Scottish Orphanage

[Arranroots]

Well this was just an educated guess, so by all means consider it as an option rather than the only answer! 

The 1911 census for Scotland will be out next year, so that might help you in some respect.

You should try to identify when Margaret DEVINE died - using Scotlands People - so that you will be able to match the family up in the later census.

In a way I hope that my reply is right though - don't like to think that there were lots of abusive orphanages around the county - those poor children!

 

There are certainly lots of records and forum discussions on the internet about the Smyllum - some "survivors" have been exchanging photos and other information, so they might be able to help you too.

Kind regards, Arranroots 

[Lady Frances]

Margaret Devine died in 1904 of liver cancer at the age of 45 years (although this is written as 42 years on the death certificate).  I have traced many things connected with the family.  It was the orphanage which was the 'wall' I hit.

Thanks again for your help, it certainly is an 'eye-opener'.  I will look at the site mentioned and hope to find out more about that hell hole.

Bye for now.
Frances

[Lady Frances]

I received the letter from Bishop Devine in 1995 confirming that the orphanage was closed in 1970 and that any information contained was no longer available due to a fire.

Very intersting indeed (!)

Frances

[sancti]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29107395@N07/3572951138/

[monica meg]

Maybe not of much help, but my hubby is from Lanark , he thinks there were two fires at Smyllum but cannot remember the dates, it's an age thing.
Sorry possibly not relevent and we now live abroad, so not in the position to check with family quickly.
Good hunting
monica meg

[Lady Frances]

Thank you Monica.

[agnieszka]

Hello Lady Frances.
Smyllum Park in Lanark was run by the Daughters of Charity. My brothers and I were sent there and lived there in the late 1950s and early 60s.
Regards
Agnieszka

[Lady Frances]

Thank you so much for your reply.  My grandmother would have been there in the early 1900's so no doubt things would have changed.  Were you happy there?  How long did you stay?

Frances

I must say that everyone who has helped me with this enquiry has certainly been very helpful. Thanks to you all.

[sancti]

From this link it looks like things were just as bad in the 60's. It also alludes to documentary evidence so some records must have survived.

http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/opinions/2006CSOH93.html