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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Lincolnshire => Topic started by: Eilleen on Friday 24 July 09 14:10 BST (UK)

Title: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Friday 24 July 09 14:10 BST (UK)
Hi,

could anyone fill me in on the above place,

 I believe it was in Scunthorpe.

Eilleen.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Geoff-E on Friday 24 July 09 14:23 BST (UK)
Hi Eilleen

Most Google references suggest it was in Lincoln - perhaps Wragby Road, perhaps St Peter in Eastgate parish.

See Lincs Archives http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/searches/subjectView.asp?ID=O105907

and (near the top) http://www.lincolnshireassembly.com/upload/public/attachments/691/Lincoln_St_Peter_in_Eastgate.pdf
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Friday 24 July 09 14:29 BST (UK)
Hi Geoff  :)

Thanks for those,

I thought it was in Lincoln as well, because my mum use to mention it .

the person I was looking for was born in the Quarry maternity hospital,

but her mother has her address as 5 , mary street, Scunthorpe , on the birth cert.

Eilleen.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Geoff-E on Friday 24 July 09 14:35 BST (UK)
OK ... in the 1946 Kelly's Directory

Wragby Road (between Lindum St and Sewell Road)
Lincoln Diocesan Moral Welfare Association Maternity Home (Miss E Day, matron) (The Quarry)

in which case, it may be the big house in the centre here http://tinyurl.com/l9wmxh  failing that, the one a bit to the left (but it may be "The Mount").  I've found it on a map - it's the one I said it was :)

Perhaps her mother was "away from home" for a while  ;)


Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Friday 24 July 09 14:43 BST (UK)


More like ,  away with the fairies  ;D
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: kay on Friday 07 August 09 16:41 BST (UK)
The Quarry in Wragby Road was used   pre 1960 by  Welfare and then later Social Services for unmarried mothers to give birth,more often than not these babies were placed for Adoption, but was a usaul maturnity home otherwise for married  ladies to give birth.

All birth certificates will give place where the birth took place and usual home address of the mother/parents which can be many miles apart.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: longwool on Monday 10 August 09 19:13 BST (UK)
I was at Quarry in 1968. Still being used as maternity - both married & unmarried.
Fun place - not like so many horror stories of other 'homes'!
It was Wragby Road Lincoln.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: grandmatiny on Sunday 28 February 10 19:01 GMT (UK)
I was also at the quarry in 1968 , it was more like a workhouse than a maternity home, have dreadful  memories of the quarry.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Redroger on Sunday 28 February 10 19:08 GMT (UK)
Many former workhouses were subsequently used as maternity hospitals at least during the 1960s.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Geoff-E on Sunday 28 February 10 19:27 GMT (UK)
Many former workhouses were subsequently used as maternity hospitals at least during the 1960s.

Our kids were born in one in the 1980s.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Redroger on Monday 01 March 10 17:21 GMT (UK)
Deepest Lincolnshire surely?
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: grandmatiny on Tuesday 02 March 10 17:45 GMT (UK)
I was at the quarry in 1968 , it was usual for the mother to be to go 8 weeks before your baby was due and stay till the baby was approx 6 weeks old when it was taken for adoption .
all the girls that were there were unmarried with ages ranging from 14  to  26 .     jacqueline
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: yesmycatisfat on Monday 15 March 10 20:11 GMT (UK)
Hello all :)

I was there yesterday!  It's located at 18 Wragby Road, just outside the Cathedral Area in Lincoln.  It's a beautiful old building but in quite poor repair now.  I was born there in June 1967 and placed for adoption a few weeks later.  I found my birth Mother just before last Christmas and for Mother's Day we took a trip to see where I was born.  It looks uninhabited now.  We rang bells and knocked on doors in an attempt to get permission to wander the grounds but there were no signs of life.  I guess its days as Eastgate House Care Home are over.

My Mum has some fond memories of The Quarry.  She remembers it being very well maintained with a friendly staff.  They even had a man come to play guitar and sing to them each week...  Songs with religious and moral content as she remembers  ;D


Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Tuesday 16 March 10 17:02 GMT (UK)
Great to see pic's, thank you, :)

Any I dea what year it was built,   over to you Geoff  ;D

Eilleen.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Geoff-E on Tuesday 16 March 10 18:18 GMT (UK)
Any I dea what year it was built,   over to you Geoff  ;D

The 1868 map has a quarry (hole in the ground) just to the south, the 1883 map has a large house ... so perhaps built in 1870s or thereabouts :)
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: yesmycatisfat on Tuesday 16 March 10 19:54 GMT (UK)
It's a very big property.  Just been looking at the aerial map Geoff posted and it's the biggest in the area as far as I can tell.  Very surprised that it's as late as the 1870's.  Actually, I have no idea why I thought it was older, maybe because it's crumbling and very dirty.  It's got new chimneys  :)

Google Maps places Eastgate House next door so I may have been wrong in calling The Quarry that yesterday.  I do know that a few years ago it was in use as a residential home for people with serious mental problems so I assumed the two were the same...  Maybe they are?

Here's a social services review of the home in 2009 if anyone's interested? 

http://62.73.173.233/CSCI/CRH/11/ES0000002611.V2000052982.R01.S.pdf

Anyway, this is the site of The Quarry on the map :)



Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Tuesday 16 March 10 21:31 GMT (UK)
I see in 1881 ,

Wragby road .
Charles Arkill, the famous Printer and Bookseller, I believe he did Lincoln directories.

Maybe it was his house ,  :)


Eilleen.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: yesmycatisfat on Tuesday 16 March 10 21:52 GMT (UK)
Big house for a single bloke ;)
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Geoff-E on Tuesday 16 March 10 21:54 GMT (UK)
I see in 1881 ,

Wragby road .
Charles Arkill, the famous Printer and Bookseller, I believe he did Lincoln directories.

Maybe it was his house ,  :)


Eilleen.

AKRILL!

Census says he lived in St Margaret parish - I think that was the bit above the Adam and Eve

Wife and several kids http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/census/household_record.asp?HOUSEHOLD_CODE=1881BR_3296195&HOUSEHOLD_SUB=1&frompage=5
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: yesmycatisfat on Tuesday 16 March 10 22:02 GMT (UK)
You'd need more than one servant for a home that size, I would think.  My mum told me that she and some friends climbed onto the roof (through a small hatch) and sunbathed on walkways linking the chimneys!

Anyway, an interesting place and probably up for sale soon given the economic climate...  Anyone want to hazard a guess at the asking price?
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Tuesday 16 March 10 22:28 GMT (UK)
Geoff,
Thank you for pointing out my mistake, :)

That's why I have never written a book  ;)


Eilleen.

Used spell check on this one  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Geoff-E on Tuesday 16 March 10 22:55 GMT (UK)
Geoff,
Thank you for pointing out my mistake, :)

That's why I have never written a book  ;)


Eilleen.

Used spell check on this one  ;D ;D ;D

Sorry, I'm afraid I'd not heard of him.  After searching for ARKILL failed I had to search for just Charles ... then I found out how his name was spelt :)

1900 it was occupied by Robert SWAN J.P. according to the directory, but in fact ...
Deaths Mar 1899
SWAN Robert    65    Lincoln    7a   331

I think this was them in 1881 http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/census/household_record.asp?HOUSEHOLD_CODE=1881BR_3294451&HOUSEHOLD_SUB=1&frompage=5

EDIT:  1871 home of the SWAN family - St Nicholas Quarry House ... in fact the brother of one of my ancestors lived in the Lodge as the gardener in 1871! :)
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: yesmycatisfat on Tuesday 16 March 10 23:31 GMT (UK)
Now, that's interesting... The Quarries!

And a decent amount of staff too, quite what I'd expect from a house of that size.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Wednesday 17 March 10 07:54 GMT (UK)
Well done Geoff,

I just knew you would nail the place down, :)

and that fit's in nicely with your build date.

Eilleen,

Got the day off work, so decorating downstairs lattrene ??  toilet to me  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: romancity on Sunday 11 April 10 10:11 BST (UK)
Hi Everyone,
                  What a shock my daughter was looking up st johns hospital history in Lincoln and i said look up The Quarry .She found this forum showing pictures and peoples comments on the place.I was told this place had been demolished as i really did not know where it was.My mother was sent there in 1952 and had me on christmas eve.My grandmother came to collect my mother .I was told that i was going to be given up for adoption but my grandmother change her mind and took us both home.Where she was a big influence in my life and brought me up, i loved her dearly.It was very emotional seeing the building where i was born.I can recollect being told that the women scrubbed floors and they where very strict with them.Also when giving birth was on a board over a roll top bath.As i know where it is now my daughters going to take me as i feel i need to go and hopefully see it.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: InkOnMyFingers on Tuesday 05 October 10 18:33 BST (UK)
I was also at the quarry in 1968 , it was more like a workhouse than a maternity home, have dreadful  memories of the quarry.


Hello,

I'm sorry to read you have bad memories of the quarry. I just ran search on it not expecting to find anything - big surprise to find this forum and see the photo of the place. I was born there in October 1968.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Tuesday 05 October 10 22:05 BST (UK)


  Welcome to Rootschat  :)
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: janilizi on Tuesday 05 October 10 23:37 BST (UK)
I was born at Quarry Maternity home on 6th March 1956, very happily adopted but now just a little curious.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: InkOnMyFingers on Thursday 07 October 10 19:32 BST (UK)
Thanks Eilleen!

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who was there in 1968 or around that time.
How many girls were there and what was it like? I love the story about sunbathing on the roof! - although I understand that was a brief interlude of fun in what was otherwise very tough times.
Many thanks, Natalie
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: wayneb on Monday 03 January 11 01:02 GMT (UK)
Hi I was born at Quarry Maternity Home 3/10/58 and have my adoption papers could someone point me in the right direction to help me contact my birth Mother  :)
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: rover72 on Monday 03 January 11 22:02 GMT (UK)
This might help http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Registeringlifeevents/Birthandadoptionrecords/Adoptionrecords/DG_175603
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Tuesday 04 January 11 20:36 GMT (UK)
wayneb

Welcome to Rootschat,  :)

Eilleen.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: wayneb on Tuesday 04 January 11 23:23 GMT (UK)
This might help http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Registeringlifeevents/Birthandadoptionrecords/Adoptionrecords/DG_175603

Thanks for your help I am sending the Registration form today.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: wayneb on Tuesday 04 January 11 23:31 GMT (UK)
wayneb

Welcome to Rootschat, :)

Eilleen.

Thanks Eilleen, lucky I stumbled across your original post
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: mel b on Sunday 22 May 11 15:47 BST (UK)
I was born at the Quarry in 1957 and got invited back each year for reunions loved to play in the grounds with my friends and have a picnic laid on by the staff.Was good to read comments and see pictures of the place will put old pics on I have myself very soon.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Monday 23 May 11 20:47 BST (UK)
Welcome , mel b  :)

Yes please, We love pictures,  :)

so do not just disappear , stay with us.  :)

Eilleen.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: jo1964 on Friday 24 June 11 11:22 BST (UK)
I was in The Quarry in 1964 and had my son just before Xmas that year.  My memories are happy ones. My recollection is that there were approximately 20 unmarried girls there and mostly we got on very well together. I worked in the laundry and the lady who ran the laundry used to invite me to tea at her house on Sundays. The chap who used to come and play the guitar and sing to us was a canon from Lincoln Cathedral.
The member of staff I remember most clearly was Sister Downing (or Downey??) who was very kind to us all but would stand no nonsense!!

When my son went for adoption I insisted on seeing and talking to the couple and was happy that they were kind, decent people even though, to me at 16 years old, they looked a 100 years old!!

1 month ago I had a phonecall from my now 46 year old son and we have established what I hope will be a lasting bond. He has had a very happy and fulfilled life and was the first of 3 children his parents adopted. I did not expect to feel the way I do about him and still cannot believe what has happened.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: JLW84 on Thursday 01 September 11 02:02 BST (UK)
Could anyone help me, i am trying to find my uncle who was born at this maternity home in 1953 as i am his niece it doesn't seem i can find out where he is. his mums name was Jean E Sansam. thankyou  :) xxx
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: mad-dog-lady on Monday 05 September 11 20:40 BST (UK)
I was born at the Quarry in October 1964? Anyone there at that time could give me information on what it was l like then. I have so many questions.

Was it married & unmarried mothers?
What was it like to be there?
How long did mothers stay there before and after the birth?
Were the babies for adoption removed immediately or at some later point?
How long after 1964 did it stay open?
Why did it close?
Is it still there?
Where did the files from the Quarry go to when it closed?

I'm sorry to asking so much but there s a big hole in my knowledge that needs filling. Any help would really be gratefully appreciated. Many thanks.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: jo1964 on Monday 05 September 11 21:23 BST (UK)
I arrived at the Quarry in October 1964 and my baby was born on December 13th. It was usual to go into the Quarry 8 weeks before your baby was due and you stayed for 6 weeks after your baby was born. All the girls (around 20 of us)were unmarried and ranged from 14 to around 25 years old.

On arrival at the Quarry you were allotted a job and my job was to work in the laundry with a lovely lady whose name I can no longer remember. All the work was done in the mornings and your afternoons were free to do as you pleased. I was perfectly happy there.

On the day your baby was adopted you could at last go home to your family and, as I was only 16, I was dying to get home with all my sisters and back to normal.

On May 23rd this year my son contacted me (now aged 46!) and we are seeing each other and meeting each other's families on a regular basis. I was unprepared for the love I would feel for him and my new found grandchildren. I hope this has answered some of the things you wanted to know and I will answer any other questions you can think of. Good luck
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: mad-dog-lady on Monday 05 September 11 22:38 BST (UK)
Thank you for your really prompt reply. The information provided was very useful.

I do have more questions if you have the patience to help me. What was the normal process for adoption? What was the normal period between the birth and the baby being adopted? My adoption order was made the following April when I was 6 months old. Does this mean that my birth mother, (*) would have stayed with me until then? My birth name was (*) and my birth was registered (*) 1964.

What kind of information was gathered from the mother for the adoption file? I am trying to get my adoption file opened. I have made contact with my birth family. My mother doesnt seem to want direct contact but my younger half sister and I are in weekly contact and have a good relationship.

I understand things were very different then and have no real animousity. I just need to get the 'gaps' in my background filled as much as I can.

Once again, thanks for your valauble help in my quest to understand more.  Warm regards.



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Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: jo1964 on Monday 05 September 11 23:55 BST (UK)
Hi again. I'll try and answer your questions.
As far as I can remember, when I first got pregnant my mum and I were allotted a social worker and she arranged for me to go into the Quarry. I think the idea of a mother and baby home was to make a smooth journey for both mother and baby. You actually had your baby in the labour room at the Quarry as the staff were nurses and in those days you would then stay on the ward for 7 days before returning to work and looking after your baby in the nursery.

The normal period between having the baby and the baby being sent for adoption was 6 weeks. The baby would go to the prospective adopters and would live with them for a while before going through the legal adoption process. My baby was born in December and was adopted in April, the same month as you were adopted.

The process of deciding what kind of people would adopt your baby was decided on your (and the father's ) background, physical appearance(ie height, colour of hair etc) and I remember a lot of questions regarding my education. When my son found me he had a copy of the adoption papers naming me and his father and, bizarrely, a letter written by me stating the reasons for having him adopted.

When my son and I met for the first time in June, I took him to the Quarry. Although he had always known he was adopted, he had no idea where he was born. When we arrived at the house a lady came out to us and I told her why we were there. The house is now a boarding house for boys aged between 8 and 14 who study at Lincoln Cathedral School. The lady very kindly let us go into the house and look round. What a strange experience!!

I hope this will help to clarify things for you. If there is anything else you want to know just ask. It's great you are in touch with your half sister. I had 2 sons after Geoff went for adoption and they are all yet to meet one another. I hope we will all get together at Xmas.

Regards Jo
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: mel b on Tuesday 20 September 11 12:58 BST (UK)
Here a few pictures I have of the Quarry, hope you like them
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: mel b on Tuesday 20 September 11 13:03 BST (UK)
a few more attachments, these are scans of a newsletter I saved from the Quarry
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: mad-dog-lady on Thursday 22 September 11 15:45 BST (UK)
Thanks to Mel B for the two newsletters she posted. They make very interesting reading. Most of the posts on these threads say the place was a relatively happy place, in spite of the odd coackroach  :)

I would love to see any other background information that may be around on The Quarry, particularly anything around 1964/65.

Once again, thanks to Mel B.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: mojo9 on Thursday 03 November 11 08:57 GMT (UK)
I was at The Quarry, Wragby Rd, Lincoln Oct 1964
It opened ww2 1941 for unmarried mothers closed 1970's
Then became a home for people with mental health issues
Closed January 2010
We a group five  ex Quarry mums try to meet up & visit at Lincoln Christmas Market & call in at the Quarry but since it's closure we have not been able to
It was a home for unmarried girls only
These girls some as young as 13 were made look after their babies for six weeks then give them up for adoption, this was heartbreaking for all that had to witness this as well as the mother.
If you were adopted do not think the worst of your birth mother giving you up this was a selfless act on her behalf, there were no options in those days as there is now, be happy to know in the six weeks of caring for you she bonded & loved you
It was like a work house scrubbing all the floors in that big house, having to get up & make all the coal fires,waiting on the staff they had bone china cups & saucers we had plain, laundry duties no auto washers then, the list is endless
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: mojo9 on Thursday 03 November 11 09:07 GMT (UK)
If you contact social services at Lincoln they have the files on the Quarry girls
or they did have 3yrs ago
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: mad-dog-lady on Thursday 03 November 11 12:47 GMT (UK)
Thank you Mojo9 the information provided. I am trying to build an accurate picture of the events surrounding my adoption.
As an adopted child I feel like a book with the first few chapters missing ( to borrow someone else's rather pertinent description).
I have made contact with my birth family but the information provided by my birth mother is, at best, confused.
Then three months ago I became aware that as an adopted child, I was legally entitled to have my adoption files opened, including access to the records held by the Quarry.
This week my adoption file was sent to my Approved Intermediary so shortly it's secrets will be revealed.
I do not have an issue with being placed for adoption or her motives for doing it but it is important to me to get to the real truth - whatever that looks like.
I would be interested to hear from mothers like you as to how the adoption felt/affected you at the time and how it feels/affects you, if it all, 40+ years on. It is easy to forget there are two sides to every story.
Anway, thanks again for the post. If you wish to reply, privately or otherwise, I would be genuinely interested in what you have to say.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: jeccyg on Friday 27 April 12 21:00 BST (UK)
For the last 2 years now this house has been part of Lincoln Misnter School - it's part of their boarding community and is an absolutely stunning place for the children to live!  Full of laughter and kids running around it really is a happy place!  I'm sure if anyone really wanted to the school would let you look round.  I almost had my wedding reception in the grounds as I work at the school and really think it is a happy and most beautiful house now.

x
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Geoff-E on Friday 27 April 12 22:13 BST (UK)
Since this thread has surfaced again, I just thought I'd mention that one of the subjects on last night's Long Lost Family was a man born at the Quarry http://www.itv.com/itvplayer/video/?Filter=315684
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Tarny on Saturday 28 April 12 17:50 BST (UK)
Hi,

could anyone fill me in on the above place,

 I believe it was in Scunthorpe.

Eilleen.

I was born in The Quarry in 1955, it is inj Lincoln.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Tarny on Saturday 28 April 12 17:58 BST (UK)
Yes I saw that programme, I was born at the Quarry on 3rd September 1955, but until now have never seen photographs of it.
I was adopted but not from there, apparently my grandmother changed her mind and would not let my mother have me adopted, I was adopted 9 years later
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: mojo9 on Thursday 03 May 12 06:44 BST (UK)
Hi, I am Maureen I was at the Quarry 1964.
We are having a reunion  if you are interested, you are more than welcome to come along,there are about 5 of us.
We have had these reunions before it started with 2 of us 6years ago, the numbers are now growing, we come from different parts of the U.K mothers & adoptees.
My Tel: * if you would like a chat, *
Maureen
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Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: dimegold1 on Wednesday 29 August 12 00:09 BST (UK)
The Quarry is a large stone house of three floors and attic rooms above, set in its own grounds between Wragby Road and Sewell Road, built for Robert Swan in 1872. The property was sold by the Giles family to the Diocesan Board of Finance in 1943.

My wife was born Rosemary * in Quarry Maternity Home Lincolnshire in *, she was adopted at six weeks old, Isabella * is her mother, and Rosi has been trying to find her since she was 21.
The only member of the family who was in contact with Isabella, was her Uncle Jimmy who died in 2003; he forwarded a letter to Isabella written by Rosi in 1998, and Isabella refused to acknowledge her daughter, and Uncle Jimmy cut Rosi off even changing his telephone number.

Isabella married Jack * in * in 1962, he passed over in 1986, they had one child *.

Any information would be Great, however small.

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Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: margaretmag on Friday 26 July 13 11:21 BST (UK)
I was also here at The Quarry in 1968, from April to July, many memories, so many tears.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: a-l on Saturday 27 July 13 17:55 BST (UK)
hi the quarry was definately in lincoln on wragby rd.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Sarah-Helen on Friday 23 August 13 00:35 BST (UK)
I was also here at The Quarry in 1968, from April to July, many memories, so many tears.

Hi, sorry to bother you. Do you remember a girl of 17 called Catherine Watkins, who had a baby girl at the end of April? She would have left The Quarry by the middle of June that year. She was 5'3" with brown hair.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Sarah-Helen on Thursday 05 September 13 20:10 BST (UK)
I was at Quarry in 1968. Still being used as maternity - both married & unmarried.
Fun place - not like so many horror stories of other 'homes'!
It was Wragby Road Lincoln.

Hi, you didnt happen to be in the Quarry between April and June 1968, did you? I am trying to find someone who remembers my mother, her name was Catherine, she was 17 and 5'3" with brown hair. She gave birth to me on 27th of April and named me Sarah-Helen.
Any memories you have, even if not of my mum would be good to hear. I am wanting to find out anything I can about her and about the way life was in the maternity home for all of you mums there.

If you would be happy to give me any info it would really mean a lot to me.

Thanks,

Sarah.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Sarah-Helen on Thursday 05 September 13 20:18 BST (UK)
Thanks Eilleen!

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who was there in 1968 or around that time.
How many girls were there and what was it like? I love the story about sunbathing on the roof! - although I understand that was a brief interlude of fun in what was otherwise very tough times.
Many thanks, Natalie

Hi Natalie,

I was there in 1968, but as I was born there in April that year, I have no memories of the place. I just wanted to say hello to you, as its good to know there are others out there who have had a similar start in life to me.
Have you made contact with any of your birth family?
I am wanting to find my birth mum but havent really started searching properly as I dont have a lot of information to go on!

Bye for Now,

Sarah
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Anita271064 on Wednesday 02 October 13 07:06 BST (UK)
Hello my name is Jo, I have just found out I was Born at the Quarry from my original BirthCertificate. I was born there in October 1964. My birth Mothers name was Diane and she was from Nottingham. If anyone has any information they can share with me, it would be great. I now live in Australia and have since I was 11.

thanks Jo
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: BillCl on Friday 25 October 13 07:19 BST (UK)
I was born at the quarry in 1961.  I was adopted from there and in my late 40s traced my birth mother.  I would recommend that anyone seeking to contact their birth mother should read extensively about the subject and then, having spent the necessary time in The National Archive using BMD records, use an intermediary to make contact.  The intermediary can check your research and will make contact on your behalf.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Judy Craig on Friday 08 November 13 22:06 GMT (UK)
Hi

I was born at the Quarry in Feb 1958. My mother was *.  I am just in the process of obtaining my adoption file.  If anyone has any memories of my mother I would be pleased to hear them. I am not sure wether I will contact her but am just wanting to find out as much as I can re her story.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: ev on Sunday 10 November 13 09:18 GMT (UK)
Hi Judy , welcome to RootsChat  :)

Sorry , I've had to remove your mother's name as it's against RC policy to post information about living or possibly living persons on the open Forum.
It's amazing what search engines can pick up from the internet these days.

ev
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Inspirational-Sax on Friday 07 March 14 12:51 GMT (UK)
My great grandmother, Olive Brockelsby, was a servant here at the time of her marriage in 1885. 
The Quarry was a large stone house of three floors and attic rooms above, set in its own grounds between Wragby Road and Sewell Road, built for Robert Swan by 1872. The property was sold by the Giles family to the Diocesan Board of Finance in 1943.

Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: damson82 on Tuesday 06 May 14 14:37 BST (UK)
Is there any chance somebody knows if the maternity home also carried out terminations ? My mum can only remember vaguely that she was taken to a clinic of some sort on Sewell Road when she was about 12 or 13 . I've searched and cannot find any type of clinic there . Thank you :)
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Tuesday 06 May 14 15:18 BST (UK)
damson82,  Welcome :)

I would think you have a task on your hands there .

just wanted to say Welcome to Rootschat   :)

Eilleen.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home- photo
Post by: Inspirational-Sax on Tuesday 06 May 14 20:59 BST (UK)
The 'Home' is still there but is now owned/leased by Lincoln University and is used as student accommodation. They have no information on its previous usage. Lincoln Archives in St Rumbold Street may have some info though.
I visited the place a few months ago and took photos in B&W and colour and am happy to email to anyone interested. :)
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: a-l on Wednesday 07 May 14 15:40 BST (UK)
The County hospital is near the Quarry , maybe that's where your Mum went. It was a lot smaller at that time but had various clinics.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: YoLo on Friday 11 July 14 11:03 BST (UK)
Not sure if I'm doing this right or even on the right page.
However, I think I was born at The Quarry, process of elimination, I know I was born at a M&B home on Wragby road on Dec 22nd 1959.
My Mum collected me by taxi on the 3rd February 1960 and my adoption was completed in June.
Not sure about making contact with anyone but how do I go about getting an original birth certificate, I understand I have to go for counselling being born before 1975, is this definitely necessary?
My BM's name was Margaret and she came from Peterborough.
If anyone reads this and knows about me, don't worry, my adoption was hugely successful but as I get older I want to know a few more details.
I have no intention of intruding if it's not wanted and I blame no one, I know how hard things were in those days.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Friday 11 July 14 12:58 BST (UK)
YoLo. :)

Would just like to say well come to Rootschat .

Eilleen.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Friday 11 July 14 13:14 BST (UK)
Lincolnshire County Council
Children's Services Department, Orchard House, Orchard St, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 1BA

this is the first place to try.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: YoLo on Friday 11 July 14 13:54 BST (UK)
Thank you Eilleen, I'll do that, it was weird seeing the photos of the house, ridiculous but it seems familiar.
My Mum would've been there too with my older Brother who was also born at Wragby road Lincoln a couple of years earlier.
It seems crazy nowadays that she could just come and get me and drive off, she used to say she asked about my BM and was she ok and they said she was fine and with her own Mother, it made her sad to think her dream of a baby daughter was also the heartbreak of another woman.
She used to send photos of my Brother and I to the home for a few years but it kind of died out over time.
I think she hoped they would be passed on to our respective BM's.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: a-l on Saturday 12 July 14 13:29 BST (UK)
Hi , the people at Orchard St. are very helpful. They brought my adoption records to my house and stayed for a couple of hours to make sure I was ok.       You will have to have counselling before seeing your records.                                     Sue
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Mrspopmyster on Monday 04 August 14 00:40 BST (UK)
I was born at The Quarry in June 1964 and adopted 6 weeks later.  I have met my birth mother but she has subsequently died.  Her name was Sylvia turner and she was from peterborough.  I just wondered if anyone knew her?  She wanted to call me Susan (it's now my middle name) so maybe I was called Susan in the home ??  I'm interested in what it was like at the home.  I wonder what her interactions would have been with me during those 6 weeks?  Do you think I will have been breast fed? 
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: girlieflier on Thursday 21 August 14 21:20 BST (UK)
Hi could anyone tell me if the Quarry was at any time known as the Bromhead. I was born at Bromhead Maternity Home , Lincoln in October 1958 and placed for adoption. I believe it was also on Wragby Rd and wondered if they were connected at all?
I am in possession of my adoption file but have not been able to trace my birth mother although I know her name , she was 17 when she had me and that she was from Nocton Heath. She married in October 1966 but not to my father. I also know the name of the man she married. I also know my fathers name and that he was approx 29 but no other information( My adoptive parents told me she died before I was adopted but I know this to be false as there is documentary evidence to the contrary ie she married as above.) However all further attempts to gather information have drawn a blank
I was adopted at 6 weeks old and taken to live in Grimsby
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Geoff-E on Friday 22 August 14 08:33 BST (UK)
The Bromhead was a different place, on Nettleham Road.  It is now the "Lincoln Hospital".  See GoogleMaps http://tinyurl.com/n65vxho

Image from 1957 directory-
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: girlieflier on Friday 22 August 14 09:48 BST (UK)
Thanks Geoff much appreciated
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: a-l on Monday 06 October 14 13:06 BST (UK)
Hi girlieflyer, just seen your post as I haven't been here for awhile.                     As Geoff said the Bromhead was / is on Nettleham Rd , it was a private hospital even in the fifties . So someone had to pay for your mother to be there.                       I hope that's of interest . Sue.           
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: feny4444 on Tuesday 11 November 14 20:47 GMT (UK)
hello
my names chris, (m)
i was born at the quarry on 08/04/1965
im trying to find my birth mother i know my fathers name not my mothers
im not sure the best way to find out really any help would be gratefully received
thankyou chris
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Mrspopmyster on Tuesday 11 November 14 21:54 GMT (UK)
hello
my names chris, (m)
i was born at the quarry on 08/04/1965
im trying to find my birth mother i know my fathers name not my mothers
im not sure the best way to find out really any help would be gratefully received
thankyou chris

Chris, when I wanted to trace my birthmother I contacted my local social services department who just happened to be part of Lincolnshire county council. A social worker came round my house to talk to me and to see, as he put it, whether I was stable enough to meet my mother. I gave them what information I had and I'm not sure how long it took but then he came back to see me with an envelope that was my file that he had acquired from Lincs county council archives department. I was able to keep the file and he was able to tell me where my birth mother was. Interestingly, she was still living in the same house that she had been living at the time I was born. He asked if I wanted to contact her direct or if he should do it on my behalf. I asked him to do it as I felt it might be too much of a shock for her if I rang directly. Sorry, that was a bit long winded but I think your first port of call may well be your local social services department. I hope this helps.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: k11 on Tuesday 20 January 15 00:28 GMT (UK)
Hello im just new to this im trying to trace my birth mother i have just found out her name jean mary i was born 9th dec 1963 and was called john daryll dose anyone remember her she was from melton mowbray
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: k11 on Tuesday 20 January 15 21:13 GMT (UK)
Hi yes eline her name is jean mary coulson and she names her son john daryll coulson he was born 9th dec 1963 and adopted 17 june 1964 in stanford county court we have just got origanl birth cert bk with quarry mart home and her name says she was a laundry operater and her home address but no longer at that adress xx
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: k11 on Tuesday 20 January 15 21:14 GMT (UK)
It wont let me reply to your mes so having to post like this not sure if we r using it right way
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Geoff-E on Wednesday 21 January 15 09:03 GMT (UK)
It wont let me reply to your mes so having to post like this not sure if we r using it right way

You have now made enough posts on this board, so you should now be able to use the PM system.:)

http://www.rootschat.com/help/pms.php
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Inspirational-Sax on Sunday 26 April 15 21:07 BST (UK)
The Quarry is on Wragby Road in Lincoln. It is still there but is now a halls of residence for Lincoln Uni. They have no records of the past. Previous to the halls it was a care home. I visited last year as my GGrandmother was  a servant there. I have some more photos if you are interested.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: YoLo on Tuesday 16 June 15 11:58 BST (UK)
Inspirational-Sax, yes, would love to see more pictures if you have some.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Inspirational-Sax on Wednesday 22 July 15 11:59 BST (UK)
I have a few but they seem to be too large to post here. If I could I would send direct.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Inspirational-Sax on Wednesday 22 July 15 12:09 BST (UK)
Try this one
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Inspirational-Sax on Wednesday 22 July 15 12:11 BST (UK)
2.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Inspirational-Sax on Wednesday 22 July 15 12:12 BST (UK)
3.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Inspirational-Sax on Wednesday 22 July 15 12:14 BST (UK)
4.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Inspirational-Sax on Wednesday 22 July 15 12:15 BST (UK)
5.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Inspirational-Sax on Wednesday 22 July 15 12:16 BST (UK)
6.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Inspirational-Sax on Wednesday 22 July 15 12:24 BST (UK)
7.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: emmacraig on Sunday 09 August 15 11:23 BST (UK)
i know its a long shot now but would any one have info from 1945? my mother was born in lincoln, lincolnshire in Jan 1945 and subsequently adopted to a lincolnshire family. i have her birth name and that of her birth mother as well as the details of where her birth mother s from.    would this have been the only maternity home there at this time or would there have been others? where would i start to look for info ? any help would be great, many thanks xxxx :)
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: emmacraig on Sunday 09 August 15 11:24 BST (UK)
i know its a long shot now but would any one have info from 1945? my mother was born in lincoln, lincolnshire in Jan 1945 and subsequently adopted to a lincolnshire family. i have her birth name and that of her birth mother as well as the details of where her birth mother s from.    would this have been the only maternity home there at this time or would there have been others? where would i start to look for info ? any help would be great, many thanks xxxx :)
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: a-l on Sunday 09 August 15 18:00 BST (UK)
Hello the Quarry opened in 1944 for unwed mothers and the only other place was The Bromhead a private hospital if you had the money to pay.                           I don't know what information you are looking for but you could google lincs to the past. I'm afraid I'm unable to post the link but perhaps someone else will.            Sue
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Inspirational-Sax on Sunday 09 August 15 20:35 BST (UK)
Have you tried Lincolnshire Archives which is situated in St. Rumbold Street Lincoln LN2 5AB.
Tel. 01522 782040.

http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/residents/archives/about/contact-information/72378.article
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: emmacraig on Monday 10 August 15 13:56 BST (UK)
i wouldnt have thought she would have had any money to pay for somewhere private, so this is looking like the place. I guess the info i would be looking for was what was it like to be there at that time but guess its unlikely there is anyone to tell me, my mum was born in jan 1945 and i know her mothers name was winifred perrott and she was from the ringwood area, we were told she was stationed i Lincolnshire during the war hence the reason my mum was born in Lincolnshire.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Geoff-E on Monday 10 August 15 15:54 BST (UK)
Hi emma, welcome to RootsChat :)

We are on slightly tricky ground here as (for all we know), your mother and grandmother may still be alive.  :-\

Do you have your mother's birth certificate?  That would say where she was born.  There was only one PERROTT born in Lincs in the 1940 and that birth was registered in Lincoln in early 1945.

There was a marriage later in 1945 - in Christchurch district (which includes Ringwood) - of a Winifred M PERROTT.  Perhaps that is relevant.

:)
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: a-l on Monday 10 August 15 18:46 BST (UK)
Emma these places were not the kind that you would wish to stay. There was no sympathy for the mothers and they were worked very hard and looked down upon.I apologise if that upsets you.             Sue
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: emmacraig on Tuesday 11 August 15 17:58 BST (UK)
my mum is still alive ( age 70)  and know s i am doing this, her birth mother died in the 1990 s , we never met her but did meet her husband in 1996 who explained some of what had happened ( he wasnt my mums birth father) we are just trying to piece things together and i guess see if there are any relations. I know she had no other children (as had miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy, they then went on to try and adopt but they were refused as she had given a child up for adoption) but was told she had a sister and a brother,  My mum and I are just very curious about the daily life and if she was born there or at a hospital etc. how the adoption was arranged, The birth you mention is my mum, i will look at the marriage record, as know her husbands name, and see if that s her. i guess i can trace form there xx
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: emmacraig on Tuesday 11 August 15 18:13 BST (UK)
how would i try and find her birth certificate?
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: a-l on Tuesday 11 August 15 19:05 BST (UK)
Does your mother have her adoption records ?
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: emmacraig on Tuesday 11 August 15 19:21 BST (UK)
no, she saw a social worker about 18 years ago who told her some details of her birth mother and marriage to hedley button (this was relevant as winifred perrott married him prior to signing the final papers for the adoption). According to hedley, who we later traced,  her own mother kicked her out when she was pregnant even tho hedley said he would marry her when he got back from germany if her mother would let her live with her til then, her mother refused. when they went to court to sign final papers she tried to get my mum back, as was now married  but was told that the final papers were a formality and she no longer had any rights to my mum.  the social worker didnt leave any info, how would we go about getting this now?
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: a-l on Tuesday 11 August 15 22:01 BST (UK)
Your Mum must apply for her records as she is the only person entitled to see them. You cannot do this for her as it is privileged information.                                 The GRO at Southport holds the original birth certificates of adopted persons if you need that .                                                     For the adoption record contact;                 Adopted children's Services                         Orchard House                                              Orchard St       
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: a-l on Tuesday 11 August 15 22:09 BST (UK)
Lincoln LN1  1BA       01522  554056 .          lincolnshire.gov.uk should contain email information.                                                  Your questions about daily life , may be answered by lincs to the past or lincs archives as suggested by inspirational sax.                                                                         Sue
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home- photo
Post by: Vicky Thorpe on Monday 31 August 15 09:35 BST (UK)
The 'Home' is still there but is now owned/leased by Lincoln University and is used as student accommodation. They have no information on its previous usage. Lincoln Archives in St Rumbold Street may have some info though.
I visited the place a few months ago and took photos in B&W and colour and am happy to email to anyone interested. :)

Inspirational-Sax ...  this is a brilliant photograph of the house.  I am writing a small article on Robert Swan (who had this house built) and his family.  I wondered if I could use this photograph?
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Inspirational-Sax on Monday 31 August 15 22:54 BST (UK)
Yes by all means, use what ever you wish. Can you let me have a copy once you have finished please
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: YoLo on Friday 30 September 16 22:23 BST (UK)
I haven't been on here for ages but have just watched Long Lost Families.
That *was The Quarry wasn't it in the first story?
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: jessieb on Thursday 08 June 17 17:54 BST (UK)
I am seeking anyone who was at the Quarry during 1962 and knew a Gwendoline Dixie Hodgin,she had a baby girl there and the baby was adopted,have checked with Orchard house to ensure my details are correct.would love to hear from anyone there at that time,thanks Jessie
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: cjw8362 on Friday 04 August 17 21:33 BST (UK)
I am searching for anyone who was at the home in March 1962. I was born there to a lady called Brenda and I believe a twin sister too. Nurse Barrett delivered us. Can anyone shed any light on how to confirm this?
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: annwebbo on Friday 02 February 18 22:14 GMT (UK)
Hi does anyone know where I can find out the information on who the babies was adopted too? My mum had a little boy on 21nd Dec 1958, she said she named him Barry but his adopted parents name him John.
Thanks
Ann.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: annwebbo on Sunday 18 February 18 19:47 GMT (UK)
Hi does anyone know where I can find out the information on who the babies was adopted too? My mum had a little boy on 21nd Dec 1968, she said she named him Barry but his adopted parents name him John.
Thanks
Ann.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Bridge48 on Friday 06 April 18 00:38 BST (UK)
My Mum had my eldest sister at the Quarry in June 1951. She was only 16, thankfully unlike most of these poor girls her family were understanding enough and let her keep her baby girl.

Even though she never really reflected much on the day to day workings of the place, she did often recall the fun she had with the friends she made while she was there.

One girl in particular was named Anne, my sister was subsequently named after her and I'm proud to say every female in the generation since has Anne in their name somewhere!

Unfortunately neither my Mum nor my lovely big sister are with us any longer but the bond they had from their challenging start was like no other I've witnessed between a parent and a child.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Courts1010 on Sunday 05 July 20 01:30 BST (UK)
Hi... does anyone remember anyone with the surname burbidge in around 19)3
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: warren234 on Thursday 11 February 21 11:33 GMT (UK)
Hi all

I was born at the Quarry Maternity Home in January 1967 and adopted by a couple in the same year.
My adopted parents have both now passed away and i am interested to find out something about my birth mother.

Was anyone at the home around that time and have any memories of the place and the people there?

I have my original birth certificate with my birth name and the name of my mother and her address at the time, she was from the Chesterfield area but i will keep the rest private for now.

I have been able to trace very little else with this information.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Glen in Tinsel Kni on Friday 12 February 21 17:31 GMT (UK)
Hi all

I was born at the Quarry Maternity Home in January 1967 and adopted by a couple in the same year.
My adopted parents have both now passed away and i am interested to find out something about my birth mother.

Was anyone at the home around that time and have any memories of the place and the people there?

I have my original birth certificate with my birth name and the name of my mother and her address at the time, she was from the Chesterfield area but i will keep the rest private for now.

I have been able to trace very little else with this information.

The next step is to obtain the adoption file. There should be some details about your mother, (eg age), whether there is much about your father is another question but the answer will be in the file.  If you have a copy of your full post adoption cert it will tell you which court granted the adoption order. 
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Eilleen on Thursday 22 September 22 10:38 BST (UK)
It has now been demolished  ??? ???
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Suew65 on Monday 07 November 22 16:29 GMT (UK)
I am helping my aunty find her son who was born at The Quarry in October 1962 if anyone can help. She had uploaded to the contact register and also taken her dna but no joy so far
Thank you
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Gillian1947 on Monday 06 February 23 22:36 GMT (UK)
I have only just accidentally discovered this website and hence I've only just seen your post. 
I was at the Quarry whilst Sylvia was there.  My baby was adopted at the end of June 1964. I knew Sylvia and remember her quite well.  She was a lovely lady quite a lot older than myself - I was only 16 at the time.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: n1234 on Monday 04 September 23 23:29 BST (UK)
It has now been demolished  ??? ???

Hi all  it’s not been demolished. The house in the picture at the end of a different street. The house is still there and currently in use as part of Lincoln Minster school not the Lincoln university.
 :)
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: yvdc on Sunday 18 February 24 15:51 GMT (UK)
 Hi, I posted this on the other thread about Quarry Home but someone suggested to post it on this one, so here goes....Hello, I have read some of the posts about the Quarry Maternity Home, not far from the cathedral in Lincoln. I am trying to help my husband find out about his birthparents. In December 1960 he was born at the home and was adopted by a couple who, after a settling in period in rural Derbyshire, took him to Burma( Myanmar )as that was where their life was based. His name was changed by the couple who adopted him. A few years ago I did find out a bit about the home itself. In recent years, my husband has decided that he wants to know more about where he came from as he has felt it keenly affects his sense of who he is. With a coup taking place in 1962 in Burma, the family returned to the UK. If anyone has ideas or guidance about how I should begin my search, I would be so grateful.  Thank you, Yvonne
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Glen in Tinsel Kni on Monday 19 February 24 17:38 GMT (UK)
Hi, I posted this on the other thread about Quarry Home but someone suggested to post it on this one, so here goes....Hello, I have read some of the posts about the Quarry Maternity Home, not far from the cathedral in Lincoln. I am trying to help my husband find out about his birthparents. In December 1960 he was born at the home and was adopted by a couple who, after a settling in period in rural Derbyshire, took him to Burma( Myanmar )as that was where their life was based. His name was changed by the couple who adopted him. A few years ago I did find out a bit about the home itself. In recent years, my husband has decided that he wants to know more about where he came from as he has felt it keenly affects his sense of who he is. With a coup taking place in 1962 in Burma, the family returned to the UK. If anyone has ideas or guidance about how I should begin my search, I would be so grateful.  Thank you, Yvonne

The social services operated by the council local to where you are would be the first point of contact. They can offer help and advice for obtaining the original birth certificate and also the adoption file, it's certainly worth asking them for some guidance about contact with potential birth relatives that may be found in the future too as it can be a sensitive subject (especially if circumstances are such that birth family may not be aware that a child was adopted out of the family).  I'm not trying to be negative but it's not always the big family reunion depicted on tv. I found a maternal half sibling within a few days of my initial meeting with the social services via Genes Reunited back when it was a useful resource, they told me I had 3 half siblings on that side and they named my father but asked me not to contact them again and if I did they would not respond. A paternal half sibling found a post I made on here and contacted me some 15 years ago, since then I've met several of them and we have stayed in touch. There were rumours of some other paternal half siblings out there and I've managed to find some of them over the years and we remain in contact with most of them but a couple don't want to be involved.

DNA testing offers an opportunity for finding birth relatives that wasn't available when I first started my search and whilst it can be useful it is obviously very dependant on who has tested. If the right matches pop up it can be a very quick way to find birth relatives but as mentioned above, circumstances may be that they are unaware there is a relative out there and if a close match suddenly appears they may choose to hide or remove their results and/or block contact. Sometimes it can be a bit of a shock and it's a balancing act to try and achieve an outcome everyone is comfortable with. 

Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: yvdc on Monday 19 February 24 18:07 GMT (UK)
Thank you very much for the detailed reply. I have rung a number for Adoption Support and had to leave a message. I can follow up with an email if nobody gets back to me. I have also put in a request for a birth certificate for my husband's birth name, but I wonder if it gets flagged up on the system as an adoption and not given out, or that it does not include names of any parents. That would be understandable.
We are not looking at DNA searches yet.
As you say, this is a very sensitive subject for everyone concerned. My understanding is that at some point my husband would have to meet up with a support officer as he was born before 1975. It would certainly help him to talk to someone. At the moment he just wants to have an idea of a family tree.
Title: Re: Quarry maternity home,
Post by: Glen in Tinsel Kni on Monday 19 February 24 19:55 GMT (UK)
I was born in '66 in Lincoln and had it not been a medical emergency resulting in a hospital birth would probably have been born at The Quarry myself.  When I started my search back in the early 2000's dna wasn't an option but many do take that route as a shortcut to avoid engaging with social services and a 'counselling session ' as some councils clumsily describe it. It's an informal chat and not a lecture despite the poor choice of words.  Some may find it frustrating that the initial meeting doesn't end with names, dates and a detailed story but in my experience it was a good thing, I feel it would have been overwhelming to know everything immediately, I just wish I'd used a 3rd party when initially contacting my maternal family, They may have felt obligated to reply albeit reluctantly and not having the opportunity to speak with them at any length is something I regret. They did know about me (they are 17-25 years older than I am), and have families of their own. Our mum passed away long before I started looking and it would have been nice to know a little about her but it wasn't to be. I respect their decision but i do sometimes wish I could just pick up the phone and speak with my brothers and sisters, just have a chat or send a birthday card.
Enough of my self therapy session!

The birth cert should be the same as any other with date and place of birth and details of the mother, dependant on circumstances the fathers details may be blank. If the parents weren't married then the father would have to attend and give his permission for his name to appear on the cert but, as we all know, what should happen and what actually happens are not always the same thing. I was fortunate that my cert had my mother's maiden name and previous married name as well as the name she was known by at the time but as she was married to someone else when she met my father and he didn't attend the  birth registration his name is not recorded on the cert.