Children's home in Barnstaple

[Linda Germany]

My mother was born in 1937 in Barnstaple and as an illegitimate child was put into an orphan's home which was run by nuns.

Can anyone tell me anything about such a home in Barnstaple in the 30s and 40s and where I can find out more?

Many thanks!

Linda

[Old Bristolian]

I believe there was a Stella Maris (?) Convent in the Newport area of Barnstaple that ran a school until the 1960s - it may be part of that. Worth trying the North Devon Record Office - I'm sure they would be able to help

Steve

[Linda Germany]

Thanks very much Steve, I had forgotten completely about the convent - perhaps there is a link!

I'll contact the records office and see if they have anything and will report back.

Linda

[Bilge]

Edgehill College was founded in 1884, Stella Maris Convent (later Stella Maris School) in 1929 and Grenville College in 1954.

[Old Bristolian]

I think those are all Bideford schools - the Stella Maris convent there was distinct from the Barnstaple one

Steve

[Linda Germany]

Thanks very much for your input

I think I've been following a red herring because I had a sudden flash of memory - my mother didn't talk about being brought up by nuns - she said "sisters".

This makes me think that she must have been left at the Alexandra Hospital - whatever it was in 1937.

Does anyone know where I can view records of the hospital?

Best regards
Linda

[Old Bristolian]

"Sisters" could well refer to nuns - each nun would be called Sister ......  I imagine N Devon RO would still be a good place to start your enquiries

Steve

[Linda Germany]

Thanks Steve,

I've contacted the office and will go in when I am in Devon in November. Perhaps I can solve the mystery then

Linda

[Penny Mitch]

Thanks very much for your input

I think I've been following a red herring because I had a sudden flash of memory - my mother didn't talk about being brought up by nuns - she said "sisters".

This makes me think that she must have been left at the Alexandra Hospital - whatever it was in 1937.

Does anyone know where I can view records of the hospital?

Best regards
Linda

Hi Linda, it's likely the Cottage Homes, Barnstaple, Alexandra Road. My Dad was placed there with siblings circa 1940. Alice ran the home for boys and girls. Not sure about 'sisters' be part of it though. I know it well.