Brick wall, don't know where to look next - any and all ideas welcome!

[heywood]

I meant this one which I think you now have?

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XWRK-PDW

She is the right age whereas the other one is older.
 Sadly though, no help with your research.

heywood

[MargP]

Hi

The father could not be named, on the birth certificate, unless the father was present at the registration, usually the surname of the father was given as a middle name

Margp

[Scratchy907]

Thank you all, for your help. I am going to have to wait for the birth certificate to arrive to see if it is the right one.

If not, the search will have to start again!

My grandfather remembers being told that she was sent away to have the baby. Her parents brought the baby back to Woolwich. Does anyone know of any mother and baby homes or 'lying in' hospitals for unmarried mothers in the London/Croydon area? (I only mention Croydon because of the possible bc)..

[Scratchy907]

Hello,

Well the BC arrived and thank you for your suggestions as I have found him!

The BC for Hugh W D Middleton was indeed him, and now I have a question over the address. The BC lists his address at the time of birth as 99 Central Hill, Upper Norwood. I don't know if it's just the user interface (!) or what, but I can't find this address!

I wondered if it was where Nellie was working (she was listed as a cook), or if it was a Mother and baby home, but the 1911 census which I thought might give me clues only seems to go up to #82

Does anyone know the history of this area?

Thanks

[alpinecottage]

In 1911, 99 Central Hill was in Croydon, Surrey.  There is an census return for this house, it was occupied by an 87 year-old doctor  , who did have a couple of domestic staff. But a few houses along the road is still, and ( judging by the view on streetview), was in 1912/1913 a convent, probably Catholic, so the address could have been Nellie's workplace or a mother and baby home.

[Scratchy907]

Yes, thank you. I have found that convent also and it was a catholic mother and baby home - listed in the 1911 census as #89 so I wonder if it was just written down wrong on the BC.

This is probably where she was 'sent' to have the baby...

Thanks!

[[Ray]]

 . . . . . "any mother and baby homes or 'lying in' hospitals for unmarried mothers in London . . . . ."

 . . . . . Willesden Kingsbury Neasden Islington . . . . .

[jorose]

http://www.historicaldirectories.org shows in 1913 at 99 Central Hill something called "House for Young Women" (Mrs Rose Prentice, matron)

http://www.victorianlondon.org/charities/charities.htm

Rescue of Young Women and Children, Society for the; 1853; Office, 45, Cartwright Gardens, St. Pancras, W.C. Homes in various parts (*Homes for Girls unfallen but in circumstances of danger, Knighton Home, Woodford - and Red House and Homes for FALLEN YOUNG WOMEN, at Victoria House, 99, Central Hill, Norwood, Astral House, Buckhurst Hill and, for a shorter stay, 45, Cartwright Gardens, W.C.; The reformation of openly immoral women, and the guardianship and training of young girls exposed to danger.

[Scratchy907]

Thank you, yes - this is the correct place. I have managed to find a reference online to the House for Fallen Young Women - originally #89 The Red Lion Public House and renumbered to #99 when it was taken over by Rose Prentice for the young girls. This is definitely where she had the baby.

Slowly but surely we are managing to unravel the mystery. Shame I can't find a baptism anywhere...