Adoptions

[doric]

I have just found out that a member of our family was adopted.  Only found this out when checking 1901 census where he was listed with his correct name with adopted added.  Anyone able to tell me how I can find out more about him.

Many thanks

Doric

[stanmapstone]

The 1926 Adoption Act which came into effect 1st January 1927 was the first Act legalising adoptions. Prior to that children were just handed over with mainly a verbal agreement and, at best, a declaration setting out the child's change of identity was drawn up by a solicitor, but it was by no means a legally binding document. Adoption was viewed as an essentially private arrangement between the parties concerned. The term "adopted" generally included fostering and guardianship.

Stan

[Craclyn]

If you know his original name then you at least have a starting point for researching him in the normal way. You may find that he was the son of a relative or neighbour.

[doric]

Thankyou both for your guidance.  I have found a christening record and only gives the mother's surname, no mention of a father which leads me to think that he could have been illegitimate, but then don't know where to go from here.  Would checking Bishop Transcripts give me any possible leads I wonder?

Again many thanks

Doric

[Ruskie]

If you find him here, you can order his birth certificate which should give at least his mother's full name:
https://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/search.pl

[doric]

Thankyou for taking the trouble to help me.

I have the mother's full name and surname,  the surname being the same as her son but no mention anywhere of a father, which tends to make me think that it was an illegitimate birth.  I have thought of the birth certificate, but at this moment in time have decided to hold back for cost reasons, especially as it too may not have a father's name recorded, therefore I am trying to find other ways.

Again many thanks.

[Milliepede]

You could look for the mother on census as you have her full name.  Or look for a marriage for her or a death. 

Appreciate you won't know how old she was but if the name isn't too common you may be able to find something.

I wouldn't expect a father's name to be on the birth either unfortunately.

Are you happy to give her name so people can have a look?

[doric]

  Thankyou Milliepede,  her name was Mary Hunter and her child was Robert b. 1898 and shown as an adopted 3 yr old on the 1901 Census for Houghton-le-Spring.  It is Mary's relatives I am interested in if possible as I don't want to mention the adoptive family name as living relatives are not aware.

Many thanks

Doric

[rosie99]

Did you notice that there is another child baptised Houghton le Spring with mother Mary Hunter
26 Mar 1901.

It looks as though the Mary bn 1901 is in the workhouse with her mother Mary in 1901
RG13/4692 f155 p1. 
The mother Mary Hunter is age 27 -single -occ Domestic Servant - bn Newbottle, Durham