Walker Street Thornhill Lee circa 1888

[kevinf2349]

Hello,

I have a birth certificate for my paternal grandmother and she was born in Thornhill Lee (Dewsbury) in 1888. Her birth address is given as "Walker Street" which I have managed to locate on a map from 1890. Her father, however, is listed as the informant living in Wells Road, Thornhill Lee. The family unit is shown in the 1891 census as living in Wells Road.

My question is...was there a maternity home or hospital in Walker Street? I looked at the map from 1890 but I couldn't see anything marked in Walker Street. It seems strange (to me) that the birth wasn't at the family home address. It could be a relative's address I suppose. (I haven't confirmed any family in the area yet).

Thank you in advance for any pointers.

Best regards
Kevin

[Milliepede]

Do you know what date her parents married? 

Maybe mother to be went home to her own mother to have the baby. 

[kevinf2349]

Hi

They married in 1887 in Teesdale (Barnard Castle). Her mother was in Middleton in Teesdale in the 1891 census (and the 1881 census), but her mother's brother IS in Thornhill but not in Walker Street. Of course they could have moved as I don't have the 1881 census for her uncle yet.

I don't have Ancestry at the moment but if someone could look to see if Robert and Maggie (Margaret) McDonald appear in Walker Street in the 1881 census that may help.

Best regards
Kevin

[maddys52]

Can't see any McDONALDs on Walker St in 1881. I was having a look at the 1891 Walker St to see if there was anything like a place for mothers to give birth. Doesn't seem to be - mostly glass bottle makers, miners, weavers etc.

Does it say what number Walker St she was born at?

[maddys52]

I can't readily find Robert and Maggie in 1881. In 1891 they are at Heathfell Rd (I think), Thornhill Lee - Robert born c1861 Bowes, Yorkshire. Presume this is the one. 

[kevinf2349]

Hi,

No number is listed just Walker Street, Thornhill Lees U.S.D

I know the father (Thomas) was listed as a "Drainer for an Estate Agent" but don't know who for. Was there maybe a doctor or midwife living on Walker Street I wonder?

As the birth was on a Saturday I wonder if the mother was at a friends house while the father was at work? I guess I will never know for sure. It was their first child so I doubt she was left alone.

[kevinf2349]

I can't readily find Robert and Maggie in 1881. In 1891 they are at Heathfell Rd (I think), Thornhill Lee - Robert born c1861 Bowes, Yorkshire. Presume this is the one. 

That is them

[maddys52]

Hi,

No number is listed just Walker Street, Thornhill Lees U.S.D

I know the father (Thomas) was listed as a "Drainer for an Estate Agent" but don't know who for. Was there maybe a doctor or midwife living on Walker Street I wonder?

No doctor or midwife that I can see in the 1881 or 1891. Will double check.

I see Robert and Maggie didn't marry until 1889, that's why I can't see them together in 1881. 

[Milliepede]

Yes I just spotted that, marriage was 1889 so after the birth so that would explain the separate addresses on the birth certificate.

Maggie was at home with parents/siblings in 1881 (as Margaret) in Bowes.