Genealogy Chat

Does anyone have any tips on getting to the bottom of orphanages?

My grandmother was placed in an orphanage in 1913. She used to attend annual garden parties at The Convent St Michaels on Ham Common until late 1950's. My godmother who was in the same orphanage also attended one of the garden parties - reunions as late as 1974.

The orphanage had a link with this convent but this is not where they were brought up. I am either looking for an orphanage in the Wiltshire area although they both ended up living in West London.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Dear Miah
Why was there a reunion in Ham Richmond if they were in an orphange in Wiltshire?
Where did you get Wiltshire in the equation?
I googled St Michaels Convent and found the following
St MIchael's Convent
56 Ham Common
Richmond
Surrey TW10 7JH
Tel 0181 9408711
e mail [email protected]
Why dont you contact them and ask if they have any records going back to the re unions and ask them if they could give you some idea what orphanages were involved.
If the orphange is not around any more the records would be in the Borough Council that controlled it. ie Richmond.
BUT the orphange could have been run by St Michaels. or Barnados.
On the website they have "offices" all over England and abroad.
I think you will find there may be a "confidentiality" clause of records on orphanages of 100 years. I might be wrong, it could be 50.
Best of luck

I'd suggest you contact the Convent in Ham - it still exists - just Google it. They might be able to shed some light on the connection.

nudge