[Renda]

Was wondering if any birth mothers , could tell me how long was an average amount of time to spend in a mother and baby home in the uk in the 1950's.

It sounds vague I know, but any feedback would be good, its just that my sister was in one as a baby for 3 months with her mother, whom was very young at the time.

Is this a long time, are most babies sent away sooner?

What could have been the reasons for the long stay?

Has anyone got any information on what the home in Dalton drive KENDAL, known as St Monica's was like during the 1950's.

Its difficult for you I know,but any feeback would be very helpful.

thanks

Renda

[jude4691]

Hi
I don't know about the '50's, but I was adopted in 1964 and my birth mum was in a home for 6 weeks looking after me.
She was only allowed to feed and change me (no cuddles) and had to scrub floors etc.Women were not allowed to take photos of there babies, an the atmosphere was punitive.
Many mums in these homes wanted to keep thier babies but there was a stigma to being an unmarried mother.
Jude

[Robin Harritt]

This record shows one of my mother's several visits to such esablisments lasted for a month see http://robin.robin.org/~romford that was the M&B attached to the old workhouse I think.

I believe she spent much longer than that at Sunnedon House in 1945 with her first child who was latter adopted by her parents, but she was only just 16 then.

Robin

[PC018B1170]

EDITED TO REMOVE TERMS OF SERVICE VIOLATION.
Please remember that comments about agencies or other fee based services MUST be made via Private Message

[amy.dean]

Hello Renda,

My name is Amy Dean & my mother was born in Dalton Drive, Kendal in 1954 (approx March - May). Unfortunately she passed away in 1999 aged 45.

Before she died she started looking for her sister who was also born in the '50's, could that be yourself??

I know her mom's name was Muriel Draper nee Partington and she was very young as your message states.

Her adoptive parents were very reluctant to provide much information about the circumstances surrounding the adoption so my mom could not find any links to her sister or her birth mother.

If its not you prehaps you could give me some more information about St Monicas as I have only just found out it was a Mother & Baby home (I just presumed Dalton Drive was the mothers address!!)

Amy Dean

[Renda]

Hello Amy,

It is my adoptive sister that was born in the home in 1956, and she is searching for her mother, she has found her now though but not yet made contact.

So sadly I cant help you, I don't know anything about the home either, other than the name and address of course.

If you are searching for your aunt then I hope you find her, just dont give up, try all avenues possible, my sister searched using the electoral register when she knew the possible area , it also helps if the name is not common, it makes it a lot easier.

I wish you luck,

Renda

[amy.dean]

EDITED TO REMOVE TERMS OF SERVICE VIOLATION.

Please remember that comments about agencies or other fee based services MUST be made via Private Message

[Renda]

Amy

Thanks for that web site address, can you please clarify it though, as I have tried it but it doesnt come up with anything.

It would be interesting to check out, as I havent traced my parents yet.

Thanks

Renda

[rolf]

Renda

I was born at St. Monicas, Kendal on 28/01/1954. I was first transferred to my adoptive parents on 14/04/54, and at that time my natural mother was still living in Dalton Drive which I am guessing is the same place. So that would make around 10 weeks. Hope this helps a little.

Best wishes
Rolf.

[iris wilding]

i was at 8 dalton drive may 1965 till jan 1966 i was sixteen and had a boy called gary i married his father in march 1966 nearly forty years ago would love to here from anyone who remembers matron sister roberts and fanjo the cook

[countrylover]

Iris
Do you have any memories of daily life at St Monica's that you feel you could share. I was there for six weeks during March/April 1951 with my mum and I would like to know as much as possible about the daily activities etc.
Carol

[westcumbrian]

Originally Posted by countrylover

Iris
Do you have any memories of daily life at St Monica's that you feel you could share. I was there for six weeks during March/April 1951 with my mum and I would like to know as much as possible about the daily activities etc.
Carol

If you have any information could you pass on? I was born there in the early 50's and I am very curious - If a little apprehensive.

[westcumbrian]

Originally Posted by westcumbrian

If you have any information could you pass on? I was born there in the early 50's and I am very curious - If a little apprehensive.

Carol
My Mum was there a little after you - I was born in 1952. She did keep me. She found it very difficult to talk about - but seemed grateful for the support she received. Only found out about the place a few years ago. i did visit - very unnerving!! I unearthed a newspaper article about St. Monicas but have found it difficult to find out any other information.

[countrylover]

Hi
Thanks for your reply, do you have still have the newspaper article about St Monica's, if so would you be able to e mail it to me.
I am going to visit the Archive department at Kendal Town Hall as soon as I can and will share anything I may find about St Monica's with you.
Regards
Carol

[rolf]

I too would be very interested & grateful for anything further you learn about St. Monica's...
Best wishes
Rolf