
Relation: Pauper
Gender: Female
Where born: N

Civil parish: Northfield
Ecclesiastical parish: Northfield St Lawrence
Town: Shenley Fields
County/Island: Worcestershire

Registration district: Kings Norton
Sub-registration district: Kings Norton
ED, institution, or vessel: Kings Norton Union Cottage Homes

If you go to the 1st page you will see members of staff, including foster mothers. I am amazed that this was there so early on, always assumed it was post-war.
The area is now in the Birmingham district of Northfield.
Jan

Wow Jan! You found that out quickly! How do I go to the first page?

Cheryl

Cheryl

If you put the last line of the census report posted by brummiejan into a Google search, there is interesting information about the home and pictures too.

Gwyn

If you are using Genes, I do not know - I use Ancestry. Maybe you could put out a general query about how to do this?

Just to say they are referred to as 'Kings Norton Union Cottage Homes'.

Jan

My FIL was in the Shenley Fields homes too in the early 1900,s . His parents weren't married and his mum deserted him and went off with another man. he was always very bitter that none of his family wanted him .

They were actually the Kings Norton Union Cottage Homes

Just had a peek 1911 - it was packed, how very sad.

how did you find the homes on the 1911 jan I have tried all sorts of permutaions. Not finding him by name so am trying by address but getting nowhere

Shirley - I used the freesearch

http://www.1911census.co.uk/search/tnaform.aspx

specified 'names beginning with ' A

residential place 'Kings Norton Union Cottage Homes'

Then looked for one of the results on the subscription site.

Jan

Thanks Jan Found him then was able to find on FMP and download the census page . poor love is marked Not Known under where born.
He was born in Harborne in July 1901 so fairly local to the Homes ,he was there until aged 16 when he was put into supervised lodgings and put to a job which he hated. he ended up as Chef and worked in many of the top london hotels so made something of himself .