A Foundling in Wicklow

[littlemissx77]

I recently got a copy of an ancestors marriage certificate and learned from it that he was a foundling. His name Henry English and place of residence until his death was Stratford, Co. Wicklow. I know i will probably never know any information regarding his birth, parents ect....but i was wondering in what circumstances would a baby/child have been abandoned in the 1830's. Where would he have lived and would i ever find out who cared for him during his childhood. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[CaroleW]

Hi

A foundling was an abandoned child.  The most likely reason for his mother abandoning him was she was unmarried.

The rest is speculation

She possibly left him at an orphanage or convent 

Where did he live - probably in an orphanage or similar institution
Unless somebody fostered him - he may well have grown up in care

[littlemissx77]

I wonder if Henry English was a name given to him by whoever took him in. How would I find out if there was a convent or orphanage in that area, they may hold records...although i doubt i will ever know anymore about this side of the family. Hit a big brick wall 

[CaroleW]

Hi

I would seriously doubt there would be records going back that far - particularly in Ireland

His name -- it could have been given by anybody.    Modern day abandoned children are often named after whoever found them or after members of staff in hospitals etc.

Back in the 1830's - it would be speculation again

How would I find out if there was a convent or orphanage in that area

In what area?  You know that he lived in Wicklow at the time of his marriage and his death but you don't know with any certainty that he was abandoned in Wicklow rather than another county

[littlemissx77]

Think i might have to admit defeat on this, thanks for ur replies

[saradelgany]

I know this is a stretch but here it goes..Do you have a direct line descendant of this man?  If you can get a DNA sample of a male or female direct line descendant you can have it anayzed by Family Tree DNA and put it in their data bank for future comparisons to others...It's definitely a long shot but you might want to consider it.  You may be able to match to a direct line relative of this man's....I think they can match family members to within 3 or four generations...

http://www.familytreedna.com/family-finder-compare.aspx

Good Luck!!
Sara C.

[GrahamSimons]

You might try an email or a letter to the local Family History Centre - they will have local knowledge...

http://www.wicklow.ie/FamilyHistoryCentre/index.html

[littlemissx77]

thanks sarahdelgany for your reply, I don't think I know a direct male descendant of his, but very interesting idea though. Did not even know you could do this. Thanks

[littlemissx77]

Thanks Graham, I think that is what I am going to do next.