Reform School

[julius72]

I have read(in an old newspaper) that one of my relatives was sent to a reform school in St George,Bristol. I have no address for this school. If anyone knows where it might be or was I would be grateful. Also is it a possible that there are some records connected with this school somewhere - or even photos. The event was in the 1880s.

[KGarrad]

There are some details on workhouses.org.uk of the Clifton/Barton Regis Poor Law Union, which had a children's home at St Georges.

http://www.workhouses.org.uk/Clifton/

Unfortunately a lot of records in Bristol were lost in a WW2 bombing.


And there is a list of Children's Homes (etc!) on this site:
http://www.childrenshomes.org.uk/list/Gloucestershire.shtml

[julius72]

Many thanks for that info, it's very interesting. It will come in handy for another relative I need to research. I think however that the reform school is another institution.

[Liz in France]

Hi Julius,

Have you tried looking up the Industrial Schools in Bristol.  I had a relative there but it was in Clifton, so I am not sure if there was any establishment in St George.  Worth a try though.

Elizabeth

[julius72]

Thanks for that Elizabeth. I think the school was in Kingswood but I have been told that there are no records available. I am due to visit Bristol next week so I might call in.

                                                                                                         Julius

[Ramboryan]

The school was probably Kingswood Training School.  It was formerly a reformatory school for 120 boys aged between 13 and 18.    The address is now The Cabot Academy 27 Woodside Road BS15 8DB.  Having been a `tenant' there for 3 years 1954/56 I visited many years later and to my amazement found that `Doc Grunwell' was still living in his little house on the back drive.  My number was 81 Wesley House.

If you need any more info please don't hesitate to contact me before I expire (I am 73 and in poor health)