Northumberland Archives, Author at Northumberland Archives

From Stannington to South Africa and other stories – the role of the Boards of Guardians

21/12/202005/08/2016 by Northumberland Archives

Before the NHS supported children at Stannington Sanatorium there were a few sources of finance for patients who could not fund their own places. We have already covered a little of the practice of donations for memorial cots in our online exhibition. From 1929 the Northumberland County Council’s Public Assistance Committee supported places for children from the county, with other councils doing likewise. However what about the children who went to Stannington before 1929?

Before the Committee was created those on low incomes were supported by the Poor Law Boards. They ran the workhouses, provided out-relief to those on low incomes, housed the orphans of the parish, and financially supported the ‘lunatics’ of the parish in the County Asylum (see our recent post). There were ten Poor law unions in Northumberland; Alnwick, Belford, Bellingham, Berwick, Castle Ward (for the Ponteland area), Glendale (for the Wooler area), Haltwhistle, Hexham, Morpeth and Rothbury. We decided to look through our poor law records for children who were supported at Stannington by the Board of Guardians, who dealt with the welfare of individuals, for Hexham Union.

Though Stannington Sanatorium had been open since 1907 the first mention we find in the records isn’t until 1910, when in the minute books we have an explanation of how the system worked:

As the Board of Guardians were not charged for the Stannington patients we do not know how many of the children were sent, but we have a few cases where their return is mentioned.

Though we do not know what became of Janet, the Guardian’s minute book (GHE/20) shows by 1930 Catherine was at the Convent of Notre Dame, Southwark, London. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur ran, and continue to run, numerous schools and pupil teacher centres like Southwark across Britain. It is possible that Catherine was training as a pupil teacher, a five year apprenticeship in which girls received lessons as well as teaching younger girls (if you would like to learn more the Sisters have a very informative website). The Guardians sent Catherine £14 11s 9d in National Savings Certificates they had held for her, which were to be kept by her Sister Superior until she turned 21.

Photograph of the Phillipson Farm Colony boys and their manager from the Stannington Sanatorium brochure HOSP/STAN/9/1/1 — Photograph of the Philipson Farm Colony boys and their manager from the Stannington Sanatorium brochure HOSP/STAN/9/1/1

However patients at the Sanatorium were not the only children that the Board financed at Stannington. The Philipson Farm Colony was used as a training facility to prepare boys to go into agricultural jobs. The first we see to be sent from Hexham is an orphaned boy, 14 years 5 months old, called William Young.

We first hear of William’s story in a letter in February 1911 to the PCHA, in which the guardians ask for a place at the Philipson Farm Colony for William. Further letters show this was granted, the Guardians agreed to pay six shillings in maintenance for him, and he was to be sent on the 11^th March or the 1^st of April. The 1911 census, taken on the 2^nd April, shows he was a farm labourer, one of many boys in their late teens and early twenties present at the colony, and was born in Brampton, Cumberland. Sadly we have been unable to discover which of the many William Youngs born in the area he might have been.

The Farm Manager at this time was John Atkin, who had leased the farm since 1900 and was in charge of the boys at the colony from its opening in 1905. An article written by John in the Rotary Wheel magazine of August 1918 describes his endeavour to produce the most from the land in as diverse a way as possible, advocating a mixture of crops, livestock and poultry. William would therefore have learned many different aspects of farming at the Philipson Farm Colony.

In March 1913 the Guardians began to debate his next step, likely at the request of the PCHA or Farm Colony, and on the 4^th April they had agreed for William to go to Canada. At the time emigration to the British colonies was encouraged, and it was a common thing that boys from the colony would make a new life there using their farming skills. The Guardians requested reassurance of William’s willingness to go and the suitability of the place he would be sent to. It seems this place fell through, and another letter on the 20^th of September announced that the Board agreed to his being sent to Australia. However by the 18^th of October the plan had again changed to South Africa. He was sent money for clothing, and we know from later correspondence he departed the next day. It seems however William did not enjoy his time there – he wrote to his sister in Hexham, and the letters were passed on to the Guardians and the Farm Colony for them to look at. A letter dated the 29^th May 1914 writes to the PCHA that the Boarding Out Committee had decided:

John Nicholas Hall was another boy sent to the Philipson Farm Colony by the Hexham Board of Guardians. A letter on the 26^th June 1912 shows they had considered John emigrating to Canada with William, however he went to the Farm Colony instead, again at the same rate of 6/- weekly. All we know from his time there is a brief mention in the minute books. On the 29^th April 1913 we find:

These examples give us a little insight into the arrivals at Stannington Sanatorium and the Philipson Farm Colony in their early years, but also into the end of the Poor Law Unions. Though perhaps not the most caring of organisations (such as their reference to Catherine as ‘it’!) the Poor Law Boards sought to find a home and training for a future career for all the children that came to them. They also made sure that children who were unwell were cared for, including within their own institutions. However William’s case also makes us wonder about the stories of the children associated with Stannington and the Farm Colony. We know many other boys from the Farm Colony also emigrated and it is possible this was under the ‘Home Children’ scheme. The scheme started in the 19^th century and led to the emigration of many thousands of children from the United Kingdom to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. Until relatively recently it has been difficult to find information about these children, but now records have become more accessible via national initiatives. The websites of The National Archives of the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand provide useful advice about researching child migration. Sadly there is nothing for South Africa yet, but hopefully we will be able to learn what became of William with further research.

This Week in World War One, 28 July 1916

08/03/201829/07/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 28 JULY 1916

100 NOT OUT BERWICK LADY’S RECORD

We have pleasure in publishing today a most interesting group photo of four generations of an old Berwick family. The subject of our sketch is Mrs Jane Heslop, widow of the late Mr Thomas Heslop, who, although she has reached the 100^th milestone in her life’s journey retains a mind alert and keen, though time has brought with its march bodily frailty. On Thursday she received the congratulations of a large number of friends and relatives who were mostly present in person to celebrate the unique event. We trust that Mrs Heslop will yet have years granted to her in the pleasant company of her own kith and kin.

Mrs Jane Heslop, who resides with her daughter, Mrs Chambers, 47 West Percy Street, North Shields, was widowed some 30 years ago. Her husband was Thomas Heslop, at one time employed by Messrs Cowe, grocers, High Street, Berwick, and later with the Berwick Salmon Fisheries Company, under the late Mr George Paulin. Mrs Heslop, who is now mostly confined to bed, still evinces a great interest in the progress of the war, and up to a year ago she was able to do a considerable amount of light housework. Having lived in the time of Waterloo she often speaks of the prices to which foodstuffs rose and compares the rises with those of the present time. She left Berwick about twelve years ago, going to reside wither daughter, who has given her every care and attention, and prior to her leaving the Border town she lived for many years at Well Close Square. She was the oldest member of the United Free Church, Berwick, and we understand that her minister, Rev. R. C. Inglis (who was a trusted friend of the old lady), had signified his intention of being present at the interesting celebration on Thursday. Illness was recently the misfortune of the old dame, but we are glad to learn she has now quite recovered. Mrs Heslop is a member of an old Border family of name Burns (who are believed to be of descent from Scotland’s bard), and time has proved the family to be a long lived race. Two of her nephews were well known on the Borders – Ex Provost Burns, Coldstream, and Mr Burns, Tweedmouth formerly of Greenlawalls. Her sister resides in South Shields, and is now 98 years of age. Six of a family were born to Mrs Heslop, two of whom died young. Two daughters and one son still survive, but the other, Mr Edward Heslop, a genial and respected townsman, died some six years ago.

The photo, which we publish, has the subject of our sketch as the central figure, with her daughter, Mrs Chambers, on the left, and her granddaughter, Mrs Scott, and her little great-grandson on the right.

LOCAL NEWS

Tweedmouth Feast – The anniversary of Tweedmouth Feast was celebrated on Sunday and Monday, which in ordinary times is the great day of the year. It is the time of the year when Tweedsiders from the busy hives of industry on Tyneside and Wearside, and indeed throughout the country, re-visit their old homes and have their annual re-unions. But the war has made a great change in this annual event. There has been no sports or regattas held these past two years. But for a few shows and roundabouts on the Green at Tweedmouth West End this year, no one would really know that a great anniversary was being celebrated. The holiday was observed, the shops closing at 1 o’clock, although there seemed to be a doubt whether business was to be suspended or not. The Banks did not observe the half-holiday. The weather was of a delightful character throughout.

Brilliant Success of a Spittal Schoolboy – The report of the results of the recent Scholarship Examination for the County of Northumberland sates that 1196 candidates were examined from 192 schools. The names of the first ten successful pupils are arranged in order of merit. We congratulate John Cringle, of Spittal Council School, whose name stands third on the list. Such a high position out of nearly twelve hundred candidates reflects great credit on the Borough. Mr T. W. G. Borthwick, the headmaster, has good reason to feel proud of Spittal Council School, and the brilliant success of his pupil. Last year Spittal school took first, second, and fifth places in order of merit among the local candidates.

Children line up in the school playground of Spittal School in the early 1900s, with the headmaster and civic party. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1887-50-3. — Children line up in the school playground of Spittal School in the early 1900s, with the Headmaster and Civic Party. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1887-50-3.

THUNDERSTORM IN BERWICK

HIGH STREET HOUSE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

A severe thunderstorm, accompanied by vivid flashes of lightning, passed over Berwick on Thursday evening. At the back of six o’clock the storm seemed to be at its height and at 6.20 the thunder and lightning were particularly impressive and awesome. A ball of fire exploded, accompanied with a deafening report, at this time, the lightning striking a chimney top of the tenement in the High Street occupied by Messrs John Stodart, grocers and wine merchants. The top of the chimney top was completely shattered, the debris flying over the roof of the adjacent higher tenement which enters Golden Square. Torrential rain afterwards fell, and the storm seemed to gradually moderate.

John Stoddart, Grocers, Wines & Spirits premises in Golden Square which was struck by lightning, is shown in this early 1900s photograph. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1506-010.

Life in the County Lunatic Asylum

21/08/202525/07/2016 by Northumberland Archives

The Northumberland County Pauper Lunatic Asylum opened on 16 March 1859. Lunatic Asylums were managed by Committees of Visitors appointed by the Quarter Sessions under the Lunacy Act 1845 and were subject to visits by the Commissioners in Lunacy. Situated in Cottingwood, Morpeth, the asylum was a magnificent Victorian building built in the Italian style of red brick with stone dressings. Designed by Henry Welsh, it was originally built to accommodate about 200 male and female patients. In 1890 the asylum was renamed the County Mental Hospital then in 1937, the name was changed to St. George’s Hospital. In 2006, St. Georges Park, a purpose built mental health hospital was built within the grounds of the old Victorian asylum.

In 1901, the architect John Cresswell created a birds eye view plan which gave a 3 dimensional view of the asylum and its grounds. The apartments on the west side were for female inmates while males were situated on the east. Surrounding the buildings were pleasure and kitchen gardens as well as a stone chapel and brewery. The Superintendent was the principal officer of the asylum and was required to be a medical practitioner and legally qualified. The Matron was responsible for all female attendants, servants and female patients and the Clerk/Steward for male patients and male staff.

Early records for the asylum show it to be professionally managed. All male and female patients had to be kept in separate wards. No male attendant, servant or patient could enter the female wards, nor any female enter the male wards except in cases where the Superintendent deemed it advisable. The Asylum Rule Book stated the following:

“There be at least one attendant for every ward and that there be not less than one attendant for every 25 patients who are tranquil or convalescent and not less than one attendant for every 12 patients who are dirty, violent, refractory or dangerous to themselves or others. No ward shall be left at any time without an attendant being there and that the attendant be so distributed that in case of need they may readily assist each other.”

A booklet entitled Rules of Government for the Pauper Lunatic Asylum 1860 stated that dormitories had to contain no more than 3 beds and had to have a space of at least 2 feet and six inches between them. An attendant had to sleep in an adjoining room and a light was kept on through the night. No patient was to be struck or kept in perpetual restraint or seclusion. If a patient needed to be restrained, it had to be reported to the Superintendent as soon as possible and documented in the Day Book. Visitors were permitted to the asylum once a fortnight. Every visit made by a male relation or friend to a female patient had to have the Matron or female attendant present throughout the entire visit. The booklet also stated that in relation to the death of a patient, the passing had to be firstly reported to the parish officer. The House Steward would then inform one of the nearest relations of the deceased and the body would be delivered to them if requested. If the body was not taken by the fourth day, it was buried under the direction of the Superintendent.

During the day patients of both sexes were employed. Men worked in the garden and were taught trades by Shoemakers, Tailors, Plumbers and Painters. The women worked in the laundry and kitchen and also undertook sewing, knitting and mending work. Reading was encouraged and an ample supply of books and publications of a moral and cheerful nature had to be made available. This was in addition to the bible and prayer books.

The Superintendent issued a yearly report commenting on admissions, discharges and deaths. Recommendations were made for improvements to the building and patient care but events and observations were also recorded. The report for 1868 stated that when one woman was admitted she was searched and was found to have on her person money and bankers receipts of upwards of £500. The sum was unknown to her husband or family and was shrouded in mystery. It was noted that every Wednesday evening there was a dance interspersed with songs and on two occasions a conjuring entertainment was kindly provided by Mr Shute, the Assistant Surgeon. In the summer months the men played cricket, bowls, quoits and football while the women played croquet. The patients also enjoyed picnics at the seaside.

The Commissioners in Lunacy also visited the asylum and issued a yearly report. The report for 1867 claimed that the state of the inmates was satisfactory, their person and clothing were very clean and in general their conduct was orderly with nobody in seclusion. On the day of the visit dinner consisted of baked meat, potatoes, bread and beer. The wards were clean and properly ventilated but were said to have a bare appearance. It was noted that a good deal of painting, colouring and papering was required and it was hoped that the most cheerful, light and pleasing colours would be chosen. Space was a major concern and the day rooms were classed as being seriously overcrowded. The report for 1873 commented upon the death of a male patient who had died due to a blow to the head but who was also found to have his breast bone and five ribs fractured. It was never discovered how these injuries were inflicted. A female patient was also mentioned as when out walking with a party of other females she committed suicide by jumping in the river. Due to this incident walks outside of the asylum had been terminated.

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