Thornhill Hostel - Falkirk

[kieran257]

Hi all,

I am hoping that someone can help me.  I am trying to find any records for the Thornhill hostel with the hope of find a photo of my great grandmothers brother Charles Sweeney who died on the 12 August 1940.  His occupation was a Labourer, he died in what I think says Slinkbonny Home Falkirk.

Also can anyone advise the names of the gaveyards that are in the area.

Thanks for all your help

Kieran

[MonicaL]

Hi Kieran

Just from general searches, I think it is Blinkbonny Home in Falkirk. See www.workhouses.org.uk/Falkirk/

Monica 

[kieran257]

Hi Monica,

Thanks for your help with this as I don't know the area at all. 

Thanks

Kieran

[Lemon Nelly]

The original poorhouse later became the Woodside Home working men's hostel, and then the County Trades School. The building was demolished in the 1980s. Between the First and Second World Wars, the Windsor Road poorhouse became the Blinkbonny Home, providing accommodation for the elderly, then afterwards joined the National Health Service as Windsor Hospital. The buildings were demolished in 1991.
Last time I asked at Falkirk Archives they didn't know what had happened to the records and were living in hope they turned up in some forgotten corner.
The nearest cemetery would be Camelon, or Gransable in Polmont, not sure where you would need to look
There are still Sweenys in Falkirk

[kieran257]

Hi Lemon Nelly,

Thanks for all your help.  Was there any books about the poorhouse written by the local historical society?  Do you happen to know the Sweeney's or do you know anyone that does know them as there might still be relations living in Falkirk.

Charles Sweeney originally came from Fawnaboy, Gortahork, Co Donegal

Thanks for your help

Kieran

[Lemon Nelly]

Hi Keiran, not sure if there are books but next time I am in the library I can have a look for you.
My cousin was married to a Sweeney but she and he are both dead.
I could check the phonebook for you if you want and mail any I see in there?
I will check back to this thread but don't worry could be a couple of days till I can answer again.
If you google Blinkbonny Home and Windsor Home it might give you more info than you have.

[kirkbairn]

thornhil hostel was originaly built as Falkirk Infirmary please see the attachment below for photos etc
jim
http://www.falkirklocalhistorysociety.co.uk/home/index.php?id=115&PHPSESSID=24b9a0666a4b9f84d6ef8a09fb569992

[tourist67]

My maternal grandfather owned Thornhill Hostel. My mother, whose mother was a Sweeney and whose family came from Milford in Donegal, was in her teens in the 40s. She might well have known Charles. I shall ask her.

[kieran257]

Hi everyone,
Thank you for all your help.  I would love to be able to find some records about Charles or even a photo of him but I think this will be impossible.  Also would love to find his grave

Thanks for all your help it is very much appreciated

Kieran