CARTER family in Melbourn in 1861 Census

[SheilaM]

Keith - What a great day you had yesterday, so pleased it all came together for you.

Jan - I also wondered if she was in an asylum as she isn't with the family on any census.

I am clutching at straws here but there is:

1881 - RG11/940 Folio 57 Page 4
North Grove Asylum, Hawkhurst, Kent

Elizabeth Carter 83, Widow of Merchant, b Maidstone Kent, Lunatic

Again I can't find this Elizabeth on any previous census. 

All the boarders appear to be from wealthy families.

Sheila

[Keith Sherwood]

Janan and Sheila,
As we all know, days like yesterday (in the realms of family history)come round once in a blue moon, and yes, it was all very exciting for me...
And thanks so much for still trying to pursue the elusive Elizabeth.  That last entry in the 1881 Census is particularly interesting.  Hope to get to Derbyshire myself in the next few days, chasing after my COCKER family in Jane Eyre country, Hathersage.
Very many thanks,
keith

[ricky1]

Hi Keith
Lookin on a map of Melbourne The Lawns is of the high street, if you come from Cambridge it is the 1 st turning on the left  after Water Lane, towards Greenbanks, then 1 st right.There you will find The Lawns and Lawn Close.

ricky

[SheilaM]

Hi all

Re the Elizabeth Carter entry in 1881 at Hawkhurst.  I couldn't find her on any previous census, so decided to trace the owner William Harmer.  No wonder I couldn't find her as all the patients are indexed with their initials only.

1871 - RG10/952 F44 P6
Highgate (North Grove House), Hawkhurst

E C 73, Widow, b Aylesford Kent, Lunatic for 32 years. 

I think the word 'lunatic' covered a wide variety of ailments in those days.

I believe Aylesford to about 3 miles north of Maidstone.

1861 - RG9/508 F139 P15
Highgate Asylum, Hawkhurst

E C 62, Retired Tradesman's Wife, b Maidstone Kent

In 1851 William Harmer is a grocer so the trail stopped there.

Keith - This is only speculation but may be worth keeping on file.

Best regards ... Sheila

[Keith Sherwood]

Ricky,
Thanks for pointing that out, and yes, when I looked at the map after yesterday afternoon's excursion to Melbourn I too noticed these places - surely suggests the close proximity to a dwelling called The Lawn/Lawne/Lawns.  Probably long since demolished; will need to research this house further, possibly on the old maps at the CCRO...
keith

[Keith Sherwood]

and Sheila,
Well done with more brilliant detective work.  I'd forgotten that sometimes these institutions listed their inmates with initials only.
Remarkable that the 1871 Census in Hawkhurst actually gives her years "as a lunatic" (how cruel a label that sounds today!) as 32.  Poor woman must have been incarcerated from the age of 40, and therefore must have spent over half her long life in such a place before being brought to Melbourn to be buried peacefully with her husband at last.  I wonder whether it's possible to get hold of details of long-term patients/ inmates from a place such as this.  Might make some enquiries on a Kent thread...
keith

[janan]

Hi Keith
You may have already found this

http://www.institutions.org.uk/asylums/private_asylums.htm

Jan

[janan]

In 1851 there is this lady in St Lukes Lunatic Hospital, Old St, Finsbury

E C Patient Mar 53 no occupation given born Kent Doddenham

HO107/1521/509 Pg12

Given that William and family are in Middlesex in 51 this could be her 

Jan

[Keith Sherwood]

Jan,
This could very well be her...You've obviously been searching high and low.  I'd better try and check the Doddenham reference.  Many thanks...
keith
But the only reference to a Doddenham I could find seems to be for Worcestershire..