Orphanages in Scotland - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Smyllum Institute/Orphanage, Glasgow

RCP1329 — 2013-02-04 17:24:40Z

Can anyone point me towards any archives for the Smyllum Orphanage and Institute for the Deaf in Glasgow?

I have found reports of the horrific treatment of some of the children living there at the hands of the Nuns, so I'm not sure how much will be available with the court cases etc, but I'd like to look into my Great Uncle who lived there according to the 1911 Census as he was deaf.

Google searches are coming up fruitless unfortunately. Any help greatly appreciated.

Re: inustrial school then changed to windsor lodge in newton stewart

barbara_cormack — 2013-01-20 22:09:39Z

good to see you karen my phone number is 2809 we now live at mums in corvisel ok

Re: inustrial school then changed to windsor lodge in newton stewart

charliedixon90 — 2013-01-20 21:38:53Z

Do you remember a Mr Thornton who worked Windsor Lodge ?

Re: grandmother - Elizabeth THOMPSON b 1892

Fiona_Bathgate — 2012-11-06 10:21:15Z

Which Barnardo home?

grandmother - Elizabeth THOMPSON b 1892

berthadrumm — 2012-11-06 10:20:40Z

my grand mother was an orphan from somewhere in scotland born elizabeth thompson june 18 1892 she was sent to the barnardo home in england at the age of 9

Re: How to find orphan records

rmtowner — 2012-10-02 21:22:53Z

You can try the Library & Archives Canada (LAC) - Ancestry Search to see if her name comes up as going to Canada, we've found that not all child migrants are in the LAC database. Their is a Facebook that uses Facebook to connect, share information, help in searches etc. Or, you can try britishhomechildren.org Hope that helps.

Re: How to find orphan records

kobieharris1 — 2012-08-21 09:13:48Z

Have you looked at this website ?

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~britishhom...

Can you tell us her name & DOB, maybe someone will be able to find something

William Robert HENRY b Ballymena, NI 1888 > Scotland

MariAnneFairbanks — 2011-10-02 12:35:56Z

I am trying to locate the orphanage that William Robert Henry, born 23 November 1888 in Ballymena, Antrim,Northern Ireland , and his brother Hugh were brought up in in Scotland. William corresponded with Eliya Jane Aikman of 17 Nemton Street, Glasgow, C.A., who was associated with an orphanage.
I would appreciate any help with this problem.

Re: inustrial school then changed to windsor lodge in newton stewart

barbara_cormack — 2011-07-28 19:29:44Z

Louise spelder was in this industrial school at the same time as my grandmother I think it was the 1891 census i found it on

Re: inustrial school then changed to windsor lodge in newton stewart

tiggermick2 — 2011-07-22 23:08:02Z

I run a family history help desk in Southport Library where I met Mr and Mrs Spelder who are looking for family? We know that William Spelder, born 1900 in Liverpool had a sister Louisa b.1903 and a sister who died in infancy. They know that William was sent to an Industrial School in Cockermouth, Cumbria, and are very keen to know what happened to Louisa (they are aware that she was sent to Scotland - but know nothing more)!
If you contact me by e-mail (gladysarmstrong@btinternet.com) I can pass on Mr and Mrs Spelder's e-mail address.
Thank you, take care
Gladys

Re: How to find orphan records

geistermyers — 2011-03-12 00:21:46Z

Thank-you for replying to my post. That info will I'm sure come in handy eventually. Unfortunatly, the only info I have about my great grandma is very sketchy. After posting my question on the board my father told me that she was actually named on the ship. She was only about five years old when she came over. As far as I know she lived in an orphanage and got sent to either America or Canada. The name she used as her first name was given to her by a woman on the ship during the voyage over. I will keep digging but don't know if I will find the answers I want.
Thank-you again for the info
heather

Re: How to find orphan records

Fiona_Bathgate — 2011-03-05 16:31:33Z

You can search for Scottish births on family search www.familysearch.org or on Scotland's Peaople www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk (which will give yuou the details of her birth).

Unfortunately if she had a common name you amy be out of luck! - Did she name any parents on her marriage certificate?

Do you know why she came over so young? Was she with family?

How to find orphan records

geistermyers — 2011-03-04 23:44:02Z

Does anyone know how to do a search for Orphans? My great grandma was born in scotland approx 1878. She came to I think New York in 1884 1885. Please give suggestions, thanks

Re: Orphanage in Kenmore Perthshire Scotland

Fiona_Bathgate — 2011-02-24 22:13:47Z

Website is at

http://www.pkc.gov.uk/Education+and+learning/Libraries+archi...

Re: Orphanage in Kenmore Perthshire Scotland

rmtowner — 2011-02-24 13:33:17Z

I just re-read my previous email to you. When I stated "From what I've found the private orphanages didn't seem to send child overseas." I meant the very small private orphanages. From what I understand Kenmore was very small, the village is also not that big.
Another thought you could try emailing the A.K. Bell library. They may know of other orphanages that where in the area. If I remember correctly they are located in Perth Scotland. Sorry I don't have there contacted informamtion anymore.

Re: Orphanage in Kenmore Perthshire Scotland

rmtowner — 2011-01-31 07:01:47Z

I found my gfathers siblings on 1901 census records. I checked my copy of the record unfortunately no Kerracher or Forbes are at the Kenmore orphanage in 1901. The Kenmore orphanage was small 10 children, 2 workers and 1 matron. The orphanage was run by Lady Breadalbane. Try searching the census records as they maybe at a different orphanage in the area. There were many orphanages in the UK. Also, try Barnardo's, Dr. Barnardo had several orphanages throughout the UK, they also hold the records from other organizations. To date I haven't been able to locate any records for the Kenmore orphanage. Did your g.mother immigrate as a child to Austalia? If so, it most likely would have been through a larger orphanage. From what I've found the private orphanages didn't seem to send child overseas. Neither of my g.fathers brothers that where in Kenmore immigrated (as children)- one died of wounds in WWI buried in France the other immigrated as an adult. Hope this is of help to you. Good Luck in your search!

Re: Orphanage in Kenmore Perthshire Scotland

rmtowner — 2011-01-31 06:33:52Z

I found my grandfathers brothers on the 1901 census records.
I checked my copy of this census record, no Smith's listed. Seems to be a small orphanage 10 boys, two staff and 1 matron in 1901. From records I received on my g.fathers siblings the Kenmore orphanage was a private one. There where many orphanages throughout the UK. I know it will be difficult with the Smiths name, but I'd try census records as a starting point. Have you tried Barnardo's, Dr. Barnardo had many orphanages in the UK.

Re: Orphanage in Kenmore Perthshire Scotland

ajaitken_1 — 2011-01-31 02:10:04Z

Hi Roberta
I too believe that my grandmother was put into this orphanage. Unfortuneately I dont know if it was under her mother or her fathers name. There is no record of them ever getting married although they had 3 other children.My grand mother was blind in her right eye which was also deformed. As I cannot find any trace of her I think they may have put her in Kenmore. Mothers name Kerracher, father Forbes. Can you help?
Regards Alan Aitken (Adelaide South Australia)

Re: Tenterfield Girls Orphanage

Fiona_Bathgate — 2010-11-08 22:51:24Z

Hi

What information do you seek?

Tenterfield Girls Orphanage

RayRob — 2010-11-08 18:49:40Z

Tenterfield Orphanage in East Lothian , included a person of interest to me : The 1901 census , lists a sixteen year old , Isabella Shewan. There is also a younger , Helen Shewan at the orphanage , according to that census , in 1901.

Re: Orphanage in Kenmore Perthshire Scotland

traceybaddeley — 2010-09-29 22:35:19Z

Can anyone tell me if any named Smiths were at this orphanage.
Im looking for Mary, Lilly, Jenny ,Robina and Harry Im not sure exact dates but must be around 1880 to 1920 ish

Orphanages in Edinburgh 20C

jackie2310 — 2010-08-27 21:31:54Z

hi
my name is jackie i have been asked if i could find a friends family she came from scotland her name is margaret bell her mother called agnes bell she was not married she was told she died at 27 yrs and margaret bell was in orphanage and was adopted by a family called McArthur she was told there was no father but the lady is now 64 and would love to visit if possible her mothers resting place as nothing but certificates of mothers death and adoption papers she was told she was cremated and hopefully if she had any brother sisters but she thinks not cause her mother not married the adoption was dealt with at sheriff court of lanarkshire glasgow but hold certificates for this any help greatly needed
thankyou jackie marsland

Re: inustrial school then changed to windsor lodge in newton stewart

barbara_cormack — 2009-09-19 14:58:01Z

have spoken to dolly ferries and she says trustees were AAB mathews but Iv asked Peter and he doesnt know so well have to ask Baird i think

Re: inustrial school then changed to windsor lodge in newton stewart

garymcphillips — 2009-09-17 12:29:08Z

hi barbara, i stay in newton n know dolly and think i know you as well, im karen smith from minnigaff. Would love to learn more about the reason why children were sent here from liverpool never got the chance to know my granny and she was only 5 when she came here. hope to hear from u soon

Re: inustrial school then changed to windsor lodge in newton stewart

barbara_cormack — 2009-09-16 20:54:25Z

jill I know of this connection in newton stewart and we can speak to dolly ferries she is just round the corner from me
Will get back to you

Re: inustrial school then changed to windsor lodge in newton stewart

jillrow — 2009-09-06 17:42:31Z

I have recently found out that my Husband's grandmother and two sisters from Liverpool were there in 1901. She was born in a road just off Scotland Road Liverpool. I have done some research and found that area at that time was one of the worst slums in the uk. Conditions in the back to back houses there were appalling. The people lived in extreme poverty,amazingly this lasted until the slum clearance programmes of the 1930's. Industrial schools were charitable schools started in the 1880's to feed and educate criminally inclined children, orphans and destitute children of similar areas all over the uk and Scotland. Many of them eventually became reform schools. There were two or three in Liverpool. I am trying to find out whether my relative was in a school in Liverpool first and then transferred (it seems they were totally full in Liverpool so maybe some children had to be moved elsewhere) or whether she was sent there directly. The answer may be available in Liverpool records kept in the central library. I intend to go and find out (free)as I don't live too far away or if I can't find the time I will use their researching service which has to be paid for. I will post anything I find out.

Re: inustrial school then changed to windsor lodge in newton stewart

garymcphillips — 2009-08-21 19:01:17Z

hi it was louisa spelder

Re: inustrial school then changed to windsor lodge in newton stewart

barbara_cormack — 2009-08-21 09:49:04Z

what was your grannys name

Re: inustrial school then changed to windsor lodge in newton stewart

barbara_cormack — 2009-08-21 09:43:29Z

the records were kept at windsor lodge in the nineties but some apparently were distroyed by a fire a aand b mathews were part of the trustees but have approached peter without any luck he thinks they are in edinburgh we have asked dumfries and galloway council but drew a blank. We think the only way is to go to liverpool have you tried the census for 1911 in liverpool we think there may be a link with major lester school in liverpool. many of the orphanages were catholic his wasnt and neither was newton stewart I have found two more people with connections try penninghame industrial school forum. will keep u posted I live in Newton stewart too I worked at windsor lodge in late 80s

Re: inustrial school then changed to windsor lodge in newton stewart

garymcphillips — 2009-08-19 10:11:56Z

hi i have been trying to find out the same, my granny was sent there from liverpool around 1910 but dont know why!!! i know laterly it was a girls school (only because i still live in newton stewart) but dont know its history. I would love to find out more if you can please let me know. karen mcphillips

inustrial school then changed to windsor lodge in newton stewart

barbara_cormack — 2009-07-30 18:47:42Z

does anyone know why children from liverpool were placed in this home circa1900

Re: Orphanage in Kenmore Perthshire Scotland

rmtowner — 2009-02-23 17:15:25Z

Hi Penny, Unforatunately I don't have a lot of information on the Kenmore orphange. I am still looking. I received the following information from an Anne a while back, but haven't sent for the book yet.

The A.K. Bell Library in Perth,(Scotland) contacted me this week with some info on the Orphanage. There is a book " Old Killin Kenmore and Loch Tay" by Byrom. In it is a photo of the orphanage and the following information.
The orphanage at Kenmore took in orphaned children from all over Breadalbane Estates, even from their English estates. At the time of the 1891 census there were 8 children aged between 5 and 16 in residence. They were in the care of Matron Miss Maggie McLean, who was 42, born in Kenmore and who spoke both Gaelic and English. In 1912 the orphanage was used to house some of the children orphaned by the sinking of the S S Titanic.The building was closed as an orphanage many years ago and is now a private house. Holder Hall, on the left, was built by Sir John Holder to serve as a village hall but was closed and demolished when a new school, which included a coomunity centre, was opened in 1967.
This book is available from the library shop and costs about £8.
I hope you find this information useful.
Regards Anne

Since your grandfather lived there from 1912 was he one of the children orphaned by the sinking of the S.S. Titanic?

Do you have any other information on the Kenmore Orphange? I'm going to trying another route to see if I can find out more information on the Kenmore orphange. If I find out anything else I will share it.

I finally connected with the granddaughter of Albert (Albert was my grandfathers' brother who was in this orphange). She said here grandfather told her the orphange had a garden which the children helped with.

Hope this helps,
Roberta

Re: Orphanage in Kenmore Perthshire Scotland

rmtowner — 2009-02-22 23:24:05Z

Hi Penny:

I know the orphange is no longer in operation. However I'm wondering if there are an records from the orphange, ie admission documents etc. If you could contact me directly at skuzz1@shaw.ca I will send you what I can on the two brothers. Thank you so much for your offer to look up information for me. It's greatly appreciated.

Roberta

Re: Orphanage in Kenmore Perthshire Scotland

pennswift — 2009-02-22 20:21:08Z

Thank you for your reply Roberta. Unfortunately, our Grandfather experienced great unhappiness at the orphanage and ran away at the age of 12. I am due to visit Kenmore this summer with both of my parents which my Dad is particularly looking forward to. Is there any information that you would like us to look up for you seeing that we will be in actual Kenmore this August?

Kind regards,

Penny

Re: Orphanage in Kenmore Perthshire Scotland

pennswift — 2009-02-21 21:26:21Z

Dear Sir,

We also know about Kenmore orphanage as my grandfather lived there from 1912 onwards until approx 1915. His name was sidney Swift. We would be grateful to hear any further information that you have on the orphanage.

Thank you.

Penny Swift

Orphanage in Kenmore Perthshire Scotland

rmtowner — 2007-05-12 13:01:17Z

Looking for any information on an orphanage in Kenmore. My grandfather's two brothers Alfred Harold and Albert Edward Towner where there from approx. 1899. Both children where born in Barcombe Sussex. Lived on Jersey Island for a period of time. After there parents died they where sent to Scotland.