Genealogy Chat

I was born in a workhouse ...well actually it was a hospital by then....and now it's converted into posh flats, I believe! Couldn't resisit adding this - When I was 12 we had to write an autobiography at school. I've still got it (treasure for my decsendants!) and it's title 'Born in a Workhouse'. Sue (in NZ now, in Billericay then)

Honey Rum Although the name of the father did not appear on the birth cert for your rellie, that doesnt mean that she did not give the name of the father to the Workhouse Master. Believe me, they would have shifted Heaven and Earth to make her give the name of the father - so much so, that I have read that the woman often invented a name, just to shut them up, or said that she had ahem! been friendly with several men. Workhouses were funded through the Rates and the Ratepayers were very keen not to pay out a penny more than necessary. As I say, every effort would have been made to make her name the father - have you looked at the Workhouse Records/Bastardy Orders etc? Marjorie

My grandmother had a child in the workhouse out of wedlock in 1909 and there was nothing but a line through where the father should have been... so I don't think they forced the issue... how could they if they didn't know? Anne .

Hi My gr grandma had 3 children whilst in a union workhouse & I can't trace the father of any of them . The bastardy orders only go up to 1812 in that area so I think it's a question I'll never find the answer to. Penny

Hi, my gt. grandmother was born in workhouse in Hunts. no record of father. I was told to look at the Bastardy orders to see if the father was ordered to pay any money for her. None for mine but worth checking.

Jacqueline I think the authorities would try to find out as they would want to get financial support from the father. On the other hand, I have a 'love child' on 1881 census living with my great great grandfather. She was born in Cirencester Union workhouse and I want to know who her mother was! nell

Hi Jacqueline I don't really know the answer to that one, but I can tell you that my 2x great Grandfather was born illegitimate in a workhouse in 1839. His birth cert gives him his father's surname but his mother did marry his father 6 weeks after the birth. Jeanette x

My grandmother had an illigitermate child in the Windsor workhouse. Before I go down the line of searching the records - would anyone know if the Workhouse authroities would have insisted on knowing the name of the child's father, I'm hoping it might be on the records. Thanks.