Berrington Workhouse

[Helen Dann]

This is a question relating to my great-grandfather's sister, Annie, who had a child before marriage.  I have the birth certificate for her son, which tells me that he was born in 1890 in the Union Workhouse, Berrington. Annie is described as a Cook there. What I don't quite understand is that I assume the unmarried mothers in those places came from families who couldn't afford to support them. In Annie's case, however, she appears on the 1891 census (living with her brother), her son living with her parents. Presumably, then, neither Annie nor her family were destitute, nor was it a case of having the pregnancy and birth 'hushed up', as the child was brought up, it seems, within the family and with the family surname. Does anyone know why such a young woman might find herself in a workhouse??

[Llwyd]

Hi there,
It seems to me that Annie was employed in the workhouse.If that is the case,she will have been employed by the local Poor Law Union.Or alternatively,one of her immediate relatives was so employed. The job was probably a "live in" appointment.

Have a look at the following site;
www.institutions.org.uk/workhouses/england/shrops/atcham_workhouse.htm
My father,although not illigitimate,was born in a workhouse as my grandfather was employed by the local Poor Law Union.
Best of luck in your research.

[Helen Dann]

Thanks for the link! Annie's son *was* illegitimate, however - I have the child's birth certificate - there's no father named, and the son took the mother's surname.

[Lloydy]

Hi Helen

Here's another link to the workhouse

http://users.ox.ac.uk/~peter/workhouse/Atcham/Atcham.shtml

You will see that at the very end of the article is states that the buildings were empty in 2001 - sadly, they've been demolished now and brand new houses have been built on this former site.

The chapel is now a private house.


Jan

[Helen Dann]

Thanks for the link - interesting website.

Helen

[The Engineer]

Hi all,

thought you may appreciate an update.  The main buildings at Berrington Workhouse have NOT been demolished, they have been converted into apartment as part of a housing development of the grounds.  The old chapel is now a community centre, wit a small park and playground alongside.  It's good to see the old building survives (my gran was born there in 1904....

Garry

[Angjim]

Hi  A Thomas Henry Abbott was born in Atcham Workhouse in 1904 and I have been trying to locate the records for him but they seem to be missing is it possible that you could help me find these as you mention your gran was born there in 1904 - Thomas Henry Abbott was illigitimate. His mother was Alice Abbott  any help would be most appreciated.

[The Engineer]

Sorry!  But I never did locate the records.  I believe they (or copies) may be at the Shropshire Records Office - one day I'm going to go......  I'd like to find out how long my great gran and gran were there for an what information I can find.

[Angjim]

Thank you for replying. My query is quite complicated because the person I am trying to get the records for from the workhouse, could be the illigitimate child of a Berwick, who were big in the Shropshire Society scene. If I can get to the Shropshire Records Office I will help you too.

Thanks again